Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and effective use of your AmScope ME1400TC-5MT-INF Digital Inverted Trinocular Metallurgical Microscope. This advanced instrument is designed for viewing opaque or metallurgical specimens, or larger specimens that cannot be viewed on a standard microscope stage, utilizing reflected light. It features a 5MP digital camera for image capture and analysis. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the microscope to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
What's in the Box?
Carefully unpack all components and verify against the list below. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact AmScope customer support immediately.
- AmScope ME1400TC-5MT-INF microscope with mechanical stage
- WF10x eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
- WF25x eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
- (1) WF10x eyepiece with reticle, 30mm
- 4x DIN infinity metallurgical objective, 20mm
- 10x DIN infinity metallurgical objective, 20mm
- 20x DIN infinity metallurgical objective, 20mm
- 40x DIN infinity metallurgical objective, 20mm
- Epi-illumination system
- Polarizer system
- (3) Color filters: yellow, blue, and green
- 5MP digital camera with built-in reduction lens (MT500)
- USB 2.0 cable
- Software CD
- Power cord
- Dust cover
- Instructions (this manual)
Image: Included accessories, including the 5MP digital camera, USB cable, software CD, and various eyepiece components.
Setup
- Unpacking and Placement: Remove the microscope from its packaging. Place the microscope on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, dust, and vibrations. Ensure adequate space for operation and ventilation.
- Head Assembly: Carefully attach the trinocular head to the microscope body. Secure it with the set screw if present.
- Eyepiece Installation: Insert the desired pair of eyepieces (WF10x or WF25x) into the binocular tubes. If using the WF10x eyepiece with reticle, insert it into one of the binocular tubes.
- Objective Installation: Rotate the quintuple nosepiece to expose the objective mounting holes. Carefully screw each infinity metallurgical objective (4x, 10x, 20x, 40x) into the nosepiece in increasing order of magnification.
- Digital Camera Setup:
- Insert the 5MP digital camera (with its built-in 0.5x reduction lens) into the vertical trinocular port.
- Connect the camera to your computer using the provided USB 2.0 cable.
- Install the image capture and editing software from the included CD onto your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Power Connection: Connect the power cord to the microscope's power input and then to a suitable 85-230V AC power outlet.
- Dust Cover: Place the dust cover over the microscope when not in use to protect it from dust and debris.
Image: The main unit of the AmScope ME1400TC-5MT-INF microscope, showing the inverted design and mechanical stage.
Operating Instructions
1. Basic Observation
- Power On: Turn on the microscope's power switch.
- Illumination Adjustment:
- Adjust the 30W halogen light source using the rheostat to achieve desired brightness.
- Utilize the Kohler illumination system by adjusting the field and aperture diaphragms for optimal contrast and resolution.
- Insert the yellow, blue, or green color filters into the independent filter holders as needed for specific specimen viewing.
- Specimen Placement: Place your metallurgical specimen on the double-layer mechanical stage. Use the stage clips to secure it if necessary.
- Objective Selection: Rotate the nosepiece to select the lowest magnification objective (e.g., 4x) first.
- Focusing:
- Look through the eyepieces. Use the coaxial coarse focus knob to bring the specimen into approximate focus.
- Use the fine focus knob for precise focusing. The tension control on the focus knobs prevents stage drift.
- The stage stop prevents the stage from contacting objectives, protecting both the specimen and the lenses.
- Interpupillary Distance and Diopter Adjustment:
- Adjust the Siedentopf binocular head (55 to 75mm range) to match your interpupillary distance until you see a single, circular field of view.
- Use the bilateral dioptric adjustment on the eyepieces to compensate for differences in eye strength, ensuring both eyes are in sharp focus.
- Changing Magnification: Rotate the nosepiece to a higher magnification objective. Make minor adjustments with the fine focus knob.
2. Using the Digital Camera
- Software Launch: Open the AmScope image capture and editing software on your computer.
- Live View: The software should display a live feed from the 5MP camera. Adjust microscope focus for a clear image on the computer screen.
- Image Capture: Use the software's functions to capture still images (JPEG, BMP, TIFF, RAW) or record video.
- Measurement and Editing: The software provides tools for length, area, and angle measurements, as well as basic image editing.
Image: A close-up of the microscope's eyepieces, showing the diopter adjustment rings and the widefield design.
Maintenance
- Cleaning Lenses: Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a specialized lens cleaning solution to clean objective lenses and eyepieces. Avoid touching optical surfaces with bare hands.
- Cleaning Body: Wipe the microscope body with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents.
- Dust Protection: Always use the provided dust cover when the microscope is not in use.
- Halogen Bulb Replacement:
- Ensure the microscope is unplugged and the bulb has cooled down.
- Refer to the specific bulb housing instructions for safe replacement. Avoid touching the new bulb directly with your fingers; use a tissue or glove.
- Storage: Store the microscope in a cool, dry place. If storing for extended periods, remove eyepieces and objectives and store them in their protective containers.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No illumination | Power cord disconnected, power switch off, bulb burnt out, rheostat set to minimum. | Check power connection, turn on switch, replace bulb, increase rheostat setting. |
| Image is blurry or out of focus | Incorrect focus adjustment, objective not fully engaged, dirty lens, interpupillary distance or diopter not set. | Adjust coarse and fine focus, rotate nosepiece until objective clicks into place, clean lenses, adjust interpupillary distance and diopter. |
| Dark spots in the field of view | Dust on eyepieces, objectives, or camera sensor. | Clean eyepieces and objectives. If spots persist, clean the camera sensor according to its specific instructions. |
| Camera not detected by computer | USB cable disconnected, driver not installed, software not launched correctly. | Check USB connection, reinstall camera drivers from CD, restart software and computer. |
| Image on computer screen is too dark/bright | Microscope illumination incorrect, camera exposure settings. | Adjust microscope rheostat. Adjust exposure settings within the camera software. |
If you encounter problems not listed here or if solutions do not resolve the issue, please contact AmScope customer support.
Specifications
Microscope Specifications
- Head: Trinocular, Siedentopf, 45-degree fixed inclination
- Magnification: 40x-1000x
- Trinocular Port: 23mm, 100% light-splitting rate
- Eyepieces (30mm): WF10x20mm (pair), WF10x20mm with reticle (1), WF25x9mm (pair)
- Objectives (20mm): 4x, 10x, 20x, 40x DIN infinity metallurgical
- Stage: Double-layer mechanical, 9.53 x 6.77 inches (242 x 172mm), traveling range 3 x 1.97 inches (75 x 50mm), removable stage plate, stage stop
- Working Distance: 3 inches (75mm)
- Focus: Coaxial coarse and fine with tension control
- Light Source: 30W halogen with rheostat
- Illumination Type: Episcopic reflected Brightfield and polarizing
- Condenser: 0.3 NA Epi-Kohler
- Filters: Yellow, blue, green (included)
- Power: 85 to 230V, CE certified
- Body: Enamel-coated cast-steel
- Item Weight: Approximately 3.25 pounds (1.47 kg)
- Package Dimensions: 21.26 x 21.26 x 15.75 inches
Camera Specifications
- Resolution: 5MP (2592 x 1944 effective pixels)
- Image Type: Still image and video display/capture
- Camera Sensor: 1/2.5" Color CMOS (Micron)
- Magnification: 40x (20x with reduction lens)
- Reduction Lens: 0.5x (built-in)
- Mounting Size: 23mm or C/CS-Mount
- Frame Rate: 30 fps at 640 x 480; 8 fps at 2592 x 1944
- Computer Connection: USB 2.0
- File Formats: JPG, BMP, TIF, RAW
- Software Compatibility: Windows (32- and 64-bit XP, Vista, 7, 8), Mac OS X (32-bit)
- Driver Compatibility: Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8), Mac OS X, Linux
Warranty and Support
AmScope products are manufactured to high-quality standards. While specific warranty details may vary, AmScope typically offers a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official AmScope website for the most current warranty information.
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or to inquire about parts and accessories, please contact AmScope Customer Support. You can find contact information on the AmScope website or through the retailer where you purchased the product. AmScope also offers a 30-day easy return policy for products purchased directly from them.
Manufacturer: United Scope LLC.
Headquarters: Irvine, CA, USA
