Structure and Operation Methods of Video Microscopes
A video microscope is a distinctive magnifying device that differs from other optical instruments. While other optical instruments allow direct observation through the eyepiece with the naked eye, the video microscope works differently. It is sometimes loosely categorized as an electronic microscope. Professionals generally refer to it as a video microscope, the more formal term, whereas ordinary users often call it an electronic microscope.
First, let us introduce the structure of a video microscope. Its main components include the microscope body, a universal stand and a camera. It also comes with other accessories such as a microscope light source and connecting cables. The lens is the core part of the video microscope and usually accounts for a large portion of the cost. High-quality lenses used to be mostly imported. However, with the rapid development of domestic manufacturing, domestic lenses have gradually reached a comparable international standard. The universal stand supports the microscope lens, monitor and camera. It consists of a base iron plate, a stainless steel tube, one bracket for the monitor and another bracket for the microscope and camera. This forms the basic structure of a video microscope.
The operation of a video microscope can be divided into four main steps:
① Prepare the main components of the video microscope and assemble the universal stand. Note that the brackets for the lens and camera should be mounted at the lower position, and the bracket for the monitor on top for convenient observation.
② Mount the lens onto the universal stand and secure it inside the retaining ring. The lens is fragile, so handle it carefully during installation. Then attach the camera to the top of the lens by aligning and inserting it into the matching interface. This step is critical and requires great care.
③ After the stand and lens are installed, fix the monitor in place and connect all the required cables.
④ Once the above steps are finished, install the light source if the illumination is insufficient to provide adequate lighting for specimen inspection.
