Leica DM300 User Manual
Congratulations! Congratulations on purchasing the Leica DM300 Compound Microscope. This model’s exclusive design features and full range of accessories make it a truly versatile, high quality-instrument. Though the reliability and robustness of Leica microscopes is already practically proverbial, they still require a certain degree of care and attention. Therefore, we recommend that you read this User Manual. It contains all the information you need regarding operation, safety and maintenance.
Contents Important Notes Symbols Used in this User Manual Important Safety Notes Instructions for Use Health risks and dangers of use Information for the Person Responsible for the Instrument Accessories, Maintenance and Repair Electrical Data and Ambient Conditions Using the Leica DM300 Switching on the Microscope 24 Selecting an Objective 25 Preparing for Viewing 26 Focusing 27 Adjusting the Binocular Tubes 28 Adjusting the Eyecups 30 Oil Immersion Technique 31 5 6 8 10 11 12 13 Assembling
Important Notes Leica DM300 User Manual Important Notes 4
Symbols Used in this User Manual Warning! Safety hazard! This symbol indicates especially important information that is mandatory to read and observe. Failure to comply can cause the following: OO Hazards to personnel. OO Warning of hazardous electrical Voltage This symbol indicates information that must be read and observed. Failure to comply can cause the following: OO Hazards to personnel.
Important Safety Notes Before installing, operating or using the instrument, it is mandatory to read this User Manual. In particular, please follow all safety instructions. The instruments and accessories described in this User Manual have been tested for safety and potential hazards. Original Condition To maintain the unit in its original condition and to ensure safe operation, the user must follow the instructions and warnings contained in this User Manual.
Important Safety Notes (continued) Legal Regulations Adhere to general and local regulations relating to accident prevention and environmental protection. EC Declaration of Conformity Electrically operated accessories are constructed based on the state of the art of technology and are provided with an EC Declaration of Conformity. Leica DM300 User Manual Disconnecting from the Power Supply Always position the Leica DM300 so that you can disconnect it from the power supply at any time.
Instructions for Use This User Manual describes the Leica DM300 and includes important instructions related to operating safety, maintenance and accessories. Your Leica DM300 includes an interactive CD-ROM with all relevant User Manuals in additional languages. Keep it in a safe place, and readily accessible to the user. You can also download User Manuals and updates from our website at www.leica-microsystems.com.
Instructions for Use (continued) Accessories from third-party Suppliers You can combine individual system articles with articles from external suppliers. Please read the User Manual and the safety instructions from the supplier. Integration in third-party products When installing Leica products into third-party products, the manufacturer of the complete system or its dealer is responsible for following all applicable safety instructions, laws and guidelines.
Health Risks and Dangers of Use Health Risks Workplaces with microscopes facilitate and improve the viewing task, but they also impose high demands on the eyes and hand muscles of the user. Depending on the duration of uninterrupted work at such a workplace, impaired vision and problems with the musculoskeletal system may occur.
Information for the Person Responsible for the Instrument Information for the Person Responsible for the Instrument OO Ensure that the Leica DM300 is used only by persons qualified to do so. OO Ensure that this User Manual is always available at the place where the microscope is in use. OO Carry out regular inspections to make certain that the authorized users are adhering to safety requirements. OO When instructing new users, do so thoroughly and explain the meanings of the warning signs and messages.
Accessories, Maintenance and Repair Accessories Only the following accessories may be used with the Leica DM300: OO The Leica Microsystems accessories described in this User Manual. OO Other accessories, provided that these have been expressly approved for use by Leica Microsystems with regard to safety technology. Maintenance OO The Leica DM300 microscope is basically maintenance-free.
Electrical Data and Ambient Conditions Fuse Replacement Unplug the instrument before changing any fuses. The Leica DM300 has two fuses, which are located behind the power cord receptacle. Only use fuses of the following type: 5×20 mm, 1.
Assembling the Leica DM300 Leica DM300 User Manual Assembling the Leica DM300 14
Unpacking OO Carefully remove the microscope and any components from the packaging. OO Check the components against the planned configuration. OO Optional items such as contrast accessories, camera adapters, cameras, and carrying cases are not shipped as part of the standard equipment. These items are delivered in separate packages. OO Please do not discard any of the packing materials. They should be used for safely storing and transporting the instrument should the need arise.
Identifying your Tube Identifying your Tube There are three types of viewing tubes. Identify which viewing tube you have: Assembly Installation of the tube is described on page 17 using the binocular "EZTube." Other tubes, however, are installed exactly the same way. Type 1: Monocular "EZTube" Type 2: Binocular "EZTube" Orientation All tubes are connected via a dovetail and can be installed in any orientation.
Mounting the Binocular Tube Tools used OO Allen key Assembly 1. Loosen the setscrews at the left and right on the stand using the Allen key provided. 3. Turn the tube in the direction you desire. 4. Tighten the set screws on the left and right, without applying too much force. This User Manual shows the binocular tube. The installation of the monocular tube is shown on the next page. However, handling the microscope is the same for both.
Installing the Monocular Tube Tools used OO Allen key This User Manual shows the binocular tube from this point on. However, handling the microscope is the same for both. Possible deviations are mentioned on the respective page. Assembly 1. Loosen the setscrews (on top of the stand) using the Allen key provided. 3. Turn the tube in the direction you desire. 4. Tighten the set screws on the left and right, without applying too much force. 2. Insert the dovetail of the monocular tube into the mount.
Removing and Inserting Objectives The objectives are already installed on the Leica DM300 at delivery. The following description shows how to (un)install the objectives if they have to be removed for cleaning or replaced by other objectives. Your Leica DM300 is delivered with objectives with magnification levels 4×, 10× and 40×, possibly also with a 100× objective. Otherwise, this can be retrofitted at any time. Always turn the objective nosepiece by its knurled ring.
Removing and Inserting Objectives (continued) Inserting Objectives 1. Screw the 4× objective into any available space on the objective nosepiece. 2. Turn the objective nosepiece clockwise one unit. 3. Screw in the next-largest objective. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all objectives have been installed.
Installing the Mirror (optional) The mirror is available as an optional accessory. By means of this, the ambient light can be used for illuminating the sample if no power source is available for the built-in LED illuminator. Installing the Mirror 1. Position the microscope at a well-lit location, for example before a window. Removing the Mirror 1. Simply pull the mirror out of the holder. 2. Press the mirror onto the mount of the illuminator. The mirror is equipped with a flat and a concave surface.
Installing the Polarizer Kit (optional) The polarizer kit is not included in the delivery package, but available as an optional accessory. Assembly 1. If you have already installed the tube, remove it (see page 17). 2. Place the analyzer with the flat side facing down into the beam path. The two screws have to rest in the two existing holes. 4. Place the polarizer onto the aperture of the illuminator. The handle must come to rest in the aperture with the white arrow pointing upwards. 3. Install the tube.
Using the Leica DM300 Leica DM300 User Manual Using the Leica DM300 23
Switching on the Microscope For safety reasons, the power cable is grounded via the microscope base. Never use an adapter between the power cable and the power supply; that would render the grounding ineffective. Startup Procedure 1. Attach the power cable to the rear side of the microscope. 3. Switch on the microscope using the toggle switch on the rear side of the stand. 2. Set the illumination to the lowest setting using the controller on the bottom left of the stand.
Selecting an Objective Using the Condenser The condenser is furnished with an iris diaphragm, which has to be adjusted to match the effective numerical aperture of the individual objectives. Leica DM300 User Manual Selecting an Objective 1. Rotate the desired objective over the sample. 2. Rotate the condenser diaphragm below the specimen stage so that the displayed value matches the selected objective.
Preparing for Viewing Preparation 1. Open the specimen holder using the tension lever. Leica DM300 User Manual 2. Insert the specimen slide and slowly release the tension lever. 3. Using the X/Y control, position the specimen slide such that a part of the specimen is under the objective used.
Focusing Focusing 1. Use the knurled ring to rotate the objective nosepiece in such a way that the objective with the lowest magnification level is turned into the working position. Leica DM300 User Manual 2. Move the specimen stage upwards as far as it will go using the coarse adjustment knob. 3. Look into the eyepieces and adjust the illumination to a comfortable intensity. 4. Bring the specimen into focus using the fine adjustment knob.
Adjusting the Binocular Tubes 1. Adjust the tubes to your interpupillary distance. Fold or unfold the eyetubes to decrease or increase the distance between the eyepieces until you see one illuminated circle. The viewing tubes maintain a constant tube length for all interpupillary settings. This means that a change of interpupillary distance does not affect parfocality, magnification, or calibrations that depend on magnification.
Adjusting the Binocular Tubes (continued) If you are comfortable wearing your corrective lenses (contact lenses or eyeglasses) for microscope viewing, leave them on and your adjustments will be minimal. 5. Now, switch to an objective with a higher magnification level (no oil objective) and bring the specimen into focus while looking through the eyepieces with both eyes. 2. Bring the specimen into focus using 10× magnification and the fine adjustment knob while looking through only the right eyepiece.
Adjusting the Eyecups If you wear eyeglasses for microscope viewing, keep the rubber eyecups folded down. If you do not wear eyeglasses, you may find it useful to unfold the rubber eyecups in order to help block out ambient room light. Leica DM300 User Manual Potential Sources of Infection Direct contact with eyepieces is a potential transmission method for bacterial and viral infections of the eye. The risk can be minimized by the use of individual eyecups. Eyecups can be ordered separately.
Oil Immersion Technique Oil Immersion Technique 1. Search for the area on the specimen slide that you want to study. 3. Add a drop of immersion oil from Leica to the area of the specimen slide you are studying. 2. Move the specimen stage down to the lowest position using the coarse adjustment knob. 5. Slowly move the specimen stage upwards using the coarse adjustment knob until the oil drop on the slide comes into direct contact with the lens of the oil immersion objective. 4.
Oil Immersion Technique (continued) 7. Look through the microscope and slowly rotate the fine adjustment knob, so that the specimen stage moves upwards until the specimen is in focus. 8. If you are finished w orking w ith t he o il immersion objective, clean the front side of the objective, the specimen slide, and all other surfaces that have come into contact with the oil, following the instructions in the "Care of the Microscope" section on page 33.
Care of the Microscope Leica DM300 User Manual Care of the Microscope 33
Maintenance instructions General Notes OO Protect the microscope from moisture, fumes and acids and from alkaline, caustic and corrosive materials. Do not store chemicals in the vicinity. OO Protect the microscope from oil and grease. Never grease or oil mechanical parts or sliding surfaces. OO Follow the instructions of the disinfectant manufacturer. OO We recommend concluding a service contract with Leica Service.
General Maintenance General Always use both hands to carry the microscope. Leica DM300 User Manual OO Keep all optical components clean. Cleanliness is important for maintaining good optical performance. OO Optical surfaces should be cleaned using a lint-free cloth with a commercially available glass cleaner. OO When the microscope is not in use, it should always be put away with protection against dust.
General Maintenance (continued) OO The lower magnification objectives have fairly large front lenses and can be cleaned with a cloth or lens tissue wrapped around a finger and moistened with window cleaner. OO Cleaning 40× and 100× objectives requires more care. To attain the typical flatness for objectives with higher magnification, the objective has a small concave front lens with a very small radius and slight curvature.
Dimensions Leica DM300 User Manual Dimensions 37
Dimensions (all Dimensions in mm, DM100 and DM300 identical) OO side view with binocular tube Leica DM300 User Manual OO front view with binocular tube OO side view with binocular tube 180° rotated for storage Dimensions 38
Dimensions (all Dimensions in mm, DM100 and DM300 identical) OO side view with monocular tube Leica DM300 User Manual OO front view with monocular tube OO side view with monocular tube 180° rotated for storage Dimensions 39
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