Our Microscopes
DISCOVERY
the magnified world at your fingertips
20 April 2018Important note: current stock is now sold out ... we are now backordering for shipping in July
Our videomicroscope incorporates Full High Definition, widescreen camera technology allowing the viewing of a host of macro specimens on an HDTV or projector. Rocks, fossils, shells, insects, flowers, feathers, textiles, coins, circuit boards .... the list is endless.
Built by hand, with attention to detail, using hardwearing anodised and powdercoated finishes as well as long life LED lighting.
Operation is so simple ..... two manual slider controls .... ZOOM and FOCUS
Easy for users of all ages
Providing magnifications similar to that of a stereomicroscope (2x - 40x), DISCOVERY can be fitted directly to a display table or can be used with our optional plinth.
Standing at over 500mm (20 inches) in height and with its modern design, DISCOVERY will be a focal point. It is ideal for unsupervised areas as well as educational groups.
It's a hardwearing, hardworking videomicroscope that will fit easily into existing exhibits, travelling exhibits or new projects.
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Purpose Built
DISCOVERY is a microscope designed for public spaces. Robust and extremely hard wearing.
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Supervision Not Required!
Its robust design lends itself to unsupervised use in public environments. Try that with a standard microscope!
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Hidden Cabling and Adjustments
All cables can be hidden from view, away from inquisitive hands. All lens adjustments are at the rear of the microscope, behind a secure panel.
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Simple Operation
All controls (including those on the accessories) are brightly coloured. The microscope itself has only two manual slider controls - ZOOM and FOCUS - easy for users of all ages.
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Quick and Easy Focusing
The microscope can quickly and easily focus on specimens of greatly differing heights, without moving the microscope body or specimen. Great for the novice or younger user.
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Parfocal Optics
Once a specimen has been focused, it will remain in focus when zooming. This makes it easier for users to find objects of interest (and keep them interested).
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Flexible By Design
It can be integrated into your display or can be used with our optional plinth.
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Macro + Micro
DISCOVERY currently offers zoom magnifications of 2x - 40x, suitable for imaging larger specimens. Later this year we will be releasing a MICRO attachment offering magnifications of 60x, 150x and 300x for imaging prepared and cavity slides. With this attachment DISCOVERY will be a truly versatile public use microscope!!
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Universal Plinth
The universal plinth is designed to give the microscope a steady base (540mm x 500mm) and a large area for arranging specimens for viewing. While DISCOVERY's incident (top) LED spotlamp (built into the microscope arm) will highlight features of most solid specimens, the universal plinth, with its high intensity transmitted (bottom) light LED array, will highlight features of transparent and translucent specimens. Opaque and clear stage plates are included for the different lighting options.
The plinth has two fixing holes which allows the fitting of the optional specimen turntable and is also used with the optional polariser. Our new MICRO attachment (coming soon) will also utilise the universal plinth's transmitted light.
Attaching DISCOVERY to this plinth will make the whole system more portable if you need to move it from one exhibit to another.
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Specimen Turntable
Do you want to show your visitors precious or delicate specimens but you don't want them to be touched? Our rotating specimen turntable will protect those specimens from inquisitive hands.
The large diameter turntable, made from acrylic and anodised aluminium, is designed to fit specimens in industry standard 90mm petri dishes - with or without dish tops. There are apertures for five petri dishes. You are not limited to small specimens either - the turntable can accommodate specimens up to 30mm (1 1/4") in height. The movement is smooth - not too heavy, not too light. Labels describing the specimens can be adhered to the petri dish or the turntable if required.
The turntable can be fitted to the universal plinth using two hex screws - or to your own display table (if you don't have a plinth).
Turntable disassembly and reassembly is quick and easy for changing specimens.
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Polariser
Add a different dimension to your displays.
In conjunction with the universal plinth, this polariser will wow your visitors with a kaleidescope of coloured images!
The polariser consists of a holder (with polarising material) that attaches to the underside of DISCOVERY's microscope body and a piece of polarising material (which fits under the clear stage plate of the universal plinth). Clearly marked arrows on the holder instruct the visitor to rotate the holder.
Specimens such as clear plastic products and thin geological samples will produce a kaleidescope of colours. The colours change before your eyes as the polarising holder is rotated - great for discussing the science of polarised light, explaining the composition of rock and mineral specimens or just wowing your visitors with bright, colourful changing images.
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MICRO attachment (coming soon!)
We are transforming DISCOVERY into a truly versatile public use microscope - MACRO and MICRO in the one robust, easy to use instrument.
The MICRO attachment will offer higher magnifications of 60x, 150x and 300x for viewing prepared microscope slides or cavity slides.
Attaching the optional rotating Polariser will allow viewing of mounted rock/fossil thin sections in Simple Polarised Light.
From May 2017 all DISCOVERY microscopes sold will be able to fit a MICRO attachment in the future.
Check back soon for more information on this exciting development.
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Capture Device
While DISCOVERY has been manufactured to allow the simple attachment to an HDTV via an HDMI cable to display live images, on occasions it may be useful to capture an image or video to put in a newsletter or on a webpage, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc... can this be done?
Yes it can! We can highly recommend a product call ELGATO GAME CAPTURE HD. It has been tested with DISCOVERY and it works extremely well.
It has a whole lot of features including:
- pass through technology to allow the simultaneous attachment of both a computer and HDTV
- recording to a MAC or PC
- built-in live streaming to YouTube
- unlimited Full HD 1080p capture
- immediate access and full control of your captured files
- one click sharing on You Tube, Facebook and Twitter
We don't sell Elgato products directly but we highly recommend them. Go to Elgato's website here:
https://www.elgato.com/en/gaming/game-capture-hd60
Who uses DISCOVERY?
DISCOVERY is designed for use in public spaces such as museums, discovery centres, science centres, zoos. aquariums, botanic gardens, etc. It is also used in educational programs and nature/interpretive centres. See our "Where in the World" page to see who is currently using a microEYE DISCOVERY.
What is included in the purchase of a DISCOVERY?
The purchase of DISCOVERY includes the microscope body, shroud, curved arm with LED illuminator, 12v power supply (with suitable plug for your country), a 2 metre HDMI cable and instructions. We also offer an optional universal plinth. A plinth is not required if the microscope will be attached directly to a display table. We offer a specimen turntable and a polarising attachment as optional extras. Please note - an HDTV is not included.
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 traditional 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 learn how the two sliders affect the resulting image.
What does DISCOVERY connect to?
DISCOVERY plugs into a standard HDTV or projector via an HDMI cable. DISCOVERY's camera operates at 1080p resolution at 25/30hz (frames per second (fps)) and most HDTVs will accept this signal. It is important to ensure that the HDTV selected will accept a 25/30hz (fps) signal at 1080p.
How does it connect?
An HDMI cable is supplied. This connects to your HDTV or projector (we do not recommend using computer monitors) via one of its HDMI input connectors. A plug pak (power supply) is also supplied for connection to your mains power (with plug fitting suitable for your country).
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 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. The only thing we will stress - get an HDTV (consumer type is fine) not a computer monitor. Most computer monitors operate at HD (1080p) @ 60hz (fps). The camera in DISCOVERY is rated at 25/30hz (fps) at full HD.
What size TV do you recommend?
The choice of screen size is an interesting one. Biggest is not always best! Choosing the screen size will depend on the space you have available or whether the screen is for the benefit of an individual user or an assembled group. A useful rule of thumb is a calculation used by home theatre enthusiasts to calculate the best distance for a viewer to be away from a screen for the best viewing. This calculation is to divide the diagonal measurement of the screen by .84 (i.e. a 32 inch TV divided by .84 = 38.09 inches - this would be the minimum distance you should be from a 32 inch TV for the best viewing). We usually recommend placement of the TV above and behind the microscope (so the user can relate zoom and focus movements with what is happening on the screen) and as this will mean the user will be relatively close to the TV, a screen size from about 22 inches to 32 inches would be acceptable. Screens any larger than this will work well for viewers at a greater distance, but the user will probably be too close to the screen for optimum viewing.
Can I record/capture images or video?
Yes! Although our microscopes are live video only, we can recommend a simple and cost effective third party product to capture an image or video. Check out our Accessories section to find out more about the Elgato Game Capture HD device.
What "fields of view" and "magnifications" are possible with DISCOVERY?
There is sometimes confusion with the words "fields of view" and "magnification" and how they vary with monitor size. DISCOVERY uses a macrozoom lens with special internal focusing. Because the lens has the ability to focus on flat objects and objects up to a height of around 100mm (4 inches) without having to move the object or microscope body, the fields of view and magnifications will vary depending upon that height. Our Specifications page details the various on-screen fields of view and magnifications obtainable with different object heights.
Can you hide the cables?
Yes. We have designed DISCOVERY so that the two cables (HDMI and power) can be hidden from inquisitive hands by creating a hole in your display top (we can supply hole placement/dimensions). You can also choose to have the cables run behind the instrument in a protective sheath (not supplied).
How long will the built-in illuminator last?
DISCOVERY's illuminator (built into the arm of the instrument) is a high intensity, white LED spotlamp, rated for 20,000 hours. This equates to approximately 7 years usage, assuming the instrument is on 8 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks of the year! So, in theory, you won't need another lamp for quite a while. The optional universal plinth also uses LED technology, in the form of a long life, high intensity white array.
Is there a warranty?
Yes. We offer a two year warranty for optical and mechanical components and a one year warranty for electrical components (HD camera and wiring harness).
Are there any ongoing costs with DISCOVERY?
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). It is easy to replace. The camera and lens units are designed to operate without maintenance for many years. If and when required, however, these units can also be replaced (by us) thus extending the life of the microscope almost indefinitely.
Where is DISCOVERY made?
It is designed, manufactured and hand assembled to order in New Zealand.
Where can I buy it?
You can purchase directly from us here at Micro Imaging.
Camera:
1/3" HD CMOS sensor; resolution Full HD1080p, 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 25/30fps; aspect ratio 16:9 widescreen
Lens:
Macrozoom 10:1 ratio with zoom and focus slider controls; maximum object height approximately 100mm (4")
Fields of view/magnification* (on screen):
Varies with height of object and zoom level
Approximate fields of view (mm)/magnification (x):
| MINIMUM ZOOM | MAXIMUM ZOOM | |
| Flat Object | 90(H) x 50(V) 2x | 10(H) x 5.5(V) 20x |
| Object with height of 50mm (2") | 69(H) x 39(V) 3x | 7.5(H) x 4.3(V) 30x |
| Object with height of 100mm (4") | 46(H) x 26(V) 4x | 5.1(H) x 2.9(V) 40x |
*magnification compared to an optical microscope
ILLUMINATOR:
MR-16 type (replaceable), 5W white LED spotlamp; approximately 6,500°K; lamp life approximately 20,000 hours; lamp beam angle 24°
video connection:
HDMI; video output to a HDTV or projector
power:
DC 12V; power consumption 0.72A @ 12V
operation:
-20°C to 50°C; within 85% RH; type of use: indoor
dimensions/weight:
Height (without plinth): 477mm
Height (with plinth): 510mm
Plinth: 540mm x 500mm
Weight (with plinth): 8.5kg
country of manufacture:
New Zealand
These pricing pages provide full retail prices in the following currencies: NZ$, A$, US$, £ and €.
Discounts are available. Also other special offers are available from time to time.
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If you are an exhibit designer or fabricator, contact us so we can let you know how we can assist with your projects.