OPTO-EDU A11.1551-B Educational Biological Microscope User Manual

1. Introduction

The OPTO-EDU A11.1551-B is a high-quality educational biological microscope designed for observing biological slices, biological cells, bacteria, living tissue cultures, fluid precipitation, and other transparent or translucent objects and fine particles. This binocular model offers a comfortable viewing experience and robust performance for students and enthusiasts alike. With a maximum optical magnification of 1600x (and up to 2000x with optional eyepieces), it provides clear and detailed images of the micro-world.

2. Safety Information

• Always handle the microscope with care. Avoid sudden impacts or dropping the instrument.
• Place the microscope on a stable, level surface to prevent it from tipping over.
• Keep the microscope away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, dust, and corrosive chemicals.
• Ensure the power supply voltage matches the microscope's requirements (110/220V).
• Unplug the microscope from the power outlet before cleaning or performing any maintenance.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or repair the microscope yourself. Refer to qualified service personnel.
• Use only approved accessories and replacement parts.

3. Package Contents

Upon unpacking, please verify that all the following items are included:

• OPTO-EDU A11.1551-B Biological Microscope (Binocular)
• WF10X/18mm Eyepieces (2 pieces)
• Achromatic Objectives: 4X, 10X, 40Xs, 100Xs (oil)
• Power Cord
• Immersion Oil
• Spare Fuse
• Dust Cover

4. Product Overview

The A11.1551-B microscope features a robust design with key components for precise observation. Familiarize yourself with the parts below:

Key Components:

• Binocular Viewing Head: Seidentopf type, inclined at 30º for comfortable viewing, and 360º rotatable for shared observation. Features interpupillary distance and diopter adjustment.
• Eyepieces: Wide Field Eyepiece WF10X/18mm, providing a clear and broad view.
• Nosepiece: Quadruple nosepiece with precise click stops for easy objective changes.
• Objectives: Achromatic Objectives 4X, 10X, 40Xs (spring-loaded), and 100Xs (oil immersion, spring-loaded).
• Mechanical Stage: Double layer mechanical stage (142x132mm) with a moving range of 75x50mm, allowing precise specimen positioning.
• Focusing Knobs: Coaxial coarse and fine adjustment knobs. The fine adjustment has a division of 0.002mm for precise focusing.
• Condenser: Abbe Condenser N.A. 1.25 with an iris diaphragm and filter holder, for controlling illumination and contrast.
• Illumination: 6V/20W Halogen Lamp with adjustable brightness. An optional 3W LED illumination with rechargeable batteries is also available.

5. Setup

5.1 Unpacking and Placement

1. Carefully remove the microscope and all accessories from the packaging.
2. Place the microscope on a sturdy, level, and vibration-free workbench.
3. Remove the dust cover.

5.2 Installing Eyepieces

1. Remove the protective caps from the binocular head's eyepiece tubes.
2. Gently insert the two WF10X/18mm eyepieces into the tubes.

5.3 Connecting Power

1. Ensure the power switch on the microscope is in the 'OFF' position.
2. Connect the power cord to the microscope's power input and then to a suitable electrical outlet (110/220V).
3. If using the optional rechargeable battery illumination, ensure the batteries are charged according to their specific instructions.

6. Operating Instructions

6.1 Power On and Illumination Adjustment

1. Flip the power switch to the 'ON' position.
2. Adjust the brightness control knob to achieve comfortable illumination for viewing.

6.2 Placing a Specimen Slide

1. Lower the mechanical stage using the coarse adjustment knob to create enough space.
2. Open the stage clips and place your specimen slide on the mechanical stage. Release the clips to secure the slide.
3. Use the X-Y movement knobs on the mechanical stage to position the desired area of your specimen directly under the objective lens.

6.3 Focusing and Magnification

1. Rotate the nosepiece to select the lowest power objective (e.g., 4X). Ensure it clicks firmly into place.
2. While looking through the eyepieces, slowly raise the stage using the coarse adjustment knob until the specimen comes into rough focus.
3. Use the fine adjustment knob to bring the image into sharp focus.
4. Adjust the interpupillary distance by moving the binocular tubes until you see a single, circular field of view.
5. Adjust the diopter on one eyepiece (usually the left one) to compensate for differences in vision between your eyes.
6. To increase magnification, rotate the nosepiece to the next objective (e.g., 10X, 40Xs). The microscope is parfocal, meaning minimal refocusing should be needed. Use only the fine adjustment knob for higher magnifications.
7. For the 100Xs oil immersion objective, apply a small drop of immersion oil directly onto the specimen slide before rotating the 100Xs objective into place. Ensure the objective lens makes contact with the oil. After use, clean the 100Xs objective and slide immediately with lens paper and lens cleaning solution.

6.4 Condenser and Diaphragm Adjustment

1. The Abbe condenser and iris diaphragm control the amount and angle of light reaching the specimen, affecting contrast and resolution.
2. Adjust the iris diaphragm to achieve optimal contrast for your specimen. A general rule is to close the diaphragm slightly as magnification increases.
3. The condenser can be raised or lowered to further optimize illumination.

7. Maintenance

7.1 Cleaning

• Optical Parts: Use only specialized lens paper and lens cleaning solution to clean objective lenses and eyepieces. Gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outwards. Never use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
• Microscope Body: Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid using organic solvents.
• Immersion Oil: Always clean the 100Xs objective immediately after use to prevent oil from drying on the lens.

7.2 Storage

• When not in use, cover the microscope with the provided dust cover to protect it from dust and debris.
• Store the microscope in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Remove specimen slides from the stage before storage.

7.3 Lamp Replacement

If the halogen lamp burns out, ensure the microscope is unplugged and cooled down before attempting to replace it. Consult a qualified technician if you are unsure how to proceed.

8. Troubleshooting

9. Specifications

Optional Accessories:

• Eyepieces: WF16X/13mm (A51.1503), WF20X/11mm (A51.1503)
• Objectives: Plan Achromatic CF Objectives 4X, 10X, 40Xs, 100Xs (oil) (A52.1510)
• Nosepiece: Quintuple Nosepiece (A54.1502-5A)
• CCD Adapters: 1.0x C-Mount (A55.1550-10), 0.5x C-Mount (A55.1550-05)
• Illumination: 3W LED Brightness Adjustable, Rechargeable, Without Batteries (A56.1503)

10. User Tips

• Always start observation with the lowest magnification objective (4X) to locate and center your specimen.
• When switching to higher magnifications, use only the fine adjustment knob for focusing to avoid damaging the objective or slide.
• Experiment with the iris diaphragm and condenser height to find the best balance of brightness and contrast for different specimens.
• For prolonged viewing sessions, take regular breaks to reduce eye strain.
• Keep a dedicated set of cleaning supplies (lens paper, lens cleaning solution, air blower) specifically for your microscope.

11. Warranty and Support

This OPTO-EDU A11.1551-B Biological Microscope comes with a 3-year warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and ensures the product is free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.

For technical support, warranty claims, or any questions regarding your microscope, please contact your authorized dealer or OPTO-EDU customer service.