Schott Dual Spot PLUS Setup & Features Explained
Read the edited video transcript for ‘Schott Dual Spot PLUS Setup & Features Explained’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today we’re going to talk about something a little different: the Unatron Z645 stereoscope. We’ve done a few videos on these before, but what we really want to focus on in this video is the Schott Easy LED Dual Spot fiber optic light source.
Overview of the Easy LED Dual Spot Light
This is a great bifurcated fiber optic LED light. It’s fully LED-based, so it runs cool and is very energy efficient. When you receive it, it will include multiple power adapters, allowing it to be used anywhere in the world. No matter where you’re located, there’s an adapter that will work for your power outlet, and they’re easy to swap out on the AC adapter.
We’ve already installed this unit on a stand here, but when it arrives, it will come packaged in several parts and pieces. You’ll receive:
- The stand
- The mounting bracket
- The LED light unit with built-in dual light guides
Power and Light Controls
The LED unit has the light source built in. Once you plug it into the wall, you’ll press the power button on the front.
- Press once: one light turns on
- Press again: the other light turns on
- Press a third time: both lights turn on
There is also a rheostat control that allows you to adjust brightness. The light is very bright and easily adjustable.
Tools Needed for Assembly
To assemble the unit, you’ll need a set of Allen wrenches. We like the Wera set shown here. You’ll need:
- A 4 mm Allen wrench
- A smaller Allen wrench (we’ll confirm the size during assembly)
Removing the Light Unit from the Bracket
First, pick up the light unit and locate the two screws on the bottom. Using the Allen wrench, loosen these screws. As you do this, hold the unit against your body, because once loosened, it will slide right off the bracket.
You can technically use the unit without the bracket by setting it on its small feet, but we don’t recommend that. It limits movement and makes positioning more difficult. The bracket is really the best way to use this light.
Set the light unit aside, and let’s take a look at how the bracket arrives.
Bracket Assembly and Mounting
Using the 4 mm Allen wrench, remove the bracket components. When the unit arrives, the assembly will look like this, with protective covers over the dual spot light guides. It’s very well packed and protected in the box.
To assemble it, we recommend attaching this section first using the 4 mm Allen wrench. There are three mounting holes on the frame, so you can choose where you want it positioned. I prefer mounting it toward the back, but this is purely personal preference.
Insert the screws and tighten them until snug. Make sure everything is firm and secure.
Positioning Options
Once assembled, you can position the unit in different orientations. You can leave it facing one direction or rotate it around, depending on how you want the light guides to bend and approach the specimen. I personally like this orientation right here.
Next, plug the unit in, remove the protective covers from the light guides, and test the lights:
- One light on
- The other light on
- Both lights on
Using the Light with the Z645 Stereoscope
This customer recently purchased the Unatron Z645 stereoscope and will be using it on a slightly different boom stand. Once everything is set up, you can manipulate the dual spot lights to achieve exactly the lighting you want.
You can adjust the lights:
- Side to side
- Up and down
- For more or less shadow
- For increased contrast
This flexibility allows you to dramatically improve contrast and visibility when viewing specimens.
Pricing and Product Quality
This is a great, affordable light source. It runs around $650 with the stand. It’s a bit more once you add the stand and brackets, but we believe it’s well worth it.
Schott makes an excellent product and stands behind their equipment. They’ve been around for a long time and are widely regarded as one of the best manufacturers in the world when it comes to microscopy lighting.
Closing and Contact Information
If you’re interested in this light, the stereoscope, or anything related to microscopy, check us out at microscopemarketplace.com.
If you have questions or want to talk through your options, give us a call at 919-775-5596.
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