MOTIC SMZ-168 (01) PDF DOCUMENT

The main components of the MOTIC SMZ-168-BL are identified as follows:

The box should contain the following components depending on the model:

SMZ-168 (Binocular): An illuminated base with a pole for a moveable head with illumination. A black and white opaque stage, a binocular head with eyepieces, eyepiece protectors, a frosted glass stage, a blue filter, a protective cover and a 1.5mm hexagonal key.

SMZ-168 (Trinocular): An illuminated base with a pole for a moveable head with illumination. A black and white opaque stage, a trinocular head with eyepieces, eyepiece protectors, a frosted glass stage, a blue filter, a protective cover and a 1.5mm hexagonal key.

Note: Remove and handle all components of the microscope with extreme care. Avoid touching the lenses of the optical elements and keep them clear of dust, water or other contaminating agents as they could stain or damage the lens surface affecting the quality of the image.

Follow these steps to assemble the MOTIC SMZ-168. All steps must be undertaken with extreme care and without forcing the placement of parts.

A. Place the base of the microscope (11) upright on a flat, stable and clean surface.

B. Loosen the head holder locking screw (5) and place the head (13) in the head holder (15) with extreme care.

C. Tighten the head holder locking screw (5).

D. Connect the incident illumination to the power cord (12) located at the upper part of the column (18).

Warning: Before connecting the stereomicroscope to a power source, always check that the output voltage coincides with that of the stereomicroscope.

The MOTIC SMZ-168 has two stages: a frosted glass stage for transparent samples and a black and white stage for non-transparent objects. For the best contrast, choose the side of the stage best suited for your specimen.

Warning: Transmitted illumination can ONLY be used with the frosted glass stage. The heat generated by the transmitted illumination can melt or damage the black and white stage.

1. Changing the stage:

a. Using your fingers, remove the stage (10).

b. To use the glass stage, insert the blue filter into the centre of the filter receptacle with the frosted surface facing down.

c. Replace the glass stage.

2. Powering On:

a. Before connecting the stereomicroscope to a power source, adjust the light intensity to its minimum (22). This must be repeated every time the stereomicroscope is turned on or off to prolong the life of the bulb.

b. Turn the principal switch (19) to the ON position.

3. Using the Illumination Switches:

Three light switches are located on the base of the microscope.

MAIN: The principal switch, which turns the whole unit on or off.

I: Turns incident light on or off (illumination from above).

T: Turns transmitted illumination on or off (illumination from below).

a. Turn on the incident illumination (20) or transmitted illumination (21) or both at the same time (“I” and “T”) according to the sample being observed.

b. Light intensity should be adjusted according to the objective used or the type of sample being observed.

c. The angle of incident illumination can be adjusted by using the adjustment screw (8) which can be used to vary the orientation of the lens.

1. Looking through the eyepieces (1), move the eyepiece tubes (3) by taking hold of the prism housing (4) and moving it outwards or inwards.

2. Interpupillary distance is correct when the two fields of view observed through both eyepieces appear as one complete field of view.

3. Interpupillary distance should be adjusted for each new user.

1. Turn the zoom knob (14) to the lowest magnification, 0.75X.

2. Place a flat object or a microscope slide on the centre of the stage (10).

3. Turn the focusing knobs (16) to mid-focus range.

4. The head holder (15) is mounted on a column (18) on which it can be moved up or down depending on the size of the object to be focused on.

a. Support the head holder (15) with one hand without touching any lenses and with the other loosen the screw on the support collar (17). The head holder can then be slid to the base (11).

b. Without letting go of the head, loosen the head holder locking screw.

c. While looking through the eyepieces, move the head holder up or down until the object appears in focus.

d. Tighten the head holder locking screw. Do not let go of the head yet.

e. Slide the security collar up to the head holder and tighten the support collar screw. The head can then be released.

f. It is not necessary to adjust the head every time the sample is changed, only when unable to bring the image into focus.

5. Adjust the focus knobs (16) until the image appears sharp.

Diopter adjustment collars are located on the eyepiece tubes. They are in normal position when the lower part of the collar is aligned with the sign marked on the eyepiece tube.

To compensate for differences in eyesight:

1. Using only the right eye, look through the right eyepiece (1) and adjust the focus.

2. Next, using the left eye, look through the eyepiece and adjust the focus by turning the diopter adjuster (2) located on the left-hand tube (3) until the image appears sharp. Do not use the focus knobs to adjust focus (16).

1. Turn the zoom control (14) to the lowest magnification and bring the image into focus. Immediately switch to the highest magnification and do the same.

2. The stereomicroscope is now parfocal. However, some minor focus adjustments may have to be made when switching from a higher strength objective to a lower strength objective. Switching from a lower strength to higher strength objective should require no focus adjustment.

The SMZ-168 TL model comes equipped with a vertical image port for installing a camera using corresponding adapters. At the back of the head, a selection lever transmits the image to the vertical port. When the lever is opened, the image is transmitted to the vertical port but cannot be seen through the right eyepiece.

A. To attach a photographic camera:

An adapter tube is needed, which includes a 2X lens to maintain parfocality. This balance is achieved when parfocality is adjusted correctly as described in “Changing magnification”. The adapter tube has a T type thread for adapter mounts (Note: The T type adapter mount is not included).

1. To connect the camera, first remove the front lens of the camera and replace it with the corresponding T mount. Screw the adapter tube provided into the mount of the camera.

2. Loosen the knurled screw on the side of the vertical port on the head sufficiently to remove the protective cover.

3. Insert the adapter tube with the camera already mounted into the vertical port. If it does not insert easily, unscrew the knurled screw until the adapter tube fits perfectly.

4. Re-tighten the knurled screw until the camera is secure.

5. Operate the camera according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

B. To attach a video camera:

An adapter tube is needed, which includes a 0.5X lens to maintain parfocality. The adapter tube is equipped with a “C” thread and a “CS” ring to adapt different kinds of video cameras. To connect the camera to the microscope, screw the adapter tube into the video camera.

1. Loosen the knurled screw on the side of the vertical port of the head sufficiently to remove the protective cover.

2. Insert the adapter tube with the camera already mounted into the vertical port. If it does not insert easily, unscrew the knurled screw until the adapter tube fits perfectly.

3. Re-tighten the knurled screw until the camera is secure.

4. Operate the camera according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

If the image on the monitor appears out of focus when the objective is changed, it is possible that the CS mount is responsible. Replace, or readjust it to obtain parfocality.

To attach an auxiliary objective, it must be a screw mount type to ensure a secure mount.

1. To mount the auxiliary objective to the microscope, first remove the protective glass from the optical tube by unscrewing it in a counter-clockwise direction.

2. Screw on the appropriate auxiliary objective by turning the objective [threads facing up] clockwise to secure the objective in the optical tube. There is no need to replace the protective glass.

3. Adjust the working distance according to the magnification and properties of the objective in use by turning the coarse focus either clockwise or counter-clockwise until the sample is in focus. Refer to the table below for the corresponding working distances of specific objectives.

If the image appears out of focus or slanted after installing an auxiliary objective, it may be mounted incorrectly. Remove the objective and refasten with care to ensure proper alignment.

Working Distances of Auxiliary Objectives

An SMZ-168 ring adapter is needed to attach the K2401 illuminator. This ring adapter will replace the previously installed fastening mechanism. Note that the SMZ-168 ring illuminator adapter is not included in the K2401 kit as it is a specific model adapter.

1. To connect the illuminator, first remove the previously installed mounting mechanism by turning the screw mount ring in a counter-clockwise direction while holding the locking ring at the bottom of the light.

2. Remove the protective glass of the optical tube by unscrewing it in a counter-clockwise direction.

3. Place the ring illuminator underneath the optical tube. Secure it to the optical tube by screwing the SMZ-168 adapter ring from the bottom of the illuminator into the optical tube in a clockwise direction. The illuminator is secure when the adapter becomes tight.

4. Adjust the position of the ring illuminator to avoid interference with the focusing and zoom knobs by turning slightly with your hand.

5. Plug the ring illuminator into the nearest electrical outlet free from debris.

6. Turn the ring illuminator on by pressing the principal switch to “O” for on.

7. Adjust the microscope focusing knobs to achieve the desired illumination effect and clarity.

If the ring illuminator does not turn on, check if the outlet has been switched on. If still no illumination, unplug it. Next, unscrew the SMZ-168 adapter ring counter-clockwise while holding the illuminator by the handle end. Once removed, inspect the bulb for signs of malfunction or burnout.

Warning: For your own safety switch off and disconnect the microscope from any electrical sources before attempting any maintenance. Do not attempt to disassemble any optical components.

Before cleaning any lens surface, remove dust with a lens brush or low-pressure compressed air.

1. Cleaning the eyepieces:

a. Do not remove the eyepieces (1) from the eyepiece tubes (3).

b. Clean the external surface by dampening the lens with one’s breath.

c. Afterwards, dry the lens with special lens paper. Dry in circular movements from the centre of the lens outwards. Do not wipe the lens when it is already dry, as this will scratch it.

2. Cleaning the objectives:

a. Do not remove objectives from the microscope.

b. Clean only the surface area. Use a soft cotton cloth dampened slightly with Xylene. Dry the lens afterwards with the same cloth.

Changing the transmitted illumination bulb:

a. Rest the stereomicroscope on its side, being extremely careful with the eyepiece (1) and the stage (10).

b. Unscrew the 6 screws and open the cap on the base.

c. With a cloth, carefully pull the bulb out by disconnecting it from the socket.

d. Do not touch the new bulb with your hands. Use a clean cloth to insert the pins of the bulb into the socket.

e. If the bulb is accidentally touched with bare hands it must be cleaned, as this could affect the transmission of light and life span of the bulb.

f. Close the cover on the base and screw down firmly.

Changing the incident illumination bulb:

a. Unscrew the illuminator protection tube (7) by turning it in a counter-clockwise direction and carefully remove it.

b. With a cloth, carefully pull the bulb out to disconnect it from the socket.

c. If the bulb is accidentally touched with bare hands, it must be cleaned as this could affect the transmission of light and life span of the bulb.

d. Carefully insert a new bulb and replace the protection tube.

a. With a flat screwdriver, lightly press on the slot of the fuse holder cover and turn 1/4 in the direction marked by the arrow.

b. Release pressure and completely remove the loosened cover.

c. Remove the fuse from the removed cover and insert the new one, ensure that it is 0.5 Amps.

d. Insert the cover.

e. Repeat step (a) but turning 1/4 in the opposite direction of the arrow. The cover must be firmly closed.

The tension comes pre-adjusted from the factory. The best point of tension allows the focus knobs to move as loosely as possible without the head sliding down from its own weight. The tension adjustment collar is located between the focusing knob (16) and the head holder (15).

a. Loosen the screw located in the collar hole with the 2mm hexagonal key.

b. To increase the tension, turn the collar counter-clockwise; to decrease it, turn the collar clockwise.

c. Re-tighten the screw using the hexagonal key.

* Note: Stains in the field of view may also be attributed to dirt on the inside of the eyepiece. It is recommended therefore that the lens be cleaned by a recognised service technician.

If the microscope does not stay in focus, the likely cause is that the head is dropping down. To fix this, adjust the tension of the coarse focus knob.

If possible, avoid moving the stereomicroscope.

Carry the stereomicroscope in both hands. One hand should hold the stereomicroscope column (18), and the other should support it under the base (11).

Maintain the stereomicroscope in a vertical position.