Olympus BX43 Microscope Basics
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX43 Microscope Basics’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about the Olympus BX43 microscope from Olympus/Evident.
The BX43 is an excellent and extremely popular microscope. We’re going to go over some of its basic features, show you how several of the components can be removed or changed, and demonstrate how to use the LIM (Light Intensity Manager) feature.
Power Supply and LED Illumination
First, always make sure you’re using the correct 5V power supply included with the microscope.
The on/off switch is located on the microscope stand, and the BX43 uses a 5V LED illumination system located at the rear of the microscope.
Nosepiece Options
The Olympus BX43 can be configured with several different nosepieces.
Depending on your application, you can use a five-, six-, or seven-position nosepiece, with both coded and non-coded versions available.
On a coded configuration, the nosepiece connects electronically to the microscope through a plug at the rear of the nosepiece assembly.
Built-In 3 mm Allen Wrench
Like other microscopes in the Olympus BX Series, the BX43 includes a very useful 3 mm Allen wrench that’s stored directly on the microscope.
This tool can be used for several common procedures, including removing the microscope head and nosepiece.
Removing or Changing the Microscope Head
To remove the microscope head, use the 3 mm Allen wrench to loosen the head’s retaining screw.
Once the screw is loose, carefully lift the head from the microscope.
One advantage of the BX43 is the variety of head configurations available. Depending on your application, you can install options such as:
- A fixed binocular head
- A trinocular head
- A tilting head
- A tilting and lifting ergonomic head
You can also add a U-TRU camera port, allowing you to retain an ergonomic viewing configuration while adding a camera to the microscope.
Removing the Nosepiece
To remove the nosepiece, begin by lowering the stage to provide enough clearance.
Before removing a coded nosepiece, make sure the microscope is turned off and unplugged.
Using the 3 mm Allen wrench, loosen the nosepiece retaining screw. The nosepiece can then slide out of the microscope.
If you have a coded nosepiece, disconnect its electrical plug at the rear.
The objectives and nosepiece can then be removed as an assembly or separated as needed.
Stage Options
The Olympus BX43 can also be configured with several different stage arrangements.
You can use a:
- Right-handed mechanical stage
- Left-handed mechanical stage
- Fixed stage
A fixed stage can be particularly useful for pathologists who prefer to manipulate the slide directly with their fingers.
This particular BX43 is equipped with a right-handed mechanical stage.
The stage can be removed and set aside when access to the condenser and substage assembly is needed.
Condenser and Substage Assembly
Below the stage is the substage bracket and condenser.
This particular microscope has been configured for pathology and uses a swing-out condenser.
The condenser’s top lens can be moved out of the optical path to properly fill the field when using low-power objectives such as 2x or 1.25x.
Removing and Reinstalling the Condenser
Lower the condenser using the substage adjustment.
A retaining screw on the side secures the condenser in place. Loosen this screw, and the condenser can be removed from the microscope.
When reinstalling the condenser, pay attention to the locating pin on the condenser and the corresponding notch in the mount.
Position the pin correctly in the notch and slide the condenser into place. This helps ensure that the condenser is properly oriented before you begin aligning the illumination system.
Setting Köhler Illumination
The BX43 includes the condenser adjustments and field diaphragm necessary for setting Köhler illumination.
Once the condenser is installed correctly, it can be centered and adjusted to properly illuminate the specimen.
We have another video demonstrating how to set Köhler illumination on a microscope, specifically using an Olympus BX Series system, and we’ll include a link in the video description.
Reconnecting a Coded Nosepiece
When reinstalling a coded nosepiece, pay close attention to the electrical connector.
There is a small alignment arrow on the connector. Match this arrow with the corresponding arrow on the nosepiece connection at the rear of the microscope.
Once the connector is properly aligned and attached, reinstall the nosepiece and secure it.
The microscope can then be reconnected to its power supply.
Using the LIM Light Intensity Manager
One of the useful features on the Olympus BX43 is the LIM, or Light Intensity Manager.
We get a lot of questions about this feature. Many people don’t use it, but that’s often simply because they aren’t familiar with how it works.
The LIM allows you to save a preferred illumination intensity for each objective.
Setting the Preferred Light Intensity
Start with the LIM button turned off.
Rotate the desired objective into position and adjust the illumination until you find a brightness level that’s comfortable for your eyes and appropriate for your application.
Once you have the light where you want it, press the SET button.
Next, rotate another objective into position.
Again, adjust the light intensity until it’s comfortable and appropriate for that objective, and press SET.
Continue this process for each objective you want to configure.
Activating the LIM
Once you’ve saved the desired illumination level for each objective, press the LIM button to activate the Light Intensity Manager.
Now, as you rotate through the objectives, the microscope automatically changes the illumination intensity to the level you previously selected for each one.
For example, if you prefer a lower light level with one objective and a higher level with another, the BX43 will automatically recall those settings as you change magnifications.
This can make routine microscope work more comfortable and convenient because you don’t have to manually readjust the illumination every time you change objectives.
Final Thoughts
That’s a basic overview of the Olympus BX43 microscope and some of its most useful features.
The BX43 offers a great deal of flexibility, including multiple head configurations, coded and non-coded nosepieces, several stage options, low-power condenser configurations, LED illumination, camera options, and the convenient LIM Light Intensity Manager.
The LIM feature is especially useful once it’s configured for your individual preferences, allowing the microscope to automatically adjust the illumination as you move from one objective to another.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about the Olympus BX43 or other microscope equipment, contact Munday Scientific.
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