AmScope 120 Series Binocular Compound Microscope

Product Information

The 120 Series microscope is a precision instrument designed for various scientific and educational applications. It is manufactured by AmScope and comes with a user-friendly interface and advanced features to enhance your microscopy experience. The microscope is available in two models: B120 and T120, each with its own unique specifications and capabilities.

Parts

• B120: This model includes a base and condenser, along with other essential parts.
• T120: This model includes additional parts and accessories for advanced functionality.

Getting Started

Before using the microscope, it is important to assemble it correctly:

1. Refer to the assembly instructions provided in the user manual.
2. Ensure careful handling during transportation to avoid any damage.

Operation

To operate the microscope:

1. Familiarize yourself with the various parts of the microscope described in the user manual.
2. Place the microscope indoors in a dry and clean place with temperatures between 32-100 degrees F (0-40 degrees C) and maximum relative humidity of 85%.
3. Avoid exposing the microscope to direct sunlight or high heat.

Product Usage Instructions

Safety Precautions

1. Always handle the microscope with care to avoid impact or abrupt movement during transportation. Do not shake the package.
2. Keep the microscope indoors in a dry and clean place with temperatures between 32-100 degrees F (0-40 degrees C) and maximum relative humidity of 85%.

Note: Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in damage to the microscope or compromise its performance.

For more comprehensive instructions, technical parameters, troubleshooting guidance, and information on common issues, please refer to the complete user manual available at www.iScopeCorp.com. If you require further assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@amscope.com.

Before Use

Introduction

• Congratulations on the purchase of your new AmScope microscope!
• This manual is designed for the B120 series microscope.
• Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the features and functions of your new mi- croscope.
• If you’d like more information on microscopes, parts, or accessories, please visit our website at: www.iScopeCorp.com
• We highly recommend you study this manual thoroughly before operating the microscope and that you keep it on hand for future reference.
  If you have additional questions or need assistance, please send us an email at: info@amscope.com

Safety Precautions

1.  As the microscope is a precision instrument, always handle it with care, avoiding impact or abrupt movement during transportation. Do not shake the package.
2. Do not place the microscope in direct sunlight or in high heat. Keep it indoors in a dry and clean place with temperatures between 32-100 degrees F (0-40 degrees C), and in maximum relative humidity of 85%.
3. Avoid touching the lenses on the objectives and the eyepieces so that oil and dirt from your fingerprints do not obstruct your view.
4. Before turning the power on, make sure that the power supply voltage is consistent with the voltage of your microscope.

Parts

B120

T120

Base & Condenser

Definition of Parts

• Base Lens
  Directs the light source towards the slide
• Coarse Focusing Knob
  Used to initially bring the slide into the sight and focus
• Condenser & Iris Diaphragm
  Controls the amount of light that hits the slide
• Condenser Screw
  Screws the condenser in place, securing it to the mechanical stage
• Dimmer
  Controls the amount of light that escapes from the base lens
• Diopter
  Allows the focus to be perfected for both eyes, independent of each other
• Fine Focusing Knob
  Used to refine focus to clear image
• Limit Stop Screw
  Limits the upward movement of the mechanical stage in order to avoid damaging the slide and objective
• Mechanical Stage
  Mechanically moves the slide along an X and Y axis for optimal positioning
• Nosepiece
  Houses the objective lenses
• Rotating Siedentopf Head
  Adjusts eyepieces to fit the distance between the user’s eyes for added comfort
• Tension Knob
  Adjusts the tension of the focusing knobs

Getting Started

Assembly

1. First, take the styrofoam container out of the cardboard carton and lay it on its side, paying attention to which side is labeled up. Remove the tape and open the container carefully so as to avoid dropping and damaging the optical items. Check carefully to ensure that all parts and accessories are intact.
2. Check the packing list to ensure that you’re received all items:
   • One Siedentopf Microscope Head (Binocular or Trinocular)
   • One Microscope Base
   • Four DIN Standard Objectives (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x)
   • 10x Widefield Eyepieces
   • 16x Widefield Eyepieces (for -A models only)
   • 20x Widefield Eyepieces (for -B models only)
   • Blue Color Filters
   • One Bottle of Immersion Oil
   • One Spare Fuse
   • One Dust Cover
   • One Blue Color Filter
     Note: LED models do not have a spare bulb, as the LED bulbs do not need replacing.
3. Remove the microscope body from the box and remove the plastic protective covering. The body of the micro- scope is composed of the base, the stage, the arm, the nosepiece, and the head.
4. Remove the eyetube caps and drop the desired eyepieces into the eyepiece ocular tubes. Be sure to avoid touching the lens to ensure no artifacts appear in your image.
5. Screw the objectives into the microscope nosepiece from the lowest magnification to the highest, again avoid- ing touching the lenses.
6. Plug in the microscope and turn it on. If no light emerges from the light source, adjust the dimmer knob on the side of the base.

Operation

Setting Up

1. Adjust the microscope head so that it is in a comfortable position for observation.
2. With both eyes open, look into the eyepieces. Adjust the interpupillary distance by holding the eyeubes and ro- tating the eyepiece tubes either towards or away from each other until only one circle of light is seen by both eyes (mounted on the Siedentopf head).
3. Place the specimen to be studied on a glass slide (or use a prepared slide). Place it on the stage, holding it snugly in place with the metal slide holders (clips) of the mechanical stage.
4. Using the mechanical stage controls (vertical pillar with dual knobs under the right side of the stage), center the specimen over the stage opening, lining it up with the light and the objective lens.
5. To adjust the illumination, slowly turn the dimmer on the right side of the base until the desired intensity of light is achieved.

Focusing

1. Turn the nosepiece to choose an objective. It is easiest to use the lowest magnification first (4x objective) to lo- cate and focus on the specimen. As you move up in magnification you may need to refocus the image a little each time.
2. When using the 100x objective, a drop of immersion oil should be placed between the cover slip and the objec- tive to minimize distortion caused by air. Always be sure to wipe the oil off of the objective with either lens cleaning paper or a nonabrasive, lint free cloth.
3. Being focusing by first looking with one eye through the eyepiece without the diopter. Close your other eye. Use the coarse focusing knob to adjust the height of the stage until the sample comes into clear focus.
   Note: You may loosen the limit-stop (located rear of the stage as a vertical thumb screw) in order to give yourself the full range of motion for fine tuning the focus.
4. Once the image is clear in your field of view, you will want to use the fine focusing knob to tune it for best results.
   Note: Please be careful when moving the mechanical stage if you need to re-center the sample, or if moving the stage very close to the objectives. The limit stop is designed to prevent impact between objective and slide, so when it is off you will be able to damage the microscope. For safety, when using the 40x and 100x objectives, engage the limit stop once you have it close or in contact with the objective (if using oil contact is required) to prevent addi- tional movement and damage.

Adjusting the Condenser & Diaphragm

1. Using the condenser-adjustment knob (left of unit, under the stage), you can change the distance between the light condenser and the stage. This allows you to control the concentration of the light hitting your slide.
2. By changing the aperture (hole size) of the iris diaphragm, you can adjust the background brightness. Adjust the aperture of the iris diaphragm using the iris adjustment slider located directly under the stage.
3. If you want to use a color filter, swivel the filter holder out, towards you. You can now place the desired color filter into the circular opening. Slide the filter holder back to original position before observation.
   Note: The filter holder is placed in from the factory in a manner in which it swings out and hits the arm of the microscope (backwards). If this happens, simply grip the condenser assembly and rotate it. It may take a small amount of force to rotate it, but after doing so, you will be able to swing the filter holder out towards the front of the unit for easier operation.

Attaching a Camera
If you have also purchased a camera for this unit, all you need to do is remove the eyepiece from the ocular tube and slide the camera (with reduction lens installed) into the vacant tube.

Setting the Stage’s Limit-Stop

1. Unlock the limit-stop on the rear stage (unscrew the lower bolt in the assembly).
2. Adjust the limit-stop to the desired maximum height.
3. Lock the stop-limit (screw in the bottom bolt in the assembly). This will allow you to limit the movement of the stage from the bottom of the range up to the point that it is set at.

Adjusting Focusing Tension

1. To adjust the tension of the focusing knobs, first locate the black ridged tension knob on the inside of the coarse focusing knob.
2. To decrease tension, rotate the adjustment forward, towards the stage (counterclockwise). To increase, rotate away from the stage (clockwise).
   Note: If your stage is slipping down after setting the focus, you need to increase the tension.

Maintenance/Precautions

• All glass surfaces must be kept clean. Fine dust on the optical surface should be blown off using a hand blower or gently wiped off with a soft lens paper tissue/nonabrasive lint free cloth.
• Carefully wipe off oil or fingerprints on the lens surfaces using tissue moistened with a small amount of lens cleaner (we recommend Sparkle brand optical cleaner).
• Do not use Sparkle to clean other elements of the microscope. Use a neutral detergent on any plastic or painted surfaces.
• Do not assemble or disassemble the microscope’s electrical components yourself without advisement from one of our technicians. Doing so will void your warranty unless by advisement of one of our technicians to do so.
• After use, cover the microscope with the provided dust cover.
• Keep your AmScope microscope in a dry, clean location in order to prevent rust or other damages.

Specifications

B120 Series Specifications

Parts	Specifications	B120A	B120B	B120C
WF Eyepiece	WF10X/18mm	x	x	x
	WF10X/18mm w/ Pointer
	WF10X/18mm w/ Reticle
	WF16X/13mm	x
	WF20X/10mm		x
	WF25X			x
Plan Eyepiece	P5X
	P10X
	P16X
DIN Achromatic Objectives	4X/0.10	x	x	x
	10X/0.25	x	x	x
	40X(spring)/0.65	x	x	x
	60X(spring)/0.85
	100X(spring, oil)/1.25	x	x	x
Plan Objectives	4X
	10X
	40X(spring)
	100X(spring, oil)
45 Degree Viewing Head	Binocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
	Trinocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
30 Degree Viewing Head	Binocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling	x	x	x
	Trinocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
Focusing Nosepiece	Coaxial Focusing System	x	x	x
	Quadruple Nosepiece	x	x	x
Stage	128mm x 127mm Mechanical Stage	x	x	x
	Movement Range: 70mm x 30mm	x	x	x
Condenser	Abbe, NA= 1.25	x	x	x
Diaphragm	Iris Diaphragm	x	x	x
Illumination	Halogen Light w/ Dimmer
	LED Light w/ Dimmer	x	x	x
Lamp	6V/20W
	6V/30W
	LED	x	x	x
Filter	Blue	x	x	x

T120 Series Specifications

Parts	Specifications	T120A	T120B	T120C
WF Eyepiece	WF10X/18mm	x	x	x
	WF10X/18mm w/ Pointer
	WF10X/18mm w/ Reticle
	WF16X/13mm	x
	WF20X/10mm		x
	WF25X			x
Plan Eyepiece	P5X
	P10X
	P16X
DIN Achromatic Objectives	4X/0.10	x	x	x
	10X/0.25	x	x	x
	40X(spring)/0.65	x	x	x
	60X(spring)/0.85
	100X(spring, oil)/1.25	x	x	x
Plan Objectives	4X
	10X
	40X(spring)
	100X(spring, oil)
45 Degree Viewing Head	Binocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
	Trinocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
30 Degree Viewing Head	Binocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling
	Trinocular Sliding, 360 Degree Swiveling	x	x	x
Focusing Nosepiece	Coaxial Focusing System	x	x	x
	Quadruple Nosepiece	x	x	x
Stage	128mm x 127mm Mechanical Stage	x	x	x
	Movement Range: 70mm x 30mm	x	x	x
Condenser	Abbe, NA= 1.25	x	x	x
Diaphragm	Iris Diaphragm	x	x	x
Illumination	Halogen Light w/ Dimmer
	LED Light w/ Dimmer	x	x	x
Lamp	6V/20W
	6V/30W
	LED	x	x	x
Filter	Blue	x	x	x

Optional Accessories

Parts	Description	Model #	Purpose
Eyepiece	5X	EP5X23	For obtaining 20x, 50x, 200x, and 500x magnifica- tion powers
	20x	EP20X23	For obtaining 80x, 200x, 800x, and 2000x magnifi- cation powers
	25x	EP25X23	For obtaining 250x and 2500x magnification pow- ers
	10x w/ Pointer	EP10X23P	For easier identifying of objects
	10x w/ Reticle	EP10X23R	For measuring objects
Objective	2X	A2X	For obtaining 20x and 32x magnification powers
	5X	A5X	For obtaining 50X and 80X magnification powers
	20X	A20x	For obtaining 200x and 320x magnification powers
	60X	A60X	For obtaining 600x and 960x magnification powers
	Plan 4X	PA4X	For obtaining higher clarify in images
	Plan 10X	PA10X	For obtaining higher clarify in images
	Plan 40X	PA40X	For obtaining higher clarify in images
	Plan 100X	PA100X	For obtaining higher clarify in images
Darkfield Condenser	Dry Darkfield Condenser	DK-DRY100	For obtaining low power darkfield images
	Oil Darkfield Condenser	DK-OIL100	For obtaining high power darkfield images
Camera	CMOS Digital	MU035 (350k) MU130 (1.3mp) MU300 (3mp) MU500 (5mp) MU800 (8mp) MU900 (9mp) MU1000 (10mp)	To capture images, video, or view live display on a computer (PC/Mac OS X)
	Calibration Micrometer	MR400	To calibrate the camera software for on screen measurements
Phase Contrast Kit	Simple	PCS	Phase contrast images
	Turret	PCT	High quality phase contrast images with ease of use
Stage Warmer		TCS-100	For controlling stage temperature

Objectives

Type	Magnification	Numerical Aperture (N.A.)	Medium	Parfocal Distance (mm)	Magnification Marks (Color Ring)
DIN Achromatic Objective (195mm)	4X	A2X	Air	45	Red
	10X	A5X	Air	45	Yellow
	40X	A20x	Air	45	Light Blue
	60X	A60X	Air	45	Deep Blue
	100X	A100X	Cedar Oil	45	White
Plan Objective (195mm)	Plan 4X	PA4X	Air	45	Red
	Plan 10X	PA10X	Air	45	Yellow
	Plan 40X	PA40X	Air	45	Light Blue
	Plan 100X	PA100X	Cedar Oil	45	White

Eyepieces

Type	Widefield Eyepiece Medium			Plan Eyepiece
Magnification	10X	15X	20X	5X	10X	16X
Field of View	Φ18	Φ13	Φ11	Φ18	Φ18	Φ15

Technical Parameters

Electrical System
There are two options for electrical systems for this series of microscope. The light source is dependent on which model you have, but can either be a 6V/20W halogen, a 6V/30W halogen, or an LED system.

1. 220V~240V power supply: 220V~240V ±10%, 50Hz
   This electrical system is CE and GS certified
2. 100V~120V power supply: 100V~120V ±10%, 60Hz
   This electrical system is UL certified.
   All units come standard as 110V units unless an upgrade to a 220V system is requested. Upgrade fee is dependent on which unit is purchased.

Parameters

Magnification	-AModel: 40x-1600x -BModel: 40x-2000x
Field of View	Φ0.8mm~Φ4.5mm
Mechanical Tube Length	165mm
Object to Primary Image Distance	195mm
Fine Focusing Sensitivity	0.002mm

Technical Terms & Concepts

Total Magnification
Total magnification of a microscope is calculated by the magnification of the objective multiplied by the magnification of the eyepieces.

-Ex: (10x Eyepieces) x (4x Objective) = 40x Total Magnification

Field of View
Linear field of view of the eyepiece divided by the magnification of the objective

Numerical Aperture (N.A)
Calculated by n Sin α (max), the Numerical Aperture (N.A) is an important parameter that marks the features of the objective and condenser’s image quality and resolution. The “n” is a refractive index of the medium (air or immersion cedar oil) between the objective lens and the specimen. The “α” is 1/2 of the angle between the aperture on the objective and path of light. The larger the N.A, the higher the resolution of the objective (and better quality of the image) is.

Object to Primary Image Distance
The distance between the object plane and the primary image plane. The conjugate distance is fixed.

Mechanical Tube Length
The distance between the objective shoulder and the ocular shoulder

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Symptom	Cause	Remedy
OPTICAL ISSUES
One side of the field of view is darker	The nosepiece if misaligned	Turn the nosepiece until it clicks into place
	Stains or dust has accumulated on the condenser, objective, eyepieces, or base lens	Clean all lenses with lens cleaner or a lint free non- abrasive cloth
Obstructions are observed in the field of view	Stains, dust, or dirt has accumulated on the speci- men	Clean the slide or use a new specimen if sample is destroyed
	Stains, dust, or dirt have accumulated on the lens	Clean the lens
UnclearImage	There is no cover slip on the slide	Add a cover slip. The objectives are designed for use with a 0.17mm cover slip, so it is a requirement to use one for proper images.
	The cover slip is not standard sized	Replace the cover slip with the appropriate 0.17mm thickness slip
	The immersion oil has accumulated on the dry objective	Thoroughly clean the objective lens with lens clean- er or a lint free nonabrasive cloth
	No immersion oil is used with the 100x objective	Use immersion oil for better clarity and resolution
	Air bubble in the immersion oil	Pop the air bubble
	Used wrong oil	Use standard cedarwood oil
	The aperture is no open to an appropriate diam- eter	Adjust the aperture to have the light just larger than the size of the condenser
	Stain or dust has accumulated on the lens in the inlet of the head	Clean the lens with lens cleaner or a nonabrasive lint free cloth, as well as spray with compressed air
	The condenser is not in the right position	Adjust condenser height to the top of the travel range, then adjust down to focus image
One side of the field of view is dark or the image moves while focusing	The specimen slide is not fixed	Secure the slide to the stage with clips
	The nosepiece is not in the right position	Turn the nosepiece until it clicks into place
The field of view is not bright enough	The iris diaphragm is not big enough	Adjust the iris diaphragm to allow the light to be just larger than the condenser
	The condenser is not in the right position	Adjust condenser height to the top of the travel range, then adjust down to focus image
	Stains, dust, or dirt has accumulated on the con- denser, objective, eyepieces, or base lens	Thoroughly clean tall lenses with lens cleaner or a lint free nonabrasive cloth

Symptom	Cause	Remedy
OPTICAL ISSUES
The color of the image is not accurate	The brightness adjustment knob is not in the right position	Adjust the brightness knob to a higher or lower setting for color clarity
	No filter is used or filter is in use	Remove color filter if natural light is desired, or insert desired filter
(Trinocular Only) I cannot see anything in the camera / Image is black	The trinocular port shutter of the microscope is not open	Slide the silver metal pin out on the head of the microscope to allow light to reach the trinocular port
MECHANICAL ISSUES
The objective touches the cover slip	The cover slip is not standard sized	Replace the cover slip with the appropriate 0.17mm thickness slip
	The limit-stop is set too high or not engaged	Be careful to avoid contact between objective and the slide when the limit stop is up (unless using the 100x objective with oil). To reengage, focus the sample, then lock the limit stop into place at the stage height to set max height at a safe but usable distance.
Unable to move the slide smoothly	The slide is not secured correctly	Adjust the slide to use the stage clips and secure the sample
	The mechanical stage is not properly secured	Tighten the mechanical stage screws to better secure the stage
Focus knob does not turn	The tension knob is too tight	Loosen it by adjusting the tension ring inside the coarse focus knob counterclockwise (close to the arm of the microscope on the left of the microscope)
Stage declines by itself	The tension knob is too lose	Tighten it by adjusting the tension ring inside the coarse focus knob clockwise (close to the arm of the microscope on the left of the microscope)
The coarse focusing knob won’t raise the stage	Limit-stop is engaged	Disengage the limit stop (move up) on the read of the stage of the microscope inside the coarse focusing knob
The fine focusing knob won’t raise the stage	Limit-stop is engaged	Disengage the limit stop (move up) on the read of the stage of the microscope inside the coarse focusing knob
ELECTRICAL ISSUES
The bulb/light source flickers	The bulb is close to burning out	The unit’s LED bulb should not burn out. The bulb is not the issue. Please contact customer service for warranty repair infor- mation.
The microscope does not light up	The microscope is unplugged	Insert the plug into the wall socket to achieve electrical illumina- tion
	The bulb burned out	The unit’s LED bulb should not burn out. The bulb is not the issue. Please contact customer service for warranty repair infor- mation.
	The fuse burned out	Replace with fuse on the bottom of the microscope
The fuse burns out fre- quently	The voltage is too high	Use the correct power supply (110v if 110v unit, 220v if 220v unit), or get a voltage adapter to convert to the proper electrical system
The bulb burns out fre- quently	The voltage is too high	Use the correct power supply (110v if 110v unit, 220v if 220v unit), or get a voltage adapter to convert to the proper electrical system

Documents / Resources

AmScope 120 Series Binocular Compound Microscope [pdf] User Manual 120 Series Binocular Compound Microscope, 120 Series, Binocular Compound Microscope, Compound Microscope, Microscope

References

• User Manual