Kern OBN 135T241 digital microscope set, trinocular, Infinity Plan 4x to 100x, tablet camera 5 MP

The Kern OBN 135T241 is a digital microscope set comprising the OBN 135 trinocular transmitted-light microscope and the ODC 241 tablet camera. The live image of the sample appears on a 9.7-inch touchscreen, can be transmitted to an external screen via HDMI and, if desired, saved as a photo or video. Anyone wishing to show a specimen to a group no longer needs to let participants take turns at the eyepiece. Kern supplies the set as a complete digital solution with an adapted tablet camera; the suitable C-Mount adapter is part of the delivery.

Digital microscope set with Infinity optics

The microscope works with an Infinity system. The nosepiece has five positions and holds the Infinity Plan objectives 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x and 100x. Together with the HWF 10x eyepieces (20 mm field of view), this results in a total magnification at the eyepiece of 40x to 1,000x. The Siedentopf tube is trinocular, inclined at 30° and rotatable through 360°. The interpupillary distance can be adjusted between 50 and 75 mm, whilst the dioptre adjustment operates on both sides from minus 5 to plus 5. The field of view measures 0.2 to 5 mm, depending on the objective.

Köhler illumination, condenser and mechanical stage

The transmitted light illumination consists of a 3 W LED that can be dimmed continuously. It operates according to the Köhler principle with an adjustable field diaphragm. The 1.25 Abbe condenser can be centred and adjusted in height and has an adjustable aperture diaphragm. The large mechanical stage is moved by a coaxial coarse and fine focus that can be operated from either side. The fine focus adjusts in steps of 0.002 mm. The set works in bright field. According to the data sheet, dark field, polarisation, fluorescence and phase contrast are provided as an option and need additional accessories.

The ODC 241 tablet camera

The camera features a Sony CMOS sensor (1/2.8-inch) with 5 megapixels and captures images at up to 30 frames per second. The device runs on Android and has 128 GB of storage. The pre-installed S-EYE app captures images and videos and measures distances, areas and angles, and also includes a manual counting function. White balance and contrast adjustment can be carried out automatically. Data is saved to a USB stick or microSD card, and a USB mouse can be connected. The device also has Wi-Fi. According to the Kern data sheet, the tablet camera’s user interface is in English. The camera is also available separately as the ODC 241.

Set-up and connection

The set measures 390 x 235 x 620 mm (W x D x H) and has a net weight of approx. 11 kg. The microscope has a built-in power supply for 100 to 240 V; the tablet camera is powered by its own power supply. According to the data sheet, the device bears the CE mark. It may be stored at temperatures between -5 °C and +40 °C.

Set or microscope without camera

Anyone who wants to choose the camera themselves or only looks through the eyepiece can manage with the OBN 135 without a camera. It has the same trinocular head; a C-Mount adapter has to be added separately there. The OBN 135T241 set is intended for cases where documenting and measuring take place from the start.

Typical applications

Kern recommends the tablet camera for school pupils and students in training, and for demonstrations in the laboratory. Kern lists the following as the main areas of application for the OBN series:

• Haematology, urology, gynaecology
• Dermatology and pathology
• Microbiology, parasitology and immunology
• Oncology and entomology
• Veterinary practices
• Water analysis and sewage treatment works
• Breweries
• Inpatient and medical laboratory facilities, public health offices
• Training centres and universities

In a microbiology practical, the teacher can demonstrate a wastewater specimen live, save an image and measure the length of an organism directly on the screen. In a veterinary or water laboratory, the findings can be saved as a photograph to accompany the sample.

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.

Frequently asked questions

In which language does the tablet camera’s software run? According to the Kern data sheet, the user interface is in English.

Can I observe through the eyepiece without a screen? Yes, the head is trinocular. It is still possible to look through the eyepiece; the camera is additionally connected to the third output.

Can the microscope be upgraded at a later date? Yes. Dark field, polarisation, fluorescence and phase contrast are provided as an option and are added via accessories.

How long is the warranty? According to Kern & Sohn, this device 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.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• OBN 135 microscope with trinocular head
• ODC 241 tablet camera with pre-installed software and power supply
• C-Mount adapter
• Power cable (IEC mains cable)
• Dust cover
• Eyecups
• Multilingual operating instructions

Accessories for other contrast techniques, such as a dark field condenser, phase contrast unit or polarisation unit, are not included.

Individual requirements and procurement service

According to Kern, dark field condensers, phase-contrast units, a polarisation unit, eyepieces with a scale, additional objectives and colour filters are available for the OBN 135T241. We’ll be happy to clarify which parts are compatible before you place your order. We source accessories and spare parts on request via our procurement service.