Richter Optica MDS2 Instructions Manual

Richter Optica

[e-mail]

Instructions for Model:

MDS2

Middle School Microscope

Eyepiece

360° Rotatable Head

Objectives

Stage

Disc

Diaphragm

Light

Revolving

Nosepiece

Carrying Handle

Rack Stop

Stage Clips

Coarse Focus

Fine Focus

Fuse

On/O

Switch

1

Light

Rheostat

Thank you for your purchase of a Richter Optica microscope. The information in this manual is
provided to answer most questions that can arise when operating your microscope and to help you
avoid unnecessary maintenance expenses in the future.

Please carefully read instructions before operating microscope. Nomenclature used to describe

components and controls are identied on opposite page.

UNPACKING

Do not discard styrofoam container or packing materials until you are sure shipment is complete
and undamaged (retain styrofoam shipping container to store your microscope when it is not in
use). Remove all tape and packing material used to protect microscope during shipment. Make

certain lens surfaces do not come in contact with dirt, ngerprints or oil. Damage of lens surfaces

occur when they come in contact with such contaminants, and image quality is reduced.

BEFORE USE

When moving the microscope, use both hands and only lay on at, even surfaces. Damage will

occur by holding the stage, focusing knobs or head when moving the microscope.

For safety, make sure the power switch is always turned to the o position “O” before replacing

the bulb or fuse and wait until both the bulb and bulb holder have cooled down.

Replacement bulb: Single 3w LED bulb. Part # U2-001.

SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT

Avoid placing the instrument in locations exposed to direct sunlight, dust, vibration, high humidity

and where it is dicult to unplug the power supply cord.

MAINTENANCE

1. Wipe lenses only with lens paper.

2. Never disassemble the microscope other than to change the bulb (instructions on page 6).

Disassembling the microscope will aect performance and void warranty.

3. Cover microscope with dust cover provided after each use.

2

ASSEMBLING THE MICROSCOPE

1. EYEPIECE:
Remove the cap from the eyetube and insert the 10x eyepiece into the eyetube.

2. POWER CORD:
Connect the power cord to the wall outlet (110~240V).

3. ADJUST ILLUMINATION:
Turn the main power switch to the on position. Adjust the light intensity by rotating the
rheostat control knob.

GETTING STARTED

1. Coarse & Fine Focusing

Focusing is performed with the coarse and ne focus knobs located on the left and right of

the microscope stand. The direction of vertical movement of the stage corresponds to the
direction the focus knobs are turned.

Never attempt either of the following actions, since doing so will damage the focusing
mechanism:

- Rotating the left or right knob while holding the other stationary.

- Turning the coarse and ne focus knobs further than their limit.

2. Using the Optional Mechanical Stage
Remove the stage clips using a screw driver. Place the pins of the mechanical stage into the
slots on the stage and screw the center screw into the microscope stage. Push the silver

nger of the specimen holder away from you and place the slide into the holder while
holding it open. Once the slide is in place release the silver nger lever. Use the X and Y axis

adjustment knobs to maneuver the slide into the proper position where it is centered above
the light source.

3. Adjust Focusing
Shift the 4x objective into the light path until it clicks into position.

Rotate the coarse focusing knob until the image is clear in the eld of view.
Rotate the ne focus knob to achieve a nely focused image.

4. Adjusting the Disc Diaphragm

The disc diaphragm has 5 dierent sized holes in it to allow light through. Use the largest
hole to let the most light through when using the 4x (lowest) magnication objective. Use the
smallest disc diaphragm hole when using the 40x (highest) objective. Use the mid range size

holes when using the 10x objective lens.

3

TROUBLESHOOTING: Optical

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE

Dust or dirt in eld of view.

Poor image (low contrast or resolution)

Uneven Focus

Focusing is not possible with high magnication

objective lens.

High magnication objective (40x) strikes the

specimen when changing from low to high

magnication.

Eye strain or fatigue.

Dust or dirt on objective, illuminator or
eyepiece.

Disc diaphragm is not set properly.
No cover glass in place.
Too thick or thin cover glass being used.
Greasy residue on eyepiece or lens.
Illumination is set too low.

Mechanical stage is not xed securely to

stage.
Specimen is not secured in position under

stage clips.
Specimen is tilted on the stage.
Slide is upside down.
Cover glass is too thick.

Slide is upside down.

Cover glass is too thick.
Rack stop needs to be adjusted.
Illumination needs to be adjusted with disc

diaphragm and/or rheostat control.

TROUBLESHOOTING: Electrical

PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE

Lamp does not turn on and light up.

Inadequate brightness. Rheostat knob needs adjustment.
Lamp blows out immediately. Incorrect bulb being used.

Lamp ickers.

Power cord not plugged in.
Light is burned out.
Fuse is burned out.

Connector wires are not secured.
Lamp near end of life.
Lamp not securely plugged into socket.

4

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Do Not Disassemble

1. Disassembly may signicantly aect the performance of the instrument, may result in electric
shock or injury, and will void the warranty.

2. Never attempt to dismantle any parts other than described in this manual. If you notice any
malfunction, contact your Richter Optica representative.

Cleaning the Microscope

1. Do not use organic solvents such as ether, alcohol or paint thinner on painted surfaces or
plastic components. Doing so could result in discoloration of surfaces.

2. When cleaning lenses do not use any solvents other than absolute alcohol, as they may
damage lens bonding cement.

3. Do not use petroleum benzene when cleaning components such as lenses.

4. Absolute alcohol and petroleum benzene are highly ammable. Keep away from open ames
and when turning power switch on and o.

5. For stubborn dirt, dampen a piece of gauze with diluted neutral detergent and wipe gently.

When Not In Use

1. When not in use, cover the instrument with a dust cover and store in a place low in humidity
where mold is not likely to form.

2. Proper handling of the microscope will ensure years of trouble free service.

3. If repair becomes necessary, please contact Richter Optica at [e-mail].

5

LED Light Bulb Replacement

1. Unplug the microscope.

2. Unscrew the 4 screws in the corners of the
bottom of the base plate. The screws are
holding rubber feet onto the microscope.
(See image at right).

3. When opening the base take care as wires
will be connected to the microscope frame
and pulling the frame too far from the base
could disconnect wires.

4. The LED bulb has 2 wires soldered to it: a
black wire and a red wire.

5. Unscrew the bulb from its base and remove
the soldered wires.

6. Take the new bulb and located the “+”
symbol next to the bulb joint (see image
below).

7. Solder the red wire to the silver joint next

to the “+” symbol.

8. Solder the black wire to one of the

rectangular silver positions next to a “-”

symbol.

9. Screw the bulb back into place.

10. Replace the base plate and screw the
rubber feed back on.

Black Wire

Red wire solders to this joint

next to the “+” symbol.

Red Wire

6