2.
For slightly higher power, you can rotate the knurled ring on the zoom eyepiece (see Figure 5 at the right) clockwise to obtain powers of 40x to 80x
(or anywhere in between) as you continue rotating to the 20x eyepiece position. Note that you will have to refocus whenever you rotate the eyepiece to obtain a
sharp focus.
3.
For much higher powers, you will have to rotate the nosepiece (3) to change the objective lens to the 15x one (provides total power of 150x to 300x depending
on what position you have the zoom eyepiece in or the 30x one provides total power of 300x to 600x). You rotate the nosepiece by holding the microscope
above the nosepiece with one hand and rotate the nosepiece with the other hand until it clicks at the position. Be cautious not to let the objective lens touch the
specimen slide or object when changing to higher powers – you should turn the focus knob first to lower the stage to a low position.
Note the power range of the objective lens you are using is shown on the nosepiece after it clicks into position.
4.
At the highest powers, your views will be greatly magnified but somewhat darker. The most enjoyable views can be at the lower powers which have a wider
field of view and brighter illumination.
Illumination
To get the sharpest and best views, the illumination (lighting) will have to be adjusted.
1.
The top illuminator (11) is used only for solid objects (not specimen slides) so that light shines down onto the object. Push the button on the top of the pen
light illuminator to turn it on/off. You can change the brightness by moving the illuminator up/down or by rotating it left or right. After some usage, you
can determine the best way of adjusting the light to provide the most pleasant views.
2.
The bottom illuminator (6) is used for specimen slides which shine up through the hole in the stage through the slide. You can see a close up of the
illuminator in Figure 6a below. The illuminator is turned on by rotating the illuminator so the light goes up through the hole. You turn off the illuminator by
rotating it down so that the mirror is on the upper part (the mirror is not useful with this microscope since you have the much better electric illuminator).
3.
The light from the bottom illuminator can be increased or decreased by rotating the illuminator with very slight movements. Like with the top illuminator,
you will have to experiment to provide the best lighting for the best views.
4.
The bottom illumination may be too bright with some specimen slides. Included with your microscope is a light diffuser which reduces the brightness and
glare somewhat and can make the views sharper with a higher contrast level. In Figure 6a the diffuser is the small black piece. The diffuser fits over the
bulb area by press fitting it on. Figure 6b shows what the illuminator looks like with the light diffuser in place. It will take experimenting to get this right.
Using the Digital Camera for Viewing and Imaging with your Microscope
Before using your microscope for viewing on your computer screen or imaging, you will have to ensure the driver is recognized by your computer. Your microscope is
a "Plug and Play" type where the computer should automatically recognize the driver type on Microsoft Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME/XP/Vista/Windows 7 Operating
Systems as well as Apple MAC version 10.4.9 and later Operating Systems.
Plug the USB cable of the microscope into the USB port of your computer. Each computer system will have slightly different messages. For example, on some Vista
OS when plugged in the message may say "Installing Device Driver Software" and shortly thereafter you may see a message "Your Devices Are Ready to Use".
Just follow any instructions shown on the screen.
You will need to install the VP EYE software (on Windows OS) to actually view and/or image and prior to doing this you will need to unplug the USB cable until the
installation is complete. You can also use other image/photo capture software that you may have on your Windows system if you desire. To use the microscope with
MAC operating systems you will need to have image/photo capture software on your computer (like a combination of "iChat" with "Photo Booth", etc.).
When viewing or imaging, you can change the orientation of the image on the computer screen by rotating the microscope to the position you desire.
Installing the VP EYE Software
Your microscope comes with VP EYE imaging software on the CD-ROM which allows you to use your microscope for visual purposes and for imaging with your
computer when using Microsoft Windows OS.
Before installing the software, remove the USB cable of the Digital Camera from your computer and do not connect it until the software installation is complete.
Insert the CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive and it should automatically begin. Messages will appear (each operating system may show something somewhat
different) to guide you through the installation process.
If the software did not begin automatically, double click on "(My) Computer" and right click the CD-ROM icon and it should start.
•
You will see "Files Currently on the CD" and notice "VP EYE" as a folder. Double click on it and then among the choices double click on "Setup"
(InstallShield Setup Launcher).
•
Then, the InstallShield Wizard will appear. Then select the default choices, "Next", etc. until "Finish" is seen and click on it.
Your software was properly installed. You will have a desktop icon called "VP EYE" but if not that will be the program you select from your installed programs when
you want to use the digital microscope.
Figure 6a
4
Figure 6b