Kern ODC 874 eyepiece camera for microscopes, 3.1 MP, USB 2.0, 23.2 mm tube

The Kern ODC 874 is a 3.1-megapixel eyepiece camera with a USB 2.0 connection. It is inserted into the tube of a standard microscope in place of an eyepiece, transforming it into a digital microscope. The image is transmitted via USB to a computer, and power is supplied via the same cable. Measuring 40 x 27 x 27 mm and weighing 0.45 kg, the camera is very small.

Replacing the eyepiece and tube diameter

Remove one of the microscope’s eyepieces and insert the camera into the eyepiece tube. The standard diameter is 23.2 mm. For tubes with diameters of 30.0 mm and 30.5 mm, two eyepiece adapters are included in the scope of delivery; further adapters are available as ODC-A8106 (Ø 23.2 to 30 mm) and ODC-A8107 (Ø 23.2 to 30.5 mm). Attachment is via a plug-in connection. You should check before purchasing whether the tube of your microscope matches one of these three sizes.

Sensor and frame rate

The Aptina CMOS colour sensor has a 1/2.5-inch (5.73 x 4.3 mm) format with pixels measuring 2.8 x 2.8 µm and uses a rolling shutter. At resolutions of 2,048 x 1,536 pixels and 1,024 x 768 pixels, the camera delivers 30 frames per second in each case, according to the data sheet. The exposure time ranges from 0.1 to 1,000 ms.

Software and PC

Data analysis is carried out using the Microscope VIS 2.0 PRO (OXM 902) software, which, according to Kern, is free of charge, just like VIS 2.0 LITE. The data sheet lists Windows 8, 10 and 11. The following applies to the computer: a quad-core CPU (x64) running at 2.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, a 256 GB SSD, DirectX 12 and a 13-inch Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) display. Measurements are calibrated using the supplied stage micrometer.

Power and cables

The camera draws 5 V at 170 mA via USB; a power supply unit is not required. The supplied USB cable is 1.5 m long. The camera may be stored at temperatures between -5 °C and 40 °C.

Typical applications

• Schools and education: retrofitting existing microscopes with digital technology
• Documentation of specimens using photos and video
• Measuring and counting on screen
• Microscopes with an eyepiece tube of 23.2 mm, 30.0 mm or 30.5 mm

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• ODC 874 eyepiece camera
• USB cable, 1.5 m
• Two eyepiece adapters
• Stage micrometer for calibrating the software

Warranty

According to Kern & Sohn, this device comes with a 2-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 ODC-87 (PDF)

Regulatory information

As an electrical device, the camera 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

The ODC-A2404 calibration slide, the ODC-A8106 and ODC-A8107 eyepiece adapters for eyepiece cameras, and the OXM 902 (VIS 2.0 PRO) and OXM 903 (VIS 2.0 LITE) software are also available. Kern lists the ODC 874 as an accessory for the Kern microscopes OBT 104, OBT 105, OBE 121, OBE 122, OBE 131 and OBL 146, among others. Enquiries are handled via our procurement service.