Kern OBE 131 transmitted-light microscope, monocular, 40x to 1,000x, 100x oil, 3 W LED

The Kern OBE-13 comprises three transmitted-light microscopes with four achromatic objectives ranging from 4x to 100x. The 100x objective is designed for oil immersion and is spring-loaded. This means that the total magnification with the 10x eyepiece reaches up to 1,000x. The OBE 131 has a monocular tube, the OBE 132 a binocular tube and the OBE 134 a trinocular Butterfly tube with a camera output. All models feature a continuously dimmable 3 W LED, an Abbe condenser with an aperture of 1.25 and a mechanical stage.

Oil immersion up to 1,000x

The 4x (aperture 0.1), 10x (0.25), 40x (0.65, spring-loaded) and 100x (1.25, oil, spring-loaded) objectives are achromatic and feature an anti-fungus coating. The nosepiece has four positions, all of which are occupied. According to the data sheet, the field of view measures 0.18 to 4.5 mm. The HWF 10x eyepieces have a high eye point, an 18 mm field of view and a 23.2 mm mounting diameter. Immersion oil is needed for the 100x objective. The data sheet specifies bright field as the contrast method; dark field is provided as an option with the OBB-A1148 dark field insert for 4x to 40x.

OBE 131, OBE 132 or OBE 134

The only difference lies in the head. The optics, illumination, condenser and mechanical stage are identical across all three models. The OBE 131 is monocular; its tube is inclined at an angle of 30°. The OBE 132 features a binocular Butterfly tube, inclined at 30° and rotatable through 360°, with an interpupillary distance of 48 to 75 mm and unilateral dioptre adjustment from -5 to +5. It does not have a camera output. The OBE 134 also features a Butterfly tube, inclined at 30° and rotatable through 360°, with an interpupillary distance of 50 to 75 mm and unilateral dioptre adjustment from -5 to +5. It also features a camera output with a 20:80 beam splitter ratio. Anyone working with one eye at the eyepiece can manage with the OBE 131; anyone working with both eyes takes the OBE 132. Anyone wishing to take photographs or keep this option open should choose the OBE 134 and add a camera with a C-Mount adapter.

Lighting, condenser and operation

The 3 W LED has a colour temperature of 6,000 K and is continuously dimmable in transmitted light. The Abbe condenser 1.25 with aperture diaphragm is permanently mounted and height-adjustable. The mechanical stage is operated by coaxial coarse and fine focus controls, from both sides. The fine focus adjusts in steps of 0.002 mm; according to the data sheet, torque adjustment is provided. Filters can be used.

Power and dimensions

The plug-in mains adaptor operates at 100 to 240 V at 50/60 Hz and 0.3 A; the device is supplied with 5 V at 1 A. According to Kern, the microscope can also be powered by an external power bank; the power cable has a storage compartment on the rear. The units measure 360 x 150 x 320 mm and have a net weight of approx. 4.6 kg. They may be stored at temperatures between -5 °C and 40 °C.

Typical applications

• Haematology: blood smears using the 100x oil immersion objective
• Laboratory sediment analysis
• Medical and veterinary practices
• Education, vocational schools and universities
• Inpatient and outpatient facilities, public health authorities

Kern lists as samples translucent, thin and high-contrast specimens such as plant tissue, as well as stained cells and parasites.

Technical details

These values apply to all three models. The tube differs.

Scope of delivery

• OBE 131, OBE 132 or OBE 134 microscope, depending on the model
• HWF 10x eyepiece (OBE 132 and OBE 134: two eyepieces)
• Four achromatic objectives: 4x, 10x, 40x and 100x
• Plug-in mains adaptor with Euro plug
• Dust cover
• Eyecups
• Multilingual operating instructions

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, these microscopes come with a 3-year warranty. Kern grants 3 years on products with a list price of €500 or more and 2 years on products below that and on components; wear parts such as batteries and rechargeable batteries are excluded. Warranty repairs are carried out by Kern or by a Kern dealer.

Downloads

• Operating instructions Kern OBE-13 (PDF)

Regulatory information

As electrical devices, the microscopes fall under the ElektroG. The manufacturer Kern & Sohn GmbH is registered under the WEEE registration number DE 80821200. How to return old appliances is described on the page Environment and disposal.

Individual requirements and procurement service

Eyepieces OBB-A1347 (WF 10x), OBB-A1348 (HWF 10x), OBB-A1349 (HWF 10x with 0.1 mm scale) and OBB-A1354 (WF 16x), the objectives OBB-A1110 (20x), OBB-A1113 (60x) and OBB-A1441 (100x water, plan), plan achromatic objectives OBB-A1255 (4x), OBB-A1238 (10x), OBB-A1249 (20x), OBB-A1256 (40x), OBB-A1269 (60x) and OBB-A1239 (100x), the dark field insert OBB-A1148, the filters OBB-A1184 (grey), OBB-A1466 (blue), OBB-A1467 (green) and OBB-A1468 (yellow), the dust cover OBB-A1387, the cleaning spray OCS-A1101 and the cleaning kit OCS 901 are also available. For the OBE 131 and OBE 132, the eyepiece cameras ODC 874 (3.1 MP, USB 2.0) and ODC 881 (5.1 MP, USB 3.0) are available. For the OBE 134, Kern lists the camera adapters OBB-A1137 (0.5x) and OBB-A1139 (1x), the tablet cameras ODC 241 and ODC 251, and the cameras ODC 825, ODC 832, ODC 841 and ODC 854. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.