Olympus BX43 vs BX46 — Which is Right for You?
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus BX43 vs BX46 — Which is Right for You?’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today we’re going to talk about the standard U-H bridge used on Olympus BX microscopes.
The unit shown here is the plug-in style bridge, which is commonly found on older BX microscopes such as the BX40. This particular example is the front-to-back bridge configuration, but the same concepts apply to other bridge styles as well.
In this video, we’ll cover a few common issues users experience with these bridges and explain several solutions.
First Thing to Check: The Power Switch
One of the most common calls we receive is from users who say their pointer bulb will not light up.
Before assuming the bulb has failed, the first thing you should check is the power switch on the microscope stand.
If you are using a BX40 or another older BX model, the bridge receives power through the microscope stand. There is a small on/off switch that controls power to the pointer system, and this switch must be turned on for the bulb to illuminate.
Many users are unaware that this switch exists. In shared labs, someone may accidentally flip the switch off. The next person who uses the microscope may then assume the bulb has burned out when, in reality, the pointer system simply isn’t receiving power.
So the first troubleshooting step is always to make sure the switch is turned on.
Replacing the Original Bulb
The newer style bridges use a built-in LED, but this older model uses a replaceable bulb.
To access the bulb:
- Loosen the thumb screw on the bridge.
- Slide the bulb housing out.
- Remove the old bulb.
If the bulb has failed, you can replace it with a standard replacement bulb like the original. We sell these replacement bulbs on our website.
However, we generally recommend upgrading to an LED replacement instead.
Upgrading to an LED Bulb
Installing the LED replacement is straightforward.
- Insert the LED bulb into the holder.
- Slide the housing back into the bridge.
- Tighten the thumb screw to secure it.
The LED is much brighter and lasts significantly longer than the traditional bulb.
You can also adjust the light intensity using the rheostat knob on the microscope. This control allows you to fine-tune the brightness of the pointer.
Once installed, the LED will typically last a very long time, greatly reducing the need for future replacements.
When the Bridge Electronics Fail
In some cases, the issue isn’t the bulb itself. Instead, the electronics inside the bridge may fail, preventing electricity from reaching the bulb.
If that happens, we have developed another solution here at Munday Scientific.
External LED Pointer Solution
Our alternative solution is an external LED pointer system.
This unit:
- Plugs directly into a wall outlet
- Comes with a USB adapter
- Can also be powered from any standard USB port, such as a computer
When the unit is powered, the LED illuminates. The system includes a small toggle switch for turning the LED on and off.
Using the included double-sided tape, you can mount the switch neatly on the side of the microscope so it acts as your new pointer control.
Installing the External LED System
If the original bridge electronics are no longer working, you can install the external LED system as follows:
- First, make sure the original bridge cable is unplugged from the back of the microscope.
- Remove the bulb assembly from the bridge.
- Because the electronics in the bridge are no longer functional, you can:
- Cut the old wiring with wire snips, or
- Simply tape it out of the way if you prefer to leave it attached.
Next:
- Insert the new LED module into the bridge.
- Secure it using the thumb screw.
This effectively replaces the old halogen electronics and lighting system.
Using the New LED Pointer
Once installed:
- Use the toggle switch to turn the LED on or off.
- The pointer arrow is still controlled by the bridge adjustment mechanism.
- The existing red and green filters remain intact, allowing you to change the pointer color if desired.
This is a simple and budget-friendly solution for restoring pointer functionality when the original electronics fail.
Compatibility
Although we demonstrated this setup on a front-to-back bridge, the same principle applies to side-by-side bridges.
If you have a newer style bridge with a built-in LED system and are experiencing problems with it, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you find the right solution.
Where to Buy
You can find this product and many other microscope parts at microscopemarketplace.com.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this bridge or other microscope accessories, feel free to contact us at 919-775-5596
Closing
Thanks for watching. If you’d like to see more tips and solutions like this, be sure to like and follow the video.