TOPICS LEARNING
Setting up the microscope When setting up the microscope, it is important to handle it
properly with both hands, one at the arm and one at the base for
support. Unwind the wire from the back and plug it in. Turn on
the switch located at the back then adjust the ocular lenses to 64.
Check that the condenser lens is just below the stage and put the
objective lens on low power, adjust the stage into its highest
position. Adjust the light to the medium or medium high range
then adjust the light later to improve the image. Now it’s ready.
Using the microscope When using the microscope, open the clip and slide a microscope
slide to the back of the stage and make sure the slide doesn’t go
under the clips. Use the knobs on the lower right side of the stage
in positioning the specimen. Always start with the low objective
lens while the stage should remain at the highest position. Center
the specimen and make sure the image is clear in the low power
lens then move to a higher objective lens, repeat the steps and
when the specimen is seen properly, move the lens to the highest
objective lens. Once it is done, use the smaller fine-focus knob.
Center the specimen then move to the highest power lens. Do a
couple of more adjustments until the image is clear.
Troubleshooting When having trouble with operating the microscope, use the
knobs and adjust it properly. If the slide doesn’t move, make sure
you are using the right knobs for adjustments and clip the slide
properly in place. When having trouble in finding the specimen,
make sure the slide is centered, start at the lowest power and
adjust the stage to its highest position. When focusing, move the
slide with the slide knobs so you can see the specimen better and
to know where to focus properly. If the specimen is unstained,
find easily observed objects in the specimen and focus on it.
When the image becomes blurry when moved to a higher power
lens then it requires cleaning, soak a piece of lens paper with lens
cleaner and wipe the lens afterwards wipe it dry with dry lens
paper. If it doesn’t solve the problem, check with an instructor.
Cleanup When finished using the microscope, put the slide out of the
stage and rotate it back to the lowest objective lens. Move the
stage and slide holder to its initial position. Make sure the stage is
clean and dry. Turn off the light and power then wrap the power
cord in place. Carry the microscope with both hands, one hand
holding the arm and the other at the base, back to its cabinet
making sure there is enough space between the microscopes in its
shelf.
