User Manual

Trinocular Compound
LED Microscope

Model M837ZL Series

MicroscopeNet.com
 Table of Contents

i. Caution ....................................................................................................1

ii. Care and Maintenance.............................................................................2

1 Components Illustration ...........................................................................3

2 Installation ...............................................................................................4

3 Operation .................................................................................................6

4 Specifications ........................................................................................10

5 Optional Parts ........................................................................................11

6 Troubleshooting Guide ..........................................................................14

7 Darkfield Condenser Installation and Operation Instructions ..................16

8 Phase Contrast Kit Installation and Operation Instructions ....................18

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i. Caution
1. Open the carton carefully with a knife or paper cutter. Find the UP sign and place
the Styrofoam container on the side that makes the arrow upward. If the UP sign
is missing, please open the Styrofoam container gently to prevent any accessory,
i.e. objectives or eyepieces, from dropping and being damaged.

2. Do not discard the molded Styrofoam container. The container should be retained
should the microscope ever requires reshipment.

3. Keep the instrument out of direct sunlight, high temperature or humidity, and dusty
environments. Ensure that the microscope is located on a smooth, level and firm
surface.

4. If any specimen solutions or other liquids splash onto the stage, objective or any
other component, disconnect the power cord immediately and wipe up the spillage.
Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged.

5. All electrical connectors (power cord) should be inserted into an electrical surge
suppressor to prevent damage due to voltage fluctuations.

6. Confirm that the input voltage indicated on your microscope corresponds to your
line voltage. The use of a different input voltage other than that as indicated will
cause severe damage to the microscope.

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ii. Care and Maintenance

1. Do not attempt to disassemble any component including eyepieces, objectives or

focusing assembly.

2. Keep the instrument clean; remove dirt and debris regularly. Accumulated dirt on
metal surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth. More persistent dirt should be
removed using a mild soap solution. Do not use organic solvents for cleansing.

3. The outer surface of the optics should be inspected and cleaned periodically using
an air stream from an air bulb. If dirt remains on the optical surface, use a soft cloth
or cotton swab dampened with a lens cleaning solution (available at camera
stores). All optical lenses should be swabbed using a circular motion. A small
amount of absorbent cotton wound on the end of a tapered stick makes a useful
tool for cleaning recessed optical surfaces. Avoid using an excessive amount of
solvents as this may cause problems with optical coatings or cemented optics or
the flowing solvent may pick up grease making cleaning more difficult. Oil
immersion objectives should be cleaned immediately after use by removing the oil
with lens tissue or a clean, soft cloth.

4. Observe the specimen with the 4X, 10X and 40X objectives in order, then observe
the specimen with the 100X objective. Apply the immersion oil on the slide cover
with the 100X objective. Do not let the immersion oil to contact with the dry
objectives lens (especially the 40X). Clean the dry objective lens using the camera
cleaning kit if the immersion oil is on the dry objectives lens. Clean the 100X
objective lens first using the camera cleaning kit after observing the specimen with
the 100X objective, then clean the specimen. More persistent dirt should be
removed using a little bit alcohol. Do not use organic solvents for cleansing.

5. Store the instrument in a cool, dry environment. Cover the microscope with the
dust cover when not in use.

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1 Components Illustration

1 10

2 11

3 12

4 13

5 14

6 15

7 16

8 17

9 18

22
19

23
20

21 24

1 Eyepiece 9 Microscope Base 17 Brightness Intensity Dial

2 Diopter Ring 10 Viewing Head 18 Power Switch
3 Eyepiece Tube 11 Head Thumb Lock Screw 19 Focus Stop Lever
4 Nosepiece 12 Microscope Body 20 Condenser Lock Thumb Knob
5 Objective 13 Focus Tension Ring 21 Condenser Focus Knob
6 Slide Holder 14 Coarse Focus Knob 22 Abbe Condenser
7 Mechanical Stage 15 Fine Focus Knob 23 Color Filter Holder
8 Light Collector 16 X-Y Stage Moving Knobs 24 Iris Diaphragm Lever

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2 Installation
2.1 Installation of the trinocular viewing head
1) Loosen the head thumb lock screw on the top of the microscope body and remove
the plastic cover on the top.
2) Remove the cap on the dovetail of the trinocular viewing head.
3) Seat the dovetail completely of the viewing head into the socket on the top of the
microscope body and tighten the head thumb lock screw.
Caution:
Do not release the viewing head from your hand grip until you are sure the viewing
head is installed securely.
2.2 Installation of the eyepieces
1) Remove the protective caps from the eyepiece tubes.
2) Insert the eyepieces into the eyepiece tubes.
2.3 Installation of the objectives
1) Adjust the coarse focus knob until the mechanical stage is at its lowest position.
2) Turn the caps counter-clockwise to remove them from the nosepiece.
3) Take the objectives out from the plastic cases and turn each one clock-wise into the
holes on the nosepiece. Install the 4X objective into the nosepiece first. Then in a
counter-clockwise direction, rotate the nosepiece and install each succeeding higher
magnification objective as shown in Fig. 1.

Fig.1
Note:
Inspect the objectives frequently for dirt or oil; clean if necessary.
Use the 10X objective to initially focus the image of your specimen.
When changing the objective magnification, rotate the objective nosepiece until you
hear a click sound or have a clear "in position" feeling. This ensures the objective
is centered in the optical light path.
2.4 Installation of the glass filter
1) Swing out the color filter holder under the condenser.
2) Place the filter into the holder as shown in Fig. 2, swing the holder in.

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Color Filter

Color Filter Holder

Fig.2
2.5 Replacing the fuse
1) Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord.
2) Turn over the microscope on its side; find the fuse holder at the bottom of the base.
3) Turn the fuse holder counter-clockwise to take it off, replace the fuse, and then turn
it on clockwise. See Fig. 3.
Fuse Holder

Fig.3 Fuse
Caution:
Before you turn over the microscope, be sure to take the eyepieces off and be
certain that the head is securely locked by the thumb screw.
2.6 Installing the mirror (optional, may not included in your package)
1) Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power cord.
2) Screw off the light collector on the microscope base.
3) Screw the black disc onto the base and then insert the mirror into the hole at the
center of the black disc. See Fig. 4. You may try to get reflected ambient light on
either side of the mirror with different angles for best result.
Light Collector

Mirror
Fig.4
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Note:
The mirror is only used when there is a power failure or you are in the field and no
power is available.
2.7 Installation of the camera (optional, may not included
in your package)
Camera
1) Take off the plastic cover on the photo tube.
2) Insert the camera into the photo tube, and then connect
the camera to a computer via USB cable. See Fig.5.
3) The manual for the camera is on a CD (or mini CD).
Refer to the manual to install the driver and software on
to the computer.
4) The camera is optional and may have different color
and shape from the one in the figure, depending on the
model purchased.
2.8 Installation of the darkfield condensers (optional, Fig.5
may not included in your package)
Please see section 7 (Darkfield Condenser Installation and Operation Instructions)
2.9 Installation of the phase contrast kits (optional, may not included in your package)
Please see section 8 (Phase Contrast Kit Installation and Operation Instructions)

3 Operation
3.1 Adjusting illumination
1) Plug the power cord into the power socket on the microscope and connect it to the
power outlet.
2) Turn on the power switch.
3) Rotate the brightness intensity dial to increase or decrease the brightness.
Caution:
A diffusion filter is attached beneath the condenser to get uniform light and protect
your eyes from strong light when a low power objective applied. The diffusion filter
can be swung out to make the view field brighter when observing with a high power
objective, such as 100X objective.
3.2 Placing specimen
1) Place the slide on the mechanical stage.
2) Use the slide holder to gently secure the slide.
3) Turn the X and Y stage moving knobs to position the specimen in the center of
viewing field.
Caution:
Be sure not to allow an objective to touch a specimen slide when changing
objectives.

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3.3 Adjusting interpupillary distance
While observing with both eyes, hold the left and right eyepiece tubes then slide the
tubes in and out. The interpupillary distance is correct when the left and right fields
of view converge completely into one image.
3.4 Adjusting eyepiece diopter
1) Rotate the 10X objective into position.
2) Rotate the diopter rings on the eyepiece tubes
until its numerical value is the same as your
interpupillary distance, for example, 70 in the
figure (See Fig. 6).
3) Close your left eye and bring the specimen
into focus following the focusing procedures in
3.5.
4) Close your right eye and bring the same
specimen into clear sharp focus by adjusting
the diopter ring on left eyepiece tube only. Do
not use focus knobs at this step.
5) Since both sides are adjustable, you may also
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do the above in the opposite way, in other
words, left eye first and right eye second.
3.5 Focusing Fig.6
1) With the 10X objective in position, raise the mechanical stage using the coarse
focus knob until the specimen is close to the objective.
2) Turn the coarse focus knob until the specimen is in focus.
3) Use the fine focus knob to obtain a sharp image.
4) To get a good focused image, you may need to combine the focus knob adjustment
and interpupillary distance adjustment, along with eyepiece diopter adjustment
stated in 3.3 and 3.4.
5) You may now switch to another magnification objective.
Tips: Focus Stop Lever
To prevent your specimen slide from making contact
with an objective, raise the stage to its highest
position without contacting the 100X objective, then
tighten the focus stop lever (Fig. 7). Give the stage a
tiny extra moving space to ensure the objective can
be focused every time.
3.6 Applying the immersion oil Fig.7
1) Rotate the objective nosepiece to seat the observing position between the 40X and
100X objectives as shown in Fig. 8 (a).
2) Place a drop of immersion oil on the slide cover as shown in Fig. 8 (b).
3) Rotate the objective nosepiece to seat the 100X objective to the observing position
until you hear a click sound.
4) After observing the specimen, use the camera cleaning kit to clean the 100X
objective lens gently and the specimen in time.

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5) If it is hard to clean, you need a little bit alcohol to clean the 100X objective lens and
the specimen.

(a) Fig.8 (b)

Caution (important):
When you use the 100X objective to observe the specimen, you have to finish
observing the specimen with the 4X, 10X, 40X objectives.
When you use the 100X objective to observe the specimen, you have to apply the
immersion oil on the top of the slide cover.
When you apply the immersion oil with the 100X objective, do not let the immersion
oil to contact with the dry objective lenses (especially the 40X). If the immersion oil
is on the dry objectives lens, please use the camera cleaning kit to clean the
objectives lens in time. The oil will damage the dry objective lenses.
After observing the specimen with the 100X objective, clean the 100X objective lens
first.
3.7 Adjusting condenser
1) Turn the condenser focus knob to raise or lower the condenser.
2) Raise the condenser when using high power objectives and lower it when using low
power objectives.
Note:
The centering of the condenser and the light axis of the objective are factory
adjusted. Do not attempt to re-adjust.
The highest position of the condenser has been factory adjusted. Do not attempt to
re-adjust.
3.8 Adjusting iris aperture diaphragm
Swing the iris diaphragm lever (Fig. 9) left or right to
adjust the aperture size.
Note:
The iris diaphragm is designed to adjust the aperture
size, not to adjust the brightness although the
brightness will be changed when it's adjusted. When
aperture is adjusted to smaller size, the contrast will be
increased and the depth of field will be increased as Iris Diaphragm Lever
well. Turn up the intensity of the light if the image is
Fig.9
too dim.

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3.9 Adjusting focus tension
The focus tension has been pre-set at the
factory. If the mechanical stage drops by itself,
rotate the tension adjustment ring (Fig. 10)
situated between the coarse focus knob and
microscope body on the power switch side until
the tension is in maintained.
3.10 Camera (optional, may not included in your
package) Focus Tension Ring
1) Bring the microscope into focus by following the Fig.10
procedures in 3.5.
2) Install the camera by following the procedures in 2.7.
3) Open image observing sofeware to examine (more details see cameras manual).
4) You also can capture images or record live videos through the software, depending
on the functions provided by the software.
Note:
Please refer to the manuals in the cameras CD for the details of installation and
operation of the camera.
3.11 Darkfield condensers observation (optional, may not included in your package)
Please see section 7 (Darkfield Condenser Installation and Operation Instructions)
3.12 Phase contrast kit observation (optional, may not included in your package)
Please see section 8 (Phase Contrast Kit Installation and Operation Instruction)

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4 Specifications

Model M837ZL series

Total Magnification 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X, 2500X
Viewing Head Trinocular, 45inclined, 360swiveling
Interpupillary Distance Sliding adjustment, 2-3/16" ~ 2-15/16" (55mm~75mm)
Diopter Adjustment On both eyepiece tubes
Eyepieces 1 pair of WF10X/18
1 pair of WF25X
Objective Tube Length 160mm
Nosepiece Revolving quadruple
Objectives Achromatic DIN 4X, 10X, 40X(spring), 100X(spring, oil)
Condenser Abbe, NA=1.25, w/ iris diaphragm and filter holder
Rack and pinion adjustment
Focus Mechanism Coaxial coarse and fine focusing knobs on both sides w/
focus stop
Minimum fine focusing adjustment at 0.002mm, range 28mm
Mechanical Stage Double layer, dimension: 5-1/2 x 5-1/2 (140mm x 140mm)
Translational range: 3 x 2 (75mm x 50mm)
Cameras (optional) Refer to the cameras specifications

Darkfield Condensers (optional) Refer to the darkfield condensers specifications

Phase Contrast Kits (optional) Refer to the phase contrast kits specifications

Carrying Case (optional) Refer to the carrying case specifications

Illumination Transmitted, replaceable 3W LED light, variable intensity

Power Supply AC 100V-240V, 50/60HZ (US and Canada plug)
Dimension 7-7/8 x 10-1/4 x 15-3/8 (20cm x 26cm x 39 cm)
Net weight 10 lbs (4.5 kg)

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5 Optional Parts
(The optional parts may be included in some models or sold separately.)
1) Cameras
Model Sensor Resolution Operating System Software

MS Windows
A1502 640 x 480 (0.3MP)
Mac OS X 10.6-10.8

A3513U 1280 x 1024 (1.3MP)

A3520U 1600 x 1200 (2.0MP)

A3530U 2048 x 1536 (3.0MP)

CMOS
USB2.0
A3550U 2592 x 1944 (5.0MP)

A3590U 3488x2616 (9.0MP)

A35100U 3584 x 2748 (10.MP)

MS Windows Included
Mac OS 10.8 and up
A35140U 4096 x 3288 (14.0MP) Linux (2.6 or above)

CCD
A3514UPB 1360 x 1024 (1.4MP)
USB2.0

A3550U3 2560 x 1922 (5.0MP)

A35100U3 3584 x 2746 (10.0MP)

CMOS
USB3.0
A35140U3 4096 x 3286 (14.0MP)

A35180U3 4912 x 3684 (18.0MP)

CPZJ-150R CMOS 2560 x 1920 (5.0MP) N/A N/A

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2) Darkfield Condensers
Darkfield Numerical Mounting
Model Objective
Condenser Aperture Size(diameter)

A191 Dry 0.7-0.9 - 37mm

A191BD Oil 1.36-1.25 - 37mm

Plan 100X/1.25 oil-0.5

A191BOIL Oil 1.36-1.25 160/0.17(spring), w/ iris 37mm
diaphragm

3) Carrying Case
Model Dimension Net Weight

9-7/8" x 11" x 18-1/2"

A187V 2 lb 6 oz (1.1 kg)
(25cm x 28cm x 47cm)

18-1/8" x 13" x 13-3/8"

A185A 10 lb 14 oz (4.93 kg)
46cm x 33cm x 34cm

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4) Phase Contrast Kits
Centering
Model Phase Contrast Objective Condenser Annular Ring Plates
Telescope
Plan achromatic 10X with Five positions:
built-in phase plate 10 for 10X phase contrast
objective
Plan achromatic 20X with
20 for 20X phase contrast
built-in phase plate
objective
A1PHB1 Plan achromatic 40X with 40 for 40X phase contrast
built-in phase plate, spring objective
100 for 100X phase contrast
Plan achromatic 100X with objective
built-in phase plate, spring, oil B for bright field observation,
with iris diaphragm
Achromatic 10X with built-in Five positions:
phase plate 10 for 10X phase contrast
objective
Achromatic 20X with built-in
20 for 20X phase contrast
phase plate
objective
A1PHB3 Achromatic 40X with built-in 40 for 40X phase contrast
phase plate, spring objective
100 for 100X phase contrast Focusing
Achromatic 100X with built-in NA 1.25 objective
phase plate, spring, oil B for bright field observation, adjustable
with iris diaphragm
Achromatic plan 10X with Four positions:
built-in phase plate 10/20 for 10X/20X phase
contrast objective
Achromatic plan 40X with
40 for 40X phase contrast
built-in phase plate, spring
A1PHC2 objective
DF for darkfield observation
BF for brightfield
observation, with iris
diaphragm
Achromatic 10X with built-in 10 for 10X phase contrast
phase plate objective
Achromatic 40X with built-in 40 for 40X phase contrast
A1PHD phase plate, spring objective
100 for 100x phase contrast
Achromatic 100X with built-in objective
phase plate, spring, oil

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6 Troubleshooting Guide
GENERAL PROBLEMS
Problem Cause Solution
No electrical power Check power cord connection
Lamp does not light
LED or power unit dead Replace LED light
when switched on
Fuse blown out Replace fuse

Revolve the nosepiece to click-stop

Darkness at the Revolving nosepiece not in click stop
position by swinging the objective
periphery or uneven position
correctly into the optical path
brightness in the field
of view The light source of the lamp is not at
Adjust the position of the lamp
the center
Dirt or dust on the lens eyepiece,
Dirt or dust on the
condenser, objective, collector lens or Clean the lens with a camera cleaning kit
view
specimen

No slide cover attached to the slide Attach a 0.17mm slide cover

Use a slide cover of the appropriate

Slide cover is too thick or thin
thickness (0.17mm)
Slide may be upside down (specimen Turn slide over so the cover-glass faces
at the bottom) up

Diopter adjustment is not set properly Readjust the diopter settings

Immersion oil is on a dry objective

Check the objectives, clean if necessary
(especially the 40X)
Poor image quality or No immersion oil used with 100X
not able to get Use immersion oil
objective
focused image
Air bubbles in immersion oil Remove bubbles

Condenser aperture is closed or open

Open or close properly
too much

Condenser is positioned too low Position the condenser upward

Specimen rises from stage surface Secure the specimen in the slide holder

Blue filter not used Use daylight blue filter

Adjust the light intensity by rotating the

Lamp intensity is too high or low
intensity control dial
Slippage of focus Increase the tension on the focusing
when using the Tension adjustment is set too low
knobs
coarse focusing knob
Fine focus is Loosen the tension on the focusing
Tension adjustment is set too high
ineffective knobs

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DARKFIELD PROBLEMS

Problem Cause Solution

The light is not on Turn on the light

(A191BOIL, A191BD only) There is no Place a drop of oil on the top lens of
oil in between the condenser top condenser and let it contact the underside
lens and slide of slide
(A191BOIL only) The built-in iris
Adjust the iris diaphragm ring on the
Its totally dark in the diaphragm of 100X objective is not
objective
viewing field in proper position

Lower or raise the condenser slightly to the

position that the specimen is the brightest.
The condenser is not in the right
position (A191BOIL, A191BD only) Make sure the oil
contact the bottom of the slide and the top
of the condenser during the adjustment.

Adjust the intensity dial to increase the

The intensity of lamp is too low
brightness

Lower or raise the condenser slightly to the

position that the specimen is the brightest.
The condenser is not in the right
position (A191BOIL, A191BD only) Make sure the oil
The illumination is
contact the bottom of the slide and the top
insufficient or too
of the condenser during the adjustment.
bright
The condenser is not centered Adjust the translational centering screws to
properly center the condenser
(A191BOIL only) The built-in iris
Turn the iris diaphragm ring on the
diaphragm of 100X objective is not
objective
in proper position
The specimen is not suitable for
Change to brightfield or phase contrast
darkfield observation
(A191BOIL only) The built-in iris
Turn the iris diaphragm ring on the
Image of the diaphragm of 100X objective is not
objective
specimen is not in proper position
clear and lacking in
Lower or raise the condenser slightly to the
sufficient contrast
position that the specimen is the brightest.
The condenser is not in the right
position (A191BOIL , A191BD only) Make sure the oil
contact the bottom of the slide and the top
of the condenser during the adjustment.

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7 Darkfield Condenser Installation and Operation

Instructions
Condenser Lock Condenser Holder
7.1 Dry darkfield condenser of A191 Thumb Screw
1) Mounting the dry darkfield condenser
Loosen the condenser lock thumb screw on the
condenser holder and remove the brightfield
condenser.
Install the dry darkfield condenser and tighten the
condenser lock thumb screw on the condenser
Centering Screws
holder (see Fig. 11).
2) Centering the dry darkfield condenser Fig.11
Turn the 4X objective to the light path.
Turn the condenser focus knob to lower the
condenser till a dark spot showed in the viewing
field as shown in Fig. 12 (a).
Turn the condenser translational centering
screws to move the dark spot to the center as
shown in Fig. 12 (b). (a) (b)
Fig.12
3) Place the slide on the stage.
4) Raise the condenser all the way to the top and lower it a little bit.
5) Following the procedures in this manual to focus and observe.
6) Move the condenser up or down slightly to get the best darkfield viewing.
Note
The dry darkfield condenser is used with the dry objectives only.
The dry darkfield condenser works with the 4X, 10X, 40X objectives.
The dry darkfield condenser wont work with the 100X oil immersion objective.

7.2 Oil darkfield condenser of A191BD, A191BOIL Condenser Lock Condenser Holder
Thumb Screw
1) Mounting the oil darkfield condensers
Loosen the condenser lock thumb screw on the
condenser holder and remove the brightfield
condenser.
Install the oil darkfield condensers and tighten the
condenser lock thumb screw on the condenser
holder (see Fig. 13). Centering Screws
2) Centering the oil darkfield condensers Fig.13
Turn the 40X objective to the light path.
Turn the condenser focus knob to slowly lower and
raise the condenser till a dark spot showed in the
viewing field as shown in Fig. 14 (a).
Turn the condenser translational centering screws
to move the dark spot to the center as shown in
Fig. 14 (b). (a) (b)
Fig.14
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3) When using the 40X objective to observe the specimen
Place the slide on the stage.
Lower the condenser until a sharp brightfield image showing in the viewing field.
Raise the condenser until the darkfield image showing in the viewing field.
4) When using the 100X objective to observe the specimen
Raise the condenser until the top is close to the opening of stage.
Place a drop of immersion oil on the top of condenser.
Place the slide on the stage.
5) Raise the condenser and let the oil drop contact the bottom of the slide. If air
bubbles exist in the oil, clean the oil from the top of the condenser and bottom of
slide with a lens cleaning paper and repeat the procedures.
6) Follow the procedures in this manual to bring the sample on slide in focus and
observe.
7) (A191BOIL Only) When using the 100X oil darkfield objective,
you will need to drop the immersion oil and adjust the iris ring
(Fig. 15) to get proper brightness and contrast of view field.
8) After observing the specimen with 100X objective, use the lens
cleaning paper to gently clean the 100X objective lens, oil
darkfield condenser and the specimen in time.
9) If it is hard to clean, you need a little bit alcohol to clean the 100X Iris Ring
objective lens, oil darkfield condenser and the specimen.
Note Fig.15
When using the 40X objective, you wont need to apply oil drop on the oil
condenser.
When using the 100X objective, the condenser wont work well if no oil drop applied
on the condenser.
When you apply the immersion oil with the 100X objective, do not let the immersion
oil to contact with the dry objective lenses (especially the 40X). If the immersion oil
is on the dry objectives lens, please use the lens cleaning paper to clean the
objectives lens in time. The oil will damage the dry objective lenses.
After observing the specimen with the 100X objective, clean the 100X objective lens
first.

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8 Phase Contrast Kit Installation and Operation

Instructions
8.1 Phase contrast kits of A1PHB1 or A1PHB3:
1) Mounting the phase contrast objectives
a.Take off all the objectives from the nosepiece.
b.Install the phase contrast objectives onto the nosepiece following the steps in 2.3.
2) Mounting the phase contrast condenser/annular ring disk
a.Rotate the nosepiece and set the 4X objective in position.
b.Turn the coarse focus knob to raise the mechanical stage to the highest position
without contacting the 4X objective.
c. Turn the condenser control knob to raise the condenser to the highest position.
d. Loosen the light collector and take it off. 20
e. Loosen the condenser lock thumb screw, pull down
the condenser and take it off.
f. Insert the condenser/annular ring disk into the
condenser holder, and tighten the thumb screw.
g. Insert the light collector back onto the base and turn
until its tightened.
h. Re-adjust the condenser height to its normal
position.
i. Re-adjust the mechanical stage height to its normal
Fig.16
position.
Note:
When raising the mechanical stage, do not make
contact with the objective.
3) Turn the desired objective into light path.
4) Turn the annular ring disk to put the corresponding
ring into light path, i.e. if you are using the 20X
phase contrast objective, you should turn the disk at
20 as shown in Fig. 16. Fig.17
5) Centering the annular ring.
a. Remove one eyepiece from the microscope eyepiece
tube and insert the centering telescope as shown in
Fig. 17.
b. Observe from the telescope. The bright ring and dark
ring should be coincided with each other as shown in
Fig.18 (d).
c. If the ring images are not clear, turn the top of (a) (b)
telescope until both ring images are in focus.
d. If the bright ring is still obscure as in Fig.18 (b), adjust
the condenser focus knob.
e. If the two ring images are not coincided as shown in
Fig.18 (c), hold the ring plate from the bottom of the
annular ring disk and adjust its position until two ring
images are coincided. (c) (d)
Fig.18

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f. Remove the centering telescope and replace it with the eyepiece.
g. Put the specimen on the stage and adjust the illumination, focusing, etc following the
instructions in this manual.
Note:
The phase contrast condenser will be working as a conventional Abbe condenser if
the annular ring disk being put at B position.
6) Performing the phase contrast observation.
After centering the condenser ring plate, perform the phase contrast observation the
same way as a normal bright field microscope.
Note:
When change to another phase contrast objective and corresponding condenser
ring plate, the focusing and centering of bright ring and dark ring should be repeated
following the procedures from 5)-b to 5)-f.

8.2 Phase contrast kit of A1PHC2:

1) Mounting the phase contrast kit
a. Replace the brightfield objective(s) on nosepiece with the phase contrast
objective(s).
b. Rotate the nosepiece and set the 4X objective in position.
c. Turn the coarse focus knob to raise the mechanical stage to the highest position
without contacting the 4X objective.
d. Turn the condenser control knob to raise the condenser to the highest position.
e. Loosen the condenser lock thumb screw (Fig. 19), pull down the condenser and
take it off.
f. Insert the condenser/annular ring disk into the condenser holder, and tighten the
thumb screw (Fig. 19).
g. Re-adjust the condenser height to its normal position.
h. Re-adjust the mechanical stage height to its normal position.
Condenser Lock Thumb Screw

Condenser Holder
Note: Fig.19
There are 2 phase contrast objectives: 10X and 40X, and there are 2 condenser
annular rings on the sliding selector: 10/20 and 40. The corresponding objective,
annular ring and iris diagram must work together, i.e., 40X phase contrast objective
must work with 40 condenser annular ring and iris diagram 40 and so on.

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2) Centering the condenser ring plate
a. Connect the power cord to the microscope and
insert the plug into a power outlet.
b. Turn the desired phase contrast objective into light
path. Slide the sliding selector to the corresponding
annular ring and turn iris diagram corresponding to
the phase contrast objective in the light path. (a) (b)
c. Remove one eyepiece from the microscope
eyepiece tube and insert the centering telescope.
d. Observe from the telescope. The bright ring and
dark ring should be coincided with each other as
shown in Fig. 20 (d).
e. If the ring images are not clear, turn the top of
telescope until both ring images are in focus. (c) (d)
f. If the bright ring is still obscure as in Fig. 20 (b), Fig. 20
adjust the condenser focusing knob.
g. If the two ring images are not coincided as shown in Fig. 20 (c), adjust the two
centering screws on the phase contrast condenser.
h. Remove the centering telescope and replace the eyepiece.
3) Performing the phase contrast observation
Perform the phase contrast observation the same way as a normal brightfield
microscope.
Note:
When change to another phase contrast objective and corresponding condenser
ring plate, the focusing and centering of bright ring and dark ring should be repeated
following the procedures from 2)-b to 2)-h.
4) Performing the darkfield observation
a. Slide the sliding selector to the darkfield position, the condenser will work as a
darkfield condenser.
b. Turn iris diagram to 100.
c. Perform the darkfield observation the same way as a normal brightfield microscope.
Note
The darkfield condenser works with the 4X, 10X, 40X regular
brightfield objectives.
The darkfield condenser does not work with the regular 100X oil
immersion objective.
The darkfield condenser works with the 100X oil darkfield
objective with iris diaphragm AJ100PR (sold separately).
(optional) When using the 100X oil darkfield objective, you will
need to drop the immersion oil on the top of the condenser & on Iris Ring
the top of the specimen, and adjust the iris ring (Fig. 21) to get
proper brightness and contrast of view field. The condenser does
Fig. 21
not work well if no oil drop applied on the condenser.

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(optional) If air bubbles exist in the oil, clean the oil from the top of the condenser,
the top and bottom of slide with a lens cleaning paper.
(optional) When you apply the immersion oil with the 100X objective, do not let the
immersion oil to contact with the dry objective lenses (especially the 40X). If the
immersion oil is on the dry objectives lens, please use the lens cleaning paper to
clean the objectives lens in time. The oil will damage the dry objective lenses.
(optional) After observing the specimen with the 100X objective, use the lens
cleaning paper to gently clean the 100X objective lens, oil darkfield condenser and
the specimen in time.
(optional) If it is hard to clean, you need a little bit alcohol to clean the 100X
objective lens, oil darkfield condenser and the specimen.

8.3 Phase contrast kit of A1PHD:

1) Mounting the phase contrast kit
a. Replace the bright field objective(s) on nosepiece with the
phase contrast objective(s)
b. Thread the condenser ring plate onto the condenser as
shown in Fig.22.
c. Loosen the condenser lock thumb screw as shown in Fig.
23; take off the original condenser from the holder.
Fig.22
d. Insert the phase contrast condenser into the condenser
holder as shown in Fig. 23; tighten the condenser lock
thumb screw.
Condenser Lock Thumb Screw

Condenser Holder
Fig.23
Note:
There are 3 phase contrast objectives: 10X, 40X and 100X, and there are 3
condenser ring plates: 10X, 40X and 100X. The corresponding objective and ring
plate must work together, i.e. 10X phase contrast objective must work with 10X
condenser ring plate, and so on.
2) Centering the condenser ring plate
a. Connect the power cord to the microscope and insert the plug into a power outlet.
b. Turn the desired phase contrast objective into light path.
c. Choose the ring plate that corresponding to the phase contrast objective in light path
and screw it on the condenser.
d. Replace the bright field condenser with the phase contrast condenser with ring plate
on.

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e. Remove one eyepiece from the microscope eyepiece
tube and insert the centering telescope.
f. Turn the light of microscope on and observe from the
telescope.
g. Turn the top of the telescope (Fig.25) until the dark ring
image is in focus. If the dark ring is hard to find, put a
(a) (b)
normal white print paper on the stage and under the
objective then you will see the dark ring as shown in
Fig.24 (a).
h. If the bright ring is still obscure as in Fig.24 (b), raise or
lower the condenser by adjusting the condenser
focusing knob (or the microscope focusing knob if
necessary) till the bright ring is in focus and the dark
ring is visible. (c) (d)
i. If the two ring images are not coincided as shown in Fig.24
Fig.24 (c), adjust the two centering screws on the
condenser ring plate till the two rings are coincided with each
other as shown in Fig.24 (d).
j. Remove the centering telescope and replace it with the
eyepiece.
3) Performing the phase contrast observation
After you center the ring plate, you can perform the phase
contrast observation the same way as a normal bright field
microscope.
Note:
When change to another phase contrast objective and
corresponding condenser ring plate, the focusing and
centering of bright ring and dark ring should be repeated Fig.25
following the procedures from 2)-b to 2)-h.
Tips:
Make the illumination as bright as possible.
The thinner the specimen, the better the image.

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