# Presentation: 126920

## Module 9:Microscope Maintenance

##  Learning Objectives

- At the end of this module, you will be able to
- Store the microscope properly
- Clean the microscope including the eye pieces and objective lenses
- Replace the microscope bulb
- Troubleshoot the common problems associated with use of microscope

## Content Overview

- Microscope storage conditions
- Materials required for Microscope Maintenance
- Cleaning solutions and solvents required to clean optics, stage, and body
- Materials required for cleaning

## Microscope Storage

- Proper storage of the microscope will prevent or reduce problems!
- Optics and mechanisms of the microscope must be protected from:
- Dust and dirt
- Fungus
- Store the microscope
- Under a protective cover
- In a low humidity environment

## Cleaning Solutions and Solvents

- Soap solution for cleaning of body and stage
- Ether-Alcohol, Alcohol, or Lens Cleaner Solution for cleaning of lenses
- Refer to manufacturer’s guide for appropriate organic solvent

## Cleaning Solutions

| Cleaning Solutions | Frequent Use | Infrequent Use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Manufacturer's recommendation | Yes | Yes |
| Ethyl ether/alcohol (80/20) | Yes | Yes |
| Alcohol | No | Yes |
| Benzene / petrol | No | Yes |
| Xylol | No | No |

##  Cleaning Materials

- Lint-free cotton gauze pads
- Lint-free cotton swabs
- Lens paper
- Alternatives include:
-  Fine quality tissue paper
-  Muslin cloth
-  Silk

## Microscope Cleaning Process

- Cleaning the Eyepiece
- Cleaning the Objectives
- Cleaning the Microscope Stage
- Cleaning the Microscope Body
- Cleaning the Condenser

## Step 1: Cleaning the Eyepieces

- Blow to remove dust before wiping lens
- Clean the eyepieces with a cotton swab  moistened with lens cleaning solution
- Clean in a circular motion inside out

##  Step 2: Cleaning the Eyepiece

- Wipe the eyepieces dry with lens paper
- Repeat cleaning and drying if required

## Step 3:	Cleaning the Objectives

- Objectives are cleaned while attached to microscope
- Moisten the lens paper with the cleaning solution
- Wipe gently the objective in circular motion from inside out
- Wipe with dry tissue or lens cleaning paper
- Objectives should never be removed from the nosepiece.

## Step 4:   Cleaning the Microscope Stage

- Wipe the microscope stage using the  cleaning solution on a soft cloth
- Thoroughly dry the stage
- Repeat above steps, if required

## Step 5:   Cleaning the Microscope Body

- Unplug the microscope from power source
- Moisten the cotton pad with a mild cleaning agent
- Wipe the microscope body to remove dust, dirt, and oil
- Repeat steps1–3, if required

## Step 6: Cleaning the Condenser and Auxiliary Lens

- Unplug the microscope from power source
- Clean the condenser lens and auxiliary lens using lint-free cotton swabs moistened with lens cleaning solution
- Wipe with dry swabs

## Replacing the Microscope Bulb

- Unplug the microscope from power source
- Find location of bulb
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions to remove the bulb

## Replacing the Bulb (Cont.)

- Use tissue paper or an appropriate device to remove the bulb from the microscope
- Check the model number on the bulb to ensure the use of correct replacement bulb.
- Replace the bulb by holding it with lens paper or an appropriate device.
- Never touch the bulb with your fingers.

## Microscope Repair

- Never disassemble the microscope
- Optics: eyepieces and objectives
- Mechanics: stage and focus adjustments
- Repair of these items requires service engineer

## Demonstration:  Microscope Bulb Replacement

## Many common microscope problems can be prevented or repaired by routine cleaning, adjustment, and maintenance
Seek professional service for problems you cannot fix

- Seek professional service for problems you cannot fix

**Troubleshooting Problems**

## Problem: Eye Strain and Headaches

- Adjust interpupillary distance
- Adjust eyepiece diopter setting
- Use matched eyepieces

## Problem: Poor Image Quality

- Clean objective and lens
- Clean scope thoroughly
- Check oil, replace if any contamination or haze is visible
- Ensure the slide is thoroughly dry before applying oil

## Problem: Uneven Illumination

- Ensure nosepiece is rotated to position where it clicks into place
- Center condenser
- Adjust Kohler illumination
- Check to see bulb is correct model

**Notes:**
If the condenser is not properly centered you will have uneven illumination.  Check your scope for optimum illumination. If you have installed a bulb which “fits” but is not the correct size, you may not have the light properly placed for the light path of the scope.  Know what bulb your scope takes.  Keep an extra on hand. Also, fingerprints on the bulb (or even silvering of a tungsten bulb) can result in dark spots.  Never touch a light bulb with your fingers.  Oil from your skin will “cook” on the bulb causing darkened areas.

## Problem: Constant Refocusing

- Be sure slide is flat on stage
- Clean stage and underside of slide
- Be sure microscope is on flat and leveled surface

**Notes:**
The most common  problem is the slide is not seated flat on the stage.  Often this is because specimen has leaked from the slide and is causing the slide to stick when moved and it “pops” off the stage. If there is not a problem with the slide you may need to have the slide holder arm adjusted.  If you can press down on the slide and solve the problem, this is most likely the cause.  If this doesn’t work, you may need to have your scope recolumnized.

## Problem: Surging or Flickering Light

- Loose plug or connection
- Clean bulb contacts (Unplug from power source)
- Assure halogen pins are in full contact
- Bulb needs replacement
- Check to see if cord is damaged - Replace, if any wear and tear is visible
- If voltage supply is erratic, use a voltage stabilizer

**Notes:**
This is an electrical problem.
Check to see the bulb is fully in place and if it is a tungsten bulb that you have cleaned the contacts.  Also, many scopes flicker because the operator has leaned on the cord where it enters the base of the scope and damaged the wiring.  
If the wiring, rheostat or potentiometer switch are bad, this is a professional level repair.
Another reason for this problem could be power surges. 

##  Microscope Maintenance-1

**Daily Maintenance**
- Optimum illumination
- Cleanliness
- Light bulb
- Immersion oil
- Check cord
- Keep it covered

**Professional Service**
- Minimum of once a year if possible
- Problem you cannot fix

##  Microscope Maintenance-2

- Maintain a Log Book for
- Problems
- Routine maintenance
- Repairs
- Spares

## Summary

- What is another term for “eyepiece”?
- What are two reasons for problems with brightness of the viewing field?
- Define the purpose of a cabinet box.