AmScope 490 Series User manual

OPERATOR’S
MANUAL
(Please Read This Manual Before Using the
Microscope)
490 Series
Compound Microscope

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Copyright © 2015 United ScopeInc.DBA AmScope. All rightsreserved.
Copyright Notice
Thisdocument,whichisindraft formand subject tochangewithoutnotice,isan
unpublishedworkcontainingconfidential, trade secret information that isproprietaryto
AmScope, and isprotected bylawspertainingtosuchmaterials.Thisdocument, the
information inthisdocumentandall rightstheretoarethe soleand exclusivepropertyof
AmScopeandarenot tobecopied,usedordisclosed toanyone, inwholeorinpart,
without theexpress written permission of AmScope.
AmScopeassumesnoliabilityforanydamagesincurred,directlyorindirectly, fromany
errors, omissionsordiscrepanciesbetween the useof thismicroscope and theinformation
contained inthisdocument.
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Contents
BEFOREUSE..................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................4
Precautions.................................................................................................................................................................4
1. MICROSCOPE PARTS .....................................................................................................................................................5
2. OPERATION ...................................................................................................................................................................6
2.1Unpacking.............................................................................................................................................................6
2.2Assembly ...............................................................................................................................................................7
2.3Adjusting theView..............................................................................................................................................10
2.4SpecimenSet Up..................................................................................................................................................11
2.5Focusing..............................................................................................................................................................12
2.6Using theTrinocularPort...................................................................................................................................13
2.7Attaching aCamera............................................................................................................................................13
2.8SettingtheStage’sStop-Limit.............................................................................................................................14
2.9Adjusting FocusTension.....................................................................................................................................14
2.10 Setting theCondenserLensAdjustmentKnob...................................................................................................15
2.11 Adjusting theIris...............................................................................................................................................15
2.12 ChangingaFilter..............................................................................................................................................15
2.13 ChangingtheHalogenLightBulbs...................................................................................................................16
2.14 ChangingtheFuse............................................................................................................................................16
2.15 Using Oil Immersion.........................................................................................................................................17
2.16 Using DarkfieldCondenserLenses(OptionalAccessories).............................................................................19
2.17 Using aDryDarkfieldCondenserLens(OptionalAccessory).........................................................................20
2.18 Using Oil DarkfieldCondenserLens(OptionalAccessory).............................................................................21
2.19 Using aPhaseContrastKit (OptionalAccessory)............................................................................................24
2.20 Using aSimple PhaseContrastKit (OptionalAccessory)................................................................................28
2.21 Using aTurret PhaseContrastKit (OptionalAccessory).................................................................................33
2.22 MicroscopeMaintenance..................................................................................................................................38
2.23 DarkfieldCondenserKit &PhaseContrastKit Maintenance..........................................................................39
3. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................................................40
3.1GeneralModel Comparison................................................................................................................................40
3.2Objectives............................................................................................................................................................41
3.3Eyepieces.............................................................................................................................................................41
3.4DarkfieldCondensers..........................................................................................................................................41
3.5PhaseContrastKits.............................................................................................................................................42
4. PARAMETERS ..............................................................................................................................................................43
4.1ElectricalSystem.................................................................................................................................................43
4.2MicroscopeParameters ......................................................................................................................................43
5. RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES ...................................................................................................................................44
5.1Eyepieces.............................................................................................................................................................44
5.2DarkfieldCondensers..........................................................................................................................................44
5.3Objective Lenses.................................................................................................................................................45
5.4PhaseContrastKits.............................................................................................................................................45
5.5Camerasand Accessories...................................................................................................................................46
5.6HalogenLightBulbsandFuses..........................................................................................................................47
5.7Casesand Bags...................................................................................................................................................47
5.8StageWarmer......................................................................................................................................................47
5.9Slides...................................................................................................................................................................48
5.10 Cleaners ............................................................................................................................................................48
5.11 Books.................................................................................................................................................................48
6. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................................................................................................................................................49
6.1OpticalIssues......................................................................................................................................................49
6.2MechanicalIssues...............................................................................................................................................50
6.3ElectricalIssues..................................................................................................................................................51
7. GENERAL MICROSCOPY GUIDE...................................................................................................................................52

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BeforeUse
Introduction
Congratulationsonthe purchaseof yournewAmScopeMicroscope!Thismanualis
designed for490 seriesmicroscopes.Thoughthemicroscope’sbodyand
magnificationlevelsmayvarydependingonyourseriesmodelnumber, the490
seriesfunctionsremainthesame.
Pleasetakeafewminutestofamiliarizeyourself withthe featuresand functionsof
yournewmicroscope. If you want moreinformationonmicroscope,parts,and
accessories,pleasevisit ourwebsiteat:
www.AmScope.com
Werecommend that you studythismanualthoroughlybeforeoperatingthe
microscopeand thatyou keep itonhand forfuturereference. If you haveadditional
questionsorneed assistance, pleasesendusan email at:
[e-mail]
Pleaseincludethemicroscope modelnumberinyouremail sothat wecanidentify
yourmodelandprovide immediatehelp.
Precautions
1.Asthemicroscopeisaprecision instrument,alwayshandleitwithcare, avoiding
impactorabruptmovement duringtransportation. Donot shakethe package.
2.Donotplacethemicroscope indirect sunlightorinhighheat. Keep it indoorsina
dryand cleanplacewithtemperaturesbetween 32°-100°F(0°-40°C), maximum
relativehumidity: 85%
3.Avoidtouchingthe lensesontheobjectiveandtheeyepiecesothat oil anddirt
fromyourfingerprintsdo notobstructyourview.
4.Beforeturningthe poweron,makesurethat the powersupplyvoltage is
consistent withthe voltageofyourmicroscope.

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1. Microscope Parts
Compound Microscope

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2. Operation
2.1Unpacking
2.1.1UnpacktheBox
1.Verycarefullyslide theStyrofoamcontainerout of thecardboardcarton.
2.Laythe Styrofoamcontaineronitsside. Makesurethe side labeled up isup.
3.Removethetape.
4.Carefullyopen theStyrofoamcontainer,avoiddroppinganddamaging the
opticalitems.
2.1.2VerifyPacking List
Check thepackinglist toensurethatyou’rereceived all items:
ØOne MicroscopeBody
ØOne Binocular(B490)orOne Trinocular(T490)RotatingGemelHead
ØOne AdjustableTrinocularPhotoPort (forT490 only)
ØFourObjectives(4x, 10x, 40x, 100x)
ØPair of10XWidefieldEyepieces
ØPair of16XWidefieldEyepieces(for-Amodelsonly)
ØPair of20XWidefieldEyepieces(for-Bmodelsonly)
ØPair of25XWidefieldEyepieces(for-C modelsonly)
ØThreeColorFilters(Blue, Green,& Yellow), (fornon-LEDmodelsonly)
ØOne BottleofImmersionOil
ØOne 6V/20WSpareHalogen Bulb(for20Wmodelsonly)
ØOne 6V/30WSpareHalogen Bulb(for30Wmodelsonly)
ØOne SpareFuse
ØOne Dust Cover
Note:LEDmodelsdonothaveasparebulb, astheLEDbulbsdonot need
replacing.

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2.2Assembly
2.2.1CarefullyRemoveMicroscopefrom Box
Removethemicroscopebodyfromthe boxand
removetheplasticprotectivecovering.
Thebodyofthe microscope iscomposed ofthe base,
the stage, the arm,andthenosepiece.
2.2.2LoosentheHeadLock Screw
Loosen the metalknoblocateddirectlyabovethe
nosepiece(the headlock screw)completely.
2.2.3Install theMicroscopeHead
Carefullytakethemicroscopehead outoftheplasticbag,
makingsurenottotouchglass.
Placethe bottomside ofthemicroscopehead(flat,
circularside down)intothe circularopeningontopof the
arm(justabovethe nosepieceandlock screw).
Tightentheheadlock screwtosecurethe head in
place.

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2.2.4Install theTrinocularPortand C-Mount(For TrinocularMicroscopes
Only)
Unscrewand removethe photoport capfromthe topside ofthe
microscopehead.
Screwinthe Trinocularport
If yourcamerahasac-mount, insert the c-mountadapteronto
the Trinocularport. If yourcameradoesnot haveac-mount, you
can skipthisstep.
2.2.5InsertEyepieces
Removetheeyetube caps.
Placethe desired eyepiecesintotheemptyeye/oculartubes.
Be suretoavoidtouchingthe lenses.

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2.2.6InsertObjectiveLenses
Unpack the objectivelenses.Screwthe
objectivesintothemicroscopenosepiece.
Start withthelowest magnification,andinorder
ofmagnification, insert eachlens,without
touchingthe glass.
2.2.7Plug itin, turn iton, and adjustthedimmerifmorelightisneeded.
Pluginthemicroscopeandturniton. If no light
emergesfromthelight source,adjustthedimmer
knob on theside ofthebase.

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2.3Adjusting theView
2.3.1Choose forwardor reverse viewing
Themicroscopeheadrotatestoallowforforwardor
reverseviewing.
Thereisnodifferenceasfarastheoptics; itdepends
on what’scomfortable.Inforwardposition youare
lookingoverthe stage,inreversepositionyou are
lookingat the stage.
Onceyou’vechosenyourpreferred microscope head
position, lock the head-lock screw.
2.3.2Focusthedistance betweenyour eyes.
(Theinterpupillarydistance,thedistancebetween youreyepupils.)
Withbotheyesopen,lookintothe eyepieces.Adjusttheinterpupillarydistance
byholdingthe eyetubesandrotatingthe tubeseithertowardsorawayfromeach
otheruntil onlyone circleoflight isseen bybotheyes.

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2.4SpecimenSetUp
2.4.1PreparetheSpecimen
Placethe specimen tobe studiedonaglass slide
(oruseaprepared slide, soldseparately).
2.4.2SecuretheSlide
Placethe slideonthestage, holdingit snuglyin
placewiththemetalslide holders(clips)of the
mechanicalstage.
2.4.3CentertheSpecimen
Usingthe mechanicalstagecontrols, centerthe
slide overthe stageopening, liningit upwiththe
light and the objectivelens.
Thetopringmovesthestageforwardand
backward. The bottomringmovesthe stagefrom
left toright
2.4.4Adjustthedimmerifmorelightisneeded.
Toadjust theillumination, slowlyturnthe dimmeron
the right sideofthebaseuntil thedesiredintensity
oflight isachieved.

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2.5Focusing
2.5.1Choose anObjectiveLens
Turnthenosepiecetochooseanobjective. It iseasiesttouse
the lowestmagnificationfirst (4Xobjective)tolocateandfocus
on the specimen.Asyou moveupinmagnification you will
needtorefocustheimagealittleeachtime.
2.5.2Parfocal
Underthediopterson the eyepieces, therearenumbered
rings. Set theseringsto0andtheimageshouldremainin
focusfortheentiremagnificationrange.Thiswill enableyou to
staymoreinfocuswhen you addacameraorswitchobjective
lenses.
2.5.3Focusoneeyeattime
1.Lookwithoneeyethroughtheright eyetube.Or,
ifyou havetwodiopters, selecteithereyepiece.
2.Closeyourothereye.
3.Focustheimageusingthe coarsefocusingknob.
Adjust the heightofthestageuntil thesample
comesintoclearfocus.
Note: You can loosenthe limit-stop knob (locatedontheinsideofthecoarse
focusingknobonthe left sideof themicroscope)inordertogiveyourself the
full rangeof motion.
2.5.4Focusyour othereye
1.Closethefirst eye. Open the otherone.
2.Lookwiththesecondeyethroughthe
eyepiece.
3.Turnthediopteruntil the imageisclearthrough
the sideaswell. Donot turnthefocusingknob
when you areadjusting the diopteroryou will
havedifficultyfocusingproperly.
2.5.5Re-centerSpecimenand Re-focus
When you changemagnificationlevels, you mayneedtore-centerthe specimen.
When you changemagnification, you will need tore-focus.

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2.6Using theTrinocularPort
TheAmScopeT490modelsareuniquelydesigned so
that you can viewthe imagethroughthe eyepiecesand
the Trinocularport simultaneously, aswell asfine tune
the focusofthe camerawithaC-mountfocusadjustment.
You do notneed an adaptertoattachyourAmScope
cameratotheTrinocularport; howeveryou mayneed one
ifyou haveanon-AmScope camera.Ourphotoport isa
23mmsize.
2.7Attaching aCamera
Most AmScope camerascomewithareduction lens.
Reductionlensesalign the magnification ofthe
microscope’simagewiththecapacityofthe digital
camera’ssensor.
Thespecimen’simageseenthroughthemagnified
objectivelensisverylarge. The reductionlensrenders
the imageinasizecompatiblewiththesmallersizeof
the digitalcamera’ssensor.
1.If yourcamerahasa23mmmountingsize, you donot
needtheC-mountadapter. If installed, removetheC-
mountfromthetopof the Trinocularportbyloosening
the screw.
2.Placethe camera(mountedonareduction lens)
directlyintotheTrinocularport.It shouldslidein
without issue.
3.Focusthroughthe Trinocularport, byturningthe
middleportionof thetube.
4.OpenupyourAmScopeDigitalCameraSolution
softwareon yourcomputerand let it connect toyour
microscope.
If yourcameraneedsaC-mount adapter,attachtheadaptertoyourcameraand screwthe
adapterintothe Trinocularport.Plugoneendofthe corddirectlyintothecameraandthe
USB endintoyourcomputer.

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2.8Setting theStage’sStop-Limit
1.Unlock thestop-limit onthestage.
2.Adjust the stagetothedesired maximum
height.
3.Lock the stop-limit.Thisallowsyou tolimit
the movementofthestagefromthebottomof
the rangeuptothepoint it isset at.
4.Toreset it, unlock the stageandreset the
stagetothenewheight.
If nolimit isdesired,simplyunlock the stop-limit.
2.9Adjusting FocusTension
1.Toadjust thetensionofthefocusingknobs,
first locatetheblack ridged tensionknob on
the inside of the coarsefocusingknob.
2.Todecreasetension, rotatetheadjustment
forward, towardsthe stage
(counterclockwise). Toincrease,rotateaway
fromthe stage(clockwise).
Note: If yourstageisslippingdownaftersettingthe focus,you needtoincreasethe
tension.

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2.10 Setting theCondenser LensAdjustmentKnob
Thecondenseradjustment knob raisesandlowersthe
condenser’sdistancetothebaselens, varyinglight
delivery.
2.11 Adjusting theIris
Bychangingthe aperture(holesize)oftheiris/diaphragm
ofthecondenser, you can adjustthebackground
brightness. Adjust the apertureof theirisdiaphragmusing
the irisadjustmentsliderlocateddirectlyunderthe stage.
2.12 Changing aFilter
1. At thebottomofthe condenserlens, thereisasmall
ringthat slidesout. Swivelthe ringasfaroutas
possible.
2. Insert the preferredcolored glass filter.
3. Slide theringback intoplace.
Note:Thefilterholderisplacedinfromthe factoryinamannerinwhichit swingsout
and hitsthe armof the microscope(backwards). Ifthishappens, simplygrip
the condenserassemblyand rotateit. Itmaytakeasmall amount offorceto
rotateit, but afterdoing so, you willbe abletoswingthe filterholderout
towardsthe frontoftheunitforeasieroperation.

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2.13 Changing theHalogenLightBulbs
1. Turnoff andunplugthemicroscope.
2. Waituntil the bulbcoolsdown.
3. Donottouchthe bulbdirectly, the oil from
yourskinwill damagethe bulb.
Useaclothorpapertohandle.
(MicroscopeBase)
1. Be suretoremovethe eyepiecesfromthe unit
beforeturningthe microscopeovertoprevent
themfromfallingand breaking.
2. Carefullyturnthemicroscopeonitsside,
exposingthe base.
3. Loosen the doorscrewon the bottomof the
microscopeand pull thedooropen.
4. Removetheoldbulband replacewithanew
one.
5. Closedoorandtighten the screwsofthe
door.
2.14 Changing theFuse
(MicroscopeBase)
1. Turnoff andunplugthemicroscope.
2. Be suretoremovethe eyepiecesfromthe unit
beforeturningthe microscopeovertoprevent
themfromfallingand breaking.
3. Carefullyturnthemicroscopeonitsside,
exposingthe base.
4. Usingasmall screwdriver, unscrewthe coverand
replacethe fuse.
5. Screwthe fusecoverback in.

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2.15 Using Oil Immersion
When usingthe 100X objective, adrop ofimmersionoil shouldbe
placedbetweenthecoverslipand theobjectivetominimizedistortion
causedbyair.
1.Placethe slideonthestageandcenterthe
specimen.
2.Closethecondenser’sapertureirisandensurethat the
specimen focused andcentered aspossible.Increase
light intensityoncethespecimen isclearlyilluminated.
3.Movethe objectivesout ofthe waytoenableaccess
totheslide. Placeadrop of immersionoil directly
ontotheslide’scoverslip, notdirectlyon the
specimen;acoverslipMUSTbeused.
4.Releasethe stagestoplimit.
5.Loweryouroil immersion lens(100Xobjective)into
positionsothatthefront lensisimmersedinthe oil.If
yourlensisnotimmersed,usethe coarsefocusing
knobstoadjusttheheight ofthe stagetotheproper
levels. Theoil lensshouldbeimmersedinoil, butnot
touchingthe slide.

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6.Adjust the focusingknob, watchforthefieldofviewto
comeintofocus.Thisisbest seenwhen theirisofthe
condenserissmallerthan thefieldofthe objective. Use
the fine focusingknob tomakeadjustments.
7.Re-engagethestagestop limit.
8.When the specimen isinfocus, adjust the iristoopen
just largerthanthecondenser’sdiameter.
9.Afterusingthe oil immersion lens, you will need tocleanthe lensand
specimen beforetheoildries.
Note: Pleasebecarefulwhen usingthe stagestop limit.Thestagelimit
stop isdesigned toprevent impact between objectiveand slide, sowhen it
isoffyou candamagethe microscopeortheslide.

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2.16 Using DarkfieldCondenser Lenses (OptionalAccessories)
DarkfieldIlluminationisalightingmethodforincreasingcontrast. A darkfield
condenserlensproducesbright imagesagainst adarkbackground forlowcontrast
specimens.
Thedrydarkfieldcondenserisforlowpowermagnifications,
suchaswiththe 4X,10Xor40Xobjectivelenses, with
numericaperturesof.65 orless.
Theoil darkfieldcondenserisforhighpowermagnifications,
the 40Xand100Xobjectivelenses, withnumericapertures
up to1.25 orless.
2.16.1Installing aDarkfieldCondenserLens
1.Usethecondenserlensadjustment knobtolowerthe condensersoyou have
easyaccess tothecondenserknob.
2.Loosen the condenserlock screwand replacethe
condenserlens.
3.Install the darkfieldcondenserlensandtightenthe
condenserlockthumbscrewon the condenserholder.
When choosingadarkfieldcondenser, besurethe
condenser’snumericalapertureislargerthan the
numericalapertureofthe objectivelens.
If theobjectivelensapertureislargerthantheapertureof
the darkfieldcondenser, direct light will be transmitted and
adarkfieldwill not be achieved.

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2.17 Using aDryDarkfieldCondenser Lens(OptionalAccessory)
2.17.1Using theDryDarkfieldCondenser
1.Thefirst step iscenteringthe condenser.Movethe10Xobjectivelensintothe
light path.
2.Removeaneyepieceand lookthrough
the emptyeyetube, tosee the
condenser’simagedirectly.
3.Usethecondenserlensadjustment
knob toadjusttheheight of the
condenseruntil the opaque disc is
slightlysmallerthantheentireimage
circle, leavingaringoflight.
4.Turnthecondenser’scenteringscrews
tomovethedarkspottothecenter.
5.Replacethe eyepieces.
6.Raisethecondensertothetopof its
range, just short of the slide onthe
stage.Theistheoptimalpositionfor
darkfieldviewing, but can beadjusted
later, ifnecessary.
7.Placeaslide on the stageandfocus. A
djust
the height of thestageup ordownslightly
foroptimalviewing, but the condenserlens
shouldbe relativelyclosetotheslide.
8.If you areusingavariablenumerical
apertureobjectivelens, adjust thering
at thebottomtofine tune the darkfield.