euromex SB.1302 1 StereoBlue Stereomicroscope User Manual

StereoBlue
stereomicroscope
User Manual

Introduction

With your purchase of a Euromex StereoBlue microscope, you have chosen a quality product. The StereoBlue stereomicroscopes are developed for professional industrial purposes, scientific research, and education because of their excellent optical and mechanical properties, while very attractively priced
The stereomicroscope consists of two separate microscope tubes which are combined as a unit, in order to focus them simultaneously on the object. Each tube has prisms, plan achromatic objectives, and a widefield eyepiece in order to obtain a large, flat field of view. Both eyes are looking at the object from a different angle to reach a deep stereoscopic image. The maintenance requirement is limited when using the microscope in a decent manner
This manual describes the construction of the microscope, how to use the microscope, and its maintenance. For some versions, like boom stand models, the microscope will be supplied with an additional manual

General safety instructions

Intended use: a non-medical device
This microscope is intended for general observation of cells and tissues, with transmitted/reflected illumination and with the specimen fixed on a slide

Dangers associated with the operation

• Improper use could result in injury, malfunction, or damage to property. It must be ensured that the operator informs every user of existing hazards
• Danger of electrocution. Disconnect the power to the entire lighting system before installing, adding, or changing any component
• Not to be used in corrosive or explosive environments
• Avoid direct exposure of eyes to the collimated light beam or direct light from the light guides or fibers
• To avoid a hazard to children, account for all parts and keep all packing materials in a safe place

Photobiological safety LED, important safety instructions

• Avoid direct eye exposure to any LED light source while switched on
• Before looking through the eyepieces of the microscope, lower the intensity of the LED illumination
• Avoid long and high-intensity exposure to LED light because this may cause acute damage to the retina of the eye

Prevention of biological and infectious hazards

Infectious, bacterial, or viral biohazard substances under observation may be a risk to the health of humans and other living organisms. Special precautions should be taken during in vitro medical procedures:

• Biological hazards: keep a logbook of all the biological substances or pathogenic microorganisms that were under observation with the microscope and show it to everybody before they use the microscope or before they do some maintenance work on the microscope! Agents can be bacterial, spores, enveloped or non-enveloped virus particles, fungi, or protozoa
• Contamination hazard:
• A sample that is properly enclosed with a cover glass never comes in direct contact with the microscope parts. In that case prevention of contamination lies in the handling of the slides; as long as the slides are decontaminated before use and are undamaged and treated normally, there is virtually zero risk of contamination
• A sample that is mounted on a slide without cover glass, can come in contact with components of the microscope and maybe a hazard to humans and/or the environment. Therefore, check the microscope and accessories for possible contaminations. Clean the microscope surfaces and their components as thoroughly as possible. Should you identify possible contamination, inform the local responsible person in your organization
• Microscope operators could be contaminated by other activities and cross-contaminate components of the microscope. Therefore, check the microscope and accessories for possible contaminations. Clean the microscope surfaces and their components as thoroughly as possible. Should you identify possible contamination, inform the local responsible person in your organization. it is recommended to wear sterile gloves when preparing the slides and handling the microscope in order to reduce contamination by the operator
• Infection hazard: direct contact with the focusing knobs, stage adjustments, stage, and eyepieces/tubes of the microscope can be a potential source of bacterial and/or viral infections. The risk can be limited by using personal eyeshades or eyepieces. You can also use personal protections such as operation gloves and/or safety goggles, which should be changed frequently to minimize the risk
• Disinfectant hazards: before cleaning or disinfecting, check if the room is adequately ventilated. If not, wear respiratory protective gear. Exposure to chemicals and aerosols can harm the human eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Do not inhale vapors. During disinfection, do not eat, drink or smoke. Used disinfectants must be disposed of according to local or national regulations for health and safety

Disinfection and decontamination:

• Exterior casing and mechanical surfaces must be wiped with a clean cloth, dampened with a disinfectant
• Soft plastic parts and rubber surfaces can be cleaned by gently wiping a clean cloth, and dampening with a disinfectant. Discoloration can occur if alcohol is used
• The front lens of eyepieces and objectives are sensitive to chemicals. We recommend not to use aggressive disinfectants but to use lens paper or soft fiber-free tissue, damped in the cleaning solution. Cotton swabs may also be used. We recommend you use personal eyepieces without eyeshades in order to minimize risk
• Never immerse or dip the eyepiece or objective into a disinfectant liquid! This will damage the component
• Never use abrasive compounds or cleaners that may damage and scratch optical coatings
• Properly clean and disinfect all possible contaminated surfaces of the microscope or contaminated accessories before storing them for future use. Disinfection procedures must be effective and appropriate
• Leave the disinfectant on the surface for the required exposure time, as specified by the manufacturer. If the disinfectant evaporates before the full exposure time, reapply the disinfectant on the surface
• For disinfection against bacteria, use a 70% aqueous solution of isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol) and apply for at least 30 seconds. Against viruses, we recommend referring to specific alcohol or non-alcohol based disinfection products for laboratories

Before returning a microscope for repair or maintenance through a Euromex dealer, an RMA (return authorization form) together with a decontamination statement must be filled in! This document – available from Euromex for any reseller- must be shipped together with the microscope at all times

Reference documents:
World Health Organisation:
https://www.whoint/ihr/publications/biosafety-video-series/en/
Robert Koch Institut:
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00103-013-1863-6.pdf
US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/indexhtml

Handle with care

• This product is a high-quality optical instrument Delicate handling is required
• Avoid subjecting it to sudden shocks and impacts
• Impacts, even small ones, can affect the precision of the instrument

Handling the LED
Note: Always disconnect the power cord from your microscope before handling the LED bulb and power unit and allow the system to cool down for approximately 35 minutes to avoid burns

• Never touch the LED with your bare hands

• Dirt or fingerprints will reduce the life span and can result in uneven illumination, lowering the optical performance

• Use only original Euromex replacement LEDs

• The use of other products may cause malfunctions and will void the warranty

• During the use of the microscope the power unit will get hot; never touch it while in operation and allow the system to cool down for approximately 35 minutes to avoid burns
  Dirt on the lenses

• Dirt on or inside the optical components, such as eyepieces, lenses, etc., affects the image quality of your system negatively

• Always try to prevent your microscope from getting dirty by using the dust cover, prevent leaving fingerprints on the lenses, and clean the outer surface of the lens regularly

• Cleaning optical components is a delicate matter. Please, read the cleaning instructions further on in this manual

Environment, storage, and use

• This product is a precision instrument and it should be used in a proper environment for optimal use
• Install your product indoors on a stable, vibration-free, and level surface in order to prevent this instrument to fall thereby harming the operator
• Do not place the product in direct sunlight
• The ambient temperature should be between 5 to +40°C and humidity should be within 80% and SO%
• Although the system is anti-mold treated, installing this product in a hot, humid location may still result in the formation of mold or condensation on lenses, impairing performance or causing malfunctions
• Never turn the right and left focus knobs in opposite directions at the same time or turn the coarse focus knob past its farthest point as this will damage this product
• Never use undue force when turning the knobs
• Make sure that the microscope system can dissipate its heat (fire hazard)
• Keep the microscope away from walls and obstructions for at least approximately 15 cm
• Never turn the microscope on when the dust cover is in place or when items are placed on the microscope
• Keep flammable fluids, fabric, etc. well out of the way

Disconnect power
Always disconnect your microscope from power before doing any maintenance, cleaning, assembling, or replacing LEDs to prevent electric shocks

Prevent contact with water and other fluids
Never allow water or other fluids to come in contact with your microscope, this can cause short-circuiting your device, causing malfunction and damage to your system

Moving and assembling

• This microscope is a relatively heavy system, consider this when moving and installing the system
• Always lift the microscope by holding the main body and base of the microscope
• Never lift or move the microscope by its focusing knobs, stage, or head
• When needed, move the microscope to two persons instead of one

Models

The StereoBlue is available in several different models, with a choice of stands and illuminations. They are equipped with two magnifications or a zoom system both with a pair of widefield WF 10x/21 eyepieces. Their magnification range is 0.7 x 4. Sx. In the table below all available models are listed

MODELS| Binocular| Trinocular| 1x/3x
objective| 2x/4x
objective| 0.7 – 4.5x
zoom| Reck di pinion
stand 3W LED| Pillar stand
3WLED| Universal
stand| Boom stand on
heavy base plate| 30 LED
right light| Weight
(kg)
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
SB.1302| •| | •| | | | | | | | 3.3
SB.1302-P| •| | | | | | •| | | | 4.2
SB.1402| •| | | •| | | | | | | 3.3
SB.1402-P| •| | | •| | | •| | | | 4.2
SB.1902| •| | | | •| | | | | | 3.6
SB.1902-P| •| | | | •| | •| | | | 4.4
SB.1902-U| .| | | | •| | | •| | | 15.4
SB.1902-B| •| | | | •| | | | •| | 21.5
SB.1903| | .| | | •| | | | | | 3.7
SB.1903-P| | | | | •| | •| | | | 4.5
SB.1903-U| | –| | | •| | | | | | 15.5
SB.1903-B| | | | | | | | |

•

| | 22.0
SB.3903| | .| | | •| | | | | •| 3.7
SB.3903-P| | | | | •| | •| |

| •| 4.5

Components of the stereomicroscope

The names of the individual parts are listed below and are indicated in the picture:

A.Eyepiece/s

B.Diopter adjustment
C.Zoom adjustment knobs
D.Fixation screw
E.Objective
F.Brightness adjustment for transmitted illumination
G.Object plate with transmitted illumination below it
H.Stand base
I.Handle

J.Photo port
K.Microscope head
L.Stand (rack & pinion version)
M.Focusing knobs (only one is visible)
N.Incident illumination
0. Brightness adjustment for incident illumination/ ring illumination (SB.3903)
P.Object clips
Q.On/Off switch

The stereomicroscope consists of a stand with a head holder/focusing system, in which the stereo head is placed and locked with a fixation screw (D)

Eyepieces

The standard StereoBlue is supplied with a pair of HWF 10x/21 mm eyepieces (A)

Head

Binocular or trinocular heads with 45° inclined tubes, which are rotatable over 360°. One or two eyepieces have a ± 5 diopter adjustment (B), depending on the model. The interpupillary distance is adjustable between 55 mm and 75 mm. The trinocular head is supplied with a fixed light path beam splitter (50:50)

Objectives

The standard StereoBlue is supplied with a 1:6.4 zoom objective with 0.7x to 4.5x magnifications and a field of view from 29.9 mm to 4.6 mm. Working distance 100 mm

Object stage

The rack & pinion stands and pillar stands are equipped with an object stage with a semi-transparent stage plate (G) and two object clips (N). The universal and boom stands are not equipped with such a stage

Focusing

With the two coarse focusing knobs (M) the object can be sharply focused

Magnification adjustment

• The SB.13)or and SB.14xx microscopes have a revolving objective turret with 1x/3x or 2x/4x objectives, providing respectively 10x/30x and 20x/40x magnification with the standard supplied 10x eyepieces. Revolving the turret allows the user to switch between these two fixed magnifications with ease
• The SB.19xx microscopes are equipped with two plan achromatic zoom objectives. By using the zoom knobs (C) the magnification can be adjusted in a smooth, step-less way

Illumination

The rack & pinion stands and pillar stands are equipped with transmitted and incident 3 W LED illumination. The illuminators can be used simultaneously, and their brightness can be adjusted using (F) and (0) knobs. The universal and boom stands are supplied without illumination

Preparing the StereoBlue for use

Carefully remove the items from their packaging and place them on a flat, firm surface. Please do not expose the stereomicroscope to direct sunlight, high temperatures, dampness, dust, or acute shaking. Make sure the table or surface is flat and horizontal. When moving the stereomicroscope, use one hand to hold the pillar or column and the other hand to hold the base

Caution! Holding the stereomicroscope by its focusing knobs will damage it
Caution! if the bacterial solution or water splatters over the stage plate, objective, or head, pull out the power cord immediately and dry the microscope

Assembling steps

Euromex Microscopes BV always tries to keep the number of assembly steps for her customers as low as possible, but in some cases, there are some steps to be taken. The steps mentioned below are often not necessary but described for your convenience nonetheless

Mounting the head

Remove the microscope head from its packaging and mount it on the microscope head holder. To do so, lose the head fixation screw (D) so that the head can be inserted all the way into the head holder. Once the head is in place, tighten the head fixation screw again. The phototube of the trinocular versions is packed in the lid of the styrofoam packing. Take it out and screw it into the phototube port (J)

Placing the eyepieces

Unpack the two eyepieces (A) and remove their dust covers. Then remove the dust covers of the eyepiece tubes and insert the two eyepieces into the tubes (the eyepieces should be pushed all the way down, touching the tubes). The eyepieces can be secured with a screw. The exact location of the hexagon screw may differ. Each eyepiece has a rubber eyeshade. This prevents damage to the lens and stray light. The eyeshade can simply be slipped over the eyepiece

Connecting the microscope

Connect the power cable to the mains supply and switch on the microscope using the On/Off switch (Q)

Working with the stereomicroscope

The interpupillary distance

In order to obtain a smooth “compound” image, one should go through the steps below: The correct interpupillary distance is reached when one round image is seen in the field of view (see image below). This distance can be set by either pulling the tubes towards each other or pulling them from each other. This distance is different for each observer and thus should be set individually. If several users are working with the microscope it is recommended to remember your interpupillary distance for a quick setup during new microscopy sessions

The correct eyepoint

The eyepoint is the distance from the eyepiece to the user’s pupil. To obtain the correct eyepoint, move the eyes towards the eyepieces until a sharp image is reached at a full field of view

how to set up a stereomicroscope

Setting up your stereomicroscope properly is essential to getting parfocal images during the entire zoom range. It also prevents headaches, stressful eyes, and fatigue. Below you will find a setup guide that will help get the best out of your microscope

|
---|---
Turn the diopter adjustment rings of both eyepieces to position “0”| Put a specimen on the stage plate
|
Turn the zoom adjustment knob to the lowest magnification| Rotate the focusing knob to bring the specimen into focus
|
Turn the zoom adjustment knob to the highest magnification| Rotate the focusing knob to bring the specimen into focus
|
Turn the zoom adjustment knob to the lowest magnification| Rotate the diopter adjustment rings of the left and right eyepiece to bring the specimen into focus

Please note: Put the zoom adjustment knob at the highest magnification again and check the image focusing. The diopter adjustment is complete when the image is accurately focused during zooming. If not, please repeat steps 3 to 8

Photo and video

Trinocular models

• For trinocular models using the standard supplied trinocular tube, slide the camera with mounted c-mount adapter into the 23.2 mm tube of the photo port. For focusing, loosen the ring (A) and slowly unscrew the tube (B) you will be able to match the parfocality of the camera with the view through the eyepieces. Adjustments can be made by raising/lowering the height of the camera (C). Take an easy-to-view specimen and focus the image through the microscope’s eyepieces (with dioptre adjustment set on “0”). Afterward, perform this height adjustment procedure while watching the image on the computer screen. In this case, once you have obtained parfocality in the device, screw the ring (A) back
• When using the optional c-mount adapter SB.9850, turn ring (D) to focus

Follow the manual that comes with the camera for camera operation

Binocular models

To mount the (CMEX) camera on a binocular microscope, please do the following (see pictures next page):

1. Remove one of the eyepieces of the microscope by first unscrewing the hexagon-type locking screw that secures it
2. Insert the 30.5 mm adapter into the eyepiece tube
3. Insert the camera into the adapter tube

The system is now set up

Maintenance and cleaning

Always place the dust cover over your StereoBlue microscope after use. Always keep the eyepieces mounted on the microscope to avoid dust entering the instrument

Cleaning the optics

When the eyepiece lenses are dirty, they can be cleaned by wiping a piece of lens paper over the surface (circular movements). If this does not help put a drop of alcohol on the lens paper and wipe it. Never put Isopropyl or alcohol directly on the lens! Please note that Euromex offers a special microscope cleaning kit: PB.5275
It is not necessary – and not recommended – to clean the lens surfaces at the inner side of the objectives. Sometimes dust can be removed with high pressured air
Caution Cleaning cloths containing plastic fibers may damage the coating of the lenses!

Maintenance of the stand

• Dust can be removed with a brush. In case the stand or base plate is really dirty, then clean the surface with a non-aggressive cleaning product
• All moving parts – like the height adjustment or the coaxial coarse and fine adjustment – contain ball bearings that are not dust sensitive. With a drop of sewing machine oil, the bearing can be lubricated

Replacing the fuse

To change the fuse, follow the procedures below:

• Remove the power cord from the back of the microscope
• Locate the fuse compartment, which has a fused image. It is typically located close to the power connector
• Remove the fuse compartment. To do so, insert a flat-head screwdriver behind the fuse compartment and gently pry it loose
• Insert the new fuse into the compartment, and then replace the fuse compartment back to where it was originally
• Power up the microscope and test

Note: The fuse may blow in order to protect against internal damage to the microscope and in most cases, replacing the fuse with the correct voltage will resolve the issue. However, should you encounter a blown fuse frequently, please contact your distributor for further assistance

Accessories and spare parts

For current accessories and spares, please check our website www.euromex.com

Notes

Euromex Microscopen by • Papenkamp 20 • 6836 BD Arnhem • The Netherlands T +31 (0) 26 323 22 11 • info@euromex.com • www.euromex.com
All information may be changed without prior notice v.222351

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