VAN GUARD 1400INi Series Microscope User Manual

Microscopes

Operating Manual
1400INi Series

Introduction

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. Before using this microscope it must be properly set up, 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 eye tubes).
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 stages attached. Mechanical stage accepts 96 well microplates and included stage inserts: Terasaki/65mm petri dish, 1 x 3″ slide/54mm petri dish, 35mm petri dish. Motion of the 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 a phase annulus slider for 10X/20X, and 40X; also have an 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.

**5 Year Warranty** Warranty information and a registration card can be found at the following web address: www.veegee.com/service_support

Parts & Accessories

Included Parts

Model 1491 INi

Model 1493INi

For information about parts, accessories, or services — contact your dealer directly or contact VanGuard Microscopes at 1-800-423-8842 I sales@veegee.com I www.veegee.com

Optional Accessories:

All Models

Digital & Video Camera Systems:

• CVK video camera kits are also available In 220V NTSC and 220V PAL formats.
  Please contact us for more information. **We have a wide range of adapters to fit many digital cameras to our microscopes. Please contact us for more information.

Epi-Fluorescence Upgrade Package

applications

Other Accessories & Consumables:

Part Number

|

Description

---|---
1200-MLCK| Cleaning Kit (Cleaning Liquid, Blower Brush, Lens Tissue, and Cotton Swabs)
45000-0T001| VEE GEE Optical Tissue
1200-MSL10| Plain Glass Slides, 1×3″
1200-CS242| Cover Glass, 24x24mm
Contact us for Information| Reticles (Grid, Pointer, Crosshair & Scale)
Contact us for Information| Stage Micrometers for Calibration of Scale Reticles (Metric and SAEAvailable)
Contact us for Information| Plan Fluorite Objectives

Parts & Accessories

Setup

Basic Assembly

1. Remove all components from the packaging. Use the parts list on page 3 to verify that all parts are present. Please retain all packaging in the unlikely event that the instrument should need servicing in the future.

2. Place the stand on a stable countertop.

3. Remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the head assembly.

4. Loosen the headset knob (figure 1).

5. 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 headset screw.

6. Place the head assembly on top of the stand so that the dovetail flange slides into place.

7. Secure by tightening the headset screw.

8. Remove the dust caps from the eye tubes.

9. Insert the eyepieces into the eye tubes (figure 2).

10. Remove the objectives from their storage containers.

11. Unthread four of the protective covers from the nosepiece.

12. Install the objectives onto the nosepiece by threading them clockwise into the holes until they are fully seated (figure 3). Be careful not to cross the thread. It is common practice to install the objectives in order of increasing magnification, though not required.

13. Slightly loosen the two condenser set screws in the condenser mount with the included hex key and insert the condenser into the mount.

14. Model 1491INi only: It will be necessary to remove the condenser plug while inserting the condenser into the condenser mount.

15. Rotate the condenser clockwise until the “AS” mark faces forward.

16. Secure in place by retightening the condenser set screws.

17. Model 1491INi only: Replace the condenser plug into the condenser.

18. Model 1493INi only: Slide the phase annulus slider into the condenser assembly, printed side up.

19. Slide the illuminator power plug onto the two prongs located on the socket assembly

20. Place the socket assembly onto the condenser so that the large location pins slide into the pin slots and push down gently until housing is fully seated.

21. Place the glass stage plate into the opening in the stage. This plate allows the user to easily view the objectives.

22. Connect the main power cord to the power cord jack (figure 9) on the back of the microscope.

23. Connect the other end of the main power cord to a suitable power supply.

24. Power on the microscope using the power switch located on the right-hand side of the microscope.

25. Set the illuminator to desired intensity by adjusting the variable lighting control located 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 (figure 10). 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 y different users to prevent eyestrain. The procedure for dioptric adjustment is as follows:

1. Using the 40X objective and a sample slide (i.e. one which produces an easily focused image), close your left eye and bring the image into focus in your right eye with the coarse/fine focus control.
2. Once the image is well-focused using only your right eye, close your right eye and check the focus with your left.
3. If the image is not perfectly focused, make fine adjustments with the diopter adjustment mechanism located on the left eyetube (see arrow in figure 11).
4. Once complete, the microscope is corrected for your vision

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

1. Power on the microscope and rotate the objective turret until the 10X objective is in the light path. Make sure the condenser iris is fully opened.
2. Place a specimen on the stage and focus the image using the coaxial focus controls.
3. Remove the right eyepiece and insert the centering telescope into the empty eyetube (figure 12).
4. Adjust the phase annulus slider to the “10-20” position.
5. While looking through the centering telescope, turn the uppermost portion of the telescope only to focus on the annulus rings (figure 12).
6. Insert the annulus centering hex keys into the adjustment holes on the phase annulus slider (figure 13). Turn the hex keys until the two-phase rings visible in the centering telescope are centered over one another (figure 14A-14B). Repeat this step for the 40X objective and “40” annulus setting

Optional Setup

Stage extensions and mechanical stage assembly:

1. Either one or both of the included stage extensions can be attached at the same time on opposite sides of the stage to increase the stage size when using large specimen holders. In addition, the mechanical stage can be attached to either side of the stage in place of an extension.
2. Hold the extension or mechanical stage against the side of the stage and position the screws underneath the screw holes (figure 15). Thread the screws into the screw holes and tighten them 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.

1. Slide-out the filter holder (see arrow in figure 16) and place the desired filter into the bottom of the holder making sure that it sits flat. Replace filter holder.
2. You may stack filters but the total thickness should not exceed 11mm. Figure 13 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 techniques and theories.

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.

1. Loosen the trinocular port set screw (see upper arrow in figure 17) and .remove the trinocular port dust cap.
2. Slide the trinocular tube assembly into the trinocular port (figure 18) and secure it with the trinocular port set screw. Be sure the trinocular tube is inserted fully into the trinocular port.
3. For attaching an eyepiece simply remove the trinocular tube dust cap and insert a 23mm eyepiece. For attaching a camera follow the instructions provided 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 (see lower arrow in figure 17). 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 specimen viewing possible.

Removal of Condenser Lens

1. The condenser lens may be removed in order to gain additional sample clearance space when viewing specimens in large vessels. By unscrewing the lens (figure 19) the sample clearance is extended from 75mm to 150mm

Power Switch/Variable Lighting Control

The rocker switch located on the right-hand side of the microscope ( see lower arrow in figure 20) 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 1490INi 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 (see upper arrow in figure 20). To increase the brightness rotate the wheel clockwise.

Microscope Use

Focusing and Mechanical Stage Mechanisms

1. Focusing adjustment is achieved by turning the coarse/fine focus controls located on both sides of the microscope (figures 21 and 22). The large knob is used for coarse adjustment and the smaller knob for fine adjustment. The coaxial arrangement allows for easy, precise adjustment without drift.

2. Turning the coarse/fine focus control raises and lowers the nosepiece vertically. One complete turn of the fine focusing knob raises or lowers the nosepiece 0.3mm; the smallest graduation refers to 2 microns of vertical movement. One complete turn of the coarse focusing knob raises or lowers the nosepiece 3.6mm. To ensure long life, turn the focusing knobs slowly and uniformly.

3. The focusing tension control knob is located just inside of the right-hand focus control knob (see arrow in figure 21). For tighter tension, use the included tension adjustment wrench and turn the control knob in a clockwise motion. For looser tension, turn the control knob in a counterclockwise motion.

4. The mechanical stage X-Y controls, located underneath the right-hand side of the stage (figure 23), provide easy and accurate positioning of the sample.
   One complete turn of the longitudinal (Y) control (lower half of the stage controls, bottom arrow) will move the specimen 34mm left or right. One complete turn of the transverse (X) control (upper half of the stage controls, top arrow) will move the specimen 20mm front or back.

5. 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

1. Aperture Adjustment: The light path can be adjusted with the iris diaphragm adjustment lever (see arrow in figure 24) located in the condenser. The aperture diaphragm acts as a control for resolution and contrast. Generally, if the iris diaphragm is open too far, you will have high contrast at the expense of resolution. If the iris is closed too far, you will not have enough contrast to properly view the specimen. The condenser iris diaphragm should not be used to adjust light intensity, which is best left to the variable lighting control.
2. Annulus Slider (phase contrast condenser only): When using phase contrast the number on the annulus slider must match the magnification of the objective in use. For example, if you are using the 10X objective, slide the annulus turret until it reads “10-20”. For brightfield work set the annulus slider to the open position.

Maintenance

Replacing the Lamp

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

1. Remove the socket assembly from the top of the condenser (figure 25).

2. Remove the lamp from the socket by gently pulling. Figure 25
   **** Be careful not to touch the glass bulb when replacing it – use a tissue or other medium to grasp the lamp.
   This will prevent the oils in your hand from reducing lamp life. If contact is made with the bulb, clean with rubbing alcohol and allow a brief drying period. !

3. When replacing, insert the new lamp into the socket assembly. Make sure that the pins on the lamp line up with the holes on the socket. The pins should slide freely into the holes with only slight resistance – do not force.

4. The lamp filament should be lined up with the screw head located underneath the lamp for proper centering (figure 26).

5. Replace the socket assembly.

Replacement Lamp – 30W, 6V Halogen (Cat. No. 1400-30WHL)

Maintenance

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.

1. Remove the fuse holders from the rear of the microscope (figure 27) by using a slotted screwdriver to push inward while turning counter-clockwise.
2. Remove the fuse from the fuse holder.
3. If the fuse is blown replace it by inserting a new fuse into the fuse holder (figure 28).
4. Thread the fuse holder back into the microscope by turning in a clockwise direction with the slotted screwdriver.

Replacement Fuse – 2 each 1A 250V (Cat. No. 1200-FS4)

Caring for your 1400INi Microscope

The 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. These items are all available in our cleaning kit (see page 4 for ordering information.)
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 controls
• Nosepiece
• Mechanical
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 dye tubes covered (with either eyepieces or dust caps), and always use the dust cover when the microscope is not in use.

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 light visible from the collector|
---|---
Step #                           Possible Cause How To Test                               Test Result? Solution| For More Info
1| The light is not switched on| Visually inspect| Switched on| Go to next step|
Not switched on| Move power switch to on position| Page 12
2| Main power cord and/or illuminator plug not connected| Visually inspect| Plugged in| Go to next step|
Not plugged in| Plug in power cord or illuminator plug|
3| Variable lighting control (VLC) turned all the way down| Visually inspect| VLC turned up| Go to next step|
VLC turned down| Turn VLC up| Page 12
4| Microscope not getting power| Inspect outlet| Good outlet| Go to next step|
Outlet not good| Plug power cord into working outlet|
5| Blown fuse| Visually inspect or try new fuse| Good fuse| Go to next step|
Fuse is blown| Install new fuse| Page 15
6| Burnt out light bulb| Visually inspect or try new bulb| Good bulb| Contact dealer or VanGuard Microscopes| Page 18
Bulb is burnt out| Install new bulb| Page 14
Symptom: Image through eyepieces is too dim|
---|---
Step #

1

| Possible Cause

Variable lighting control (VLC) is turned down too far

| How To Test Visually inspect| Test Result? VLC is turned up| Solution

Go to next step

| For More Info
VLC is turned down| Turn VLC up| Page 12
2| Light bulb not centered properly| Visually inspect| Bulb is centered| Go to next step|
Bulb is not centered| Center the bulb| Page 14
3| Light path selection knob in wrong position (trinocular models only)| Visually inspect| In correct position| Go to next step|
Not in correct position| Set to correct position| Page 11
4| Dirty condenser, eyepiece, or objective lenses| Visually inspect| Lenses are clean| Contact dealer or VanGuard Microscopes| Page 18
Lenses are dirty| Clean lenses| Page 16
Symptom:| The objectives keep drifting downward
---|---
Step#| Possible Cause| How To Test| Test Result?| Solution| For More Info
1| Focus tension is set too loose| Check focus tension| Tension set correctly| Contact dealer or VanGuard Microscopes| Page 18
Tension too loose| Increase tension| Page 13
Symptom:| No image visible in eyepiece(s) and/or trinocular port
---|---

Step #

| Possible Cause| How To Test| Test Result?| Solution|

For More Info

1| Light is not switched on| Visually inspect| Switched on| Go to the next step|
Not switched on| Move power switch to on position| Page 12
2| Variable lighting control (VLC) is set too low| Visually inspect| Not set too low| Go to the next step|
Set too low| Increase VLC level| Page 12
3| Objectives not installed| Visually inspect| Objectives are installed| Go to the next step|
Objectives not installed| Install objectives Page 7|
4| Lightpath selection knob in the wrong position| Visually inspect| In correct position| Go to the next step|
Not incorrect position| Set to correct position| Page 11
5| Lightpath blocked| Visually inspect space between illuminator and objectives| Nothing blocking| Contact dealer or VanGuard Microscopes| Page 18
Blockage present| Remove blockage|
Symptom:| Can’t focus on specimen image
---|---
Step #| Possible Cause| How To Test| Test Result?| Solution| For More Info
1| Dirty objective| Visually inspect| Objective is clean| Go to next step|
Objective is not clean| Clean objective or replace with a new objective| Pages 16 & 4
2| Specimen vessel is too thick| Test with different vessel| Vessel is correct| Contact dealer or VanGuard Microscopes| Page 18
Vessel is too thick| Replace with 1.2mm max thickness vessel|
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:

(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.]
Stage Dimensions:| 160mm x 250mm
Stage Motion:| Right-hand Coaxial Control/Rack & Pinion Drive
Stage Movement Range:| 78 x 120mm
Sample Clearance (Brightfield):| 75mm [Standard] 150mm [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

425-823-4518 I 800-423-8842
sales@veegee.com I support@veegee.com
www.veegee.com/service_support

References

• VEE GEE Scientific
• Technical Support & Service – VEE GEE Scientific

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