Search found 91 matches
- Wed Oct 18, 2017 8:10 pm
- Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
- Topic: Unsuccessful diatom collection kayak trip
- Replies: 25
- Views: 11507
Re: Unsuccessful diatom collection kayak trip
Dragging up an old thread. Did you figure out something useful for making permanent sand slides? I'd love to have permanent slides for my sand collection. I kinda hate to say it, but I'm so of a mind that neither of those would work I won't even bother to try. I have extensive experience with both (...
- Wed Oct 18, 2017 5:24 pm
- Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
- Topic: Olivine from Hawaii
- Replies: 31
- Views: 16689
Re: Olivine from Hawaii
Another picture, this one with a white background (white paper right under the stage).
- Wed Oct 18, 2017 5:18 pm
- Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
- Topic: Olivine from Hawaii
- Replies: 31
- Views: 16689
Re: Olivine from Hawaii
I received my sand today! Quite a bit more interesting than my local sand, with quite a bit larger grains. Taken with a point-and-shoot camera and my biological microscope at 40x magnification. Side lighting (Ikea lamp).
- Wed Oct 04, 2017 6:42 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
Kurt, I'm thinking that I might undertake this repair. How did you remove the original mirror? There appears to be quite the bed of adhesive holding it in place. What adhesive did you use to attach the new mirror? Thanks, Michael The 45 degree mirror in the base, that bounces the illuminator's light...
- Tue Sep 26, 2017 11:45 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Unable to get focus on field diaphragm by moving condenser
- Replies: 7
- Views: 5690
Re: Unable to get focus on field diaphragm by moving condenser
That is almost certainly the issue and makes perfect sense. I had actually salvaged the 1084 from an AO 10 that I bought for the accessories it came with. I put the condenser back on the 10 and had no issues focusing it. In my naivety I pictured myself switching parts back and forth between the 10 a...
- Mon Sep 25, 2017 2:08 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Unable to get focus on field diaphragm by moving condenser
- Replies: 7
- Views: 5690
Unable to get focus on field diaphragm by moving condenser
The subject pretty much sums it up. I'm still learning my way around my AO 20 microscope. I recently picked up a 1084 condenser and switched out my 1248 single-annulus phase condenser (with 1242 top lens). With the 1248 I had no problem getting the edge of the field diaphragm into focus by raising/l...
- Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:26 am
- Forum: Specimens, samples and slides
- Topic: Olivine from Hawaii
- Replies: 31
- Views: 16689
Re: Olivine from Hawaii
I am just starting out but collecting sand is definitely on my short list! The sand here in Florida seems rather generic compared to the sands in Hawaii! I'll get a SASE on it's way to you if you don't mind.
Thanks,
Michael
Thanks,
Michael
- Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:55 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
Never Mind: User error.... It's becoming clear that my microscope is quite 'dirty'. Lots of artifacts in the image. Despite my having cleaned the eyepieces to the limit of my ability, there are quite a few "dark line segments" visible in the image which rotate with the eyepieces. I don't see any scr...
- Wed Sep 13, 2017 1:25 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
I have the 1248 single annulus phase condenser with a 1248 top lens.apochronaut wrote:Which condenser are you using on the 20?
- Tue Sep 12, 2017 6:25 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
Things are settling down now that Irma has passed. I have been using the scope, getting used to it. And of course that leads to more questions: 1) the manual indicates that once the upper limit of the condenser is found, the limit screw should be adjusted to stop further vertical motion. The manual ...
- Wed Sep 06, 2017 6:44 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
That little short tube could be built on, to get to an adapter for a digital camera. You need a # 1054 eyepiece in the tube, with any reticle installed removed. A lot of other lenses I have tried, have peripheral aberrations; mostly some coma or lateral c a. Enough to be annoying. I have not been a...
- Wed Sep 06, 2017 4:49 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
I ended up just carefully rinsing that mirror. It does have quite a few spots of what appears to be oxidation but it seems sufficiently reflective for now. I finished breaking down, cleaning, and re-lubricating the "under carriage" and finally got "first light" last night! Now I need to figure out h...
- Sun Sep 03, 2017 6:25 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
The 45 degree mirror in the base, that bounces the illuminator's light path 90 degrees, may be a first-surface mirror that may be losing its coating; at least this is often the case in Series 10 illuminators such as 1031 and 1036/1036A. I found it a simple matter to obtain new 1st surface mirror on...
- Sun Sep 03, 2017 3:23 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
A few weeks ago I found a dustcap for the trinocular head on Ebay. That same seller, providencecoins, has a listing for a 1245 Aperture Viewing Unit. In a moment of weakness I decided to buy both...only to discover that he has blocked me from buying from him! I had previously asked a question about ...
- Fri Sep 01, 2017 8:53 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
The 45 degree mirror in the base, that bounces the illuminator's light path 90 degrees, may be a first-surface mirror that may be losing its coating; at least this is often the case in Series 10 illuminators such as 1031 and 1036/1036A. I found it a simple matter to obtain new 1st surface mirror on...
- Fri Sep 01, 2017 2:04 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
I didn't set out to narrate every step of the process and I apologize for rambling on. I used a fine scroll saw blade and swirled it around in the sockets and that did the trick. So we have illuminatin! and I discovered how dirty the mirror is under the filter wheels. Tomorrow I'm going to pick up s...
- Fri Sep 01, 2017 12:39 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
There is definitely voltage to the lamp holder. There is voltage to the individual "blocks" as well. I get a voltage across the legs of the "scissors". However, if I install the lamp deeply enough to clamp it in but leaving room for the voltmeter leads, no voltage. I am fairly certain at this point ...
- Thu Aug 31, 2017 11:28 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
In the end a little heat from a heat gun loosened things up well enough to get it apart. I cleaned up the wire connectors and screws and rebuilt the scissor socket but still not getting power flowing to the bulb. I need to figure out something small enough to get down inside of the socket to clean o...
- Thu Aug 31, 2017 3:26 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
It does have the tweezer type of socket. It all looks to be in great shape and I think the issue is almost certainly just oxidation preventing a good contact. I have the screws & washers soaking in a mild acid and plan on cleaning the contacts in the socket next. The bulb seems fine but I didn't tes...
- Thu Aug 31, 2017 2:18 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
As always a thoroughly useful and informative reply apochronaut. You should write a book, seriously. I don't know how many AO enthusiasts there are, but I would buy it! I will keep the opaque disk handy in case I should need some "oblique illumination" down the road. And I'll put those knurled screw...
- Thu Aug 31, 2017 12:19 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
The AO 20 has arrived! And of course with it come the questions. The microscope came with all 8 filters and I cleaned those up and put them in place. However, in the bag that held the filters there was one mystery disk. It is the same diameter as the filters but appears opaque (a very bright LED fla...
- Tue Aug 29, 2017 8:25 pm
- Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
- Topic: Wanted: AO Series 10 Phase
- Replies: 20
- Views: 8561
Re: Wanted: AO Series 10 Phase
Mike, . . . On edit: oops missed Charles' post above as I had this page open for the morning. Cancel the offer. Looks like you're already good. didn't see your original post, Pete but if you have one, you might offer it to MichaelBrock. I think he may be looking. I am indeed also looking for one! H...
- Tue Aug 29, 2017 12:09 pm
- Forum: For forum members who want to buy and sell equipment
- Topic: Wanted: AO Series 10 Phase
- Replies: 20
- Views: 8561
Re: Wanted: AO Series 10 Phase
Ebay US does have a few 40x phase objectives listed but no current listings for the 1240 condenser. And I found only one listing for the past year (and that one was missing parts). I have read here that they are relatively easy to come by but I guess that's changed.
- Mon Aug 28, 2017 7:07 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
Thanks for the reply Charles, that helped. So the adapter on the scope I bought is specific to the AO camera shutter Not of much use to me! I just happen to have one of those phototubes, that I don't want. I would have to dig through many boxes of unpacked lab equipment, so I'll wait for your assess...
- Sat Aug 26, 2017 2:01 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope
I ended up winning that AO 20 mentioned above I'm psyched! I have read through the manuals a few times already but there is only so much you can glean without seeing the actual microscope. The microscope is a trinocular and appears to have some sort of adapter in it. I see that there are official AO...
- Thu Aug 24, 2017 1:28 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Found a Tardi bear
- Replies: 20
- Views: 9456
Re: Found a Tardi bear
Nice! Finding a tardigrade is one of my microscopy goals as well!
- Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:35 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope with
apochronaut, thank you for a very informative post! I think I'm starting to get a better feel for the various AO models & options. I'm going to keep my eye on that model 20.
- Wed Aug 23, 2017 1:58 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope with
Thank you very much for all of the replies! I have I participate in quite a few "hobby" related forums and this is near the top in quality and quantity. It sounds like each of the 10/20, 110/120, and 410/420 scopes have their issues and advantages. Every response I read I seemed to have switched all...
- Wed Aug 23, 2017 12:49 am
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope with
I will have another look at the classifieds. When I last did I had no idea what I was looking at :D The problem with ebay is that it seems most sellers have no idea what they have and list any old model number they can find on the microscope (like for an objective). I need to learn to recognize the ...
- Tue Aug 22, 2017 5:37 pm
- Forum: Beginner's corner
- Topic: Which AO microscope
- Replies: 51
- Views: 25353
Re: Which AO microscope with
Thanks for the reply and the welcome! I'll keep an eye out for 110/120s.
I just realized that I really botched the thread title. I can't even imagine what I might have intended it to be!
Michael
I just realized that I really botched the thread title. I can't even imagine what I might have intended it to be!
Michael