Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
I finally prayed to the Polyvar MET gods for motivation to work on the MET today. Everything 'seems' to be in excellent working condition but I am missing a few things. Today I wired up an external Nikon variable power supply to power the internal lamp-house it worked. Even the old bulb fired right up that shipped with the MET. I was sort of excited since that's the last thing I needed to do. Well that excitement didn't last long. I looked through the scope and saw absolutely nothing (meaning no illumination). I was stumped, the scope works illumination wise BUT only when I shine a Ikea Jansjo LED Lamp into the hole in the back of the Polyvar. According to what I've read, the knob on the side of my MET is a mirror switch to change between transmitted and reflected light. My scope doesn't have the necessary internal components for transmitted light, only reflected. When I rotate the mirror flipping knob, nothing happens, no illumination. If on the other hand if I take a Ikea Jansjo LED lamp, stuck it in the hole in the back of the MET, insert the DIC accessory and a POL cube, I get a fine image of a wafer specimen (but it could be a little brighter but acceptable). However If I remove the Ikea Jansjo LED lamp from the hole and not disturb anything, then turn on the variable power supply to the max, I see nothing. Yes, the bulb is working.
So, it seems something is wrong. After further inspection is appears the mirror is missing therefore not directing the light for EPI ... nice. IF I'm able to access the mirror holder somewhat easily would it be possible to have a mirror cut to the proper size and thickness without braking the bank? I assume it would be a first surface mirror?
I "assume" my scope is like the diagram below with out the transmitted light internals. Below is a short video showing the mirror holder. I'm holding my smartphone up to the back of the MET looking through the hole (that's shown in the last image).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVfAg0A9CGs
-JW:
So, it seems something is wrong. After further inspection is appears the mirror is missing therefore not directing the light for EPI ... nice. IF I'm able to access the mirror holder somewhat easily would it be possible to have a mirror cut to the proper size and thickness without braking the bank? I assume it would be a first surface mirror?
I "assume" my scope is like the diagram below with out the transmitted light internals. Below is a short video showing the mirror holder. I'm holding my smartphone up to the back of the MET looking through the hole (that's shown in the last image).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVfAg0A9CGs
-JW:
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Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Or perhaps I can rig up a Nikon lamp-house and power supply along with a Optiphot collimating lens to the hole in back of the MET? I have the components.
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
I have a stage with the same encoders. If you get yours working, please let me know. I have an e-mail buried someplace describing the signals. Just haven't gotten to doing anything with it.
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
There are a bunch of first surface mirrors on e-bay $7 to $12, elliptical and square. Or you could buy this and glass cutter: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07Y5LYVCV
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
A long ago I inexpensively replaced the first surface mirror as described in the linked post, having received great support from knowledgeable forum members:
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5995&hilit=hacksaw
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5995&hilit=hacksaw
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Strange, I'm not getting notifications and I have the box checked. Anyway, the problem I'm having is figuring out HOW to get the knob off so I'm able to remove the mirror assembly. I did remove the set screw completely. There probably is a flat on shaft. I see not screw in the END of the shaft so it must be a super tight fit on the shaft. I haven't been able to find a small wheel puller on the Internet. Most don't supply enough information either so I have no clue the wheel pullers measurements so I can determine if it will fit on the knob. I don't think finding a first surface mirror or installing one will be an issue, even if I have to go to Edmund Optics. The knob seems to be the culprit at the moment.
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Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
if the picture at the end of this thread is your unit, the re email is suppose to be a lamp house for XBO or HBO. The optic are in he lamp house for carrying the RL light to the reflectors.
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Thanks. I wasn't aware that the hole in the rear was for a HBO or fluorescence. Just checked out the manual. I bet those accessories are as rare as hens teeth.
I had to make a knob puller to get the mirror flipping knob off (yes I removed the set screw), then I was able to remove the diverging mirror assembly. I thought the mirror was missing, or was broken by someone else. However once I removed diascopy to episcopy mirror assembly I noticed the mirror was laying in the bottom of the cavity undamaged. How lucky was that considering it survived shipping as well. Now I have my illumination working.
-JW:
I had to make a knob puller to get the mirror flipping knob off (yes I removed the set screw), then I was able to remove the diverging mirror assembly. I thought the mirror was missing, or was broken by someone else. However once I removed diascopy to episcopy mirror assembly I noticed the mirror was laying in the bottom of the cavity undamaged. How lucky was that considering it survived shipping as well. Now I have my illumination working.
-JW:
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Last edited by JWW on Thu May 28, 2020 6:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Nicely done!
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Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Great job! And the mirror looks pristine.
Re: Polyvar MET (mirror issue)
Cool. I learn a lot from the forum.
Thanks.
Thanks.