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Kern OBL 146 phase contrast microscope, binocular, Infinity, 40x to 1,000x, 3 W LED

Product information "Kern OBL 146 phase contrast microscope, binocular, Infinity, 40x to 1,000x, 3 W LED"

The Kern OBL 146 is a binocular phase contrast microscope with Infinity optics and a 3 W LED. It is configured for phase contrast ex works: two phase contrast objectives (PH 10x and PH 40x) and a phase contrast condenser are part of the equipment, plus a 4x objective and a 100x oil objective. Phase contrast makes low-contrast, transparent objects visible without the need for staining. As samples, Kern names living mammalian cells, bacteria and tissue.

Phase contrast ex works

The phase contrast condenser is permanently pre-centred and can be focused by height adjustment; a field diaphragm complements it. Kern refers to simplified Köhler illumination and high-performance phase contrast imaging. The condenser aperture is 1.25; the unit is designed as a single insert. The phase contrast objectives are the PH 10x with an aperture of 0.25 and the PH 40x with an aperture of 0.65 (spring-loaded). In addition to phase contrast, the data sheet also lists bright field as a contrast method. Dark field, polarisation and fluorescence are optional.

Objectives and eyepieces

The four-position nosepiece houses the 4x (Infinity E-Plan, aperture 0.11), PH 10x, PH 40x and 100x (Infinity E-Plan, aperture 1.25, oil, spring-loaded) objectives, all with anti-fungus coating. With the HWF 10x eyepieces (20 mm field of view), the total magnification ranges from 40x to 1,000x. According to the data sheet, the field of view measures 0.2 to 5 mm.

Binocular tube and mechanical stage

The Butterfly tube is inclined at 30° and can be rotated through 360°; the interpupillary distance ranges from 50 to 75 mm, and the dioptre adjustment operates on one side from -5 to +5. The OBL 146 does not have a camera output. According to the brochure, anyone wishing to document their observations at a later date can use the OBB-A1580 trinocular tube. The large mechanical stage has a specimen holder capable of accommodating up to two specimens at the same time. Focusing is achieved via a coaxial coarse and fine focus mechanism on both sides, with a fine focus step of 0.002 mm and torque control.

Power and dimensions

The 3 W LED has a colour temperature of 6,000 K and can be dimmed continuously. 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. The microscope measures 395 x 200 x 380 mm and has a net weight of approx. 6 kg.

Typical applications

  • Haematology, urology, gynaecology and dermatology: unstained cells and smears
  • Pathology, microbiology, parasitology and immunology
  • Water analysis and sewage treatment works: living microorganisms
  • Oncology, entomology and veterinary practices
  • Breweries

The OBL 146 is designed for general applications using phase contrast. If you are looking for bright field, dark field and fluorescence in a single instrument, the OBL 137 is the model without phase contrast capability.

Technical details

Optical systemInfinity
TubeBinocular, Butterfly, inclined at 30°, rotatable through 360°, interpupillary distance 50 to 75 mm, dioptre adjustment on one side -5 to +5
EyepieceHWF 10x, field of view 20 mm, mounting diameter 23.2 mm, anti-fungus coating
Objectives4x / 0.11 (Infinity E-Plan), PH 10x / 0.25, PH 40x / 0.65 (spring-loaded), 100x / 1.25 (Infinity E-Plan, oil, spring-loaded), anti-fungus coating
Objective nosepiece4 places
Total magnification40x to 1,000x
Field of view0.2 mm to 5 mm
Contrast methodsPhase contrast and bright field; dark field, polarisation, fluorescence (optional)
CondenserPhase contrast condenser for single insertion, aperture 1.25, field diaphragm, fixed pre-centred, height-focusable
StageMechanical stage with specimen holder for up to two specimens
FocusingCoaxial coarse and fine focus, on both sides, fine focus 0.002 mm, torque control
Illumination3 W LED (transmitted light), continuously dimmable, filters available
Power supplyPlug-in mains adaptor 100 to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 0.3 A; device 5 V / 1 A
Mains plugEuro included in the scope of delivery; adapters for AUS, UK, US and CH optional
Dimensions (W x D x H)395 x 200 x 380 mm
Net weightapprox. 6 kg
Storage temperature-5 °C to 40 °C
LabellingCE
Warranty (manufacturer)36 months according to Kern, excluding wear parts

Scope of delivery

  • OBL 146 microscope with binocular Butterfly tube
  • Two HWF 10x eyepieces
  • Objectives: 4x, PH 10x, PH 40x and 100x
  • Phase contrast condenser
  • Plug-in mains adaptor with Euro plug
  • Dust cover
  • Eyecups
  • Multilingual operating instructions

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, this microscope comes 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

Regulatory information

As an electrical device, the microscope falls 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-A1351 WF 10x, OBB-A1448 HWF 10x, OBB-A1617 and OBB-A1618 HWF 10x with 0.1 mm scale, OBB-A1354 WF 16x), the objectives OBB-A1655 (2x), OBB-A1159 (10x), OBB-A1160 (40x), OBB-A1250 (20x), OBB-A1270 (60x) and OBB-A1437 (100x water), the PH plan objectives OBB-A1391 (20x) and OBB-A1393 (100x), the PH sliders OBB-A1399, OBB-A1400, OBB-A1401 and OBB-A1402 (10x, 20x, 40x, 100x), the Abbe condenser OBB-A1103, the dark field condenser OBB-A1422, the polarisation unit OBB-A1277, the LED fluorescence unit OBB-A1157, the filters OBB-A1165, OBB-A1183 and OBB-A1188, the trinocular tube OBB-A1580, the dust cover OBB-A1388, the cleaning spray OCS-A1101, the cleaning kit OCS 901 and the eyepiece cameras ODC 874 (3.1 MP, USB 2.0) and ODC 881 (5.1 MP, USB 3.0) are also available. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.