Novex LED Junior Microscope

Novex LED Junior Microscope

Monocular viewing with 40×, 100× and 400× magnification

The Novex LED Junior is an entry-level optical microscope with a single viewing eyepiece and a choice of three magnifications. Its 10× eyepiece works with 4×, 10× and 40× objectives, giving total magnifications of 40×, 100× and 400×. LED illumination lights the specimen for viewing.

Understanding the three magnifications

Objective	Eyepiece	Total magnification
4×	10×	40×
10×	10×	100×
40×	10×	400×

Total magnification is the eyepiece magnification multiplied by the objective magnification. The 40× objective therefore gives a 400× view through the supplied 10× eyepiece. Comparing microscopes on that basis avoids confusing an objective marking with the instrument’s total magnification.

Getting started with a specimen

Begin with the lowest-power objective to locate the area you want to examine. Centre the area before moving to a higher magnification, where the field of view becomes smaller. Make small focusing adjustments and watch the clearance between the objective and the slide when changing the setup.

The revolving nosepiece lets you change objectives without exchanging the viewing eyepiece. Turn it to a properly located objective position before judging the image. Keep the specimen and viewing arrangement steady: movement that is barely noticeable to the unaided eye becomes more obvious under magnification.

Prepare a comfortable viewing area

Place the microscope on a stable, dry surface with enough space for the instrument, slides and your notes. Arrange the viewing height so you can look through the eyepiece comfortably rather than leaning over a low bench. Work away from splashing water and keep wet equipment separate from the microscope and its power supply.

Looking after the optics

Handle slides carefully and keep fingerprints away from the optical surfaces. Follow the supplied instructions for cleaning the lenses and caring for the illumination system. Cover the instrument when it is stored, and keep it in a dry place where it will not be knocked or exposed to condensation.

Compare viewing arrangements

This is a monocular microscope, viewed through one eyepiece. If you prefer a two-eyepiece instrument, compare the Novex BioBlue BB.4260 binocular microscope. The BioBlue BB.4220 is another monocular option to compare. Check each model’s controls and supplied equipment alongside its magnification range.

Keep water checks alongside your observations

A microscope examines a specimen on a slide. To measure pond-water parameters separately, the Colombo Pond Test Lab Professional provides liquid water tests in a carrying case. Keeping dated water-test results alongside your observation notes gives you a more useful record of your pond.