Van Guard 1400FLi Series, Operation Manual

Page: 11 / 21

Setup
Note: If you purchased a 1482FLi this step completes the setup. Skip ahead to page 13, “Using Your 1400i Series
Microscope”.
11
Aligning the Condenser
Adjustments to the substage condensing system are crucial for proper illumination and performance. There are three basic
adjustments which need to be made: Centering, Vertical Focusing, and Aperture Adjustment.
Figure 15A Figure 15B Figure 15C Figure 15D
1. Centering : The condenser must be centered in the light path to ensure proper light control. A simple method for
centering is as follows:

Rotate the nosepiece until the 10X objective is in the light path.

Raise the substage assembly fully by turning the substage adjustment knob counter-clockwise.

Use the focus controls to focus on a specimen located on the stage.

Open the aperature iris diaphragm to the largest setting by using the aperature iris diaphragm adjustment lever
which extends from the condenser assembly.

While looking into the microscope eyepieces, close the field iris diaphragm to the smallest setting by turning the
uppermost section of the substage illuminator counter-clockwise.

Closing the iris in this manner will reduce the field so that a small white hexagon is visible within a black field (see
figure 15A). Focusing of the hexagon is performed by turning the substage adjustment knob . This white hexagon is the
light which is passing through the field iris and should be centered in the black field. If not, move it to the center (see
figure 15B) by tightening and/or loosening the condenser centering knobs .

Fine tuning can be done by opening the field iris diaphragm until the white hexagon almost fills the entire field (see
figure 15C), and then readjusting (see figure 15D). After centering the condenser open the field iris diaphragm slightly
wider than the field of view.
If the iris isn’t centered in the field of view then use the condenser centering knobs to adjust. You may have to split the
alignment difference between the field iris and the condenser iris to achieve a balance.
2. Vertical Focusing : The condenser can be raised and lowered with the substage adjustment knob to focus the light for
optimal illumination.
3. Aperture Adjustment : The light path can be adjusted with the aperature iris diaphragm adjustment lever located just
below the condenser. Aperture adjustments are made to induce contrast into a specimen, not to adjust light intensity.
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