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closest to the specimen. The standard
objectives are 4x, 10x, and 40x, which
multiply with the 10x eyepiece lens to
provide magnification levels of 40x, 100x,
and 400x. The shortest lens has the lowest
magnification level, while the longest has the
highest. The lenses have the following
features:
•
They are
achromatic –
they
help
prevent color distortion.
•
They are
parcentered
– if you center
your slide using one objective, it will
still be centered when you move to
another objective.
•
They are
parfocal
– if you focus your
specimen using one objective, it will
stay coarsely focused when you
move to another objective. (You will
still have to make minor
adjustments.)
•
The 40x objective is
retractable
–
the tip containing the lens is spring-
loaded to prevent damage to the
objective or slide.
5.
Stage
: The stage is the platform that
supports the specimen slide below the
objective lenses. It moves up and down
when you turn the focus knob, allowing you
to get just the right distance between the
slide and the lens.
6.
Stage stop
: This is a screw with a lock nut
located between the stage and the arm of
the microscope. It prevents the stage from
coming too far up and grinding against the
objective lens. It is also called a “safety rack
stop,” and is pre-adjusted by the
manufacturer. Instructions for readjusting it
manually are on page 4.
7.
Stage clips
: The stage clips hold
microscope slides in place. Pressing on the
end closest to the arm of the scope will lift
up the other end, allowing you to place your
slide underneath.
8.
Disc diaphragm
: The diaphragm controls
the amount of light coming through the
specimen in order to provide optimum
resolution for the objective lens. The
diaphragm on this microscope is a rotating
disc under the stage with holes that are
numbered by size; for example, a hole
labeled 6 is 6mm in diameter and a hole
labeled 2 has a diameter of 2mm. Use the
smaller holes for lower magnification and the
larger holes for higher magnification.
9.
Focus knob:
The focus knob is used to
raise or lower the stage until the image is in
focus. The focus mechanism uses a slip
clutch to prevent damage to the gears.
10.
Illuminator:
The illuminator provides light
underneath the stage. The MI-1000STD
contains a 15-watt tungsten bulb. The MI-
1000LED contains an LED bulb and light
intensity control knob located on the base.
This intensity control helps adjust illumination
contrast. Instructions for changing the bulbs
are on page 4.
Power Options for MI-1000LED
The LED Microscope comes with a built-in
rechargeable NiMH battery and charger. The
fully charged battery provides about 24 hours of
totally portable microscope use. The AC adapter
is used to recharge the battery. (The battery
should be fully charged before first use, or use
the adapter.)
Red and green lights on the back of the
microscope indicate charging status. Please
follow these charging guidelines to maintain
maximum battery life for your microscope.
1.
Turn off the illuminator and plug in the AC
adapter.
2.
A red light only indicates the battery is
charging and has less than 70% of full
charge.
3.
Both a red and green light indicates the
battery is charging and has 70-90% of
charge.
4.
A green light only indicates the battery is
fully charged and ready for use.
5.
Typical charging time is 4-8 hours. Do not
charge the battery or leave the AC adapter
plugged in for more than 12 hours.
Operating Procedure
Now that you have an overview of what
each component of your microscope is for, you
can follow this step-by-step procedure to help
you get started using it.
1.
Set your microscope on a table or other flat
surface where you will have plenty of room
to work. Plug the microscope’s power cord
into an outlet, making sure that the excess
cord is out of the way so no one can trip
over it. (The MI-1000LED also operates on
battery power.)
