Microscopes for everyday use

Are you having trouble with your microscope? Below is a list of common questions we receive when it comes to microscope maintenance and troubleshooting. If your question is not listed here, please call us at (877) 409-3556 and a technician will gladly assist you.

1).  My microscope will not turn on.

• First, check to see if your microscope is plugged in.

• Secondly, 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 make sure they aren’t loose, which sometimes happens during shipment.

• Have you examined all power adjustments? Most microscopes have rocker switches located on the back, sides and the top to control whether the microscope receives power or not; also, most have dials that control the dimness or intensity of the light.

• Is the fuse in good condition? All microscopes (with cords) have fuses that can be accessed from the outside 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. Replacing the fuse will fix this problem. If your microscope blows its replacement fuse quickly, please contact one of our microscope technicians for repair.

 2.)  I cannot see anything through my microscope.

• Make sure you have removed the protective coverings

• Have you installed the eyepieces? If not, install your eyepieces (Not sure how? See instructions below)

 3.)  I cannot install my eyepieces.

•  Have you removed the protective covers from the eye ports? If not, pull out protective covers.

• Are their retaining screws obstructing this installation? If so, retract with a small slotted screwdriver, such as an eyeglass screwdriver or penknife.  Be careful not to scratch the finish on the eyepiece tubes.

 4.)  I cannot view anything through the trinocular port on my microscope.

• Is a black protective cover obstructing your view? If so, remove the protective covering.

• Is there a silver pull or lever on the side or front of your microscope head?  If so, either slide the lever back and forth or pull and push the silver pull. This will transfer the image from the eye ports to the trinocular port.

• Are you attempting to look through the trinocular port without an eyepiece? The trinocular port does not contain an optic for viewing.  You may purchase an eyepiece ocular to facilitate this type of use if necessary. Typically the trinocular port is used for digital camera attachments that do not require an eyepiece ocular.