GX Microscopes Stereo Microscopes

Instructions Please read the instructions carefully before operating

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Introduction Microscopes with two eyepieces each of which links to an objective are known as stereo zoom microscopes, they are sometimes called ‘dissecting’ or ‘inspection’ zoom microscopes. The term ‘stereo’ describes the arrangement of the internal optics whereby each eyepiece views the subject under examination via its own objective. The two objectives are slightly angled. With this optical arrangement it is possible to obtain a high quality magnified view of the subject with a clear impression of depth by virtue of the pair of ‘stereo’ images arriving to your eyes with different angles of view.

Stereo microscopes all share two basic types of microscope heads which are either binocular or trinocular(T). The stands and illumination configurations differentiate the various models.

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Example Microscope Dimensions and Types (Trinocular only shown)

XTL-101T and XTL102T

XTL-103AT

XTL-103BT

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Optical Characteristics Each microscope is supplied with a pair of eyepieces (WF10X as standard), there are a range of different magnification eyepieces available. You may also purchase auxiliary objectives which change the magnification range and working distance of the microscope. Zoom Microscopes The main body of the microscope is equipped with a ‘Zoom Body’ which contains optics which give an overall magnification range eg 0.7X to 4.2X, the magnification is selected using the zoom adjustment knob (see later). Example zoom microscopes are GXM XTL series and GXM PZ series

Dual Magnification Microscopes The main body of the microscope is equipped with a Turret which contains optics which give two magnification ranges eg 2X and 4X or 1X and 3X, the magnification is selected by turning the objective turret at the base of the head. Example dual magnification microscopes are GXM XTC-2/3 series and GXM XTD-2/3 series Single Magnification Microscopes The main body of the microscope is equipped with an insertable pair of objectives typically in a rectangular black holder which contains optics which give single magnifications eg 0.5X or 1X, different objective magnifications can only be selected by inserting a different objective holder at the base of the head. Example single magnification microscopes are XTX-1/2/3/4/5 series and GXM C2-D series

The effect of the eyepieces and objectives is to alter this magnification range, to obtain the total magnification multiply the Objective power (eg 2X) by the Eyepiece power (eg 10X) =20X. The working distance is the approximate distance from the end of the objective to the part of the subject under observation that is in focus. Different power eyepieces do not change the working distance of a microscope. Lower power objectives increase the working distance. Please look at the datasheet associated with your microscope for the magnification and working distance chart.

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GX Microscopes TYPICAL (XTL-101-3) Stereo Zoom Microscope

Microscope Head Common to all models. Binocular

Shown here is the

Microscope Head

Trinocular version

Mounted on an

with the photoport

XTL-101/102 Stand

8

1.

rubber eyeguards

2.

eyepiece

3.

diopter setting adjustment ring

4.

eyepiece tube

5.

binocular head

6.

top lamp power connector (safe low voltage)

7.

trinocular head

8.

photo port with parfocality adjustment ring

9.

optional camera adapter

10. zoom selection knob 11. objectives in main body 12. pillar stand focus ring clamp 13. focus knob on focus ring 14. pillar stand lower height adjustment limiter 15. power connector and socket at rear of stand base 16. power supply (may need change of plug or use of plug adapter) 17. bottom lamp adjustment knob 18. specimen clip 19. stage insert 20. top lamp adjustment knob 21. head clamping screw into focussing ring 22. top lamp cover (caution can get hot) 23. top lamp angle adjustment knob 24. on/off power switch

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INSTALLATION 1. Working environment a. Operating temperature range: 0-40 deg C b. Maximum relative humidity 85%. c. The microscope may be mildewed or damaged in high temperatures or high humidity d. Do not place the microscope in a dusty environment. Please cover it with the dust cover when not in use. 2. Unpacking a. Your microscope is supplied mostly assembled and set up from the factory. b. Remove all items carefully from the polystyrene inserts. Avoid lifting by the attached components or they may be damaged and will be moved out of factory alignment. c. Be careful not to touch the glass surfaces and try to keep the optical components away from dust and dirt, we recommend that cover them while you are assembling other parts of the microscope. d. Remove the principle components from their plastic bags, keep young children and animals away from the bags to avoid risk of suffocation. e. Check mains cable and purchase the appropriate replacement cable or adaptor if necessary. f. Keep all packaging for the safe return of the instrument if necessary. g. Your microscope will have been unpacked and checked at various stages of its manufacture and assembly at our factories and during final dispatch QC at your supplier’s premises, some packaging may appear to have been opened, this is normal and necessary. h. Identify your microscope model

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Assembly i.

j. k. l.

m.

n.

o. p. q.

r. s.

Before assembling any parts examine carefully the connections to understand how they will fit together, you will then be able to connect the parts with less risk of damage. Most of the microscope is supplied preassembled and aligned at our factory, so assembly of the remaining components is simple. Dependant on the model of microscope the stand may be packed separately from the microscope head Ensure that the focusing assembly is attached to the microscope stand and, if necessary, clamped into position. If your microscope has a a pillar stand make sure the pillar stand adjustment limiter securely in place below the focus assembly (also called focusing ring). The focus ring may already be attached. Adjust the height of the focus ring to ensure clearance for the part of the head that will protrude below the ring. If you are attaching the focusing ring to a V series arm stand, assemble the entire stand first. Then remove the knurled ring at the end of the silver head support pillar, slide the focus ring onto the pillar and clamp securely into position. If not already assembled, carefully insert head into focusing ring with eyepiece tubes facing away from the pillar. Tighten clamping screw. Find two of the eyepieces that you wish to use, remove the cap from the eyepiece tubes and insert the eyepieces. Remove dust cap from bottom of microscope body If you have an objective attach it to the bottom of the main body of the head by either screwing onto the thread or sliding into the dovetail fitting (eg C2-D) Attach any necessary plug or power adaptor Plug in the power cable into the base and your microscope is ready to use

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Head

fits

into focus ring Focus ring clamps onto pillar stand here Focus ring (includes focus mechanism and knob)

GX Microscopes XTL-101 binocular stereo zoom

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OPERATION 1. Illumination: Set lamp adjustment knob(s) to lowest intensity and switch on the power, increasing slowly to desired level whilst observing a specimen on the stand through the eyepieces. If you are using a trinocular microscope fitted with a camera, more light may be necessary to obtain a satisfactory picture for the camera. 2. Focusing: Select the highest magnification using the zoom knob. Adjust the height of the microscope on the stand and turn the coarse focus knob until a clear image is obtained. Set the focus knob to about its middle level and adjust the pillar height carefully until a good image is obtained. Turn the zoom control knob and the image should remain in focus throughout the entire magnification range. Make minor height adjustments until the best parfocality is achieved. You will have to have different heights on the stand for different objectives because the working distance is changed. NB It is important to remember when adjusting the focus that the objective should never touch the specimen.

3. Adjusting the eyepieces: Move the eyepieces apart until a comfortable interpupillary distance is found. Look at a focused specimen through one eyepiece, now adjust the diopter ring on the other eyepiece so a focused image is seen through both eyepieces. If supplied, you may wish to attaché the eyeguards. 4. Connecting a camera: Different cameras will require specific camera adapters. Some c-mount cameras will require some c-mount extension rings to be attached for parfocal imaging (in focus through eyepieces at same time as in focus for the camera). The camera adaptor clamps onto the trinocular port of the microscope which is permanently connected to one of the objectives in the main body of the microscope head. You will probably need more light than usual to obtain a clear image to the camera. 5. Using external illumination: There are a variety of illuminators available for use with the microscope. Fiber optic gooseneck illuminators are not connected to the microscope and are simply positioned according to your needs. Fluorescent, LED and fiber optic ring lamps attach to the objective at the base of the main body of the microscope head. You will probably need an auxiliary objective to be attached to give the ring lights something to clamp onto, this depends on the position of the clamping screws. Many ring lights have screws with metal ends which will scratch your

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microscope, to avoid this you can attach tape to the ends of the clamping screws before attaching to the microscope.

MAINTENANCE 1. If any dirt has settled on a lens, wipe it off gently with some lens paper. If alcohol is used, be careful not to let it penetrate through the lenses and dissolve any positioning glue. Any dust settled on the lenses can be blown away with an air blower or wiped off with a clean soft camel hair brush. 2. Whilst cleaning mechanical parts and applying non-corrosive lubricants, take special care not to touch the optical elements, especially the objective lenses. 3. Avoid high temperature. 4. Put objectives and eyepieces into box after using, and keep them in a cool, shady and dry place, free from dust, fumes and moisture. If not stored in a box, cover the microscope with a dust cover. 5. Like other optical instruments, the microscope should be kept out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, free from dust, fumes and moisture. 6. This microscope has been carefully tested and inspected. 7. Changing the lamps – switch off power and disconnect from the mains. Allow lamps to cool before touching. For the top lamp loosen and remove lamp cover, remove bulb and replace. For lower lamp remove the stage insert remove bulb and replace. Do not touch the surface of the new lamps with your fingers.

If you need any assistance or spares please contact GX Microscopes direct (see website for latest contact details www.gxmicroscopes.com ) or contact your local supplier

We hope you enjoy using your microscope, thank you for making this purchase

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