Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your AmScope SM-8TPZ-144S-5M Digital Professional Trinocular Stereo Zoom Microscope. Designed for detailed observation and digital imaging, this microscope is equipped with advanced features for various applications.
What's in the Box?
Upon unpacking, verify that all components listed below are present and in good condition:
- AmScope SM-8TPZ-144S-5M stereo zoom microscope with articulating-arm clamping boom stand
- WH10x20mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
- WH25x9mm eyepieces, 30mm, one pair
- 0.5x Barlow lens
- 2.0x Barlow lens
- 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective
- 144-bulb LED ring light with power supply (LED-144S)
- Focus rack
- 5MP digital camera (MU500)
- 0.5x reduction lens
- USB 2.0 cable
- Software CD
- Eye guards, one pair
- Instructions (this manual)
Image: Key components including the 5MP digital camera, USB cable, and software CD.
Setup
Follow these steps to assemble and set up your microscope for initial use.
1. Assembling the Boom Stand
Secure the articulating-arm clamping boom stand to a sturdy desk or table edge using the integrated clamp. Ensure the stand is firmly attached to prevent movement during operation. The pillar is 24 inches high, and the stand offers a 40-inch reach for a large workspace.
Image: The AmScope microscope fully assembled on its articulating-arm boom stand, ready for use.
2. Attaching the Microscope Head
Mount the trinocular viewing head onto the boom stand's holder ring. The holder ring has a 3-inch diameter. Adjust the head's position for comfortable viewing and optimal working distance. The head allows for X-, Y-, and Z-axes movement.
3. Installing Eyepieces and Objective
Insert the desired pair of eyepieces (WH10x20mm or WH25x9mm) into the eyepiece tubes. The 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective is pre-installed. For extended magnification or working distance, attach the 0.5x or 2.0x Barlow lenses to the objective as needed. The trinocular port can be used as a C-Mount or 23mm photo port.
4. Connecting the LED Ring Light
Attach the 144-bulb LED ring light to the microscope objective. Connect its power supply to a 110V-240V outlet. The ring light provides shadow-free illumination and has a rheostat for intensity control. Its inside diameter is 2.4 inches (61mm) and outside diameter is 4 inches (100mm).
Image: Detailed view of the 144-bulb LED ring light, showing its placement around the objective.
5. Digital Camera Setup
Insert the 5MP digital camera (MU500) into the trinocular port or any 23mm eye tube. Attach the 0.5x reduction lens to the camera. Connect the camera to your computer using the provided USB 2.0 cable. Install the software from the included CD. The software is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8; Mac OS X; and Linux.
Operating Instructions
1. Powering On and Illumination
Plug in the LED ring light power supply. Use the rheostat control on the light head to adjust the brightness. The LED light provides bright, cool illumination suitable for temperature-sensitive specimens.
Image: The microscope with its LED ring light activated, demonstrating the illumination capability.
2. Adjusting Magnification and Focus
Use the 0.7x-4.5x zoom objective to continuously adjust magnification. The overall magnification range is 3.5x-225x. Rotate the focus rack knobs to bring your specimen into sharp focus. The microscope offers a long working distance, ideal for manipulating objects.
3. Eyepiece and Interpupillary Adjustment
Adjust the interpupillary distance (55 to 75mm) to match your eyes for comfortable binocular viewing. The 45-degree inclination of the viewing head reduces eye and neck strain. Dioptric adjustment on the eyepieces accommodates individual eye strength differences.
4. Using the Digital Camera
With the camera connected and software installed, you can view live images on your computer screen. The 5MP camera (2592 x 1944 effective pixels) provides a 40x magnification with the 0.5x reduction lens, ensuring a similar field of view to the eyepieces. Use the software to capture still images (JPG, TIF, GIF, PSD, WMF, BMP) and stream live video. The software also includes measurement functions.
Image: The microscope in operation, with its digital camera output displayed on a laptop screen, showing a magnified electronic component.
Image: Example of a magnified microchip image captured by the microscope's digital camera.
Image: Example of magnified insect eggs, demonstrating the microscope's capability for biological specimens.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your microscope.
- Cleaning Lenses: Use only specialized lens cleaning solutions and soft, lint-free cloths or lens paper. Avoid touching optical surfaces with bare hands.
- Dust Protection: When not in use, cover the microscope with a dust cover to prevent dust accumulation, especially inside the lenses.
- General Cleaning: Wipe down the microscope body with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Storage: Store the microscope in a dry, cool environment, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- LED Ring Light Longevity: The 144-bulb LED ring light has a lifespan of 100,000 hours. No regular maintenance is required for the bulbs themselves.
Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No image visible through eyepieces. | Eyepieces not properly inserted; objective not aligned; focus not adjusted. | Ensure eyepieces are fully seated. Rotate objective to click into place. Adjust focus rack. |
| Image is blurry or out of focus. | Improper focus adjustment; diopter not set; dirty lenses. | Adjust focus knobs slowly. Set diopter for individual eye strength. Clean lenses as per maintenance section. |
| No illumination from LED ring light. | Power supply unplugged; rheostat set to minimum brightness. | Check power connection. Increase brightness using the rheostat control. |
| Digital camera not detected by computer. | USB cable loose; drivers not installed; software not running. | Ensure USB cable is securely connected. Install camera drivers from the software CD. Launch the camera software. |
| Dust visible in the field of view. | Dust on eyepieces, objective, or camera sensor. | Clean external optical surfaces. If dust persists internally, contact customer support. |
Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Microscope Head | Trinocular |
| Magnification Range | 3.5x-225x |
| Zoom Objective Power | 0.7x-4.5x |
| Eyepieces (DIN, 30mm) | WH10x20mm and WH25x9mm high-eyepoint |
| Trinocular Port | C-Mount or 23mm |
| Field of View | 2-1/2" |
| Optical Working Distance | Up to 8" |
| Microscope Stand | Articulating-arm clamping boom stand |
| Head Movement | X-, Y-, and Z-axes |
| Illumination Type | Episcopic (reflected) |
| Light Source | 144-bulb LED ring light with rheostat |
| Power | 110V-240V |
| Camera Specifications | |
| Resolution | 5MP (2592 x 1944 effective pixels) |
| Image Type | Still image and video display and capture |
| Camera Type | Brightfield |
| Camera Sensor | 1/2.5" Aptina MT9P001 CMOS (color) |
| Magnification (with camera) | 40x |
| Reduction Lens | 0.5x |
| Mounting Size | 23mm or C-Mount |
| Frame Rate | 60fps at 640x480; 18fps at 1280x960; 5fps at 2592x1944 |
| Computer Connection | USB 2.0 (backward compatible on PCs only) |
| File Formats | JPG, TIF, GIF, PSD, WMF, BMP |
| Software Compatibility | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8; Mac OS X; Linux |
| Driver Compatibility | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8; Mac OS X; Linux |
Warranty and Support
United Scope manufactures microscopy equipment and accessories under the brand name AmScope. For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the contact details provided with your purchase documentation or visit the official AmScope website. The company, founded in 1996, is headquartered in Irvine, CA.
For additional resources, you may visit the AmScope Store on Amazon.
