Olympus IX51 / IX71 Fluorescence Assembly and Disassembly

Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Olympus IX51 / IX71 Fluorescence Assembly and Disassembly’

Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to show you how to remove and reinstall the fluorescent turret and fluorescent illuminator on an Olympus BX “N” system.

We’ll walk through both:

  • Disassembly
  • Reassembly

This will help you safely service, ship, or replace fluorescent components.


Tools Needed

For this process, you’ll need:

  • 3 mm Allen wrench
  • 4 mm Allen wrench

Step 1: Remove the Fluorescent Cube Turret

We’ll begin by removing the fluorescent cube turret.

Removal Steps:

  1. Locate the screw on the right side of the system
  2. Insert a 3 mm Allen wrench
  3. Loosen the retaining screw

Once loosened:

  • The turret should slide outward

Important Positioning Tip

Sometimes the turret can catch on the focus assembly.

Before removal, make sure:

  • The focus knob is raised all the way up
  • The nosepiece is fully elevated

This creates enough clearance for smooth removal.


Step 2: Remove the Fluorescent Illuminator

Next, you’ll remove the fluorescent illuminator assembly.


Locate the Side Access Holes

On each side of the system, above the field stop area, you’ll find access holes.

Right Side:

  • Field stop pull rod is located here
  • Insert a 4 mm Allen wrench into the access hole
  • Loosen the internal screw

Remove the Field Stop Pull Rod

Once loosened:

  1. Unscrew the field stop pull rod
  2. Remove it completely

Left Side

Repeat the same process:

  1. Insert the 4 mm Allen wrench
  2. Loosen the screw

Once both sides are loosened, the fluorescent illuminator can be removed.


Reinstalling the Fluorescent Illuminator

Now let’s put everything back together.


Step 1: Slide the Illuminator Back In

  1. Position the fluorescent illuminator
  2. Slide it into place from the rear

Step 2: Reinstall the Field Stop

  1. Insert the field stop pull rod
  2. Screw it back into position

Step 3: Tighten Both Side Screws

Using the 4 mm Allen wrench:

  • Tighten the right-side retaining screw
  • Tighten the left-side retaining screw

This secures the illuminator assembly.


Step 4: Reinstall the Fluorescent Cube Turret

  1. Slide the fluorescent turret back onto the dovetail mount
  2. Align it properly
  3. Insert fully

Step 5: Lock the Turret in Place

Using the 3 mm Allen wrench on the right side:

  • Tighten the retaining screw

This secures the turret.


Final Step: Test the System

Once everything is reassembled:

  1. Connect the fluorescent power supply
  2. Turn the system on
  3. Verify that illumination is:
    • Bright
    • Even
    • Functioning correctly

If everything looks good, your system is ready to use.


Final Thoughts

Removing and reinstalling the fluorescent turret and illuminator on an Olympus BX system is straightforward when you follow the proper order.

Key points:

  • Raise focus fully before removal
  • Use correct Allen wrench sizes
  • Remove field stop before pulling illuminator
  • Confirm brightness after reassembly

Contact Information

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Plus you can visit our online shop at: MicroscopeMarketplace.com.

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