A pocket microscope is designed to magnify objects and fit comfortably in your pocket. It can be used to examine the fine print or take a closer look at the micro life living on your skin.
Depending on the magnifying strength or your lens, an object the size of a pen can be the key to investigating what goes on in the micro universe around us.
How To Use A Pocket Microscope
When using a light or battery-operated microscope, place the object you are observing on the slide with the cover placed on top. Reinsert the slide into the stage and slide the zoom lever to your preferred degree of magnification. If there is a focus wheel, gradually turn it until the image is clear.
The majority of pocket microscopes will comprise of an eyepiece, an LED light, and a small stage. The stage is the part of the microscope that holds objects for examination. If your microscope does not have a stage, you can skip the next paragraph.
If you are using a microscope with a stage, begin by placing the object you are going to be examining on the slide. If your product comes with a slide cover, gently place it on top of the object.
Make sure you only touch the outside of the slide to avoid muddying the image with fingerprints. When the object is in place, reinsert the slide into the stage.
If your microscope does not have a stage, you will simply hold your microscope over the object you are viewing. It may take a little time to adjust to the correct angle, but you will be able to examine larger objects like skin or plantlife.
Some pocket microscopes contain mirrors to magnify the image. In this case, the image will be in reverse and it may take some time to adjust. Generally, pocket microscopes are too small to hold a mirror.
Once your object is in place, either via the stage or directly, press your eye to the eyepiece. Using the zoom lever, adjust the lens according to how intensely you want the object magnified. The higher the number, the greater the zoom. If there is a focus wheel, gradually turn the wheel until the object is in clear focus.
Most pocket microscopes will feature a light source built into the end of the microscope. LED light sources tend to be more powerful and more efficient. If you are using the light to examine the object, switch it on before adjusting the focus.
If your light becomes dim, it is likely time to change the batteries. Typically, LED pocket microscopes will require fewer battery changes and provide greater illumination.
Using a pocket microscope really is that simple. It will take a little time to familiarize yourself with the different settings but generally, these miniature models are designed for ease of use, even among children.
How Do You Use a Digital Pocket Microscope?
Using a digital pocket microscope is slightly more complicated but use can be more rewarding. Digital pocket microscopes are more expensive and typically offer higher magnification with options to connect your camera lens to your phone.
This makes it possible to record videos of your close-up examination and view all kinds of objects from any angle.
Most digital pocket microscopes will come with product-specific software that you can download. This usually enables you to capture images and sometimes even create time-lapse videos. Navigating these programs tends to be self-explanatory.
The main difference with digital microscopes is that you will be viewing the magnified image on a screen instead of through the eyepiece. The benefit is that you can reach more angles and view a larger version of the image via your device screen.
The magnifying and focus wheel will be in different places depending on the model, but the principle here is the same as with a more traditional pocket microscope.
The higher the zoom, the more detail you can observe. The magnifying capacity tends to be more than ten times greater on these digital models.
How Do You Clean A Pocket Microscope?
It is important to regularly clean your pocket microscope, not just to keep it protected, but to ensure that your images are not obscured by any dust or dirt on the lens or specimen stage.
Make sure you check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning the product before you use harsh chemicals like solvents, which can damage the lens.
If the manufacturer recommends a specific cleaning product, use this to moisten the cloth. The areas that need attention are the places that come into contact with skin, like the eyepiece, stage, and the knobs and levers. Skin deposits oil which sits on the microscope and attracts dust.
To keep your microscope in good condition, these areas must be attended to frequently. For a clear image every time, wipe down the stage before and after use. When you have finished, use a dry cloth to soak up any leftover residue.
Finally, it is advised that you do not attempt to clean the internal lens services yourself. This should only be done by an expert as image sharpness can be negatively impacted.
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