National 160 SERIES Instructions Manual

National Optical & Scientific Instruments Inc.

6508 Tri-County Parkway

Schertz, Texas 78154

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

INSTRUCTIONS FOR

160 SERIES

COMPOUND BIOLOGICAL MICROSCOPES

Copyright © 1/2/01

National Optical & Scientific Instrument Inc.

Models 160 (monocular head), 161 (dual head), 162 (binocular head), 163 (trinocular head), all have the same stand and stand features…only the head portion differs…illustrated is Model 162.

Knurled diopter ring

Widefield 10x/18 eyepiece

Sliding interpupillary adjustment, grips located on both left and right side of diopter scale

Mark on side of eyepiece tube for indexing diopter reading

Interpupillary scale

Viewing head of microscope

Knurled head locking screw

Arm of microscope stand

Revolving nosepiece

Objective lenses

Specimen holder

(mechanical stage)

Stage

Abbe condenser 1.25 N.A.

Iris diaphragm lever

Filter holder for 32mm filter

Control knob for

Abbe condenser

Recess for 45mm filter

Illuminator condenser

Two knurled locking screws for securing specimen holder to stage

Abbe condenser locking screw

Coarse focus knob

Fine focus knob

Knobs controlling X and Y movement of mechanical stage

Base

Light intensity control knob

Detachable power supply cord

100v-240v, 50H/60H input

12 volt DC

Output

Tension adjustment knob

ON/OFF switch

DC Plug Socket

Fuse

12 Volt DC Switching Power Supply

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase of a National microscope. It is a well built, precision instrument 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, is provided to answer questions which might arise, and to help you avoid any maintenance expense that may be unnecessary.

Your new compound microscope is a high performance microscope with high quality Achromatic objective lenses that provide good resolution and optical centering. The microscope is designed with a built-in ball bearing mechanical stage providing a travel range of 75mm x 50mm in the X and Y direction with graduation reading up to 0.1mm for accurate positioning of specimen. Also included is a ball bearing quadruple nosepiece, precision coaxial focusing mechanism, rack and pinion mounted N.A. 1.25 Abbe condenser and built-in 12 volt 20 watt halogen variable light source.

Carefully read these instructions before operating microscope. They will permit you to use your new microscope to its fullest capability. Nomenclature used to describe components and controls is identified by referring to diagram on page

2.

UNPACKING

The microscope and accessories have been carefully packed to assure they reach you in the best possible condition.

Do not discard the packing container or materials until all components are accounted for. Save the packing container in case the microscope needs transporting to another location or shipped for repairs. Components are packed within the container as indicated below.

160 Monocular:

161 Dual head:

Head and Stand, one eyepiece, one rubber eyeshield, 32mm blue, yellow and green filters, 45mm neutral filter, dust cover.

Head and Stand, vertical viewing eyepiece tube, two eyepieces, two rubber eyeshields,

32mm blue, yellow and green filters, 45mm neutral filter, dust cover, 2mm “L” type key

162 Binocular head wrench.

Head and Stand, two eyepieces, two rubber eyeshields, 32mm blue, yellow and green

163 Trinocular head filters, 45mm neutral filter, dust cover.

Head and Stand, two rubber eyeshields. Vertical viewing eyepiece tube, 32mm blue, yellow and green filters, 45mm neutral filter, dust cover, and Three eyepieces.

A. Lay container (A) flat and carefully remove microscope head and stand.

To protect focus mechanism during

NOTICE

shipment, two black plastic wedges (b) and one black plastic block (c) are inserted at strategic points as indicated.

(a)

(c)

These plastic parts

MUST

be removed prior to operating microscope. Failure to do so will result in damage to focusing mechanism and will void your warranty.

1. Remove two black Velcro straps (a).

2. Remove wedge (b) by pulling apart the

two parts of wedge in opposite directions. (b)

3. Lower stage by rotating coarse focus

knob, on side of microscope illustrated, (a)

in counter-clockwise direction

4. Remove block (c) from stand.

5. These components should be retained with styrofoam container

B. Carefully remove from the stand all tape and packing material used to protect microscope components during shipment.

C. For Models 160, 161 and 162, lay container flat and carefully remove eyepieces, rubber eyeshields, vertical eyepiece tube (model 161 only), filters, fuse and dust cover. For Model 163 trinocular only, lay container flat

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and carefully remove eyepieces, rubber eyeshields, vertical viewing eyepiece tube, filters, fuse and dust cover.

D. Un-wrap the components, making certain that lens surfaces do not come in contact with dust, dirt, fingerprints. Damage to optical surfaces can result from such contaminants, and reduce image quality.

ASSEMBLY

E. Abbe Condenser: Pre-mounted in unit.

F. Specimen holder: Pre-mounted on stage.

G. Objectives: Unless otherwise note, they are pre-mounted on the microscope.

H. Heads: On all series, the head comes pre-mounted to the body of the microscope. Position head so that it faces either forward or backward, whichever suits your preference or needs, and tighten knurled head locking screw.

1. Dual viewing teaching head - Mounting vertical eyepiece tube with diopter to head: Loosen knurled locking screw, remove black dust cap from vertical port. Insert vertical eyepiece tube with diopter into vertical port. Retighten knurled screw to secure vertical eyepiece tube in place.

2. Trinocular head - Mounting vertical eyepiece tube with diopter to head: Loosen knurled locking screw, remove black dust cap from vertical port. Insert vertical eyepiece with diopter into vertical port.

Retighten knurled screw to secure vertical eyepiece tube in place.

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a. Trinocular head provided with a three position sliding rod to direct light through microscope. The three position sliding rod (b) allows user to easily direct microscope image into desired path.

1) Rod pushed completely into head; 100% of microscope image is directed to binocular eyepieces.

2) Rod at mid-position (pull or push rod until you feel a gentle click stop), 100% of microscope image is directed to trinocular port.

3) Rod pulled to fully extended position; 30% of image directed to binocular eyepieces, 70% directed to trinocular port.

I. Eyepieces: Remove the dust caps from eyepiece tubes. Avoid touching any lens surface.

Model 160: Using the provided .9mm hex allen wrench, loosen the eyepiece locking screw E-1. Insert eyepiece into the eyepiece tube. Tighten the eyepiece locking screw.

Model 161: Using the provided .9mm hex allen wrench, loosen the eyepiece locking screw E-1 on inclined eyepiece tube and vertical eyepiece tube. Insert eyepieces into eyepiece tubes. Tighten the eyepiece locking screws.

Models 162 and 163: Insert eyepieces into the eyepiece tubes.

J. Filter: Swing out filter holder and insert 32mm diameter blue filter.

K. Filter: Insert 45mm neutral filter into the recess located at top of illuminator condenser.

OPERATION

A. Illumination.

1. Before operating microscope,

adjust intensity control located on side of base to the minimum position.

This should be done prior to each time light is turned on or off. This will extend bulb life.

2. Insert power plug into 12VDC switching power converter, then insert plug on other end of converter into power jack on back of microscope base. Note that the 12VDC converter will operate on either 120v or

240v current, 50 hertz or 60 hertz, eliminating the need for any other transformer.

3. Push rocker switch at rear of base to ON position.

4. Rotate intensity dial on illuminator base until image is illuminated.

5. Adjust intensity of light to match requirements of objective and specimen slide.

6. In case of equipment malfunction, see “Trouble Shooting” procedures.

B. Interpupillary adjustment of viewing head (Models 162 and 163 only)

1. Look through microscope and adjust distance between the two eyepiece tubes by grasping the sliding mounts to left and right of eyepieces and sliding together or apart.

2. When a full field of view is observed through both tubes, and images blend into one, interpupillary distance is corrected for your eyes. Check the interpupillary scale and note index reading for future reference, in case other users will be changing this adjustment from time to time.

3. Adjust the diopter scales, located on each eyepiece tube, to the same numerical value as indicated on the interpupillary scale. This must be done in order to maintain parfocality of objective lenses. If interpupillary distance is changed, adjust eyepiece diopters accordingly.

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C. Focusing the microscope.

1. Position the 4x objective lens into the optical path, making sure that lens is properly indexed in its clickstop position.

2. Place standard specimen slide (cover slip up) on top of stage surface. a. Swing moveable finger on slide holder outward. Place specimen slide against fixed side of slide holder. Slowly release moveable finger until it makes contact with specimen slide.

3. Rotate coarse focusing controls until specimen comes into focus.

4. Adjust fine focus controls until specimen is in sharp focus.

5. Adjust diopter for difference in eyesight. a. Using right eye, peer into the right eyepiece tube. Adjust sharpness of image by utilizing fine focus controls. b. Using left eye, peer into the left eyepiece tube. Adjust sharpness of image by turning diopter adjustment located on left eyepiece tube.

6. Adjusting the aperture (opening) of iris diaphragm.

Iris diaphragm should not be used to control the brightness of illumination, use light intensity control knob to adjust light level. Iris diaphragms are designed to help achieve high resolution of specimen and provide contrast in the image. Smaller apertures will deliver higher contrast to image. However, closing aperture too much will reduce resolution. Experimentation is the best method of determining the correct opening of diaphragm. Some suggested openings for iris diaphragm are:

OBJECTIVE DIAPHRAGM OPENING

4x

10x

40x

100x

1/8 open

1/8 to 1/4 open

1/4 to 1/2 open

1/2 to 3/4 open

7. Changing magnification. a. Rotate revolving nosepiece to position 10x objective into optical path. b. This microscope has been parfocalized, which allows changes from one objective to another while requiring only a slight adjustment of the fine focus controls. c. When changing to the 40x and 100x objective lens, care must be exercised in order to prevent damaging the front lens element and specimen slide. d. In order to obtain maximum resolution of the 100x oil immersion lens, it is necessary to apply immersion oil between the coverglass of slide and front lens of the objective.

1)

Use of a very small amount of immersion oil is required. Only the very tip of the lens should ever come in contact with the immersion oil. Oil should not come in contact with the white sealant ring on the objective. Excess use of immersion oil will ruin your objective and void your warranty.

2) All air bubbles must be removed from between lens and slide by rotating nosepiece back and forth.

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Objective Specification Chart

Objective

Din 4X

Din 10X

Din 40X

Din 100X

N.A.

0.10

0.25

0.65

1.25

Color Code Ring Field of View

Red 4.5mm

Yellow

Blue

White

1.8mm

0.45mm

0.18mm

Magnification

40X

100X

400X

1000X

8. When finished viewing, all parts that come in contact with oil must be cleaned. Failure to do so could permanently damage the 100x oil immersion objective lens. Use of Windex to clean immersion oil off lens surfaces is recommended.

9. Coarse focus tension adjustment. a. Tension adjustment knob is located between stand and coarse focus knob of microscope, on the right side. b. To tighten tension of coarse focus knobs, turn control in a counter-clockwise direction. It is advisable to leave controls as loose as possible, tightening only enough to keep stage from drifting down and out of focus. To loosen tension, turn control in clockwise direction.

ADAPTING DIGITAL C-MOUNT CAMERA OR SLR CAMERA (to trinocular model only)

A. Trinocular model #163 is equipped with a port (a.) on top of head. By using optional accessory adaptors, either digital c-mount or SLR cameras can be mounted onto the microscope.

The three-position sliding rod (b.) allows use to easily direct

(c.) microscope image into desired path.

1) Rod pushed completely into head; 100% of microscope image is directed to binocular eyepieces.

(a.)

(b.)

2) Rod at mid-position (pull or push rod until you feel a gentle click stop); 100% of microscope images is directed to trinocular port.

3) Rod pulled to fully extended position; 30% of image is directed to binocular eyepieces, 70% directed to trinocular port.

B. To mount SLR camera, an optional accessory SLR adaptor (c.) is required.

Listed below is the optional accessory SLR adaptor, which includes a 2.5x photo lens which needs to be inserted into the SLR adaptor. A wide range of T-mounts, are available from any camera store.

#930-163 SLR adaptor with 2.5x photo lens (fits Model 163 only)

Remove front lens of SLR camera. Attach appropriate T-mount in place of front camera lens. Screw threaded end of T-mount onto threaded end of SLR adaptor.

Locate knurled screw located on side of trinocular port on microscope. Turn screw counter-clockwise to permit removal of black plastic disk covering trinocular port.

Insert SLR adaptor tube, with camera already mounted to adaptor, into vertical port. If adaptor does not insert easily, further loosen knurled screw at side of port until adaptor tube drops into port and is firmly seated.

Retighten knurled screw to secure adaptor and camera in place. Pull sliding rod (b.) until half way extended, to direct 100% of microscope image to trinocular port.

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Proceed with operation of camera according to manufacturers directions.

C. To mount a digital c-mount camera, optional accessory #930-005 video adaptor (d.) is required. This adaptor has a 0.5x lens which assures image parfocality when viewed through a video monitor.

Observe that video adaptor has two black knurled rings. If your digital c-mount camera has a 1/2 inch chip, leave both knurled rings in place, thereby creating a “CS” type mount. If your digital c-mount camera has a 1/3 inch chip, remove only the top black knurled ring from c-mount by turning counter-clockwise. The remaining black knurled ring is a “C” type adaptor.

Remove front cap from the digital c-mount camera. Thread front of camera onto threads of video adaptor (d.).

Locate knurled screw located on side of trinocular port (a.) on microscope. Turn screw counter-clockwise to permit removal of black plastic disk covering trinocular port.

(d.)

(a.)

(b.)

Insert video adaptor tube into trinocular port. If adaptor does not insert easily, further loosen knurled screw at side of port until adaptor tube drops into port and is firmly seated. Retighten knurled screw to secure adaptor and camera in place. Pull sliding rod (b.) until half way extended, to direct 100% microscope image to trinocular port. Proceed with operation of digital camera and computer/monitor according to manufacturer’s directions. With the live image on the monitor, slowly rotate the knurled diopter on “C” adapter until image is in focus on monitor. If microscope image does not remain in focus when microscope magnification is changed, recheck digital c-mount camera chip size. Perhaps it will be necessary to either replace or remove the top “CS” adaptor ring in order for the video adaptor to be compatible with the chip size of your digital c-mount camera.

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: FOR YOUR SAFETY, TURN SWITCH OFF AND REMOVE PLUG FROM POWER SOURCE OUTLET

BEFORE MAINTAINING YOUR MICROSCOPE. TO AVOID SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD, IF POWER CORD IS

WORN, CUT OR DAMAGED IN ANY WAY, HAVE IT REPLACED AT ONCE.

A. OPTICAL MAINTENANCE

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

2. Prior to cleaning any lens surface, brush dust or dirt off lens surfaces using a camel hair brush. Or use air to blow dust and lint off surfaces. Use of compressed air in a can, available at any computer supply store, is a good source of clean air.

3. Cleaning eyepiece lenses.

Do not remove eyepiece from eyepiece tube. Clean only the outer surface. Breath on lens to dampen surface, then wipe with lens paper. Do not wipe lens surface while dry as lenses are scratched very easily. Wipe a circular motion from center to outer edges.

4. Cleaning objective lenses.

Do not remove objective lenses from microscope. Clean front lens element only. Using a cotton swab saturated with distilled water, clean front lens surface. Inspect the lens using a magnifying glass to insure that the element is clean. If immersion oil or specimen material of any kind is evident, use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of Windex to clean all foreign material from objective lens surface.

Such material will reduce, or totally block, image quality.

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5. Cleaning condenser lens.

Clean only the top lens surface, visible when looking through hole in top of stage. Use same procedure as used for eyepiece or objective lenses.

6. Illuminator condenser lens.

Use same procedure as used for eyepiece or objective lenses.

B. ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE

WARNING: FOR YOUR SAFETY, TURN SWITCH OFF AND REMOVE PLUG FROM POWER SOURCE

OUTLET BEFORE MAINTAINING YOUR MICROSCOPE.

1. Replacement of lamp. a. Carefully lay instrument on its side, taking care to avoid damage to the specimen slide holder located on top of mechanical stage. b. Loosen large chrome locking screw located on hinged door of illuminator base. c. Swing door open to expose the halogen lamp. d. Using a tissue or cloth to gently grasp the halogen bulb, pull straight out of lamp socket. e. Your microscope requires a 12 volt, 20 watt halogen bulb, available from the dealer from which you purchased your microscope. This is a common microscope bulb, Osram #64425. f. Make certain that new bulb is clean, as fingerprints on bulb can affect light transmission. Grasping bulb gently with a tissue or cloth, insert pins straight into lamp socket. g. Carefully clean lamp to assure that it is clean and free of all fingerprints. h. Close hinged door and tighten locking screw.

2. Replacement of fuse (National #801-160).

The fuse is located at right rear side of microscope base. To remove fuse from holder, insert a 6mm screwdriver blade into slot located in rear of fuse cap. Slightly depress and rotate screwdriver ¼ turn in direction of arrow, release pressure on screwdriver to release the fuse cap. Pull cap and fuse out of fuse holder. Insert proper 0.5 amp time delay fuse into fuse cap. Insert fuse cap into fuse holder. Using screwdriver rotate fuse cap assembly in opposite direction of arrow until guide slot engages, depress fuse cap and rotate ¼ turn to lock into fuse holder.

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TROUBLESHOOTING

PROBLEM

Light fails to operate

Light burns out too soon

Light bulb burns out immediately

Light flickers

PROBLEM

No image.

Poor resolution.

(Image not sharp)

Spots in field of view.

Uneven illumination of field.

PROBLEM

Does not stay in focus.

Outlet inoperative.

ELECTRICAL

REASON FOR PROBLEM

AC power cord not connected.

Lamp burned out.

Fuse burned out.

Fuse burns out too soon.

Fuse blows instantly when replaced.

Incorrect lamp used improper voltage or base.

The voltage is too high.

Incorrect lamp used.

Lamp not properly inserted into socket.

Lamp about to burn out.

Fuse holder not locked into proper position.

Loose connection at AC outlet.

SOLUTION

Have qualified service technician repair outlet

Plug into outlet.

Replace lamp.

Replace fuse.

Replace with proper fuse (Time delay).

Unit has short, have qualified technician repair electrical short.

Replace with specified lamp.

Adjust intensity control to the minimum position before turning the power switch on.

Use proper lamp (12 volt 20 watt).

Plug unit into proper outlet 120v or 220v

Properly insert lamp.

Replace lamp.

Properly install fuse holder.

Have qualified service technician repair outlet.

IMAGE QUALITY

REASON FOR PROBLEM

Nosepiece not indexed properly.

Light too bright

Objective lens dirty.

Eyepiece lens dirty.

Slide upside down.

Cover slip on specimen slides too thick.

Too much light.

Condenser lens dirty.

Rack stop not set a proper position.

Eyepiece dirty.

Specimen slide dirty.

Condenser lens dirty.

Nosepiece not properly indexed.

Diaphragm not properly indexed.

SOLUTION

Move revolving nosepiece until objective lens clicks into position.

Adjust light intensity control to a lower position.

Clean objective lens.

Clean eyepiece lens.

Turn specimen slide over (cover slip facing up).

Use 0.17mm thick cover slip.

Adjust light intensity control to a lower position.

Iris diaphragm not properly adjusted.

Clean condenser lens.

Adjust rack stop.

Clean eyepiece lenses.

Clean slide.

Clean lens of condenser.

Revolve nosepiece into positive index stop.

Adjust iris diaphragm to proper level.

MECHANICAL PROBLEM

REASON FOR PROBLEM

Stage drops down

SOLUTION

Adjust tension adjustment knob.

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES AND PARTS:

#610-160

#610-160R

#704-160

#710-160

#740-160

#799-160

WF10X Eyepiece

WF10X eyepiece w/reticle, 10mm/100div.

DIN 4X objective lens, 0.10 N.A.

DIN 10X objective lens, 0.25 N.A.

DIN 40X objective lens, 0.65 N.A.

DIN 100X objective lens, 1.25 N.A.

#704-160ASC DIN 4X Super High Contrast objective lens, 0.10 N.A.

#710-160ASC DIN 10X Super High Contrast objective lens, 0.25 N.A.

#740-160ASC DIN 40X Super High Contrast objective lens, 0.65 N.A.

#799-160ASC DIN 100X Super High Contrast objective lens, 1.25 N.A.

#704-160P

#710-160P

#740-160P

#760-160P

#799-160P

#800-160

DIN 4X Plan objective lens, 0.10 N.A.

DIN 10X Plan objective lens, 025 N.A.

DIN 40X Plan objective lens, 0.65 N.A.

DIN 60X Plan objective lens, 0.90 N.A.

DIN 100X Plan objective lens, 1.25 N.A.

Replacement bulb, 12v 20 watt halogen bi-pin

#801-160

#926

#927

#930-005

#930-163

#965-160

#975-002

#D-905

Replacement fuse, 0.5 amp time delay (5mm dia. x 20 mm long)

Phase contrast set: Centering telescope, PLAN/Phase 10x, 20x, 40x, 100xR (oil immersion) objectives, Phase turret condenser assembly including one brightfield position, blue & green filters, storage case

Darkfield attachment (simple plug-in type) for use with 4x, 10x, 40x objectives

Video C-mount adaptor w/0.5x lens

(for use with trinocular model only)

SLR photo adaptor w/2.5x photo lens

(for use with trinocular model only) (T-mount not included)

Eyepiece reticle, 10mm/100 div.

Carrying case, anodized aluminum, fabric lining, accessory pockets, Velcro straps, keyed lock

Power Supply Converter (

100-240V 47-63 Hz IN 12V, 2AMP OUT

) with power cord

LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY

Please see our website, www.nationaloptical.com

, for complete warranty details and exclusions.

(Revised 9/17/13)

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