iScope Corp 148 Series User manual

1
148 Series
User’s Manual

2
148 Series Table of Contents
Before Use............................................................................................ 3
Introduction............................................................................................................3
Safety Precautions ..................................................................................................4
Parts...................................................................................................... 5
M148.......................................................................................................................5
Denition of Parts ..................................................................................................6
Getting Started .................................................................................... 7
Assembly .................................................................................................................7
Operation............................................................................................. 8
Setting Up ...............................................................................................................8
Focusing ..................................................................................................................8
Adjusting e Diaphragm......................................................................................8
Attaching a Camera / Changing Eyepieces............................................................8
Setting the Stage’s Stop-Limit .................................................................................9
Adjusting Focusing Tension ...................................................................................9
Maintenance/Precautions ....................................................................................10
Specications..................................................................................... 11
148 Series Specications.......................................................................................11
Optional Accessories.............................................................................................12
Objectives..............................................................................................................13
Eyepieces ...............................................................................................................13
Technical Parameters ....................................................................... 14
Electrical System...................................................................................................14
Technical Terms & Concepts................................................................................15
Common Issues.....................................................................................................16
Common Issues (Continued) ...............................................................................17

3
148 Series Before Use
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new AmScope microscope!
is 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’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 yo ukeep it on ahnd for future reference.
If you have additional questions or need assistance, please send us an email at:
[e-mail]

4
148 Series Before Use
Safety Precautions
1. As the microscope is a precision instrument, always handle it with care, avoiding impact
or abrupt movement during transporation. Do not shake the package.
2. Do not place the microscope in direct sunlight or in high heat. Keap it indoors in a dry
and clean place with temperateures 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 ngerprints do not obstruct your view.
4. Before turning the power on, make sure that the power supply voltage is consident with
the voltage of your microscope.

5
148 Series Parts
Eyepiece
Ocular Tube
Objectives
Nosepiece Turret
Rotating Monocular Head
Stage
Illuminator Lens
Focusing KnobDisc Diaphragm (Disc Iris)
Limit Stop
Stage Clips
M148

6
148 Series Parts
Denition 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

7
148 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:
- One Monocular Microscope Body & Head
- ree Objectives (4x, 10x, 40x)
- 10x Wideeld Eyepieces
- 16x Wideeld Eyepieces (for -A models only)
- 20x Wideeld Eyepieces (for -B models only)
- 25x Wideeld Eyepieces (for -C models only)
- One Dust Cover
Note: LED models do not have a spare bulb, as the LED bulbs do not need replacing.
3. Remove the microscope body from the box and remove the plastic protective covering. e body of the micro-
scope is composed of the base, the stage, the arm, and the nosepiece.
4. Screw the objectives into the microscope nosepiece from the lowest magnication to the highest, again avoid-
ing touching the lenses.
5. 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.

8
148 Series 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 magnication rst (4x objective) to lo-
cate and focus on the specimen. As you move up in magnication you may need to refocus the image a little each
time.
2. Being focusing by rst 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 ne tuning the focus.
3. Once the image is clear in your eld of view, you will want to use the ne focusing knob to tune it for best results.
Note: Please be careful when moving the mechanical stage if you need to recenter the sample, or if moving the
stage very close to the objectives. e limit stop is designed to prevent impact between objective and slide, so when
it is o 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 athead 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.

9
148 Series Operation
Setting the Stage’s Stop-Limit
1. To adjust the stop limit on the stage, unlock it by unscrewing the lower nut. e 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 aer the desired stage height is achieved.

10
148 Series Operation
Maintenance/Precautions
- All glass surfaces must be kept clean. Fine dust on the optical surface should be blown o using a can of com-
pressed air or gently wiped o with a so lens paper tissue/nonabraisive lint free cloth.
- Carefully wipe o oil or ngerprints 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.
- Aer 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.
- e unit can be used as a recharger for AAA batteries specied as rechargeable only. Please do not use standard
batteries in the unit with the charger plugged in to avoid damage.

11
148 Series Specications
148 Series Specications
Parts Specications M148 M148A M148B M148C
WF Eyepiece WF10X/18mm
WF10X/18mm w/ Pointer x x x x
WF10X/18mm w/ Reticle
WF16X/18mm x
WF20X/18mm x
WF25X18mm x
Plan Eyepiece P5X
P10X
P16X
DIN Achromatic Objectives 4X/0.10 x x x x
10X/0.25 x x x x
40X(spring)/0.65 x x x x
60X(spring)/0.85
100X(spring, oil)/1.25
Plan Objectives 4X
10X
40X(spring)
100X(spring, oil)
45 Degree Viewing Head Binocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
Trinocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
Monocular, 360 Degree Swiveling x x x x
Diaphragm Iris Diaphragm Disc x x x x
Illumination Halogen Light w/ Dimmer
LED Light x x x x
Lamp 6V/20W
6V/30W
LED x x x x
Filter Blue/Yellow/Green

12
148 Series Specications
Optional Accessories
Parts Description Model # Purpose
Eyepiece 5X EP5X18 Obtaining 20x, 50x, 200x, and 500x magnication
powers
20x EP20X18 Obtaining 80x, 200x, 800x, and 2000x magnica-
tion powers
25x EP25X18 For obtaining 250x and 2500x magnication 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 magnication powers
5X A5X For obtaining 50X and 80X magnication powers
20X A20x For obtaining 200x and 320x magnication powers
60X A60X For obtaining 600x and 960x magnication 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 soware 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

13
148 Series Specications
Objectives
Type Magnication Numerical Aperture
(N.A.)
Medium Parfocal Distance (mm) Magnication Marks
(Color Ring)
DIN Achromatic
Objective (195mm)
4X A2X Air 45 Red
10X A5X Air 45 Ye l l o w
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 Ye l l o w
Plan 40X PA40X Air 45 Light Blue
Plan 100X PA100X Cedar Oil 45 White
Eyepieces
Type Wideeld Eyepiece
Medium
Plan Eyepiece
Magnication 10X 15X 20X 5X 10X 16X
Field of View Φ18 Φ13 Φ11 Φ18 Φ18 Φ15

14
148 Series Technical Parameters
Electrical System
ere are two options for eletrical systems for this series of microscope. e light source is an LED system.
1. 220V~240V power supply: 220V~240V ±10%, 50Hz
is electrical system is CE and GS certied
2. 100V~120V power supply: 100V~120V ±10%, 60Hz
is electrical system is UL certied.
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.
is 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.

15
148 Series Technical Parameters
Technical Terms & Concepts
Total Magnication
Total magnication of a microscope is calculated by the magnication of the objective multiplied by the
magnication of the eyepieces.
-Ex: (10x Eyepieces) x (4x Objective) = 40x Total Magnication
Field of View
Linear eld of view of the eyepiece divided by the magnication 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 fe-
taures of the objective and condenser’s image quality and resolution. e “n” is a refractive index of the medium
(air or immersion cedar oil) between the omjective lens and the specimen. e “α” is 1/2 of the angle between the
aperture on the objective and path of light. e larger the N.A, the higher the resolution of the objective (and better
quality of the image).
Object to Primary Image Distance
e distance between the object plane and the primary image plane. e conjugate distance is xed.
Mechanical Tube Length
e distane between the objective shoulder and the ocular shoulder

16
148 Series Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Symptom Cause Remedy
OPTICAL ISSUES
One side of the eld
of view is darker
e 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 eld
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 ere is no cover slip on the slide Add a cover slip. e objectives are designed for use
with a 0.17mm cover slip, so it is a requirement to
use one for proper images.
e cover slip is not standard sized Replace the cover slip with the appropriate 0.17mm
thickness slip
e 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 eld
of view is dark or the
image moves while
focusing
e specimen slide is not xed Secure the slide to the stage with clips
e nosepiece is not in the right position Turn the nosepiece until it clicks into place
e eld of view is not
bright enough
e 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
oroughly clean tall lenses with lens cleaner or a
lint free nonabraisive cloth

17
148 Series Troubleshooting
Common Issues (Continued)
Symptom Cause Remedy
MECHANICAL ISSUES
e objective touches the
cover slip
e cover slip is not standard sized Replace the cover slip with the appropriate 0.17mm thickness slip
e 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
e slide is not secured correctly Adjust the slide to use the stage clips and secure the sample
e mechanical stage is not properly secured Tighten the mechanical stage screws to better secure the stage
Focus knob does not turn e 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 le of the microscope)
Stage declines by itself e 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 le
of the microscope)
e 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
e bulb/light source
ickers
e 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
e microscope does not
light up
e microscope is unplugged Insert the plug into the wall socket to achieve electrical illumina-
tion