National Geographic 40-1024X - User Manual

How Do I Use My Microscope
Before you use your microscope, make sure that the table, desk or surface that
you place it on is stable and is not subject to vibration. If the microscope needs
to be moved, hold it by the arm and base while carefully transferring it. Once the
microscope is in a suitable location and the batteries are installed, check the light
source to make sure that it illuminates. Use a microfiber cleaning cloth to gently
wipe the lenses off. If the stage is dirty with dust or oil, carefully clean it off. Make
sure that you only raise and lower the stage using the focus adjustment knob.
Install Batteries
1. Remove button screws and cover.
2. Install batteries with the positive (+) and negative (-) in the correct
direction indicated by the battery compartment label.
3. Replace the cover and screws.
How Do I Operate The Illumination?
Locate the mirror/light on the base of the microscope. Flip the mirror/light to the
“on” position (with the light facing up) and the light will illuminate. This microscope
is equipped with an incandescent light that illuminates the specimen from below.
How Do I Adjust My Microscope Correctly?
Place the microscope in a suitable location as described above, and sit in a
comfortable viewing position. Always start each observation with the lowest
magnification. Adjust the distance of the microscope stage so that the stage is in
the lowest position — farthest away from the turret head. Turn the objective turret
until it clicks into place at the lowest magnification (Objective: 4x/Magnification:
40x). Note: Before you change the objective setting, always make sure the
microscope stage is farthest away from the turret by rotating the focus knob.
Separating the stage and turret by rotating the focus knob will avoid causing
damage to the specimen slide or microscope. When starting an observation,
always start with the 5x objective in the rotating head.
How Do I Observe The Specimen?
With the Barlow lens nearly fully extended, your microscope’s magnification can
be doubled (fig. 1). Sitting in your location with adequate illumination chosen from
the color filter wheel, the following basic rules should be observed. Start with a
simple observation at the lowest magnification. Position the object or specimen in
the middle of the stage under the stage clips, centered over the lower light. Focus
the image by rotating the focus knob until a clear image appears in the eyepiece.
Place the prepared slide directly under the objective on the microscope stage and
secure it with the stage clips. The prepared slide should be located directly over
the lower illumination. Look through the eyepiece and carefully turn the focus knob
until the image appears clear and sharp. Now you can select a higher magnification
by rotating to the 10x/100x objective turret. Higher levels of magnification can be
achieved by turning the objective turret to a higher setting (400x). Following this
procedure creates a steady increase of magnification without overpowering the
view of the object. The following magnification order should be used: 40x, 100x
then 400x. Each time the magnification changes (due to the objective change),
the image sharpness must be readjusted with the focus knob. When doing this, be
careful because if you move the microscope stage too quickly, the objective and
the slide could come into contact and cause damage to the slide or microscope.
For transparent objects (e.g. sea salt), light is projected by the lower light traveling
from below the stage, through the objective and eyepiece, and finally into your eye.
This process of light transmission is known as microscopy. Many micro-organisms
found in water, plant components and the smallest animal parts are transparent
in nature. Opaque specimens, on the other hand, will need to be prepared for
viewing. Opaque specimens can be made transparent by a process of treatment
and penetration with the correct materials (media), or by slicing. You can read more
about creating specimens in the enclosed microscope experiments booklet.
Did You Know?
The highest magnification
is not always the best for
every specimen!
USB Eyepiece
1. Slide a specimen under your microscope and focus on it.
2. Remove the eyepiece and Barlow lens from the eyepiece support
and the dust cap from your MicrOcular and install same in the eyepiece
supports instead of the Barlow lens.
3. Start your PC if you haven‘t yet and connect your USB Eyepiece
to the USB port of your computer.
Showing and saving MicrOcular images on your PC
1. Start the Photomizer Software.
2. Click “Open camera”
3. In the event that you have connected more than one unit, you can
choose the desired unit in the subsequent selection. Click on “USB 2.0
Webcam”. If only one device is connected, this step is omitted.
4. The camera image should now be visible on your screen. Focus the
microscope image.
5. Click “Capture” to record an image. It will then be shown on the right.
6. Click on it to select it and then click “Transfer image”.
7. This takes you to the Photomizer software.
8. File - Save as
System requirements for PC eyepiece
Minimum system requirements: PC with an Intel Pentium IV processor or higher; Windows XP
with Service Pack 3*, Windows Vista (32/64Bit) with Service Pack 2* or Windows 7 (32/64Bit)
with Service Pack 1*; .NET Framework 4.0*; min. 1024 MB RAM (64Bit = 2048 MB); min. 500
MB free hard drive space; free USB port; CD/DVD/BD drive.
Troubleshooting Guide:
Problem Solution
No
recognizable
image
Turn on light,
Readjust focus,
Start with the lowest
power objective (5x)
No
image
Centre object on
slide under
lowest power
objective
No light
Replace batteries,
Check on/off position
Magnification Guide:
Eyepiece Objective Power Barlow
10x 4x 40x 64x
10x 10x 100x 160x
10x 40x 400x 640x
1) 2) 3)
Eyepiece Objective Power Barlow
16x 4x 64x 102x
16x 10x 160x 256x
16x 40x 640x 1024x
SAFETY WARNINGS
• THIS MICROSCOPE SET IS
INTENDED FOR CHILDREN
OLDER THAN AGE 7 .
CHILDREN SHOULD ONLY
USE THIS DEVICE UNDER
ADULT SUPERVISION.
NEVER LEAVE A CHILD
UNSUPERVISED WITH THIS
DEVICE. ACCESSORIES IN
THE EXPERIMENT KIT MAY
HAVE SHARP EDGES AND
TIPS. PLEASE STORE THE
DEVICE AND ALL OF ITS
ACCESSORIES AND AIDS
OUT OF THE REACH OF
YOUNG CHILDREN WHEN
NOT BEING USED DUE
TO A RISK OF INJURY.
• CHEMICALS: ANY
CHEMICALS AND LIQUIDS
USED IN CONJUNCTION
WITH THE DEVICE SHOULD
BE KEPT OUT OF REACH OF
CHILDREN. DO NOT DRINK
ANY OF THE CHEMICALS
CONTAINED IN THIS SET.
HANDS SHOULD BE WASHED
THOROUGHLY UNDER
RUNNING WATER AFTER
WORKING WITH THESE
CHEMICALS. IN CASE OF
ACCIDENTAL CONTACT
WITH EYES OR MOUTH,
RINSE THE AFFECTED
AREA WITH WATER. SEEK
MEDICAL TREATMENT
FOR AILMENTS ARISING
FROM CONTACT WITH THE
CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE,
AND TAKE THE CHEMICALS
WITH YOU TO THE DOCTOR.
• CHOKING HAZARD:
CHILDREN SHOULD ONLY
USE DEVICE UNDER ADULT
SUPERVISION. KEEP
PACKAGING MATERIALS
LIKE PLASTIC BAGS AND
RUBBER BANDS OUT OF
THE REACH OF CHILDREN
AS THESE MATERIALS POSE
A CHOKING HAZARD.
• BATTERY GUIDELINES:
THIS DEVICE CONTAINS
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
THAT ARE POWERED BY
BATTERIES. BATTERIES
SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF
CHILDREN’S REACH. WHEN
INSERTING BATTERIES,
PLEASE ENSURE THE
POLARITY IS CORRECT.
INSERT THE BATTERIES
ACCORDING TO THE
DISPLAYED +/- INFORMATION.
NEVER MIX OLD AND NEW
BATTERIES. REPLACE ALL
BATTERIES AT THE SAME
TIME. NEVER MIX ALKALINE,
STANDARD CARBON-ZINC
AND RECHARGEABLE
NICKEL-CADMIUM
BATTERIES. NEVER SHORT
CIRCUIT THE DEVICE OR
BATTERIES OR THROW
EITHER INTO A FIRE. LEAKING
OR DAMAGED BATTERIES
CAN CAUSE INJURY IF THEY
COME INTO CONTACT WITH
THE SKIN. IF YOU NEED TO
HANDLE SUCH BATTERIES,
PLEASE WEAR SUITABLE
SAFETY GLOVES. REMOVE
BATTERIES FROM THE
PRODUCT BEFORE EXTENDED
STORAGE TO PREVENT
LEAKING. DO NOT IMMERSE
THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
IN WATER. PLEASE RECYCLE
BATTERIES RESPONSIBLY.
• RISK OF FIRE: DO
NOT PLACE DEVICE,
PARTICULARLY THE LENSES,
IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. THE
CONCENTRATION OF LIGHT
RAYS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
• DO NOT DISASSEMBLE
THIS DEVICE. IN THE EVENT
OF A DEFECT, PLEASE
CONTACT YOUR DEALER.
THE DEALER WILL CONTACT
THE CUSTOMER SERVICE
DEPARTMENT AND CAN
SEND THE DEVICE IN TO BE
REPAIRED IF NECESSARY.
• DO NOT SUBJECT THE
DEVICE TO TEMPERATURES
EXCEEDING 60 °C (140 °F).
• DISPOSAL: KEEP
PACKAGING MATERIALS,
LIKE PLASTIC BAGS AND
RUBBER BANDS, AWAY
FROM CHILDREN AS
THEY A POSE A RISK OF
SUFFOCATION. DISPOSE
OF PACKAGING MATERIALS
AS LEGALLY REQUIRED.
CONSULT THE LOCAL
AUTHORITY ON THE
MATTER IF NECESSARY
AND RECYCLE MATERIALS
WHEN POSSIBLE.
READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, SAFETY RULES, AND FIRST AID INFORMATION.
Fig. 1

Summary

Using the Microscope

Install Batteries

Instructions for installing batteries correctly into the microscope's compartment.

Operating the Illumination

Guide on how to turn on and use the microscope's built-in light source.

Adjusting the Microscope Correctly

Steps for proper positioning and initial focus adjustments for observation.

Observing the Specimen

Procedure for viewing specimens, including focusing and magnification changes.

Troubleshooting Microscope Issues

No Recognizable Image

Solutions for when a clear image is not visible, involving focus and object centering.

No Image Appears

Steps to take when the microscope shows no image at all.

No Light Output

Troubleshooting steps for when the microscope's light source does not turn on.

USB Eyepiece Functionality

Capturing Images with PC

Instructions for connecting and using the USB eyepiece to capture images on a computer.

PC Eyepiece System Requirements

General Safety Warnings

Comprehensive Safety Precautions

Covers child supervision, handling sharp parts, chemicals, choking hazards, and battery safety.

Microscope Parts Identification

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document describes a 40-1024X Microscope, an instructional manual for a device designed to magnify small objects for observation. The manual includes details on its parts, how to use it, and how to maintain it, along with safety warnings.

Function Description

The microscope's primary function is to magnify small objects, allowing users to observe details not visible to the naked eye. It achieves this through a system of lenses, including eyepieces and objective lenses, which work together to provide various levels of magnification. The device is equipped with illumination to ensure clear viewing of specimens. It also includes a USB eyepiece, enabling users to connect the microscope to a computer for digital viewing and image capture. The kit comes with prepared slides and blank slides, allowing users to observe pre-mounted specimens or prepare their own. Accessories like tweezers, a pipette, and a slicer are provided for specimen handling and preparation. Additionally, the kit includes materials for a hatchery, suggesting the possibility of observing live specimens like brine shrimp.

Usage Features

The microscope is designed for ease of use, with several features facilitating observation.

Illumination: The device includes an illumination system with an On/Off switch and a mirror. The mirror is used to direct ambient light onto the specimen, while the built-in light source provides direct illumination, especially useful in low-light conditions or for opaque specimens. The manual provides guidance on how to adjust illumination for optimal viewing, suggesting that for translucent specimens, the mirror should be used, and for opaque specimens, the built-in light source is preferred.

Magnification Adjustment: Magnification is controlled by rotating the objective turret to select different objective lenses (40x, 100x, 400x) and by interchanging the eyepieces (WF 10x, WF 16x). A Barlow lens is also included, which further increases the overall magnification. The manual explains how to calculate total magnification by multiplying the eyepiece magnification by the objective lens magnification. It also advises on the appropriate use of different magnification levels, suggesting starting with lower magnifications for a wider field of view and then moving to higher magnifications for detailed observation.

Focusing: The microscope features a focus knob that allows users to adjust the distance between the objective lens and the specimen, bringing the image into sharp focus. The manual recommends starting with the lowest magnification and using the focus knob to bring the specimen into view before switching to higher magnifications. It also provides troubleshooting tips for focusing issues, such as ensuring the specimen is correctly placed and the illumination is adequate.

Specimen Preparation: The kit includes blank slides, a slicer, tweezers, and a pipette, enabling users to prepare their own specimens. The slicer can be used to create thin sections of objects, which are then placed on slides. The pipette is useful for transferring liquid specimens, and tweezers help in handling small objects. The manual provides basic instructions on how to prepare specimens for observation, emphasizing the importance of thin, translucent samples for best results.

Digital Observation (USB Eyepiece): The USB eyepiece allows the microscope to be connected to a computer, transforming it into a digital microscope. The manual provides instructions for installing the necessary software (Photomizer software) and using the USB eyepiece to view, capture, and edit images and videos of specimens. This feature enhances the educational value of the microscope, allowing users to document their observations and share them.

Hatchery: The inclusion of materials for a hatchery (yeast, gum media, sea salt, brine shrimp eggs) suggests a feature for observing live organisms. Users can cultivate brine shrimp and then observe their development under the microscope, providing a dynamic and engaging learning experience.

Maintenance Features

The manual provides instructions for the care and maintenance of the microscope to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential. The manual advises on how to clean the lenses and other parts of the microscope, recommending the use of a soft, lint-free cloth and specialized lens cleaning solutions to avoid scratching the delicate optical surfaces. It also warns against using harsh chemicals that could damage the microscope's finish or optical components.

Storage: Proper storage is crucial to protect the microscope from dust, moisture, and physical damage. The manual suggests storing the microscope in a clean, dry place, preferably in its original packaging or a protective case when not in use. It also recommends covering the microscope with a dust cover to prevent dust accumulation on the lenses and mechanical parts.

Battery Replacement: The microscope operates on batteries, and the manual includes instructions for battery installation and replacement. It provides warnings about mixing old and new batteries or different types of batteries (alkaline, carbon-zinc, rechargeable), emphasizing the importance of using the correct battery type and disposing of used batteries responsibly.

Troubleshooting: The manual includes a troubleshooting guide to help users resolve common issues they might encounter, such as problems with illumination, focusing, or image clarity. This section provides practical solutions to ensure a smooth user experience.

Safety Warnings: The manual prominently features safety warnings, including choking hazards for small parts, functional sharp points, and warnings about lead content in the lenses. It emphasizes that the device is not suitable for children under a certain age and advises washing hands after touching the lenses. These warnings are crucial for ensuring safe operation and handling of the microscope.

National Geographic 40-1024X Specifications

General

Magnification	40x-1024x
Illumination	LED
Objective Lenses	4x, 10x, 40x
Type	Biological Microscope
Head	Monocular
Focus Type	Coarse and Fine Focus
Lighting	LED
Power Source	Battery
Eyepiece	WF10x