Before you use your microscope, make sure that the table, desk or whatever surface that you want to place it on is stable, and is not subject to vibration. If the microscope does need to be moved handle the microscope by the arm and base while carefully transferring it.

Install two “AA” batteries (included) in the battery box, located in the base of the microscope. Open battery door and insert the batteries according to the displayed +/- information. Close the battery compartment door.

Once the microscope is in a suitable location and the batteries are installed, check the light source to make sure that it illuminates. Use a cleaning cloth (e.g., microfiber) to gently wipe the lenses off. If the stage is dirty with dust or oil, carefully clean it off. Make sure that the stage is raised and lowered only by using the focus adjustment knob.

Locate the ON/OFF switch on the base of the microscope. Flip the switch to the on position and the light will illuminate. This microscope is equipped with modern LED lighting (a light-emitting diode) that illuminates the specimen from below. The aperture wheel is located in the middle of the microscope stage. They help you when you are observing very bright or clear specimens. Using these filters, you can choose from various brightness levels. This helps you better recognize the components of colorless or transparent objects (e.g., grains of starch, protozoa).

Place in a suitable location as described previously and sit in a comfortable viewing position. Each observation starts with the lowest magnification. Adjust the microscope stage so that the stage is at the lowest position. Then turn the objective turret until it clicks into place at the lowest magnification (objective 4x). Note: Before you change the objective setting, always move the microscope stage to its lowest position. This way, you can avoid causing any damage to the slide or microscope. Make sure the zoom eyepiece is also in the fully lowered position.

Note: The highest magnification is not always the best for every specimen.

Sitting in your location with adequate illumination chosen from the aperture filter wheel, the following basic rules are to be observed: Start with a simple observation at the lowest magnification. This way, it is easier to position the object in the middle (centering) and make the image sharp (focusing). The higher the magnification, the more light you will require for good image quality. Quick Fact - The item you want to observe with the microscope is known as the object or specimen. Now place the prepared slide directly under the objective on the microscope stage securing with the stage clips. The object/specimen should be located directly over the illumination. At this point, take a look through the eyepiece and carefully turn the focus knob until the image appears clear and sharp. Now you can select a higher magnification by slowly turning the zoom eyepiece. When the zoom lens is completely turned out, the magnification is increased by 62%. If you would like an even higher level of magnification, turn the objective turret to a higher setting (10x or 40x). Note: You should return the zoom to lowest power of magnification. Note: You should always lower the stage and return the zoom to lowest power when rotating the objective turret. Each time the magnification changes (eyepiece or objective change), the image sharpness must be readjusted with the focus knob. When doing this, make sure to be careful; if you move the microscope stage too quickly, the objective and the slide could come into contact and cause damage to the slide or the microscope. For transparent objects (e.g., protozoa), the light shines from below, through the opening in the microscope stage and then through the object. The light travels further through the objective and eyepiece, where it is also magnified, and finally goes into the eye. This is transmitted light microscopy. Many microorganisms in water, many plant components and the smallest animal parts are already transparent in nature. Opaque specimens, on the other hand, will need to be prepared for viewing. Opaque specimens can be made transparent by a process of treatment and penetration with the correct materials (media), or by slicing.