VEE GEE 1400INi Series Inverted Microscopes Instruction Manual

: June 4, 2024
: VEE GEE

VEE GEE 1400INi Series Inverted Microscopes

Parts overview

Introduction

VanGuard microscopes are built from modern designs and should provide a lifetime of reliable performance. Before using this microscope it must be properly setup, which requires some familiarity with the microscope. For this reason we recommend you read this entire manual carefully before setting up and using the instrument.

1400INi Series Inverted Microscopes

Vanguard 1400INi Series inverted microscopes are suited for observation of biological cultures or specimens within well plates, petri dishes, slides and vials. Viewing Head. Rotatable trinocular Seidentopf head is inclined at 30°. All models feature interpupillary and dioptric adjustment. The trinocular head features a sliding main prism 80/20 split) to provide full-time imaging when the vertical tube is in use 80% of the image to the vertical tube and 20% to the eyetubes. Eyepieces. 10X ultra widefield DIN with a field diameter of 22mm. Nosepiece. Quintuple, ball-bearing nosepiece with high-grade lubricant and positive stops. Objectives. Plan achromatic, infinity corrected objectives come standard on both models. Objectives are made to DIN standards and are optically coated. Stage. The fixed stage measures 160 x 250mm and 300 x 250mm with stage extensions/mechanical stage attached. Mechanical stage accepts 96 well microplate and included stage inserts: Terasaki/65mm petri dish, 1 x 3 slide/54mm petri dish, 35mm petri dish. Motion of mechanical stage is controlled by a right-hand, low-position coaxial control and is driven by a rack and pinion system. Focusing movement. Coaxial, ultra-low position coarse and fine focus controls feature a 40mm focusing range and are graduated to 2 microns per division. Fitted with a tension adjustment. Condenser. Brightfield models come with a 0.30 N.A. condenser. Phase contrast models come with a 0.30 N.A. condenser with phase annulus slider for 10X/20X, and 40X; also has a open setting for brightfield work. All condensers are factory centered and aligned for ease of setup and include an iris diaphragm, and a slide-in filter holder. Illumination. 30W variable quartz halogen light source. Comes with blue, green model 1493INi only, and dispersion filters. 1A, 250V fuses. Body. Cast-metal, ergonomic body with stain resistant enamel finish.

Specifications

Viewing Head: Trinocular
Viewing Head Type: Seidentopf
Head Rotation: 360°
Head Inclination: 30°
Sliding Prism: 100% or 80/20% Split
Interpupillary Adjustment: 48-75mm
Dioptric Adjustment: -6 to +6
Eyepiece Magnification: 10X High Eyepoint, Ultra Widefield
Eyepiece Field Diameter: 22mm
Nosepiece: Quintuple
Brightfield Objectives: 4X [0.10 N.A., 25.2mm W.D.
Plan Achromatic, Infinity Corrected 10X 0.25 N.A., 11mm W.D. 20X 0.25 N.A., 6mm W.D. 40X 0.60 N.A., 3.2mm W.D.
Phase Contrast Objectives: 10X 0.25 N.A., 11mm W.D.
(Plan Achromatic, Infinity Corrected 20X 0.25 N.A, 6mm W.D 40X 0.60 N.A., 3.2mm W.D.
Stage Dimensions: 160mm x 250mm
Stage Motion: Right-hand Coaxial Control/Rack & Pinion Drive
Stage Movement Range: 78 x 120mm
Sample Clearance Brightfield: 75mm Standard150mm With condenser lens removed
Focusing Movement: Coaxial Coarse & Fine Controls
Focusing Graduation: 2 microns Per Division
Brightfield Condenser 1491INi: 0.30 N.A. Condenser with Iris Diaphragm
Phase Contrast Condenser (1493INi): 0.30 N.A. Condenser with Iris Diaphragm & Annulus Slider
Phase Centering Tool: Telescoping Eyepiece [1493INi only]
Illumination: 30W, 6V Variable Quartz Halogen
Fuse: 1A, 250V(2 ea)
Voltage: 110V Standard, 220V Optional
Base Dimensions: 320mm x 245mm
Overall Dimensions: 515mm L x 300mm W x 475mm H
Weight: 11kg

Troubleshooting

This chart may help resolve some of the more common problems associated with using a compound microscope. Simply follow the steps until your problem is resolved. As always, you can contact your dealer or VanGuard Microscopes if you ever need help.

Symptom No image visable in eyepieces and/or trinocular port

1

|

Light is not switched on

|

Visually inspect

2

| Variable lighting control VLC is set too low|

Visually inspect

3

|

Objectives not installed

|

Visually inspect

4

| Light path selection knob in wrong position|

Visually inspect

5

|

Light path blocked

This chart may help resolve some of the more common problems associated with using a compound microscope. Simply follow the steps until your problem is resolved. As always, you can contact your dealer or VanGuard Microscopes if you ever need help.

Symptom:No light visable from collector

1

|

Light is not switched on

|

Visually inspect

2

| Main power cord and/or illuminator plug not connected|

Visually inspect

3

| Variable lighting control (VLC) turned all the way down|

Visually inspect

4

|

Microscope not getting power

|

Inspect outlet

5

|

Blown fuse

|

Visually inspect or try new fuse

6

|

Burnt out light bulb

|

Visually inspect or try new bulb

Symptom Image through eyepieces is too dim

| Variable lighting control VLC is turned down too far|

Visually inspect

|

Light bulb not centered properly

|

Visually inspect

Symptom The objectives keep drifting downward

Focus tension is set too loose

|

Check focus tension control

Parts & Accessories

Included Parts

Optional Accessories

Digital & Video Camera Systems

Part Number:1400-CDPC-x
Description :USB Digital Camera Kit with Adapters and Microscopy Software

Epi Fluorescence Upgrade Package

Part Number: 1490-FLP01 1490-FUV001

Description:Fluorescence upgrade kit with blue/green broadband filter setsOptional eGFP filter set for fluorescence upgrade kit. Contact us for Information Optional filter sets for single & multiple dye applications.

Maintenance

Caring for your 1400INi Microscope

All ModelsThe eyepieces and objective lenses on VanGuard Microscopes have delicate, optical coatings. Therefore they should never be wiped while dry because any dirt or dust will scratch the coating. Blow off the lens surface with an air-bulb and lens brush. Then use a lens cleaning solution. Never use anything other than lens cleaner on any optical component. Apply with a cotton swab for a minimum of wetting, then wipe the surface clean with a quality lens tissue.The same care instructions apply to all optical parts on this VanGuard Microscope, including the condenser lenses.All other parts can be cleaned with a paper towel and mild detergent. Be aware that rubbing alcohol can break down lubricants and damage the painted surfaces; it is therefore not recommended. If used, be careful when cleaning near the following parts

Focus control
Nosepiece
Mechanical controls
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.
In order to keep dust and debris out of the optical pathways, always keep the camera port and eyetubes covered with either eyepieces or dust caps, and always use the dust cover when the microscope is not in use.

Replacing the Fuses

If the microscope is plugged in but the bulb is not turning on, the fuses could be blown. The instructions below detail how to check for a blown fuse. You can tell a blown fuse by if the wire inside is broken, or the glass is blackened.Before attempting to replace or remove the fuse, UNPLUG THE MICROSCOPE FROM ANY POWER SOURCE.

Remove the fuse holders from the rear of the microscope byusing a slotted screwdriver to push inward while turning counter clockwise.
Remove the fuse from the fuse holder.
If the fuse is blown replace by inserting a new fuse into the fuse holder.
Thread the fuse holder back into the microscope by turning in a clockwisedirection with the slotted screwdriver.
Replacement Fuse 2 each 1A 250V Cat. No. 1200-FS4

Replacing the Lamp

Before attempting to replace or remove the lamp, UNPLUG THE MICROSCOPE FROM ANY POWER SOURCE and allow to cool.

Remove the socket assembly from the top of the condenser.
Remove the lamp from the socket by gently pulling.
Be careful not to touch the glass bulb when replacing -use a tissue or other medium to grasp the lamp.
This will prevent the oils in your hand from reducinglamp life. If contact is made with the bulb, clean withrubbing alcohol and allow a brief drying period.
When replacing, insert the new lamp into the socket assembly.
Make surethat the pins on the lamp line up with the holes on the socket.
The pinsshould slide freely into the holes with only slight resistance do not force.
The lamp filament should be lined up with the screw head located underneaththe lamp for proper centering.
Replace the socket assembly.
Replacement Lamp 30W, 6V Halogen Cat. No. 1400-30WHLSetup.

Setup

Basic Assembly

Remove all components from the packaging.
Use the parts list on page 3to verify that all parts are present.
Please retain all packaging in the unlikelyevent that the instrument should need servicing in the future.
Place the stand on a stable counter top.
Remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the head assembly.
Loosen the head set knob.
Remove the protective cover from the head mount on the stand.
Do not release the head assembly until it is firmly secured to the microscope with the head set screw.
Place the head assembly on top of the stand so that the dovetail flangeslides into place.
Secure by tightening the head set screw.
Remove the dust caps from the eyetubes.
Insert the eyepieces into the eyetubes.
Remove the objectives from their storage containers.
Unthread four of the protective covers from the nosepiece.
Install the objectives onto the nosepiece by threading them clockwiseinto the holes until they are fully seated.
Be careful not to crossthread. It is common practice to install the objectives in order of increasingmagnification, though not required.
Slightly loosen the two condenser set screws in the condenser mount withthe included hex key and insert the condenser into the mount.Model 1491INi only.
It will be necessary to remove the condenser plugwhile inserting the condenser into the condenser mount.
Rotate the condenser clockwise until the AS mark faces forward
Secure in place by retightening the condenser set screws.
Model 1491INi only: Replace the condenser plug into the condenser.
VEE GEE 1400INi Series Inverted Microscopes6666
Slide the illuminator power plug onto the two prongs located on the socketassembly.
Place the socket assembly onto the condenser so that the large location pinsslide into the pin slots and push down gently until housing is fully seated.

Optional Setup

Removal of Condenser Lens
The condenser lens may be removed in order to gain additional sampleclearance space when viewing specimens in large vessels.
By unscrewingthe lens the sample clearance is extended from 75mm to 150mm.

Microscope Use

Focusing and Mechanical Stage Mechanisms

Focusing adjustment is achieved by turning the coarse/fine focus controlslocated on both sides of the microscope.

The large knobis used for coarse adjustment, the smaller knob for fine adjustment. Thecoaxial arrangement allows for easy, precise adjustment without drift. Turning the coarse/fine focus control raises and lowers the nosepiecevertically. One complete turn of the fine focusing knob raises or lowers thenosepiece 0.3mm; the smallest graduation refers to 2 microns of verticalmovement. One complete turn of the coarse focusing knob raises or lowersthe nosepiece 3.6mm. To ensure long life, turn the focusing knobs slowlyand uniformly. The focusing tension control knob is located just inside of the right-hand focuscontrol knob.

For tighter tension, use the includedtension adjustment wrench and turn the control knob in a clockwise motion.For looser tension, turn the control knob in a counterclockwise motion.The mechanical stage X-Y controls, located underneath the right-hand sideof the stage provide easy and accurate positioning of the sample.One complete turn of the longitudinal Y control (lower half of the stagecontrols, bottom arrow will move the specimen 34mm left or right. Onecomplete turn of the transverse X control upper half of the stage controls,top arrow) will move the specimen 20mm front or back. This microscope comes with various stage inserts

Terasaki/65mm Petri Dish Stage Insert
1 x 3 Slide/54mm Petri Dish Stage Insert
35mm Petri Dish Stage Insert
Glass Stage Insert

Brightfield and Phase Contrast Condensers

Aperture Adjustment.
The light path can be adjusted with the iris diaphragmadjustment lever located in the condenser.
Theaperture diaphragm acts as a control for resolution and contrast.
Generally, ifthe iris diaphragm is open too far, you will have high contrast at the expenseof resolution.
If the iris is closed too far, you will not have enough contrastto properly view the specimen.
The condenser iris diaphragm should not beused to adjust light intensity, which is best left to the variable lighting control.
Annulus Slider (phase contrast condenser only.
When using phase contrastthe number on the annulus slider must match the magnification of theobjective in use.
For example, if you are using the 10X objective, slide theannulus turret until it reads 10-20. For brightfield work set the annulusslider to the open position.

Power Switch/Variable Lighting Control

The rocker switch located on the right hand side of the microscope turns the illuminator on or off. To turn the power on press the rocker on the end marked. To turn the power off press the rocker on the end marked O.The illuminator housing will get hot if left on for extended periods of time. Be careful when making adjustments to the illuminator housing or bulb fixture. VanGuard microscopes are equipped with a variable lighting control VLC which allows the user to set the lighting anywhere between off and full brightness. The variable lighting control is located on the front of the microscope.To increase the brightness rotate the wheel. To increase the brightness rotate the wheel. Place the glass stage plate into the opening in the stage. This plate allowsthe user to easily view the objectives.

Connect the main power cord to the power cord jack on the backof the microscope. Connect the other end of the main power cord to a suitable power supply.Power on the microscope using the power switch located on the right handside of the microscope. Set illuminator to desired intensity by adjusting the variable lighting controllocated at the front of the microscope.

Interpupillary and Diopter Adjustment

Interpupillary adjustment the distance between eyepieces is made through a folding action. The Seidentopf design allows for a folding adjustment which is quickly and easily done for each user. Proper adjustment is done by looking through the eyepieces, then folding the eyepieces until they are comfortable to look through. At this point, if you are seeing two images continue to fold the eyepieces together until the images merge into one.

Diopter adjustment allows for proper optical correction based on each individual’s eyesight. This adjustment is easily made and is recommended prior to each use by different users to prevent eyestrain. The procedure for dioptric adjustment is as follows

Using the 40X objective and a sample slide i.e. one which produces aneasily focused image close your left eye and bring the image into focus inyour right eye with the coarse/fine focus control.
Once the image is well-focused using only your right eye, close your righteye and check the focus with your left.
If the image is not perfectly focused, make fine adjustments with the diopteradjustment mechanism located on the left eyetube.
Once complete, the microscope is corrected for your vision.

Phase Contrast Setup

This section pertains to model 1493INi only.The phase system comes precentered from the factory but alignment should be checked from time to time especially if poor phase performance has been noted.

Power on the microscope and rotate the objective turret until the 10Xobjective is in the light path.
Make sure the condenser iris is fully opened.
Place a specimen on the stage and focus the image using the coaxial focuscontrols.
Remove the right eyepiece and insert the centering telescope into the emptyeyetube.
Adjust the phase annulus slider to the 10-20 position.
While looking through the centering telescope, turn the uppermost portionof the telescope only to focus the annulus rings.
Insert the annulus centering hex keys into the the adjustment holes on thephase annulus slider.
Turn the hex keys until the two phase ringsvisable in the centering telescope are centered over one another.
Repeat this step for the 40X objective and 40 annulus setting.

All Models

Stage extensions and mechanical stage assembly

Either one or both of the included stage extensions can be attached at thesame time on opposite sides of the stage to increase the stage size whenusing large specimen holders. In addition, the mechanical stage can beattached to either side of the stage in place of an extension.
Hold the extension or mechanical stage against the side of the stage andposition the screws underneath the screw holes.
Thread thescrews into the screw holes and tighten down until the attachment is secure.

Colored Filters

Your Vanguard Microscope was supplied with either two or three filters. Brightfield models (1491INi) come with a dispersion (frosted) filter and a blue filter. Phase contrast models (1493INi) add a green filter.

Slide out the filter holder and place the desired filterinto the bottom of the holder making sure that it sits flat.
Replace filter holder.
You may stack filters but the total thickness should not exceed 11mm.
Dispersion filters can be used to soften harsh illumination for both viewing and photomicroscopy.
Dispersion filters can control photograph exposure levels.
The green filter is used primarily for phase contrast and photograph color correction.
Achromatic and plan achromatic objectives give their best image in green light.
The blue filter is used to approximate natural light. Because this is not a conversion filter, it should not be used for photomicroscopy.
Filtering is a user preference and application specific issue and therefore beyond the scope of this manual.
There are many sources available that explain proper filtering technique and theory.

Trinocular Port

The trinocular port can be used as an additional viewing tube when a standard 23mm eyepiece is inserted (not included) as well as to attach a camera for documentation and group observation.

Loosen the trinocular port set screw andremove the trinocular port dust cap.
Slide the trinocular tube assembly into the trinocular port andsecure with the trinocular port set screw.
Be sure the trinocular tube isinserted fully into the trinocular port.
For attaching an eyepiece simply remove the trinocular tube dust cap andinsert a 23mm eyepiece.
For attaching a camera follow the instructionsprovided with the camera package for assembly and use.

Note
When using the trinocular port it is necessary to pull the light path selection knob fully to the right . This diverts 80% of the available light to the trinocular tube while the remaining 20% is directed to the main eyepieces. When pushed inward fully, the selector directs 100% of the light to the main eyepieces for the brightest speciman viewing possible.