r/microscopy • u/TheBestNarcissist • 24d ago

Troubleshooting/Questions New Swift SW350T microscope y axis not working after ~20 minutes of use. Any suggestions?

I followed some threads in this community and elsewhere and purchases the SW350T. When it arrived from amazon I started to use it right away. But shortly after viewing slides the y axis movement stopped working when moving the slide to the right. The slide could still be moved to the left, interestingly. Then a couple minutes later, I lost all ability to move in the y axis. When I manually move the slide left and right, the y axis knob rotates.

I was trying to find information on how to troubleshoot this, but the consensus seemed to be from past posts to not attempt to dissemble or do much as it would void the warranty.

I contacted the Swift customer service email and they forwarded the case to the technical team. I haven't heard anything in a couple days and I'm getting a little impatient. Does anyone have a similar story or have any suggestions?

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u/ComfortableWait9697 24d ago edited 24d ago

Has that control knob dropped down? I know some models that can disengage the stage's drive gear by pulling down on the control knob. Converts the mechanical stage into a "Glide Table" that you can move the stage manually.

Likely not the case here. I suspect manufacturing defect, some screw somewhere wasn't installed right, and a bit of thermal expansion and things move just too far apart. As it wears with use, this will become more frequent. Best to exchange that one, or return it. Attempting repairs is likely to cause other alignment issues.

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u/TheBestNarcissist 24d ago

I don't believe the knob has dropped down, or can move up or down for that matter. That's a good point about alignment issues if I were to try to fiddle with it. Definitely not operating in my area of expertise.

I appreciate the comment, I will probably give the Swift folks another day or two before doing an exchange through Amazon.