National Optical DC5-163-ASC Digital Binocular Compound Microscope, WF10x Eyepieces, High-Contrast Objectives, 40x-1000x Magnification, Brightfield, Halogen Illumination, Abbe Condenser, Iris Diaphragm, Mechanical Stage, 110V-240V, Includes 3.0MP Camera a

The National Optical DC5-163-ASC Digital Binocular Compound Microscope has a pair of 10x widefield eyepieces (one with pointer), a reverse-mounted nosepiece with four DIN high-contrast objectives that are parcentered and parfocal, halogen illumination, nested coarse and fine focus, a 1.25 NA Abbe condenser with iris diaphragm, and a mechanical stage. The 3.0MP digital camera captures and displays images on a computer or projector. The binocular head has a pair of eyepieces that slide to adjust interpupillary distance, and a fixed inclination to reduce eye and neck strain. Dioptric adjustment accommodates individual eye-strength differences. An eyepiece pointer in one of the eyepieces is used to identify features for students. A reverse-mounted nosepiece keeps objectives out of the way to prevent damage and contamination, and to enable more secure slide handling. ASC (achromatic super contrast) high-contrast objectives provide sharp color distinction. Parcentered and parfocal objectives ensure that the image stays centered and focused when the magnification is changed. The 40xR and 100xR objectives are retractable and spring-loaded to prevent damage to the slide or objective when focusing. The 100xR objective is also an oil objective that provides increased resolution over a standard objective. A digital compound microscope is used for inspection and dissection of specimens when two-dimensional images are desired, and where image capture, detailed records, or documentation is required.

The digital camera is used for displaying still microscopy images and streaming live videos to a computer or projector. It includes image capture and editing software that provides still image and live video capture and editing capability, including measurement functions. The software supports the Motic SFC file format and is compatible with Windows XP and above, and Mac OS X. The camera has a USB 2.0 data port (cable included).

The microscope has lower (diascopic) brightfield illumination that transmits light up through the specimen for enhanced visibility of translucent and transparent objects. Brightfield (BF) illumination allows the specimen to absorb light, resulting in a dark image on a light background. The halogen light source provides bright light in a concentrated path, and a rheostat controls the amount of light emanating from the lamp. The Abbe condenser can be adjusted to control the distance of the light from the stage, has an iris diaphragm to optimize the amount of light illuminating the specimen, and has a three-position sliding rod that directs light 100% to the eyepieces, 100% to the camera, or 70% to the camera and 30% to the eyepieces. The condenser is controlled using a rack-and-pinion mechanism. Blue, green, and yellow filters are included to help naturalize the light when viewing various samples. The mechanical stage locks the slide into place and provides precise slide manipulation along the X- and Y-axes. Coaxial coarse and fine focus knobs are nested to speed focusing for left-and right-handed viewers, and tension adjustment ensures specimen stays focused during viewing. The cast aluminum frame provides durability and has a gray enamel finish.

W is width, the horizontal distance from left to right; D is depth, the horizontal distance from front to back.

Microscopes are instruments used to enhance the resolution of an object or image. Types include compound, stereo, or digital. Compound microscopes use a compound optical system with an objective lens and an eyepiece. Stereo microscopes show object depth in a three-dimensional image. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens. Microscopes can have monocular (one), binocular (two), or trinocular (three) eyepieces, with varying magnification abilities. Magnification ability refers to the size of an image. Resolution, also known as resolvant power, refers to the clarity of the image. The interaction between field of view (FOV), numerical aperture (NA), and working distance (WD) determines resolution. Microscopes can control magnification through a fixed focus, or through a range of adjustments. They can also utilize LED, fluorescent, and mirror light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Microscopes are widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.

National Optical and Scientific Instruments manufactures microscopes and microscope cameras. The company, founded in 1991, is headquartered in Schertz, TX.

What's in the Box?

• National Optical DC5-163-ASC Digital Binocular Compound Microscope
• WF10x eyepiece, 18mm
• WF10x eyepiece with pointer, 18mm
• 4x DIN ASC high-contrast objective
• 10x DIN ASC high-contrast objective
• 40xR (retractable) DIN ASC high-contrast objective
• 100xR (oil, retractable) DIN ASC high-contrast objective
• (2) rubber eyecups
• Blue filter
• Green filter
• Yellow filter
• Specimen holder
• Calibration slide
• USB cable
• Software CD
• 12VDC switching power supply (operates on 100V-240V, 50/60Hz)
• Dust cover
• Instructions