Among the recent innovations in microscopy, the cordless microscope could be considered one if not the one which has caught the interest of people who want or need to see more than what meets the  bare eye.  The interest is justified because the cordless feature of the microscope is its ticket to freedom, the freedom to use it in any place as long as the owner has brought the needed accessories to make it function as it should.

A cordless microscope has a built in power source, making it unnecessary to connect to the alternating current electricity source. Before the cordless feature, the portability of all microscopes were limited by the length of its electrical power cord. There are cordless versions of almost all the common types of microscopes. Whether you need a stereo or a compound ( monocular or binocular) microscope, there is a cordless one. There are now more opportunites to conduct  microscopic studies of living and non living things as is, in their own environments.

The portability of the cordless microscope is rendered useless if one is in a faraway place, far from the commercial centers, and you run  out of battery power. Having the complete accessories is a must before going out to the wilderness with your cordless microscope to avoid wasted time and effort.  The following are the  necessary accessories to ensure the continuous function of the equipment as expected.

1. Batteries and charger

It is advisable to have extra batteries and be sure to bring the charger. One can never be sure of the environmental condition out there which may bcause the battery to drain faster than expected. There are various kinds of batteries so be sure to bring one that is compatible with the microscope model. If your  cordless microscope can function for short periods using the ordinary AA batteries, then, make sure to bring even  just one set for emergency cases.

2. Eyepieces, reticles and objectives

It is important to have other eyepiece and objective magnifications to find the right combinations for the magnification needed. The ones attached to the microscope may be too high or too low for the specimen found. The reticle is very important to immediately  make the necessary measurements. The size of the specimen may change after sometime or after being put in preservatives.

Bring also a Barlow lens, which is capable of changing the working distance or the distance where the specimen is clearly viewed.

3. Illumination or light source

LEDs are the preferred source of light since it uses less power and produces less heat than the other kind of bulbs. The low power consumption is important because  although the battery is the heavy duty  kind, the long life type, the power it supplies is not as almost limitless as the AC s outlets do.

4. Slides

One never knows the quantity of interesting specimens that may be found during a rare scientific trip. Don’t regret not having collected interesting specimens just because you run out of slides.

5. Case

A sturdy, waterproof  but light case is a must. The case should be able to amply protect the microscope from unexpected falls but light enough to carry with ease.

6. Digital camera and video screen

Audio-visual recording is the best way to document the scientific observations. Cordless microscopes with USB are also available so that the objects or specimens viewed could be discussed or shared with the other members of the group at once, on the spot.

7. Instruction or operating manual

Be prepared to be a technician if necessary. Expect the unexpected and be prepared. The operating manual also guides the user to use the equipment correctly. There are equipment malfunctions that are just the consequences of incorrect use or operation.

The above list of accessories is just an enumeration of the basic ones. The owners of cordless microscopes should watch out for accessories that would further enhance the equipment’s performance. Visit  cordless-microscope.com  for more information on cordless microscopes With the growing list of cordless microscope owners, accessory manufacturers know there is a good market  for their products.

The cordless microscope has freed its users from one of the limitations of explorations and discoveries. There are so many fields of studies that would benefit from having a cordless, portable microscope. Communications has greatly improved with the invention  of handheld telephones. The cordless microscope may do the same for a widespread discovery of things that were unknown to us for a long time because we were not aware of their existence. Anytime, anyone, young or old, may accidentally  come across  a microscopic phenomenon that would greatly change our lives for the better.