How to Troubleshoot a Microscope
Looking through a microscope can be fun, educational and exciting. But it's not enjoyable if you can't see your image clearly or see spots or shadows on your image. You can solve most microscope problems by adjusting the objective lenses or cleaning the microscope.
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Instructions
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If your image is too dark, make sure the light is on. If illumination doesn't solve the problem, move the diaphragm up or down until the image is light enough to see.
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If there are spots in your viewing field, clean the lenses with lens cleaner. Clean both the objective and ocular lenses. Remove the ocular lens and clean its inside.
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If your image is out of focus, turn the microscope to the objective scanning setting. Turn the "Coarse Focus" knob to make the image sharper. Move the slide back and forth until the image comes into view. Turn the microscope to the lowest power setting and repeat this procedure. Then turn the microscope to the highest power setting and use the "Fine Adjustment" knob to focus.
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If a line is in your viewing field, twist the eyepiece until it disappears.
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If only half your viewing field is lit, twist your objective lenses until they click into place.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use the high power setting with thick slides or slides that do not have covers.
References
- Photo Credit microscope image by Goran Bogicevic from Fotolia.com
