BeaverLAB Microscopes: FirstLook

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RainyDayMagazine has always been deeply interested in various forms of digital microscopy (iPhone, converting old scopes, etc.). We are particularly intrigued and have eagerly supported companies/people that create innovative tools for curious young minds.

Digital imaging sensors revolutionized microscopy, where a picture is absolutely worth “a thousand words.” The early setups were basic, wired, and expensive. Over time, though, the gear became increasing sophisticated, more portable, and extremely affordable.

Today, there are very competent digital microscopes bridging the gap between “toy” and “pro” gear.

This is our FirstLook at two digital microscopes from BeaverLAB, which we hope will do exactly that.

BeaverLAB

In early 2022, BeaverLab had a successful Kickstarter campaign for its OCTSAN/M1 microscope, and they shipped the kit a year later. Because BeaverLab hit its fundraising targets, the OCTSAN kit came with a lot of extras:

• OSCTAN Intelligent Microscope,
• Microscope stand,

• Specimen box, petri dishes, collection bottles,
• Tools: tweezers, dropper, 
• Blank glass slides with protective cases,
• Prepared specimen slides,
• Record book and sticker sheets, and
• Information booklet.

OCTSAN/M1 Microscope specs:

• 100X-400X Magnification,
• One-click photo and video recording, and
• 1.0MP CMOS chips.

Darwin M2

To create an improved/next version, BeaverLab engineers decided to create a completely portable product. They reviewed the feedback from their KickStart supporters of the Octsan/M1 and came up with their next-gen scope, the Darwin M2. The M2 has an improved sensor and an integrated 4.3″ IPS screen. These upgrades make the M2 a complete standalone and portable microscope…something which we have been waiting for ever since we started our Backyard Biotech series!

Darwin M2 Portable Microscope specs:

• 4.3″ IPS screen,
• 2.0MP CMOS chips,
• Multi-segment hybrid zoom: 100X-1600X magnification,
• Microscope stand,
• large-capacity lithium battery: 5h battery life, and
• Kit (prepared slides, manual, and charging cable).

We are really excited (really really excited) about the Darwin M2, because it is the first microscope that appears to be truly standalone, complete, and portable. It doesn’t require a computer AND it can work without being tethered to a power outlet. This will be a game-changer for budding scientists “out in the field!!!”

FirstThoughts

The microscopes from BeaverLab look well designed and constructed. While clearly targeted at the younger market, we are eager to see if they will find a place in our Backyard Biotech gear collection. We’ll know soon enough after the FirstUse field tests of both scopes. So excited! 

Links to items mentioned:

• BeaverLab Octsan/M1 Digital Microscope
• BeaverLab M2 Digital Microscope