Summary

The uScopeMXII accommodates slides that are:

• 24.5mm – 26.35mm in Width
• 72.0mm – 80.0mm in Length
• 0.8mm – 1.5mm in Depth (thickness)

Note
Do not use slides that are outside these specifications with the uScopeMXII. It is unlikely you will damage the uScope, but you will certainly damage the slide.

The following information should help you understand all the aspects of the uScopeMXII slide tray include how to insert slides and avoid problems.

Details

The uScopeMXII slide tray is non-removable and is installed inside the unit. Only the label-end of the slide tray is visible outside the uScope.

Slide Tray Components

This image shows the uScopeMXII slide tray. Slides are inserted label-last (so that the label is sticking out the front of the uScopeMXII). Several parts of the slide tray are necessary for successful scanning.

• The springs hold the slide stationary while scanning.
• The guides keep the edges of the slide from slipping off the top of the tray.
• The edge supports provide a table on which the edges of the slide rest.
• The slide retainers are angled in such a way that the far end of the slide is held down in the slide tray.

Slide Inserted Under Springs

This image shows a slide inserted into the slide tray under the slide springs. The springs are strong enough to hold the slide stationary but not so strong as to damage the slide or properly applied coverslip.

When inserting a slide into the uScopeMXII, the slide springs are not visible outside the unit. So, it is important to make sure that the slide fits under the springs. Failure to do so could cause the slide to fall into the interior of the uScope.

After a few insertions, most users intuitively lift up on the label end of the slide while inserting it into the unit. This uses gravity to help guide the slide down the length of the slide tray between the edge guides.

The springs are bent up at the ends to allow them to smoothly ride over the edge of a coverslip when removing the slide.

Note
Make sure that coverslips that extend to the edge of the slide have proper cement or adhesive under the edges. The slide springs are strong enough to crack unsupported edges of 0.17mm coverslips.

Slide Edge Gap

As shown, there is some wiggle room (or gap) between the edges of the slide and the guides. This gap is there to accommodate a wide variety of slide widths.

While we commonly refer to microscope slides as 1"×3" the reality is that there are 1" (25.4mm) wide slides, 25mm wide slides, 26mm wide slides, and a host of other "non-standard" widths.

The uScopeMXII accommodates slide widths ranging from 24.5mm up to 26.35mm. Wider slides do not fit between the edge guides. Narrower slides may fall off of one edge support or the other and become lodged in the uScope.

Slide Retention

When you insert a slide into the uScopeMXII, it is important to push the slide in as far as possible. This ensures the far end of the slide is positioned under the slide retainer. The retainer is angled so that the end of the slide is forced down and does not bounce or lift up while scanning.

The retainer securely holds the far end of the slide down while the springs hold the label end of the slide down. The springs also prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the slide while scanning.

Removing a Slide

Perhaps the easiest part of using the uScopeMXII is removing a slide. Simply grab the label end of the slide between your thumb and forefinger and pull straight out.

While removing a slide, there can be several reasons for the slide to catch or stick. Remember, if the slide went in and can come out.

• Part of the coverslip may be caught on the edge of the slide spring. Carefully wiggle the slide back and forth to help the coverslip slide under the spring.
• The slide may have excess adhesive on the edges that causes the slide to be close to the maximum tolerance for width or depth. Again, carefully wiggle the slide back and forth to help release the slide.

Conclusion

We hope this information helps you understand the complicated simplicity of the uScope slide tray and how to best use your slides with the uScopeMXII.