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Zeiss Universal Focusing Block
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2020 11:00 pm
by JGardner
Hi Zeiss experts!
Are focusing blocks with all-metal focusing knobs compatible with Universals with Plastic focusing knobs? Can I do a one-for-one swap?
My Universal (with plastic knobs) has very stiff focusing, and I've found a focusing block that's much smoother and need to know if they're interchangeable.
Re: Zeiss Universal Focusing Block
Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2020 11:37 pm
by wstenberg
Well, I have taken an old, black, metal-knobbed focusing block and put it on a later model Universal with no problem.
I looked through all my microscopes, but they all have metal knobs now.
Should be 100% interchangeable. Go for it!
Re: Zeiss Universal Focusing Block
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2020 5:58 am
by 75RR
.
Agree, straight swop. Just the knobs are different - same focus block.
Part 1 - Installing the fine focus shaft clutch plate
1.) The ASI fine focus shaft clutch plate takes the place of the original left fine focus knob. The clutch plate, like the original fine focus knob (ffk) allows the tension of the fine focus assembly to be adjusted. The clutch plate also provides a secure means of extending the fine focus shaft so that the ASI drive can be attached.
2.) There are two versions of the Zeiss Universal microscope. One version like the one shown in the photos in this installation document has black plastic focus knobs. The fine focus shaft for this version has a 5 x 0.5mm thread. The other version of the Zeiss Universal has silver focus knobs. The fine focus shaft for this version has a 10 x 0.5mm thread. If the version of your microscope was not known at the time of the order two brass clutch plate assemblies have been shipped. Please return the unused brass clutch plate assembly to ASI.
http://asiimaging.com/docs/zeiss_universal_zdrive
Re: Zeiss Universal Focusing Block
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2020 2:30 pm
by wstenberg
75RR,
Not to change the subject, but do you have the ASI motor Z-axis controller for the universal? Seems like it should also fit the Standard WL.
I like ASI products, especially their light sheet microscopes. The Z-drive would be handy. We have motor drive on all our microscopes at work; it would be nice to have it at home.
I wonder what it would cost???
Re: Zeiss Universal Focusing Block
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2020 3:01 pm
by 75RR
wstenberg wrote: ↑Wed Mar 25, 2020 2:30 pm
75RR,
Not to change the subject, but do you have the ASI motor Z-axis controller for the universal? Seems like it should also fit the Standard WL.
I like ASI products, especially their light sheet microscopes. The Z-drive would be handy. We have motor drive on all our microscopes at work; it would be nice to have it at home.
I wonder what it would cost???
No, I don't have one. Don't think it would suit me.
Found this link while looking for info on WL/Universal focus blocks a while back.
I am sure it would work equally well on both the WL and the Photomicroscope, though the instructions don't mention them.
There are however instructions for the Standard 16
Might be me, but I can't locate the Z-drive on their website:
http://www.asiimaging.com/products/
Re: Zeiss Universal Focusing Block
Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2020 4:00 pm
by wstenberg
Thanks 75RR,
The motorized Z-axis is good for computerized scans that are going to last many hours.
I wrote to ASI for a price quote. Probably out of my range.
I do have motorized focus on my Axiomat at home, and I like it. It's an old-fashioned DC motor, not a stepper motor. It can't be preprogrammed to go to a certain Z-step. It requires a bit of care during use so that it doesn't destroy the objectives by crashing them into the slide.