Home Science Tools MI-4100STD Instruction Manual

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Home Microscope

Instruction Manual for

MI-4100STD – Home Microscope

MI-4100DXL – Home 1000x Microscope

1.800.860.6272

www.homesciencetools.com

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Welcome to an exciting world of

discovery with your new Home Microscope!

This manual will give you a familiarity with the different features on your microscope, how to use them, and how to preserve your investment by proper maintenance and care.

These instructions are for two different models with fluorescent lighting – MI-4100STD and MI-4100DXL. Pages 2-4 will cover the basic features and functions of the MI-4100STD model, most of which are common to both microscopes.

The small microscope icon indicates a feature that is upgraded on the Home 1000x (MI-4100DXL) microscope. Learn about these upgraded features on pages 4-6.

Cleaning

The best optical quality is compromised by dirty lenses. Use a dustcover and clean the lenses regularly to greatly enhance your microscope use.

To clean lens surfaces, remove dust with a soft brush or a can of compressed air. Then moisten a piece of lens paper (our item MIPAPER) with some lens cleaning solution (MILENSCLN). Gently clean the eyepiece, objective lens exterior surface, and condenser using a circular motion. Repeat with a second paper moistened with solution if necessary. Repeat once again with a piece of dry lens paper until the lens is clean and dry. Do not spray lens

cleaner directly on the lens.

Table of Contents

General Microscope Care .................................... 2

Unpacking ......................................................... 2

Cleaning ........................................................... 2

Features & Definitions .......................................... 2

Microscope Diagram ......................................... 2

Description of Components .............................. 3

Installing a Mechanical Stage ........................... 3

Operating Procedure ............................................ 4

Features for MI-4100DXL ..................................... 4

1.25 Abbe Condenser ....................................... 4

Iris Diaphragm .................................................. 5

100x Oil Immersion Objective .......................... 5

Mechanical Stage ............................................. 5

Filters ................................................................ 6

Maintenance ......................................................... 6

Adjusting the Stage Stop .................................. 6

Changing the Bulb ............................................ 6

Adjusting Tension ............................................. 6

Troubleshooting ................................................ 7

Specifications ....................................................... 8

Warranty ............................................................... 8

Features & Definitions

Microscope Diagram

1. Eyepiece

4. Nosepiece

5. Objective Lenses

9. Condenser

10. Disc Diaphragm

2. Rotating Head

3. Arm

7. Stage Stop

6. Stage

8. Stage Clips

General Microscope Care

Unpacking

The Home microscopes are shipped in a two-part Styrofoam case. Keep this case for storage, transport, and shipping. It is perfect packing material should you ever need to send your microscope in for repairs covered by the warranty.

When handling your microscope, always pick it up by the arm. Avoid touching the lens surfaces on the eyepiece or objective lenses, as fingerprints will decrease image quality.

13. Illuminator

On/Off Switch

11. Coarse Focus

12. Fine Focus

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Description of Components

1. Eyepiece: This is the part of the microscope

you look through. It is inclined at a 45º angle for comfortable viewing. It contains a lens that magnifies 10x.

2. Rotating head: The head rotates 360º so

that multiple users can look in the eyepiece comfortably without moving the microscope itself.

3. Arm: The arm not only supports the head

and nosepiece but it is also the best “handle” for picking up and moving the microscope.

4. Nosepiece: This is also called the “objective

turret.” It holds the objective lenses and rotates 360º. Change magnification by turning it until the lens you want to use “clicks” into place.

5. Objective Lenses: These are the lenses

closest to the specimen. The standard objectives are 4x, 10x, and 40x, which multiply with the 10x eyepiece lens to provide magnification levels of 40x, 100x, and 400x. The 4100DXL model also includes a 100x objective for 1000x magnification. The shortest lens has the lowest magnification level, while the longest has the highest. The objectives have the following characteristics:

• They are DIN – they meet an international standard of optical quality.

• They are achromatic – they help prevent color distortion.

• They are parcentered – if you center your slide using one objective, it will still be centered when you move to another objective.

• They are parfocal – if you focus your specimen using one objective, it will stay coarsely focused when you move to another objective (you will still have to adjust the fine focus).

• The 40x and 100x objectives are retractable – the tip containing the lens is spring-loaded to prevent damage to the objective or slide.

• The 100x objective is oil immersion – This is described on page 5.

6. Stage: The stage is the platform that supports the specimen slide below the objective lenses. It moves up and down when you turn the focus knobs, allowing you to control the distance between the slide and the lens. The MI-4100DXL model has an integrated mechanical stage that allows for precision adjustment of the specimen slide.

7. Stage stop: This is a screw with a lock nut located between the stage and the arm of the microscope. It prevents the stage from coming too far up and grinding against the objective lenses. It is also called a “safety rack stop,” and is pre-adjusted by the manufacturer. Instructions for readjusting it manually are on page 6.

8. Stage clips: The stage clips hold the microscope slide in place. Pressing on the end closest to the arm of the scope will lift up the other end allowing you to place your slide underneath. There is a single stage clip on the MI-4100DXL model that is easily adjusted with a lever.

9. Condenser: The MI-4100STD condenser is fixed and the MI-4100DXL condenser has spiral focusing.

10. Diaphragm: The diaphragm controls the amount of light coming through the specimen in order to provide optimum resolution for the objective lens. The MI4100STD has a rotating disc diaphragm under the stage with various-sized holes. The MI-4100DXL has an adjustable iris diaphragm.

11. Coarse focus: The large coarse focus knob is used to raise or lower the stage until the image is in focus. The focus mechanism uses a slip clutch to prevent damage to the gears.

12. Fine focus: The smaller fine focus knob allows more precise image resolving after the image has been brought into focus with the coarse focus knob.

13. Illuminator: The illuminator provides necessary light underneath the stage. It contains a cool, bright, 5-watt fluorescent bulb. Instructions for changing the bulb are on page 6.

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Installing a Mechanical Stage

The MI-4100STD model comes pre-drilled for the addition of an optional mechanical stage (our item MI-MESTAGE). This added feature gives precise slide control for optimal viewing.

Slide clamp

Fixed side

To install the mechanical stage follow these steps:

1. Remove the stage clips with a Phillips #2

screwdriver. The clips are screwed in tightly, so be careful not to strip the screw heads.

2. The mechanical stage attaches to the three

holes that are located between the stage clips. The two pins on the bottom of the

Remove stage clip

with this screw

Slide lever

Right/Left

Front/Back

2. Flip the switch to turn on your microscope's light source and then turn the disc diaphragm to the largest hole (number 5), which allows the greatest amount of light through. On MI-4100DXL, open the iris diaphragm to the fully open position.

3. Rotate the nosepiece to the lowest-power (4x) objective. You will hear a click when it is properly in place. Always start with the lowest power: it is easiest to scan a slide at a low setting, as you have a larger field of view.

4. Turn the coarse focus knob to move the stage down (away) from the objective lens as far as possible.

5. Set a microscope slide (coverslip facing up) in place under the stage clips. A prepared slide works best the first time. (If you do not have a prepared slide, place a strand of colored yarn or thread on a blank slide and place a coverslip over it.) Move the slide until the specimen is under the objective lens.

6. Adjust the larger coarse focus knob until the specimen is in focus. Slowly move the slide to center the specimen under the lens, nudging it with your fingers if necessary.

Holes for adding

mechanical stage

mechanical stage fit into the smaller holes on each side of the threaded hole in the center. Align the pins with these holes and seat the mechanical stage firmly against the microscope stage.

3. Secure the mechanical stage to the microscope stage by tightening the center set screw securely into the center (threaded) hole.

Operating Procedure

Now that you have an overview of how to use each component on your microscope, follow this step-by-step procedure to help you get started using it.

1. Set the microscope on a tabletop or other

flat sturdy surface where you will have plenty of room to work. Plug the power cord into an outlet, making sure that the excess cord is out of the way so no one can trip over it or pull it off of the table.

7. Adjust the small fine focus knob until the specimen is clearly in focus. Then adjust the diaphragm to get the best lighting. Start with the most light and gradually decrease until the specimen image has clear, sharp contrast.

8. Scan the slide (right to left and top to bottom) at low power to get an overview of the specimen (nudge the slide very slowly with your fingers). Then center the part of the specimen you want to view at higher power.

9. Rotate the nosepiece to the 10x for 100x magnification. Refocus using the fine focus knob and view your specimen carefully. Adjust the diaphragm until the image has the best contrast. Repeat with the 40x objective for 400x magnification.

Features for MI-4100DXL

As indicated by the symbol, this model is upgraded from the MI-4100STD. This section describes each feature and how it is used.

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1.25 Abbe Condenser

Unlike the fixed condenser on the MI4100STD model, this condenser on the 4100DXL models is movable. Rotate it using the upper lever under the stage. Moving it clockwise will lower it; counter-clockwise will raise it. In most cases it can be left all the way up, though it may need adjustment when you use a 100x objective lens to achieve a clear image.

Abbe

Condenser

Lever

Iris Diaphragm

Lever

Iris Diaphragm

On the MI-4100DXL model, the iris diaphragm replaces the disc diaphragm. It provides greater control of the amount of light coming through the specimen and optics, thus giving you more precise resolution and contrast for each specimen. The diaphragm adjusts very easily with a sliding control lever instead of a rotating disk. This lever is the lower lever under the stage.

Begin looking at any specimen with the iris diaphragm all the way open (clockwise is open, counter-clockwise is closed). After focusing, reduce the light by moving the lower lever until the specimen is in sharp, clear contrast. As with the disc diaphragm, you will need less light on lower power and more light on higher power. The following table gives suggested opening sizes for each power level:

Objective Diaphragm Opening

4x From fully closed to 1/8 open 10x 1/8 to 1/4 open 40x 1/4 to 1/2 open 100x 1/2 to 3/4 open

100x Oil Immersion Objective

The MI-4100DXL model has an additional 100x objective that provides 1000x magnification. At this magnification it is important to reduce light diffraction to enhance the image quality. This is done by using immersion oil according to the following steps:

1. Lower the stage using the coarse focus

knob.

2. Raise the Abbe Condenser to the highest

position by turning its lever counter-

clockwise. Open the iris diaphragm by turning its lever clockwise.

3. Place one drop of high quality immersion oil (our item MI-IMMOIL) on top of the coverslip. (In some cases, it may be beneficial to place a drop of oil between the condenser and the slide also, but this is usually not necessary for a good image.)

4. Move the 100x objective lens into position, and then slowly move the stage up until the lens makes contact with the oil.

5. Continue focusing with the coarse knob until the color or blurred outline of the specimen appears. Finish focusing with the fine focus knob.

6. Adjust the condenser and diaphragm until you see the specimen in clear, sharp contrast.

7. When you are done, clean all the oil off the lenses and slides using

100x Objective

lens paper and lens cleaning solution (instructions are on page 2 of this manual).

Mechanical Stage

The MI-4100DXL model has a mechanical stage built-in, a component that allows precise movement of the slide on the stage while maintaining relatively good focus. It is ideal for scanning specimens. The mechanical stage has three operating components: the slide clamp arm, the “x” or right/left adjustment knob and the “y” or front/back adjustment knob.

1. Move the small lever on top of the stage to

open the curved slide clamp arm.

2. Carefully place the slide squarely against

the fixed side and back edge of the mechanical stage. Make sure the slide lies flat on the microscope stage.

3. Gently release the small lever allowing the

slide clamp arm to securely hold the specimen slide in place.

4. Move the specimen under the objective lens

by turning the adjustment knobs. The front/back adjustment knob is at the top. It allows precise movement to the front and back of the stage. The right/left adjustment knob is at the bottom, towards the base of the microscope. It allows precise movement to the right and left of the stage. Turn these adjustment knobs without putting any

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pressure on the stage. This will allow you to scan a slide while maintaining fairly good focus.

Filters

The MI-4100DXL model comes with a blue filter that can be placed in the filter holder located below the iris diaphragm. The filter absorbs some of the light from the illuminator and makes the light slightly blue. In some cases this may enhance the image of your specimen, though generally it is not necessary. Use the following procedure to insert the filter:

Locate the tiny filter holder knob underneath the iris diaphragm. Use this to swing the filter holder out from under the diaphragm.

Place the filter in the holder and swing back into place.

Adjust focus and diaphragm normally.

Maintenance

Adjusting the Stage Stop

The stage stop is set at the factory to insure that the stage cannot come up far enough to hit the objective lenses. In normal circumstances you will not have to adjust this. However, if it falls out of adjustment or you are using a thinner slide that cannot be focused, follow these steps:

Loosen the round knurled locking nut by turning it counter-clockwise. You may need to use needle-nose pliers for this.

Loosen the stop screw.

Focus on a standard slide until you obtain a sharp image.

Tighten the stop screw by turning it clockwise until it stops, and then turn it back half a turn.

Stop screw

Locking nut

Changing the Bulb

Your microscope bulb should last for years—approximately 8,000 hours. When it burns out, follow these steps for replacing it:

Obtain the correct 5-watt fluorescent replacement bulb (our item MI-BULB4. Note: some other 5-watt fluorescent bulbs may be too big).

Unplug your microscope from the power supply and allow it to cool before replacing the bulb.

Carefully lay the microscope on its side.

Using a screwdriver, remove the screw from the center of each rubber foot.

Remove the perforated metal plate and gently pull the bulb straight out from the socket.

Replace with a new bulb, then put the perforated metal plate back in place and replace the rubber feet.

Adjusting Tension

Coarse focus tension is pre-adjusted by the manufacturer, but if it falls out of adjustment, the stage will drift down under its own weight and the image will move out of focus. The tension adjustment collar is located between the microscope arm and the coarse focus knob on the right side (when the stage is facing you). To adjust the tension, follow these steps.

To tighten tension, turn the collar clockwise (you can get a better grip by putting a wide rubber band around the collar).

Tighten only enough to keep the stage from drifting downward.

Tension collar

Lock into position by tightening the locking nut.

Note: The higher the stop screw is, the higher the stage will rise.

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Troubleshooting

If you experience difficulty with your microscope, try these troubleshooting techniques:

Problem Possible Reason and Solution

Light fails to operate

1. The AC power cord is not connected. Connect the cord to an outlet.

2. The bulb is burned out. Replace the bulb. (See “Changing the Bulb,” p. 6.)

3. The power source outlet is inoperative. Have a qualified electrician repair the outlet.

4. The incorrect bulb is installed. Replace with the correct bulb.

Light flickers

No image

Unable to focus slide

Poor resolution, image not sharp

1. The bulb is not properly inserted into the socket. Properly insert the bulb.

2. The bulb is about to burn out. Replace the bulb.

3. The connection at the AC outlet is loose. Have a qualified electrician repair the outlet.

Note: The fluorescent bulb typically flickers for 10 to 15 seconds when first turned on. This is normal.

1. The nosepiece is not indexed properly. Move revolving nosepiece until the objective

lens clicks into position.

2. The light is too bright. Adjust the diaphragm.

1. The slide coverslip is too thick. Use 0.17 mm thi

2. The stage drops under its own weight. Adjust tension of coarse focus knob. (See “Adjusting Tension,” p. 6.)

3. The slide is upside down. Place the slide on the stage with the coverslip facing up.

4. The stage stop is not set at the proper position. Adjust the stage stop. (See “Adjusting the Stage Stop,” p. 6.)

1. The condenser, objective, or eyepiece lenses are dirty. Clean the len “Cleaning,” p. 2.)

2. There is too much light. Adjust the diaphragm.

k (No. 1) coverslip.

es. (See

Spots in field

Uneven illumination of field

1. The condenser, objective, or eyepiece lenses are dirty. Clean the len “Cleaning,” p. 2.)

2. The specimen slide is dirty. Clean the slide.

1. The nosepiece is not indexed properly. Move revol

lens clicks into position.

2. The diaphragm is not properly indexed. Adjust the diaphragm to the proper level.

es. (See

ing nosepiece until the objective

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Specifications

Eyepiece

Widefield 10x with 18 mm exit pupil and fully coated optics.

Head

Nosepiece

Objectives

Focusing

Focus Rack

Stage

Mechanical Stage

Condenser

Diaphragm

Illuminator

Monocular, 45° inclined head rotates 360°.

3-hole or 4-hole nosepiece is ball-bearing mounted with positive click stops.

All objectives are DIN achromatic, parfocalled, parcentered, and fully coated.

• 4x, 0.10 N.A., red ring, 4.5 mm field of view, 40x magnification

• 10x, 0.25 N.A., yellow ring, 1.8 mm field of view, 100x magnification

• 40xR, 0.65 N.A., blue ring, 0.45 mm field of view, 400x magnification, retractable

• 100xR, 1.25 N.A., white ring, 0.18 mm field of view, 1000x magnification, retractable, oil

immersion (model MI-4100DXL only)

Separate low position coarse and fine focusing controls with slip clutch, and tension adjustment.

All metal rac

-and-pinion focusing with adjustable stage stop.

Acid and chemical resistant 110 x 120 mm metal stage with stage clips and predrilled for an optional mechanical stage.

Top-position x-y controls provide precise 60 mm movement on the x-axis and 20 mm movement on the y-axis (Model MI-4100DXL only).

Fixed 0.65 N.A. condenser on model MI-4100STD. Adjustable N.A.1.25 Abbe condenser on model MI-4100DXL.

Calibrated 5-hole disc diaphragm on model MI-4100STD. Iris diaphragm with 2 mm to 30 mm diameter opening on model MI-4100DXL.

5-watt fluorescent illuminator with grounded 110 volt cord.

Warranty

Home Science Tools warrants this microscope to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for the life of the instrument. This warranty does not cover light bulbs, batteries, or damage due to misuse, abuse, alterations, or accident. Warranty does not cover lenses that have become inoperable due to excessive dirtiness as a result of misuse or lack of normal maintenance. Any cameras and software supplied with this microscope are under warranty for one year from the date of purchase.

You will need to return your microscope freight prepaid for warranty service to Home Science Tools, or the repair facility we designate. We will repair or replace your microscope at no charge and return it freight prepaid to you. Please call 1-800-860-6272 to arrange warranty service before returning this instrument.

Please note that warranties apply only to the original purchaser and are not transferable.