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Kern transmitted light microscope OBT 106, binocular, objectives 4x to 100x, 1 W LED illumination

Product information "Kern transmitted light microscope OBT 106, binocular, objectives 4x to 100x, 1 W LED illumination"

The Kern OBT 106 is a binocular transmitted-light microscope for school lessons and science education. It belongs to the OBT 1 series. With its four objectives (4x, 10x, 40x and 100x) and a 10x eyepiece, it offers a total magnification range of 40x to 1,000x. The LED illumination lights the specimen in transmitted light.

Optics and magnification

The binocular tube is inclined at 45 degrees and can be rotated. The objectives are achromatic and are mounted on a four-position revolver. The WF 10x eyepiece has a field of view of 18 millimetres. The interpupillary distance can be set from 48 to 75 mm, and the dioptre adjustment is on one side only. The optical system is a finite system.

Illumination, condenser and focusing

The transmitted-light illumination uses a 1-watt LED and is continuously dimmable. The Abbe condenser has an aperture of 1.25 and an aperture diaphragm. It is height-adjustable and permanently mounted; there is no provision for centring. Focusing is achieved via a coaxial coarse and fine adjustment mechanism, with a minimum fine adjustment step of 0.0025 mm.

Mechanical stage and design

The stage measures 115 x 82 x 15 mm, with a travel range of 52 and 20 mm. The stand is of an upright design. Its dimensions are 195 x 147 x 325 mm, with a net weight of 2.8 kg. The permissible storage temperature is between -5 and 40 °C.

Power supply and battery operation

The microscope operates with a mains adaptor for an input voltage of 100 to 240 V; the power cable is detachable, and the protection class is III. For use without a mains socket, battery operation with three 1.5 V AA batteries is possible; the battery compartment, complete with a lid, is located on the underside. Batteries are not included.

OBT 106 or OBT 104

The Kern OBT 104 (item no. lt-62204) from the same series has the same tube and the same condenser, but three objectives (4x, 10x, 40x) and a total magnification of up to 400x. The OBT 106 adds a 100x objective and reaches 1,000x.

Typical applications

As a binocular school microscope with four objectives, the OBT 106 is suitable for the following applications:

  • Biology lessons in primary and secondary schools, for example with onion skin cells, plant sections or water samples
  • Examination of thin, translucent and high-contrast specimens such as plant tissue, stained cells or parasites
  • Basic training in laboratory and scientific professions
  • Microscopy as a hobby and at adult education centres

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

Which total magnification is possible? 40x, 100x, 400x and 1,000x, depending on the objective (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x) with the 10x eyepiece.

Is the microscope binocular or monocular? The tube is binocular; the interpupillary distance can be set from 48 to 75 mm.

Can the microscope be used without a mains socket? Yes, with three AA batteries (1.5 V). The batteries are not included.

What is the difference between the OBT 106 and the OBT 104? The OBT 106 has an additional 100x objective and therefore reaches 1,000x, whereas the objectives on the OBT 104 end at 40x and a total magnification of 400x.

How long is the 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.

Technical details

Optical systemFinite
TubeBinocular, inclined at 45 degrees, rotatable
EyepieceWF 10x, field of view 18 mm
Objectives4x, 10x, 40x, 100x (achromatic)
Total magnification40x to 1,000x
Objective revolver4 positions
Interpupillary distance48 to 75 mm
Dioptre adjustmenton one side
Focusingcoaxial coarse and fine adjustment, fine adjustment minimum 0.0025 mm
Illumination1 W LED, transmitted light, continuously dimmable
CondenserAbbe, aperture 1.25, height-adjustable, permanently mounted (not centrable)
Aperture diaphragmpresent
Stage115 x 82 x 15 mm, travel range 52 mm / 20 mm
SystemUpright
Power supplyMains adaptor, 100 to 240 V; optionally 3 x AA (1.5 V)
Protection classIII, safety extra-low voltage
Storage temperature-5 to 40 °C
Dimensions (W x D x H)195 x 147 x 325 mm
Weight (net)2.8 kg

Scope of delivery

  • Microscope with objectives 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x and WF 10x eyepieces
  • Mains adaptor
  • Dust cover
  • Operating instructions

Batteries for battery operation are not included.

Individual requirements and procurement service

For the OBT 106, we can advise you on eyepieces, objectives, microscope slides, cover slips and accessories for cleaning and maintaining the optics. Please send enquiries to our procurement service.