Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your AmScope M150 Series Portable LED Monocular Student Compound Microscope. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the microscope to ensure proper function and longevity of the instrument.
Figure 1: The AmScope M150 Series Portable LED Monocular Student Compound Microscope, showcasing its compact design and included accessories.
Package Contents
Upon unpacking, verify that all components are present:
- AmScope M150 Series Microscope Body
- WF 10x Eyepiece
- WF 25x Eyepiece
- Dust Cover
- AC Power Adapter
- 3 x AA Batteries (included)
- Hex Wrench (for minor adjustments)
Figure 2: Included accessories for the M150C microscope, including eyepieces, dust cover, AC adapter, and batteries.
Setup
Unpacking: Carefully remove all components from the packaging. Retain the original packaging for future storage or transport.
Placement: Place the microscope on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and vibrations.
Power Connection:
- For AC power, connect the provided AC adapter to the microscope's power input and plug it into a standard electrical outlet.
- For battery operation, open the battery compartment and insert 3 AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity.
Eyepiece Installation: Gently insert the desired eyepiece (10x or 25x) into the monocular viewing tube. Ensure it is seated firmly.
Dust Cover: When not in use, always cover the microscope with the provided dust cover to protect it from dust and debris.
Operating Instructions
1. Preparing a Specimen
Place your prepared slide onto the mechanical stage. Secure it using the stage clips.
Rotate the revolving nosepiece to select the lowest power objective lens (e.g., 4x or 10x). Ensure the objective clicks into place.
2. Focusing
Turn on the LED illumination using the power switch. Adjust the brightness using the dimmer knob to a comfortable level.
While looking through the eyepiece, use the coarse focus knob (larger knob) to bring the specimen into approximate focus. Rotate the knob slowly to avoid crashing the objective into the slide.
Figure 3: Illustration of the co-axial coarse and fine focusing knobs, used for precise adjustment of the specimen's clarity.
Once roughly focused, use the fine focus knob (smaller knob) for precise focusing and to achieve a sharp image.
3. Changing Magnification
After focusing at a lower magnification, rotate the revolving nosepiece to the next higher objective lens (e.g., 40x). The microscope is parfocal, meaning the image should remain largely in focus.
Use the fine focus knob to refine the image clarity at the new magnification.
The M150 series offers five magnification powers: 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, and 1000X, achieved by combining the 10x/25x eyepieces with the 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x objective lenses.
Figure 4: The revolving nosepiece with multiple objective lenses, allowing for various magnification levels up to 1000x.
4. Adjusting Illumination
The LED illumination system features a dimmer control for adjusting light intensity. For optimal viewing, especially at higher magnifications, adjust the light to provide sufficient brightness without causing glare.
5. Monocular Head Rotation
The monocular viewing head can rotate 360 degrees, allowing for flexible viewing positions and easy sharing among multiple users without moving the entire microscope.
Figure 5: The monocular head of the microscope demonstrating its 360-degree rotation capability for ergonomic viewing.
6. Official Product Video
Video 1: An official product video demonstrating the AmScope M150C Student Biological Compound Microscope in use, highlighting its features and functionality.
Maintenance
Cleaning Lenses: Use only specialized lens cleaning paper or a soft, lint-free cloth with a small amount of lens cleaning solution. Wipe gently in a circular motion. Avoid touching optical surfaces with bare hands.
Cleaning Body: Wipe the microscope body with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Storage: Always cover the microscope with the dust cover when not in use. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Battery Replacement: If using batteries, replace them when the LED illumination dims significantly or stops working. Ensure correct polarity when inserting new batteries.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No illumination | Power adapter not connected, batteries dead/incorrectly inserted, power switch off. | Check power connection, replace batteries, turn on power switch. |
| Image blurry/cannot focus | Objective lens not clicked into place, incorrect focusing technique, dirty lens/slide. | Rotate nosepiece until objective clicks, use coarse then fine focus, clean lenses and slide. |
| Dark field of view | Illumination too low, diaphragm closed too much, objective not aligned. | Increase brightness, adjust diaphragm, ensure objective is clicked into position. |
| Dust/spots in view | Dust on eyepiece or objective lens. | Clean eyepiece and objective lenses carefully. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | M150C |
| Magnification | 40X, 100X, 250X, 400X, 1000X |
| Eyepieces | WF10x, WF25x |
| Objective Lenses | 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x (oil) |
| Head | Monocular, 360° Rotatable |
| Illumination | LED, adjustable brightness |
| Power Source | AC Adapter (110 Volts) or 3 AA Batteries |
| Material | All-metal framework, Glass optics |
| Product Dimensions | 7 x 15 x 10 inches (L x W x H) |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | United Scope LLC. |
| Country of Origin | China |
Warranty and Support
AmScope is committed to providing high-quality products and personalized customer service. For any questions, technical assistance, or warranty inquiries regarding your M150 Series microscope, please contact AmScope customer support directly.
Additional resources, including a PDF version of the user manual, may be available on the official AmScope website or through the retailer where the product was purchased.
For more information, you may visit the AmScope Store on Amazon.
