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Iris Diaphragm
Lever
Abbe Condenser
Lever
To install the mechanical stage follow these
steps:
1.
Remove the stage clips with a Phillips #2
screwdriver. The clips are screwed in tightly,
so be careful not to strip the screw heads.
2.
The mechanical stage attaches to the three
holes that are located between the stage clips.
The two pins on the bottom of the mechanical
stage fit into the smaller holes on each side of
the threaded hole in the center. Align the pins
with these holes and seat the mechanical
stage firmly against the microscope stage.
3.
Secure the mechanical stage to the
microscope stage by tightening the center set
screw securely into the center (threaded) hole.
Do not to overtighten or strip the screws.
Operating Procedure
Now that you have an overview of how to use
each component on your microscope, follow this
step-by-step procedure to help you get started
using it.
1.
Set the microscope on a tabletop or other flat
sturdy surface where you will have plenty of
room to work. Plug the power cord into an
outlet, making sure that the excess cord is out
of the way so no one can trip over it or pull it
off of the table.
2.
Flip the switch to turn on your microscope's
light source and then turn the disc diaphragm
to the largest hole (number 5), which allows
the greatest amount of light through. For
advanced models, open the iris diaphragm to
the fully open position.
3.
Rotate the nosepiece to the lowest-power (4x)
objective. You will hear a click when it is
properly in place. Always start with the lowest
power: it is easiest to scan a slide at a low
setting, as you have a larger field of view.
4.
Turn the coarse focus knob to move the stage
down (away) from the objective lens as far as
possible.
5.
Set a microscope slide (coverslip facing up) in
place under the stage clips. A prepared slide
works best when you do this for the first time.
(If you do not have a prepared slide, place a
strand of colored yarn or thread on a blank
slide and place a coverslip over it.) Move the
slide until the specimen is under the objective
lens.
6.
Adjust the larger coarse focus knob until the
specimen is in focus. Slowly move the slide to
center the specimen under the lens, if
necessary, by nudging it with your fingers.
7.
Adjust the small fine focus knob until the
specimen is clearly in focus. Then adjust the
diaphragm to get the best lighting. Start with
the most light and gradually lessen it until the
specimen image has clear, sharp contrast.
8.
Scan the slide (right to left and top to bottom)
at low power to get an overview of the
specimen (nudge the slide very slowly with
your fingers). Then center the part of the
specimen you want to view at higher power.
9.
Rotate the nosepiece to the 10x for 100x
magnification. Refocus using the fine focus
knob and view your specimen carefully. Adjust
the diaphragm again until the image has the
best contrast. Repeat with the 40x objective for
400x magnification.
Features for Advanced Models
As indicated by the
symbol in the
previous pages, this model is upgraded from the
MI-4100LST. This section describes each feature
and how it is used.
1.25 Abbe Condenser
Unlike the fixed
condenser on the
MI-4100LST model,
this condenser on
the other models
is
movable. Rotate it
using the upper lever
under the stage.
Moving it clockwise
will lower it; counter-clockwise will raise it. In most
cases it can be left all the way up, though it may
need adjustment when you use a 100x objective
lens to achieve a clear image.
Iris Diaphragm
The iris diaphragm replaces the disc
diaphragm on the MI-4100LMS, 4100LDH,
4100LXL, and 4100LBH models. It provides
greater control of the amount of light coming
through the specimen and optics, thus giving you
more precise resolution and contrast for each
specimen. The diaphragm adjusts very easily with
a sliding control lever instead of a rotating disk.
This lever is the lower lever under the stage.
Holes for adding
mechanical stage
Remove stage clip
with this screw
