Motic AE31E Series User manual

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We are constantly endeavouring to improve our instruments and to adapt them to the requirements of
modern research techniques and testing methods. This involves modification to the mechanical
structure and optical design of our instruments.
Therefore, all descriptions and illustrations in this instruction manual, including all specifications are
subject to change without notice.

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Content
1. Nomenclature 4
1.1 Application 4
1.2 Nomenclature 5
1.3 Technical data 7
2. Setting-up the Instrument 8
2.1 Working Environment 8
2.2 Input voltage and power 8
2.3 Illumination 9
2.3.1 Halogen bulb 9
2.3.2 LED module 9
3. Assembling the Microscope 10
3.1 Installing the bulb/ LED module 10
3.1.1 30W Halogen 10
3.1.2 100W Halogen 11
3.1.3 LED module 12
3.2 Filter Holder 14
3.3 Mounting the Condenser 14
3.4 Installing the Objectives 15
3.5 Mechanical Stage 16
3.6 Inserting the Eyepieces 16
4. Microscope Handling 17
4.1 Interpupillary Distance Adjustment 17
4.2 Diopter Adjustment 17
4.3 Coarse and fine focusing 18
4.4 Coarse focus torque adjustment 18
4.5 Brightfield Microscopy 19
4.6 Phase Contrast Microscopy 19
4.7 Filter selection 22
4.8 Brightness control 22
4.9. IR function 23
4.10 Auto light intensity reproduction 23

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5. Photomicrographic Procedure (Only on AE31E TRI) 24
6. Troubleshooting Table 25
6.1 Optical and Operating Problems 25
6.2 Electrical 25
7. Care and Maintenance 26
7.1 Lenses and Filters 26
7.2 Cleaning of Painted or Plastic Components 26
7.3 When Not in Use 26
7.4 Warning Label 27

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1. Nomenclature
1.1 Application
The new Inverted microscope AE31E is representing the ideal instrument for living cells
observation and other microbiological samples. Due to our Colour Corrected Infinity Optics (CCIS)
the AE31E offers superior image quality combined with excellent mechanical performance. Daily
work is facilitated by a number of ergonomic features.

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1.2 Nomenclature
Model AE31E TRI
(Fig.1)

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Model AE31E TRI
(Fig.2)

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1.3 Technical data
Technical data AE31E BIN AE31E TRI
Optical system Color Corrected Infinity Optics (CCIS)
Total Magnification 40X - 400X
Eyepiece tubes
360° Swiveling Siedentopf with upper and lower position: upper
position offers approx. 40 mm extra viewing height
Interpupillary distance: 48 mm to 75 mm
Binocular 45° Inclined Trinocular 45° Inclined
Eyepiece N-WF 10X(Ø22), wide field, high eye point
Nosepiece Quintuple, inclined, sidewards
Stage Fixed, Dimensions (width x depth): 200 x 239mm
Stage height 192mm
Object guide Verniers with numerical and alphabetic scale X direction: numerical scale, readable from right to left
Y direction: alphabetic scale
Objectives
Plan-Achromat 4x, N.A.0.1, W.D.12.6mm
Plan-Achromat 10x, N.A.0.25, W.D.16.8mm
LWD Plan-Achromat 20x, N.A.0.3, W.D.4.7mm
LWD Plan-Achromat 40x, N.A.0.5, W.D.3mm
Plan-Achromat PH 4x Ph0, N.A.0.1, W.D.12.6mm
Plan-Achromat PH 10x Ph1, N.A.0.25, W.D.4.1mm
LWD Plan-Achromat PH 20x Ph1, N.A.0.3, W.D.4.7mm
LWD Plan-Achromat PH 40x Ph1, N.A.0.5, W.D.3mm
LWD Plan-Achromat PH 40x Ph2, N.A.0.5, W.D.3mm
Condenser N.A.0.3, W.D.72mm
N.A.0.5, W.D.28mm
Coarse focus 42mm/rot.
Fine focus 0.2mm/rot.
Transmitted illumination 6V/30W Halogen 12V/100W Halogen
3W LED module
Dimension: W x D x H 217.5 x 556 x 497mm

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v2. Setting-up the Instrument
2.1 Working Environment
The location should be free from dust, moisture, chemical vapours and free of mechanical
vibrations.
Don't locate the instrument in bright or direct ambient light, in front of a lamp, or a bright light wall.
Best imagequality will be achieved in a surrounding surrounding with low ambient light.
Environmental specification:
Indoor use
Altitude: Max 2000m
Ambient temperature: 15°C~ 40°C;
Maximum relative humidity: 75% for temperature up to 31°C decreasing linearly to 50% relative
humidity at 40°C
Supply voltage fluctuations: Not to exceed ±10% of the normal voltage
Pollution degree: 2 ( in according with IEC60664)
Installation/Overvoltage category: 2 (in according with IEC60664)
Air Pressure of 75kPa to 106 kPa
2.2 Input voltage and power
Automatic voltage selection works with electrical outlets worldwide. It is advised to always use a
power cord that is rated for the voltage used in your area and that has been approved to meet
local safety standards. Using the wrong power cord could cause fire or equipment damage.
In order to prevent electric fluctuation to the instrument electrics, always turn the power switch on the
instrument off before connecting the power cord.
Electrical Specifications:
30W Halogen bulb
Input: 100-240V~, 45W, 50-60Hz
Lamp: DC6V 30W Halogen
Fuse: 250V T2.5A
(If the original fuse is damaged, please replace a new one with same specification)

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100W Halogen bulb
Input: 100-240V~, 120W, 50-60Hz
Bulb: 12VDC 100W Halogen
Fuse: 250V T2.5A (If the original fuse is blown, please replace with specified fuse)
LED module
Input: 100-240V~, 80VA, 50-60Hz
LED: 3.4V 3W
Fuse: 250V T2.5A (If the original fuse is blown, please replace with specified fuse)
LED module high color temperature: 6000 ± 300k
LED module low color temperature: 4500 ± 300k
Attention: The plug of the power adaptor is the "disconnect device" for whole unit. To save energy we
recommend to unplug the instrument when not in use.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
2.3 Illumination
2.3.1 Halogen bulb
The quartz halogen bulb, used as a light source, has higher luminance and colour temperature
than conventional tungsten lamps. The luminance of halogen bulb is approximately four times
brighter than the conventional tungsten lamps.
As long as the lamp voltage is kept constant, the halogen lamp maintains the same level of
brightness and colour temperature regardless of whether it is new or nearing the end of its
life span.
2.3.2 LED module
The LED module is specially designed to be inserted into halogen bulb socket directly converting
halogen illumination to LED illumination. LED is more economical and environmental friendly and
combines the advantages of low heat and long life span.

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3. Assembling the Microscope
3.1 Installing the bulb/ LED module
3.1.1 30W Halogen
In order to prevent electric shock always turn the
on/off switch off (Fig.3) and unplug the power cord
before replacing the lamp.
(Fig.3)
Release lamp housing cover clamp screw (Fig.4-1) to remove the cover (Fig.4-2).
(Fig.4-1) (Fig.4-2)
Firmly insert the bulb into the socket pinholes until it reaches the limit (Fig.4-3), be careful not to tilt
the lamp when mounting. (Fig.4-4)
When installing the lamp, do not touch the glass surface of the lamp with bare fingers. Doing so
will cause fingerprints, grease, etc., to burn onto the lamp surface, reducing the illumination
provided by the lamp. If surface is contaminated, wipe it clean using lens tissue.

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(Fig.4-3) (Fig.4-4)
3.1.2 100W Halogen
The applicable halogen bulbs are the 12V 100W HAL high-intensity bulb.
(Osram, model: 64625 HLX)
In order to prevent electric shock always turn the power switch off and unplug the power cord
before installing or replacing the lamp.
Loosen the lamp housing cover clamp screw (Fig.5-1) and remove the cover (Fig.5-2).
When installing the bulb, do not touch the glass surface of the bulb with bare fingers. (Fig.24)
Doing so will cause fingerprints, grease, etc., to burn onto the bulb surface, reducing the
illumination provided by the bulb. If the surface is contaminated, wipe it clean using lens tissue.
Firmly insert the bulb into the socket pinholes until it reaches the limit. Be careful not to tilt the bulb
when mounting. (Fig.5-3)
Close the cover and secure with it with lamp housing cover clamp screw. (Fig.5-4)
(Fig.5-1) (Fig.5-2)

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(Fig.5-3) (Fig.5-4)
3.1.3 LED module
In order to prevent electric shock always turn the
on/off switch off and unplug the power cord
before replacing the lamp. (Fig.6-1)
(Fig.6-1)
Release lamp housing cover clamp screw (Fig.6-2) using a coin to remove the cover. (Fig.6-3)
(Fig.6-2) (Fig.6-3)

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Firmly insert the LED module into the socket pinholes (Fig.6-4) until it reaches the limit (Fig.6-5).
This is a Motic patented design to exchange LED module and halogen bulb on the same socket
directly. (3W LED module is used for 30W lamp house only)
After the LED module installation, secure it with the clamp screw by 1.5mm hexagonal
screwdriver supplied with the microscope. (Fig.6-6)
(Fig.6-4) (Fig.6-5)
(Fig.6-6)
Close the cover and fasten with it with lamp housing cover clamp screw.
Insert the filter slider with mat surface of the diffuser turned towards the user.

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3.2 Filter Holder
Filter holder is located in front of the lamp house (Fig.7-1) for easy replacement of the filter.
(Fig.7-2)

(Fig.7-1) (Fig.7-2)
3.3 Mounting the Condenser
Mount the condenser on the dovetail mount of the condenser holder (Fig.5-1) with the aperture
diaphragm lever facing the front. Secure it with the clamp screw by the 2.5mm hexagonal
screwdriver (supplied with the microscope, Fig.8-2)
(Fig.8-1) (Fig.8-2)

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If Phase contrast is to be used, insert the Phase slider into the slot of the condenser.
The centering screws of Phase slider have to face the front side. (Fig.8-3)
(Fig.8-3)
3.4 Installing the Objectives
Remove the stage insert from the stage. (Fig.9-1)
Screw in the objectives in the nosepiece thread holes in a manner that the magnification increases
with clockwise rotation of the revolving nosepiece. (Fig.9-2)
Place back the stage insert.
(Fig.9-1) (Fig.9-2)

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3.5 Mechanical Stage (Fig.10)
An attachable mechanical stage is available as an option. This stage allows the precise X/Y
movement of common vessels for cell culture. For choosing the respective vessel carrier, please
contact your local Motic supplier.
Secure the mechanical stage to the AE31E plain stage using the two mounting screws
located beneath the stage on the right side (user facing the front of the instrument).
(Fig.10)
3.6 Inserting the Eyepieces
Remove the dust caps from the eyepiece tubes.
Use the same magnification eyepieces for both the eyes.
Insert each eyepiece into the eyepiece sleeve by a twisting movement. (Fig.11)
Should the rubber eye guards are to be used,fit them in the groove around the eyepiece.
(Fig.11)

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4. Microscope Handling
4.1 Interpupillary Distance Adjustment (Fig.12-1)
Before adjusting the interpupillary distance, bring a specimen into focus using the 10x objective.
Adjust the interpupillary distance so that both the right and left field of view become one. This
adjustment will enable the user to observe the specimen with both eyes.
4.2 Diopter Adjustment (Fig.12-2)
Diopter adjustment compensates for the differences in vision between the left and right eyes. In
addition to making observation through both eyes easier, this adjustment also reduces the extent
to which focusing is lost when the objective magnification is changed. In particular, this occurs
when a low magnification objective is used.
Set the diopter on both eyepieces to the “0” position.
Swing in the 10x objective, focus with one eye only (as everybody has got a “strong” eye, use this
one for this first focussing).
(Fig.12-1) (Fig.12-2)
When in focus, close this eye and use the other one. Focus by only using the diopter ring on the
respective eyepiece, do not use the coarse/fine knob!
Change to a higher magnification and repeat the complete procedure.
As the focus depth is less in high magnification lenses, a precise adjustment of the diopters here is
easier. Keep this final diopter position for all lenses.

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4.3 Coarse and fine focusing (Fig.13-1)
For focusing of the instrument please use the coarse and fine focus knobs on the left and right
side of the microscope stand.
The direction of vertical movement of the revolving nosepiece corresponds to the turning direction
of the focus knobs.
One full rotation of the fine focus knob moves the nosepiece 0.2mm in z-direction. One scale unit
on the fine focus knob equals 2 microns.
(Fig.13-1)
Please avoid following action:
***Never attempt either of the following actions, since doing so will damage the focusing****
mechanism.
Rotate the left or right knob while holding the other.
Turning the coarse and fine focus knobs further than their limit.
4.4 Coarse focus torque adjustment (Fig.13-2)
To increase the torque, turn the torque adjustment ring located behind the left-hand coarse focus
in the direction of the arrow. To reduce the torque, turn the ring in the direction opposite.
(Fig.13-2)

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4.5 Brightfield Microscopy
Set the Phase slider to the centre position (in standard configuration this position does not contain
an illumination annulus) (Fig.14). In case all 3 positions of the slider are occupied due to personal
setup of the microscope, pull out the complete slider.
Bring the specimen into focus.
The aperture diaphragm of the condenser is needed for adjusting the numerical aperture (N.A.) of
the illumination.
Closing the aperture diaphragm will lower the resolution and brightness but increase the contrast
and depth of focus. An image with appropriate contrast in most cases can be obtained with an
aperture diaphragm closed down to 2/3.
(Fig.14)
4.6 Phase Contrast Microscopy
Phase contrast objectives are labelled “Ph”: Ph0; Ph1; Ph2.
For using phase contrast, be sure to use the annular ring in the slider has the same phase label as
the objective:
Ph0: Objective 4x
Ph1: Objective 10x/20x/40x
Ph2: Objectives 20x/40x
Always open the aperture diaphragm completely. If the aperture diaphragm is closed, it will
obstruct the annular diaphragm and the phase contrast effect cannot be obtained.
Bring the 10x (Ph1) objective into optical path.
Position the Phase annular diaphragm slider to Ph1.