National 104-LED Instructions For Use Manual

National Optical & Scientific Instruments Inc.

11113 Landmark 35 Drive

San Antonio, Texas 78233

Phone (210) 590-9010 Fax (210) 590-1104

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

MODEL 104-LED

ELEMENTARY COMPOUND MICROSCOPE

Copyright © 12/4/02

National Optical & Scientific Instrument Inc.

Ocular lens (eyepiece)

Eyepiece tube

Objective turret

(nosepiece)

Objective lens

Stage clips

Stag

Disc diaphragm

Illuminator housing

Illuminator switch

Arm

Stage stop screw

Stage stop locking nut

Focusing knob

Base

AC Adapter Jack

(Adapter optional)

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of a National microscope, It is a well built, precision instrument and carefully checked to assure that it reaches you in good condition. It is designed for ease of operation and years of carefree use. The information in this manual probably far exceeds what you will need to know in order to operate and maintain your microscope. However, it is provided to answer questions which might arise, and to help you avoid any maintenance expense that may be unnecessary.

Carefully read instructions before operating microscope. Nomenclature used to describe components and controls are identified on opposite page of the manual.

UNPACKING THE MICROSCOPE

Do not discard Styrofoam container or packing materials. Save in case instrument needs to be transported or shipped for repairs. Remove microscope, dustcover, 0.90 mm “L” type hex key wrench and warranty card from container. Remove all tape and packing material used to protect microscope during shipment. Make certain lens surfaces do not come in contact with dirt, fingerprints or oil. Damage of lens surfaces occurs when they come in contact with such contaminants, and image quality is reduced.

DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENTS

A. OCULAR LENS (eyepiece): Lens closest to the eye, magnifies the primary image formed by the objective lens. The inclined eyepiece is equipped with a “pointer” that rotates as the eyepiece is rotated.

B. OBJECTIVE LENS: Lens closest to the specimen, forms the first magnified image of the specimen.

C. OBJECTIVE TURRET (nosepiece): Revolving turret designed to hold objective lenses, permits changes of magnification by rotating different powered objective lenses into optical path.

D. STAGE CLIPS: Two locked-on clips hold specimen slide in place on stage.

E. STAGE: Platform of the microscope where the specimen slide is placed. Stage has a special built-in diffuser lens.

F. DISC DIAPHRAGM: Rotating disc located below stage, with 5 or 6 holes of various apertures, designed to help achieve optimum resolution of the objective lens. Smaller apertures used for lower magnifications and larger apertures used for higher magnifications.

G. SAFETY STAGE STOP: When properly adjusted, controls maximum upward travel of stage while focusing, prevents higher power objectives from breaking specimen slides, prevents damage to objective lenses. This safety stage stop has been pre-adjusted at the factory.

H. FOCUSING KNOBS: Focusing knobs located on each side of arm, when turned, raise or lower stage to bring specimen into focus.

I. ILLUMINATION: Built-in substage electric LED illuminator provides constant, pre-focused illumination equal to 20 watt tungsten bulb. Powered by 3 each AA Alkaline batteries, no power outlet or electrical cord is needed.

OPERATION OF MICROSCOPE

A. Always carry microscope by grasping arm with one hand and placing other hand under base.

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B. Place microscope directly in front of you in a manner which permits you to comfortably look into the eyepiece. Note that the head of the microscope rotates 360

°

, permitting you to operate the microscope from the front or the back, whichever is most convenient. Most users will position the microscope with the arm facing you so that focusing knobs are most convenient to reach.

C. First, assure that light is available for illumination the specimen.

1. Your microscope has special LED illumination that is powered by 3 disposable AA Alkaline batteries (supplied). These batteries provide up to 150 hours of use. To replace batteries simply open easy-access door in base of microscope, insert 3 new AA Alkaline batteries. An optional

(not supplied) AC adapter is available to permit use of microscope with standard electric power.

The LED component (bulb) will last for up to 50,000 hours before replacement is required.

2. Flip switch located on base to ON position.

3. In case of equipment malfunction, see Troubleshooting procedures located at the back of this manual.

D. Rotate focus knobs to move stage down (away) from objectives as far as possible.

E. Place specimen slide, cover slip facing up, on stage with specimen centered over lens in middle of stage.

F. Rotate disc diaphragm to position the largest aperture under the hole in center of stage.

G. Turn the objective turret until the 4x (smallest)objective lens clicks into position in the optical path.

Note that each time you change from one objective lens to another you should turn the turret until you hear the click, which indicates that the lens is properly indexed in the optical path.

H. While looking through the eyepiece, rotate focusing knobs until specimen comes into focus. If image does not appear in field of view, move specimen slide slightly on stage until image appears in field of view.

I. Turn the disc diaphragm, observing that different apertures affect the sharpness of the image. Turn diaphragm until sharpest possible image is obtained. When turning the disc diaphragm, you should hear a click as each aperture comes into proper position under the hole in center of stage. If aperture is not properly positioned, you will observe shadows in the field of view when looking through the microscope.

J. Changing magnification

1. Note that each of the three objectives have a different color ring. This permits the teacher to instruct the class to switch magnifications by referring to the color of the ring.

4x objective – “Red” color ring

10x objective – “Yellow” color ring

40x objective – “Blue” color ring

2. Total magnification obtained with each objective lens is determined by multiplying the magnification of the eyepiece times the magnification of the objective. Keep in mind that as magnification is increased, field of view (area of the specimen seen when looking through the microscope) decreases. You will find that you use the lower magnifications at most times.

Always use the lowest magnification (4x objective) when first focusing on a new specimen slide, as this low magnification provides the biggest field of view, thereby making it easier to find and position the specimen within the field of view.

10x eyepiece x 4x objective = 40 times mag. (biggest field of view)

10x eyepiece x 10x objective = 100 times mag. (smaller field of view)

10x eyepiece x 40x objective = 400 times mag. (smallest field of view)

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3. To change magnification: a. Rotate revolving nosepiece to position 10x objective into optical path. Some slight adjustment of focusing knob may be required. b. Rotate revolving nosepiece to position 40x objective into optical path. Some slight adjustment of focusing knob may be required.

Note: Take care when rotating 40x objective into place. This is the longest lens and has a spring retractable mechanism which retracts slightly into its housing if the front of the lens comes in contact with the specimen slide while focusing the microscope. This prevents damage to the lens or slide.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: For your own safety, turn switch to OFF position. If you have purchased the optional

AC adapter, remove it from the power source and detach plug from jack located at back of microscope base before maintaining microscope.

A. OPTICAL MAINTENANCE

1. Do not attempt to disassemble any lens components. Consult an expert technical service company when repairs not covered by these instructions are needed.

2. Prior to cleaning any lens surface, brush dirt and lint off lens surface with camel hair brush or compressed air. Use of air in a can, available at most computer stores, is good source of clean air.

3. Do not remove eyepiece lens or objective lenses from microscope. Clean only the outer lens surface by breathing on lens to dampen surface, then wipe with lens paper or cotton swab. Avoid wiping lens surface while dry, as lenses are scratched very easily.

B. MECHANICAL MAINTENANCE

1. Stage stop adjustment: Stage stop has been pre-adjusted at the factory, and should not require readjustment.

2. Metal parts: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove dust or dirt from metal part followed by a dry cloth.

C. ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE

1. Replacing batteries:

Your microscope includes 3 disposable AA Alkaline batteries. Replace the 3 AA batteries when the LED “bulb” becomes dim.

Gently lay microscope on its side. Observe small door in center of microscope bottom base.

Loosen screw on door and open. Battery case is mounted on inside of door. Remove all 3 batteries and replace with new disposable AA Alkaline batteries, making certain to insert with correct polarity according to marking on battery holder, close and secure door.

2. Replacing LED element:

An LED “bulb” will last up to 50,000 hours so you don’t have to do this exercise very often.

To open the illuminators field lens housing, use 0.9mm “L” type hex key wrench supplied with your microscope to loosen hex screws on lens housing. Remove lens housing to expose LED “bulb”.

Remove bulb by grasping the plastic base of bulb and gently pulling straight up. Insert new LED

“bulb”, replace lens housing and tighten hex screw to secure lens housing in place.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

Light fails to operate.

REASON FOR PROBLEM

Light switch in off position.

Batteries dead.

LED bulb burned out.

Disc diaphragm has not “clicked” into proper position and is blocking light source beneath stage

Image does not remain in focus Cover slip on specimen slide too thick.

Slide upside down.

Turn light switch on.

Replace batteries.

Replace LED.

Turn disc diaphragm until it “clicks” into position.

SOLUTION

Use 0.17mm thick cover slip.

(No. 1 cover slip)

Place slide on stage with cover slip facing up.

Clean objective lenses. Poor resolution

(image not sharp)

Spots in field of view.

Objective lenses dirty.

Eyepiece lens dirty.

Too much light.

Eyepiece lens dirty.

Specimen slide dirty.

Clean eyepiece lenses.

Adjust disc diaphragm

Clean eyepiece lenses.

Clean slide.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES AND PARTS:

#800-001

#802-002

Replacement LED light

A/C adapter, 120 volt 60Hz (optional)

WARRANTY - 5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Manufacturer warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for 5 years after purchase. This 5-year limited warranty excludes all internal electrical components which are only warranted for a period of one year. Warranty does not cover bulbs, power supplies, rechargers, fuses, batteries, electrical cords, damage resulting from abuse or misuse, repairs or alterations performed by other than authorized repair technicians or damage occurring in transit.

Warranty does not cover lenses that have become inoperable due to excessive dirtiness as a result of misuse or lack of normal maintenance. Other than set forth above, National hereby disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, of fitness for a particular purpose.

For warranty service, instrument should be well packed to avoid damage in transit, accompanied by a description of the difficulty and return instructions, and shipped postage prepaid to address below.

National will repair or replace at no charge and return postage prepaid . For customers living outside the

United States, National will provide standard warranty service. However, all inbound & outbound costs are the responsibility of the consumer. If failure was caused by misuse, alterations, accident, or abnormal conditions of operation, an estimate for repairs will be submitted for your approval prior to work being performed.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. If you have questions concerning this product or warranty, contact the dealer from which it was purchased. You may also contact National at the address or phone number on the front page of this manual and ask for warranty assistance.

(Revised 11/6/09)

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