Microscope Zoom And Focusing Fix

[Bob P]

For those of you who have stereo microscopes that the zooom feature has a tendency to drift and therefore affect the focus, then this post is for you. The following text will be accompanied by photos to help you through. Please be very careful when accomplishing these steps! Some parts are very small and easy to lose. About the only tools you would need would be a set of jewelers screwdrivers (both flat and cross tip).



STEP 1: Set the zoom to either the highest or lowest setting. This will help out on the reassembly later. On the small zoom knobs, you will find a small set screw on the number ring. (see Pic 1) On my scope, the screw is between the 3.5 and 0.75 scale. Mark where the ring is in comparison with the knob. Carefully loosen or remove that screw enough so that the ring can slide to the inside. Once you slide the ring over, you should expose two other screws (see Pic 2). You need to do this to both knobs!



STEP 2: Chances are, one of the screws here is loose, and probably your problem, but we will go one step deeper to make sure we take care of all possiblities at one time. Loosen up the two screws per knob and remove the knobs from the shaft. Once removed, you will see a plastic ring with 3 holes in it. (See Pic 3).



STEP 3: At this point, you can make sure these three screws are tight, but now is a good time to take the screws out and remove the rings and shaft. Remove all 3 screws from each ring and remove them. Be sure you remember where the indexing pin is. (See Pic 4)



STEP 4: The shaft may now be removed. (see Pic 5).



STEP 5: Clean the shaft and rings if needed. You can lubricate the gears with lightweight grease, or if you don't have any of that, vaseline will do just fine.

Step 6: Carefully reinsert the cleaned and lubed shaft into the scope. Make sure that the gear teeth engage the track. Center the shaft and reinstall the 3 holed rings making sure the indexing pin is properly positioned. At this point, it is IMPERATIVE that all screws are tightened securely. Reverse the disassebly procedures ensuring the number ring is on the knob and facing the right direction. Tighten the two screws on the knob tightly making sure the groove inside the knob engages the indexing pin at either the highest or lowest portion as per your initial setting from step 1. Line up the number ring and tighten the set screws securely.

This should solve the problem of the zoom and focus drift, and also ensures that everything is in order. If there is any evidence of metal filings when the shaft is removed, you probably have an additional problem that I can not address here.

Please let me know how it goes. I am sure there are different types of scopes out there, but the basics should be the same. GOOD LUCK!

[joeyuk]

My first thought was great. I have had that problem since I got my scope. I had some problems with it and picked up this same model for parts. You don't want to know how the old one fell.
Only problem is I think my stereoscope is a dinosaur and I should have replaced it. Here is the auction for the one I used for parts.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=48740&item=3858587618

Joe

[Bob P]

I see what you mean Joe. It is an oldie, but as I stated above, the basics are all the same. Sometimes, just the weight of the headpiece ie enough to make it drift on you. I have even gone so far as to 'rough up' the shaft a bit to keep it from drifting.
The scope I have is called an XLT-II Stereoscopic Zoom Microscope. I have taken it apart many times to try and get it to work like I want it to. I may have finally succeeded.

[pennyhound]

LOL, looks like we all have the oldies, but goodies, thy sure don't build em like thy use to, do thy.

I to had the drift problem, until my butt hit the scope one day and it bounced on the floor once (glad it was carpeted - the floor) and have had no problem since.

Not a recomended solution tho, please don't take it that way.

I have the same, XLT-II you have there Bob, great scope.

Hello again there, Joe ... been awhile.

Bob, nice subject matter here ... don't hear about the scope/s to often ... good job and pictures.

[coop]

Probably should email amberdepot and let him know about the solution to a problem that he sells if his customers complain. He sells a lot of them on Ebay. LOL

[coppercoins]

Very good post Bob...thanks for all you do here to help out.

[Bob P]

Thanks Chuck. So far, I haven't heard of anyone pulling their hair out trying to figure this post out. Writing this post also gave me an opportunity to do a check-up and cleaning on my own scope.
I hope everyone's New Year started off on a good note. I got my daughter her first car for the New Year. Y'all please pray for me (and her!) and get off the roads!!

[coop]

I don't worry about my driving. I figure that if someone else doesn't like the way I drive, they should stay off the sidewalk.

[Jack]

Bob P thanks for the information I will try and see if I can follow the instructions as you have stated.

[Jack]

Bob where did you find a tool that is the size needed to remove the screw in step one?

[pennyhound]

[joeyuk]

My first shot would be Radio Shack.

[pennyhound]

That one should have been on the top of my list ... he he he, how's going Joe ... blame my old brain, doesn't work like it use to ...

As you can see from above any number of places would have the (Jewlers ... screw-driver, set/s)

[Jack]

I talked with the people at Amberport about the "drieft" focus problem I was having (second time) and got to talk with the "service Boss" and he advised that I try to adjust the foucs
wheel shaft on the right of the scope withn the tool that came with the scope http://photobucket.com/albums/v50/janelyn/Microscope%20Tool/ Hope I got the picture it did work after the clock wise adjustment no more "drieft"

[Bob P]

That's cool that it took care of your problem. I didn't get that tool with my scope, but will try to obtain one in case I have future problems. Thanks!!