Troubleshoot Dim Light – Check Your X-Cite 120 Bulb
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Troubleshoot Dim Light – Check Your X-Cite 120 Bulb’
Hi, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today, we’re going to talk about the Exite 120, which is a metal halide light source. Mike’s going to come in, and we’ll go over a few key things.
What I really want to show you today is how to change the bulb, what it means when your light source isn’t as bright anymore, and how to troubleshoot common issues with your system.
Step 1: Light Source Brightness Check
Let’s start with the issue of reduced brightness. We’ve already got the unit on. First, plug it in and flip the switch to power it up. Here, you’ll see the hours meter—this one has 769 hours on it. Can you see that, Mike?
These bulbs typically last around 2,000 hours, so this one still has life left. However, when we plug it in, notice how dim the light is. It should be significantly brighter.
In many cases, if your light is dim, it’s time to replace the light guide. Every three bulb changes, you should also change the light guide.
These light guides should be well maintained—they shouldn’t be bent or kinked, especially at the ends. They also shouldn’t be pressed against a wall or any surface that can damage them. They need to flow freely, like this one here.
Step 2: Comparing New vs. Old Light Guides
Now, let’s show you the difference. Mike, can you get a shot of how dim the light is on the wall?
Let’s remove that one and plug in a new, tested light guide. You’ll know it’s new because it comes wrapped in packaging and has red rubber caps on the ends.
Let’s plug this new one in and show you the difference.
Now that is what it’s supposed to look like—super bright and clearly focused.
⚠️ Important Safety Note:
Do not leave the light guide or bulb assembly sitting on the counter when in use—the tip gets extremely hot and can burn the surface. Also, do not touch the bulb directly.
Step 3: Installing the Light Source Adapter
Here’s the adapter it plugs into. XFO Lum Dynamics makes these adapters to fit most major microscope brands—Olympus, Nikon, Leica, Zeiss, and others.
This screw here will be loosened when you receive it. Press the light guide into the adapter, make sure it’s fully inserted, then tighten the screw.
The flange on the adapter connects to the back of your fluorescent illuminator.
Step 4: Changing the Bulb in the Power Supply
Let’s move on to how to change the bulb in the power supply.
We have another unit here. To access the bulb, use a 3 mm Allen wrench and loosen this screw here. That’ll let you pop off the cover.
In this one, there’s no bulb currently installed, so let’s go ahead and open a brand-new one.
It comes packaged in styrofoam, with a maintenance card included. The bulb is protected by plastic for safety.
It has two plugs—black to black and white to white. It’s very straightforward.
Slide the bulb into place, lining up the grooves with the holder. Plug in the connections carefully. Try not to overlap or crimp the wires if you can avoid it.
It’ll click into place easily.
Step 5: Final Power-Up and Troubleshooting
Before removing your old bulb, always let it cool completely. Never touch the hot bulb.
You’ll usually notice it’s time for a replacement when the light becomes very dim. That could mean either the bulb is failing or the light guide is damaged or degraded.
As I mentioned earlier, after three bulb replacements, it’s typically time to replace the light guide.
Now let’s power the unit back on. After a few seconds, the hours meter should read zero for this new bulb. Can you zoom in on that, Mike?
It takes a moment to initialize, but there it is—zero hours.
Summary & Resources for ‘Troubleshoot Dim Light – Check Your X-Cite 120 Bulb’
That’s the basic overview. We’ll include product links in the video description for the bulbs, light guides, adapters, and other parts we used.
You can also purchase bulbs, light guides, and Exite lights directly at microscope.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at .
You can find us at microscopemarketplace.com if you’re interested in purchasing any of these products.
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