MAGUS Stereo D9T LCD Digital Stereomicroscope

Introduction

Before using the microscope, please read this user manual carefully to study the instrument design, operation modes and procedures, operational limitations, and safety precautions. Due to continuous improvements in the microscope design, this manual may not reflect minor design changes that do not affect the microscope performance and operation procedures.

Safety Precautions

Microscope

1. To avoid electric shock or fire, switch off and unplug the microscope before assembling, replacing the bulb, or fuse.
2. Do not disassemble the microscope, except for removable parts specified in this manual. This can seriously damage its performance. In case of malfunction, please contact a qualified service center.
3. Make sure that the input voltage of the microscope matches that of the local power supply. Using the wrong input voltage may cause a short circuit or fire.
4. Using an incorrect bulb, fuse, or power cord may damage the microscope or cause a fire. The power cord must be grounded reliably.
5. To avoid a short circuit or malfunction, do not expose the microscope to high temperatures or humid/moist environments for a long period.
6. If water splashes on the microscope, immediately switch the power off, unplug the power cord, and wipe off the water with a dry cloth.
7. The microscope light bulb generates high temperatures during operation. To avoid burns, do not touch the collector lens or the bulb itself for 10 minutes after the lights have been switched off. To prevent fire, do not place paper or flammable materials near the air vents on the underside of the base.
8. The microscope employs a coaxial coarse/fine focusing mechanism. Do not turn the left/right coarse/fine focusing knobs in opposite directions. When the limit is reached, do not rotate the coarse focusing knob further.
9. Do not expose the microscope to direct sunlight or other light sources. Do not expose the microscope to high temperatures, humidity, or dust; otherwise, it may cause condensation, mold growth, or contamination of optical parts.
10. Do not touch the lens surfaces with your fingers. Use a brush and special lens-cleaning solution to keep lenses clean.
11. Bulb installation: This microscope employs LED bulbs. Bulbs should be replaced by the equipment vendor or a qualified service center. Replacing the LED yourself may impair the illumination function.

Camera

1. Never view the sun, another bright light source, or a laser through a camera – THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR EYESIGHT!
2. Do not disassemble the camera yourself.
3. Keep the camera away from moisture and do not use it in the rain.
4. Protect the camera from shocks and excessive stress from other objects.
5. Store the camera away from corrosive environments, household and car heaters, switched-on light bulbs, and open flames.
6. If there is dirt on optical surfaces, first blow off dust and small particles or brush them off with a soft brush, then clean the surface with a soft, clean cloth moistened with alcohol or ether.
7. If any instrument part or power component has been swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.

Monitor

1. Make sure the monitor's input voltage matches the local power supply. Using the wrong input voltage may cause a short circuit or fire.
2. Do not use a damaged power source.
3. Do not use a damaged power cord.
4. Do not insert foreign objects into the monitor body slots.
5. Do not expose the monitor to high temperatures or humidity for a long time.
6. If water splashes on the monitor, immediately switch the power off, unplug the power cord, and wipe off the water with a dry cloth.
7. Protect the monitor from shocks and excessive stress from other objects.
8. Store the monitor away from corrosive environments, household and car heaters, switched-on light bulbs, and open flames.

1. Description of the Microscope

Purpose

The MAGUS Stereo D9T LCD Digital Stereomicroscope is designed for observing three-dimensional transparent and opaque objects and performing various accurate operations. Applications include dissection in biology, studying rock samples in mineralogy, process operations in the semiconductor industry, and other scientific and technological fields. It is suitable for biomedical laboratories, biotechnology, material science, pharmaceutical research, agriculture, environmental studies, and forensics, serving scientific purposes, laboratory diagnosis, and education.

The microscope provides an upright, three-dimensional image. Observations can be made under natural or artificial light, using both reflected and transmitted light. The ZOOM system allows for smooth magnification changes via a rotary knob, ensuring no loss of image quality. It maintains consistent focus and features the Greenough optical design. The microscope head is designed to connect a camera for displaying images on a computer screen and saving them.

Specifications (Table 1)

Camera Specifications

Monitor Specifications

* The magnification of the microscope can be increased by using optional eyepieces and auxiliary objective lenses. ** Not included in the kit, available on request. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the product range and specifications without prior notice.

2. Microscope Parts

Microscope Kit Components

• Base with integrated transmitted light source and power supply unit
• Stand with focusing mechanism
• Microscope head – objective part and eyepiece tubes
• Power cord
• Digital camera
• Monitor
• Set of accessories.

Optional accessories include: 15x/15mm, 16x/15mm, 20x/12mm, 25x/9mm eyepieces, 10x/22mm eyepiece with a scale; 0.5x and 2x auxiliary objective lenses; reflected ring light illuminator; epifluorescence ring light; polarizer/analyzer set; gooseneck LED light; gem clip.

Diagram of MAGUS Stereo D9T LCD Microscope (Fig. 1)

The microscope consists of the following numbered parts:

• 1. Eyepieces
• 2. Diopter adjustment (each barrel)
• 3. Trinocular tube dust cap
• 4. Dust cap or C-mount adapter screw
• 5. Connector for reflected light illuminator
• 6. Stand
• 7. Zoom knob
• 8. Microscope head mount
• 9. Coarse focusing knob
• 10. Fine focusing knob
• 11. Focusing mechanism
• 12. ON/OFF switch
• 13. Transmitted light brightness adjustment ring
• 14. Reflected light brightness adjustment ring
• 15. Power cord connector
• 16. Stage plate
• 17. Base
• 18. Specimen holders
• 19. Auxiliary objective lens (optional)
• 20. Reflected light illuminator
• 21. Objective part
• 22. Microscope head fixing screw
• 23. Eyepiece tubes
• 24. Trinocular tube
• 25. Camera
• 26. Monitor

Stand and Base with Transmitted Light Illuminator

The stand (6) is mounted on the base (17) and is not removable. The focusing column (11) is inside the stand, holding the microscope head mount (8). The reflected light illumination socket (5) is on top of the stand. The base (17) contains the power supply unit and a transmitted light LED. The frosted glass plate (16) ensures uniform illumination. The ON/OFF switch (12) controls the light source. Brightness for reflected light is adjusted by ring (14), and for transmitted light by ring (13). The base also serves as the stage, with the stage plate (16) inserted into the base opening. The stage plate has a diameter of 90mm and can be secured by specimen holders (18).

Focusing Mechanism

The focusing mechanism (11) moves within the stand (6) to bring the specimen into focus based on specimen height and objective working distance. The microscope head mount (8) is secured on the focusing column, offering a total vertical travel range of 83mm. The microscope head is inserted into the mount and secured by screw (22), allowing it to be turned sideways and fixed in position.

Microscope Head

The microscope head integrates eyepiece tubes and a zoom objective lens. Eyepieces (1) are fitted into eyepiece tubes (23), adjustable for interpupillary distance (53–75 mm). A C-mount 1x adapter in the trinocular tube (24) allows for camera attachment (25) to display images on a screen.

Objectives and Eyepieces

The zoom objective lens (21) offers 0.7–6.3x magnification with smooth changes and a large working distance of 110mm. Magnification is adjusted by the zoom knob (7). The standard 10x eyepieces provide a 22mm field of view (WF 10x/22) and feature diopter adjustment (2). Optional eyepieces include 15x, 20x, 25x magnification, and a 10x eyepiece with a scale. Auxiliary objective lenses (0.5x and 2.0x) can also be fitted, affecting working distance, total magnification, and field of view. Table 2 details specifications with different objective configurations.

Table 2: Magnification, Field of View, and Working Distance

Reflected Light Illuminator

The microscope can be equipped with a ring light for shadow-free lighting or an oblique illuminator (20). The oblique illuminator connects to connector (5). The ring light attaches to the objective part and requires a separate power supply unit; it is not included in the standard delivery. Other illuminators like daylight or epifluorescence LED lights are available.

Camera

The digital camera features a 2MP SONY Starvis backlit color CMOS sensor for low noise and high light sensitivity. It is autonomous and does not require computer connection or software installation. It mounts via a C-mount adapter to the trinocular tube and is powered by a 12V/1A AC adapter.

Monitor

The monitor is part of the MAGUS visualization system, connecting to the camera to display real-time images. It can be placed on a table or shelf and is powered by AC or DC 5-12V/1A (Type-C).

3. Unpacking and Assembling the Microscope

1. Remove the microscope from its package.
2. Verify the scope of delivery against Section 7.
3. Place the microscope base on a flat surface.
4. Insert the stage plate (16). Use a glass plate for transparent objects and a black-and-white plate for opaque objects. For contrast, use the white side for dark objects and the black side for light objects.
5. Install the specimen holders (18).
6. Install the microscope head into the mount (8) and secure it with screw (22), avoiding overtightening.
7. Adjust eyepieces: Rotate the diopter ring on each eyepiece to align the "0" mark with the indicator "|". Insert eyepieces into the tubes until fully seated and secure with screws. Hold the eyepiece cover when installing/removing.
8. Set brightness adjustment rings (13, 14) to the minimum.
9. Connect the power cord to connector (15) and plug into an AC outlet.
10. Ensure all components are securely mounted.
11. Check and organize supplied accessories and tools.

4. Operation

Switching on the Illumination

Before switching on, confirm the microscope's power supply voltage matches the local mains voltage to prevent short circuits or fire. Ensure the power cord is plugged in. Turn the ON/OFF switch (3, Fig. 2) to the "ON" position. Both transmitted and reflected light illuminators turn on. For reflected light microscopy, use illuminator (2) and adjust intensity with ring (4). For transmitted light, adjust brightness with ring (5). Before switching off, reduce light intensity to minimum using rings (4) and (5). Use the ring light for shadow-free illumination, mounting it on groove (8, Fig. 2).

Placing the Specimen

Select a stage plate (frosted glass for transparent/translucent objects, opaque plate for opaque objects) based on the specimen and research. For opaque objects, use the black side of the plate for light-colored specimens and the white side for dark-colored specimens. Insert the stage plate into the base. Place the specimen on the plate and secure with holders (18). Position the specimen so the area of interest is in the center of the stage plate, within the optical path.

Diagram Description (Fig. 2): Shows the microscope base with the stage plate and specimen holders. It illustrates placing the specimen on the stage plate.

Focusing on the Specimen

Set the minimum magnification (0.75x) using the zoom knob (7, Fig. 1). Rotate knobs (6, Fig. 2) to adjust the focusing mechanism, setting the distance between the specimen and objective according to Table 2. While looking through the right eyepiece (left eye closed), slowly rotate the focusing knobs to bring the specimen into focus. For high magnification, use the fine focusing knob (7, Fig. 2) for precise adjustment. The focusing knob tension is adjustable; if it loosens, use ring (1, Fig. 2) to tighten it (clockwise) or loosen it (counter-clockwise). Excessive tension can hinder operation.

Adjusting the Eyepiece Tubes

Compensate for ametropia using the eyepiece diopter adjustment. Set both eyepieces to zero by rotating ring (2, Fig. 1) to align "0" with the indicator "|". Focus on the specimen through the right eyepiece (left eye closed). Then, without touching focusing knobs, focus on the specimen through the left eyepiece (right eye closed) by rotating the diopter adjustment ring (2, Fig. 1). The adjustment range is ±5 diopters. Memorize your diopter setting. Adjust the distance between eyepiece tubes to match your interpupillary distance until a single circular image is visible with both eyes open. Set the zoom knob (2, Fig. 3) to maximum magnification (6.3), focus, and adjust diopters. Then set to minimum magnification (0.7), re-focus, and re-adjust diopters. With proper adjustment, focus remains consistent across magnification changes.

Diagram Description (Fig. 3): Illustrates the microscope head with eyepieces, showing how to adjust interpupillary distance and diopter settings.

Calculating the Total Magnification

Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the eyepiece power by the objective power. Consider the auxiliary objective lens magnification if used. Table 2 provides magnifications with different objective end positions and eyepieces.

Calculating the Field of View

The field of view is calculated by dividing the eyepiece field number by the objective magnification, also considering the auxiliary objective lens. Table 2 shows field of view values. A stage micrometer (calibration slide) is used for accurate field of view determination.

Using the Camera

The 2MP digital camera captures Full HD (1920x1080) images. It's designed for photographing specimens viewed through the microscope. The trinocular tube (2, Fig. 4) is at the top of the microscope head, covered by a dust cap (4) when not in use. Proper camera selection is crucial for tasks like real-time display, photography, video recording, and data saving. Pay attention to camera pixel size, sensor size, resolution, and data rate.

To mount a camera:

• Loosen screw (1). Remove dust cap (4) from the trinocular tube.
• Connect the camera to the C-mount adapter (included in the kit).
• Fit the camera (6) into the tube (2) and secure with screw (1).
• Pull out the beam splitter lever (3) fully.
• Switch on the camera per its manual and adjust the image. If blurred, use the ring on the trinocular tube for focus adjustment.

Diagram Description (Fig. 4): Shows the trinocular tube, camera, and related parts for mounting a camera.

Adjusting the Camera Image

For precise synchronization between eyepiece and camera images, use the three centering screws (5) on the trinocular tube. Set the beam splitter lever (3) to the eyepiece position. Identify a distinctive point (e.g., point S in Fig. 5a) in the field of view through the eyepieces. Move the specimen so this point is centered. Use a calibration slide and an eyepiece with a reticle for accuracy. Then, set the beam splitter lever (3) to the camera position. Observe the specimen on the monitor. If the target image is not centered, use the centering screws (5) to move it. Check that the specimen image on the monitor moves in the same direction as the specimen on the stage. If not, loosen the lock screw (1, Fig. 5), rotate the camera to align image direction with stage movement, and secure the screw.

Diagram Description (Fig. 5): Illustrates adjusting the camera image using centering screws, showing alignment of a target point.

Using the Monitor

The monitor features an IPS matrix for bright images and wide viewing angles. To display an image:

• Attach the monitor (4) to the camera (1) using fasteners.
• Connect the monitor to the camera using the HDMI cable (3).
• Connect the monitor and camera to AC power using the DC/DC Type-C adapter and power adapter. If devices are separate, power them individually.
• Switch on and adjust the camera as per its manual.
• Switch on the monitor using the side panel button.
• If the image is blurred, use the fine focusing knob for adjustment.

Diagram Description (Fig. 6): Shows monitor connections, including camera, HDMI port, USB Type-C power connectors, and the monitor itself.

5. Using Optional Equipment

Auxiliary Objective Lenses

Screw the auxiliary objective lens (19, Fig. 1) into the objective part (21, Fig. 1). The 0.5x lens increases working distance and field of view. The 2x lens reduces working distance and field of view.

Using the Eyepiece with a Scale

An eyepiece with a scale allows comparative analysis of linear dimensions. The scale is located in the field diaphragm plane of the 10x eyepiece. Use a stage micrometer (calibration slide) to determine linear dimensions in millimeters or microns. The calibration slide has an etched scale (e.g., 0.05mm, 0.1mm, 0.5mm). Place the calibration slide on the stage, scaled side up. Calibrate the eyepiece scale for each magnification by bringing the calibration slide scale into sharp focus and aligning the scales. Determine how many divisions of the calibration slide fit within the eyepiece scale (high magnification) or how many eyepiece divisions are covered by the calibration slide (low magnification).

Diagram Description (Fig. 7): Shows a calibration slide with a micrometer scale.

Using a Calibration Slide with a Camera

A calibration slide (stage micrometer) with a 0.1mm or 0.05mm scale is used to calibrate image analysis software. In calibration mode, capture an image of the micrometer scale for each objective magnification and input the known distance to establish a scale in actual units. The process involves placing the slide, selecting the objective and camera resolution, capturing the scale image, using the software's "Calibrate" function, entering the known distance, and saving the calibration factor. Units can be changed later.

6. Troubleshooting

Table 3: Potential Problems and Remedies

7. Scope of Delivery

Table 4: Scope of Delivery

8. Care and Maintenance

Replacing the Fuse

The fuse is located in the microscope base. Before replacing, switch off the power supply and unplug the power cord. Loosen the locking screw of the objective part and microscope head, remove them. Lay the microscope on its side to access the fuse socket. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the fuse socket, replace the fuse, and reinstall the socket. Plug in the power cord and turn on the ON/OFF switch to test.

Replacing the Bulb

This microscope uses LED bulbs. Replacement should be done by the vendor or a qualified service center. Self-replacement may impair illumination function.

Maintenance

1. After use, switch off the power supply. For prolonged periods of non-use, switch off the power supply.
2. Keep the microscope clean. Do not install the dust cover until the microscope is completely cooled down and dry.
3. Cleaning lenses: Remove dust with a soft brush. For significant contamination, use a soft cloth moistened with a small amount of alcohol and ethyl ether mixture (20-30% alcohol, 70-80% ether) or a special O-xylene solution. Wipe lenses from the center outward.
4. Cleaning surfaces: Wipe with a clean soft cloth. Significant contamination can be removed with a neutral detergent. Do not use organic solvents (like alcohol or ether) on the microscope stand, as this may damage the coating.
5. Cleaning the camera: Blow off dust and particles with a soft brush, then clean the surface with a soft, clean cloth moistened with alcohol or ether.
6. Monitor cleaning: Brush off dust and small particles. For liquid drops on the screen, use a dry cloth or soft tissue. Use special alcohol wipes for heavy soiling. Always switch off the monitor before cleaning. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents.
7. Storage: When not using the microscope for a long time, switch off the power, wait for the lamp to cool, and cover the microscope with a dust cover. Store in a dry, ventilated, and clean place, away from acids, alkalis, or steam, to prevent mold on lenses. Applying a rust-preventive coating to moving parts is recommended.
8. Periodic inspection: Regular inspection and servicing are recommended to maintain performance.

Diagram Description (Fig. 8): Illustrates correct and incorrect methods for cleaning microscope lenses.

9. MAGUS Warranty

MAGUS provides a 5-year international warranty from the date of purchase. Levenhuk warrants the product against defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty period for accessories is 6 months from the date of purchase. For more information on warranty terms and conditions, visit www.magusmicro.com. For warranty service, contact your nearest Levenhuk representative office.