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  Questions & Answers  
     
 

1. What is a Digital Microscope?
A digital microscope is a magnifying device equipped with a digital camera.  Basically, there are two types; one type is a microscope or magnifying device with a built-in digital camera while the other type is a standard style microscope adapted with a digital camera.

2. What are some of the functions of DINO Digital Microscope?
Dino digital microscopes function as microscope, camera, video-cam and as well as a web cam, depending on the model.

3. Should I choose a Handheld Digital Microscope or Eyepiece camera?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types.  The handheld digital microscope with the built in camera is more portable and versatile and can provide up to a 360 degree view perspective but is usually more expensive.  Digital camera eyepieces for microscopes are generally less expensive and can be adapted for use as an accessory with any standard microscope.  Both types generally come with software which can be easily upgraded via download.  Both are self contained units and require only simple cleaning for maintenance.  Any serious repair work needs to be handled through the distributor or dealer.

If you require portability, hand-held or mounted versatility and convenience then choose one of the Dino-Lite series of digital microscopes to satisfy these requirements.  If you have an existing standard type (biological, stereo or compound) microscope and you want to convert it to a digital microscope, then you should chose a suitable “EM” or “AM” series digital camera for your microscope.

4. Which Handheld Digital Microscope Model should I choose?
AM311 - For entry level, hobbies & collecting, students, entertainment, etc.
AM313T - For the office, shop, industrial, university, etc.
AM413 Series- For professional level applications.
AM412 - For use with TV setup only.  For the home, reading aid, entertainment, manufacture, etc.
AM451- For the classroom, field laboratory, home microscope, or conveniences, back up for professional use.c sheet (pdf)


5. How to use DINO Digital Microscope?

Part A.
1. Place the illuminated specimen on the center of the microscope stage.
2. Always start observing using the lowest magnification with the microscope.
3. Aim the specimen through the objective lens.
4. Focus the microscope by slowly turning the coarse Adjustment Focus Knob, for different magnifications, until an image forms ,slowly adjust the focus back and forth to get the best focus, or to reveal hidden structure at different depths of the specimen being examined.
5. To increase magnification, rotate the magnifications or the Objective Lens depending on the models of the
6. Using higher magnification focusing becomes more critical and the objective lens will come closer to the specimen in order to reach focus.
7. Use the same techniques in coarse and fine focusing as described above and use care so that the Objective Lens does not come in direct contact with the specimen when achieving a final focus.
8. Click on “picture” button or “video” button from DinoCapture software for taking the picture you want or recording the video. What are the applications for Dino digital microscopes? Industrial Inspection, Scientific, teaching tool, Skin Check, Scalp Check, Textile Inspection, Jewelry Inspection, Coin Inspection, Printing Inspection, Reading Aid, Web cam for Online chatting, and more.

Part B.
How would we know what magnification to choose for our imaging products?
Always start observing using the lowest magnification with the microscope.
Adjust the objective lens or magnification knob until the desired image comes into focus.
Then increase magnification gradually until satisfied.

To reduce glare simply change the point of view of either the object or the scope by a few degrees.
On model AM313T or After you are also able to turn off the LED lights if desired.

TV Video models utilize NTSC analog format which provides “no-delay” images, whereas the USB models use a
digital format which may cause a slight delay when focusing.

The current DinoCapture measurement functions have been tested by major LCD manufacturers to be
within a 5% margin of error under 200 x magnifications.

When examining LCD panels it may be necessary to apply a thin coat of oil (baby oil, etc) to the panel
surface in order to view sub-pixels. The “hard coating” (HC) applied to the LCD panel at the factory
may make this necessary in order to view the pixels beyond the polarize level.

Use time-lapsed capture function problem under Windows OS-
Cannot start after using time-lapsed capture function. only shows dino-lite logo and hangs there.
Possible cause: dino-lite accidentally created a corrupted .avi file from time-lapsed capture
solution: Search this particular .avi file, find and delete it.


6. How does the Focus work on a Dino-Lite Microscope -
The Dino-Lite digital microscopes are designed to achieve the specified maximum magnification and clear focus with the scope either in contact with or on the same level as the observed object or surface, such as the skin, etc.  The nozzle length is designed to provide the appropriate focal length to achieve this.  When scope is in this optimum position then the user will be able to achieve a clear focus in two distinct magnification ranges. In order to focus in the maximum magnification range simply continue to zoom beyond the first clear focus range on the observed object or surface until you see the object again come into focus.  This second stage is the maximum magnification of the scope.   When scope is further away from the observed object or surface you will only be able to focus in at one magnification range.

General example how the DinoLite handheld digital microscopes optics works -
The way the optics works with our scope is that there is one focus point in each distance. So farther you go the lower the magnification you can get. There is one exception at touching point where there are two focus points. One at around 50x and the other at around 200x. The device would get out of focus and into focus again from around 50x to 200x. To receive the magnification values in between, the focus point would be within the clear protective plastic lens.

7. What are the system requirements for my computer?
         1. Windows 2000 or XP, Vista (Not compatible with 64Bits).
         2. Intel CPU Pentium 1.5GHZ, Celeron or above.
         3. RAM of 256 MB or more recommended.
         4. At least 150MB of free disk space.
         5. VGA Card: 16bit or above
         6. CD-ROM drive
         7. At least one USB 2.0 port.

8. How to set-up the Hardware and Software?
User’s Manual on CD is included, be sure to read the User Manual before use. Please retain this CD for future reference. Installation of Dino Capture Application Software is easy. Just follow the step by step instructions. The CD will guide you through to the end of the installation.  IMPORTANT: Connect the digital microscope to your computer AFTER the software is installed.


9-a. Field of view chart
The viewable area varies depending on the distance of the scope from the object.  Each hand-held Dino-Lite scope has a clear protective “nozzle” which provides a “buffer” of approximately 2 cm between the scope lens and the end of the nozzle. 


Distance from object                             viewable area
AM 3xx Series Working Distance Example
Magnification    Working Distance                Viewable Area
~200X  -------- Zero Distance - “viewable area” ~ 0.066” (L) x 0.049” (W) / 1.67mm x 1.25mm
~60x  --------   Zero Distance - “viewable area” ~ 0.23” (L) x 0.17” (W) / 5.8mm x 4.3mm
~30x  --------    2cm / 0.79” -                 "                 ~ 0.4"(L) x 0.27” (W) / 10mm x 7mm
~20x  --------    5.0cm / 2.0” -               "                  ~ 0.7” (L) / 0.4” (W) / 18mm x 10 mm
~17x  --------   10cm / 3.9” -                 "                 ~ 0.9” (L) x 0.6” (W) / 23mm x 15mm
~15x  --------   15cm / 5.9” -                 "                 ~ 1.5” (L) x 0.9” (W) / 38mm x 23mm
~10x  --------   20cm / 7.9” -                 "                 ~ 1.9” (L) x 1.5” (W) / 48mm x 38mm

AM 4xx Series Working Distance Example
Magnification    Working Distance                   Viewable Area
~200x  --------   Zero Distance - “viewable area” ~ 0.098" (L) x 0.078" (W) / 2.5mm x 2mm
~50x  --------    Zero Distance - “viewable area” ~ 0.35" (L) x 0.27" (W) / 9mm x 7mm
~40x  --------    0.8cm / 0.3” -                 "                 ~ 0.4” (L) x 0.3” (W) / 10mm x 8mm
~20x  --------   3.8cm / 1.5” -                 "                ~ 0.8” (L) x 0.6” (W) / 20mm x 15mm
~12x  --------   10.2cm / 4” -                  "                ~ 1.5” (L) x 1.2” (W) / 40mm x 30mm

AM413 "L" Series (20x~92x) Working Distance Example
(Model AM413TL, AM413ML)
Magnification    Working Distance                   Viewable Area
~92x   --------   4.7 cm /1.9” - “viewable area” ~ 0.15” (L) x 0.11” (W) / 3.8mm x 2.85mm
~79x   --------   5.0 cm /2.0” - “viewable area” ~ 0.18” (L) x 0.13” (W) / 4.5mm x 3.3mm
~52x   --------   6.3 cm /2.5” -                "             ~ 0.27” (L) x 0.20” (W) / 6.8mm x 5.1mm
~27x   --------   11.5 cm /4.5” -              "             ~ 0.52” (L) x 0.38” (W) / 13mm x 9mm
~20x   --------   14.4 cm /5.7” -              "             ~ 0.7” (L) x 0.4” (W) / 18mm x 10 mm

AM 413MT5 / T5 (500X fixed magnification) Working Distance Example
Magnification    Working Distance                   Viewable Area
~500x      --------  0mm~3mm “viewable area” ~ 0.026" (L) x 0.02" (W) / 0.666mm x 0.499mm

 

AM Series with MS12C - VARIABLE VIEW RANGE CADDIE KIT
MS12C - INCLUDES BASE CADDIE PLUS TWO VARIABLE VIEW RANGE ADAPTORS
Base view range -about 0.58 inches away from object~ 40x
Base + 1 Adaptor -about 1.6 inches away from object ~ 25x
Base + 2 Adaptors-about 2.40 inches away from object ~18x magnification


9-b. Depth of field
The depth of field of different magnification rates has been obtained as following:
~20x --> ~12 mm
~40x -- >~1.6 mm
~60x --> ~0.7mm

Link - Viewable Area Example


10. Applications for Digital Microscope and eyepiece cameras?

  1. Industrial Inspection
  2. Assembly and Quality Control (Electronics, Mechanical, etc)
  3. Scientific teaching tool
  4. Laboratory Research
  5. Medical analysis
  6. School Research tool
  7. Insect or Plant Dissection/Examination
  8. Dermatology (Skin/Scalp) Examination
  9. Textile Inspection
  10. Gemstone/Mineral Inspection
  11. Hobbies & Collecting (coin, stamp, watch, jewelry, etc.)
  12. Printing Inspection
  13. Law Enforcement (Counterfeit ID, Crime Lab, etc)
  14. Reading Aid
  15. On-line chatting
  16. Teacher Aid as Projector
  17. Presentation
  18. And more

11. What is the largest magnification you carry on the Digital Microscope?
The Dino Digital AM Series Handheld Microscopes offer magnification ranges from 10X to 200X.
The Dino Digital AM413 T5 Handheld Microscopes offer 500x fixed magnification.
The Dino Digital AM451 Table top Microscopes offer magnification ranges from 10X to 600X.

12. Which format should I use?
With VGA and SVGA models, the JPEG file format is easiest to save and email. JPEG also uses least amount of storage space.

Use the BMP (AM and EM series) or TIFF (EM series only) file format for better quality image when printing or publishing.

Use TIFF, PSD or EPS formats (EM series only) if CMYK true color images are required when printing or transferring images. 

- Reference of RESOULUTION VALUES –
Pixel counts can be expressed as a single number, as in a "three-megapixel" digital camera, which has a nominal three million pixels, or as a pair of numbers, as in a "640 by 480 display", which has 640 pixels from side to side and 480 from top to bottom (as in a VGA display), and therefore has a total number of 640 ? 480 = 307,200 pixels or 0.3 megapixels.

A megapixel is 1 million pixels, and is a term used not only for the number of pixels in an image, but also to express the number of image sensor elements of digital cameras or the number of display elements of digital displays.
For example, a camera with an array of 2048?1536 sensor elements is commonly said to have "3.1 megapixels" (2048 ? 1536 = 3,145,728).
Therefore: Width x Height
640 x 480 = 307,200pixels / 1,000,000 = 0.3Megapixels
1280 x 1024 = 1,310,720pixels / 1,000,000 = 1.3Megapixels

VGA 640 x 480
SVGA 800 x 600
XGA 1024 x 768
WXGA 1366 x 768
SXGA 1280 x 1024
UXGA 1600 x 1200
QXGA 2048 x 1538

Pixel resolution - Under VGA Model 640 x 480 image, the resolution of a single pixel can be calculated to be
1757.3 microns/640 pixels = 2.745 microns (0.002745mm) per pixel

Pixel resolution - 1.3MP - 1280 x 1024 image, the resolution of a single pixel can be calculated to be
1757.3 microns/1280 pixels = 1.37 microns (0.00137mm) per pixel


13. Measurement tips -
Measurement features are only available on the AM313 series and AM413 models
AM313 series Measurement features are not available on Mac OS

The term Mil means one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch).
A circular mil is the area of a circular wire with a diameter
of one mil, 0.001". ...
Current we can select mm = 1,000um (micrometer / microns) = 0.1 cm

mil = 0.001 inch.
inch= 1,000 mil.
um = 0.001 mm
mm = 1,000 um (micrometer / microns)

comparative product images

 
 
 

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