Nikon Ts2 Tissue Culture Microscope — Assembly & Tips
Read the edited video transcript for ‘Nikon Ts2 Tissue Culture Microscope — Assembly & Tips’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace. Today, we’re going to talk to you about a Nikon TS2 tissue culture microscope. This is a great microscope, so Michael is going to come in and we’ll walk through it together.
Power and On/Off Switch Overview
The first thing we get a lot of questions about is the on/off switch. If you press the front on/off button and no light comes on, it’s usually because there’s a second power switch on the back of the microscope. The rear power switch must be turned on first. When it is, the power light will illuminate, and then the front button will activate the light.
This is a very common issue. People often think the microscope is broken when, in reality, the rear power switch is turned off.
Light Intensity (Brightness) Control
Here is the brightness control, which adjusts the light intensity up and down. Another common call we get is when the microscope appears not to be working because the brightness is turned all the way down. If the brightness is at its lowest setting, no light will come through.
Make sure the microscope has power, the rear switch is on, the brightness is turned up, and then press the front light button.
LED Light Source
This microscope uses an LED light source, which provides consistent illumination and long life with minimal heat—ideal for tissue culture work.
Condenser and Phase Slider
Next, let’s talk about the condenser and phase slider. The phase slider is located here and includes:
- A preset phase ring for 4x
- A preset phase ring for 10x, 20x, and 40x
- An open position for brightfield imaging
You can also insert filters into the open position. A green filter is commonly used for phase contrast and tissue culture applications. A blue filter can be used as well, though it’s typically unnecessary with LED illumination. We generally leave it in the open position.
When the phase slider is inserted, it clicks into place, ensuring proper alignment.
Diaphragm and Contrast Control
The condenser includes a diaphragm that allows you to control contrast. You can close it down significantly—even blocking most of the light—so if your image appears dark or uneven, make sure the diaphragm is open.
There’s a thumb screw here that allows you to remove the condenser. Once removed, you can see how the diaphragm opens and closes, similar to a kaleidoscope. The diaphragm can be used in any of the phase positions.
If dust or debris gets inside, you can remove the condenser and blow it out with canned air. Avoid using Q-tips or other objects, as they often make the issue worse. For persistent problems, it’s best to contact a microscope technician.
To reinstall the condenser, align the knobs with the dovetail and lock it back into place.
Eyepieces and Diopter Adjustment
The microscope includes two eyepieces, both 10x with a 22 mm field of view. Both eyepieces are focusable. The zero mark lines up with the reference line, which is your starting point. From there, you can adjust each eyepiece to match your vision.
Stage Insert Options
This microscope comes with a plastic stage insert, which works well for most tissue culture applications. Make sure the small retaining screw is in the down position. The insert clicks into place, locking securely into the notch.
If you’re focused too high when rotating the objectives, they may contact the stage insert, so be mindful of your focus height.
Stage and Specimen Holders
This model features a right-handed coaxial stage. You can attach various plate holders or specimen holders depending on your application. The holder shown here is just an example.
The stage attachment can be removed if needed. It’s secured with two 2.5 mm Allen screws underneath the stage—one in the front and one in the back. These screws mount the stage to the right side of the microscope.
For basic tissue culture work using well plates, you may not need this attachment, but it’s a useful option.
Focus Controls and Tension Adjustment
The microscope has both coarse and fine focus controls. It also includes a focus tension adjustment knob—the inner ring—which increases or decreases resistance. If the tension is too loose, the stage may drift downward. Tightening the tension knob will prevent this.
Optional Camera Port
An optional camera port is available for this microscope. To install it, remove the screws here, insert the camera port, and bolt it into place. This is a popular option for users who want to capture images of their cells. Adding the camera port will increase the overall cost slightly.
Pricing and Value
This is a great, compact tissue culture microscope. We sell a lot of these because they’re durable, reliable, and affordable. Pricing is typically around $3,500, depending on configuration and options.
Power Cord and Setup
The microscope uses a standard power cord for easy setup and operation.
Contact Information and Closing
If you’d like to purchase this microscope or any other tissue culture microscope, visit us at microscopemarketplace.com.
If you have questions, give us a call at 919-775-5596, or email us at —Munday with a “U,” singular, not plural, with no dots or dashes.
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