Quantitative Microscopy Facility Rules:
  1. NEVER EVER turn the fluorescence power supply on when anything else is turned on. If you are going to use fluorescence, you must FIRST POWER DOWN EVERYTHING (computer, microscope stage controller, video camera controller, etc.). Once everything is turned off, you may then turn the power supply to the fluorescence light source on. Only after this power supply has stabilized (i.e. the power indicator needle is no longer swinging back and forth) is it safe to turn on the rest of the system. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the destruction of tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment and death to the guilty party.
  2. BE CAREFUL when changing objectives so that they don't bang into the edge of the slide holder. You should always set the software for the LONGER objective before you rotate the new objective into place. Thus if you are changing from a longer to a shorter objective (e.g. 10x to 5x), leave the software set for the 10x objective, rotate the 5x objective into place, then change the software to the 5x objective. In the reverse direction (changing from 5x to 10x), first change the software to the 10x objective, then rotate the 10x objective into place.
  3. DO NOT use this system unless you are absolutely sure you know what you are doing. This means proper training in the use of the microscope (contact Mark Chafel at 432-2251) AND proper training in the use of the Neurolucida software. See your PI for information on Neurolucida training.
  4. DO NOT save data to any folder but your own. Your folder will be in: c:/Users_Directories/<lab_name>/<user_name>. For example, Rick Born's data would go in: c:/Users_Directories/Born_Lab/Rick. YOU are responsible for backing up your own data, either to a Jaz or Zip Disk (both built into the computer), or via the network. Any user data found outside of its proper place will be immediately and irrevocably deleted.
  5. SIGN THE LOG BOOK. The purpose is to log ACTUAL USE, irrespective of the sign-up process. This is essential for monitoring system use for renewal of the core grant.
  6. PLEASE cite grant #P30 EY12196 in your publications.
  7. QUESTIONS? Contact Rick Born, WAB 215A, 432-1307, rborn@hms.harvard.edu