Flinn Advanced Superior Compund
Microscope Owner’s Manual
Please read and adhere to all recommendations in this manual to ensure the best experience and to maintain your microscope in
good working order. This owner’s manual is for the following models: MS1126 and MS1127.
Unpacking, Assembly and Storage
1. The microscope and accessories have been carefully packed to assure they reach you in the best possible condition. Retain
the styrofoam container in case you need to transport, store, or return the microscope for service. If it becomes necessary to ship the microscope for any reason, pack it in the styrofoam container and in another box, secured for transport.
Inadequate shipping may result in damage to your microscope.
2. Lay the molded microscope container with the UP sign facing you. Remove the top piece and inspect the contents and
container. Each microscope comes with the following:
a. The main body of the microscope comes pre-assembled except for the objective lenses and eyepieces.
b. 1 or 2 WF 10X18 Planachromat eyepiece(s).
c. 3 or 4 Plan objective lenses housed in bottles to ensure they remain dust-free.
d. A dust cover.
e. Two hex wrenches.
f. 6V power supply.
3. Install the eyepiece(s). Use the small hex wrench to carefully remove the set
screw on the eyepiece tube.Remove cap(s) covering the top of the ocular tube or
binocular head. Insert eye piece(s). Replace the set screw and tighten to secure.
4. Install the objective lenses (see Figure 1). To avoid touching the surface of the
lens, wear clean gloves. Ensure that the stage is in its lowest position. Install
the objective lenses so that as the nosepiece is rotated in a clockwise direction,
the magnification increases from lowest to highest. Avoid touching any of the
lens surfaces with bare hands as dust, dirt, or fingerprints can damage the lens
or adversely affect image quality.
Figure 1.
5. Connect the included power supply. Many similar looking power supplies have different voltages. Before each use, examine
the power supply to ensure the voltage is consistent with the rating voltage printed on the microscope. Flinn Advanced
Superior Compound Microscopes have an output voltage rating of 6V/2 amp.
6. Always handle and move microscope carefully by securely holding the arm and base of the microscope. Avoid impact or
abrupt movements during transport. Note: carrying the microscope by the stage, head or focus knobs will damage the
microscope.
7. Store microscopes in a dry, clean place away from direct sunlight with the dust cover in place. A microscope storage cabinet such as Flinn’s Microscope Storage Cabinets (catalog no. AP7133 and AP7142) will protect microscopes from dust and
damage from UV rays.
Description of Components (Refer to diagram on the following page.)
1.Eyepiece (ocular lens): Lens closest to the eye, magnifies the primary image formed by the objective lens. This model
comes equipped with an Planachromat widefield (WF) 10X eyepiece.
2.Revolving nosepiece: Round, rotating piece that holds objective lenses. Rotating the nosepiece changes the magnification
by moving different powered objective lenses into optical path.
© 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Publication No. 11324
IN11324 / 110515
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Flinn Advanced Superior Microscope Manual continued
3.Objective lens: High quality Planachromat lenses that magnify the object from low to high degrees of magnification.
Models with three objective lenses have 4X, 10X, and 40X magnification, respectively. Models with four objective lenses
have an addition 100X oil immersion lens.
4.Mechanical stage: Permits precise, mechanical manipulation of the specimen slide using the coaxial dials located under
the stage. The top dial moves the stage along the y-axis while the bottom dial moves the slide along the x-axis.
5.Stage: Platform of the microscope where the specimen slide is placed.
6.Condenser lens: The ABBE condenser is positioned under the center of the stage and condenses light rays, improving image resolution under higher magnification. A condenser focus knob located in the left back under the stage adjusts
the ABBE condenser. When the condenser is properly adjusted resolution on the single field of view will be high without
including artifacts.
7.Iris diaphragm: Iris opening controls the amount of light. It is controlled by a lever. The size of the opening is the aperture. Larger apertures are required for higher magnifications, and smaller apertures are required for lower magnifications.
8. Filter holder: This piece rotates out from the iris diaphragm and can hold various filters.
9.Safety rack stop: Controls maximum upward travel of the stage. When properly adjusted, prevents higher power
objectives from breaking specimen slides and damaging objective lenses. This stop has been pre-adjusted at the factory.
Sometimes the safety rack stop needs slight adjustment in order to focus when using very thin cover slips. Using the larger
hex wrench, adjust the set screw to the right to allow the stage to move closer to the objective lens and the left to move the
maximum height of the stage away from the objective lens.
10. Focusing knobs: Coaxial focusing knobs for course and fine adjustment. Raises or lowers the stage to bring specimen into
focus.
11. Illumination: Built-in sub-stage electric 3W LED illuminator provides constant and reliable illumination with adjustable
brightness.
Eyepiece
Head
Interpupillary
Distance Adjustment
Eyepiece
Diopter
Adjustment
Arm
Revolving
Nosepiece
Safety Rack
Stop
Objective
Lens
Stage
Mechanical
Stage
Filter
Holder
Condenser
Lens
Fine Focusing
Knob
Iris
Diaphragm
Coarse focusing
Knob
Light
Adjustment
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© 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Illumination
Flinn Advanced Superior Microscope Manual continued
Operation
1. Place microscope in front of you with the eyepiece in a comfortable position.
2. Plug in the microscope using the included 6V/2 amp adaptor.
3. Using the graduated mechanical stage, secure the specimen slide. Swing back the movable caliper on the slide holder, place
the slide against the stationary side of the slide holder and gently place the caliper against the slide. Do not release the caliper suddenly, as doing so may chip or break the slide. Position the slide so that the specimen is centered over the light. A
second slide may be held simultaneously if so desired.
4. Turn on the light using the switch on the lower right and adjust to the appropriate brightness using the dial on the lower left.
5. Rotate coarse focus knobs to move stage down and away from the objective lens as far as possible.
6. Position the 4X objective lens in the optical path by rotating the nosepiece until it “clicks” in place. Note: each time you
change from one objective lens to another, turn the nosepiece until you hear the “click” indicating that the lens is properly
indexed in the optical path.
7. Look through the eyepiece. If using a binocular microscope, adjust the interpupillary distance by moving both eye pieces
closer together or further apart until a single image is formed. Note the distance on the scale using the dot for future use.
Adjust the diopter by first looking at the specimen with only the right eye and focusing. Next, observe through the left eyepiece and rotate the diopter adjustment ring until the image is clear. For those that wear glasses, they should remove their
glasses and use the diopter adjustment to compensate.
8. Turn the coarse focusing knobs until the specimen comes into focus. Scan the slide to located desired specimen for magnification. Adjust fine focus controls until specimen is in sharp focus.
9. Locate the sliding lever beneath the stage that controls the iris diaphragm. Move lever until the iris diaphragm is closed.
Use the condenser focus knob to bring the small circle of light that remains into sharp focus. Open the iris diaphragm until
the field of view is illuminated. Normally, aperture of the iris diaphragm should be smaller for lower magnifications and
larger for higher magnifications.
10. Ensure that the specimen is in the center of the viewing area before increasing the magnification. The microscope is par
centered and par focused, meaning that once the specimen is centered and focused under low magnification, it will also be
nearly centered and focused under higher magnification. Increase the magnification to view the specimen with more detail
and adjust the diaphragm and condenser as necessary.
Objective Specifications
Numerical
Aperature (N.A.)
Color-Coded
Ring
Total Magnification
with WF10X eyepiece
DIN Planachromat 4X
0.10
Red
40X
DIN Planachromat 10X
0.25
Yellow
100X
DIN Planachromat 40X retractable
0.65
Light Blue
400X
DIN Planachromat 100X retractable
1.25
White
1000X
Objective
11. Each objective has a colored ring indicating the magnification. The color of the objective can be used to indicate which
objective should be used to view the specimen.
12. The N.A. value is the resolving power of the objective lens. Magnification and resolving power result in an image that is
both large and clear. The N.A value multiplied by the total magnification gives the maximum resolving power. The N.A.
value on these lenses results in a resolving power that exceeds the total magnification of the microscope.
13. When rotating the 40X and 100X objective lenses into place, take care to avoid hitting the cover slip. These lenses have a
spring retractable mechanism which retracts slightly into its housing if the front of the lens strikes the specimen slide. With
fine focus adjustment at mid-range, the rack stop has been adjusted at the factory to assure the 40X and 100X lens will clear
the thickness of a normal specimen slide and cover slip. However, if the rack stop has been improperly adjusted, or if using
a thicker than normal slide or cover slip, moving the 40X and 100X lenses too quickly or carelessly could cause damage to
the front lens element or to the slide.
© 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Flinn Advanced Superior Microscope Manual continued
14. In order to obtain maximum resolution of the 100X oil immersion lens, it is necessary to apply immersion oil between the
specimen and the front lens of the objective. Use a very small amount of immersion oil. All air bubbles must be removed
from between the lens and slide to create a continuous layer of oil by gently rotating the nosepiece back and forth.
15. When you are finished viewing, all parts that come in contact with oil must be cleaned using lens paper. Failure to do so
could permanently damage the 100X immersion objective lens.
16. Do not let the front lens element of the 40X objective lens come into contact with a wet slide surface, as prolonged contact
with any moisture could damage the lens. If lens is exposed to moisture, promptly wipe with soft tissue to remove moisture.
Maintenance
WARNING: For your own safety, make certain that the power supply is unplugged before maintaining your microscope.
1. Optical maintenance
Note: Do not attempt to disassemble any lens components. Consult a microscope service technician when any repairs not
covered by instructions are needed.
a.Fingerprints or other matter on the front lens element of the objective lens is the single most common reason that you
will have difficulty in focusing the microscope. Before having costly servicing done, make certain to examine the front
lens element with a magnifying glass.
b.Prior to cleaning any lens surface, brush dust or dirt off lens surfaces using a camel hair brush or compressed air.
c.Clean only the outer lens surface. Breathe on lens to dampen surface, then wipe with lens paper or lint free tissue. You
may also use a cotton swab moistened with distilled water. Wipe lenses with a circular motion, applying as little pressure
as possible. Avoid wiping a dry lens surface as lenses are scratched easily. If excessive dirt or grease gets on lens surfaces,
a small amount of lens cleaner can be used on a cotton swab or lens tissue.
2. Mechanical maintenance
a.The rack stop screw has been pre-adjusted at the factory and should not require re-adjustment. However, if you do
attempt re-adjustment, note the following procedure.
Loosen the rack stop screw by rotating in a counterclockwise direction. With fine focus adjustment at mid-range, focus
on a standard slide until sharp image is obtained.
Rotate rack stop screw in clockwise direction until tight
b.Coarse focus tension adjustment prevents the stage from drifting down from its own weight and causing the image to move
out of focus. This has been adjusted at the factory, but over the course of time it may
loosen and cause the stage of the microscope to slip downward on the focusing block.
With the stage facing you, the tension adjustment collar is located between the arm
and the focus knob on the right side of the microscope and is indicated by the word
“tension” and an arrow. Turn the collar in the direction of the arrow to increase the
tension. Keep the tension as low as possible without the stage drifting.
c.Metal parts: Use a clean, damp cloth to remove dust or dirt from metal parts, followed by a dry cloth.
3. Electrical maintenance
Note: The electrical components are accessed by removing the screws on the bottom
panel of the microscope.
a.The LED light set should not need replacing often. If they need replacing remove
the bottom panel from the microscope, then remove the battery module to
Figure 2.
access the LED panel. Press on snaps on the connector socket and disconnect
the LED. Remove the two screws holding the LED panel in place and replace with a new LED panel (see Figure 2).
b.If the light on the power supply fails to illuminate or the microscope will not illuminate, the power supply may need to
be replaced. Replacement 6 V/2 amp (Catalog no. MS1168).
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© 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Flinn Advanced Superior Microscope Manual continued
Troubleshooting
Symptom
Cause
Solution
The side of the field of view
is dark or not even.
The nosepiece is not in the right position.
Turn the nosepiece into the right position.
Lenses are dirty.
Clean the lens.
Stain or dust is observed in
the field of view.
Stains have accumulated on the specimen slide. Clean the specimen.
Stains have accumulated on the lens.
Clean the lens.
Unclear image.
No cover slip on the specimen slide.
Add the cover slip.
The cover slip is not standard thickness.
Use a cover slip with 0.17mm thickness.
The specimen is facedown.
Turn it over.
The immersion oil has accumulated on the
dry objective. (100X lens)
Clean thoroughly.
Immersion oil is not used for the 100X objective. Use immersion oil.
Air bubble in the immersion oil.
Slightly rotate the nosepiece back and forth.
The aperture is not opened to the correct size.
Adjust the iris diaphragm.
The condenser is not in the right position.
Adjust the condenser.
The specimen slide is not fixed.
Fix with clips.
The aperture is not large enough.
Open the iris diaphragm.
The condenser is not in the right position.
Adjust the condenser.
The specimen is outside the cover slip.
Reset the cover slip.
Stain or dust has accumulated on the condenser, objective, eyepieces, base lens.
Clean lens.
No filter is used.
Use correct filter.
The bulb is too dim.
Turn the intensity up on the light.
The objective touches the
cover slip while turn the
nosepiece.
The cover slip is facedown.
Turn the cover slip over.
The cover slip is not standard.
Use a cover slip with thickness of 0.17mm.
Cannot move the slide
smoothly.
The slide is positioned incorrectly.
Ensure the slide is being help by the slide
holder and is not over or under it.
The graduated mechanical stage is loose.
Tighten associated screws.
No power to the light.
Check the connection of the power cable
Check the rating on the power supply.
The bulb is not inserted correctly.
Reinsert the bulb.
The bulb burned out.
Replace it.
The voltage is too high.
Use a 6 V power supply.
Use of the wrong bulb.
Replace with a correct one.
The image moves while
focusing.
The field of view is not
bright enough.
The light does not work.
The bulb burned out too
soon.
Limited 5-year warranty
Flinn Scientific warrants the microscope against manufacturers defect for five years from the date of purchase. Please contact
Flinn Scientific at [email protected] or 1-800-452-1261.
© 2015 Flinn Scientific, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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