Kern OIV 345 Digital Video Microscope, 11.6-inch HD Display (PC-free), TOIV 345-B

Anyone who needs to examine a sample under a microscope whilst documenting it at the same time will be familiar with the bottleneck between the eyepiece and the computer. The Kern OIV 345 video microscope solves this by combining the optics, camera and an 11.6-inch HD display in a single unit. The image appears directly on the built-in screen, without the need for a computer, software installation or eyepiece.

Display and image capture without a PC

The 11.6-inch LCD display with tempered glass measures 275 x 170 x 12 mm, displays the camera image at 1920 x 1080 pixels (HD) and can be tilted between 0 and 45 degrees, ensuring a comfortable viewing angle at the workstation regardless of the operator’s height. The built-in 5-megapixel camera with a Sony CMOS sensor (1/2.8-inch) delivers a smooth live image at up to 60 frames per second, captured using a rolling shutter. The device is operated directly via the display using the supplied wireless USB mouse; a separate keyboard or computer is not required for day-to-day use. Recordings can be saved either to the supplied 32 GB USB stick or to a microSD card, again without the need for a computer. If you wish to display the image on a larger screen, for example, in a training session or when evaluating a sample as a team, you can connect the OIV 345 to an external monitor or projector via HDMI. Only for the advanced S-VIEWER software, with its additional measurement and evaluation functions, does a separate PC need to be connected via USB 2.0. For this, Kern recommends at least an Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 5, 8 GB RAM, a 128 GB SSD, a graphics card in the class of an NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600, and a Full HD screen of at least 20.5 inches.

Click-stop zoom for reproducible magnification

The optical zoom covers 0.7x to 4.5x directly at the sensor, giving a zoom ratio of 6.4:1. The display’s scaling factor of 22.8 results in a total magnification of 15.96x to 102.6x. The zoom wheel locks into defined click-stop positions, making it easier to recall a setting once it has been found for the next sample, for example when a series of similar components is inspected one after the other at the same magnification. A fixed 0.5x objective and the absence of an eyepiece keep the optical design simple: the system is axially aligned, meaning that the illumination and camera are positioned on the same axis as the sample, without any lateral offset.

Illumination and working area

The LED ring light is positioned as an incident light around the optics and can be dimmed continuously, from low background illumination to bright light for shiny or dark surfaces. It has a power output of 3 watts, and the contrast mode is bright-field. The working distance is 100 mm; samples up to 110 mm in height fit beneath the objective lens, such as smaller assemblies or workpieces that do not need to be dismantled first. The mechanical stand has a column height of 330 mm and supports the head, optics and display as a single unit.

Power supply, dimensions and buffer cell

Measuring 320 x 260 x 450 mm (W x D x H) and weighing 4.4 kg net, the unit stands securely on the laboratory bench without the need to allow for additional space for a separate monitor. The desktop power supply can be disconnected from the unit and covers an input range of 100 to 240 V AC at 50 or 60 Hz; the unit itself is supplied with 12 V at 2,000 mA, and the connection cable is 2.5 m long. This means the OIV 345 operates on virtually any standard mains supply, even outside Germany. The permissible storage temperature ranges from -5 to 40 °C. The housing also contains a very small lithium buffer cell with a lithium content of 2 mg and a capacity of 0.018 Wh. It has passed the UN38.3 transport test, which applies to the shipment of devices containing built-in lithium cells, including by air freight.

Menu languages and S-VIEWER software

The user interface is available in seven languages: German, English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese. The S-VIEWER software (Kern OXM 904) is also available for analysis on a PC. It covers image processing, video recording, documentation and measurement functions, in other words, precisely the steps that follow after simply viewing the results on the device, when a result is to be included in a test report or a quality assurance file. Anyone wishing to integrate the OIV 345 into an existing documentation system can export the images via a USB stick or MicroSD card and open them in the software on an office PC.

Typical applications

In quality control, a team can jointly inspect a solder joint or the edge of a component on the display, without having to take turns looking through the eyepiece. In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, the axial optics assist in inspecting fine structures on circuit boards and components. In education and training, several people can view the same image simultaneously, which simplifies working with microscopes that have a single eyepiece. In mineralogy and tissue preparation, the instrument aids the visual assessment of samples; in materials testing, it facilitates the inspection of surfaces and fracture edges; and in parasite detection, it enables the examination of relevant specimens.

• Quality control
• Materials testing
• Electronics and semiconductor industry
• Education and training
• Research
• Mineralogy
• Tissue preparation
• Parasite detection

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the OIV 345 be used without a PC? Yes. Imaging, zooming and saving are controlled via the integrated 11.6-inch display and the USB mouse supplied; a computer is not required for operation. A PC is only required if you wish to use the S-VIEWER software.

What is the magnification of the device? Optically at the sensor: 0.7x to 4.5x. When displayed on the screen with a scaling factor of 22.8, this equates to 15.96x to 102.6x.

What is the camera’s resolution? 5 megapixels via a 1/2.8-inch Sony CMOS sensor, at up to 60 frames per second.

Where are images and videos stored? Externally via USB, on the supplied 32 GB USB stick or on a microSD card.

What interfaces does the OIV 345 have? Two USB 2.0 ports, an HDMI output for an external monitor and a microSD card slot.

How high can samples be? Up to 110 mm below the lens, at a working distance of 100 mm.

In which languages can the menu be operated? German, English, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese and Chinese.

How long is the warranty valid for? 36 months.

Does it contain a battery that is relevant for shipping? Yes, a small lithium backup cell containing 2 mg of lithium, which has passed the transport test in accordance with UN38.3.

Does the device bear the CE mark? Yes, and according to the manufacturer, it contains no substances prohibited under REACH.

Technical details

Scope of delivery

• OIV 345 video microscope with integrated display and camera
• Desk power supply
• Wireless USB mouse
• USB stick, 32 GB
• Dust cover
• User manual (multilingual)

Individual requirements and procurement service

For additional purchases relating to the OIV 345, such as extra storage media or calibration for your own quality documentation, LT Laborhandel’s procurement service can help you clarify your requirements. Enquiries should be sent to lt-laborhandel.com/service.