Motic AE2000 BIN, AE2000 TRI, AE2000 Ergo Instruction Manual

1

We are constantly endeavouring to improve our instruments and to adapt them to the requirements of
modern research techniques and testing methods. This involves modification to the mechanical
structure and optical design of our instruments.

Therefore, all descriptions and illustrations in this instruction manual, including all specifications are
subject to change without notice.

2

Content

I. Nomenclature 4

1. Application 4

2. Nomenclature 4

3. Technical data 7

II. Setting-up the Instrument 8

1. Working Environment 8

2. Input voltage and power 8

III. Assembling the Microscope 10

1. Installing the bulb 10

1.1 Halogen bulb 12

1.2 LED module 12

2. Filter Holder 12

3. Mounting the Condenser 13

4. Installing the Objectives 13

5. Mechanical Stage 14

6. Inserting the Eyepieces 15

IV. Microscope Handling 16

1. Interpupillary Distance Adjustment 16

2. Diopter Adjustment 16

3. Coarse and fine focusing 17

4. Coarse focus torque adjustment 17

5. Changing between Halogen and LED illumination 18

6. Brightfield Microscopy 19

7. Phase Contrast Microscopy 19

8. Filter selection 22

9. Auto/Off/On switch function 22

V. Photomicrographic Procedure (Only on AE2000 TRI) 23

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VI. Troubleshooting Table 24

1. Optical and Operating Problems 24

2. Electrical 24

VII. Care and Maintenance 25

1. Lenses and Filters 25

2. Cleaning of Painted or Plastic Components 25

3. When Not in Use 25

4. Warning Label 26

4

I. Nomenclature

1. Application

The new Inverted microscope AE2000 is representing the ideal instrument for living cells
observation and other microbiological samples. Due to our Colour Corrected Infinity Optics (CCIS)
the AE2000 offers superior image quality combined with excellent mechanical performance. Daily
work is facilitated by a number of ergonomic features.

2. Nomenclature

Model AE2000

5

Model AE2000

6

Model AE2000 TRI

Model AE2000 Ergo

7

3. Technical data

Technical data AE2000 BIN AE2000 TRI AE2000 Ergo

Optical system Color Corrected Infinity Optics (CCIS)
Total Magnification 40X - 400X

Eyepiece tubes

360°

Swiveling Siedentopf with upper and lower position: upper position

offers approx. 40 mm extra viewing height

Interpupillary distance: 48 mm to 75 mm

Binocular 45°Inclined Trinocular 45°Inclined Ergo Inclined: 45°± 15°
Eyepiece N-WF 10X(ø20), wide field, high eye point
Nosepiece Quadruple, inclined, sidewards

Stage

Fixed, Dimensions (width x depth): 200 x 239mm

Stage height 192mm

Object guide

Verniers with numerical and alphabetic scale

X direction: numerical scale, readable from right to left

Y direction: alphabetic scale

Objectives

Plan-Achromat 4x, N.A. 0.1, W.D. 12.6mm

Plan-Achromat 10x, N.A. 0.25, W.D. 16.8mm

LWD Plan-Achromat 20x, N.A. 0.3, W.D. 4.7mm

LWD Plan-Achromat 40x, N.A. 0.5, W.D. 3mm

Plan-Achromat PH 4x Ph0, N.A. 0.1, W.D. 12.6mm

Plan-Achromat PH 10x Ph1, N.A. 0.25, W.D. 4.1mm

LWD Plan-Achromat PH 20x Ph2, N.A. 0.3, W.D. 4.7mm

LWD Plan-Achromat PH 40x Ph2, N.A. 0.5, W.D. 3mm

Condenser

N.A. 0.3, W.D. 72mm
N.A. 0.4, W.D. 53mm

N.A. 0.5, W.D. 28mm (in prep.)
Coarse focus 42mm/rot.
Fine focus 0.2mm/rot.
Transmitted
illumination

6V/30W Halogen

3W LED

Dimension: W x D x H 217.5 x 556 x 497mm

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II. Setting-up the Instrument

1. Working Environment

The location should be free from dust, moisture, chemical vapours and from mechanical vibrations.
Don't locate the instrument in bright or direct ambient light, in front of a lamp, or a will-lit bright wall. Best
image will be achieved without significant ambient light.

Environmental specification:

y Indoor use
y Altitude: Max 2000m
y Ambient temperature: 15°C~ 40°C;
y Maximum relative humidity: 75% for temperature up to 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% relative

humidity at 40°C

y Supply voltage fluctuations: Not to exceed ±10% of the normal voltage
y Pollution degree: 2 ( in according with IEC60664)
y Installation/Overvoltage category: 2 (in according with IEC60664)
y Air Pressure of 75kPa to 106 kPa

2. Input voltage and power

Automatic voltage selection works with electrical outlets worldwide. It is advised to always use a power
cord that is rated for the voltage used in your area and that has been approved to meet local safety
standards. Using the wrong power cord could cause fire or equipment damage.

In order to prevent electric fluctuation to the instrument electrics, always turn the power switch on the
instrument off before connecting the power cord.

This equipment must be used with UL60950-1 Listed power supply (E246759), MFR: LI TONG
ELECTRONICS CO., LTD. Model: LTE50E.S2.3.

y Input Voltage: 12VDC
y Input Power: 48W

y Power adaptor input rating: 100-240Vac, 47-63Hz, 1A

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Attention: The plug of the power adaptor is the "disconnect device" for whole unit. To save energy we

recommend to unplug the instrument when not in use.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

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III. Assembling the Microscope

1. Installing the bulb

y In order to prevent electric shock always turn the power switch off (Fig.1) and unplug the power
cord (Fig.2) before replacing the bulb.
y To remove lamphouse cover, press down lightly (1) and rotate counter clockwise (2). (Fig.3)

Power Switch (Fig.1) Power Cord (Fig.2)

Lamp house Cover (Fig.3)

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y Firmly insert the bulb into the socket pinholes (Fig.4) until it reaches the limit, be careful not to tilt
the lamp when mounting. (Fig.5)

(Fig.4) (Fig.5)

(Halogen Bulb)

y When installing the halogen bulb, be careful not to touch the glass surface of the bulb with bare
fingers to avoid fingerprints, grease, etc. Surface pollution can burn the bulb and reduce the
illumination provided by bulb. If surface is contaminated, wipe it clean using lens tissue or
soft cotton.

(Fig.6) (Fig.7)

(LED module)

y Firmly insert the LED module into the socket pinholes until it reaches the limit. This is a Motic patent
design to exchange LED module and halogen bulb on the same socket directly.
y After the LED module installation (Fig.6), secure it with the clamp screw by 1.5mm hexagonal
screwdriver supplied with the microscope. (Fig.7)
y Return lamphouse cover to original position and rotate clockwise to lock into place. The white paint
marked on the cover should face the user. (Fig.8)

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(Fig.8)

1.1 Halogen bulb
The quartz halogen bulb, used as a light source, has higher luminance and colour temperature than

conventional tungsten lamps. The luminance of halogen bulb is approximately four times brighter than the
conventional tungsten lamps.

As long as the lamp voltage is kept constant, the halogen lamp maintains the same level of brightness
and colour temperature regardless of whether it is new or nearing the end of its life span.

1.2 LED module
The LED module is specially designed to be inserted into halogen bulb socket directly converting
halogen illumination to LED illumination.

LED is more economical and environmental friendly and

combines the advantages of low heat and long life span.

2. Filter Holder

(Fig.9) (Fig.10)

y Filter holder is located under the lamphouse (Fig.9) for easy replacement of the filter. (Fig.10)

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3. Mounting the Condenser

y Mount the condenser on the dovetail mount of the condenser holder (Fig.11) with the aperture
diaphragm lever facing the front. Secure it with the clamp screw by the 2.5mm hexagonal
screwdriver (supplied with the microscope; Fig.12)

(Fig.11) (Fig.12)

y If Phase contrast is to be used, insert the Phase slider into the slot of the condenser.
The centering screws of Phase slider have to face the front side. (Fig.13)

(Fig.13)

4. Installing the Objectives

y Remove the stage insert from the stage. (Fig.14)
y Screw in the objectives in the nosepiece thread holes in a manner that the magnification increases

with clockwise rotation of the revolving nosepiece. (Fig.15)
y Place back the stage insert.

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(Fig.14) (Fig.15)

5. Mechanical Stage

y An attachable mechanical stage is available as an option. This stage allows the precise

X/Y

movement of common vessels for cell culture. For choosing the respective vessel carrier, please
contact your local Motic supplier.
y Secure the mechanical stage to the AE2000 plain stage using the two mounting screws (Fig.16)
located beneath the stage on the right side (user facing the front of the instrument).

(Fig.16)

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6. Inserting the Eyepieces

y Remove the dust caps from the eyepiece tubes.
y Use the same magnification eyepieces for both the eyes.
y Insert each eyepiece into the eyepiece sleeve by a twisting movement. (Fig.17)
y Should the rubber eye guards are to be used,fit them in the groove around the eyepiece.

(Fig.17)

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IV. Microscope Handling

1. Interpupillary Distance Adjustment

y Before adjusting the interpupillary distance, bring a specimen into focus using the 10x objective.
y Adjust the interpupillary distance so that both the right and left field of view become one. This

adjustment will enable the user to observe the specimen with both eyes.

2. Diopter Adjustment

y Diopter adjustment compensates for the differences in vision between the left and right eyes. In
addition to making observation through both eyes easier, this adjustment also reduces the extent to
which focusing is lost when the objective magnification is changed. In particular, this occurs when a
low magnification objective is used.

y Set the diopter on both eyepieces to the “0” position.
y Swing in the 10x objective, focus with one eye only (as everybody has got a “strong” eye, use this

one for this first focussing).

(Fig.18) (Fig.19)

y When in focus, close this eye and use the other one. Focus by only using the diopter ring on the
respective eyepiece, do not use the coarse/fine knob!

y Change to a higher magnification and repeat the complete procedure
y As the focus depth is less in high magnification lenses, a precise adjustment of the diopters here is

easier. Keep this final diopter position for all lenses.

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3．Coarse and fine focusing

y For focusing of the instrument please use the coarse and fine focus knobs on the left and right side
of the microscope stand.
y The direction of vertical movement of the revolving nosepiece corresponds to the turning direction
of the focus knobs.
y One full rotation of the fine focus knob moves the nosepiece 0.2mm in z-direction. One scale unit
on the fine focus knob equals 2 microns.

Please avoid following action:

y Never attempt either of the following actions, since doing so will damage the focusing mechanism.
y Rotate the left or right knob while holding the other.
y Turning the coarse and fine focus knobs further than their limit.

4. Coarse focus torque adjustment

y To increase the torque, turn the torque adjustment ring located behind the left-hand coarse focus in
the direction of the arrow. To reduce the torque, turn the ring in the direction opposite.

(Fig.20)

1. Coarse Focus Torque Adjustment Ring 2. Coarse Focus 3. Fine Focus

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5. Changing between Halogen and LED illumination

y Attention:
Unplug the plug-in power unit from the microscope to avoid any risk of electric shock. Before
replacing the bulb/changing to LED please wait for a sufficient cool-down time of the bulb.
y Press down lightly the lamp house cover and rotate it counter clockwise for removal. (Fig.21)

(Fig.21)

y Remove the bulb from the socket pinholes.

Halogen bulb (Fig.22) LED (Fig.23)

y Installing the new bulb into the socket pinholes, until it reaches the limited, be careful not to tilt it
when mounting.
y If installing the halogen bulb, do not touch the glass surface of the lamp with bare fingers. Doing so
will cause fingerprints, grease, etc., to burn onto the lamp surface, reducing the illumination
provided by the bulb. If surface is contaminated, wipe it clean using lens or soft cotton.
y Return lamphouse cover to original position and rotate clockwise to lock into place. The white paint
marked on the cover should face the user.
y The halogen bulb holder can be used also for the LED module without modification.

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6. Brightfield Microscopy

y Set the Phase slider to the centre position (in standard configuration this position does not contain
an illumination annulus) (Fig 24). In case all 3 positions of the slider are occupied due to personal
setup of the microscope, pull out the complete slider.

y Bring the specimen into focus.
y The aperture diaphragm of the condenser is needed for adjusting the numerical aperture (N.A.) of

the illumination.
y Closing the aperture diaphragm will lower the resolution and brightness but increase the contrast
and depth of focus. An image with appropriate contrast in most cases can be obtained with an
aperture diaphragm closed down to 2/3.

(Fig.24)

7. Phase Contrast Microscopy

y Phase contrast objectives are labelled “Ph”: Ph0; Ph1; Ph2.
y For using phase contrast, be sure to use the annular ring in the slider has the same phase label as

the objective:
Ph0: Objective 4x
Ph1: Objective 10x/20x/40x
Ph2: Objectives 20x/40x
y Always open the aperture diaphragm completely. If the aperture diaphragm is closed, it will obstruct
the annular diaphragm and the phase contrast effect cannot be obtained.

y Bring the 10x (Ph1) objective into optical path.
y Position the Phase annular diaphragm slider to Ph1.

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y Remove one eyepiece from the eyepiece tube and insert the phase centering telescope instead.
(Fig.25)
y Loosen the fixing screw on the centering telescope. By pulling out the inner part of the centering
telescope, you may focus on a dark ring inside the phase contrast objective (this circular phase
plate is responsible for the phase effect).
Simultaneously, you will realize the image of the illumination annulus which is projected into the
same “back focal plane” by the condenser.

(Fig.25)

y If the objective phase plate and the illumination annulus do not coincide, use the two allen keys
(1.5mm) supplied with the microscope (Fig.26). Insert the keys into the countersunk screws. Turn
the keys to move the illumination annulus in the slider until the image of the illumination annulus is
concentric with the phase plate (Fig.27).
y This complete procedure has to be performed for the respective phase lens/illumination ring
combinations.
y If the image of the illumination ring is diverging from the phase plate in the objective, a low phase
contrast image will result.
y For construction reasons the phase rings in the different objectives are located in different levels
(“back focal planes”). So for each objective you will have to focus again with the centering telescope.

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(Fig.26) (Fig.27)

y To achieve maximum contrast in phase contrast a Green Interference filter is recommended. It may
be inserted in the filter mount of the condenser carrier.
y To insert/replace an annular diaphragm take care the diaphragm has got the correct orientation
(Fig.28). Push the diaphragm against the flexible filament until it fits in the hole (Fig.29). If
necessary, use the allen keys to bring the annulus to the center of the hole. A fine adjustment will
be don e by using the centering telescope (see above).

Fig 28 Fig 29

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8. Filter selection

Filter holder can hold two filters

Filter type Procedure

ND (Neutral Density) filter For intensity adjustment in photomicrography
GIF (Green Interference) filter 546nm

For phase contrast and contrast adjustment with
black and white film

Blue filter

For general microscopy and colour
photomicrography

9. Auto/Off/On switch function

(Fig.30)

y The power control knob is located above the left focusing knob
y When “auto” is selected, the blue pilot lamp indicates that an IR-sensor is activated (Fig.30). If no

user is detected in front of the microscope, the microscope illumination will automatically switch off
after 15 minutes.
When the user returns, the illumination will start again.

* Never attempt to switch directly between "on" and "auto".
The buffer "off" is necessary between auto power off mode and normal mode.

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V. Photomicrographic Procedure (Only on AE2000 TRI)

y To ensure vibration free operation, set the microscope on a sturdy vibration free table or a bench
with a vibration proof device.
y Turn the beam splitter knob of the eyepiece tube to the “photo position” (Fig.31). The photo exit is
activated, 80% of the light will enter the camera.
y Select a blue filter for routine application. An additional colour-compensating filter can also be used
depending on the colour rendition.
y A change of depth of focus, contrast and resolution of image is attainable with an aperture setting of
about 2/3 maximum. Fine setting of the condenser aperture is depending on the individual sample.
y For photomicrographic procedures, refer to the manual of the specific camera being used.

Fig.31

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VI. Troubleshooting Table

As you use your microscope, you may occasionally experience a problem. The troubleshooting table
below contains the most frequently encountered problems and their possible causes.

1. Optical and Operating Problems
Problem Possible Cause

Vignetting or uneven brightness in the field
of view or field of view only partially visible

Bulb not installed properly
Filter slider in intermediate position
Phase slider not in click-stop position
Incorrect condenser mounting
Aperture diaphragm closed too far
Revolving nosepiece not clicked into position

Beam splitter knob not clicked into position
(Mod. AE2000 trinocular only)

Dust or dirt in field of view

Aperture diaphragm closed too far
Dust or dirt on specimen’s surface

Inadequate image quality

Brightfield objective used with Phase illumination
Annular ring does not fit to objective phase ring
Annular ring has to be readjusted

Eye strain or fatigue

Interpupillary distance not adjusted
Diopter adjustment not made
Inadequate illumination

2. Electrical
Problem Possible Cause

Lamp does not light

Power supply not plugged in
Lamp not installed
User left more than 15 minutes under auto mode

Lamp burnt out
Inadequate brightness Specified lamp not being used
Lamp blows out immediately Specified lamp not being used

Lamp flickers

Connectors are not securely connected

Lamp near end of life time

Lamp not securely plugged into socket

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VII. Care and Maintenance

1. Lenses and Filters

y

To clean lens surfaces or filters, first remove dust using an air blower. If dust still persists, use a soft /

clean brush or gauze.

y A soft gauze or lens tissue lightly moistened with the mixture of alcohol and ether ( ratio: alcohol : 3 and

ether: 7) should only be used to remove grease or fingerprints.

y Use the mixture of alcohol and ether ( ratio : alcohol : 3 and ether: 7) only to remove immersion oil from

objective lenses.

y Because the mixture of alcohol and ether ( ratio : alcohol : 3 and ether: 7) is highly flammable, be careful

handling around open flame.

y Do not use same area of gauze or lens tissue to wipe more than once.

2. Cleaning of Painted or Plastic Components

y

Do not use organic solvents (thinners, alcohol, ether, etc.). Doing so could result in discolouration or in

the peeling of paint.

y For stubborn dirt, moisten a piece of gauze with diluted detergent and wipe clean.
y For plastic components, only moisten a piece of gauze with water and wipe clean.

3. When Not in Use

y When not in use, cover the instrument with vinyl dust cover and store in a place low in humidity
where mould is not likely to form.
　 Store the objectives, eyepieces and filters in a container or desiccator with drying agent.

Note:

If equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
guarantee terms may be impaired.

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4. Warning Label

The following warning symbols are found on the microscope. Study the meaning of the warning
symbols and always use the equipment in the safest possible manner.

Warning Label / Symbol Explanation

Indicates that the surface becomes hot, and
should not be touched with bare hands.

CAUTION! Risk of danger. (See user manual)

Proper handling of the microscope will ensure years of trouble free service.
If repair become necessary, please contact your Motic agency or our Technical Service directly.