AmScope SE400 Series User manual

SE400
Series
1
User’s Manual

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SE400
Series
T
abl
e
o
f
Contents
Before Use..........................................................................................3
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3
Safety Precautions ................................................................................................... 4
Parts .............................................................................................. 5
SE400 .................................................................................................................. 5
Definition of Parts ............................................................................................... 6
Getting Started ............................................................................ 8
Assembly .................................................................................................................. 8
Operation .................................................................................... 9
Setting p ................................................................................................................... 9
Attaching a Camera ............................................................................................. 9
Maintenance/Precautions ..................................................................................... 10
Specifications.............................................................................. 11
Specifications ......................................................................................................... 11
Optional Accessories ............................................................................................. 11
Technical Terms & Concepts .......................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting........................................................................ 13
Common Issues (Optical) .................................................................................. 13
Common Issues (Mechanical) ........................................................................... 14

3
SE400
Series
Before
Use
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new AmScope microscope!
This manual is designed for the SE400 series microscopes.
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the features and functions of your new mi-
croscope.
If you’d 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 hand for future reference.
If you have additional questions or need assistance, please send ius an email at:
[e-mail]

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SE400
Series
Before
Use
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 consistent with
the voltage of your microscope (for units with built in illumination).

5
SE400
Series
Parts
SE400
Eyepieces
Top Light
Pillar Boom Stand
Boom Arm
Locking Knobs
Objective
Focusing Knob
Power Switch
Dust Cover

6
SE400
Series
Parts
Definition of Parts
AdjustableTrinocularPort
Threaded port with adjustable length of attachment of digital or video camera
Boom Stand
Stand for the microscope that allows the head to be moved in physical space in various directions
Continuous Zoom
A microscope head with a knob to change magnification through a range
Dimmer
Controls the amount of light that escapes from the illumination source
Diopter
Allows the focus to be perfected for both eyes, independent of each other
Fixed Power
Microscope head whose objectives are pre-set at certain levels and changed by rotating the objective
FocusingKnob
sed to move the microscope head vertically to bring the sample into focus
FrostedGlass Plate
A clear plate with frosted finish to provide a bottom light source for translucent samples
GooseneckIlluminator
Illuminator independent of the unit that allows movement of one or two necks for controlled lighting
Head Lock Screw
Screws the microscope head into place
Magnification Knob
Changes the magnification of the lenses on a continuous zoom microscope

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SE400
Series
Parts
Microscope Head
Contains the objective lens, eyepiece ocular tubes, and prisms used to magnify
Ocular Tube
Tube designed to hold the eyepieces or camera in place
Opaque Stage
Opaque plate to provide a contrasting background for viewing a sample with ease
Ring Light
An illuminator that mounts directly onto the objective to emit even light on the sample below
Simul-FocalMicroscopeHead
Head containing a focus adjustment for a trinocular port camera to simultaneously to match the eyepieces
Table Stand
A stand which sits on the table and holds the head directly above the sample without moving

8
SE400
Series
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.
- Stereo Microscope Body & Stand
- 5x Widefield Eyepieces (X models only)
- 10x Widefield Eyepieces (Typically these come on the microscope)
- 15x Widefield Eyepieces (Y models only)
- 20x Widefield Eyepieces (Z models only)
- Dust Cover
- Tungsten Light Source
- Tension Adjustment Wrench
3. Remove the microscope body from the box and remove the plastic protective covering. The body of the micro-
scope is composed of the head of the microscope and the base.
4. Insert the vertical pillar into the base if not already installed. Wrap the cable around the top to avoid slack in
the cable if desired.
5. Insert the boom into the joint and secure. Attach light to the head via inserting it in the rear of the head of the
microscope.
6. Remove the eyetube caps and drop the desired eyepieces into the eyepiece ocular tubes. Be sure to avoid
touching the lens to ensure no artifacts appear in your image.
7. Remove the cap from the objective lens.
8. Plug in the microscope and turn it on.

9
SE400
Series
Operation
Setting Up
1. Once you have placed your sample on the base below the objective, center the sample as best as possible. A slide
is neither needed nor required for a stereo microscope, although they can be used if desired. If using a slide, use
the stage clips to hold it in place.
2. Select which magnification setting you would like to achieve by using the 10x eyepieces for the 10x setting, or
using one of the other eyepieces included with an X, Y, or Z model.
3. With both eyes open, look into the eyepieces. Adjust the interpupillary distance by holding the eyepiece tubes
and rotating the eyepiece tubes either towards or away from each other until only one circle of light is seen by both
eyes.
3. Focus the microscope on the sample by using the focusing knob on the arm of the microscope.
4. Center the object in the field of view once you have achieved focus.
Attaching a Camera
1. Remove the eyepiece from the microscope. You may need to unscrew the locking screw on the microscope ocu-
lar tube to remove the eyepiece.
2. Slide in the 23mm to 30.5mm adapter included with your CMOS camera.
3. Insert the camera into the 23mm side of the adapter.

SE400
Series
Operation
10
Maintenance/Precautions
- All glass surfaces must be kept clean. Fine dust on the optical surface should be blown off using a hand blower or
gently wiped off with a soft lens paper tissue/nonabrasive 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 damages.

SE400
Series
Specifications
11
SE400 Series Specifications
Parts Specifications SE400-X SE400-Y SE400-Z
Extreme WF Eyepiece WF5X x
WF10X xxx
WF10X w/ Pointer
WF10X w/ Reticle
WF15X x
WF20X x
WF25X
30 Degree Viewing Head Binocular, Interpupillary Adjustment xxx
Optional Accessories
Parts Description Model # Purpose
Eyepieces 20x EP20X30.5 Obtaining additional magnification powers
25x EP25X30.5 For obtaining additional magnification powers
10x w/ Pointer EP10X30.5P For easier identifying of objects
10x w/ Reticle EP10X30.5R For measuring objects
Camera CMOSDigital 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

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SE400
Series
T
echnica
l
Parameters
Technical Terms & Concepts
TotalMagnification
Total magnification of a microscope is calculated by the magnification of the objective multiplied by the mag-
nification 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 α (max), the Numerical Aperture (N.A) is an important parameter that marks the
features of the objective and condenser’s 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 “α” 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) is.
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
Infinity
Infinity is an optic lens system that allows the entire field of view to be in focus at the same time, allowing for
higher quality images to be displayed through the microscope. The focal distance is set to infinity between the objective
and the eyepiece prism, also allowing filters to be inserted into the system more easily due to the parallel path of light,
rather than focusing on a specific point.

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SE400
Series
T
roubleshooting
Common Issues (Optical)
Symptom Cause Remedy
OPTICAL ISSUES
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
lenses
Clean the objective and eyepiece lenses
UnclearImage Stain or dust has accumulated on the lens in the
inlet of the head
Clean the lens with lens cleaner or a nonabrasive
lint free cloth, as well as spray with compressed air
The microscope head is not in the right position
to be focused
Adjust the height of the microscope with the focus-
ing knob on the focusing rack until image appears
in focus. Note: Higher magnification will require
the head to move closer, while lower will require
more distance between the sample and the lens.
One side of the field
of view is dark or the
image moves while
focusing
The specimen is not fixed Secure the slide to the stage with clips or another
manner so that the sample does not move
The field of view is not
bright enough
The light source is not present A light source must be used with this model micro-
scope to view a sample (ring light, built in illumina-
tor, or gooseneck illuminator)
The light source is too dim The light source used is not bright enough, or is set
to too low of an intensity setting. Adjust setting to a
higher or change light sources
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 nonabrasive cloth

14
SE400
Series
T
roubleshooting
Common Issues (Mechanical)
Symptom Cause Remedy
MECHANICALISSUES
Focus knob does not turn The tension knob is too tight Loosen it by adjusting the tension by grabbing both knobs on the
focusing rack and twisting them in opposite directions.
Stage declines by itself The tension knob is too lose Loosen it by adjusting the tension by grabbing both knobs on the
focusing rack and twisting them in opposite directions.
The focusing knob won’t
raise/lower the head
The focusing rack has reached the max travel distance in either
direction
Move the focusing rack higher or lower on the pillar if using a
stand with a pillar