This digital microscope is used to observe small objects and phenomena in the natural sciences: insects, plants and their parts, microstructures, jewellery, coins, stamps and samples of materials. It suits educational observation in schools, out-of-school education institutions and hobby groups as well as individual use. The microscope photographs the object under observation and records video of it, saves the files on a memory card and, over a USB connection, exports them to a computer for further processing in other programs.
The instrument is built around a 5 MP Sony sensor, with optical magnification from 10 to 600 times and a maximum digital magnification of 1500 times. A 5.0-inch IPS display with a resolution of 480 by 854 points shows the result immediately. Stills are taken at 12, 10, 8, 5, 3 or 2 MP and saved in JPG format, and video is recorded at 1080p HD or 720p and saved in AVI format. Focusing is mechanical over a range of 10 to 70 mm, and the object is lit by 8 light-emitting diodes with adjustable brightness. A lithium battery of the 18650 type, 3.7 V and 2000 mAh, gives 1 hour of continuous operation and takes 5 hours to charge fully. Files are stored on a TF card with a maximum capacity of 32 GB, and the built-in connectors allow the instrument to be connected to a television through the HDMI and RCA cables supplied and to a computer through the USB cable. The instrument measures 155 by 134 by 240 mm and weighs 660 g. Operating conditions are an air temperature of +5 to +40 °C and a relative humidity of 40 to 60 % without condensation. The service life is 5 years and the warranty period is 12 months.
The set includes the digital microscope — 1 pc, a lithium battery of the 18650 type — 1 pc, a charging power adapter — 1 pc, a USB cable for charging and for connection to a computer — 1 pc, an HDMI cable for connection to a television with an HD input — 1 pc, an RCA cable for connection to a television with a conventional input socket — 1 pc, a soft cloth for cleaning the screen and the lens — 1 pc, the passport with the warranty card — 1 pc, and individual transport packaging — 1 pc. The TF memory card is not part of the set and is bought separately, although stills and video cannot be taken without it. The instrument needs no assembly before use.
Before the first use the 18650 battery is fitted into the compartment on the lower part of the housing with the polarity observed, the red mark being plus and the silver one minus, the charging unit is connected and the battery is charged fully, the TF card is inserted into its slot on the housing, and the lens and the screen are wiped with the soft cloth supplied. The instrument is switched on and off by holding the power button on the side panel for a few seconds. The OK key moves between the modes of photography, video recording and file viewing, the Up and Down keys navigate the menu and the OK key confirms the choice, and the Menu key opens the settings for changing the shooting parameters. The object is placed in the centre of the stage and, if necessary, held by the clips so that it does not shift, and the focusing wheel raises and lowers the stage gradually until the image is sharp. The brightness wheel sets the level of the LED illumination so that the image is visible but not overexposed, and the magnification wheel selects the factor required, bearing in mind that image quality falls at higher digital magnification. Pressing the photo and video key takes a still or starts a recording, stills are saved automatically in JPG and recordings in AVI on the memory card, and a duration timer appears on the screen while recording. The instrument is switched off before the memory card is removed or the cables are disconnected, and it is kept in a dry, shaded place at room temperature.
The microscope is used by teachers, researchers and people who have been given the appropriate instruction, and children under 14 years of age use it only under the supervision of an adult. The bright LED illumination must not be looked at directly through the lens and the lens must not be pointed at direct sunlight. Only the charger supplied or one recommended by the manufacturer is used, the battery is not taken out while charging is in progress, the poles of the battery are not short-circuited, and the instrument is not left in the sun or near sources of heat while charging. The instrument is not dismantled or modified, is not filled with water, washed under running water or immersed in liquid, is not heated over a flame, on a radiator or in a microwave oven, and aggressive chemicals, solvents and alcohol are not used to clean it. The lens and the screen are wiped with a soft lint-free or optical cloth, slightly moistened with distilled water when there is dirt and then wiped dry, while paper tissues and coarse materials scratch the surface; the housing is wiped with a dry clean cloth. The condition of the battery is checked monthly and a marked drop in working time is a reason to replace it; the instrument needs no lubrication, calibration or other user maintenance, and significant damage to the screen, the lens or the housing is dealt with by an authorised service centre. The instrument is stored in a dry place out of direct sunlight at +5 to +40 °C and a relative humidity of 80 %, and is not left in hot cars, close to heating radiators or on sunny windowsills.
