Home Science Tools MI-5200BIN User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR
MI-5200BIN –ADVANCED BINOCULAR MICROSCOPE
MI-5200DHD–ADVANCED DUAL-HEAD MICROSCOPE
MI-5200STD –ADVANCED MICROSCOPE
© Home Science Tools
All Rights reserved.
ADVANCED
MICROSCOPE

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Superior mechanics and enhanced optics distinguish the
sophisticated features of our Advanced Microscope
series. Although this microscope is designed for basic
laboratory applications, the manual is written at the novice
level. Experienced users may simply skip ahead to the
relevant sections, as much of the manual covers basic
operation. Read about your microscope’s features and
how to use them, plus how to protect your investment with
proper care and maintenance.
The Advanced Microscope 5200 series includes three
models. Pages 2-4 cover the basic features and functions
of the MI-5200BIN model, most of which are common to
the entire series. The different heads on the MI-5200DHD
and MI-5200STD models are discussed on page 6.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.................................................2
General Microscope Care.................................... 2
Unpacking.........................................................2
Cleaning............................................................2
Features & Definitions.......................................... 2
Microscope Diagram.........................................2
Description of Components.............................. 3
Operating Procedure............................................4
Installing the Microscope Head ........................ 4
MI-5200BIN Model ...............................................4
Using the Binocular Head................................. 4
Getting Started .................................................4
Changing Magnification.................................... 5
Using the 100x Oil Immersion Objective ..........5
Using Filters......................................................5
MI-5200STD Model..............................................5
MI-5200DHD Model .............................................6
Adding a Digital Camera................................... 5
Maintenance.........................................................6
Adjusting the Stage Stop.................................. 6
Changing the Bulb............................................6
Adjusting Tension.............................................7
Troubleshooting................................................7
Specifications.......................................................8
Warranty............................................................... 8
General Microscope Care
Unpacking
The Advanced Microscopes are shipped in a two-part
Styrofoam case with the head and base separate. Keep it
for storage, transport, and shipping. It is perfect packing
material should you ever need to send your microscope
in for repairs covered by the warranty.
When handling your microscope, always pick it up by the
arm. Avoid touching the lens surfaces on the eyepiece or
objective lenses, as fingerprints diminish image quality.
Cleaning
Dirty lenses compromise optical quality. Use a dustcover
and clean the lenses regularly to greatly enhance your
microscope use.
To clean lens surfaces, remove dust with a soft brush or
a can of compressed air. Then moisten a piece of lens
paper with some lens cleaning solution (MI-OPTIKIT).
Gently clean the eyepiece, objective lens exterior surface,
and condenser using a circular motion. Repeat with a
second paper moistened with solution if necessary.
Repeat once again with a piece of dry lens paper until the
lens is clean and dry. Do not spray lens cleaner directly
on the lens.
Features & Definitions
Microscope Diagram
1. Eyepieces
3. Arm
4. Nosepiece
2. Rotating head
6. Stage stop
9. Iris
diaphragm
10. Filter holder
8. 1.25 N.A.
Abbe
condenser
7. Stage
5. Objective
lenses
11. Coarse focus
12. Fine focus
13. Illuminator
14. Illuminator intensity
control

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Description of Components
1. Eyepieces: This is the part of the microscope you
look through. It is inclined at a 30º angle for
comfortable viewing. Premium 18 mm lenses magnify
10x and offer high eye relief for use with glasses.
2. Rotating head: The head rotates 360º so users may
locate the most comfortable position and lock the
head in place. The MI-5200BIN model has a
Seidentopf binocular head, which means there are
two eyepieces. See page 6 for descriptions of the
different heads on the MI-5200DHD and 5200STD
models.
3. Arm: The arm supports the head and nosepiece and
is the best “handle” for picking up and moving the
microscope.
4. Nosepiece: Also called the “objective turret,”it holds
the objective lenses and rotates 360º. Change
magnification by turning it until the lens you want to
use “clicks” into place.
5. Objective lenses: These are the lenses closest to
the specimen. The objectives are 4x, 10x, 40x, and
100x, which multiply with the 10x eyepiece lens to
provide 40x, 100x, 400x, and 1000x magnification
levels. The shortest lens offers the lowest
magnification level, while the longest offers the
highest. The objectives have the following
characteristics:
•They are DIN –they meet an international
standard of optical quality.
•They are achromatic –they help prevent
color distortion.
•They are parcentered –if you center your
slide using one objective, it will still be
centered when you move to another
objective.
•They are parfocal –if you focus your
specimen using one objective, it will stay
coarsely focused when you move to another
objective (you will still have to adjust the fine
focus).
•The 40x and 100x objectives are retractable
–the tip containing the lens is spring-loaded
to prevent damage to the objective or slide.
•The 100x objective is oil immersion –this is
described on page 5.
6. Stage stop: Also called a “safety rack stop,” this
screw and lock nut, located between the stage and
the arm of the microscope. It prevents the stage from
coming too far up and grinding against the objective
lenses. While it’s pre-adjusted by the manufacturer,
manual readjustment instructions are on page 7.
7. Stage: The stage is the platform supporting the
specimen slide below the objective lenses. It moves
up and down when you turn the focus knobs, allowing
you to control the distance between the specimen and
the lens. The 125 x 130 mm stage has an integrated
mechanical stage with 30 mm y and (front/back) 70
mm x (right/left) movement. The x-y coaxial stage
adjustment controls allow precise movement of the
slide for optimal viewing.
8. 1.25 N.A. Abbe condenser: This movable lens in the
center of the stage condenses and focuses the light
rays from the illuminator to provide better image
resolution. Rotate the condenser knob to raise or
lower the lens.
9. Iris diaphragm: The diaphragm controls the amount
of light coming through the specimen in order to
provide the best contrast for the objective lens. It is
fully adjustable by moving the lever below the stage.
Generally, you need less light on lower power and
more light on higher power.
10. Filter holder: Your microscope comes with blue,
green, and yellow filters that go in the filter holder
beneath the iris diaphragm. The filter absorbs some
of the light from the illuminator and makes the light
change color slightly. Though generally unnecessary,
this enhances the specimen image in some cases.
11. Coarse focus: The large coaxial coarse focus knob
raises or lowers the stage until the image is in focus.
The focus mechanism uses a slip clutch to prevent
damage to the gears.
12. Fine focus: The smaller fine focus knob is coaxial
with the coarse focus, which means they turn on the
same axis. This knob allows more precise image
resolving after the image has been brought into focus
with the coarse focus knob.
13. Illuminator: The illuminator provides necessary light
underneath the stage with its long-life, cool-bright
LED bulb. Instructions for changing the bulb are on
page 6.
14. Illuminator intensity control: This control adjusts
the intensity of the light produced by the illuminator. It
should be in a low position when turning the
illuminator on or off. Use the iris diaphragm to adjust
the light for contrast; use the illumination intensity
control to adjust the light for brightness and intensity.
X front/back
stage control
Y right/left
stage control
Condenser
centering knob
Condenser
focus knob
Iris diaphragm
adjustment

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Operating Procedure
Now that you have an overview of each component on
your microscope, you can follow this step-by-step
procedure to get started using it.
Installing the Microscope Head
The microscope head is shipped in a separate carton and
will need to be installed.
1. If they are not already, put the eye pieces into the
eyepiece tube.
2. Carefully remove the head from the packaging.
3. Loosen the lock screw located above the nosepiece.
4. Set the head firmly in place, making sure it’s flush
against the head support, and tighten the lock screw
just enough to hold the head in place.
5. Rotate the head to desired position, and then tighten
the lock screw to hold it securely.
MI-5200BIN Model
The MI-5200BIN model comes with a Seidentop binocular
head for enhanced image examination and extended
viewing comfort.
Using the Binocular Head
To best use this feature, you must set the interpupillary
distance to match the distance between your eyes’ pupils
and adjust the diopters to compensate for focusing
differences between your eyes. Each user must adjust it
for his or her own eyes. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Start by focusing a small specimen in the center of
the viewing field using the 10x objective. The iris
diaphragm should be in the closed position.
2. Focus your eyes on the specimen.
3. Pull your eyes back from the eyepieces about 1”. In
your peripheral vision you will see two field view
circles overlapping each other.
4. Open or close the distance between the eyepieces by
pulling them apart or pushing them together until the
two circles merge together and appear as one circle.
The interpupillary distance is set correctly when you
see just one field view circle. Record the settings so
you can return to your adjustment easily.
5. Turn the nosepiece until the lowest power (4x)
objective clicks into place.
6. Holding a card over your right eye (the eye in front of
the eyepiece with the diopter) bring the specimen into
focus for the left eye using the coarse and fine focus
controls.
7. Cover your left eye with a card and bring the
specimen into sharp focus for your right eye by
turning the knurled diopter band on the right
eyepiece. Do not use the coarse and fine focus
controls for this last step –use only the diopter
adjustment.
Getting Started
1. Set your microscope on a tabletop or other flat sturdy
surface where you have plenty of room to work. Plug
the microscope’s power cord into an outlet, making
sure the excess cord is out of the way so no one can
trip over it or pull it off the table.
2. Turn on your microscope's light using the switch
located on the side of the base. Open the iris
diaphragm all the way by sliding the lever away from
you (when facing the stage). Turn the illuminator
intensity control up.
3. Rotate the nosepiece to the lowest-power (4x)
objective. You will hear a click when it is properly in
place. Always start with the lowest power: it is easiest
to scan a slide at a low setting, as you have a larger
field of view.
4. Turn the coarse focus knob to move the stage down
(away) from the objective lens as far as possible.
5. Move the small lever on top of the stage to open the
curved slide clamp arm.
6. Carefully place a prepared slide squarely against the
fixed arm and back edge of the mechanical stage.
Make sure the slide lies flat on the microscope stage.
7. Gently release the small lever allowing the slide
clamp arm to securely hold the specimen slide in
place. The extra large stage allows room for another
slide and side-by-side scanning.
Head support
Lock screw
Diopters
Interpupillary settings
Slide lever
Slide clamp arm
Fixed arm

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8. Move the specimen under the objective lens by
turning the stage control knobs. The upper knob is the
front/back (y) adjustment control, which allows
precise movement to the front and back of the stage.
The lower knob is the right/left (x) adjustment control,
which allows precise movement to the right and left of
the stage. Turn these controls without putting any
pressure on the stage. This allows you to scan a slide
while maintaining fairly good focus.
9. Adjust the larger coarse focus knob until the
specimen is in focus. Center the slide under the lens,
if necessary, using the stage adjustment controls.
Adjust the small fine focus knob until the specimen is
clearly in focus.
10. Adjust the iris diaphragm to reduce light by pulling the
lever toward you (when facing the stage) until the
image has clear, sharp contrast. You need less light
on lower power and more light on higher power. The
following table gives suggested opening sizes for
each power level:
Objective
Diaphragm Opening
4x
From fully closed to 1/8 open
10x
1/8 to 1/4 open
40x
1/4 to 1/2 open
100x
1/2 to fully open
Note: One method for finding the most suitable iris
diaphragm opening is to remove the eyepiece, put your
eye up to the eyepiece tube, and look at the bright circle
ofthe aperture. Close the iris diaphragm until
you see its outline in the aperture. Adjust it
so that its silhouette takes up 10-15% of the
edge of the aperture. Replace the eyepiece. The contrast
and resolution should be nicely balanced on your
specimen. If necessary, adjust the diaphragm while
looking at the specimen.
Changing Magnification
1. Use the stage controls to scan the slide (right to left
and front to back) at low power to get an overview of
the specimen. Then center the part of the specimen
you want to view at higher power.
2. Rotate the nosepiece to the 10x for 100x
magnification (make sure it “clicks” into place).
Refocus using the fine focus knob and view your
specimen carefully. Adjust the iris diaphragm again
until the image is most clear. Repeat with the 40x
objective for 400x magnification.
Using the 100x Oil Immersion Objective
When using the 100x oil immersion objective, it is
important to reduce light diffraction to enhance the image
quality. This is done by using immersion oil according to
the following steps:
1. Lower the stage using the coarse focus knob.
2. Raise the Abbe condenser to the upright position by
turning the condenser knob. Open the iris diaphragm
by pulling it toward you (when facing the stage).
3. Place one drop of high quality immersion oil (our item
MI-IMMOIL) on top of the coverslip. (In some cases,
it may help to place a drop of oil between the
condenser and the slide, but is usually unnecessary
for most applications.)
4. Move the 100x objective lens until it clicks into
position, and then slowly move the stage up until the
lens makes contact with the oil.
5. Continue focusing with the coarse knob until the color
or blurred outline of the specimen appears. Finish
focusing with the fine focus knob. Adjust the
condenser and diaphragm until you see the specimen
in clear, sharp contrast.
6. When you are done, clean all the oil off the lenses and
slides using lens paper and lens cleaning solution
(instructions are on page 2 of this manual).
Using Filters
The Advanced Microscopes come with blue, green, and
yellow filters that can be
placed in the filter holder
located below the iris
diaphragm. Use the following
procedure to insert the filter:
1. Fully raise the N.A. Abbe
condenser.
2. Locate the small filter holder knob underneath the iris
diaphragm. Use this to swing the filter holder out from
under the diaphragm.
3. Place the filter in the holder, and swing back into
place.
4. Adjust focus and diaphragm normally.
MI-5200STD Model
The MI-5200STD model features a 360º-rotating head
with a 30 º-inclined monocular eyepiece.
MI-5200DHD Model
The MI-5200DHD model comes with one inclined
eyepiece and a vertical eyepiece with diopter, which
allows simultaneous viewing or digital camera
photography.
The vertical eyepiece is equipped with a diopter, as are
the binocular eyepieces, which are described on page 3.
Adjustments will vary among different users.
1. Have inclined eyepiece user focus the microscope.
2. Have the vertical eyepiece user rotate the diopter
adjustment (the knurled band) until the specimen is
also in focus for his or her eyes.

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Dual Teaching Head
Adjust the vertical eyepiece according to the instructions
above. Or, follow the digital camera instructions below.
Adding a Digital Camera
While a digital camera can be used with the other models,
it works especially well with the dual teaching head.
A digital eyepiece package (our item MI-DCT5000) will
include a digital camera eyepiece to replace your
microscope’s vertical eyepiece. To remove the eyepiece,
loosen the tiny screw until you can lift the eyepiece out
(you will not need to completely unscrew it).
Maintenance
Adjusting the Stage Stop
The stage stop is set at the factory to ensure that the
stage cannot come up far enough to hit the objective
lenses. However, if it falls out of adjustment or you are
using a thinner slide that cannot be focused, follow these
steps:
1. Loosen the round
knurled locking nut
by turning it counter-
clockwise. You may
need to use needle-
nose pliers.
2. Loosen the stop
screw.
3. Focus on a standard
slide until you obtain a sharp image.
4. Tighten the stop screw by turning it clockwise until it
stops, then turn it back half a turn.
5. Lock into position by tightening the locking nut.
Note: The higher the stop screw position, the higher the
stage will rise.
Changing the Bulb
Your microscope bulb should last for years—
approximately 60,000 hours of continuous use. If it breaks
or it burns out, follow these steps for replacing it:
1. Obtain the correct LED replacement bulb (our item
MI-BULB14).
2. Unplug your microscope from the power supply and
allow it to cool before replacing the bulb.
3. Twist illuminator housing counter-clockwise to
remove. Pull out old bulb and insert new bulb.
4. Plug microscope into a power supply and turn it on,
ensuring the bulb lights up. If it doesn’t, repeat step 2,
then lift bulb out, rotate it 180° and re-insert. Repeat
step 4.
5. Replace illuminator housing.
Adjusting Tension
While the coarse focus tension is pre-adjusted by the
manufacturer, if it falls out of adjustment, the stage will
drift down under its own weight moving the image out of
focus. To tighten tension, turn the collar clockwise.
1. Leave the tension as
loose as possible.
Tighten it only
enough to keep the
stage from drifting
downward.
Tension collar
Locking nut
Stop screw

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Troubleshooting
If you experience difficulty with your microscope, try these troubleshooting techniques:
Problem
Possible Reason and Solution
Light fails to
operate
1. The AC power cord is not connected. Make sure the cord is fully connected to the
socket on the microscope. Connect the cord to an outlet.
2. Power switch is off or intensity control turned too low. Turn power on or rotate
illumination intensity control.
3. The bulb is burned out. Replace the bulb. (See “Changing the Bulb,” p. 6.)
4. The power source outlet is inoperative. Have a qualified electrician repair the outlet.
5. The incorrect bulb is installed. Replace with the correct bulb.
Light flickers
1. The bulb is not properly inserted into the socket. Fully insert the bulb.
2. The bulb is about to burn out. Replace the bulb.
3. The connection at the AC outlet is loose. Have a qualified electrician repair the outlet.
No image
1. The nosepiece is not indexed properly. Move revolving nosepiece until the objective
lens clicks into position.
2. The light is too bright. Adjust the diaphragm or illumination intensity control.
Unable to
focus slide
1. The slide coverslip is too thick. Use 0.17 mm thick (No. 1) coverslip.
2. The stage drops under its own weight. Adjust tension of coarse focus knob. (See
“Adjusting Tension,” p. 7.)
3. The slide is upside down. Place the slide on the stage with the coverslip facing up.
4. The stage stop is not set at the proper position. Adjust the stage stop. (See
“Adjusting the Stage Stop,” p. 6.)
Poor
resolution,
image not
sharp
1. The condenser, objective, or eyepiece lenses are dirty. Clean the lenses. (See
“Cleaning,” p. 2.)
2. There is too much light. Adjust the diaphragm or illumination intensity control.
Spots in field
1. The condenser, objective, or eyepiece lenses are dirty. Clean the lenses. (See
“Cleaning,” p. 2.)
2. The specimen slide is dirty. Clean the slide.
Uneven
illumination of
field
1. The nosepiece is not indexed properly. Move revolving nosepiece until the objective
lens clicks into position.
2. The diaphragm is not properly indexed. Adjust the diaphragm to the proper level.

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Specifications
Eyepiece
Widefield 10x, large 18 mm diameter lens, with 18 mm exit pupil and fully coated optics.
Head
Binocular head, 30° inclined Seidentopf with interpupillary adjustment and dual diopters (MI-
5200BIN).
Dual-head with one 30° inclined eyepiece and one vertical eyepiece with diopter (MI-5200DHD).
Monocular, 30° inclined head rotates 360° (MI-5200STD).
Nosepiece
4-hole nosepiece is ball-bearing mounted with positive click stops.
Objectives
All plan objectives are DIN achromatic, parfocalled, parcentered, and fully coated.
•4x, 0.10 N.A., red ring, 4.5 mm field of view, 40x magnification
•10x, 0.25 N.A., yellow ring, 1.8 mm field of view, 100x magnification
•40xR, 0.65 N.A., blue ring, 0.45 mm field of view, 400x magnification, retractable
•100xR, 1.25 N.A., white ring, 0.18 mm field of view, 1000x magnification, retractable, oil
immersion
Focusing
Separate low position coarse and fine coaxial focusing controls with slip clutch, tension adjustment,
and precise 0.002 mm fine focus division.
Focus Rack
All metal rack-and-pinion focusing with adjustable stage stop.
Stage
Acid and chemical resistant 125 x 130 mm metal stage with stage clips and integrated mechanical
stage.
Mechanical
Stage
Low-position coaxial x-y controls provide precise 70 mm movement on the x-axis and 30 mm
movement on the y-axis.
Condenser
Adjustable 1.25 N.A. Abbe condenser with rack-and-pinion focusing and centering controls.
Diaphragm
Iris diaphragm with 2 mm to 30 mm diameter opening and swing-out filter holder.
Illuminator
Long-life, cool, bright LED illuminator with variable brightness. The illuminator works with 110-240 volt
AC power.
Warranty
Home Science Tools warrants this microscope to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and
service for the life of the instrument. Warranty does not cover light bulbs, batteries, or damage due to misuse, abuse,
alterations, or accident. Warranty does not cover lenses that have become inoperable due to excessive dirtiness as a result
of misuse or lack of normal maintenance.
Any cameras and software supplied with this microscope are under warranty for one year from the purchase date.
Return your microscope freight prepaid for warranty service to Home Science Tools, or the repair facility we designate. We
will repair or replace your microscope at no charge and return it freight prepaid to you. Please call 1-800-860-6272 to
arrange warranty service before returning this instrument. Please note that warranties apply only to the original purchaser
and are not transferable.