Olympus IX71 Fluorescence Microscope Setup & Assembly
Read the edited video transcript for ‘Olympus IX71 Fluorescence Microscope Setup & Assembly’
All right, let’s take it apart and get it ready to ship.
Someone just called and purchased this EX-71 microscope, so we’re going to show you how to take it apart, put it back together, and go over a few key features. This is Chad with Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace, and Scott is on the camera today.
Overview of the Microscope
This is a very nice scope, and we’ll walk through it step by step. We’ll start at the top and work our way down so you can see exactly how everything comes apart and goes back together.
Removing and Installing the Binocular Head
This microscope is equipped with a tilting binocular head. To remove it, use the 3 mm Allen wrench, which is included with the scope and stored on the back.
Insert the wrench at a diagonal, hold the head securely, and loosen the screw. The head will come right off.
This ergonomic head includes two 10x eyepieces with rubber eyecups and a diopter tube on one side. The diopter is focusable. Line the white dot up with zero for a good starting point—this will be close to perfect focus for most users. You can then fine-tune from there if needed.
To reinstall the head, insert the wrench into the screw hole first, place the head onto the dovetail, and tighten it down. Always give it a slight wiggle to ensure it’s secure before letting go.
Phase Contrast System and Condenser Features
This scope is equipped with phase contrast, and we’ve already aligned the phase rings for the customer. It includes Phase 1, Phase 2, and a brightfield position. If there is no phase ring in the stop, that position is considered brightfield.
Each phase ring must align with the corresponding phase objective. You can rotate the condenser to select the appropriate phase ring, using the arrow indicator to confirm positioning.
The condenser can also tilt back, which is useful when working with large well plates. If you prefer it not to tilt, we’ll show you how to lock that feature later.
Removing the Stage
The stage includes a removable stage plate and adjustable coaxial controls for ergonomic positioning.
Using a 4 mm Allen wrench, remove the four bolts that secure the stage. We recommend ball-end Allen wrenches, as they allow you to work at an angle. Once removed, set the stage aside.
Objectives and Phase Alignment
This scope includes phase objectives, which were tested prior to shipping. The 20X is a Phase 1 objective, and the 40X is a Phase 2 objective.
For proper phase contrast, the corresponding phase ring must be selected in the condenser. Once aligned, the system is ready for use.
Removing and Installing the Condenser
To remove the condenser, loosen the thumb screw and slide it out. When reinstalling, insert it at a slight angle and rotate it until it clicks into place. This click indicates proper alignment. Once aligned, tighten the thumb screw to lock it in.
Lamp Housing Removal
This scope uses a 12V, 100W halogen lamp housing. To remove it, loosen the two 3 mm Allen screws—one on the top and one on the side—and lift the housing off.
If fluorescence is on, make sure to turn it off before removing any components.
Removing the Illumination Column
Before shipping, the illumination column will be removed.
Raise the nosepiece first. Remove the neutral density filter assembly using the thumb screw. Then, using the 4 mm Allen wrench, loosen the two bolts—one on each side of the column.
Before removing the illuminator, make sure to remove the diaphragm linkage screw. Once loosened, gently wiggle the column and lift it out.
To reinstall, insert it back into the same position, tighten the Allen bolts securely, and reinstall the diaphragm linkage.
Fluorescence Components and Filter Cubes
This scope includes fluorescence, and the cube turret can be removed using a 3 mm Allen wrench.
This customer requested DAPI, FITC, and TRITC filter cubes. The cubes slide in and out easily once unlocked. Blank positions are available for brightfield use.
The turret is magnetic and slides into place on a dovetail. There is also a shutter that should be opened when using fluorescence and closed when stepping away from the scope to protect the filter cubes.
Locking the Illumination Column Tilt
The illumination column can tilt back and forth for flexibility. If you prefer it fixed, use the 3 mm Allen screw to lock it in place. Loosening the screw allows more range of motion; tightening it limits movement.
Correction Collar on the 40X Objective
The 40X objective includes a correction collar. When viewing standard slides, set it to 17. When viewing dishes or thicker specimens, adjust the collar to compensate for thickness and refocus as needed.
Light Source and Remote Control
The halogen light source is controlled by the main power switch and rheostat. A remote control cable is included with the scope. This cable plugs into the rear of the light source and into the designated port under the optional accessory panel, allowing light control from the front of the scope.
Final Assembly and Closing
To finish reassembly, reinstall the illumination column, condenser, lamp housing, stage, and head. Always support components with two hands and ensure all screws are tightened securely.
That’s about it for this EX-71 microscope. If you have any questions, you can give us a call at 919-775-5596 or email us at —that’s Munday with a “U.”
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