ACCU-SCOPE EXM-150 Microscope Series Instruction Manual

June 13, 2024
ACCU SCOPE

ACCU-SCOPE EXM-150 Microscope Series

Product Information

The EXM-150 Microscope Series is a high-quality microscope designed for various scientific and educational applications. It comes pre-assembled and packed in a molded container for safe transportation. The microscope features a durable construction and advanced optics to provide clear and precise magnification.

Key Features:

  • Sturdy and reliable construction
  • High-quality optics for clear magnification
  • Pre-assembled for convenience
  • Compact and lightweight design

Specifications:

  • Model: EXM-150
  • Power Source: AC Adapter
  • Magnification Range: 40x – 1000x
  • Objective Lenses: 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x
  • Eyepieces: 10x, 20x
  • Light Source: LED Illumination
  • Stage: Mechanical stage with slide clips

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Notes:

  1. Open the shipping carton carefully to prevent any accessory from dropping and being damaged.
  2. Retain the molded Styrofoam container for future reshipment.
  3. Keep the microscope away from direct sunlight, high temperature, humidity, and dusty environments. Place it on a smooth, level, and firm surface.
  4. If any liquid spills onto the microscope, disconnect the power cord immediately and wipe up the spillage to prevent damage.
  5. Use an electrical surge suppressor to protect the microscope from voltage fluctuations.
  6. When replacing the LED bulb or fuse, ensure the main switch is off, disconnect the power cord, and wait for the bulb and lamp house to cool down.
  7. Ensure the input voltage matches your line voltage to avoid severe damage to the microscope.

Care and Maintenance:

  1. Do not attempt to disassemble any component of the microscope.
  2. Regularly clean the microscope to remove dirt and debris. Use a damp cloth for metal surfaces and a mild soap solution for persistent dirt. Avoid using organic solvents.
  3. Store the microscope in a cool, dry environment and cover it with the dust cover when not in use.

Unpacking and Components:
Your microscope is pre-assembled and packed in a molded container. To unpack it:

  1. Handle the microscope by its arm and base.
  2. Place the microscope on a flat, vibration-free surface.
  3. Retain the molded container for future reshipment.

SAFETY NOTES

  1. Open the shipping carton carefully to prevent any accessory, i.e. objectives or eyepieces, from dropping and being damaged.
  2. Do not discard the molded Styrofoam container; the container should be retained should the microscope ever require reshipment.
  3. Keep the instrument out of direct sunlight, high temperature or humidity, and dusty environments. Ensure the microscope is located on a smooth, level, and firm surface.
  4. If any specimen solutions or other liquids splash onto the stage, objective or any other component, disconnect the power cord immediately and wipe up the spillage. Otherwise, the instrument may be damaged.
  5. All electrical connectors (power cord) should be inserted into an electrical surge suppressor to prevent damage due to voltage fluctuations.
  6. For safety when replacing the LED bulb or fuse, be sure the main switch is off (“O”), remove the power cord, and replace the LED bulb after the bulb and the lamp house have completely cooled.
  7. Confirm that the input voltage indicated on your microscope corresponds to your line voltage. The use of a different input voltage other than indicated will cause severe damage to the microscope.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

  1. Do not attempt to disassemble any component including eyepieces, objectives or focusing assembly.
  2. Keep the instrument clean; remove dirt and debris regularly. Accumulated dirt on metal surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth. More persistent dirt should be removed using a mild soap solution. Do not use organic solvents for cleansing.
  3. The outer surface of the optics should be inspected and cleaned periodically using an air stream from an air bulb. If dirt remains on the optical surface, use a soft cloth or cotton swab dampened with a lens cleaning solution (available at camera stores). All optical lenses should be swabbed using a circular motion. A small amount of absorbent cotton wound on the end of a tapered stick such as cotton swabs or Q-tips, makes a useful tool for cleaning recessed optical surfaces. Avoid using an excessive amount of solvents as this may cause problems with optical coatings or cemented optics or the flowing solvent may pick up grease making cleaning more difficult. Oil immersion objectives should be cleaned immediately after use by removing the oil with lens tissue or a clean, soft cloth.
  4. Store the instrument in a cool, dry environment. Cover the microscope with the dust cover when not in use.
  5. ACCU-SCOPE® microscopes are precision instruments that require periodic preventative maintenance to maintain proper performance and to compensate for normal wear. An annual schedule of preventative maintenance by qualified personnel is highly recommended. Your authorized ACCU-SCOPE ® distributor can arrange for this service.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of your new ACCU-SCOPE ® microscope. ACCU- SCOPE ® microscopes are engineered and manufactured to the highest quality standards. Your microscope will last a lifetime if used and maintained properly. ACCU-SCOPE ® microscopes are carefully assembled, inspected, and tested by our staff of trained technicians in our New York facility. Careful quality control procedures ensure each microscope is of the highest quality prior to shipment.

UNPACKING AND COMPONENTS

Your microscope arrived pre-assembled and packed in a molded container. Do not discard the container: the molded container should be retained for the reshipment of your microscope if needed. Avoid placing the microscope in dusty surroundings or in high-temperature or humid areas as mold and mildew will form. Carefully remove the microscope from the Styrofoam container by its arm and base and place the microscope on a flat, vibration-free surface.

COMPONENTS DIAGRAM

Model Shown:
EXM-150 (Models Vary)

Models Featuring Mechanical Stage & Abbe Condenser

Other Models Not Shown:

ADJUSTMENT & OPERATION

Connecting the Power Cord

  • Make sure the power switch is at “0”(OFF) before connecting.
  • Insert the connector ① of power cord securely into the power socket ②.
  • Insert the other connector securely into an electrical outlet.
  • The microscope uses a universal power supply so it may be used in any voltage range between 90 ~ 240v when used with the appropriate line cord.
  • IMPORTANT: Use care when storing the power cord so that it does not bend or twist – it is recommended to wrap the cord around the cord hanger for storage.

Illumination

  • With the microscope turned on (I), rotate the light adjustment dial ① until the illumination is comfortable for observation.
  • Rotate the light adjustment knob toward the back of the microscope to increase brightness; rotate toward the front to reduce brightness.

Placing the Specimen Slide

For Models With a Fixed Stage

  • Place the slide on the stage with the cover glass facing up and secure it with the stage clips ①.

For Models With a Mechanical Stage

  • Push the slide finger ② of the specimen holder towards the back to open it and place a specimen slide into the slide holder with the cover glass facing up. Release the slide finger so it closes and secures the slide in place.
  • Rotate the X and Y-axis knobs ③ to move the slide into position.

Adjusting the Focus

  • Turn the coarse adjustment knob ④ counterclockwise to move the stage to its lowest position.
  • Place a specimen slide on the center of the stage.
  • Using the 4x objective bring the specimen into focus using the coarse ④ and fine ⑤ focusing controls.
  • Different objectives can be brought into view by rotating the nosepiece and using the fine adjustment knob because the objectives are parfocal.

Using the Disc or Iris Diaphragm

  • Each EXM-150 Series Microscope is supplied with either a disc or iris diaphragm, depending on the model ordered.
  • The amount of light can be adjusted by opening or closing the iris diaphragm (using the lever ①) or by turning the disc diaphragm ②, located just beneath the stage).
  • Adjust the diaphragm to the smallest size allowable for a clear, sharp image of the specimen.

Using the Darkfield Stop (optional)

  • To view specimens using the Darkfield Stop, rotate the stop into the closed position.
  • While viewing a specimen, adjust the iris diaphragm open or closed to optimize the image. The specimen should appear mostly white on a dark background.
  • To view the specimen in brightfield mode, rotate the darkfield stop into the open position.
  • NOTE: The darkfield stop is only available with the iris diaphragm.

Using the 100xR Oil Objective
(EXM-151 Models ONLY)

  • The procedure for examining a specimen using an oil immersion objective is as follows:
  • Rotate the nosepiece so the low-power objective is in the optical path.
  • Place one drop of immersion oil on the lighted area of the specimen slide ④.
  • Rotate the nosepiece so the 100xR oil immersion objective is in the light path. Dust or air bubbles in the oil can destroy the definition of the image. If the bubbles are trapped between the objective lens and the slide, clean off the oil and start again, or try to eliminate the bubble by rotating the objective back and forth.
  • With your eye at the level of the stage, use the coarse focus knob to raise the stage with the specimen cover glass. When you see a flash of light at this location the objective lens has made contact with the immersion oil and the microscope can now be focused using the fine focus knob.

IMPORTANT NOTE

  • Each time you finish using the oil immersion objective wipe off all traces of oil from the objective and the specimen cover the glass with a lens tissue or clean, soft cloth.
  • Cleaning after each use will prevent oil from contaminating the high dry objective (40xR), prevent dust and dirt from accumulating on the lens of the objective which will degrade its optical performance, and will keep the slide clean to work with.

Recharging the Microscope

  • The LED cordless, rechargeable microscope is completely portable and be used indoors or outdoors in any location where there is no electrical outlet access.
  • The LED cordless microscope is powered by three AA 1300mAh 1.2v NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries, and when used properly can sustain approximately 4 hours (depending on the light intensity/user) before a charge is required.
  • Each microscope is supplied with its own 4.5v/1000A line cord/charger and requires approximately 8 hours for a full charge. The life expectancy of the rechargeable batteries is approximately 20,000 hours or equivalent to 400 recharges before needing replacement.
  • NOTE: Your microscope can be used while recharging. Use ONLY the AC adapter/cord that came with your microscope.

Replacing the Fuse

  • Turn the main switch to “0” (OFF) before replacing a fuse.
  • Unplug the power cord from the microscope.
  • Carefully place the microscope on the back of its arm so the bottom of the microscope base is facing toward you.
  • Screw off the fuse holder ① from the bottom of the microscope with a flat-head type screwdriver ( — ).
  • Gently pull out the old fuse ② and Install a new fuse into the fuse holder and screw it back into the base.
    • Specification of the fuse: 250V, 1.0A CAT #3277-1

Replacing the Rechargeable Batteries

  1. Unplug the microscope from the electrical outlet (if plugged in) and unplug the charger from the rear of the microscope (if plugged in).
  2. Carefully place the microscope on the back of its arm so the bottom of the microscope base is facing toward you.
  3. To expose the battery compartment, open the trap door on the bottom by unscrewing the lock screw ①.
  4. Using a small hex wrench, remove the screw ② on the battery compartment and slide the cover ③ toward you to remove it.
  5. Replace the three NiMH AA 1300mAh rechargeable batteries ④.
  6. Slide the cover back on and replace the screw.
  7. Close the trap door and tighten the lock screw.
  8. Carefully place the microscope in an upright position.
  9. Plug the charger to the power receptacle on the back of the microscope and plug it into an electrical receptacle for continued use while charging.

Allow the LED microscope to charge for 8 hours before using as cordless.

IMPORTANT
USE ONLY AA 13000mAh NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) rechargeable batteries in your microscope. Using any other type of battery may damage your microscope.

Replacing the LED Bulbs

  • The life expectancy of the LED bulbs is 20,000 hours. The LED bulbs are covered by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
  • Should your LED bulbs need replacing, please contact an authorized ACCU-SCOPE service center or call ACCU-SCOPE Inc.’s technical service department at 631-864-1000 for an authorized service center near you.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Under certain conditions, the performance of this unit may be adversely affected by factors other than defects. If a problem occurs, please review the following list and take remedial action as needed. If you cannot solve the problem after checking the entire list, please contact your local dealer for assistance.

OPTICAL

Problem Cause Corrective Measure
Darkness at the periphery or uneven brightness of the view field Revolving
nosepiece not in click-stop position Rotate the nosepiece to click the stop

position by swinging the objective correctly into the optical path
Dirt or dust on the view field| Dirt or dust on the lens – eyepiece, condenser, objective, collector lens, or specimen| Clean the lens
Poor image quality| No cover glass attached to the slide| Attach a 0.17mm cover glass
| Cover glass is too thick or too thin| Use a cover glass of the appropriate thickness (0.17mm)
| Slide may be upside down| Turn slide over so the cover glass faces up
| Immersion oil is on a dry objective (especially the 40xR)| Check the objectives, clean if necessary
| No immersion oil used with 100xR objective| Use immersion oil
| Air bubbles in immersion oil| Remove bubbles
| Condenser aperture is closed or open too much| Open or close properly
| The condenser is positioned too low| Position the condenser slightly lower than the upper limit

IMAGE PROBLEMS
Problem Cause Corrective Measures
The image moves while focusing Specimen rises from stage surface
The revolving nosepiece is not in the click-stop position Secure the specimen

in the slide holder

Revolve the nosepiece to the click-stop position

Image tinged yellow| Lamp intensity is too low

Blue filter not used

| Adjust the light intensity by rotating the intensity control dial and/or iris diaphragm

Use a daylight blue filter

The image is too bright| Lamp intensity is too high| Adjust the light intensity by rotating the intensity control dial and/or iris diaphragm
Insufficient brightness| Lamp intensity is too low

The aperture diaphragm closed too far

Condenser position too low

| Adjust the light intensity by rotating the intensity control dial and/or iris diaphragm

Open to the proper setting

Position the condenser slightly lower than the upper limit

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

The image will not focus on high-power objectives| Slide upside down

The cover glass is too thick

| Turn the slide over so the cover glass faces up


Use a 0.17mm cover glass

---|---|---
High power objective contacts slide when changed from low power objective| Slide upside down

The cover glass is too thick

Diopter adjustment is not set properly

| Turn the slide over so the cover glass faces up

Use a 0.17mm cover glass

Readjust the diopter settings as outlined in section 4.3

The lamp does not light when switched on| No electrical power

The lamp bulb burnt out Fuse was blown out

| Check the power cord connection

Replace bulb Replace fuse

---|---|---
Slippage of focus when using the coarse focusing knob| Tension adjustment is set too low| Increase the tension on the focusing knobs
Fine focus is ineffective| Tension adjustment is set too high| Loosen the tension on the focusing knobs

MAINTENANCE

Please remember to never leave the microscope with any of the objectives or eyepieces removed and always protect the microscope with the dust cover when not in use.

SERVICE

ACCU-SCOPE ® microscopes are precision instruments that require periodic servicing to keep them performing properly and to compensate for normal wear. A regular schedule of preventative maintenance by qualified personnel is highly recommended. Your authorized ACCU-SCOPE ® distributor can arrange for this service. Should unexpected problems be experienced with your instrument, proceed as follows:

  1. Contact the ACCU-SCOPE ® distributor from whom you purchased the microscope. Some problems can be resolved simply over the telephone.
  2. If it is determined that the microscope should be returned to your ACCU-SCOPE ® distributor or to ACCU-SCOPE ® for warranty repair, pack the instrument in its original Styrofoam shipping carton. If you no longer have this carton, pack the microscope in a crush-resistant carton with a minimum of three inches of shock-absorbing material surrounding it to prevent in-transit damage. The microscope should be wrapped in a plastic bag to prevent Styrofoam dust from damaging the microscope. Always ship the microscope in an upright position; NEVER SHIP A MICROSCOPE ON ITS SIDE. The microscope or component should be shipped prepaid and insured.

LIMITED MICROSCOPE WARRANTY

This microscope and its electronic components are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of five years from the date of invoice to the original (end-user) purchaser. The LED lamp is warranted for a period of one year from the date of invoice to the original (end-user) purchaser. This warranty does not cover damage caused in transit, misuse, neglect, abuse, or damage resulting from improper servicing or modification by other than ACCU-SCOPE-approved service personnel. This warranty does not cover any routine maintenance work or any other work, which is reasonably expected to be performed by the purchaser. Normal wear is excluded from this warranty. No responsibility is assumed for unsatisfactory operating performance due to environmental conditions such as humidity, dust, corrosive chemicals, deposition of oil or other foreign matter, spillage, or other conditions beyond the control of ACCU-SCOPE INC. This warranty expressly excludes any liability by ACCU-SCOPE INC. for consequential loss or damage on any grounds, such as (but not limited to) the non-availability to the End User of the product(s) under warranty or the need to repair work processes. Should any defect in material, workmanship, or electronic component occur under this warranty contact your ACCU-SCOPE distributor or ACCU-SCOPE at 631-864-1000. This warranty is limited to the continental United States of America. All items returned for warranty repair must be sent freight prepaid and insured to ACCU-SCOPE INC., 73 Mall Drive, Commack, NY 11725 – USA. All warranty repairs will be returned freight prepaid to any destination within the continental United States of America, for all foreign warranty repairs return freight charges are the responsibility of the individual/company who returned the merchandise for repair.

ACCU-SCOPE is a registered trademark of ACCU-SCOPE INC., Commack, NY 11725.

ACCU-SCOPE®
73 Mall Drive, Commack, NY 11725 • 631-864-1000www.accu- scope.com.

References

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