AmScope B120C-E1 Digital Binocular Compound Microscope User Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your AmScope B120C-E1 Digital Binocular Compound Microscope. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the microscope to ensure proper function and longevity of the instrument.

Product Overview

The AmScope B120C-E1 is a versatile digital binocular compound microscope designed for advanced observation and imaging. It features a Siedentopf binocular head, a mechanical 3D stage, LED illumination, and a 1.3MP USB camera for digital capture.

Figure 1: AmScope B120C-E1 Digital Binocular Compound Microscope. This image shows the complete microscope unit, highlighting its binocular head, objective lenses, mechanical stage, and base with illumination controls.

Key Features

• Magnification Settings: Six widefield magnification settings: 40x, 100x, 250x, 400x, 1000x, and 2500x.
• Binocular Head: 30-degree inclined, 360-degree swiveling Siedentopf binocular head for comfortable viewing.
• Stage: Robust 3D double-layer mechanical stage for precise sample positioning.
• Focusing: Coaxial coarse and fine focusing system for accurate adjustments.
• Illumination: Powerful single-bulb LED illumination with variable intensity dimmer.
• Condenser: Abbe condenser with iris diaphragm and color filter for optimized lighting.
• Digital Camera: 1.3MP USB digital camera with advanced software for configuration, processing, and measurement, compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10.

Package Contents

Upon unpacking, verify that all components are present and undamaged. The standard package includes:

• AmScope B120C-E1 Microscope Body
• Siedentopf Binocular Head
• WF10x Eyepieces (pair)
• WF25x Eyepieces (pair) - (Note: Based on image 61VFuTyeYGL, WF25X eyepieces are shown separately, implying they might be included or optional)
• Objective Lenses: 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x (oil)
• 1.3MP USB Digital Camera
• USB Cable
• Software CD
• Immersion Oil
• Dust Cover
• Power Cord

Setup

1. Unpacking and Placement

1. Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain the original packaging for future transport or storage.
2. Place the microscope on a stable, level surface, away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, dust, and vibrations.
3. Ensure adequate space around the microscope for operation and ventilation.

2. Assembling the Microscope

1. Attach the Binocular Head: Loosen the head locking screw on the top of the microscope body. Gently insert the binocular head into the top port, aligning the keyway, and tighten the locking screw.
2. Insert Eyepieces: Remove the protective caps from the eyepiece tubes and insert the WF10x eyepieces. If using the WF25x eyepieces, insert those instead.
3. Install Objective Lenses: Rotate the revolving nosepiece until the lowest power objective (4x) is positioned over the stage. Screw the objective lenses into the nosepiece in increasing order of magnification (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x).
4. Connect Power: Plug the power cord into the microscope's power input and then into a suitable electrical outlet (110V AC).

Figure 2: Microscope head and objective lenses. This image illustrates the binocular head with eyepieces and the revolving nosepiece with objective lenses attached, ready for use.

3. Digital Camera Setup

1. Install Software: Insert the provided software CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive and follow the on-screen instructions to install the camera software. Ensure your operating system is compatible (Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10).
2. Connect Camera: Remove one of the eyepieces and insert the 1.3MP USB digital camera into the eyepiece tube. Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
3. Launch Software: Open the installed camera software. The software should automatically detect the camera. Adjust settings as needed for live viewing and image capture.

Figure 3: Microscope connected to a laptop via the digital camera. This image demonstrates the digital camera inserted into one of the eyepiece tubes and connected to a laptop, displaying a magnified image on the screen.

Operating Instructions

1. Power On and Illumination

1. Turn on the main power switch located on the base of the microscope.
2. Adjust the illumination intensity using the dimmer control knob to achieve comfortable and clear viewing.

2. Preparing a Specimen

1. Place a prepared microscope slide onto the mechanical stage, securing it with the stage clips.
2. Use the stage control knobs to center the specimen directly under the objective lens.

3. Focusing and Magnification

1. Start with the lowest power objective (4x) in position.
2. Look through the eyepieces and use the coarse focus knob to bring the specimen into approximate focus.
3. Use the fine focus knob for precise focusing.
4. Adjust the interpupillary distance (distance between eyepieces) and diopter setting on the left eyepiece for comfortable binocular viewing.
5. To increase magnification, rotate the revolving nosepiece to the next objective lens (e.g., 10x, 40x). Re-focus using only the fine focus knob.
6. For 100x objective, apply a small drop of immersion oil directly onto the slide over the area to be viewed. Lower the 100x objective into the oil until it makes contact. Focus carefully using the fine focus knob.

Figure 4: Microscope with 100x objective lens engaged. This image shows the 100x objective lens positioned over the stage, indicating readiness for oil immersion viewing.

4. Adjusting Illumination and Contrast

1. Iris Diaphragm: Adjust the iris diaphragm lever on the Abbe condenser to control the amount of light reaching the specimen and improve contrast.
2. Condenser Height: Use the condenser adjustment knob to raise or lower the condenser for optimal illumination.
3. Color Filter: Insert a color filter into the filter holder below the condenser if desired for specific viewing conditions.

Figure 5: Microscope with WF25x eyepieces. This image displays the microscope with the higher magnification WF25x eyepieces, which can be used to achieve the maximum 2500x magnification.

5. Using the Digital Camera

Once the camera is connected and software installed, you can:

• Live View: Observe the magnified image directly on your computer screen.
• Capture Images: Use the software's capture function to take still photographs of your observations.
• Record Videos: Record video footage of dynamic processes or observations.
• Measurements: Utilize the software's measurement tools for precise analysis of specimens.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning

• Optical Components: Use a soft, lint-free lens paper or cotton swab lightly moistened with lens cleaning solution to clean objective lenses and eyepieces. Avoid touching optical surfaces with bare hands.
• Body: Wipe the microscope body with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Immersion Oil: After using the 100x oil immersion objective, always clean the objective lens and the slide immediately with lens paper and cleaning solution to prevent oil from hardening.

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 cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Ensure the 4x objective is in position and the stage is lowered before covering.

3. Bulb Replacement

The microscope uses an LED illumination system. While LEDs have a long lifespan, if replacement is ever needed, consult a qualified technician or the manufacturer's support for specific instructions and compatible parts.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Model: B120C-E1
• Microscope Type: Binocular Compound
• Head: 30-degree inclined 360-degree swiveling Siedentopf
• Eyepieces: WF10x, WF25x
• Objective Lenses: Achromatic DIN 4x, 10x, 40x (spring), 100x (spring, oil)
• Total Magnification: 40x-2500x
• Nosepiece: Revolving Quadruple
• Stage: 3D Double Layer Mechanical Stage (130mm x 130mm)
• Focusing: Coaxial Coarse & Fine Focus Knobs
• Condenser: NA1.25 Abbe Condenser with Iris Diaphragm
• Illumination: Variable Intensity LED (110V AC)
• Digital Camera: 1.3MP USB (1280x1024 pixels)
• Camera Compatibility: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10
• Dimensions: Approximately 42 x 30 x 23 cm
• Weight: Approximately 4.4 kg (9.7 lbs)
• Material: Metal

Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please contact AmScope directly. Refer to the official AmScope website or the documentation included with your purchase for the most current contact details and warranty terms.

Online Resources: For additional support and software downloads, you may visit the official AmScope download page: https://www.amscope.com/download/