We’ve all read about those cheap USB microscopes that can be used to checkout PCB issues or read IC part numbers, but ioLight is a different beast.
The device is a proper microscope offering up to 1 μm resolution that could be used by a biologist in the field coupled with an Android mobile device, an iPhone, or iPad.
ioLight portable microscope specifications:
- Magnification
- Field of view (FoV) – 1mm fixed width, giving ~ x200 on a 9.7″ screen.
- Larger screens give greater magnifications
- Digital zoom on captured image to x500 on 9.7″ screen
- Resolution – 1µm (0.001 mm)
- Working distance – 1mm from lens to sample
- Illumination – Adjustable top and bottom illumination
- Sample stage – Glass
- Image / Video format
- 5MP (2592 x 1944 pixels); JPEG; color
- MPEG-4; color; up to 1296 x 972; 10 fps
- Images and videos are stored in the tablet’s camera roll ready for sharing
- Connectivity – WiFi (access point mode)
- Power supply – Integrated Li-ion rechargeable battery + USB charger
- Dimensions – 160mm x 101mm x 32mm (Folded); 160mm x 101mm x 107mm (in operation)
- Weight – 440g with neoprene case
The specifications are for the 1mm FoV model, but there’s another 2mm FoV model with half the magnification, and a lower price.
The microscope ships with its USB charger, a protective pouch, a user’s guide and a certificate of conformity. The company also provides ioLight App for Android and iOS. You’ll also need your own blank microscope slide and cover slip like you would with a standard microscope. The video below explains how to get started and use the ioLight microscope.
You can also checkout image samples to get an idea of what it is capable of, and/or read the quick start guide, or full user manual on the company’s website..
ioLight portable microscope can be purchased for 840 GBP ($1073 US) and 780 GBP ($996 US) respectively for the 1mm and 2mm FoV variant.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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