Upgrade Olympus Pointer, LED for U-SDO, U-DO & BH2
Read the Edited Video Transcript for ‘Upgrade Olympus Pointer, LED for U-SDO, U-DO & BH2’
Hey, this is Chad with Munday Scientific. Today we’re going to talk about the standard U-H bridge on the Olympus BX microscope series.
The model we’re demonstrating is the plug-in style bridge used on microscopes like the BX40 and other older BX models. This is the front-to-back bridge style, but the same principles apply to other bridge configurations as well.
We’re going to cover some common issues, how to replace the bulb, and a modern LED solution if the original electronics fail.
Checking the Power Switch
One of the most common calls we receive is from users who believe their pointer bulb has burned out.
Before assuming the bulb is bad, the first thing you should check is the power switch on the microscope stand.
If you have a BX40 or another older BX microscope, the bridge receives power from the stand. There is a small on/off switch that controls power to the pointer system.
If this switch is turned off, the pointer will not illuminate.
This happens frequently in shared lab environments where multiple people use the microscope. Someone may accidentally flip the switch without realizing it, and the primary user later assumes the bulb has failed.
So the first step is always to confirm that the switch is turned on.
Replacing the Original Pointer Bulb
This particular bridge uses a small removable 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 burned out, you can replace it with a standard replacement bulb. We carry these replacement bulbs on our website.
However, we typically recommend upgrading to an LED replacement instead.
Installing an LED Replacement Bulb
To install the LED upgrade:
- Insert the LED bulb into the holder.
- Slide the bulb housing back into the bridge.
- Tighten the thumb screw to secure it.
The LED is significantly brighter and longer-lasting than the original bulb.
The light intensity can also be adjusted using the rheostat knob on the microscope, which controls the brightness of the pointer.
Once installed, the LED should last a very long time compared to traditional bulbs.
When the Bridge Electronics Fail
Sometimes the issue isn’t the bulb itself. Instead, the electronics inside the bridge may fail, preventing electricity from reaching the bulb.
If this happens, we have developed another solution here at Munday Scientific.
This system bypasses the internal electronics entirely.
External LED Pointer Solution
Our alternative solution is an external LED pointer system.
The unit:
- Plugs directly into a wall outlet
- Includes a USB adapter
- Can also plug into any standard USB port, such as a computer
Once plugged in, the LED illuminates immediately.
The system includes:
- A small toggle switch for turning the LED on and off
- Double-sided tape so the switch can be mounted on the side of the microscope
This becomes your new pointer control.
Installing the External LED System
To install this solution:
- First make sure the original bridge cable is unplugged from the back of the microscope.
- Remove the original bulb from the bridge.
- If the electronics in the bridge are no longer functional, you can:
- Cut the old wire with wire snips, or
- Simply tape it out of the way if you prefer to leave it attached.
Next:
- Insert the new LED pointer module into the bridge.
- Secure it using the thumb screw.
This effectively replaces the original halogen bulb system and its electronics.
Operating the New Pointer
Once installed:
- Use the toggle switch to turn the LED on or off.
- The pointer arrow is still controlled using the existing pointer adjustment on the bridge.
- You can also change the pointer color by pulling the red or green filters, which remain intact.
This is a simple and affordable solution for restoring pointer functionality when the original electronics fail.
Compatibility
Although we demonstrated this on a front-to-back bridge, the same concept works for side-by-side bridge configurations as well.
If you have a newer Olympus bridge with a built-in LED, the setup may be different. If you’re experiencing problems with that system, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you find the right solution.
Where to Buy
You can also find this product and many other microscope parts at microscopemarketplace.com.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about this bridge or other microscope accessories, feel free to contact us 919-775-5596.