KERN OLE-1 User manual

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
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
Metallurgical inverted microscope
KERN OLE-1, OLF-1
OLE 161, OLF 162
Version 1.0
01/2015

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 2
GB
KERN OLE-1, OLF-1
Version 1.0 01/2015
User instructions
Metallurgical 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 Microscope head .................................................................................................................... 10
4.2 Objectives ............................................................................................................................... 10
4.3 Eyepieces................................................................................................................................ 10
4.4 Colour filters ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.5 Object holder .......................................................................................................................... 10
5Operation....................................................................................11
5.1 Getting started........................................................................................................................ 11
5.2 (Pre-) focussing ...................................................................................................................... 12
5.3 Adjusting the interpupillary distance................................................................................... 13
5.4 Dioptre adjustment................................................................................................................. 13
5.5 Adjusting the magnification.................................................................................................. 14
5.6 Adjusting the illumination ..................................................................................................... 15
5.7 Using eye cups ....................................................................................................................... 16
5.8 Using oil immersion objectives ............................................................................................ 17
6Changing the bulb .....................................................................18
7Changing the fuse......................................................................18
8Trouble shooting........................................................................19
9Service........................................................................................21
10 Disposal......................................................................................21
11 Further information....................................................................21

3 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
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, microscopes should 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.

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 4
1.3 Storage
You should ensure that the device 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 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
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.

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2 Nomenclature

7 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
Rear view

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 8
3 Technical data / Features
Model
KERN
Standard configuration
Optical system
Tube
Illumination
OLE 161
Finite
Monocular
3W LED (Incident light)
OLF 162
Finite
Binocular
3W LED (Incident light)
Eyepieces:
Objectives:
WF 10x / Ø 18 mm
10x / 20x / 40x
Product dimensions:
340x190x330 mm
Packaging dimensions:
440x275x530 mm
Net weight:
7 kg
Gross weight:
8,5 kg
Input voltage:
AC 100-240V, 50-60Hz
Output voltage:
DC 1,2-6V
Fuse:
2A 5x20mm

9 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 10
4 Assembly
4.1 Microscope head
First you must loosen the fixing screw on the connection point of the reflected light
unit and remove the black protective cover.
You can then insert the round dovetail bracket on the head into the round dovetail
bracket on the light unit and fix it with the fixing screw. When doing this, you should
always make sure that you do not touch the lenses with your bare fingers and that no
dust enters the apertures.
4.2 Objectives
All four objectives are already mounted to the nosepiece. After removing the
protective foil they are ready for use. They are ranged in such a way that if you turn
the nosepiece clockwise, the objective with the next higher magnification appears.
When the objectives need to be dismounted, you should always make sure that you
do not touch the lenses with your bare fingers and that no dust enters the apertures.
For objectives which are marked “OIL”, you must use an immersion oil with the
lowest level of inherent fluorescence.
4.3 Eyepieces
For the binocular microscopes 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 no way of fixing them.
You should always make sure that you do not touch the lenses with your bare fingers
and that no dust enters the apertures.
4.4 Colour filters
Three colour filters are included in the scope of the delivery of all microscopes within
the series OLE-1 and OLF-1. Blue, green and grey. In order to use one of them it can
be simply inserted into the ring holder of the field lens.
4.5 Object holder
In order to fixate observation samples on the specimen stage it is useful to attach the
supplied object holder to one of the thread sockets at the top surface of the specimen
stage.

11 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
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 a sample on the angle table. To do this, the observed
surface of the sample must be facing downwards. You can fix the sample to the table
using the object holder. To move the sample into the beam path, you must use the
adjustment wheels on the right of the angle table (see illustration).

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 12
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 (see illustration).
The simplest way of doing this would be to first lower the specimen stage (using the
coarse adjustment knob) until it is just above the objective and then raise 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 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 specimen stage 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.

13 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
5.3 Adjusting the interpupillary distance
(For binocular devices)
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
(For binocular devices)
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 the left tube connector (dioptre adjustment ring) to
compensate for this as follows.
1. Look through the right eyepiece with the right eye and bring the object into focus
by using the coarse and fine adjustment knob.
2. Then look through the left eyepiece with the left eye and use the 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.

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 14
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 (see illustration).
- 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 specimen stage 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, then the object will be
slightly out of focus. Use the fine adjustment knob to make a slight adjustment and
restore the focus.

15 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
5.6 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 necessary control elements for this are the aperture diaphragm and field
diaphragm.
When adjusting the lighting for the first time, you must first select the lowest possible
objective magnification, so that you can carry out the following steps.
1. Turn the adjusting ring of the field diaphragm counter clockwise up to the stop.
Thus the field diaphragm will be closed. In the field of view there now appears a
little bright spot, which is possibly not in a central position (see left illustration).
Therefore the spot has to be moved to the middle of the field of view by the two
centring screws located above the adjusting ring (see middle illustration).
Afterwards you have to open the field diaphragm until it just disappears out of the
field of view (see right illustration).
When choosing a higher magnification the opening of the field diaphragm should
be reduced accordingly, so that there is always just illuminated the field, which is
seen in through the eyepieces.
2. Use the aperture diaphragm of the condenser to find the
very best compromise between contrast and resolution for
the microscopic image. For the objective with the lowest
magnification the adjustment ring of the aperture diaphragm
should be turn counter clockwise almost completely up to
the stop, so that the opening of the diaphragm is very small.
The higher the magnification of an objective, the larger the
opening should be selected by turning the lever clockwise
towards the limit on the other side.
The view in the tube without the eyepiece should look something like the
illustration on the right.
The diameter of the aperture diaphragm which is then visible should make up
approximately 2/3 of the pupil diameter.
If the eyepiece should be removed, for checking, then please make sure that no
dirt or dust falls into the tube.
3. The brightness is always controlled by the bulb brightness (using the dimmer) and
not by the aperture diaphragm.

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 16
5.7 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, you must 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.
with a damp cloth).
Eye cups
High Eye Point eyepiece
(identified by the glasses symbol)

17 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
5.8 Using oil immersion objectives
The 100x objectives of the OLE-1 and OLF-1 series are objectives which can be
used with oil immersion (they are always marked with the word “OIL”). Using these
generates a particularly high resolution for microscopic images.
To use oil immersion correctly, please follow these steps.
1. Put an object holder of glass between the specimen stage and the observed
object.
2. Raise the specimen stage and position the 100x objective in the beam path.
3. Put a drop of oil on top of the objective lens.
4. Bring the specimen stage or object slide to the objective very slowly until there is
slight contact.
5. Observe the object.
Please prevent to use too much oil on the objective lens, because there is the risk
that the oil running down on the objective.
The object slide and objective must not be pressed against each other. The oil
constitutes the contact layer.
If the contact is made too jerky, there is a chance that existing air bubbles in the oil
cannot escape. This would have a negative impact on image clarity.
After use or before changing the slide, any components which have been in contact
with the oil must be cleaned thoroughly. See also 1.4 Maintenance and cleaning.

OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510 18
6 Changing the bulb
Before changing the bulb the device must be switched off and unplugged.
To change the bulb, tip the device carefully to the back or side. When doing this,
please make sure that all microscope components are firmly fixed. The bulb holder is
on the underside of the device. It can be opened by undoing the screws on the holder
(see illustration). The defective LED module can be removed by loosening the two
screws fixing the module and unraveling the connection point of its cable. Now the
new module has to be mounted in the same why as the original one. After the bulb
holder has been replaced in the underside of the device and the screws replaced, the
bulb replacement procedure is complete.
7 Changing the fuse
The fuse housing is on the rear of the microscope below the mains power supply
socket. With the device switched off and unplugged, you can pull out the housing.
When doing this, it is helpful to use a screwdriver or similar tool. The defective fuse
can be removed from its housing and be replaced with a new one.
After that, you just need to insert the fuse housing back into the insertion point below
the mains power supply socket.

19 OLE-1_OLF-1-BA-e-1510
8 Trouble shooting
Problem
Possible causes
The bulb does not light
The mains plug is not correctly plugged in
There is no power at the socket
Defective bulb
Defective fuse
The bulb blows immediately
The specified bulb or fuse has not been used
The field of view is dark
The aperture diaphragm and/or field
diaphragm are not opened wide enough
The selector switch for the beam path is set
to “Camera”
The condenser is not correctly centred
You cannot adjust the brightness
The brightness control has been set
incorrectly
The condenser has not been correctly
centred
The condenser is too low
The field of view is dark or is not
correctly
illuminated
The objective is not positioned correctly on
the beam path
The selector switch for the beam path is
between two settings
The nosepiece is not correctly fitted
The condenser is not correctly fitted
An objective is being used which doesn’t
match the lighting area of the condenser
The condenser has not been correctly
centred
The field diaphragm is closed too tightly
The bulb is not correctly fitted
The field of view of one eye does not
match that of the other eye
The interpupillary distance is not correctly
adjusted
Dioptre setting has not been carried out
correctly
Different eyepieces are used for the
righthand and lefthand side
The eyes are not used to using a microscope