Swift M3-M User manual

Swift M3 Series
Micro/Macro Microscope
Use and Care Manual
SWIFT OPTICAL - Enduring Quality and Technical Excellence

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On/off &Light Intensity
Control Switch
M3-M / M3-B
The Swift M3 is a versatile microscope designed for both microscopic (high magnification, small field of view) and macroscopic (low
magnification, large field of view) applications. Micro/macro optical capability combined with an innovative modular stage design
produce a sophisticated instrument designed to perform for many years in numerous applications.
The M3 is equipped with an adjustable stage that allows the viewing mode to be changed. The microscope stage can be placed in the
uppermost position, the “micro” mode, or by lowering the stage to its middle or lowest position in can be placed in the “macro” mode.
The M3 is equipped with multiple stage inserts for observation of specimens which include a stage plate with an integrated 0.65 N.A.
condenser for microscopic use and an optically clear specimen cup or a black/white contrast plate for macroscopic use. The M3 features
top and bottom rechargeable LED illumination for cordless operation both indoors and out.
Top Illuminator
Eyepiece
Head
Objective
Nosepiece
Magnification Window
Stage
Stage Clip
Iris Diaphragm
Bottom Illuminator
Coarse Focus
Knob
Arm
Fine Focus
Knob
Stage Ring
Base Screw
Diopter
Adjustment
Stage Position
Thumbscrew
Stage Ring
Thumbscrew
Light Source
Selector Switch
A/C
Adapter
Input
Swift M3 Series Micro/Macro Microscope

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ARM –the frame that connects the head and the base of the microscopes. It also houses the illumination switch, carrying
handle, stage ring, coaxial focus controls, and the incident (top) light.
BASE –attaches to the bottom of the M3 with a thumb screw located underneath the tripod base. The tripod legs extend
out to ensure stable footing or fold in for storage. *
* The M3 can also be mounted on a standard camera tripod for use in the field.
COAXIAL CONTROLS –the coaxial focusing system combines both the coarse and fine focus into one focusing mechanism
located on both sides of the microscope. The large gray knob is the coarse focus control and the smaller blue knob is the
fine focus control.
COARSE FOCUS –the larger, outer knob of the focus control which facilitates rapid and heavy movement of the focusing
mechanism. In order to prevent gear damage, the focus control is equipped with an upper limit stop that protects the high
magnification objectives and slides.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT (M3-B &M3-F only) –located on the left eyepiece of the binocular head, this adjustment
compensates for the differences between the users’eyes.
EYEPIECE(S) –the upper optical element that further magnifies the primary image of the specimen and brings the light rays
into focus at the eye point. The M3 has widefield 10X magnification eyepiece(s) with an 18mm field of view.
FINE FOCUS –the smaller, inner knobs of the coaxial control which allow for slow and subtle focusing movement to bring
the specimen into sharp focus.
HEAD –the upper portion of the microscope which contains the refracting prisms and the eyepiece tubes which hold the
eyepieces.
Note that the head rotates, allowing operation from the front or back.
ILLUMINATION –the Swift M3 uses a low voltage Light Emitting Diode (LED) for both transmitted (bottom) and incident
(top) light.
(The illumination system may be used while the M3 is charging.)
IRIS DIAPHRAGM –The iris diaphragm is a round device that is mounted below the stage. It has multiple leaves similar to a
camera shutter. Moving the control lever from side-to-side causes the opening in the diaphragm increases or decreases,
allowing the user to control the contrast of the specimen. If the image is “washed out” the iris diaphragm is opened too
wide. If the image is too dark the iris is not open wide enough.
NOSEPIECE –the revolving turret that holds the objective lenses. Changes in magnification are accomplished by rotating
different powered objective lenses into the optical path. The nosepiece must “click” into place for the objectives to be in
proper alignment.
OBJECTIVES –the optical systems which magnify the primary image of the instrument. Microscopic magnifications are 4X,
10X, 40X. The macroscopic magnification is 1X. The magnification of the objective combined with the magnification of the
eyepiece gives a total 10X macroscopic magnification of the subject, and allows for total microscopic magnifications of 40X,
100X and 400X.
SIEDENTOPF (M3-B &M3-F only) –a binocular head design where the interpupillary adjustment (increasing or decreasing
the distance between the eyepieces) is achieved by pivoting the eyepiece tubes in an up and down arc motion similar to
binoculars.
STAGE RING –the circular ring located in the center of the microscope that supports the stage plate, black/white contrast
plate, or specimen cup. These components are held onto the stage ring with a thumbscrew.
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Components of the Microscope

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“COATED” LENS –in attempting to transmit light through glass, much of the light is lost through reflection. Coating a lens
increases the light transmission by reducing or eliminating reflection, thus allowing more light to pass through.
COVER SLIP –thin glass cut in circles, rectangles or squares usually a thickness of 0.15 to 0.17mm, for covering the slide
specimen. The majority of specimens should be protected by a cover glass, and must be covered when using 40XRD
objective.
DEPTH OF FOCUS –the ability of a lens to furnish a distinct image above and below the focal plane. Depth of focus
decreases with the increase of numerical aperture or with the increase of magnification.
DIN –(Deutsche Industrie Normen) A German standard for the manufacturing of microscope lenses. DIN is not a quality
standard, but one of commonality.
EYE POINT or EYE RELIEF –the distance from the eyepiece lens to your eye where a full field of view can be seen. A higher
eye point accommodates users who wear eyeglasses
FIELD OF VIEW –the area of the object that is seen when the image is observed. It may range in diameter from several
millimeters to less than 0.1mm, depending on the level of magnification.
FOCAL LENGTH –parallel rays of light after refraction through a lens will be brought to a focus at the focal point. The
distance from the optical center of the lens to the focal point is the focal length.
NUMERICAL APERTURE (NA) –a measure of an objective’s light gathering capabilities. The concept may be compared to
the F-valve in photographic lenses. Generally speaking, N.A. values of less than 1.00 are "Dry" objectives. Values of 1.00 or
greater require oil as a medium.
Please note that condensers are part of the optical system and are also assigned an N.A. value. That value must be at least
as high as that of the highest objective used.
PARFOCAL –a term applied to objectives and eyepieces when practically no change in focus is needed when changing
objectives. The objectives on your Swift M3 microscope are parfocalled at the factory so that only a slight adjustment of the
fine focus knob is needed to maintain focus when switching magnification.
RESOLUTION or RESOLVING POWER –the ability of a lens to define the details of the specimen at a maximum
magnification. This is governed by the N.A. (Numerical Aperture) of the lens. For example, a
40X objective with a N.A. of 0.65 has a maximum resolving power of 650X, equal to 1000 times the N.A.. This rule of N.A. x
1000 is true of all achromatic objectives.
WORKING DISTANCE –the distance from the lens of the objective to the cover slip on the slide, when the specimen is in
focus.
Other Important Terminology

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CORDLESS OPERATION –The rechargeable battery should be fully charged for approximately 8 hours before the initial use.
It can be charged by using the 4.5 volt A/C adapter included with the microscope. An LED indicator light on the A/C adapter
will be red while the battery is charging and will turn green when the battery is fully charged. The battery can be used to
power the illumination system for approximately 40 hours. If the microscope is used in the same location, the A/C adapter
can remain plugged-in without damage to the battery or recharging system.
MAGNIFICATION –The M3 comes with silver 4X, 10X and 40X objectives (for microscopic use only) and a black 1X objective
(for macroscopic use only). The objective magnifications shown in the magnification window are color coded to correspond
to the stage position icons on the side of the arm. Micro magnifications are written in blue to coordinate with the blue
micro mode stage position. The 1X macro magnification is written in red to coordinate with the two macro mode stage
positions.
STAGE SELECTIONS
SPECIMEN CUP –a container used for collecting and viewing specimens at a macroscopic level. This container has adequate
depth and has a ventilated optically clear lid for use with a variety of specimens.
CONTRAST PLATE –offers a black or white viewing background
STAGE PLATE –the microscopic stage with a built-in 0.65 N.A. condenser, iris diaphragm, stage clips and swing out white
filter.
STAGE POSITION ADJUSTMENT –proper stage height is critical for achieving the correct focusing distance for viewing micro
or macro specimens. The stage can be set at 3 levels:
MICROSCOPIC –uppermost stage position. (Stage plate must be placed in the stage ring).
MACROSCOPIC –middle stage position. (Specimen cup must be placed in the stage ring).
MACROSCOPIC –lowermost stage position. (Black/white contrast plate must be placed in the stage ring).
For proper stage ring adjustment, loosen the stage position thumbscrew to raise or lower the stage ring housing to line up
with the desired stage position indicator marks. Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the stage assembly in place. The macro
indicator marks are the suggested positions for viewing most macro specimens. The macro stage ring positions may have to
be adjusted slightly to find the best working distance for unusual sized specimens.
Using Your Swift M3

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Step 1: Loosen the stage ring thumbscrew on the right side of the stage ring. Insert the stage plate into the stage ring and
secure it in place by tightening the thumbscrew.
Step 2: Loosen the stage position thumbscrew on the right side of the stage to move the stage assembly to its uppermost
position. The red dot underneath the stage position thumbscrew should be lined up with the blue dot on the right side of
the microscope arm near the coarse focus knob.
Step 3: Select the bottom (transmitted) illuminator by pressing the light source selector switch on the back of the
microscope’s arm to the bottom position.
Step 4: Turn on the illumination by rotating the light on/off & intensity control dial towards the bottom illuminator. (Note:
Please notice that that the dial will "click" when turning on the light. When turning the unit off, please ensure that the dial
is rotated all the way back until it "clicks" off to save power and prolong LED lifespan.)
Step 5: Place the slide on the stage, securing it with the stage clips. Center the specimen in the optical path.
Step 6: After securing and moving the slide into position, rotate the nosepiece to place the lowest power 4XD objective
into position over the specimen. Be sure the objective “clicks” into position. The iris diaphragm should be adjusted at this
time to about a ¼ inch (5 mm) open.
Step 7: (M3-B & M3-F only) Adjust the Siedentopf binocular head (by moving the eyepiece tubes up and down in an arc-like
motion, similar to adjusting binoculars) until one perfect circle is seen in the field of view
Step 8: While viewing through the eyepiece(s), rotate the coarse focus knob slowly and carefully to bring the specimen into
focus. The specimen may require some centering in the field of view at this time. By using the fine focusing knob, slowly
and carefully refine the focus to clearly observe the fine details of the specimen. Now you can turn the nosepiece to the
higher magnification micro objectives. The objectives are parfocalled so that once the 4x objective is focused; only a slight
turn of the fine focus is required to refine the focus when changing to higher power objectives.
Step 9: (M3-B & M3-F only) Set the diopter adjustment which is designed to help compensate for the difference between
the user’s eyes. To adjust, first bring the specimen into perfect focus by using the coaxial focusing knobs while looking
through the eyepiece with the right eye only (close your left eye). Now, using your left eye only (close the right eye) turn
the left eye diopter only (don’t touch the focus controls) to obtain a crisply focused image. The diopter adjustment is now
set and no further adjustment will be needed until a new operator uses the scope.
Please note: A smaller diaphragm aperture (opening) increases the contrast in the image while a larger aperture decreases
the contrast. (The diaphragm is not intended for controlling the brightness of the illumination). A good procedure to follow
in selecting the proper opening is to start with a large aperture and reducing it until the fine detail of the specimen is in
exact focus. Using an inappropriate aperture results in a “washing out” of the image. Care must be exercised not to reduce
the aperture too much to gain high contrast, as then the fine structure in the image of the specimen will be destroyed.
Reducing the aperture does increase contrast and depth of focus, but it also reduces resolution and causes diffraction. The
aperture for the 10X objective will not be the same as for the 40XRD objective, since the angle of the required light is
determined by the numerical aperture (N.A.) of the objective. The proper aperture of the diaphragm can be easily achieved
after minimal experience with the microscope.
Microscope Operation

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Step 1: Loosen the stage ring thumbscrew on the right side of the stage ring. Insert the specimen cup or the black/white
contrast plate into the stage ring. The specimen cup is designed to be rotated while viewing a specimen so the thumbscrew
does not need to be tightened. If the contrast plate is being used, tighten the thumbscrew to secure it in place.
Step 2: Loosen the stage position thumbscrew on the right side of the stage to move the stage assembly to the suggested
middle position for specimen cup use (indicated by 1 red dot) or the lowest position for contrast plate use (indicated by 2
red dots). The red dot below the stage position thumbscrew should be lined up with the red dot(s) on the right side of the
microscope arm near the coarse focus knob. If odd-sized specimens are being viewed, the stage assembly may have to
adjust slightly off of the indicator marks to achieve the proper working distance in order to bring the specimen into focus.
Step 3: Select the top (incident) illuminator by pressing the light source selector switch on the back of the microscope’s
arm to the top position.
Step 4: Turn on the illumination by rotating the on/off & light intensity control dial towards the bottom illuminator.
Step 5: Place the specimen in the specimen cup or on the contrast plate and center it in the optical path.
Step 6: Rotate the nosepiece to place the 1X macro objective into position over the specimen. Be sure the objective
“clicks” into position. (The 1X macro objective in the only objective that can be used in macro mode.)
Step 7: (M3-B & M3-F only) Adjust the Seidentopf binocular head until one perfect circle is seen in the field of view. This is
accomplished by moving the eyepiece tubes up and down in an arc-like motion, similar to adjusting binoculars.
Step 8: While viewing through the eyepiece(s), rotate the coarse focus knob slowly and carefully to bring the specimen into
focus. The specimen may require some centering in the field of view at this time. By using the fine focusing knob, slowly
and carefully refine the focus to clearly observe the fine details of the specimen.
Step 9: (M3-B only) Set the diopter adjustment, which is designed to help compensate the difference between the user’s
eyes. To adjust, first bring specimen into perfect focus by using the coaxial focusing knobs while using your right eye only
(close your left eye). Now, using your left eye only (close your right eye), adjust the left eye diopter only (do not adjust the
focus control knobs) until the specimen is in sharp focus. The diopter is now set and no further adjustment to the diopter is
needed until a new operator uses the scope.
Macroscopic Operation

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The M3 Series microscope is designed to function with minimal maintenance, but certain components should be cleaned frequently to ensure ease of viewing. The
microscope’s illumination should be turned off when the microscope is not in use to prolong electrical component life.
CAUTION - Objectives should never be disassembled by the user. If repairs or internal cleaning should be necessary, this
should only be done by qualified, authorized microscope technician. The finish of the microscope is hard epoxy and is
resistant to acids and reagents. Clean this surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
CLEANING - The front lens of the objectives should be cleaned periodically. First brush with a soft, camel hair brush or
blown off with clean, oil-free air to remove dust particles. Then wipe gently with a soft lens tissue, moistened with optical
cleaner (eyeglass or camera lens) or clean water. Immediately dry with a clean lens paper. The eyepiece(s) may be cleaned
in the same manner as the objectives, except in most cases optical cleaner will not be required. In most instances breathing
on the eyepiece to moisten the lens and wiping dry with a clean lens tissue is sufficient to clean the surface. Lenses should
never be wiped while dry as this will scratch or otherwise mar the surface of the glass.
Periodically, the microscope should be disassembled, cleaned and lubricated. This should only be done by a qualified,
authorized microscope technician.
DUST COVER AND STORAGE - All microscopes should be protected from dust by a dust cover when in storage or not in use.
A dust cover is the most cost-effective microscope insurance you can buy. Ensure that the storage space is tall enough to
allow the microscope to be placed into the cabinet or onto a shelf without making undue contact with the eyepieces. Never
store microscopes in cabinets containing chemicals which may corrode your microscope. Also, be sure that the objectives
are placed in the lowest possible position and the rotating head is turned inward and not protruding from the base.
Microscopes with mechanical stages should be adjusted toward the center of the stage to prevent the moveable arms of
the mechanical stage from being damaged during storage in the cabinet.
CHANGING BULBS TOP/BOTTOM –
Replacement of the top LED bulb M3 series:
1. This bulb is a simple plug an pull. Just pull out the old LED bulb and replace with new bulb.
Replacement of the bottom LED bulb M3 series:
1. First remove the tripod foot assembly from the bottom of lower arm of your M3 microscope.
2. Next loosen all six each allen set screws with the 2mm L-Wrench (same wrench you used to assemble your microscope)
3. Then slide out the lamp housing assembly
Care of Your Swift M3 Microscope

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4. Then from under the arm (under the lamp house assembly) pull out the screw plate.
5. Afterwards tilt the LED Lamp assembly to replace.
Assemble in the reverse order.
SERVICE –If your microscope needs to be serviced or if parts need to be replaced, please contact Swift customer service for
more information at [phone].

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M3-F
Use the M3-F’s revolutionary technology to compare images in both micro and macro environments. The M3’s dedicated
macro lens, with a large working distance, allows you to view larger more bulky, “evidence” items. Swift’s powerful optical
system allows for images to be seen either 100% from the left microscope, 100% from the right, side-by-side, or
overlapping. With the optional C-mount adapter, you can easily attach any C-mount ready imaging device. The M3-F will
allow you to observe both micro (prepared slides) and macro (bullets, minerals, insects …) and compare them in one
microscope.
Two M3 micro/macro bodies: These two units consist of 4x, 10x, and 40x micro objectives and a dedicated 1x macro
objective. The macro objective can be easily identified by its black color. The illumination is switched on by turning the
illumination wheel on the bottom left of the scope. This also adjusts the intensity. Top or bottom light can be chosen by a
switch on the back arm of each scope.
One M3-F comparison bridge: The bridge acts as a director of image paths from the two M3 bodies.
One trinocular head: The head consists of two WF10X/18mm eyepieces with a diopter on the left eye tube. The trinocular
head has a beam-splitter built-in which will redirect the light path up into the trinocular port. The trinocular port allows the
use of an optional c-mount camera adapter (MA15602).
Two floating stage plates with stage clips: These stages are used to carry prepared slides and have a sub-stage condenser
already built in. These stages are easy to use as they feature the “one-touch” stage clip release and a “floating” stage
movement mechanism. These stages can be removed and replaced with the other stage inserts mentioned below.
Two sets of black/white stage plates: These stage plates are useful when looking at 3D objects when either a white or a
black background is needed for better contrast.
Two sets of well-cups with lids: These can be used to house even larger objects such as rocks or live specimens.
M3 Micro/Macro Bodies
Comparison Bridge
Trinocular Head
M3-F Comparison Microscope
M3-F Elements

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SETUP
The Bridge attaches to the top of the two M3 scope bodies. Please ensure that you align the stickers on the front of the
scope with the stickers on the front of the bridge so that you have the left and right body in the proper place.
1. Using the included hex key wrench, tighten the bridge onto the two microscope bodies at the locking set screws
located on the top right side of each M3. Please do not, under any circumstance, pickup the unit by the forensic
bridge. If you need to move the unit from place to place, use the blue hand grips on the back of each M3 body.
2. Next, mount the trinocular head onto the top middle of the comparison bridge and tighten the corresponding locking
set screw located on the center front of the bridge with the included hex key wrench.
Using the Comparison Bridge

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On the front of the microscope, you will see two knobs marked “OPEN” and “CLOSE”. These two knobs will regulate the light flow from the left and the right
microscope. For example, if you wish to only look at the image of the left microscope, then turn the left knob to OPEN and
the right knob to CLOSE. For viewing only the image of the right microscope, turn the left knob to CLOSE and the right knob
to OPEN.
On the top of the microscope you will find two more knobs marked with an empty circle and a circle that is half dark. These
knobs will allow you to regulate whether you wish to look at a side-by-side comparison (half dark circle) or an optical
overlay comparison (empty circle).
The following is a quick setting guide. This will show you the variety of combinations you can use.
I want to see:
Front Left Knob
Front Right Knob
Top
Left Knob
Top
Right Knob
Only the image from the
right microscope
CLOSE
OPEN
Only the image from the left
microscope
OPEN
CLOSE
The images from the left and
the right microscopes in a
side-by-side comparison
OPEN
OPEN
The images from the left and
the right microscopes in an
optical overlay comparison
OPEN
OPEN
Operation

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Please note: Purchase of C-Mount Lens is necessary for camera attachment*
*C-Mount: Swift Part Number MA15602
Instruction for camera operation covered in separately.
Camera Port Slide Bar
1. When the Slide Bar is pushed all the way in, 100% off the image is directed through the eyepieces.
2. When the Slide Bar is pulled out all until is stops, image is directed through both through the eyepiece and
camera port.
Attaching D-Moticam Series Camera
Moticam
C-Ring
MA15602 C-Mount Lens
C-Mount Locking Screw

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M3F-BTW SERIES
CONNECTING THE CAMERA TO BTW8 AND BTW10 TABLET
1. Connect the tablet to the camera: *Image of BTW camera may differ, but connection is the same*
BTW8 and BTW10
2. Plug the charger in and insert the power DIN cable. Power charger appearance may differ slightly from model to model.
Tablet
Bracket
C-Ring
(Optional)
C-Mount
Attachment
(Provide by Microscope
Manufacturer –Separate
purchase)

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3. Plug the power DIN into the back of the camera –The power plug is very snug, make sure it is properly inserted
NOTE: This connection cannot be loose –insert completely: BTW8 Connection Shown Below
4. Wait 2 minutes and press the power button once –
BTW8
BTW10

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5. You should see this 0% (if the battery is completely discharged)
Note: if you never see this image after pressing the power button: Connect the power pack and micro-USB into the tablet
directly. Wait 2 minutes and try again.
6. After about 30 to 45 minutes, press the power button one time and wait for battery indicator to appear. It should show the battery
beginning to take charge.
7. With the battery indicator on the screen, hold down the power button until it disappears. Let go of the power button and wait a
couple of seconds until the Motic Logo appears.
8. The Motic Logo screen will appear first, then the main tablet screen will appear.
9. As long as the power cable is plugged into the back of the camera, the tablet will trickle charge, and continue to function.
10. If you choose to unplug the camera from the charger, the camera will be running on the tablet battery.
11. On a fully charged tablet battery, both camera and tablet will run for approximately 2hrs only.

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TABLET ACCESSORIES
HDMI Cable
This cable will enable you to connect to an HDMI ready device, to view
your tablet on a larger format. The displayed image will replicate the
displayed image of the tablet.
Power Adapter
This 5V DC power adapter is for charging your tablet’s battery. It is
also used to power the camera in WiFi mode.
Calibration Slide
This slide will enable you to calibrate your tablet to your microscope,
for accurate measurements. You do not need to calibrate your
microscope in order to begin using your table/microscope.
C-Ring
This ring is used between the camera and c-mount to achieve par-
focus. Pre-installed on MA15602 –C-Mount.
4GB Micro-SD
This storage card can be used with your tablet to store images and
then transfer them to your computer. This card is provided as a
courtesy and cannot be replaced. *32GB Max Supported*
Mini USB to Micro USB
Provides power and feed connection between the tablet and camera.
To operate the camera, move the switch to the camera position.
USB to Micro USB
This cable when used in conjunction with the power adapter is used to
charge the tablet.
USB to Mini Power Din
This cable is used to power the camera, in WiFi mode. This cable
can also be used to charge both the tablet and camera at the
same time. Keep plugged into camera at all times, if possible.
L-Wrench
Optional Wrench for mounting bracket to Motic branded trinocular
microscopes
Please Note: Items included may differ in
appearance from items pictured above

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TABLET OPERATION - BTW8 (top) –BTW10 (bottom)
Volume adjustment - decrease
Volume adjustment - increase
Hold for a few seconds to turn unit on
Micro USB Port for charging tablet and connecting to bracket camera
Provides sound via earphone/speaker
Connects to HD ready device via HDMI cable
Micro SD Card Slot for storing images on Micro SD Card (4GB
included)

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POWER MANAGEMENT BTW 8 and BTW 10
Power to the BTW camera is supplied via the coiled USB cable provided with this product. Since the tablet batteries must supply
power for both the tablet and camera simultaneously, approximately 2hrs of continued used can be expected. 8hrs of recharging
is required to replenish the tablet battery. So allowing it to charge overnight is highly recommended.
1. Camera connected to tablet, supplying power via USB:
If more than two hours of continuous use is required, use the supplied wall charger and power cable included with your tablet.
Leaving the power charger connected to the camera will trickle charge the tablet. This will be a much slower rate, but should allow
time beyond 2hrs.
2. Camera connected to both tablet and wall charger: Trickle charging tablet via USB.

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CONNECTING THE BTW TABLET TO EXISTING WIRELESS NETWORK
The BTW camera has the unique ability to connect to your existing network system using the MoticHub feature.
1. On the home screen of the tablet select the Settings icon.
2. Select WiFi within the Settings window.
3. Find your Work/Home WiFi SSID and connect. *turn WiFi on if turned off*
Note: In this case I have selected National.