Upright microscope for routine and entry-level research (204 pages)
Summary of Contents for Zeiss Axio Examiner
Page 2
Any reference to a third-party product shall be deemed for information only, and shall constitute neither an approval nor a recommendation. Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH shall not assume any liability for the performance or use of any such products.
Warning and information signs at the equipment ............ 11 Warranty instructions ....................11 List of interfaces ......................12 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man........14 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot........16 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION ................18 Designation and designated use ................
Page 4
Replacing the stand top part replace and inserting an adapter for extending the specimen area ....................... 49 3.3.2 Inserting the adjusting aid into the Axio Examiner.A1 upper microscope part ....50 3.3.3 Installing an adapter for 45 mm objectives ..............50 3.3.4...
Page 5
Axio Examiner Table of contents / List of figures Carl Zeiss CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE ......82 Equipment care ......................82 Equipment maintenance ..................... 82 5.2.1 Checks to be performed ....................82 5.2.2 Replacing fuses ......................83 Trouble shooting ......................84 Spares, wearing parts and tools .................
Page 6
List of interfaces ......................13 Figure 1-3 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man..........15 Figure 1-4 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot..........17 Figure 3-1 Installing the microscope ....................26 Figure 3-2 Fastening the stand to a tabletop .................. 27 Figure 3-3 Attaching the binocular (photo)tube ................
Page 7
Setting the actuating rod ..................... 57 Figure 4-1 HAL 100 external power supply unit ................59 Figure 4-2 Microscope settings on the Axio Examiner in the transmitted-light bright field ....59 Figure 4-3 Inserting a DIC slider into an objective adapter .............. 62 Figure 4-4 Inserting a DIC slider into an objective mount or objective nosepiece ......
Axio Examiner INTRODUCTION Equipment safety notices Axio Examiner microscopes have been designed, manufactured and inspected pursuant to the DIN EN 61010-1 (IEC 61010-1) and IEC 61010-2-101 standards regarding "Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use." These units comply with the requirements of Directive 98/79/EC, and they are marked with the sign.
Page 9
Axio Examiner Equipment safety notices Carl Zeiss Axio Examiner microscopes including any original accessories may not be used unless for the microscopy procedures as described in this operating manual. The following instructions should be observed in particular: The manufacturer will not assume any liability whatsoever for any other use even if such other use only refers to single assemblies or parts.
Page 10
This equipment must not be operated unless by duly instructed personnel. Such personnel must be instructed about possible hazards related to microscopy and to the corresponding field of application. Axio Examiner microscopes are precision instruments, and their operability may be impaired, or the equipment may be destroyed by any inexpert treatment or intervention.
No maintenance or repair work may be conducted on the microscopes except for the activities as described in this operating manual. Repair shall only be allowed to the Carl Zeiss customer service or to a person especially authorized by the Carl Zeiss customer service. Whenever a fault occurs in the equipment, please first call the Carl Zeiss Microscopy Service in Germany (see page 88), or your Carl Zeiss representation if you are located in another country.
INTRODUCTION Carl Zeiss List of interfaces Axio Examiner List of interfaces The following figure provides an overview of the interfaces available at the microscope stand. The interfaces vary according to the stand top or bottom part combination selected. Legend for Figure 1-2:...
INTRODUCTION Carl Zeiss Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. Legend for Figure 1-3: Eyepieces Shutter AL shift knob Visual examination / microphotography shift knob Binocular tube part Stop slider or FL attenuator...
INTRODUCTION Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. Carl Zeiss Figure 1-3 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner man. M60-2-0003 e 05/2012...
INTRODUCTION Carl Zeiss Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. Legend for Figure 1-4: Eyepieces Shutter AL shift knob Visual examination / microphotography shift knob Binocular tube part Stop slider or FL attenuator...
INTRODUCTION Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. Carl Zeiss Figure 1-4 Controls and functional elements for Axio Examiner mot. M60-2-0003 e 05/2012...
Axio Examiner.D1 microscope Axio Examiner.Z1 microscope Axio Examiner microscopes have been designed especially for the electrophysiological area. They may be used as transmitted-light microscopes or as combined transmitted-light and reflected-light microscopes if equipped with a reflected-light fluorescence system. These microscopes are intended for medical applications to examine tissue samples obtained from the human body.
Axio Examiner.Z1 with phototube and HBO 100 ......... 335 mm x 661 mm x 470 mm Axio Examiner.A1 with ergonomic phototube and HAL 100 ......240 mm x 687 mm x 497 mm Axio Examiner.Z1 with ergonomic phototube and HAL 100 ......335 mm x 695 mm x 470 mm Axio Examiner.A1 with ergonomic phototube and HBO 100 .......
Page 24
Technical data Axio Examiner Power consumption: Axio Examiner man. (with external power supply unit SNT 12 V DC 100 W) ........220 VA Axio Examiner mot. (with examiner control) ................. 260 VA Transformer mbq52ac-z for HBO 50 Field of application ........................indoor Safety class ............................
Page 25
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION Axio Examiner Technical data Carl Zeiss Mercury vapor short arc lamp..................... HBO 103 W/2 Power consumption for HBO 103 W/2 ..................100 W Colibri illumination system Power consumption ........................70 VA Examiner control: Field of application ........................indoor Safety class .............................I...
Axio Examiner START-UP The Axio Examiner may be installed or converted, and put into operation by the customer on his or her own. But if requested, the microscope may also be installed or converted by the Zeiss customer service subject to a fee at the customer's premises.
Attaching a binocular tube / phototube Every binocular tube included in the system overview (see section 2.2) may be attached to the Axio Examiner stand. Proceed as follows: • Loosen the hexagon socket head screw (Figure 3-3/3) using a ball head-screwdriver, width A/F 3.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing standard components Axio Examiner 3.1.4 Inserting eyepieces or an auxiliary microscope • Remove both dust caps (Figure 3-4/1 and 4) from the binocular tube. • Take both eyepieces (Figure 3-4/2) out of their containers, and insert them into the binocular tube until they reach the stop.
3.1.5.1 Reflector turret 5x The 5x reflector turret is permanently installed to the Axio Examiner.D1/.Z1 microscope top parts. To either install or remove the modules, take off the cap and proceed at an angle from the front side. (1) Installing a module •...
3.1.5.2 Reflector inserts Only for microscopes with an Axio Examiner.A1 top part. To either install or remove the modules, the reflector insert (reflector turret 4x or 6x, or reflector slider 2x) needs to be taken out of the stand top part.
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss 3.1.6 Installing a reflector insert Only microscopes with Axio Examiner.A1 top part. • Insert ball head screwdriver (width A/F 3 mm) into the borehole (Figure 3-8/2), turn the locking screw counterclockwise until it reaches its stop, and pull off the closing cap (Figure 3-8/1) toward the front side.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing standard components Axio Examiner If the adapter is used for expanding the specimen area (430030-9100-000), push the objective mount or objective nosepiece against the upper stop screw (Figure 3-9/1). The control cable (Figure 3-10/1) needs to be...
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss 3.1.9 Attaching and removing the condenser carrier (1) Attaching the condenser carrier • Unscrew the two hexagon socket screws (Figure 3-12/1) in the cover plate at the stand, and take off the cover plate.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing standard components Axio Examiner 3.1.11 Installing the mechanical stage on the stage carrier • Put the stage (Figure 3-14/1) on the stage carrier (Figure 3-14/2), aligning four threaded boreholes in the lower table side (Figure 3-14/5)
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss 3.1.11.3 Setting the easy motion (torque) of the two ergonomic drive pinion knobs The ergonomic drive has been set to a medium easy motion value in the factory. This setting may be modified as follows.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing standard components Axio Examiner 3.1.12 Attaching, removing and adjusting the height of a stage carrier (1) Attaching the stage carrier To attach the stage carrier at the stand, please proceed as follows: • Hold the stage carrier (Figure 3-17/3) and the...
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss (2) Removing the stage carrier Objectives are screwed in best and the condenser is inserted best when the stage carrier is removed. All other assemblies installed like, e.g., the mechanical stage may remain at the stage carrier when this is done.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing standard components Axio Examiner 3.1.13.2 Adjusting the HAL 100 halogen lamp (1) Coarse adjustment • Loosen the clamping screw (Figure 3-18/2), and remove ready-to-operate halogen illuminator from the microscope stand. • Switch on the 12 V DC 100 W external power supply unit (see section 3.2.2).
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss 3.1.13.3 Replacing a 12 V, 100 W halogen lamp CAUTION Hot surface! To replace the halogen lamp, the lamp housing does not need to be removed from the stand. DO NOT keep the attached...
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing standard components Axio Examiner 3.1.14 HBO 50 illuminator 3.1.14.1 Inserting or replacing the HBO 50 illuminator burner Caution - Burn hazard! To replace the burner, switch out the HBO 50 at its transformer, and pull out the transformer power plug.
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss • Press the spring lever (Figure 3-22/5) at the heat sink, and put the heat sink (Figure 3-22/1) over the burner. • Check for correct fit, and release the spring lever (Figure 3-22/5).
(Figure 3-24/5). Electric arc and mirror image should not be superimposed one on top of the other. (2) Axio Examiner.D1/.Z1 and Axio Examiner.A1 without adjusting aid: If the upper microscope part is not equipped with an adjusting aid, proceed as follows: •...
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss 3.1.15 HBO 100 illuminator 3.1.15.1 Inserting the HBO 103 W/2 mercury vapor short arc lamp For safety reasons, the HBO 100 illuminator and the HBO 103 W/2 mercury vapor short arc lamp will be delivered to the customer each in a separate package.
• Push the adjusting aid in again. Figure 3-28 Adjusting the HBO 100 (2) Axio Examiner.D1/.Z1 and Axio Examiner.A1 without adjusting aid: • Unscrew the objective from the objective mount or objective nosepiece. • Switch on the HBO 100 illuminator (Figure 3-28/1) using the switch at the HBO 100 W transformer (Figure 3-31/1), and allow it to run up to operating temperature.
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing standard components Carl Zeiss • Turn the knurled knob (Figure 3-28/4) to focus the brighter focal spot using the collector adjustment. • Turn the adjusting screws (Figure 3-28/2 and 3) to set the darker focal spot (burner mirror image) by analogy to the focal spot image (Figure 3-27/2) within the inscribed adjusting circle.
Establishing a mains connection, and switching the power supply units on or off To avoid any voltage potential which might interfere with electrophysiological studies at the microscope, Axio Examiner microscopes have no AC power connection of their own. Accordingly, the microscope lights are each supplied by a separate power supply unit.
• If required, connect the docking station to the examiner control unit (Figure 3-29/3). All connections at the Axio Examiner mot. have a mechanically coded design. Do not use excessive force when connecting the units. • Connect the HAL 100 three-pole illuminator plug into the corresponding three-pole jack at the examiner control unit.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Establishing a mains connection, and switching … Axio Examiner 3.2.3 Connecting switching HBO 100 illuminator on or off The HBO 100 illuminator (for reflected light fluorescence) is supplied with power by a separate transformer, and it is switched either on or off at the transformer power switch.
3.3.1 Replacing the stand top part replace and inserting an adapter for extending the specimen area Please note that the Axio Examiner.Z1 stand top part may only be used in combination with the motor-operated stand. • Unscrew four fastening screws (Figure 3-32/1) which hold the cover.
Figure 3-33 Inserting the adjusting aid 3.3.3 Installing an adapter for 45 mm objectives Only for Axio Examiner.D1/.Z1. • Use the shift knob (Figure 3-34/1) to move the objective mount into the WORK position. • If required, unscrew the objective or remove the dust protection cap from the objective mount or objective nosepiece.
The filter sets for the FL P&C reflector module may be combined and installed on an individual basis by customer. Corresponding filter sets completely assembled FL P&C reflector modules may be ordered from Carl Zeiss. • Remove P&C reflector module (Figure 3-36/3) from the reflector turret (see section 3.1.5).
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing optional components Axio Examiner 3.3.6 Replacing the beam splitter in the FL P&C reflector module To avoid any damage or contamination of optical elements, proceed with utmost care when installing filters and the beam splitter. We recommend ordering fully equipped FL P&C reflector modules as beam splitter replacement is more demanding.
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing optional components Carl Zeiss 3.3.7 Installing the Senarmont polarizer • Remove the stage carrier (see section 3.1.12). • Remove the condenser (see section 3.1.10). • Remove the condenser carrier (see section 3.1.9), and store it upside down.
START-UP Carl Zeiss Installing optional components Axio Examiner 3.3.9 Replacing the filter in the transmitted light filter wheel • Take stage carrier, condenser, condenser carrier (see sections 3.1.9, 3.1.10 and 3.1.12). • Take off the cover plate (Figure 3-41/1) from the stand base.
START-UP Axio Examiner Installing optional components Carl Zeiss 3.3.10 Installing the Aqua Stop for the condenser • Remove the stage carrier (see section 3.1.12). • Connect the discharge hose (Figure 3-42/2) to the Aqua Stop (Figure 3-42/1). • Carefully put the Aqua Stop (Figure 3-42/1) on the condenser (Figure 3-42/3).
Carl Zeiss 3.4.4 Setting the lock-in resistance of the 5x reflector turret Only for Axio Examiner.D1 and .Z1 micro- scope top parts. The lock-in resistance of the 5x reflector turret is freely adjustable. Proceed as follows: • Remove the binocular tube (see section 3.1.3).
Axio Examiner OPERATION Axio Examiner research microscopes are offered both in a version for manual operation and in a version equipped with a motor-driven focusing gear. The basic difference between the two microscope versions is the fact that objective focusing for the Axio Examiner.Z1 is exclusively motor-driven and operated by using the control system and the keypad.
Page 59
Illumination and contrast procedures Carl Zeiss (3) Setting of a transmitted-light bright field according to KÖHLER − The Axio Examiner has been put into operation properly (see chapter 3). − The transmitted-light illumination is switched on at the external power supply unit (Figure 4-1/1).
Page 60
Carl Zeiss Illumination and contrast procedures Axio Examiner • For aperture stop setting (contrast), remove one eyepiece from the tube socket, and look into the socket with a naked eye. Set the aperture stop using the adjusting lever (Figure 4-2/6) to approx.
− DIC P&C analyzer module in the reflector turret. − Preferably a revolving mechanical stage. For Axio Examiner microscopes not ordered with DIC equipment, DIC sliders must be inserted into the objective exchange carriage or into the objective adapter, and set to a central position if any in order to be able and carry out examinations using differential interference contrast.
Page 62
OPERATION Carl Zeiss Illumination and contrast procedures Axio Examiner Axio Examiner.A1/.D1/.Z1 with 45 mm objective: Use the 11 mm objective adapter for the Axio Examiner.A1. • Lower the objective into the WORK position. • Slide a DIC slider (Figure 4-3/1, see lettering)
Page 63
(4) Centering the DIC slider Only for DIC sliders for objectives with a parfocal length of 45 mm. Figure 4-5 Axio Examiner.D1 with DIC equipment − The DIC slider (Figure 4-5/1) is inserted properly into the objective adapter. − The microscope adjusted for a bright field according to KÖHLER's rules.
Page 64
OPERATION Carl Zeiss Illumination and contrast procedures Axio Examiner • Re-adjust the knurled screw at the DIC slider (Figure 4-3/2), adjusting the diagonal black strip to the center of the visual field. • Remove the auxiliary microscope, and insert the eyepiece again.
OPERATION Axio Examiner Illumination and contrast procedures Carl Zeiss 4.1.3 Oblique illumination via condenser (1) General operating principle Oblique illumination allows the relief representation of your specimen. This is achieved by a radially adjustable stop in the condenser which directs light at an angle to the specimen.
OPERATION Carl Zeiss Illumination and contrast procedures Axio Examiner 4.1.4 Oblique illumination according to DODT (1) General operating principle Oblique illumination allows a relief representation of your specimen. This is achieved by a radially adjustable stop which is located in the optical path, and directs light at an angle to the specimen.
− FL P&C reflector module and shutter plate in the reflector turret − Filter drawer A − FL attenuator (only for Axio Examiner.D1/.Z1) − HXP 120, HBO 100 or HBO 50 illuminator for reflected-light illumination − HAL 100 halogen lamp for transmitted-light illumination The mercury-vapor short-arc lamp must have been adjusted in every case before applying the reflected-light fluorescence procedure (see sections 3.1.14.3 and 3.1.15.3).
Page 68
15 min to heat up to operating temperature. Figure 4-8 Components for reflected-light • Select and switch on the FL P&C reflector fluorescence (Axio Examiner.A1) module with the desired fluorescence filter combination (depending on the type of excitation) at the reflector turret (Figure 4-8/6).
Carl Zeiss Documentation An actuating rod or a shift knob may be used to switch over from visual observation to photomicrography if the Axio Examiner is provided with a binocular phototube. Actuating rod: Actuating rod pushed in Visual examination through the eyepieces...
Axio Examiner Docking station with TFT display The optional docking station (432926-9000-000) for the motor-driven Axio Examiner may be used to operate and configure the microscope, or apply optional functions. The TFT display is designed as a touch screen monitor.
Page 71
OPERATION Axio Examiner Docking station with TFT display Carl Zeiss (1) Tabs A tab is used by the operator to call a subfunction as desired: The subfunction will be displayed in the Operator control area. A maximum of three tabs is available on every page.
OPERATION Carl Zeiss Docking station with TFT display Axio Examiner 4.3.2 Menu structure The menu structure shown below may differ from your microscope's configuration. This menu structure contains the total scope including optional components and menu items which are only available if you have administrator rights.
OPERATION Axio Examiner Docking station with TFT display Carl Zeiss 4.3.3 Home page Initialization starts when the microscope switched on, and will take a few seconds. Normally, the Home page will be displayed (Figure 4-12). Whenever coded motor-driven components have been replaced or removed...
OPERATION Carl Zeiss Docking station with TFT display Axio Examiner (2) Cond. Focus Use the Cond. Focus tab (Figure 4-14) to define the settings for condenser focusing. • Press the On or Off button to switch condenser focusing either on or off.
OPERATION Axio Examiner Docking station with TFT display Carl Zeiss • Press a position button to save the current position. A safety prompt asking whether the corresponding memory space should be overwritten will appear if a value has already been assigned to the position button before.
Page 76
Carl Zeiss Docking station with TFT display Axio Examiner • Select the appropriate reflector from the list displayed in the Configure reflector position # in the reflector turret popup window. You can read the current selection in the Resulting configuration line.
Page 77
To modify the button assignments, the operator needs to type in an administrator password. Otherwise, the operator may only view the button assignments without being able to customize them. • To configure the button assignment, see the description for (2) Buttons left. (4) Stand type Not implied for Axio Examiner. M60-2-0003 e 05/2012...
4.3.6.3 Tools The Settings -> Tools page contains the Ethernet and Miscellaneous tabs. (1) Ethernet This tab allows settings for connecting the Axio Examiner via Ethernet. (2) Miscellaneous This tab enables the operator to calibrate the touch screen display. 4.3.6.4 About The Settings ->...
Number indicating the reflector position set Figure 4-19 Reflector turret 6x 4.4.2 Axio Examiner.Z1 upper microscope part with sideport The Axio Examiner.Z1 upper microscope part with sideport receptacle slider (Figure 4-20/1). A beam splitter or a color splitter may be inserted into this slider.
OPERATION Carl Zeiss Controls and functional elements for optional components Axio Examiner 4.4.3 Binocular phototube zoom 0.5 – 4x with a P&C module mount The binocular zoom phototube (425521-9000- 000) has a zoom knob (Figure 4-21/2) for zooming an image either in or out.
Page 81
OPERATION Axio Examiner Controls and functional elements for optional components Carl Zeiss • Unscrew the knurled screw (Figure 4-22/1) at the camera port on the rear side. • To adjust the camera in X and Y direction, turn the two adjusting screws (width A/F 1.5) (Figure 4-22/2 and 5).
CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE Equipment care The care of the Axio Examiner is limited to the work described below: • After every use, switch off the equipment, and put a protective cover on it (protection against dust and humidity).
CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE Axio Examiner Equipment maintenance Carl Zeiss • Shut down and secure the equipment whenever a damage is found. Have damage repaired by qualified specialist personnel. • Check that the maximum operating time is observed for halogen or mercury vapor short arc lamps.
CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE Carl Zeiss Trouble shooting Axio Examiner Trouble shooting Problem Cause Correction Shading or irregular image The vis/fot push rod at the phototube Switch the vis/fot push rod at the brightness in the microscopic is not switched on in the correct phototube to the correct functional visual field;...
Page 85
CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE Axio Examiner Trouble shooting Carl Zeiss Problem Cause Correction Asymmetric lack of image Condenser not set correctly. Set the condenser correctly, definition, e.g., one side in focus, see page 58 and the following. and the other side out of focus.
Page 86
CARE, MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE Carl Zeiss Trouble shooting Axio Examiner Problem Cause Correction The 12 V 100 W halogen lamp Power plug not plugged into the Plug the power plug into the mains does not light even though the mains outlet.
Electrical overload protection for power supply T 5.0 A/H 250 V T 2.0 A/H T 2.5 A 220 – 240 V T 4 A 100 V; 127 V Dust protection set for Axio Examiner For covering the equipment after use M60-2-0003 e 05/2012...
No intervention may be performed on any mechanical, optical or electronic part inside the equipment, and no work may be carried out on the electrical systems of the Axio Examiner.A1 or Axio Examinar.Z1 microscopes unless by the Carl Zeiss customer service or by especially authorized expert personnel.
APPENDIX Axio Examiner List of abbreviations Carl Zeiss APPENDIX List of abbreviations Alternating Current (AC voltage) A-Plan Achromatic objectives with improved field flattening (ICS optical product range) Suitability for eyeglass wearers Charge Couple Device Canadian Standards Association Cover slip thickness Diameter (e.g., filter)
Page 90
APPENDIX Carl Zeiss List of abbreviations Axio Examiner Phase contrast Plan Single lens reflex (mirror reflex) width A/F Width across flats Slow blow (a fuse type) Television T2 Adapter Standardized adapter for miniature cameras Underwriter Laboratories Ultraviolet Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (Association of German Electrotechnical Engineers)
APPENDIX Axio Examiner Industrial property rights Carl Zeiss Industrial property rights The equipment, equipment parts or procedures described in this manual are protected by patents. M60-2-0003 e 05/2012...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Axio Examiner and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers