Unitron MEC4 User Manual

MEC4

INVERTED

METALLURGICAL

MICROSCOPE

MANUAL

'LVWULEXWHGE\

100 Lauman Lane, Suite A, Hicksville, NY 11801
Tel: [phone] | Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.microscopeinternational.com

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

CONTENTS

SAFETY NOTES .................................................................................................................. 3

CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................ 3

INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. 4

UNPACKING AND COMPONENTS ..................................................................................... 4

COMPONENT DIAGRAMS ............................................................................................... 5-6

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM ......................................................................................................... 7

DETAILED ASSEMBLY ................................................................................................... 8-10

OPERATION

ILLUMINATION .........................................................................................................................11

INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE .................................................................................................11

FOCUSING ...............................................................................................................................11

ADJUSTABLE TENSION CONTROL ........................................................................................12

STAGE PLATES ......................................................................................................................12

SELECTING THE LIGHT PATH ................................................................................................13

FIELD DIAPHRAGM .................................................................................................................14

APERTURE DIAPHRAGM ........................................................................................................14

CONDENSER & POLARIZER ...................................................................................................15

FILTERS ...................................................................................................................................16

MOUNTING A MICROSCOPY CAMERA (OPTIONAL) ............................................................17

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................... 18-19

MAINTENANCE.................................................................................................................. 20

SERVICE ............................................................................................................................ 20

WARRANTY ....................................................................................................................... 20

UNITRON

2

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

SAFETY NOTES

1. Open the shipping carton carefully to prevent any accessory, i.e. objectives or eyepieces, from
dropping and being damaged.

2. Do not discard the molded shipping carton; the container should be retained should the microscope
ever require reshipment.

3. Keep the instrument out of direct sunlight, high temperature or humidity, and dusty environments.
Ensure 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. For safety when replacing the LED lamp or fuse, be sure the main switch is off (“O”), remove the
power cord, and replace the LED bulb after the bulb and the lamp house has completely cooled.

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

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 such as
cotton swabs or Q-tips, 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. Store the instrument in a cool, dry environment. Cover the microscope with the dust cover when not
in use.

5. UNITRON® microscopes are precision instruments which require periodic preventative maintenance
to maintain proper performance and to compensate for normal wear. An annual schedule of
preventative maintenance by qualified personnel is highly recommended. Your authorized
UNITRON® distributor can arrange for this service.

UNITRON

3

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of your new UNITRON ® microscope. UNITRON ® microscopes are
engineered and manufactured to the highest quality standards. Your microscope will last a lifetime if
used and maintained properly. UNITRON ® microscopes are carefully assembled, inspected and tested
by our staff of trained technicians in our New York facility. Careful quality control procedures ensure each
microscope is of the highest quality prior to shipment.

UNPACKING AND COMPONENTS

Your microscope arrived packed in a molded shipping carton. Do not discard the carton: the carton
should be retained for reshipment of your microscope if needed. Avoid placing the microscope in dusty
surroundings or in high temperature or humid areas as mold and mildew will form. Carefully remove the
microscope from the EPE foam container by its arm and base and place the microscope on a flat,
vibration-free surface. Check the components against the following standard configuration list:

1. Stand, which includes the supporting arm, focusing mechanism, nosepiece, mechanical stage,
condenser with iris diaphragm, and illumination system.

2. Binocular viewing head

3. Eyepieces as ordered

4. Objectives as ordered

5. Stage plate inserts, green, blue and frosted filters

6. Dust cover

7. 3-prong electric power cord

8. Camera adapters (optional)

Optional accessories such as optional objectives and/or eyepieces, slides sets, etc., are not shipped as
part of the standard equipment. These items, if ordered, are shipped separately.

UNITRON

4

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Binocular

Viewing Head

Light Path

Selection Slider

Coarse/Fine Focus

Adjustment Knobs

Base

Eyepieces

Extension

Stage Plate

Camera/Photo

Port

Metal

Stage Plate

Insert

On/Off

Power Switch

Tension

Adjustment Collar

Mechanical

Stage

Carry

Handle

X/Y Axis

Stage Control

Knobs

Stage

COMPONENTS DIAGRAM

UNITRON

5

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Objective

Nosepiece

Light Intensity

Control Knob

Nosepiece

Ring

Aperture

Diaphragm

Lever

Illuminator

Housing

Fuse

Holder

Analyzer

Power

Jack

Field

Diaphragm

Lever

Condenser

Adjustment

Lever

Field

Diaphragm

Centering

Adjustment

Levers

Coarse/Fine Focus

Adjustment Knobs

COMPONENTS DIAGRAM

UNITRON

6

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

①

②

⑥

⑤

① Objectives
② Mechanical Stage
③ Extension Stage Plate

(Optional)

④ Metal Stage Insert Plate
⑤ Eyepieces
⑥ Power Cord

③

④

ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

The diagram below shows how to assemble the various components. The numbers indicate the order of
assembly. Use the 1.5mm and 2mm hex wrenches that are supplied with your microscope when
required. Be sure to keep these wrenches for changing out components or making adjustments.

When assembling the microscope, make sure that all parts are free of dust and dirt, and avoid scratching
any parts or touching glass surfaces.

UNITRON

7

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

①

②

③

ASSEMBLY

Objectives (Fig. 1 & 2)

To install the objectives:

1. Turn the coarse adjustment knob ① (Fig. 1) until the revolving nosepiece is at its lowest position.

2. Through the opening in the top of the stage, remove the nosepiece cap and thread the lowest
magnification objective ② (Fig. 2) onto the nosepiece opening, then rotate the nosepiece clockwise
and thread the other objectives from low to high magnification.

NOTE: ● Always rotate the nosepiece by using the knurled nosepiece ring (Fig 1, ③).

● Keep the caps on any unused nosepiece openings to prevent dust and dirt from getting

inside.

UNITRON

8

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Extension Stage Plate

Attachable Mechanical Stage

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

Assembly (continued)

Mechanical Stage and Extension Stage Plate (Fig. 3 & 4)

The MEC4 comes with an attachable mechanical stage and an extension stage plate. Both mount
underneath the stage platform with the provided thumb screws.

To install the extension stage plate, gently and carefully lay the microscope on its side as shown (Fig. 3).
Align the thumb screws on the top of the extension plate with the holes on the underside of the stage platform
and tighten.

To install the mechanical stage, gently and carefully lay the microscope on its other side, align the thumbs
screws on the top of the mechanical stage with the holes on the underside of the platform stage and tighten.

NOTE: the mechanical stage can ONLY be positioned on the RIGHT side of the microscope as shown (Fig 4).

UNITRON

9

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

① ① ②

③

Assembly (continued)

Stage Plate (Fig. 5)

Insert the metal stage insert plate ① into the opening on the stage.

Eyepieces (Fig. 6)

Remove the eyetube caps ① and insert the eyepieces② into the eyepiece tubes ③. Lock in the
eyepieces using the supplied 1.5mm hex wrench to tighten the screw on each eyepiece tube.

Power Cord

VOLTAGE CHECK

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

Connecting the Power Cord

Make sure the On/Off Switch is “O” (the off position) before
connecting the power cord.

Insert the power plug into the power jack of the microscope;
make sure the connection is snug.

Plug the power cord into a power supply receptacle.

NOTE: Always use the power cord that came with your microscope. If your power cord becomes
damaged or lost, please call your authorized UNITRON dealer for a replacement.

UNITRON

10

OPERATION

Plug the 3-prong line cord into the microscope and then into a grounded 120V or 220V A.C. electrical outlet.
Usage of a surge suppressor outlet is highly recommended. Turn on “―” the power switch ① (Fig. 7). For
longer bulb life always turn the illuminator variable intensity knob ② to the lowest illumination intensity setting
possible before turning the power on or off.

Fig. 7

Adjusting the Illumination (Fig. 7)

The light level may need adjustment depending upon the
specimen density and objective magnification. Adjust the
light intensity for comfortable viewing by turning the light
intensity control knob clockwise to increase brightness.
Turn counterclockwise to decrease brightness.

Adjusting Interpupillary Distance (Fig. 8)

To adjust the interpupillary distance, hold the left and right
eyetubes while observing a specimen. Rotate the eyetubes
around the central axis until the fields of view of both eyetubes
coincide completely. A complete circle should be seen in the
viewing field when viewing the specimen slide. An improper
adjustment will cause operator fatigue and will disrupt the
objective parfocality.

Where the “●” ① on the eyepiece tube lines up, that is the
number for your interpupillary distance. The range is 54-75mm.
Be sure to write down you interpupillary number for future
operation.

Fig. 8

Adjusting the Focus (Fig. 9)

To ensure that you obtain sharp images with both eyes, (since
eyes vary, especially for those wearing glasses) any eyesight
variation can be corrected in the following manner. Set both
diopter collars ② to “0”. Using your left eye only and the 10X
objective, focus your specimen by adjusting the coarse
adjustment knob. When the image is in view, refine the image
to its sharpest focus by turning the fine adjustment knob.
Rotate the diopter collar to obtain the sharpest focus. To obtain
the same sharp image using your right eye, do not touch the
coarse or fine adjustments. Instead, rotate the right diopter
collar until the sharpest image appears. Repeat several times
to check.

IMPORTANT: do not counter rotate the focusing knobs as this will
cause severe problems and damage to the focusing system.

Fig. 9

②

②

①

②

①

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

UNITRON

11

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Operation (continued)

Adjusting the Focusing Tension (Fig. 10)

If the feel is very heavy when focusing with the focusing knobs
②③, or the specimen leaves the focus plane after focusing,
adjust the tension with the tension adjustment ring ①.

Turn the tension adjustment ring clockwise to loosen or
counterclockwise to tighten according to user preference.

Using the Stage Plates (Fig. 11 & 12)

With the mechanical stage (Fig. 12) and the included
rectangular metal stage plate (Fig. 11), a user can precisely
move the specimen by turning the Y ① and X ② stage
control knobs.

Fig. 10

①

②

Fig. 11

Fig. 12

UNITRON

12

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Operation (continued)

Selecting the Light Path (Fig. 13)

The MEC4 is outfitted with a binocular viewing head
with one photo port for HDMI/digital imaging. You
must select the appropriate light path for observing
specimens.

The light path is set to 100% to the binocular
eyepieces as the default setting at our facilities where
the light path selection slider is set to the “OUT”
position (pushed all the way to the right).

Slide the light path selection slider to the left to the
“IN” position. This will send 20% of the light to the
binocular viewing head and 80% to the top photo port
for HDMI/digital imaging and documentation.

Fig. 13

Light Path

Selection Knob

Light Intensity Ratio

Application

“OUT” Position

100% for binocular observation through
the eyepieces

Dark specimen observation

“IN” Position

20% for binocular eyepieces
80% for top photo port

Observation for digital imaging
and documentation

Light Path

Selection

Slider

UNITRON

13

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Operation (continued)

Adjusting the Field Diaphragm (Fig. 14 & 15)

By limiting the diameter of the light entering the
condenser, the field diaphragm can prevent stray light
and improve the image contrast. When the image is
just on the edge of the field of view, the objective can
show the best performance and obtain the clearest
image.

Move the field diaphragm lever (FS) ① in or out to
adjust the field diaphragm.

The image of the field diaphragm can be seen when
observing through the eyepiece.

Adjust the right and left centering screws ② until the
field diaphragm is centered in the field of view.

Using the Aperture Diaphragm (Fig. 14)

The iris diaphragm determines the numerical aperture
(N.A.) of the illumination system in bright field
observation. When the N.A. of the objective and the
illumination system match, you can obtain higher
image resolution and contrast, as well as an
increased depth of focus.

Move the aperture diaphragm lever (AS) ③ in or out
to adjust the aperture diaphragm.

Fig. 14

①

②

Fig. 15

③

UNITRON

14

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Operation (continued)

Condenser & Polarizer Adjustment

(Fig. 16, 17 & 18)

To adjust the light intensity, loosen the condenser lever
① by turning the knob on the condenser lever
counterclockwise and then move the lever up or down.

With the “Ʌ” ② groove on the bottom, insert the
polarizer into the polarizer slot ③ until you hear it
“click” into place.

With the printed side face up ④ on the analyzer, insert
the 360° analyzer into the slot ⑤ until you hear it “click”
into place.

Fig. 16

Fig. 17

Fig. 18

②

③

①

④

⑤

UNITRON

15

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Operation (continued)

Using Filters

(Fig. 19, 20 & 21)

The MEC4 is equipped with three 32mm filters (blue,
green and frosted), and a three position filter slider
① (Fig. 19) that is inserted into the filter slot ②
(Fig. 20).

The middle position on the filter slider contains the
frosted filter. The other two positions are empty so
that you may insert the green and blue filters into
those positions, or leave one empty for brightfield
observation, (or simply remove the filter slider).

To insert a filter into the filter slider, position the
rounded side as shown ③ (Fig. 19) and simply slide
the filter into place (as shown with the green filter).

NOTE: be sure to keep the filter slider in an upright

position as the green and blue filters when inserted
do not click into place and can slide out if the slider is
turned sideways or upside down.

To insert the filter slider into the filter slot on the
MEC4, you must remove one of the end screws ④
(Fig. 21) by turning it counterclockwise. You may
then insert the filter slider into the filter slot from
either side of the microscope. Once inserted, replace
the end screw by turning it clockwise.

To move a filter into the light path, slide the filter
slider until the desired filter is in the light path.

NOTE: the frosted filter has a “Ʌ” ⑤ groove on the

bottom and you will hear/feel it “click” into place. The

other two positions will be aligned when you push the
filter slider to either end and it stops (as long as the
end screws on the filter slider are in place).

Fig. 19

Fig. 20

Fig. 21

①

②

③

④

⑤

UNITRON

16

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

Operation (continued)

Mounting a Microscopy Camera (Optional)

(Fig. 22)

Installing Couplers

Loosen the lock screw ① and remove the dust cap
② on the photo port ③.

Loosen the lock screw ① until it is flush with the
inside of the photo port.

Remove caps from your CCTV lens ④ and attach
the top opening to the threaded mount on your
camera.

Attach the bottom threaded mount of the CCTV lens
④ (with the mounted camera) onto the photo port ③
and tighten the lock screw ①.

Selecting the Light Path for Observation
With a Camera

Refer to page 12.

Fig. 22

③ ② ①

④

Camera

UNITRON

17

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

PROBLEM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

The illumination is on, but the
field of view is dark.

The bulb is burnt out.

Replace it with a new one

The brightness is set too low

Set it to the appropriate position

Too many filters are in the optical path

Reduce them to the minimum required
number

The edge of the field of view is
obscured or not evenly
illuminated.

The nosepiece is not in the located position

Turn the nosepiece into the position where
you can hear it engaged

the color filter is not inserted fully

Push it in all the way

Dirt or dust is visible in the field
of view

Dirt/dust on the specimen

Replace with a clean specimen

Dirt/dust on the eyepiece

Clean the eyepieces

The image glares

The iris diaphragm is closed too much

Open up the iris diaphragm

Visibility is poor

 Image is not sharp
 Contrast is poor
 Details are indistinct

The objective is not correctly engaged in the
light path

Turn the nosepiece into the engaged position

the aperture diaphragm is opened or stopped
down too far in brightfield observation

adjust the aperture diaphragm properly

The lens (condenser, objective, eyepieces)
are dirty

Clean it thoroughly

One side of the image is
blurred

The objective is not in the center of the light
path

Insure the nosepiece is in the “clicked”

position

The specimen is not correctly mounted on the
stage.

Place the specimen on the stage correctly.

PROBLEM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

The coarse adjustment knob is
too difficult to rotate

The tension adjustment ring is tightened too
much

Loosen it appropriately (p. 12, Fig. 10)
The image goes out of focus

during observation

The tension adjustment collar is too loose

Tighten it appropriately (p. 12, Fig. 10)

TROUBLESHOOTING

Under certain conditions, performance of this unit may be adversely affected by factors other than defects. If a
problem occurs, please review the following list and take remedial action as needed. If you cannot solve the
problem after checking the entire list, please contact your local dealer for assistance.

OPTICAL

MECHANICAL PART

UNITRON

18

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

PROBLEM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

The lamp can’t light

No power to the lamp

Check the power cord is connected correctly

NOTE: Lamp Replacement

The LED illuminator will provide approximately
20,000 hours of illumination under normal use. If
you should need to replace the LED bulb, please
contact an authorized UNITRON service center or
call UNITRON at 1-888-289-2228 for an authorized
service center near you.

The light intensity is not
enough

The light intensity adjustment knob is not set
properly

Adjust the light intensity adjustment knob.
(p. 11, Fig. 7)

The field of view of one eye
does not match that of the
other

The interpupillary distance is not correct

Adjust the interpupillary distance (p. 11, Fig. 8)

The diopter is not right

Adjust the diopter (p. 11, Fig. 9)

Your view is not accustomed to the
microscope observation and widefield
eyepieces

Upon looking into eyepieces, try looking at
the overall field before concentrating on the
specimen range. You may also find it helpful
to look up and into distance for a moment
before looking into the microscope again.

When using a camera and
viewing on a monitor, a
reflection from a window or
indoor lighting is seen in the
image

The stray light entered through the eyepieces
or viewfinder is reflected

Cover both eyepieces to prevent stray light
from entering

TROUBLESHOOTING (continued)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MISCELLANEOUS

UNITRON

19

MEC4 INVERTED METALLURGICAL MICROSCOPE

MAINTENANCE

Please remember to never leave the microscope with any of the objectives or eyepieces removed and
always protect the microscope with the dust cover when not in use.

SERVICE

UNITRON® microscopes are precision instruments which require periodic servicing to keep them
performing properly and to compensate for normal wear. A regular schedule of preventative maintenance
by qualified personnel is highly recommended. Your authorized UNITRON® distributor can arrange for
this service. Should unexpected problems be experienced with your instrument, proceed as follows:

1. Contact the UNITRON® distributor from whom you purchased the microscope. Some

problems can be resolved simply over the telephone.

2. If it is determined that the microscope should be returned to your UNITRON® distributor or to

UNITRON® for warranty repair, pack the instrument in its original Styrofoam shipping carton. If you no
longer have this carton, pack the microscope in a crush-resistant carton with a minimum of three inches
of a shock absorbing material surrounding it to prevent in-transit damage. The microscope should be
wrapped in a plastic bag to prevent Styrofoam dust from damaging the microscope. Always ship the
microscope in an upright position; NEVER SHIP A MICROSCOPE ON ITS SIDE. The microscope or
component should be shipped prepaid and insured.

LIMITED MICROSCOPE WARRANTY

This microscope is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years for
mechanical and optical components and one (1) year for LED bulb and electrical components from the date of
invoice to the original (end user) purchaser. This warranty does not cover damage caused in-transit, misuse,
neglect, abuse or damage resulting from improper servicing or modification by other then UNITRON® approved
service personnel. This warranty does not cover any routine maintenance work or any other work, which is
reasonably expected to be performed by the purchaser. Normal wear is excluded from this warranty. No
responsibility is assumed for unsatisfactory operating performance due to environmental conditions such as
humidity, dust, corrosive chemicals, deposition of oil or other foreign matter, spillage or other conditions beyond the
control of Unitron Ltd. This warranty expressly excludes any liability by Unitron Ltd. for consequential loss or
damage on any grounds, such as (but not limited to) the non-availability to the End User of the product(s) under
warranty or the need to repair work processes. Should any defect in material, workmanship or electronic
component occur under this warranty contact your UNITRON® distributor or UNITRON® at [phone]. This
warranty is limited to the continental United States of America. All items returned for warranty repair must be sent
freight prepaid and insured to Unitron Ltd., 73 Mall Drive, Commack, NY 11725 – USA. All warranty repairs will be
returned freight prepaid to any destination within the continental United States of America. For all foreign warranty
repairs, return freight charges are the responsibility of the individual/company who returned the merchandise for
repair.

UNITRON® is a registered trademark of UNITRON, Ltd., Commack, NY 11725

UNITRON

20