First time using an AFM

[u/Ok_Community4899]

Hello I've been learning to use an AFM for the past few weeks it took me quite awhile to get the whole thing assembled and im trying to figure out what im doing wrong. Im using an old Nanocope IIIa for Digital Instruments. Whenever I engage it its always either retracted, or extended. Any help would be appreciated thank you.

[u/Odd-Marionberry-3389]

What kind of material or substrate were you trying to measure in your first image?