AmScope SM-4 Series Operator's Manual
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(Please Read This Manual Before Using the Microscope)
SM-4 Series
Stereo Microscope
SM-4 Series Stereo Microscope
AmScope Proprietary
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Copyright © 2015 United Scope Inc. DBA AmScope. All rights reserved.
Copyright Notice
This document, which is in draft form and subject to change without notice, is an
unpublished work containing confidential, trade secret information that is
proprietary to AmScope, and is protected by laws pertaining to such materials.
This document, the information in this document and all rights thereto are the
sole and exclusive property of AmScope and are not to be copied, used or
disclosed to anyone, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of
AmScope.
AmScope assumes no liability for any damages incurred, directly or indirectly,
from any errors, omissions or discrepancies between the use of this microscope
and the information contained in this document.
AmScope
Purchasing: 949-333-0001 or 1-888-950-2888 FREE (toll free)
Customer Service: 949-333-0002
Technical Support: 949-333-0004
Shipping: 949-333-0005
Accounting: 949-333-0008
Fax: 949-333-0007
SM-4 Series Stereo Microscope
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Contents
BEFORE USE ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Precautions ........................................................................................................................................... 4
1. MICROSCOPE PARTS ............................................................................................................................... 5
2. OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................. 6
2-1 Unpack ............................................................................................................................................ 6
2-2 Assemble ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Setting up the Specimen .................................................................................................................12
2.4 Focusing .........................................................................................................................................13
2.5 Attaching a Camera .......................................................................................................................17
2.6 Adjusting Focus Tension ................................................................................................................18
2.7 Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................19
3. SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................................................................................................20
3.1 General Model Specifications ........................................................................................................20
4. PARAMETERS .........................................................................................................................................21
4.1 Electrical System ............................................................................................................................21
4.2 Eyetube Parameters .......................................................................................................................21
4.3 Objective Lens Parameters ............................................................................................................21
5. RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ..............................................................................................................22
5.1 Eyepieces .......................................................................................................................................22
5.2 Barlow Lenses ................................................................................................................................22
5.3 Cameras and Accessories ..............................................................................................................23
5.4 Stands .............................................................................................................................................24
5.5 Ring Lights and Illuminators .........................................................................................................25
5.6 Darkfield Condensers ....................................................................................................................25
6. TROUBLESHOOTING ...............................................................................................................................26
6.1 Optical Issues .................................................................................................................................26
6.2 Mechanical Issues ..........................................................................................................................27
6.3 Electrical Issues .............................................................................................................................27
7. GENERAL MICROSCOPY GUIDE..............................................................................................................28
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Before Use
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new AmScope Microscope! This
manual is designed for the SM-4 series microscopes (SM-4B, SM-4T, and
all their variants).
The two base models of this series differ in that the -B models are
binocular (two eyepiece ocular tubes), while the -T models are Trinocular
(two eyepiece ocular tubes with a third port on top for a microscope
camera).
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the features and
functions of your new microscope. If you want more information on
microscope, parts, and accessories, please visit our website at:
www.AmScope.com
We recommend that you study this manual thoroughly before operating
the microscope and that you keep it on hand for future reference. If you
have additional questions or need assistance, please send us an email at:
[email protected]
Please include the microscope model number in your email so that we can
identify your model and provide immediate help.
Precautions
1. As the microscope is a precision instrument, always handle it with care,
avoiding impact or abrupt movement during transportation. Do not
shake the package.
2. Do not place the microscope in direct sunlight or in high heat. Keep it
indoors in a dry and clean place with temperatures between 32°-100° F
(0°-40°C), maximum relative humidity: 85%
3. Avoid touching the lenses on the objective and the eyepiece so that oil
and dirt from your fingerprints do not obstruct your view.
4. Before turning the power on, make sure that the power supply voltage
is consistent with the voltage of your microscope.
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1. Microscope Parts
Stereo Microscope
(Don’t have a good enough photo with a
white background for the graphic.)
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2. Operation
2-1 Unpack
a) Very carefully slide the Styrofoam container out
of the cardboard carton.
b) Lay the Styrofoam container on its side. Make
sure the side labeled up is up. There are two
vertical arrows on the box for direction.
c) Remove the tape.
d) Carefully open the Styrofoam container, avoid
dropping and damaging the optical items.
e) Check the packing list to ensure that all parts
and accessories are intact.
Please note that the packing list can vary depending on which model
you‟ve purchased. Packing lists are generally listed on www.amscope.com
on the microscope‟s details section for your specific model.
2-2 Assemble
Remove the microscope from
the box and remove the plastic
protective covering.
The body of the microscope is
composed of (from bottom
arrow to top) the base and pillar
that comes with your unit, the
focusing rack, and the head
lock screw.
Attach the vertical pillar to the base, the double arm boom stand to the
vertical pillar (securing it with the protective collar and the lock lever).
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2.2.1 Assemble the Boom Stand
1. Insert the pillar into the base stand.
2. Screw in the pillar very securely.
3. The knob on the pillar adjusts the vertical
movement of the arm. Loosen the knob on the
protective collar to move the collar up and down.
4. Adjust the collar to a medium height for
installation.
5. Tighten the knob to secure.
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6. There is a large hole in the sliding section of
the arm. Slide the arm onto the pillar through
the hole. The knob should be closer to the
bottom than the top.
7. The knob on the arm controls the horizontal
movement of the arm. It swings around 360°.
Loosen the knob to adjust. Tighten the knob to
secure.
8. The lever on the arm controls the
horizontal movement of the arm
along the boom. Loosen the knob
to adjust. Tighten the knob to
secure.
2.2.2 Assemble the Focusing Rack
1. Remove the focusing rack pillar from the box.
2. Remove the lock knob.
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3. Put the focusing rack pillar into the horizontal
rack.
4. Unscrew and remove the ridged screw cap
from the focusing rack pillar.
5. Slide the focusing rack up the focusing rack
pillar to the top.
6. Screw the ridged cap back on the focusing
rack pillar to secure. Make sure to tighten
securely.
7. The knob on the back of the focusing
rack controls the horizontal movement
of the focusing rack. Loosen the knob to
adjust. Tighten the knob to secure.
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8. There is a hole on the focusing rack near
the connection to the arm. The hole is for
a lever to control the vertical circular
movement of the focusing rack. To install
the lever, find the two small bolts and
lever from the package.
9. Look for the ridge on the side of the bolt
and insert the bolts into the holes so the
ridges fit over the screws in the hole.
10. Put your hand on the bolt on the far side
so it doesn‟t pop out and screw the lever
into the bolts. Loosen the lever to adjust.
Tighten the lever to secure.
11. Put the microscope head into the focusing
rack and tighten the head lock screw.
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2.2.3 Inserting Eyepieces
1. Remove the eyetube caps.
2. Place the desired eyepieces into
the empty eye/ocular tubes.
3. Be sure to avoid touching the
lenses.
2.2.4 Removing the Objective Lens Housing Cap
Remove the cap from the objective
lens housing. Be careful just to
unscrew the cap at the bottom. Do
not unscrew the objective lens
housing.
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2.2.6 Attaching a Ring Light (Optional Accessory)
Ring lights are a recommended
accessory and are purchased
separately.
1. Loosen the screws on the ring light.
The ring light may be black or white
depending on the model.
1. Screw the ring light adapter into the
bottom of the objective lens
housing.
2. Adjust the screws on the ring light.
3. Securely mount the ring light onto
the adapter.
4. Turn it on and adjust the light.
2.3 Setting up the Specimen
Place the specimen on a flat surface beneath the head of the microscope.
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2.4 Focusing
AmScope‟s SM series microscopes have continuous zoom magnification power
allowing you to change magnification through a range, instead of at fixed stops.
2.4.1 Adjusting the Focusing Rack, Coarsely.
Loosen the lock-screw located
behind the pillar stand.
Move the entire focusing rack
down as far as possible. Move
the rack back up until the
working distance is roughly 4”.
Working Distance is the term
for the distance between the
bottom of the objective lens
and the top of the specimen.
Tighten the focusing rack lock knob to fix the final position.
2.4.2 Adjusting the Focusing Rack, Finely.
When first using the microscope,
remove any Barlow lens.
Adjust the magnification knob to the
lowest setting (0.7X)
Move the microscope‟s focusing knobs
to adjust the height of the unit until at
approximately 4 inches (101mm) away
from the specimen. This should bring
the microscope in focus at 7x.
2.4.3 Parfocal
Under the diopter on the eyetube,
there is a silver ring. The diopter must
be set to just above the ring, so the
image will remain in focus for the
entire magnification range. So, if you
adjust the diopters properly, you will
stay more in focus when you add a
camera or switch objective lenses.
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2.4.4 Focus Each Eye Individually
Focus each eye separately to accommodate individual vision, you
should not need your glasses when using the microscope. Some
models have diopters on both eyepieces. Some models have a diopter
on only one eyepiece.
If you only have one diopter, focus the eyepiece with the diopter
second. If you have diopters on both eyepieces, the order doesn‟t
matter. Adjust the first eyepiece with the focusing knobs and the
second with the diopter. Then you can adjust the diopter on the first
eyepiece, if necessary.
1. Look with one eye through the
eyepiece without the diopter.
Or, if you have two diopters,
select either eyepiece.
2. Close your other eye.
3. Focus the image using the
focusing knobs.
Focus with the diopter.
1. Close the first eye. Open the
other one.
2. Look with the second eye
through the eyepiece with the
diopter.
3. Turn the diopter until the image
is clear. Do not turn the
focusing knob when you are
adjusting the diopter or you will
have difficulty focusing properly.
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2.4.5 Focusing the distance between your eyes.
(The interpupillary distance, the distance between your eye pupils.)
With both eyes open, look into the eyepieces. Adjust the interpupillary
distance by holding the eyetubes and rotating the tubes either towards or
away from each other until only one circle of light is seen by both eyes.
2.4.6 Using a Barlow Lens.
The SM-4 series microscopes have a standard working distance of 4”
(101.6mm). Barlow lenses increase or decrease working distance and
magnification to achieve the desired field of view. These lenses screw
directly onto the objective lens housing.
The SM series microscopes have two standard Barlow Lens options,
the 0.5X and the 2.0X.
The 0.5X Barlow Lens will cut magnification in half,
down to a minimum of 2.0X. The 0.5X Barlow Lens can
have a maximum working distance of 7 inches
(177.8mm).
The 2.0X Barlow Lens doubles magnification and cuts the
working distance down to 1.5 inches (38.1mm).
In practical terms, if you are looking at a coin, you might see the entire coin
with a 0.5X Barlow Lens and a small section of the coin and great detail with
the 2.0X Barlow Lens.
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To install a Barlow Lens, first remove the adapter
and light ring from the bottom of the objective lens
housing, if you are using a ring light.
Screw a Barlow Lens into the bottom of the
objective lens housing.
If you are using a ring light and the
0.5 Barlow Lens, screw the light
ring adapter into the Barlow Lens
and the ring light into the adapter.
The decreased magnification
requires a greater working distance,
so you will need to raise the
focusing rack.
If you are using a ring light and the
2.0 Barlow Lens, the mounting
adapter for the ring light is built into
the lens, so the ring light adapter
isn‟t needed. The increased
magnification requires a shorter
working distance, so you will need
to lower the focusing rack.
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2.5 Attaching a Camera
2.5.1 Binocular Head
1. Remove the eyepiece from the
microscope head.
2. Place the 30mm adapter into the
eyetube.
3. Place the camera into the adapter and
eyetube.
4. Plug one end of the cord into the
camera and the USB end into your
computer.
5. Open up your AmScope Digital Camera
Solution software on your computer
and let it connect to your microscope.
2.5.2 Trinocular Head
The AmScope SM-4T models are uniquely designed so that you can
view the image through the eyepieces and the trinocular port without
removing the camera or using your eyepiece, turning the microscope
into a digital microscope.
This feature allows the images through the microscope‟s eyepieces,
and those displayed on your computer screen or television be viewed
at the same time (you may have a different field of view between the
camera and the eyepieces). Our photo port is a 23mm size.
Remove the photo port cap from the top of the
trinocular port.
Pull the trinocular shutter control lever. This
lever changes the view from the trinocular port
to the left eyetube. Pull it out for trinocular
viewing, push it in for binocular viewing.
Do not turn or unscrew the lever, as that will
remove it, just push or pull.
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1. Place the camera directly into the trinocular
port.
2. Plug one end of the cord into the camera
and the USB end into your computer.
3. To focus through the trinocular port, turn
middle portion of the tube.
4. Open up your AmScope Digital Camera
Solution software on your computer and let
it connect to your microscope.
To focus through the trinocular port (simul-focal models only), simply turn
middle portion of the tube, after focusing the eyepieces. If you have
difficultly focusing them at the same time, adjust the diopter as described
in section 2.4.4.
2.6 Adjusting Focus Tension
To adjust the tension of the
focusing knobs, look for the
focusing knob marked “Tension”.
Find the matching focusing knob
on the other side of the focusing
rack. Always turn the focusing
knobs in opposite directions. If you
are turning one clockwise, turn the
other one counterclockwise.
To tighten tension, turn the focusing knob
marked tension clockwise and the other
focusing knob counterclockwise.
To loosen tension, turn the focusing knob
marked tension counterclockwise and the
other focusing knob clockwise.
Be careful not to loosen the tension too much
or the focusing rack will not stay in place.
Make sure the tension is tight enough to
support the head and any accessories you
may add.
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2.7 Maintenance
2.7.1 No Sun/Heat
Do not place the microscope in direct sunlight or in high heat.
Keep the microscope indoors in a dry and clean place with
temperatures between 32°-100° F (0°-40°C), maximum
relative humidity: 85%.
2.7.2 No Dust
Always keep the microscope covered by the dust cover
when not in use. The glass will attract dust, obscuring your
view. Make sure to keep it in a dry and clean place in order
to prevent rust.
2.7.3 Keep Glass Clean
All glass surfaces must always be kept clean.
Oil and dirt from your fingerprints will obstruct your view.
Fine dust on the optical surface should be blown off using a hand
blower or gently wiped off with a soft lens tissue.
2.7.4 Use an optical lens cleaner
Carefully wipe off oil or fingerprints on lens surfaces using a tissue
moistened with a small amount of 3:7 alcohol to ether mixture.
2.7.5 Do not use lens cleaner on the non-glass parts of the microscope.
Do not use the optical lens cleaning solution to wipe the surfaces of the
other components of the microscope.
All other parts, especially those made of plastic, should be cleaned with
a mild detergent.
2.7.6 Do not touch the glass.
Avoid touching the lenses on the objective and the eyepiece.
2.7.7 Do not take apart the microscope.
Do not assemble or disassemble the microscope‟s electrical
components yourself.
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3. Specifications
3.1 General Model Specifications
Head: 45 degree inclined 360 degree swiveling Trinocular
Eyepieces: 30mm super widefield high-eyepoint WF10X/20
Objective: 0.7-4.5X
Zoom Range: 6.5:1
Maximum Field of View: 1-1/4" (33mm)
Minimum Field of View: 3/16" (4.75mm)
Diopter Adjustment: +/-5dp
Interpupillary Distance: 2-3/16" - 2-15/16"(55-75mm)
Working Distance: 4" (100mm)
Boom Stand: 20" double-arm (overall length: 30"), 17" high pillar, 10-
1/4"x8-1/4"x2-0" solid cast steel base
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4. Parameters
4.1 Electrical System
The florescent ring lights are wide range and operate at 110V/220V.
The LED ring lights are also wide range and operate at 110-240V, 50-
60HZ, auto switching.
4.2 Eyetube Parameters
1. Diopter adjustment: ±5 dp
2. Interpupillary adjustment: 55-75mm.
4.3 Objective Lens Parameters
1. 7X-45X continuous zoom magnification power.
2. Zoom Range: 6.5:1
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5. Recommended Accessories
(Purchase separately. Please visit www.amscope.com and search with SKU #,
for more information.)
5.1 Eyepieces
20X Eyepieces
25X Eyepieces
SKU: EP20X30
SKU: EP25X30
10X w/ Pointer
10X w/ Reticle
SKU: EP10X30P
SKU: EP10X30R
5.2 Barlow Lenses
0.5X Barlow Lens
2.0X Barlow Lens
SKU: SM05
SKU: SM20
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5.3 Cameras and Accessories
Cameras (USB2.0)
To capture images, video, or view live display on a computer (PC/Mac OS
X). Real-Time Live Video Microscope Digital Camera, Reduction Lens,
High Sensitivity Sensor and Deluxe Calibration Kit.
350K
Pixel
1.3 Mega
Pixel
3 Mega
Pixel
5 Mega
Pixel
8 Mega
Pixel
9 Mega
Pixel
10 Mega
Pixel
14 Mega
Pixel
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
MU035
MU130
MU300
MU500
MU800
MU900
MU1000
MU1400
High Speed Cameras (USB3.0)
3 Mega
Pixel
5 Mega
Pixel
10 Mega
Pixel
14 Mega
Pixel
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
SKU:
MU303
MU503
MU1003
MU1403
Calibration Micrometer
Calibrate the camera software for on-screen measurements.
SKU: MR400
Charge-Coupled Device Television
CCD Digital
(VGA, Trinocular Only)
CCD TV/Video
(Trinocular Only)
1920x1080 Full HD HDMI
(Trinocular Only)
SKU: CCD-MT
SKU: CCD-NP
SKU: HD1080
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5.4 Stands
Single Arm
Double Arm
Ball Bearing
SKU: SAW
SKU: DAW
SKU: BBB
Articulating Arm
w/ Clamp
Articulating Arm
w/ Stand
Articulating Stand
w/ Post Clamp
SKU: ASC
SKU: ASB
SKU: APC
Super Large Flat Stand
Dual LED Pillar Stand
Dual LED Track Stand
SKU: TS100-FR
SKU: TS130-LED
SKU: TS130R-LED
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5.5 Ring Lights and Illuminators
56 LED Ring Light
144 LED Ring Light
144 LED Ring Light
SKU: LED-56S
SKU: LED-144A
SKU: LED-144S
Fiber Optic
Ring Illuminator
Fiber Optic
Gooseneck Illuminator
Fiber Optic
Illuminators
SKU: HL250-AR
SKU: HL250-AY
SKU: HL250-BOYS
20W LED Fiber Optic
Illuminator
30W LED Fiber Optic
Illuminator
50W LED Fiber Optic
Illuminator
SKU:LED-20WYR
SKU:LED-30WYR
SKU:LED-50WYR
5.6 Darkfield Condensers
Darkfield Condenser
Darkfield Condenser with Iris
SKU: DK-S
SKU: DK-SI
(Included with all –DK models)
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6. Troubleshooting
6.1 Optical Issues
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
REMEDY
OPTICAL ISSUES
Obstructions are
observed in the field of
view
Stains, dust, or dirt has
accumulated on the specimen.
Clean the slide or use a new specimen if
sample is destroyed.
Stains, dust, or dirt have
accumulated on the lenses.
Clean the objective and eyepiece
lenses.
Unclear Image
Stain or dust has accumulated
on the lens in the inlet of the
head.
Clean the lens with lens cleaner or a
nonabrasive lint free cloth, as well as
spray with compressed air.
The microscope head is not in
the right position to be focused.
Adjust the height of the microscope with
the focusing knob on the focusing rack
until image appears in focus.
Note: Higher magnification will require
the head to move closer, while lower will
require more distance between the
sample and the lens.
One side of the field of
view is dark or the
image moves while
focusing
The specimen is not fixed.
Secure the slide to the stage with clips
or another manner so that the sample
does not move.
The field of view is not
bright enough
The light source is not present.
A light source must be used with this
model micro-scope to view a sample
(ring light, built in illuminator, or
gooseneck illuminator).
The light source is too dim.
The light source used is not bright
enough, or is set at to too low an
intensity setting. Adjust setting to a
higher or change light sources.
Stains, dust, or dirt has
accumulated on the con-
denser, objective, eyepieces,
or base lens.
Thoroughly clean all lenses with lens
cleaner or a lint free nonabrasive cloth.
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6.2 Mechanical Issues
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
REMEDY
MECHANICAL ISSUES
Focus knob does not
turn
The tension knob is too tight.
Loosen it by adjusting the tension by
grabbing both knobs on the focusing
rack and twisting them in opposite
directions.
Stage declines by itself The tension knob is too loose.
Tighten it by adjusting the tension by
grabbing both knobs on the focusing
rack and twisting them in opposite
directions.
The focusing knob
won’t raise/lower the
head
The focusing rack has reached
the maximum travel distance in
either direction.
Move the focusing rack higher or lower
on the pillar, if using a stand with a pillar.
6.3 Electrical Issues
SYMPTOM
CAUSE
REMEDY
ELECTRICAL ISSUES
The bulb flickers.
The bulb is close to burning
out.
Replace the bulb.
The microscope does
not light up.
The microscope is unplugged.
Check the power cable„s plug.
The bulb is not inserted
correctly.
Insert it correctly.
The bulb burned out.
Replace the bulb.
The bulb burns out
frequently.
The voltage is too high.
Use correct power supply.
Used wrong bulb.
Replace w/correct bulb.
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7. General Microscopy Guide
Microscopes come in a wide variety of types with many different features.
Each AmScope model is designed for specific uses and specific users. This
guide will help illustrate what some of the different product variations mean
and why they are useful.
Compound and Stereo Microscopes
The best choice to use a compound or a stereo microscope depends on the
specimen being studied.
Compound microscopes are best for smaller
transparent specimens, like slides and
biological subjects.
Compound microscopes show a two-
dimensional image of the specimen (usually
reversed and upside-down)
The common magnification range of our
compound microscopes is between 40X-
1000X, could be up to 2500X. You need a
minimum of 400X to study cell structure.
Stereo microscopes are best for larger
specimens you cannot see through.
Stereo microscopes show a 3D image.
Three dimensional imaging is perfect for
performing dissections, repairing circuit
boards, studying fossils and gems or
examining any specimen where you want to
use your hands.
The magnification range of our stereo
microscopes is between 2X to 225X.
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Barlow Lens
Barlow lenses screw onto the objective lens housing to
either amplify or reduce the total magnification of the
objective lens.
The SM microscope has two options available--the 0.5x and
the 2.0x. The 0.5x will cut magnification in half down to a
minimum of 3.5x (and double working distance to
approximately 8 inches or 203mm), while the 2.0x will
double your magnification (but half the working distance,
down to 3/32 of an inch or 2.4mm).
Continuous Zoom/Fixed Power
AmScope‟s objective lenses have either fixed power or continuous zoom
objectives.
Continuous zoom microscope
head's have a dial to move
through an entire range of zoom
such as 0.7x-4.5x. To move
through the magnification range
you would adjust the dial
accordingly.
Fixed power objective lenses are
pre-set at certain levels.
Magnification is changed by twisting
the objective lens housing.
Fixed power objective lenses are
more economically priced than
continuous zoom microscopes and
produce specific magnifications.
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Darkfield Condenser Lens
The purpose of the condenser lens is to focus the
light onto the specimen.
A darkfield condenser can offer bright images against
a dark background of otherwise difficult to view
specimens. The darkfield condenser is popular for
gem studies.
Darkfield condenser lenses do not come standard with SM models unless
they have “-DK” in the SKU number.
Dimmers
Controls the amount of light that
escapes from the illumination
source. You can control the top
and bottom lights separately. The
knobs are on the base.
Diopter
A small ring on one of the eyetubes, used to focus
that ocular lens (eyepiece).
When you are focusing a microscope, you focus one
eye at a time. With one eye shut, you focus the
objective lens first, using the focusing knobs. Then
you focus the other eyepiece using the diopter ring.
Eye Guards
Eye Guards fit over the eyepieces, they are for
comfort only.
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Eyepieces
Eyepieces are also called ocular lenses. Eyepieces
come in many magnifications and you replace them
by swapping them out of the eyetubes.
The eyepieces magnify the specimen further from the
first magnification through the objective lens. Each
eyepiece is marked with 2 numbers. The first number is
the magnification and the second is the field of view.
For example, an eyepiece marked WF10/20 has a magnification of 10X
and a field of view of 20mm.
Eyetubes
Eyetubes are also called ocular tubes. Eyetubes house
the eyepieces and camera adapters.
You change eyepeices by removing them from the
eyetubes.
Field of View and Working Distance
Field of view is how much of the specimen you can see
through the eyepiece. The linear field of view of the
eyepiece is divided by the magnification of the objective.
The higher the magnification, the smaller the field of
view.
Working distance is the distance between the bottom of
the objective lens and the stage. You change the
working distance when you use the focusing knob.
Together, working distance and field of view determine
how much of the specimen you see and how closely.
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Focusing Knobs
The focusing knobs focus the objective lens by
changing the distance between the objective lens and
the stage.
When you are focusing a microscope, you focus one
eye at a time. With one eye shut, you focus the
objective lens first, using the focusing knobs.
Gooseneck Illuminator
Illuminator independent of the
unit that allows movement of one
or two necks for controlled
lighting.
Head Lock Screw
The lock screw allows you to adjust the focusing rack.
Loosening the screw allows you to move the
microscope head up and down. Tightening the screw
locks it into place.
Please note that although there are three holes, there is
only one screw.
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Head Types
Monocular
Monocular microscope heads have one eyepiece.
Binocular
Binocular microscope heads have two eyepieces.
Trinocular
Trinocular microscope heads have two eyepieces and a photo
port for a camera. This allows you to look at a specimen with
a camera without removing an eyepiece.
Multi-head
Multi head microscopes are specially designed for
three-person observation. Ideal for teaching and/or
training purposes. It has a binocular head and two
monocular heads.
Simul-Focal
Simul-Focal heads mitigate the amount of re-focusing needed
when you change your view from the eyepieces to the monitor.
Perfect for lectures, teaching demonstrations, clinical
examinations and laboratory applications.
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Lenses
Microscopes have a two lens system, objective and ocular.
Objective Lens
Ocular Lens (Eyepiece)
The Objective Lens is the lens
closest to the specimen or object.
The Ocular Lenses (Eyepieces)
are the lenses closest to the eye.
Light Bulbs-Caution
1. Turn off the microscope when not in use to preserve the life of the bulb.
2. Never touch a light bulb directly, especially when it‟s turned on.
a. The light bulbs can get hot enough to burn skin. Wait until the bulb
has cooled completely before handling it.
b. The oil from your skin will create a hot spot on the bulb which will
damage the glass, dramatically shortening the life of the bulb.
c. When changing light bulbs cover skin with cloth or paper to handle
the bulb. This will protect both you and the bulb.
3. Hot bulbs will not damage the microscope. AmScope‟s microscopes are
designed specifically to handle the heat output of the model‟s bulb.
Lighting
Top Light
Bottom Light
Use the top light for solid
specimens. Top lights shine
down and reflect off specimens.
Use the bottom light for opaque
specimens. Bottom lights shine up
through translucent specimens.
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Lighting-Types
Tungsten
Tungsten light bulbs are the most economical, providing a
reliable source of light. They burn hotter than the other
bulbs, but are the best option for certain microscopes.
Fluorescent
Fluorescent bulbs burn cooler and brighter than tungsten
bulbs. The bulbs are more expensive than tungsten, but
last longer.
LED
LED light bulbs burn the coolest of all the bulbs and last
the longest. The bulbs are also the most expensive.
Depending on use, LED lights should last about 40,000
hours.
Halogen
Halogen light bulbs produce the most amount of light. The
light is very white and concentrated; the bulbs can get very
hot and must be cooled regularly. Depending on use,
halogen light bulbs can last anywhere from 1 week to 6
months.
Fiber Optic
Fiber optical lighting uses a system of flexible transparent
fibers made of plastic or glass. The light is transmitted
between the two ends of the fiber, allowing for greater
illumination in confined spaces.
Magnification
Microscopes have a two lens system. Total Magnification is the power of two
lenses multiplied together.
E.g.: (10x Eyepieces) x (4x Objective) = 40x Total Magnification
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Stage
This is the flat platform on top of the base
that holds the stage plate.
Stage Clips
The stage clips hold the specimen in place.
Not necessary for all specimens.
Stage Plates
Stage plates fit into the opening in the stage. Use the frosted glass stage
plate with the bottom light for transparent specimens. Use the B/W stage
plate with the top light for solid specimens, the black side is for light
specimens and the white side is for dark specimens.
Frosted Glass
White Side
Black Side
of B/W Stage Plate
of B/W Stage Plate
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Stands
Arm/Track Stand
Pillar Stand
Boom Stand
Table Stand
A microscope stand is the physical connector between the microscope body
and the base. The main types are arm/track, pillar, boom and table stands.
Top Light Lamp
A top light illuminator that attaches directly to the top of
the focusing rack pole.
Adjust the light intensity with the dimmer knob on the
base.
Trinocular Port
A trinocular microscope has three viewing ports. There
are two eyepieces and a third 23mm port for
photography and video.