Turn the coarse/fine focus controls (figure 14a) to adjust the image focus. The larger,
outer knob is used for coarse adjustment, the smaller knob for fine adjustment.
Turning the coarse/fine focus controls raises and lowers the stage vertically. One
complete turn of the fine focusing knob raises or lowers the stage 0.3mm; the smallest
graduation refers to 2 microns of vertical movement. One complete turn of the coarse
focusing knob raises or lowers the stage 3.6mm. To ensure long life, turn the focusing
knobs slowly and uniformly.
The focusing tension control is located just inside of the right-hand focus control knob
(figure 14b). For tighter tension, use the included tension control wrench to turn the
control in a clockwise motion. For looser tension, turn the control in a counterclockwise
motion.
Illuminator Focusing: The condenser can be raised and lowered with the substage
adjustment knob (figure 15a) to focus the light for optimal illumination.
Aperture Iris Diaphragm Adjustment: In order to achieve the best contrast, resolution,
and depth of field, the aperture diaphragm should be set to approximately 70-80% of the
field to match the objective’s numerical aperture. Adjust the aperture iris diaphragm with
the aperture iris diaphragm lever (figure 16a) located at the bottom of the condenser.
Field Iris Diaphragm Adjustment: The field diaphragm (figure 16b) is opened or closed
by rotating the adjustment ring and can be used to limit unwanted peripheral light from
entering the condenser and interfering with the image quality.
The mechanical stage X-Y controls, located underneath the right-hand side of the stage
(figure 14c), provide easy and accurate positioning of the sample. One complete turn
of the longitudinal (X) control (lower half of the stage controls) will move the specimen
34mm left or right. One complete turn of the transverse (Y) control (upper half of the
stage controls) will move the specimen 20mm front or back.
The spring-loaded slide holder can be removed for users who prefer to not use it .
Simply unthread the slide holder knobs (figure 16c), which lock the slide holder on
the stage, and remove the slide holder.
Variable Lighting Control and Power Switch
1
2
7
6
5
4
3
Figure 14
Figure 15
Focusing and Mechanical Stage Mechanisms
The rocker switch located on the right hand side of the microscope (figure 12) turns
the power on or off. To turn the power on press the rocker on the end marked “|”. To
turn the power off press the rocker on the end marked “O”.
10
Operation
All Models
Figure 12
Figure 13
All Models
8
VanGuard 1300 Series microscopes are equipped with a variable lighting control,
located on the left side of the microscope, which allows the user to set the lighting
anywhere between off and full brightness (figure 13). To increase the brightness roll
the wheel towards the front of the microscope.
1
2
Figure 16
[a]
[b]
[c]
[a]
[c]
[a]
[b]
