Olympus BX41 Side-by-Side Setup
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX41 Side-by-Side Setup’
This is an Olympus BX41 microscope. It’s a dual-head model designed for pathology use. In this video, we’re going to cover how to take it apart, reassemble it, and review a few important things to know about the scope. Walker will be joining me as we go through it.
Essential Tool
As always, you’ll need a 3 mm Allen wrench, located on the right side of the microscope. This tool is incredibly versatile—you can disassemble about 90% of this scope with it.
Head Assembly and Reticle
This unit has a tilting binocular head. On one side, there’s a fixed eyepiece with a diopter tube. This customer requested a KR 207 reticle, a measuring device that will stay in the eyepiece permanently. Usually, users remove the measuring eyepiece when not needed, but in this case, it will remain in place.
Removing the Head
To remove the head, locate the hole with the Allen screw, loosen it, and lift the head off. This scope can accommodate a variety of head configurations, but most often we see a tilting head here and a trinocular head with a camera on the other side—just like this customer’s setup.
The Discussion Bridge and Pointer System
The beam splitter sends light to the teaching head, also known as the discussion bridge. The “driver” sits on one side, the “passenger” on the other.
The scope features a pointer power supply. Plug it into the microscope and wall outlet, turn it on, and you’ll get a green or red illuminated arrow. The driver can point to a section of the specimen for discussion. This feature is ideal for teaching and training.
Important: Always use a 15 V power supply in the correct socket. Plugging the wrong voltage into the wrong port can damage the electronics.
The Single-Head Bridge and Trinocular Head
This scope uses a single-head bridge. Light passes through it to the trinocular head.
The trinocular head has a pull rod:
- All the way in: 100% light to eyepieces.
- Midway: Split between eyepieces and camera.
- All the way out: 100% light to camera.
Typically, there’s a fixed eyepiece on one side and a focusable eyepiece on the other.
Removing and Adjusting the Bridge
Hold the post securely, loosen the collar, and lift the head off. The bridge can be unscrewed to adjust its height depending on your table setup.
To remove the beam splitter, use the Allen wrench again. The flange fits over two small notches.
Objectives and Nosepiece
This microscope has a five-position nosepiece. Lower the stage, then slide out the nosepiece.
This customer is receiving:
- New 2× objective
- 4×, 10×, 20×, and 40× plan objectives
These are flat-field, research-grade objectives—excellent quality for pathology and among the most cost-effective for this grade.
Stage and Slide Holder
This is a right-handed coax stage. To remove, loosen the screw—sometimes it’s a thumbscrew.
The slide holder is attached with two knurled screws; remove it if you prefer to move the slide by hand. Fixed or “lock” stages are also available if you don’t want a coax drive.
Condenser and Filters
Lower the stage and remove the condenser. For the 2× objective, you’ll need a flip-out condenser. Flip it in for higher magnifications to improve contrast and resolution.
The diaphragm adjusts image contrast.
The substage condenser bracket holds a blue (didymium) filter. This halogen scope produces yellowish light, which the didymium filter corrects to a crisp white.
Lighting Controls
The rheostat adjusts light intensity. The preset button locks the brightness—use a flathead screwdriver to change it while locked, or press it again to unlock. This is useful for shared microscopes.
Safety and Adjustment Features
- Focus Brake: Prevents crashing the specimen into the objectives.
- Tension Ring: Adjusts stage resistance; tighten if the stage drifts down.
- Fine Focus Extender: Optional feature, installed by removing the black cap covering the screw.
Reassembly Steps
- Condenser: Align the pin with the notch. Refer to our Köhler illumination video for centering.
- Stage: Ensure it’s perfectly flat before tightening.
- Nosepiece: Slide in and lock.
- Bridge: Attach and secure.
- Tilting Head: Install before tightening the bridge, keeping it in the highest position.
Camera Installation
Attach the camera to its adapter first, then mount the adapter to the trinocular port and secure it with the locking screw.
Closing Notes
That’s the Olympus BX41 with a discussion bridge for pathology use.
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