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Plugable 800x Inverted Digital/Optical USB Microscope
$89.95 USD
SKU: USB2-MICRO-800XAmazon Rating : (45 Reviews)
Features
- Hobby Focused—Useful and fun for students, collectors, testers, and anyone interested in exploring the microscopic world
- Transmissive and Reflective—Inverted microscope with allows larger objects such as petri dish cultures or metallurgical samples to be viewed. Built-in dimmable LED illumination above and below the stage for both reflected and transmitted lighting modes.
- High Definition—2.0 Megapixels, up to 800x magnification (Note: Final magnification corresponds to monitor size)
- Broad Compatibility—Uses a webcam chipset and sensor to support nearly any operating system using standard webcam software. Users with an Oculus Rift may require additional setup
- 2-Year Coverage, Lifetime Support—Every Plugable product, including this Inverted Digital Optical USB Microscope, is covered against defects for 2 years and comes with lifetime support. If you ever have questions, contact our North American-based team - even before purchase
Explore the World at the Microscopic Level With Plugable’s Inverted Digital USB Microscope!
Great for kids, hobbyists, and professionals, the Plugable 800x Inverted USB 2.0 Digital Microscope (USB2-MICRO-800X) allows you to work quickly and effectively at the microscopic level. Common uses include classroom exploration, observing plant and animal cells, fiber analysis, surface inspection, and much more.This adaptable tool can be used for either surface inspection or slides with both transmissive and reflective lighting. The rugged plastic body makes it ideal for children, classrooms, or industrial applications.
Features
Built-In Lighting
The Microscope includes built-in LEDs both above and below the stage that can be dialed through a range of brightness levels to properly illuminate your subject.
Transmit light through translucent samples using the top LED with single lens condenser, or reflect light off opaque subjects with the bottom LEDs. With this versatility, no discoveries are left in the dark.
Multiple Viewing Options
Unlike a standard compound microscope that can only view thin slides, this inverted microscope design can also accommodate larger subjects like metallurgical samples and petri dish cultures.
Placing microscopic objects in just the right spot can be difficult, but the position adjustment knobs make it easy to set the stage for seeing small things in a big way.
No Host Device Neccessary
Simply extend the built-in 800x optical eyepiece to view samples without the need for software.
Installing 3 AA batteries (not included) allows you to unplug the detachable USB cable and leave your computer behind.
Compatibility
Fine Focus
The focus adjustment knobs on either side of the microscope provide precise control over the position of the focal point, allowing a clear view of the individual layers of a sample.
250x Magnification
Adjust to 800x magnification to see the microscopic world! See cells and particles not visible to the human eye.
In the Box
- 1x Microscope body
- 1x USB Cable
- 1x Petri Dish
- 1x Dropper
- 1x Tweezers
- 3x Specimen Slides
- 4x Blank Slides
- 1x Accessory Box
- 1x Quick Start Guide
Specifications
Interface | 4ft USB 2.0 Cable |
Magnification | 800x Fixed |
Lighting | Transmissive (above stage) and reflective (below stage) LEDs |
Resolution | 1600x1200 Snapshots, 640x480 Video |
Sensor | 2/3in (11mm) CMOS |
Controller | EtronTech eSP570A |
In The Box
Item and Quantity | Item Notes |
---|---|
1x USB 2.0 Inverted Digital/Optical Microscope | |
1x Micro USB Cable | |
1x Petri Dish | |
1x Accessory Box | |
1x Tweezers | |
1x Dropper | |
4x Blank Slides | |
8x Cover Slips | |
3x Prepared Slides | |
1x Quick Start Guide |
Included Cables
Port Type (Side 1) | Cable Specification | Port Type (Side 2) | Cable Length | External Power for Cable |
---|---|---|---|---|
Male USB Micro-B | USB 2.0 (480Mbps) | USB-A | 1.3m/4.27ft | No |
Video Capture Modes
Video Capture Source | Data interface | Video Formats | Audio Formats | Video Capture Resolutions | Other Features |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Camera Sensor | UVC | MJPEG | No Audio | 640x480 @ 30Hz |
Image Capture Modes
Data Interface | Capture Resolutions | Image Format | Features | Chipset |
---|---|---|---|---|
UVC | 1600x1200 | JPEG | eSP770 EtronTech |
Power
Port | Placement | Power Host / Device | Connection Type | Notes | Voltage | Amperage | Wattage |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
USB-A to Host | Cable End | Host | Bus Powered (No Power Adapter) | 0.0W |
Connection To Host
Port | Placement | Version and Link Rate | Features |
---|---|---|---|
1x USB-B (2.0) | Cable End | USB 2.0 (480Mbps) |
Physical Stats
Item | Size (H x W x D) or Length | Weight | SKU or Part Number |
---|---|---|---|
USB2-MICRO-800X |
Get Started
- Install software from our Plugable drivers page.
- Attach the included USB cable to the back of the microscope
- Attach the other end of the USB cable to any USB port
- Open "Plugable Digital Viewer" from your apps menu
- In settings, ensure the microscope is the selected device
Questions? We're here to help! Please reach out to us at support@plugable.com
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You can always contact support if you need help too!
"Camera being used" error or no image in preview window
Some specific device classes, such as USB cameras, are handled differently by operating system privacy/security settings. If you aren't seeing an image output from the microscope, or you see a message that your "Camera is being used by another application", you may need to change these privacy/security settings.
Instructions for Windows
- Press the or click on the Windows key to open the Start Menu, and type "Settings" into the search bar.
- Then, click the gear-shaped icon to open up the Settings menu.
- In the settings, click Privacy.
- Click Camera, on the left hand side menu.
- Now, we can see that the ability for the system to Allow access to the camera on this device is off. We also see that the ability for the system to Allow apps access to your camera is off as well. Please note, one or both of these options may be off for you.
- Click Change, to turn on the ability for the system for the system to Allow apps access to your camera. Then, click to Allow apps to access your camera, click the little button to toggle it from off to on.
- Now, we should see that the Camera access for this device is on, and the ability for Windows to Allow apps to access your camera is on as well.
- We can double check this by scrolling down on this page to make sure the Digital Viewer software is listed.
- Restart the computer after confirming the privacy settings are on. Once the computer reboots, please open the Digital Viewer program only. We want to make sure to leave other programs closed so we have a clean environment to test the microscope.
Click on the gear-shaped icon in the in the top left corner of the Digital Viewer window to enter the Settings. Then, click on the drop-down menu for Device, and pick the USB Microscope. Then click Apply to make the change.
- Now, you should see the USB Microscope is set as the default device. Feel free to change the resolution or other settings, and start examining things!
Click Here, to see an official article from Microsoft if you'd like to get further details about privacy and security settings.
Instructions for macOS
- Click on the Apple Menu icon in the top left of your screen, and then click on System Preferences.
- Click on Security & Privacy to open more options.
- Click on Privacy, and then on Camera. You should see a listing for the Digital Viewer, and may see other other camera programs and capable apps listed as well.
- Check the box next to the Digital Viewer listing. Depending on your settings, you may need to click the lock at the bottom of the screen and put your password in to authenticate changes. Restart the computer once the Digital Viewer is checked.
- Restart the computer after confirming the privacy settings are on. Once the computer reboots, please open the Digital Viewer program only. We want to make sure to leave other programs closed so we have a clean environment to test the microscope.
Click on the gear shaped icon in the top left corner of the Digital Viewer window to enter the Settings. Then, click on the drop-down menu for Device, and pick the USB Microscope. Then click Apply to make the change.
- Now, you should see the USB Microscope is set as the default device. Feel free to change the resolution or other settings, and start examining things!
Click Here, to see an official article from Apple if you'd like to get further details about privacy settings for your Mac.
We hope this was helpful! Feel free to reach out to us directly at support@plugable.com if you have any questions or concerns, and we'll be here to help you.
Thank you
How to Use Two External Displays with the Lid Closed on MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M3
Overview
With the release of Apple’s M3 CPU chips and the Sonoma 14.6 update your base MacBook Air and MacBook Pro systems with M3 chips can now host two external displays natively in clamshell mode. This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using two external displays with the lid closed on your MacBook Air or MacBook Pro equipped with an Apple M3 chip.
Requirements
Before getting started, ensure you have the following:
- MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with an Apple M3 chip.
- macOS Sonoma 14.3 or later for an M3 MacBook Air or macOS Sonoma 14.6 or later for an M3 MacBook Pro.
- Two external displays with compatible video inputs (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C).
- A dock or graphics adapter can be used as well.
- External keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless).
- Power adapter or power source for your MacBook
- A docking station that provides adequate charge can be used in place of the native power adapter, be sure to check the wattage your dock provides.
Steps to Set Up Dual External Displays with the Lid Closed
1. Set Up Your External Keyboard and Mouse
- If you’re using a wired keyboard and mouse, connect them directly to your MacBook or Plugable dock.
- For wireless peripherals, ensure they are paired with your MacBook and functioning properly.
- An AC adapter/power cable of some kind will also need to be connected for clamshell mode to function properly. This adapter can be one from a docking station or the included Apple adapter.
2. Connect Your Displays
- Connect the first external display to your MacBook using the appropriate cable (e.g., HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C)
- Close your laptop’s lid.
- Connect the second external display using a similar method.
- Ensure both displays are powered on and set to the correct input source.
3. Configure Display Settings
- Open System Settings on your MacBook.
- Go to Displays.
- You should see both external displays listed. Arrange them according to your preference by dragging the display icons.
- Adjust the resolution, refresh rate, and other settings as needed.
4. Enable "Clamshell Mode" (Lid Closed Mode)
- With your external displays connected and set up, close the lid of your MacBook.
- Your MacBook will automatically switch to "Clamshell Mode," where the internal display turns off, and the external displays become your primary screens.
- Ensure your MacBook is connected to a power source to prevent it from entering sleep mode.
5. Check the Display Arrangement
- With the lid closed, check that the external displays are functioning as expected.
- If necessary, re-open the Displays settings to adjust the arrangement, resolution, or other preferences.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Display on External Monitors: If the external displays are not showing anything, open the lid of your MacBook and check the connections.
- MacBook Sleeps When Lid Is Closed: Make sure your MacBook is connected to a power adapter. Clamshell Mode requires the MacBook to be plugged into an external power source.
- Performance Issues: If you experience lag or performance drops, try lowering the resolution or refresh rate of the external displays.
Thunderbolt Dock Users
With these steps, one can use Plugable Thunderbolt docks to enjoy a dual-display setup without the need for additional software installation. The dock leverages the native capabilities of the MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Pro M3, providing a straightforward and efficient solution for expanding your workspace with additional USB ports, audio, and ethernet (as well as the dual displays).
Additional Resources
If you should need any assistance with your setup, please feel free to reach out to our support team at support@plugable.com.