FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who uses DISCOVERY?

It is principally designed for use in museums, science centres, zoos, botanical gardens, interpretive centres, arboretums and aquariums for their unsupervised (or travelling) displays.  It is also sold to exhibit designers and fabricators who work for these institutions.  Have a look at our list of users.

How is it used?

DISCOVERY has been designed to provide low and medium magnifications (similar to that of a "stereomicroscope") of a range of objects.  We like to discuss "magnification" in terms of "fields of view".  This is described in further detail on our Specifications pdf.  Objects can be up to a maximum height of 100mm (4 inches).  Only two controls, ZOOM and FOCUS, are provided.  These are smooth, slider controls ... easy for users of all ages to use

What do I get with it?

The purchase of DISCOVERY includes the microscope, a plinth, a 12 volt power supply (with suitable plug for your country), a video cable and instructions.  DISCOVERY is also available without the plinth - so you can connect it directly to your own display top.  However, we recommend you purchase with the plinth in case you move DISCOVERY to a location that does not have a purpose-built display top.

Are the controls motorised?

No ... motorising the controls does not necessarily make an instrument easier to use!  We have purposely kept the ZOOM and FOCUS controls as smooth manual sliders - to mimic the operation of a microscope.  We want users (young and old) to be able to control the zoom (magnification changing) and focus to suit the object being examined and to learn how the two sliders affect the resulting image.  Watch our video to see how users easily zoom and focus ... seeing, adjusting - seeing, learning.

What does it connect to?

DISCOVERY plugs into a standard TV or projector - you don't need a computer to drive DISCOVERY.

How does it connect?

A standard video cable (with composite RCA type plug on either end) is supplied.  This connects to your TV or projector via one of its composite "video input" connectors.  Simple!   A plug pak (power supply) is also supplied for connection to your mains power.

Why don't you supply a TV with DISCOVERY?

We have found that each customer's needs are different.  DISCOVERY may be going into an existing exhibit hall or a new building.  Layout and space constraints can affect the size and placement of the TV so we leave it up to you to decide what best suits your needs.

What size TV do you recommend?

The choice of TV screen size is an interesting one. Biggest is not always best!  If you are mounting the TV (plasma, LCD or LED) directly behind or above the microscope (an excellent place to mount it, by the way!), you should be careful not to purchase a TV that is too large.  Our recommendation is a size anywhere from 20" to 37".  As the distance from the microscope increases, monitor size can increase accordingly.  TV manufacturers can provide size/viewing distance calculations to help you.

Can you hide the cables?

Yes.  We have designed DISCOVERY so that that two cables (power and video) can be hidden from inquisitive hands, if you create a hole in your display top (we can supply hole dimensions).  You can also choose to have the cables run behind the instrument in a protective sheath.

How long will the built-in illuminator last?

DISCOVERY's illuminator is a high intensity LED lamp, rated at 20,000 hours. This equates to approximately 7 years usage, assuming the instrument is on 8 hours a day, 7 days per week, 52 weeks of the year!  So, in theory, you won't need a spare lamp for a while.  However, lamps are available from us if you need a spare!

Is there a warranty?

Yes, we offer a two year warranty.

Are there ongoing costs?

No.  We have designed DISCOVERY to operate all day, every day for many years.  This is one of DISCOVERY's major advantages - a robust, interactive microscope with little or no maintenance.  The only part that may need replacement is the coverglass (protecting the internal lens from inquisitive hands).  It is easy to replace.  The camera and lens units used in the microscope are designed to operate without maintenance for many years.  When required, these units can also be replaced thus extending the life of DISCOVERY almost indefinitely.

Where is DISCOVERY made?

It is designed and manufactured by hand in New Zealand.

Why does it look so good?

Because a microscope needn't be ugly!

Where can I buy it?

It is available directly from us here at Micro Imaging.  By selling directly we can provide you with prompt and detailed information and answer any questions you may have (you are talking to the designers after all!).  So contact us and we will provide you with a price together with competitive shipping costs to your locality