• Microscopes America specializes in the professional onsite servicing, and refurbishing of microscopes and balances. We cater to specific segments in the educational markets: public schools, private schools, colleges, and universities. We also specialize in servicing laboratory, clinical, and research microscopes for hospitals and government institutions
• All of our microscope specialists have been in the microscopy field for over 25 years. Microscope servicing and repair is a craft and should only be performed by those whom have mastered the skills necessary to competently return your microscopes to factory presets, OEM standards and specifications
• Never disassemble the microscope as doing so may cause electric shock or damage to the microscope. Unless you've been trained in the service and repair, we don't recommend taking them apart
• Allow the halogen bulbs to cool before removing. Never touch the halogen envelop - glass. The natural oils from your hands will dramatically shorten the life of thehalogen bulb. Halogen bulbs become extremely hot and may cause burns if touched
• To avoid electric shock or damage to the instrument, unplug the microscope prior to replacing the bulb
• Use only the prescribed halogen or fluorescent light bulbs. Do not go too high with the wattage
• Turn off and unplug the microscope before moving. Do not forget to unplug the microscope
• If the microscope has exposed wires either in the line cord or the electrical plug - do not use the microscope as it could easily shock one of your students
• A loose power switch can also cause electrical shock and should be taken out of circulation if it is loose
Carrying the Microscope
• Always lift the microscope with two hands: one hand on the arm, the other hand supporting the base
Storage
• A microscopes best friend: Other than the microscope technician, is the microscope cover. Always cover the microscope with the supplied dust cover when not in use. We cannot stress enough the importance of covering the glass (lenses) of the microscope. Most educational environments do not have the best filtering technologies and covering them protects them from dust in the laboratory. Also cover the micrsocope if they are stored in a cabinet. There is ample dust in cabinets also.
• Try to store in a dry place with the cover
• In humid or moist environments, it is advisable to store the microscope in a waterproof container with a drying agent
• Do not touch the optical lens with bare fingersand then leave the microscope for an extended storage period • Do not store the microscope in direct sunlight. Sunlight can influence the quality of the specimen imaging
Microscope Troubleshooting
Are you having trouble with your microscope? Below is a list of common questions Microscopes America receives when it comes to microscope maintenance and troubleshooting. If your question is not listed here, please call us at 1-800-790-8115 and a microscopetechnician will gladly assist you.
1) My microscope will not turn on or illuminate.
• First, check to see if your microscope is plugged in. Ensure your lab station has power. Also, ensure your aperture diaphragm is not closed. If light is not coming through your condenser open the iris or disk diaphragm.
• Check to see if the bulbs are installed correctly: You may have to install or reinstall the microscope bulb. Not all microscopes are shipped with the bulbs already installed. If the bulbs are installed, check to ensure they are not loose, which occationally occurs during shipment.
• Have you examined all power adjustments? Most microscopes have rocker switches located on the back, sides or the top of the base. Have you checked to ensure the switch is turned on.
Ensure once the microscope is turned on, and you have power, the dimmer (rheostat) is turned up. The dimmer may be turned all the way down. Therefore, no light.
• Is the fuse in good condition? Some microscopes (with cords) have fuses that can be accessed from the outside (and sometimes inside) of the microscope. Depending on the your microscope model, you will either find the fuse on the bottom or back of the microscope. If the glass case of the fuse appears discolored or burned, or you can see broken pieces of the fuse element, this means the fuse is not working (the fuse is open). Replacing the fuse will solve your illumination issue. If your microscope blows the new fuse quickly, please contact one of our microscope technicians for a quick repair.
FINALLY: If your microscope is turned on. Your microscope has power. Your microscope's diaphragm is open. Your fuse is fine (closed). Then, most likely, you either have an electrical short in the wiring or you may even have a blown transformer (transformers do not blow often and it is rare but it does occur).
