VANGUARD 1353SL 1300SL Series Stereo Microscope Instruction Manual
- June 4, 2024
- Vanguard
Table of Contents
VANGUARD 1353SL 1300SL Series Stereo Microscope
Thank you for purchasing this VanGuard Microscope. With the user in mind, VanGuard Microscopes are built from modern designs and should provide a lifetime of reliable performance. We recommend you read this entire manual carefully before setting up and using the instrument. 1300SL Series Stereo Microscope Vanguard 1300SL Stereo Series Microscopes feature four different dual-magnification configurations. The precision stereo optics produce high- resolution, three-dimensional images. All models come with low temperature, long-life LED illumination.
Overview
- Professional Level
- Dual Magnification
- LED Illumination
- Precision Optics
- Viewing Head. The binocular head is inclined at 45°. All models feature interpupillary and diopter adjustment, a large field of view, and a 102mm working distance.
- Eyepieces. 10X Super Widefield (DIN) with a field number of 20.
- Stereo Optics. 4 different dual-magnification configurations: 1353SL Binocular – 1X & 3X (10X & 30X total magnification)
- 1354SL Binocular – 2X & 4X (20X & 40X total magnification) 1363SL Trinocular – 1X & 3X (10X & 30X total magnification) 1364SL Trinocular – 2X & 4X (20X & 40X total magnification)
- Focusing Movement. Large, knurled knobs drive rack & pinion mechanism for easy, controlled focusing. Also features 125mm of total vertical travel.
- Upper (Incident) Illumination. Variable LED light source for even field illumination and long life.
- Lower (Transmitted) Illumination. Variable LED light source for even field illumination and long life.
- Illumination Switch. Dual variable intensity dials allow the upper and lower illumination to be on separately or simultaneously.
- Stage Plate. Frosted acrylic stage plate come standard with all models.
- Stage Clips. Locked-on, stainless steel, spring-loaded stage clips.
- Base. Stable 290mm x 260mm base fitted with anti-skid rubber feet.
- Body. Cast-metal, ergonomic body with stain-resistant enamel finish.
- Dimensions. 290mm (L) x 260mm (W) x 500mm (H); 4.5kg.
Parts & Accessories
Included Parts
Model 1353SL
- Binocular 1X & 3X Head (1 ea.)
- Dual LED Stand (1 ea.)
- 10X Eyepieces (2 ea.)
- Eyepiece Eyecups (2 ea.)
- Frosted Stage Plate (1 ea.)
- Objective Grip Ring (1 ea.)
- Power Cord (1 ea.)
- Dust Cover (1 ea.)
Model 1363SL
- Trinocular 1X & 3X Head (1 ea.)
- Dual LED Stand (1 ea.)
- 10X Eyepieces (2 ea.)
- Eyepiece Eyecups (2 ea.)
- Frosted Stage Plate (1 ea.)
- Objective Grip Ring (1 ea.)
- Power Cord (1 ea.)
- Dust Cover (1 ea.)
Model 1354SL
- Binocular 2X & 4X Head (1 ea.)
- Dual LED Stand (1 ea.)
- 10X Eyepieces (2 ea.)
- Eyepiece Eyecups (2 ea.)
- Frosted Stage Plate (1 ea.)
- Objective Grip Ring (1 ea.)
- Power Cord (1 ea.)
- Dust Cover (1 ea.)
Model 1364SL
- Trinocular 2X & 4X Head (1 ea.)
- Dual LED Stand (1 ea.)
- 10X Eyepieces (2 ea.)
- Eyepiece Eyecups (2 ea.)
- Frosted Stage Plate (1 ea.)
- Objective Grip Ring (1 ea.)
- Power Cord (1 ea.)
- Dust Cover (1 ea.)
Setup
Assembly
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After removing the microscope parts from the protective foam packaging and checking it over for all components (see a list on page 3), you can begin assembly.
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Place the stand on a stable countertop.
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Loosen the head assembly set screw and place the head assembly into a stand. Retighten set screw.
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Remove the dust cap from the bottom of the zoom objective cover (figure 1) and screw on the objective grip ring which makes it easier to turn the objective housing when
switching magnification. -
Install the eyepieces in the eye tubes and place the eyecups onto the eyepieces
-
Install the frosted stage plate by placing it into the stage recess
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Plug the coiled cord from the back of the microscope head into the top of the stage base post.
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Connect the power cord to the jack located on the rear of the microscope base, plugging the male end into a suitable power supply. Turn the main power switch on with the ON/OFF power switch located on the base near the post. If the lights do not come on, check to see that both the upper illumination variable control (located on the right side of the base) and the lower illumination variable control (located on the left side of the base) are on their highest settings. Once in operation, light intensity is adjusted by turning the upper illumination variable control and the lower illumination variable control.
Using your 1300SL Series Microscope
Focusing Mechanism
- Focusing adjustment is achieved by turning the focus control knobs located on both sides of the microscope (figure 6). The focusing mechanism is limited by travel stops on both the top and bottom of the rack gear. This prevents the pinion from disengaging from the rack gear.
Interpupillary Adjustment
- Interpupillary adjustment (the distance between eyepieces) is made by first grasping, and then looking through the eyepieces (figure 8). If two separate fields are seen, move the eyepieces closer together. If two overlapping fields are seen, move the eyepieces apart.
Diopter Adjustment
Diopter adjustment allows for proper optical correction based on each
individual’s eyesight. This adjustment is easily made and is recommended prior
to use.
-
Place a sample on the stage plate.
-
Turn the diopter adjustment mechanism (located on the left eyetube) clockwise as far as it will go.
Note: When making adjustments to the diopter adjustment mechanism, turn slowly and evenly to avoid unscrewing the eyetube. -
Turn the objective housing to the highest magnification power setting.
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Look through the eyepieces while keeping your left eye closed. Turn the focus control knobs until the image is in sharp focus in the right eyepiece.
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Close your right eye and focus on the left eyepiece image using the diopter adjustment mechanism.
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Open both eyes and check to see that the image is focused.
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Turn the objective housing to the lowest power setting.
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If the image is not clear, repeat the process to obtain the best diopter setting.
Maintenance
LED Illumination
The VanGuard 1300SL Series microscopes utilize LED illumination for both the
incident and transmitted illuminators. One of the many advantages that LED
illumination has over traditional incandescent, halogen, and fluorescent lamps
is a long life expectancy. Due to their long life, the LEDs are not considered
‘consumable’ and therefore are not user replaceable. If your microscope should
require servicing please contact your dealer or VanGuard microscopes directly.
Maintenance
The eyepieces and objectives on VanGuard Microscopes are coated. They should
never be wiped while dry as any dirt or dust will scratch the coating. The
surfaces should either be blown off with an air canister, or blown and cleaned
with an air bulb and camel-hair brush. It is recommended to then use a lens
cleaner. Apply with a cotton swab for a minimum of wetting, then wipe the
surface clean with a quality lens tissue. Xylene, since it breaks down the
bonding material holding the lenses, should never be used as a cleaner.
Periodically your VanGuard Microscope should be fully serviced by a qualified
service technician.
Warranty
5 Year Limited Warranty
VanGuard Microscopes are warranted by VEE GEE Scientific, Inc. to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years from the
date of purchase, except for electrical components which have a one (1) year
limited warranty. During this period, VEE GEE Scientific, or its authorized
service station, will at their option and without charge, either repair or
replace any part found to be defective in materials or workmanship. Please
take the time to fill out and return a registration form; this is important so
that we have your information on file should the instrument require
maintenance or service. The form can be found at the following web address:
www.veegee.com/technical-support-service
This warranty is subject to the following limitations and exceptions and will
not apply if:
- There is a lack of proof of date and place of purchase. The purchase invoice must accompany the unit when sent in for repair. The warranty extends to the original consumer purchaser only and is not assignable or transferable.
- The damage is due to normal wear and tear, misuse, abuse, negligence, accident, inadequate maintenance, disregard for operating instructions, or any other cause not due to the manufacture of the microscope (i.e. objective failure because of oil penetration due to lack of timely cleaning).
- The serial numbers, names, and/or functions are altered or obliterated; or unauthorized repair or replacement of parts by the End-User or an unauthorized third party while under warranty.
- Consumable items (such as, but not limited to bulbs) have failed.
This warranty expressly excludes transportation damage and adjustment or readjustment. In no case shall VEE GEE Scientific be liable to the Buyer or any person for any special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damage whether claims are based in contract or otherwise with respect to or arising out of product furnished hereunder. For goods manufactured by any third party, VEE GEE Scientific’s liability under warranty is limited to the terms of the warranty by the supplier for the goods. All warranty work shall be performed at the authorized service center. Contact your distributor or VEE GEE Scientific to discuss the problem and obtain instructions for the return of your microscope for repair. The original purchaser returning this product must prepay all postage, shipping, transportation, packaging, and delivery costs to the service center.