Euromex BioBlue Microscope User Manual

General Safety Instructions

This is a non-medical device intended for general observation of cells and tissues. Always ensure operators are informed of potential hazards. Disconnect power before any maintenance. Avoid corrosive or explosive environments and direct exposure of eyes to light sources. Keep packing materials away from children.

Photobiological Safety LED

Avoid direct eye exposure to the LED light source. Lower intensity before looking through eyepieces. Avoid long, high-intensity exposure to prevent retinal damage.

Prevention of Biological and Infectious Hazards

Be aware of potential risks from biological or viral substances. Maintain a logbook of observed substances. Ensure slides are properly enclosed with cover glass to prevent contamination. If contamination is suspected, clean surfaces thoroughly and inform responsible personnel. Use sterile gloves when preparing slides. Avoid contact with chemicals; use appropriate ventilation and protective gear if disinfectants are used.

Disinfection and Decontamination

Clean exterior casing and mechanical surfaces with a disinfectant-dampened cloth. Use lens paper or a soft, fiber-free tissue dampened with cleaning solution for sensitive optical components like eyepiece and objective lenses. Avoid abrasive cleaners. Disinfect all surfaces before storage. For bacterial disinfection, use a 70% isopropanol solution. Refer to specific laboratory disinfection products for viruses. A decontamination statement is required for repairs.

Handle with Care

This is a high-quality optical instrument. Handle with care to avoid shocks and impacts that can affect precision.

Handling the LED

Disconnect power before handling the LED bulb. Allow the system to cool for approximately 35 minutes before touching. Never touch the LED with bare hands. Use only original Euromex replacement LEDs.

Dirt on the Lenses

Dirt on optical components affects image quality. Use the dust cover and avoid fingerprints. Clean lenses with lens paper, using alcohol only if necessary. Euromex offers a special cleaning kit (PB.5275).

Model with Rechargeable Batteries

Disconnect power before replacing batteries. Dispose of rechargeable batteries at special collection sites. Do not expose batteries to fire or heat. Use only rechargeable batteries and avoid extreme temperatures. In case of leakage, avoid contact with skin and eyes, flush affected areas with water, and seek medical attention.

Environment, Storage and Use

Use the microscope indoors on a stable, vibration-free, level surface. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity, and dust. Operate within a temperature range of 5 to +40°C and humidity of 50% to 80%. Do not turn focus knobs in opposite directions simultaneously or force them. Ensure adequate heat dissipation. Keep the microscope at least 15 cm from walls. Do not operate with the dust cover in place. Keep flammable materials away.

Disconnect Power

Always disconnect the power cord before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or assembly to prevent electric shocks.

Prevent Contact with Water and Other Fluids

Avoid contact with water or other fluids to prevent short-circuiting and damage.

Moving and Assembling

This is a heavy system. Lift by the main body and base, not by focusing knobs, stage, or head. Use two persons if necessary.

Models

Euromex BioBlue microscopes are available with WF10x eyepieces and semi-plan-objectives. Visit www.euromex.com for the latest updates. Models include various configurations for mono, bino, and trino use, with options for digital cameras and polarization. Specific models are listed with features like 4/10/40x, S60x, S100x SMP objectives, mechanical X-Y stage, LED, NeoLED™, and Köhler illumination. Polarization models feature H-LED illumination and may include an eyepiece with crosshairs. 20W halogen illumination is available upon request.

Magnification is calculated by multiplying eyepiece magnification by objective magnification. Example magnifications:

Components of the Microscope

Key components include:

• A. Trinocular tube
• B. Camera focus adjustment ring
• C. Stand arm
• D. Safety device
• E. Tension adjustment
• F. Coaxial coarse- and fine adjustment
• G. On/Off switch (not visible)
• H. Light intensity control
• I. Eyepiece(s)
• J. Dioptric adjustment (bino/trino type)
• K. Tube (mono/bino/trino 360° rotatable)
• L. Revolving nosepiece for 4 objectives
• M. Objectives
• N. Object stages (mechanical stage or clips)
• O. Condenser with iris diaphragm + filterholder
• P. Coaxial stage controls
• Q. Lamp housing

Preparing the BioBlue Microscope for Use

Assembling Steps

Carefully remove items from packaging and place on a flat, firm surface. Avoid direct sunlight, high temperatures, dampness, dust, and acute shakes. Ensure the surface is flat and horizontal.

When moving the microscope, use the left hand for the transport handle and the right hand for the base. Hold the stand arm at the top when moving to avoid damage.

Mounting the Objectives

1. Rotate the coarse focusing knob to lower the stage to its lowest position.
2. Install objectives into the nosepiece from lowest to highest magnification, clockwise. Start with 4x or 10x for initial focusing.

Placing the Eyepieces

1. Remove the eyepiece tube cover.
2. Insert the eyepiece into the tube.
3. Lock the eyepieces with an Allen wrench.

Locking the Eyepieces

For binocular models, locate and tighten the screw to lock eyepieces (see Picture A). For monocular models, find the correct screw position (see Picture B).

The Eyeshades (Optional)

Optional rubber eyeshades can be attached to prevent lens damage and stray light.

Connecting the Power Cord

BioBlue microscopes support 100-240V. Use a grounded connection. Ensure the power switch is OFF before connecting. Connect the power cord to the microscope and then to the mains socket. Use the supplied power cord; do not bend or twist it.

Operation

Setting Up the Illumination

For optimal contrast and resolution:

1. Place a specimen on the stage and focus using the 4x objective with a fully opened iris diaphragm.
2. Turn light intensity to the lowest position, then increase to a comfortable level while looking through the eyepieces.
3. Set the condenser to its highest position.
4. Close the iris diaphragm until it is just visible at the edge of the field of view.

This procedure ensures optimal settings for the 4x objective and should be repeated for other magnifications. Caution: Maximum light intensity with 4x and 10x objectives can cause eye damage.

Placing the Specimen Slide

Place the slide under the object clips or into the mechanical stage clamp. Push the specimen holder arm back and release slowly. Use the X-Y axis knobs to center the specimen under the objective.

Focusing and Slide Protection

• Select the 4x objective and ensure it's correctly aligned.
• Move the stage up using the coarse adjustment knob and focus.
• Use the fine focusing knob for sharp focus.
• For S100x objectives, lock the slide protection handle to prevent the objective from touching the slide.

Adjusting the Focusing Tension

Adjust the tension of the focusing knobs to your preference (light to heavy). To tighten (increase tension), rotate the tension adjustment ring counter-clockwise. To loosen (decrease tension), turn clockwise.

Eyepieces

Using a binocular or trinocular tube is more comfortable than a monocular tube. Follow these steps for a smooth image:

1. Interpupillary Distance: Adjust the distance between the eyepieces until a single, round image is seen. This distance is individual.
2. Correct Eye Point: Move your eyes towards the eyepieces until a sharp image is seen across the full field of view.
3. Adjusting the Diopter: Set the diopter adjustment ring to zero. Close one eye and focus the corresponding tube using the coarse and fine adjustment knobs. Then, close the other eye and focus its tube using the diopter adjustment ring.

Remember your settings for quick setup on future sessions.

Abbe Condenser

The Abbe condenser (N.A. 1.25) adjusts in height via a lever beneath the mechanical stage to focus light on the specimen for optimal contrast. It is factory pre-centered. To center it if needed:

1. Move the condenser to its highest position.
2. Select the 10x objective and focus on the specimen.
3. Rotate the field diaphragm adjustment ring to its smallest position.
4. Adjust the condenser for the sharpest image.
5. Use the center adjustment screw to center the image.
6. Gradually open the field diaphragm.
7. The condenser is centered if the image remains centered as the field diaphragm opens.

The Field (Köhler) Diaphragm for BioBlue EVO Models

Limiting the beam diameter with the field diaphragm prevents stray light and enhances contrast. Optimal performance is achieved when the image is at the edge of the field of view.

Adjusting the Aperture Diaphragm

1. The aperture diaphragm controls the illumination's numerical aperture (N.A.). Matching the illumination N.A. to the objective's N.A. provides the highest resolution, depth of field, and contrast.
2. For low contrast, rotate the adjustment ring to 70%-80% of the objective's N.A. to improve contrast. The diaphragm is factory pre-centered.

Use of the S100x Oil-Immersion Objective

For S100x N.A. 1.25 oil immersion objectives:

1. Remove dust cap from the revolving nosepiece.
2. Focus with the S40x objective.
3. Lock the slide protection handle.
4. Turn the revolving nosepiece to the S100x objective.
5. Place a small drop of Euromex immersion oil on the slide.
6. Turn the S100x objective into position until it clicks. The lens will contact the oil.
7. Look through the eyepiece and focus with fine adjustment knobs. Be aware the lens-slide distance is very small.
8. If bubbles appear, rotate the objective left and right to move it through the oil and clear the bubbles.
9. After use, unlock the slide protection handle and lower the stage. Clean the S100x objective lens with Euromex lens paper moistened with isopropanol. Clean the slide.

Caution: Never apply xylol or alcohol directly to the objective lens, as it can dissolve the glue. Avoid oil contact with other objectives.

Safety Device

A pre-fixed safety device prevents damage to objectives or slides. Use slides with 1.0-1.2 mm thickness (PB.5150, PB.5155, PB.5160) and cover glasses of 0.13 mm or 0.17 mm (PB.5165, PB.5168).

Illumination of the BioBlue Series

The LED illumination has rechargeable batteries providing approximately 60 hours of use after a 10-hour charge. Specifications: LED: 1W, 300 mA; Charger: AC 100-240V, 50Hz; Batteries: 3 NiMh AA, 1.2V, 1600-2600 mA.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning the Optics

Clean eyepiece or objective lenses with lens paper in circular motions. If needed, use alcohol on the lens paper. Never apply xylol or alcohol directly to the lens. Use the Euromex cleaning kit (PB.5275).

Maintenance of the Stand

Remove dust with a brush. Clean surfaces with a non-aggressive cleaning agent. Lubricate moving parts like height adjustment and coaxial adjustments with a drop of sewing machine oil.

Changing the Batteries of the BioBlue

Caution: Always remove the power cable before changing batteries. Remove the small lid from the bottom cover, replace the batteries, and secure the lid.

Replacing the Fuse

To change the fuse:

1. Remove the power cord.
2. Locate the fuse compartment (usually beneath the power connector).
3. Gently pry open the fuse compartment with a flat head screwdriver.
4. Insert the new fuse (250V 1A) and replace the compartment.
5. Power up and test.

If fuses blow frequently, contact your distributor.

Digital Models and Cameras

Digital models have a built-in camera. Connect the USB cable and follow the software manual. The LED indicator will blink when activated. Digital cameras can be used on the photo port or attached to eyepiece tubes after removing an eyepiece. Focus using the microscope's coarse and fine controls.

For trinocular models, insert the camera with a c-mount adapter into the 23.2 mm photo port. Focus the camera by slowly moving the tube up and down while observing the screen.

Polarization Models

Polarization microscopes have two polarization filters: one between the illumination and condenser, and another between the specimen and eyepieces. These filters are thin-film linear polarizers. They allow light vibrating in the same plane to pass, blocking other light. Crossed polarizers result in near-complete light extinction. These microscopes are used to identify crystalline materials, fibers (like asbestos), and determine crystal orientation.

Components for Polarization

• A. Analyzer: Mounted in a slider under the head.
• B. Round graduated stage.
• C. 360° Rotatable, graduated polarizer on the lamp house.

Illumination Euromex BioBlue-POL Serie

Models for polarization use H-LED illumination for accurate color rendering. The HLED illumination is battery-powered, offering about 60 hours of use after a 10-hour charge. Specifications: HLED: 1W, 300 mA; Charger: AC 100-240V, 50Hz; Batteries: 3 NiMh AA, 1.2V, 1600-2600 mA. 20W halogen illumination is available on request.