The Van Guard 1486FLi compound microscope has a trinocular viewing configuration, and features fluorescent illumination for high ultraviolet (UV) transmission, with Brightfield, phase contrast illumination techniques, an Abbe 1.25 NA condenser, and magnification abilities of 4X (0.10 NA), 10X (0.25 NA), 20X (0.40 NA), 40X (0.60 NA), and 100X (1.25 NA) (oil immersion method). This compound microscope enhances object or image resolution, produces fluorescence images with clarity, and is commonly used in research and clinical applications.

This microscope has a VanGuard infinity-corrected optical system (VIOS) for clear images. It features fluorescence, Brightfield, and phase contrast illumination techniques which control light from below, allowing a specimen to absorb light for clear illumination, luminesce for high ultraviolet (UV) transmission, and produce clearer images of opaque or unstained objects. A Brightfield, 1.25 numerical aperture (N.A.) Abbe condenser with an iris diaphragm adjusts light. Adjustable resolution provides Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)-standard, coated objective options of 4X (0.10 NA), 10X (0.25 NA), 40X (0.60 NA) and 100X (1.25 NA) (oil immersion method). Phase contrast has a 1.25 N.A. Zemike condenser with an iris diaphragm to adjust light diameter, and provide higher resolution. The condenser has an outward-swinging filter holder, dispersion, and blue and green fluorescence filters. Adjustable resolution provides coated DIN-standard magnification options of 10X (0.25 NA), 20X (0.40 NA), 40X (0.60 NA), and 100X (1.25 NA) (oil immersion method). Condensers are mounted on a rack and pinion focusing mechanism. Plan achromatic objectives correct for red and yellow chromatic aberrations, and sharpen images. This microscope has 100-watt HBO (mercury, luminescence, unforced cooling) mercury-reflected illumination, and 20-watt variable quartz halogen transmission lighting.

The 1486FLi has a 10X widefield eyepiece magnifier, which locks on to the unit for ease of operation, and provides an 18 mm field diameter. It has coaxial coarse- and fine-focus controls with tension adjustment, and an auto-stop feature to prevent damage to the plate or objectives. It has a 40 mm focus range with 0.002 mm precision. The microscope has a trinocular viewing configuration, with two eyepieces to ease eye strain and provide a more comprehensive view, and a third head to connect to an external monitor or camera for an alternative viewing option. The binocular eyepieces are fixed vertically at 30 degrees, and rotate 360 degrees. The microscope has a 20/80 light split, which means that when a third head is used, 20% of the light goes through the third head, and 80% goes to the user’s eyes through the binocular heads. It has 55-75mm interpupillary adjustment for individual eye spacing, and - 6 to + 6 dioptric adjustment capabilities, to compensate for the difference in viewing ability between each eye.

The rectangular, chemical-resistant, drop-down, mechanical stage has an X-Y control with rack and pinion drive, and right-hand coaxial control. It has a cross-travel range of 75 x 50 mm (W x D), measures 160 x 140 mm (W x D), and it has a removable spring clip. Stage motion has right-hand, coaxial control and a rack and pinion drive for support. The ball-bearing nosepiece is made with high-grade lubricant, and has secure, positive stops. It has five rotation positions to support a range of magnification, and is reversed (inward-facing) to allow for slide manipulation, and to help keep the objectives clean. The microscope has a stain-resistant and durable cast metal body with an enamel finish, and anti-skid rubber feet. The large, ergonomic frame is designed for frequent and demanding use. The unit comes with a dispersion filter, a blue filter, a green filter, a telescoping eyepiece, a spare 20-watt halogen lamp, two spare 0.25A, 250-volt fuses, two spare 8.0A, 250-volt fuses, a dust cover, and instructions. The 1486FLi has five-year mechanical and optical warranties, and a one-year electrical warranty.

The 1486FLi microscope overall dimensions are 465 x 160 x 225 mm (H x W x D), and base dimensions are 160 x 225 mm (W x D). Stage dimensions are 160 x 140 mm (W x D). The unit weighs 10.7 kg. Blue broadband fluorescence filter specifications are: excitation 430-490nm, emission 520+ nm, dichrotic 500nm, intended dyes FITC, Acridine Orange and Auramine. Green broadband fluorescence filter specifications are: excitation 480-550nm, emission 590+ nm, dichrotic 570nm, intended dyes ethidium bromide & TRITIC. Brightfield, fluorescence, achromatic objective specifications are: 4X has 0.10 NA, 17.0mm working distance (WD), and 4.5mm field of vision (FOV); 10X: 0.25 NA, 8.0mm WD, 1.8 FOV; 40X: 0.65 NA, 0.40mm WD, 0.45mm FOV; 100X: 1.25 NA, 0.25mm WD, 0.18 FOV. Phase contrast, plan achromatic objective specifications are: 10X: 0.25 NA, 8.0mm WD, 1.8mm FOV; 20X: 0.40 NA, 0.50mm WD, 0.9mm FOV; 40X: 0.65 NA, 0.40mm WD, 0.45mm FOV; 100X: 1.25 NA, 0.25mm WD, 0.18mm FOV. The microscope works with a 0.25A, 250-volt fuse, 8.0A, 250-volt fuse (fuses included), and a 110-volt power source for illumination. It comes with a six-foot power cord.

Microscopes are instruments used to enhance the resolution of an object or image. Types include compound, stereo, or digital. Compound microscopes use a compound optical system with an objective lens and an eyepiece. Stereo microscopes show object depth in a three-dimensional image. Digital microscopes are used to display an image on a monitor, rather than looking through a lens. Microscopes can have monocular (one), binocular (two), or trinocular (three) eyepieces, with varying viewing abilities. A trinocular eyepiece is used to output digital images or video to an internal or external device such as a camera or monitor. Magnification ability refers to the size of an image. Resolution, also known as resolvant power, refers to the clarity of the image. The interaction between field of view (FOV), numerical aperture (NA), and working distance (WD) determines resolution. Microscopes can control magnification through a fixed focus, or through a range of adjustments. They can also use LED, fluorescent, and mirror light sources to help control viewing capabilities. Microscopes are widely used in education, lab research, biology, metallurgy, engineering, chemistry, manufacturing, and in the medical, forensic science, and veterinary industries.

Vee Gee Scientific manufactures laboratory equipment and supplies, and makes the VanGuard brand of products. The company, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Kirkland, WA, offers scientific equipment for educational, research, clinical, and industrial applications.

What’s in the Box?

• 1486FLi microscope
• Telescoping eyepiece
• Dispersion filter
• Green filter
• Blue filter
• Spare 20-watt halogen lamp
• Two spare 0.25A, 250V fuses
• Two spare 8.0A, 250V fuses
• Six-foot power cord
• Dust cover
• Instructions