KERN Optics OCM 161 User manual

OCM-1-BA-e-2211
KERN & Sohn GmbH
Ziegelei 1
D-72336 Balingen
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +49-[0]7433- 9933-0
Fax: +49-[0]7433-9933-149
Internet: www.kern-sohn.com
User instructions
Biological inverted microscope
KERN OCM-1
OCM 161, OCM 165, OCM 166, OCM 167, OCM 168
Version 1.1
10/2022

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 2
GB
KERN OCM-1
Version 1.1 10/2022
User instructions
Biological inverted microscope
Table of contents
1Before use ....................................................................................3
1.1 General notes............................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Notes on the electrical system................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Storage ...................................................................................................................................... 4
1.4 Maintenance and cleaning....................................................................................................... 5
2Nomenclature...............................................................................6
3Technical data / Features ............................................................8
4Assembly....................................................................................10
4.1 Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Eyepieces................................................................................................................................ 11
4.3 Specimen stage ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.4 Condenser............................................................................................................................... 13
5Operation....................................................................................14
5.1 Getting started........................................................................................................................ 14
5.2 (Pre-) focussing ...................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 Adjusting the interpupillary distance................................................................................... 16
5.4 Dioptre adjustment................................................................................................................. 16
5.5 Adjusting the magnification.................................................................................................. 17
5.6 Using eye cups ....................................................................................................................... 18
5.7 Adjusting the illumination ..................................................................................................... 19
6Changing the bulb .....................................................................20
7Changing the fuse......................................................................21
8Using optional accessories.......................................................22
8.1 Camera connection ................................................................................................................ 22
8.2 Phase-contrast units.............................................................................................................. 23
8.3 Fluorescence reflected light unit.......................................................................................... 25
8.3.1 Assembly and operation HBO versions: OCM 165 and OCM 166 .......................................... 34
8.3.2 Assembly and operation LED versions: OCM 167 and OCM 168 ........................................... 38
9Trouble shooting........................................................................40
10 Service........................................................................................42
11 Disposal......................................................................................42
12 Further information....................................................................42

3 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
1 Before use
1.1 General notes
You must open the packaging carefully, to make sure that none of the accessories in
the packaging fall on the floor and get broken.
In general, microscopesshould always be handled carefully because they are sensitive
precision instruments. When using or transporting the microscope it is particularly
important to avoid abrupt movements, as this may damage the optical components.
You should also avoid getting dirt or finger prints on the lens surface, because in most
cases this will reduce image clarity.
To maintain the performance of the microscope, it must never be disassembled. So
components such as lenses and other optical elements should be left as they were
before use. Also the electrical parts on the rear and base of the device must not be
tampered with, as in this area there is an additional risk of triggering an electric shock.
1.2 Notes on the electrical system
Before connecting to a mains power supply, you must make sure that you are using
the correct input voltage. The information to select the correct mains cable is located
on the device, on the rear of the product directly above the connection socket. You
must comply with this information. If you do not comply with these specifications, then
fires or other damage to the device could occur.
The main switch must also be switched off before the mains cable is connected. In this
way you will avoid triggering an electric shock.
If you are using an extension cable, then the mains cable you use must be earthed.
If the original fuse should blow, it must only be replaced by an appropriate fuse.
Suitable replacement fuses are included with the delivery.
When carrying out any procedures whereby you come into contact with the electrical
system of the device, such as, for example, changing the bulb or fuse, only carry out
these procedures when the power is disconnected.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 4
Under no circumstances should you touch the halogen bulb (for transmitted
illumination) or the HBO lamp (OCM 165, OCM 166) for the reflected light unit either
during operation or directly after use. These bulbs produce significant heat and
therefore there is a risk that the user could be severely burnt. So before handling the
bulbs, you must check that they have cooled down.
Furthermore the housing of the reflected light unit heats up during operation. That is
indicated by the warning symbol on the backside of the lamp housing. We recommend
to only carefully handle this housing during the usage and to let it cool down before it
is packed for transportation or covered by a protective hood.
1.3 Storage
You should ensure that thedevice is not exposed to direct sunlight, temperatures which
are too high or too low, vibrations, dust or a high level of humidity.
The ideal temperature range is between 0 and 40°C and a relative humidity of 85%
should not be exceeded.
The device should always be located on a rigid, smooth, horizontal surface.
When the microscope is not being used, you should cover it with the enclosed dust
protective cover. When doing this, the power supply is stopped by switching off at the
main switch and unplugging the mains cable. If the eyepieces are being stored
separately, the protective caps must be fitted to the tube connectors. In most cases, if
dust and dirt gets inside the optical unit of a microscope this can cause irreversible
errors or damage.
The best way to store accessories which consist of optical elements, such as, for
example, eyepieces and objectives, is in a dry box with desiccant.

5 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
1.4 Maintenance and cleaning
In any event, the device must be kept clean and dusted regularly.
If any moisture should be occur, before you wipe down the device you must ensure
that the mains power is switched off.
When glass components become dirty, the best way to clean them is to wipe them
gently with a lint-free cloth.
To wipe oil stains or finger prints off the lens surface, moisten the lint free cloth with a
mixture of ether and alcohol (70 / 30 ratio) and use this to clean the lens.
You must be careful when handling ether and alcohol, as these are highly flammable
substances. You must therefore keep it away from naked flames and electrical devices
which can be switched on and off, and only use it in well-ventilated rooms.
However organic solutions of this type should not be used to clean other components
of the device. This could lead to damage to the paint finish. To do this, it is sufficient to
use a neutral cleaning product.
You could also use the following cleaning products to clean the optical components:
•Special cleaner for optical lenses
•Special optical cleaning cloths
•Bellows
•Brush
When handled correctly and checked regularly, the microscope should give many
years of efficient service.
Should repairs still be necessary, please contact your KERN dealer or our Technical
Department.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 6
2 Nomenclature

7 OCM-1-BA-e-2211

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 8
3 Technical data / Features
OCM 161
Product dimension:
304×599×530 mm
Packing dimensions:
660x590x325 mm
Net weight:
13,5 kg
Gross weight:
18 kg
OCM 165 / 166 / 167 / 168
Product dimension:
304×782×530 mm
Packing dimensions:
1050x590x330 mm
Net weight:
21 kg
Gross weight:
28 kg
Input voltage:
AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz
Output voltage:
DC 1.2-6V
Fuse:
2A 5x20 mm

9 OCM-1-BA-e-2211

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 10
4 Assembly

11 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
4.1 Objectives
The nosepiece must be in its lowest position so that the objectives [1] can be screwed
into it. You can then pass the objectives through the opening of the specimen stage
and screw them into the nosepiece, so that when you turn the nosepiece in a clockwise
direction, the objective with the next strongest magnification appears. You must make
sure that you do not touch the lenses with your bare fingers and that no dust enters
the apertures.
To the screw locations which are not filled with an objective [2], you must attach the
protective cap.
4.2 Eyepieces
You must always use eyepieces with the
same magnification for both eyes. These are
simply placed onto the tube connectors, once
you have first removed the plastic protective
caps. There is a way of fixing them by an Allen
screw [1] for each eyepiece that is located on
the tube connector (see illustration). You
should always make sure that you do not
touch the lenses with your bare fingers and
that no dust enters the apertures.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 12
4.3 Specimen stage
The supplied stage plate [1] needs to be fitted to the opening of the specimen stage,
in order to get a support area for relatively small observation objects and to protect the
objectives which are located underneath.
Furthermore you can attach an object holder to one of the threads on stage surface
[2].
The scope of delivery standardly includes an attached mechanical stage [2].
It can be mounted on both sides of the specimen stage, so that the control wheels can
be operated, as the user wishes, on the left or on the right side. Also it provides the
possibility to place further object holders on the stage plate for using certain trays
(culture dishes).
The mounting is done by two screws [3], which then are fixating the attached stage
onto the left or right bottom side of the stage.
Furthermore you can apply additional object holders [4] in order to fix and move culture
dishes with special dimensions on the stage surface.

13 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
4.4 Condenser
The condenser [2] must be mounted on the microscope housing underneath the lamp
housing. By using the Allen screw [1] it must be firmly attached onto the connection
point.
The condenser includes the following control elements:
- Color filter slide (see 5.7 Adjusting the illumination)
- Aperture diaphragm (see 5.7 Adjusting the illumination)
- Slot for phase contrast slide (see 8.2 Phase contrast unit)
For the connection of a microscope camera and the using of phase contrast or
fluorescence units, please see chapter 8 Using optional accessories.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 14
5 Operation
5.1 Getting started
The very first step is to establish a power connection using the mains plug. You should
first adjust the dimmer to a low level, so that when you look through the eyepiece for
the first time, your eyes are not immediately subject to a high level of light. You can
now switch on the lighting using the main switch.
The next step is to place an object holder with the sample on the specimen stage.
For the models of the OCM-1 series you can fixate the samples on the stage with help
of one of the available object holders (also see section 4.3 Specimen stage).
For the models of the OCM-1 series you can fixate the samples on the stage with help
of the object holder.

15 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
5.2 (Pre-) focussing
When you are observing an object, you must have the correct distance to the objective
to achieve a sharp image.
In order to find this distance at the beginning (without other default settings of the
microscope) place the objective with the lowest magnification in the beam path, look
through the right eyepiece with the right eye and turn it slowly using the coarse
adjustment knob.
The simplest way of doing this would be to first raise the nosepiece (using the coarse
adjustment knob) to the top position and then lower it slowly. As soon as an image is
recognisable (no matter how sharp), then you should only adjust the focus using the
fine adjustment knob.
Adjusting the torque of the coarse and fine adjustment knob
Next to the left adjustment wheel for the coarse and fine adjustment knob there is a
ring (see illustration [1]) which you can use to alter the torque of these wheels. Turning
it in a clockwise direction reduces the torque and turning it in an anti-clockwise direction
increases it.
On one hand, this function can help to make it easier to adjust the focus and on the
other hand it can prevent the nosepiece from slipping down unintentionally.
Important:
In order to avoid damaging to the focussing system, the left and right adjustment
wheels for the coarse and fine adjustment knob must never be rotated at the same
time in opposite directions.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 16
5.3 Adjusting the interpupillary distance
With binocular viewing, the interpupillary distance must be
adjusted accurately for each user, in order to achieve a
clear image of the object.
While you are looking through the eyepieces, use your
hands to hold the righthand and lefthand tube housing
firmly. By pulling them apart or pushing them together,
you can either increase or reduce the interpupillary
distance (see illustration). As soon as the field of views of
the lefthand and righthand eyepieces completely overlap
each other, i.e., they combine to form a circular image, then the interpupillary distance
is set correctly.
5.4 Dioptre adjustment
The eye strengths of each eye of the microscope user can often be slightly different,
which in daily life has no consequences. But when using a microscope this can cause
problems in achieving precise focussing.
You can use a mechanism on both tube connectors (dioptre adjustment rings) to
compensate for this as follows.
1. Put the right dioptre adjustment ring to position 0.
2. Look through the right eyepiece with the right eye and bring the object into focus
by using the coarse and fine adjustment knob.
3. Then look through the left eyepiece with the left eye and use the lefthand dioptre
adjustment ring to focus the image.
To do this, you just need to turn the ring in both directions (see illustration), to find
out where the image is at its most focussed.

17 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
5.5 Adjusting the magnification
After prefocussing has been carried out using the objective with the lowest
magnification (see section 5.2) you can then adjust the overall magnification using the
nosepiece, as necessary. By turning the nosepiece you can bring any one of the four
other objectives into the beam path.
When adjusting the nosepiece, you must take the following points into account:
- The required objective must be properly locked in place at all times.
- The nosepiece should not be rotated by holding individual objectives, you should
use the silver ring above the objectives.
- When rotating the nosepiece you must always make sure that the objective which
is about to be positioned in the beam path does not touch the object holder. This
can lead to significant damage to the objective lens.
We recommend that you always check from the side to make sure that there is
sufficient leeway. If this should not be the case, the nosepiece must be lowered
accordingly.
If you have focussed the object to be observed for a specific magnification, then if you
select the objective with the next greatest magnification, the object will be slightly out
of focus. Use the fine adjustment knob to make a slight adjustment and restore the
focus.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 18
5.6 Using eye cups
The eye cups supplied with the microscope can basically be used at all times, as they
screen out intrusive light, which is reflected from light sources from the environment
onto the eyepiece, and the result is better image quality.
But primarily, if eyepieces with a high eye point (particularly suitable for those who
wear glasses) are used, then it may also be useful for users who don’t wear glasses,
to fit the eye cups to the eyepieces.
These special eyepieces are also called High Eye Point eyepieces. They can be
identified by the glasses symbol on the side. They are also marked in the item
description by an additional “H” (example: HSWF 10x Ø 23 mm).
When fitting the eye cups, make sure that the dioptre setting is not moved. We would
therefore advise that you hold the dioptre compensation ring on an eyepiece with one
hand while you fit the eye cup with the other.
Before using the microscope, users who wear glasses must remove the eye cups,
which you may find on High Eye Point eyepieces.
As the eye cups are made of rubber, youmust be aware that when you are using them,
they can become slightly dirty through grease residues. In order to maintain hygiene,
we would therefore recommend that you clean the eye cups regularly (e.g. witha damp
cloth).
Eye cups
High Eye Point eyepiece
(identified by the glasses symbol)

19 OCM-1-BA-e-2211
5.7 Adjusting the illumination
To make sure that perfect image results are achieved during microscopic observation,
it is important that the direction of light of the microscope is optimised. The following
components of the transmitted illumination can be adjusted according to the application
requirements.
Aperture diaphragm
The aperture diaphragm is used to find the very best compromise between contrast
and resolution for the microscopic image.
To open and close this diaphragm you have to operate the lever [1] located at the
condenser.
Colour filter
The colour filter slide has one round aperture [2]. If needed, the supplied blue filter [1]
has to be inserted into this aperture. Subsequently the filter slide must be put into the
slot on the top of the condenser.

OCM-1-BA-e-2211 20
6 Changing the bulb
You must not attempt to change the bulb immediately after the microscope has been
used, as the bulb will still be hot and so there is a risk that the user could be burnt.
Before changing the bulb the device must be switched off and unplugged.
To change the bulb the cover of the lamp housing [b] needs to be removed. Therefore
you previously have to loosen the appropriate fastening screw [a]. Now the defective
bulb can be pulled out of the socket and be replaced with a new one [c]. We
recommend that here you should also test again, to check that heat is no longer being
produced. After the cover has been reattached and fixated, the bulb replacement
procedure is complete.
Important:
When fitting the new bulb into the socket, it must only be handled with sterile gloves or
using the bulb packaging film. Grease and dust residue can have a negative effect on
the light quality and service life.