DUO-SCOPE MFL-06 User manual

TM
LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY
The manufacturer warrants this instrument to be free from defects in material and
workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of purchase. It does not
cover damage resulting from abuse or misuse, repairs or alterations performed by other
than authorized repair technicians, or damage occurring in transit.
For warranty service, microscope should be well packed to avoid damage in transit,
preferably in original box and packing. Include your complete return address and
telephone number as well as a description of the difficulty, and ship, postage prepaid,
to the address below. It will be repaired or replaced at no charge and returned. If
misuse, alterations, accident or abnormal conditions of operation caused failure, an
estimate for repairs will be provided for your approval prior to work being performed.
If you have questions concerning this product or warranty, contact the dealer from
whom it was purchased.
Microscope Service Department
7241 Gabe Court
Manassas, VA 20109-2434
703-330-1413
(22/4)
©2014
Made in China
My First LabTM
Duo-Scope
USER MANUAL
Model MFL-06
This microscope is intended for use by ages 9 & older.
Parents are reminded this is a scientific tool and contains glass microscope slides and
sharp instruments. Proper handling and parental supervision is required.
Always follow the appropriate safety procedures.

History and Awards
My First LabTM is our most popular educational and hobby brand. For over 10
years the My First LabTM line has enjoyed high praise in the global market. My
First LabTM microscopes have received several awards by Creative Child
Magazine and numerous other awards.
Maintenance
To prolong the life of your batteries, turn off the power immediately when not in
use (be sure all lights are off—switch in the center position). Dust the unit with a
soft dry cloth or soft brush. Fingerprints and debris may be removed with a damp
cloth. If glass lenses require cleaning, try a cotton swab very slightly moistened
with alcohol. Dry with a clean swab or lens paper.
Store your microscope in a cool dry place. Always cover or return to the box when
not in use. If used “in the field” take care to keep the unit upright as the eyepiece
can fall out if tipped. Eyepieces and lenses should remain in place to avoid dust in
the tubes. Keep microscope slides in their proper storage unit when not in use.
Always use care with real glass and keep out of reach of young children.
When lights seem dim, replace the batteries with fresh AA batteries. Be sure to
dispose of used batteries properly. The LED light bulbs have a long life span and
should not require replacing. If either bulb does not work, even after installing
fresh batteries, please call for service.
Proper care and use of this product can result in years of scientific study and
adventure. Enjoy!
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DUO-SCOPE i-explore scope
Whodunnit?
MEGA DUO-SCOPE

Some More Ideas for Observation
Children: get adult’s permission before trying any experiments!
1. Crystals: Place a few grains of dry salt or sugar on a slide to observe. Mix
salt with a spoonful of warm water in the test tube and then use the plastic
dropper to place a couple drops on a slide. Let it dry and observe the
re-crystallized salt/sugar.
2. Shake some grains of pollen from a flower onto a blank slide.
3. Hairs, including pet hair, or pieces of feathers, can be observed. Try
comparing hairs from various animals. You can use a small piece of tape at
each end of the hair to hold it on the slide.
4. Observe fibers in different kinds of paper, printing from a newspaper or
typewriter. Look at the color in comics. Compare threads or fibers from
different types of fabric.
5. Stagnant water from a pond will contain live organisms. Place a drop into the
well of a concavity slide for observation.
6. Many specimens may look transparent under the microscope. It’s common to
stain them to make the cells show up better. Iodine is a common stain. Or try
soaking your tissue specimens in a solution of ordinary food color
(included—add water to thin) for a couple of minutes to stain them. Use the
tweezers to pick up the “stained” specimen. Allow the “stained” specimen to
dry before using glue to mount it. Caution: Remember the stain will color
anything else it touches, not just your specimen, so be careful with furniture
and clothing.
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With the My First LabTM Duo-Scope you have the ability to observe both
microscope slides and solid objects, such as plants, coins and insects. The key is in
the dual, cool LED illumination that provides both sub-stage and overhead lighting.
Battery power eliminates the need for electricity or power cords and allows for
portable use “in the field”. The My First LabTM Duo-Scope combines two
separate applications into one fantastic package that promises hours of fun and
learning.
Magnifications
Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the eyepiece magnification
(always 10X) by the objective lens.
Objectives “Compound” use
(lower lighting)
“Stereo” use
(upper lighting)
4X 40X 40X
10X 100X 100X
40X 400X N/A
Note: the 40X lens is not suitable for use with the upper lighting due to the
focusing distance required. The lens must be too close to the specimen and
does not allow enough light to reach the specimen.
Specifications
•10X Eyepiece
•4X, 10X, 40X Objectives
•Real optical glass lenses
•Dual LED lights (above and below)
•Dual focusing knobs
•Disc Diaphragm
Dimensions: 4½" x 6½" x 11½" high; Net Weight: 1.95 lbs.
*Instrument is powered by 3AA Batteries (not included)
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Components of
My First LabTM Duo-Scope
Study the picture below to become familiar with the different parts of your
microscope.
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Mold Growth
1. Get some water, paper plate and one piece of bread.
2. Place the bread on a plate and drop a little water on the bread to make it damp
(not soaked).
3. Place the bread in a cool dark location (such as a cupboard).
4. Observe the bread daily.
Put the plate with the moldy bread under the microscope and notice the mold’s
interesting shape. Fungal spores exist all around us. These spores settle on the
bread and use the water and food from the bread to grow. Mold may have different
color and shapes.
Insect Observation
Below are some screen shots to compare the wings of several different insects.
Notice the difference in the shape and structure. Use your microscope to compare
other similar common household items.
Honeybee Wing (40X) Fly Wing (40X) Mosquito Wing (40X)
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10X Eyepiece
Eyepiece tube
Head
Overhead Illumination
Nosepiece
Stage with clips
Bottom Illuminator
Focusing Knob
Objectives
Disc diaphragm

6. Begin with the stage platform at its lowest position. Rotate the nosepiece to
ensure 4X objective lens is being used. Turn on the lower LED illuminator to
shine the light up through the stage.
7. Place the onion cell slide onto the stage of the microscope.
8. Looking through the eyepiece SLOWLY turn the focusing knob to let 4X
objective get closer to the slides until an image comes into focus.
9. Increase the magnification and repeat the process above; please allow enough
space between objectives and specimen.
In the picture below, the dark blue images are the chromosomes of the onion root.
In some cells you can see the chromosomes being pulled apart to create the new
cells.
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Accessories
This model My First LabTM Duo-Scope is equipped with the following
accessories:
•5 Blank Slides
•4 Prepared Slides
•1 Double Well Slide
•Slide Labels
•Cover Glass
•Plastic Dropper
•2 Bottles of non-toxic “stain” (red and blue)
•Forceps
•Lens Paper
•Test Tube
•Petri Dish
Everything is ready, so let’s start the scientific study and adventure.
Note: *Adult supervision required for experiments and slide preparation.*
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Save the plastic bag the microscope comes packed in to use
as a dust cover when your microscope is not in use.

Preparation
Please read this section completely before using your microscope. Study the
Components diagram (page 2) to learn the various parts of the instrument.
When carrying the microscope hold the
microscope by the “arm” and have the other
hand firmly under the “base” for support.
Always set up your microscope on a smooth
surface, such as a desk or table.
Invert the microscope (taking care the
eyepiece does not fall out) to reveal the
battery compartment. Open the compartment and insert 3 AA Batteries (not
included) as indicated. (Base of battery—negative end—goes against the spring.)
Replace the battery compartment cover.
Before using the scope, practice slowly turning the focusing knob (you can use
either knob on the left or right side of the scope) and watching the stage move
without looking through the eyepiece, this will help to familiarize yourself with
the direction you should turn the knob to move the stage closer to the objectives.
The My First LabTM
Duo-Scope™ has the
capability to illuminate the
specimen from the top or
the bottom. Notice the
power switch located at the
back of the scope. This is a 3 way switch to operate either the top light, the bottom
light, or set to the off position.
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With a little practice, you can soon become an expert at observing all types of
specimens with My First LabTM Duo-Scope™.
Try This:
Use your camera to take the picture Or purchase a professional digital
through the eyepiece of microscope eyepiece to capture and view the
picture on your computer
Some Ideas for Observation
Onion Cells – Mitosis
Mitosis is the process where cells separate into 2 identical cells.
1. Take a small piece from the inside of an onion (approx. ¼ - ½ inch)
2. Use the forceps (from accessory set); peel off the membrane from the
underside (the rough side).
3. Place the membrane flat on a microscope slide, and then add one/two drops of
blue stain. Please wait for 2 to 3 minutes for the onion to absorb the stain.
Caution: Protect surfaces & clothing when using stain!
4. Using the transfer pipet rinse the excess stain with water.
5. Add one thin cover glass onto the slide (surface of onion membrane). Make
sure there are no air bubbles underneath.
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Stereo Microscope Use (for solid objects)
As with the compound microscope, always begin your observation with the 4X
objective and increase magnification accordingly.
Note: Only the 4X and 10X objectives may be used when viewing solid
specimens. The 40X lens is not suitable for use with the upper lighting due to the
focusing distance required. The 40X lens must be too close to the specimen and
does not allow any light to reach the specimen.
For contrast, you may find it necessary to place certain specimens on an index
card or small piece of paper before centering them on the stage. Since you are
using the upper light, it is not necessary for the opening in the stage to be exposed
for the lower light to shine through. Also, you do not want your specimen to fall
through the hole!
This application can allow you to magnify countless everyday items: for examples,
small rocks, leaves, insects, flower petals, coins, stamps, jewelry and more.
Focusing Tips You will notice that with a three dimensional specimen, for
example, a small insect, you will have different levels to focus on; therefore the
entire image may not seem clear at the same time. Compare it to a flat field, such
as a postage stamp, where the specimen is all at the same level which allows the
microscope to focus on the entire field.
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Operation
Compound Microscope Use (for slides)
Begin with the stage platform at its lowest position. To observe specimens, check
the objective lens, and if necessary, rotate the nosepiece so that the 4X objective
lens is in position for viewing. The lens will “click” when in place. Always start
viewing any specimen with the 4X objective and increase accordingly.
Begin by selecting a prepared slide and placing it carefully on the stage (labeled
side up). Push gently on the back of the clips to lift the clips enough to slip the
slide under and hold it in place. The main part of the specimen should be centered
over the opening in the stage.
Turn on the lower illuminator to shine the light up through the stage and through
the tissue specimen on the slide.
Use lower light for viewing slides
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Remember to turn on the
overhead illuminator
Rotate the nosepiece
4X Objective
Rotate the nosepiece to 4X objective for
viewing and your image is magnified 40X

Look through the eyepiece and SLOWLY turn the focusing knob until the image
of the specimen becomes clear. Be careful not to let the slide touch the lens.
Focusing Tips When focusing your microscope turn the knob only until the stage
stops moving. DO NOT FORCE IT.
The disc diaphragm, located directly below the stage, has six different apertures
(openings), which allow various amounts of light to pass through. Rotating this
disc allows you to modify the amount of light that is transmitted. Try
experimenting with various settings to get the most effective view.
After focusing you can move the slide left or right on the stage to observe different
sections of the same specimen. As you adjust the slide or the aperture disc, be
careful not to put weight against the stage as this could push it out of focus. If this
occurs, simply readjust the focusing knobs slightly until you again have a clear
view.
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After observing with the 4X objective (which shows you the image magnified
40X), rotate the nosepiece to the 10X objective lens (leave the slide in place on
the stage). SLOWLY turning the focusing knob will enable you to get a clear view
of your specimen at 100X magnification. Always use caution since the focusing
knob actually moves the stage closer to the objective lens.
Finally, you can turn the nosepiece to the 40X objective, giving you a 400X
magnification of your slide. When increasing magnification, always remember that
the higher the magnification, the closer the objective must be to the specimen
being observed.
Focusing Tips The 40X lens will appear to be almost touching the slide, this is
normal. Always move the focusing knobs very slowly to avoid breaking the slide
with the objective.
When changing slides, move the stage to its lowest position, lift the clips to
remove and replace slides and begin observing with the 4X objective again.
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Nosepiece
disc diaphragm