AmScope M148C-E Compound Monocular Microscope Instruction Guide

AmScope M148C-E Compound Monocular Microscope

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of your new AmScope microscope!
This manual is designed for the M148 series microscopes. Please be sure to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the features and functions of your new AmScope microscope. If you would like more information on microscopes, parts, or accessories, please visit our website at: www.iScopeCorp.com
We highly recommend you study this manual thoroughly before operating the microscope, and that you keep it on and for future reference.
If you have additional questions or need assistance, please send us an email at: info@amscope.com

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. As the microscope is a precision instrument, always handle it with care, avoiding impact or abrupt movement during transportation. Do not shake the package.
2. Do not place the microscope in direct sunlight or in high heat. Keep it indoors in a dry and clean place with temperatures between 32-100 degrees F (0-40 degrees C), and in maximum relative humidity of 85%.
3. Avoid touching the lenses on the objectives and the eyepieces so that oil and dirt from your fingerprints do not obstruct your view.
4. Before turning the power on, make sure that the power supply voltage is confident with the voltage of your microscope.

PARTS

Definition of Parts

• Base Illuminator Lens
  Directs the light source towards the slide

• Focusing Knob
  Used to bring the slide into the sight and focus

• Disc Iris Diaphragm
  Controls the amount of light that hits the slide from the base illuminator

• Limit Stop Knob
  Limits the upward movement of the mechanical stage in order to avoid damaging the slide and objective

• Nosepiece
  Houses the objective lenses

• Rotating Monocular Head
  Houses the eyepiece and optics of the microscope

GETTING STARTED

Assembly

1. First, take the styrofoam container out of the cardboard carton and lay it on its side, paying attention to which side is labeled up. Remove the tape and open the container carefully so as to avoid dropping and damaging the optical items. Check carefully to ensure that all parts and accessories are intact.

2. Check the packing list to ensure that you’re received all items:

3. One Monocular Microscope Body & Head

4. Three Objectives (4x, 10x, 40x)

5. 10x Wide field Eyepieces

6. 16x Wide field Eyepieces (for -A models only)

7. 20x Wide field Eyepieces (for -B models only)

8. 25x Wide field Eyepieces (for -C models only)

9. One Dust Cover
   Note: LED models do not have a spare bulb, as the LED bulbs do not need replacing.

10. Remove the microscope body from the box and remove the plastic protective covering. The body of the micro-scope is composed of the base, the stage, the arm, and the nosepiece.

11. Screw the objectives into the microscope nosepiece from the lowest magnification to the highest, again avoiding touching the lenses.

12. Plug in the microscope and turn it on. If no light emerges from the light source, adjust the dimmer knob on the side of the base.

OPERATION

Setting Up

1. Place the specimen to be studied on a glass slide (or use a prepared slide). Place it on the stage, holding it snugly in place with the metal slide holders (clips) of the mechanical stage.
2. Center the specimen over the stage opening, lining it up with the light and the objective lens.

Focusing

1. Turn the nosepiece to choose an objective. It is easiest to use the lowest magnification first (4x objective) to locate and focus on the specimen. As you move up in magnification you may need to refocus the image a little each time.
2. Being focusing by first looking with one eye through the eyepiece without the diopter. Close your other eye. Use the coarse focusing knob to adjust the height of the stage until the sample comes into clear focus.

Note: You may loosen the limit-stop knob (located on the read of the stage) in order to give yourself the full range of motion for fine tuning the focus.

3. Once the image is clear in your field of view, you will want to use the fine focusing knob to tune it for best results.
   Note: Please be careful when moving the mechanical stage if you need to reenter the sample, or if moving the stage very close to the objectives. The limit stop is designed to prevent impact between objective and slide, so when it is off you will be able to damage the microscope.

Adjusting The Diaphragm

1. By changing the aperture (hole size) of the iris diaphragm, you can adjust the background brightness. Adjust the aperture of the iris diaphragm by rotating the disc underneath the stage to the desired aperture.

Attaching a Camera / Changing Eyepieces

1. To remove the 10x eyepiece included on the microscope, you will need to remove the small metal screw on the ocular tube just under where the eyepiece connects to the tube. To do so, you will need a 1mm flathead precision screwdriver (much like what you would use to adjust eye glasses).
2. Once unscrewed, remove the eyepiece and slide in the camera or alternate eyepieces.

Setting the Stage’s Stop-Limit

1. To adjust the stop limit on the stage, unlock it by unscrewing the lower nut. The stop limit is located at the rear of the stage.
2. Once tension is released on the nut by rotating it counter clockwise, you may adjust the upper thumb screw to move the limit up or down as desired.
3. Lock the limit stop nut back into place after the desired stage height is achieved.

MAINTENANCE / PRECAUTIONS

• All glass surfaces must be kept clean. Fine dust on the optical surface should be blown off using a can of com-pressed air or gently wiped off with a soft lens paper tissue/nonabraisive lint free cloth.
• Carefully wipe off oil or fingerprints on the lens surfaces using tissue moistened with a small amount of lens cleaner (we recommend Sparkle brand optical cleaner).
• Do not use Sparkle to clean other elements of the microscope. Use a neutral detergent on any plastic or painted surfaces.
• Do not assemble or disassemble the microscope’s electrical components yourself without advisement from one of our technicians. Doing so will void your warranty unless by advisement of one of our technicians to do so.
• After use, cover the microscope with the provided dust cover.
• Keep your AmScope microscope in a dry, clean location in order to prevent rust or other damage.
• To change batteries with this unit, use the included allen wrench (hexagonal shaped L-tool) to undo the door hex screw on the base. Use 3 AAA batteries with the unit.
• The unit can be used as a recharger for AAA batteries specified as rechargeable only. Please do not use standard batteries in the unit with the charger plugged in to avoid damage.

SPECIFICATIONS

Optional Accessories

powers
20x| EP20X18| Obtaining 80x, 200x, 800x, and 2000x magnifica- tion powers
25x| EP25X18| For obtaining 250x and 2500x magnification pow- ers
10x w/ Pointer| EP10X18P| For easier identifying of objects
10x w/ Reticle| EP10X18R| For measuring objects
Objective| 2X| A2X| For obtaining 20x and 32x magnification powers
5X| A5X| For obtaining 50X and 80X magnication powers
20X| A20x| For obtaining 200x and 320x magnification powers
60X| A60X| For obtaining 600x and 960x magnification powers
Plan 4X| PA4X| For obtaining higher clarify in images
Plan 10X| PA10X| For obtaining higher clarify in images
Plan 40X| PA40X| For obtaining higher clarify in images
Plan 100X| PA100X| For obtaining higher clarify in images
Camera| CMOS Digital| MU035 (350k) MU130 (1.3mp) MU300 (3mp) MU500 (5mp) MU800 (8mp) MU900 (9mp) MU1000 (10mp)| To capture images, video, or view live display on a computer (PC/Mac OS X)
Calibration Micrometer| MR400| To calibrate the camera software for on screen measurements
CCD TV/Video| CCD-NP| To view live display on a television (RCA)
Case| Aluminum Case| AC-B100| For carrying microscope around safely

Objectives

Type| Magnification| Numerical Aperture (N.A.)| Medium| Parfocal Distance (mm)| Magnification Marks (Color Ring)
---|---|---|---|---|---
DIN Achromatic Objective (195mm)| 4X| A2X| Air| 45| Red
10X| A5X| Air| 45| Yellow
40X| A20x| Air| 45| Light Blue
60X| A60X| Air| 45| Deep Blue
100X| A100X| Cedar Oil| 45| White
Plan Objective (195mm)| Plan 4X| PA4X| Air| 45| Red
Plan 10X| PA10X| Air| 45| Yellow
Plan 40X| PA40X| Air| 45| Light Blue
Plan 100X| PA100X| Cedar Oil| 45| White

Eyepieces

Electrical System

There are two options for electrical systems for this series of microscope. The light source is an LED system.

1. 220V~240V power supply: 220V~240V ±10%, 50Hz This electrical system is CE and GS certified
2. 100V~120V power supply: 100V~120V ±10%, 60Hz This electrical system is UL certified.

All units come standard as 110V units unless an upgrade to a 220V system is requested. Upgrade fee is dependent on which unit is purchased.
This unit is also capable of using batteries and charging rechargable batteries. It uses 3 AAA batteries. When plugged in with batteries in the unit, the batteries will be charged.
Note: Please do not use the recharging feature with standard batteries, as damage to your unit can occur.

Technical Terms & Concepts

Total Magnification

Total magnification of a microscope is calculated by the magnification of the objective multiplied by the magnification of the eyepieces.

-Ex: (10x Eyepieces) x (4x Objective) = 40x Total Magnification

Field of View

Linear field of view of the eyepiece divided by the magnification of the objective

Numerical Aperture (N.A)

Calculated by n Sin ± (max), the Numerical Aperture (N.A) is an important parameter that marks the features of the objective and condensers image quality and resolution. The n is a refractive index of the medium (air or immersion cedar oil) between the objective lens and the specimen. The ± is 1/2 of the angle between the aperture on the objective and path of light. The larger the N.A, the higher the resolution of the objective (and better quality of the image).

Object to Primary Image Distance

The distance between the object plane and the primary image plane. The conjugate distance is fixed.

Mechanical Tube Length

The distance between the objective shoulder and the ocular shoulder

TROUBLESHOOTING

Common Issues

OPTICAL ISSUES
One side of the field of view is darker| The nosepiece if misaligned| Turn the nosepiece until it clicks into place
Stains or dust has accumulated on the objective, eyepieces, or base lens| Clean all lenses with lens cleaner or a lint free non- abraisive cloth
Obstructions are observed in the field of view| Stains, dust, or dirt has accumulated on the speci- men| Clean the slide or use a new specimen if sample is destroyed
Stains, dust, or dirt have accumulated on the lens| Clean the lens
Unclear Image| There is no cover slip on the slide| Add a cover slip. The objectives are designed for use with a 0.17mm cover slip, so it is a requirement to use one for proper images.
The cover slip is not standard sized| Replace the cover slip with the appropriate 0.17mm thickness slip
The aperture is not open to an appropriate diam- eter| Adjust the aperture to have the light just larger than the size of the condenser
Stain or dust has accumulated on the lens in the inlet of the head| Clean the lens with lens cleaner or a nonabraisive lint free cloth, as well as spray with compressed air
One side of the field of view is dark or the image moves while focusing| The specimen slide is not fixed| Secure the slide to the stage with clips
The nosepiece is not in the right position| Turn the nosepiece until it clicks into place
The field of view is not bright enough| The iris disc diaphragm is not big enough| Rotate the iris disc diaphragm to allow more light to travel
Stains, dust, or dirt has accumulated on the con- denser, objective, eyepieces, or base lens| Thoroughly clean tall lenses with lens cleaner or a lint free nonabraisive cloth

MECHANICAL ISSUES
The objective touches the cover slip| The cover slip is not standard sized| Replace the cover slip with the appropriate 0.17mm thickness slip
The limit-stop is set too high or not engaged| Be careful to avoid contact between objective and the slide when the limit stop is not engaged. To reengage, focus the sample, then lock the limit stop into place to set max height at a safe but us- able distance.
Unable to move the slide smoothly| The slide is not secured correctly| Adjust the slide to use the stage clips and secure the sample
The mechanical stage is not properly secured| Tighten the mechanical stage screws to better secure the stage
Focus knob does not turn| The tension knob is too tight| Loosen it by adjusting the tension ring inside the coarse focus knob counterclockwise (close to the arm of the microscope on the left of the microscope)
Stage declines by itself| The tension knob is too lose| Tighten it by adjusting the tension ring inside the coarse focus knob clockwise (close to the arm of the microscope on the left of the microscope)
The focusing knob won’t raise the stage| Limit-stop is engaged| Disengage the limit stop on the rear of the stage of the micro- scope
ELECTRICAL ISSUES
The bulb/light source flickers| The bulb is close to burning out| Please contact us in regards to this issue. LED lights do not burn out, so there may be another electrical issue
The microscope does not light up| The microscope is unplugged| Insert the plug into the wall socket to achieve electrical illumina- tion

**FAQs**

Is this product compatible with Macs?****

Don’t waste your money on this POS because they will try to sell you more software so you can use it on your Mac once you buy it. On a computer, you’ll never be able to view anything with the highest magnification.

What procedure should you follow when utilizing a monocular AmScope M148C-E microscope?****

You should keep one eye open when using a monocular microscope and use the other to peer through the eyepiece. Keep in mind that everything is upside down and reversed. When the slide is moved to the right, the image travels to the left.

The AmScope M148C-E monocular compound microscope has how many ocular lenses?****

Compared to a single lens, a compound microscope’s numerous lenses, each of which serves a particular purpose, provide substantially more clarity for researchers to examine a specimen. Below is a quick description of each of the two compound microscope lenses.

What are the restrictions of a compound microscope AmScope M148C-E?****

A compound light microscope may magnify up to 2000 times. Some specimens, such as viruses, atoms, and molecules, are inaccessible to it.

What can you see via the monocular AmScope M148C-E microscope?****

Images of objects taken with a monocular microscope will always appear flat and lack depth. Monocular microscopes are used to look at truly microscopic organisms, including cells, plants, and animals. With a usual range of 40x to 1400x, observations are frequently done at magnifications of between 100x and 400x.

What is the AmScope M148C-E compound microscope’s shortest distance?****

In a compound microscope, the object’s distance from the objective lens is 1/3.8 cm, the objective’s focal length is 1 cm, and the magnification is set to 95 to the shortest distance of distinct vision.

The two numbers on a monocular mean what, exactly?****

A monocular set is represented by two numbers. The first number represents the monocular magnification power, and the second is the objective, or front lens, diameter. The size of the monocular and how well it will perform under varied circumstances are both influenced by these two elements.

What kind of lens is employed by the AmScope M148C-E compound microscope?****

Using numerous lenses, a compound microscope will expand a picture for the viewer. Its construction consists of two convex lenses. The first lens, the ocular lens, is situated close to the eye, and the second lens is the objective lens. Both lenses have different focal lengths due to their different intended uses.

How can the AmScope M148C-E compound microscope’s resolution be increased?****

To improve the resolution (d=/2 NA), the specimen must be seen using either shorter wavelength () light, through an imaging medium with a relatively high refractive index, or with optical components that have a high NA.

What can’t you see with just one eye?****

The ability to effectively track moving objects, judge distance, and sense depth is lost in people who lose eyesight in one eye, according to studies.

Which of the AmScope M148C-E compound microscope’s lenses is smaller?****

There are two lenses, however they have different focal lengths. The objective, the lens closest to the object, is a different size than the eyepiece, the lens next to the eye. formulations used It magnifies the compound microscope.

What is the ideal use for an AmScope M148C-E compound microscope?****

A compound microscope is often used to observe samples at high magnification by combining the effects of two sets of lenses—the ocular lens (in the eyepiece) and the objective lenses (40 to 1000x).

What kinds of specimens are used with the AmScope M148C-E compound microscope?****

Compound microscopes are used to see microscopic samples that are undetectable to the human eye. These samples are often utilised in a microscope on a slide. Slides are not required when using a stereo microscope, and there is more room under the microscope for larger objects like rocks or flowers.

How does the AmScope M148C-E compound microscope find images?****

The objective lens produces a real, inverted image, while the eyepiece acts as a simple magnifier and provides a virtual image. As a result, the image is essentially virtual and inverted.

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