Inserting/Removing Rotational Holder into/from JEOL 1200 EX

 

Insertion:

 

1.      Remove the plastic sleeve from the specimen end and guide the holder into the specimen chamber of the electron microscope column. Gently push it all the way in to activate the vacuum operation.

 

2.      Leave the holder in position until the red light goes off.

 

3.      Once this red light goes off, turn the specimen holder clockwise. As the vacuum pulls on the holder, feed it into the column in a controlled motion. Do not allow the holder to get rapidly sucked into the column as this could damage the holder/column.

 

4.      Insert the plug from the rotational holder into the nearby socket, labeled H1 (should be the upper socket).

 

5.      Check to see that the degree of rotation in the handle end of the rotational holder is set to 0-degree.

 

6.      Check that the specimen position control box, located in the left middle rear of the column is set to either position 1 or 2, depending on which grid you choose to view first.

 

7.      Check that the goniometer is set to 0.

 

8.      Position the left and right foot pedals for easy access. These are the controls for rotating the grid 180 degrees in one direction or the other, as seen in the read-out in the rotational holder.

 

9.      You are ready to view the grids and adjust the Z alignment. Refer to the alignment protocol for further instructions for operation of the JEOL 1200 EX electron microscope.

 

 

Removal:

 

1.      When ready to remove the rotational holder from the column, rotate the grid back to 0-degree setting, as indicated on the read-out within the rotational holder.

 

2.      Turn off filament.

 

3.      Unplug the rotational holder.

 

4.      Remove the holder by pulling straight out, then turning counterclockwise, then pull straight out again.

 

5.      Return holder to its stand.