On-line Phoroptor and Optical Equipment Maintenance Videos, and narrative explanations
Energy Conservation in Housing
On-line Phoroptor and Optical Equipment Maintenance Videos, and narrative explanations
Optical Maintenance videos I have posted:
vimeo.com/128598099 Phoroptor Maintenance Tour, 2012 (17 minutes)
vimeo.com/127938532 Phoroptor -- Close-up Details, 2012 (21 minutes)
vimeo.com/127955643 Axis Tension, Turret Problems, 2014 (10 minutes)
vimeo.com/128606849 Auxiliary Lenses and JCC Problems, 2015 (6 minutes)
vimeo.com/133725303 Cleaning Phoroptor Lenses, 2009 (12 minutes)
vimeo.com/133726032 Phoroptor Disassembly and Servicing, 2015 (31 minutes)
vimeo.com/174616858 Cross-Cylinder Repair --- Complete Disassembly and Cleaning, July 2016 (17 minutes)
vimeo.com/176166427 Cross Cylinder Repair -- Details of Reassembly, July 2016 (14 minutes)
vimeo.com/174654962 Severe Shifting of the Cylinder Axis position, January to April 2016 (3 minutes)
vimeo.com/129494305 Chart Calibration for Eye Exam Rooms, 2015 (12 minutes)
vimeo.com/130355069 Re-Glue of Two Phoroptor Lenses for Reichert Phoroptors, 2015 (9 minutes)
vimeo.com/130501240 Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscopes, Cleaning the Optics, 2015 (25 minutes)
vimeo.com/132994223 Slit Lamp Maintenance, 2015 (32 min)
vimeo.com/133151006 Install Marco Phoroptor Arm and adjust springs, 2015 (8 min)
vimeo.com/133076717 Adjusting the Marco Phoroptor Arm, 2015 (8 min)
vimeo.com/133151585 Marco Phoroptor Arm, Repair, 2015 (23 min)
vimeo.com/172974238 Marco Phoroptor Arm, Repair, 2016 (4 min)
vimeo.com/133725412 Face Shield Design Problem (for Reichert Phoroptors) 2015 (16 minutes)
vimeo.com/175282680 Risley Prism Adventures, July 2016 (12 minutes)
vimeo.com/192055469 Projector Repair, Marco CP-690E projector, Nov 2016 (8 minutes)
vimeo.com/193957871 Re-Painting Indicator Arrows, for Phoroptors, Nov 2016 (10 minutes)
vimeo.com/198723420 Cleaning Anti-Reflection Coated Lenses, in phoroptors, 2017 (22 min)
vimeo.com/218241325 Restoring a Broken Phoroptor, 2017 (35 min)
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Phoroptor -- Close-up Details, 2012
This video shows close-up details of internal phoroptor parts, which one would see during servicing of the Reichert Phoroptor.
Duration: 21 Minutes
0:00 to 3:30 JCC maintenance
3:30 to 5:00 Cylinder axis tension adjustment
5:00 to 6:20 Tools for disassembly
6:20 to 7:30 Lubrication for phoroptor bearings
7:30 to 10:00 Cylinder Assembly details
10:00 to 13:20 Sphere power wheel details ***
13:20 to 17:20 Geneva Assembly, and how it works
17:20 to 19:10 Explanation of synchronized cross cylinder
19:10 to 21:30 Set-up for cleaning phoroptor lenses
( *** A correction in my narration, at 10 min 30 seconds:
“you can actually see the dimple here, which reappears every quarter of a DIOPTER”)
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Axis Tension, Turret Problems, 2014
This video demonstrates some unusual problems with the Cylinder Axis and JCC of the Reichert Phoroptor, and how to resolve these issues.
Duration: 10 minutes
0:00 to 3:30 Axis Tension Problems
3:30 to 6:00 Axis slipping out of position
(Turret assembly as the cause)
6:00 to 10:30 JCC won’t lock into a click stop position
(Loose set screw is the problem)
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Auxiliary Lenses and JCC Problems, 2015
This video demonstrates some unusual problems with the Auxiliary Lens wheel and JCC lenses of the Reichert Phoroptor, and how to resolve these issues.
Duration: 6 minutes
0:00 to 1:50 Auxiliary Lens wheel problem
(disassembly required for repair)
1:50 to 6:20 JCC lens misaligned in frame
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Phoroptor Maintenance Tour, 2012
This video gives a tour of the working parts of the Reichert Phoroptor.
Duration: 17 minutes
0:00 to 0:50 Phoroptor control knobs
0:50 to 1:30 Phoroptor stand used to clean phoroptor lenses
1:30 to 7:40 How to identify which lenses need cleaning
How to expose one lens at a time for cleaning.
7:40 to 8:40 JCC and Cylinder Mechanism
8:40 to 9:20 JCC disassembly and servicing summary
9:20 to 10:00 Inside the Reichert Phoroptor
10:00 to 11:10 Sphere power wheel setup
11:10 to 12:30 Sequence of Reassembling the Phoroptor
12:30 to 14:50 Sphere lenses, Inside view
14:50 to 16:00 Cylinder lenses, Inside view
16:00 to 17:20 Method for cleaning Phoroptor lenses
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Chart Calibration for Eye Exam Rooms, 2015
This video demonstrates steps for calibrating and aligning projector charts and a computer screen chart in eye exam rooms.
Duration: 12 minutes
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Re-Glue of Phoroptor Lens for Reichert Phoroptors, 2015
This video shows the steps for re-gluing a dislodged phoroptor lens with the Reichert phoroptor.
Duration: 6 minutes
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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https://vimeo.com/133307377 Face Shield Design Problem (for Reichert Phoroptors) 2015
Duration 14 minutes.
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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I kept this video, as of 17 July 2015. But I re-shot the video under the same name, and posted it, on 17 July 2015 to Vimeo.com.
On THIS video, I deleted the reference to my other videos and to my website.
I made this video MAINLY to inform the appropriate people at Reichert. Instead I ran into no willingness to re-design the face shields, so they work.
How unsettling.
Face Shield Design Problem (for Reichert Phoroptors) 2015
Reichert makes face shields for their Reichert phoroptors.
The face shields made 20 to 30 years ago seem to work better than the newer versions.
Face shields made in the past 15 years seem to not hold in place properly during eye exams.
A couple months ago, I purchased some new face shields, and it appears the problem still persists.
In this video, I show what appears to be a design problem with the face shields, as I compare and analyze measurements of various face shields.
By all my comparisons and measurements, I suspect if the face shields were made in the same shape, but made with thicker plastic, they would end up with good performance.
New face shields measure about 0.5 mm thick, and perform poorly.
Older face shields measure nearly 1 mm thick, and perform well, but are no longer made.
Current price, $33 for a package of 6 face shields (3 pairs), plus shipping and tax (current price from Lombart Instruments, Norfolk, VA. 1-800-LOMBART).
Duration: About 14 minutes.
0:00 to 1:30 Overview of face shields over the years
1:30 to 2:10 Attempted modification of face shields
2:20 to 5:50 Comparison of face shields, on the phoroptor
6:00 to 7:10 Comparison of face shields rigidity
7:30 to 12:30 Measurements of thicknesses of various face shields
13:20 to 13:40 Comparison of shapes of face shields -- Essentially identical.
I contacted the appropriate office at Reichert, and got a pleasant (yet unsettling) response (13 July 2015).
“Thank you again for your input on the face shields. You are correct, they
have become thinner since many decades previously. I apologize [that] you are
having issues with them. We are not currently planning on redesigning the
face shields, but if we do, we will certainly take your input into account.”
So, the world of optometrists and ophthalmologists is left with old, aging face shields that won’t last long. Or with newer face shields that don’t stay in place.
Several years ago, I tried a way to get (the newer, too thin) face shields to “stay in place” by using double-stick tape (the Scotch brand, Permanent Double Sided Tape).
I applied it to the face shield and phoroptor surface, as a double layer, and pressed the face shield firmly into place. It seemed to work. However, when I returned to those phoroptors a year later, not one of the face shields had stayed fully attached for the entire year. Then it took a lot of work (using “Goo-Gone” and rubbing alcohol) to remove the sticky tape surfaces during annual servicing.
The solution is properly designed face shields. But don’t expect that any time soon.
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https://vimeo.com/130501240 Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscopes, Cleaning the Optics, 2015 (25 minutes)
Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscopes, Cleaning the Optics, 2015
Welch Allyn Ophthalmoscopes. After years of use, the optics of the ophthalmoscope can start to fog up. What can you do? The easiest thing is to replace the ophthalmoscope head.
Contact the Welch Allyn company to find out if you can get a credit for your old ophthalmoscope. Plan on a cost of $250 for the replacement, but less overall cost if you can get a credit, when returning your used scope to Welch Allyn.
Once you have a spare ophthalmoscope, it might be possible to clean the optics of your old ophthalmoscope. This video gives a tour inside 3 models of the Welch Allyn direct ophthalmoscope. WA 11720. WA 11710. WA 11620.
Duration: 25 minutes
0:00 to 3:00 Welch Allyn direct ophthalmoscope. Model types and features.
3:00 to 13:30 Inside the WA 11620 ophthalmoscope
13:30 to 20:30 Inside the WA 11710 ophthalmoscope
20:30 to 20:30 Inside the WA 11720 ophthalmoscope
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
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Re-Glue of Two Phoroptor Lens for Reichert Phoroptors, 2015
This video shows the steps for re-gluing of dislodged phoroptor lenses with the Reichert phoroptor.
Re-Glue of the +0.12 D auxiliary lens
Re-Glue of the Polaroid lens, starting at 6 minutes
Duration: 9 minutes
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Slit Lamp Maintenance, 2015
This video describes adjustments and maintenance that might be needed for the Slit Lamp and support arms. (A Haag-Streit Slit Lamp is featured, mounted on a Marco Arm)
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
Duration: 32 minutes
0:00 to 3:30 Clean and lubricate Slit Lamp stage
3:40 to 7:30 Checking the level of the Slit Lamp table
7:40 to 11:50 Wobbly table of slit lamp, and how to fix it
11:50 to 15:10 Slit Lamp rolling mechanism, table parts
15:20 to 17:00 Lighting or electrical problems with Slit Lamp
17:00 to 19:10 Slit Lamp bulb problems
19:10 to 19:50 Joy stick sleeve detached
19:50 to 24:00 Lubricating the Arm for the Slit Lamp
24:00 to 26:10 Bulb housing Cap, for other styles of Haag-Streit Slit Lamp
26:10 to 31:50 Improving the electrical connections inside the Bulb Housing Cap
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Slit Lamp, Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Install Marco Phoroptor Arm, 2015
Marco Phoroptor Arm, Install and Adjust Springs, 2015
This video describes how to remove or replace a Marco phoroptor arm, and some adjustments that might be needed to set up the arm to hold the phoroptor.
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
Duration: 8 minutes
0:00 to 3:40 Replacing the Phoroptor arm (after a repair)
3:40 to 6:10 Adjusting the counter balance springs for the Phoroptor Arm
6:10 to 8:00 Removing or replacing the Phoroptor, and aligning it for use
Another video shows the steps to adjust the locking mechanism of the Marco phoroptor arm. See the link below for “Adjusting the Marco Phoroptor Arm, 2015”
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor Arm, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Marco Phoroptor Arm, Repair, 2015
This video shows a repair of the Marco phoroptor arm (and it shows a disassembled view of the Marco phoroptor arm).
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
Duration: 23 minutes
0:00 to 10:00 Transfer of parts from broken component to replacement part
10:00 to 15:00 Reassembling counter balance springs for the Phoroptor Arm
15:00 to 18:30 Reassembling side panels for the Phoroptor Arm
18:30 to 21:10 Adjusting the locking mechanism for the Phoroptor Arm
21:10 to 23:00 Attaching the final lever arm of the Phoroptor Arm
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor Arm, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Adjusting the Marco Phoroptor Arm, 2015
This video shows how to adjust the Marco phoroptor arm, so it locks in place for a refraction.
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
Duration: nearly 8 minutes
0:00 to 1:20 Tools to adjust the Marco phoroptor arm
1:20 to 3:10 How the arm is adjusted
3:10 to 4:35 Adjusting the Marco phoroptor arm
4:35 to 5:30 Lengths of adjusting levers, spare levers
5:30 to 7:45 Fine-tuning the adjustment of the Marco phoroptor arm
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor Arm, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Phoroptor Disassembly and Servicing, 2015
This video gives step-by-step directions how to disassemble and reassemble the Reichert phoroptor, how to lubricate the internal parts, and how to service the Jackson Cross Cylinder (JCC) mechanism.
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
Duration: 31 minutes
0:00 to 1:00 Removing the cylinder assembly of the left bank of the phoroptor
2:00 to 4:00 Disassembly of the sphere wheels
4:00 to 9:00 Clean and lubricate inside the left bank
9:00 to 16:00 Reassembly of the left bank
16:30 to 26:00 Servicing the JCC mechanism
26:00 to 27:30 Reassembly of the JCC mechanism
28:00 to 29:20 Inspect the exterior of the phoroptor
29:20 to 31:00 Reading Rod yoke, inspect and adjust
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Face Shield Design Problem (for Reichert Phoroptors) 2015
Reichert makes face shields for their Reichert phoroptors.
The face shields made 20 to 30 years ago seem to work better than the newer versions.
Face shields made in the past 18 years seem to not hold in place properly during eye exams.
A couple months ago, I purchased some new face shields, and it appears the problem still persists.
In this video, I show what appears to be a design problem with the face shields, as I compare and analyze measurements of various face shields.
By all my comparisons and measurements, I suspect if the face shields were made in the same shape, but made with thicker plastic, they would end up with good performance.
New face shields measure about 0.5 mm thick, and perform poorly.
Older face shields measure nearly 1 mm thick, and perform well, but are no longer made.
Current price, $33 for a package of 6 face shields (3 pairs), plus shipping and tax (current price from Lombart Instruments, Norfolk, VA. 1-800-LOMBART).
Duration: About 16 minutes.
0:00 to 4:00 Overview of face shields over the years
4:20 to 11:20 Analyzing the face shield thickness, as cause of problem
11:20 to 12:20 Attempted modifications of face shields
12:20 to 13:40 Attempted attachment of face shields by double stick tape
14:20 to 12:30 Face shields with built-in lenses, and problems that causes
I contacted the appropriate office at Reichert, and got a pleasant (yet unsettling) response (13 July 2015).
“Thank you again for your input on the face shields. You are correct, they
have become thinner since many decades previously. I apologize [that] you are
having issues with them. We are not currently planning on redesigning the
face shields, but if we do, we will certainly take your input into account.”
So, the world of optometrists and ophthalmologists is left with old, aging face shields that won’t last long. Or with newer face shields that don’t stay in place.
Several years ago, I tried a way to get (the newer, too thin) face shields to “stay in place” by using double-stick tape (the Scotch brand, Permanent Double Sided Tape).
I applied it to the face shield and phoroptor surface, as a double layer, and pressed the face shield firmly into place. It seemed to work. However, when I returned to those phoroptors a year later, not one of the face shields had stayed fully attached for the entire year. Then it took a lot of work (using “Goo-Gone” and rubbing alcohol) to remove the sticky tape surfaces during annual servicing.
The solution is properly designed face shields. But don’t expect that any time soon.
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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Cleaning Phoroptor Lenses, 2009
This video describes how to clean lenses in the phoroptor.
The method demonstrated here is by exposing each lens, one at a time, in the phoroptor opening.
There are 43 lenses inside the right bank of the phoroptor, and the same number on the left bank (86 different lenses or surfaces inside the phoroptor)
Duration: 12 minutes
0:00 to 4:00 Starting with the Auxiliary Lenses (10 lenses or surfaces) ***
4:00 to 6:30 3 D lens wheel, 11 lenses
6:30 to 7:00 0.25 D lens wheel, 11 lenses
7:20 to 8:30 Cylinder lens wheels, 8 lenses
8:30 to 10:20 JCC lens (I forgot to video the Risley)
10:20 to 10:20 Set-up for cleaning lenses
( *** At 35 seconds into the video, I got the narration wrong.
I said, "I insert a lens" . . . I meant to say "I insert a Q-Tip")
The lens cleaner I use is "Glass Plus" -- which can be found in nearly any grocery store.
Just a little dab on each q-tip, or it runs all over the lens.
Sometimes I run into more tenacious deposits, and I use rubbing alcohol. But still finish with Glass plus.
Sometimes I have to use Goo Gone with really sticky / persistent deposits.
Still finish with Glass Plus.
And after using Goo Gone, and / or alcohol, I often do a “quick dry” with a small hair dryer to evaporate the chemical, before I clean off the residue with Glass Plus.
Some phoroptor lenses have manufacturing defects that won't come clean.
And the newest phoroptors have anti-reflection coating on the lenses, which make the whole process an extra terrible experience.
A regular phoroptor usually takes 3 to 5 hours for lens cleaning.
With anti-reflection coating, it seems to add hours to the process.
Notice the “black paper” in the background. I hung a large piece of black construction paper on the wall. It helps enhance the contrast of the lens I am looking at. It lets me see the optics of the lenses more effectively. (A white wall gives almost no contrast.) Otherwise, a regular eye exam room, with all the lights off, usually gives a dark background, and good contrast. The black construction paper gives me the same effect, in a small space.
(To see OTHER optical maintenance videos, follow the links at the bottom of this narrative.)
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
Tags: Phoroptor, Optical Maintenance, Eye Exam equipment
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https://vimeo.com/172974238 Marco Phoroptor Arm, Repair, 2016 (4 min)
Marco Phoroptor Arm, repair, 2016
Video duration, 4 minutes
This phoroptor arm was nearly frozen at the mid-point of the arm, so that the arm would bend only with extreme effort.
This video shows the problem -- and how the repair was done.
I managed to drive the (frozen) central shaft out of position using a “punch” and hammer. Then I sanded and filed the parts until they fit smoothly together. Then I cleaned and lubricated the parts, prior to reassembly.
In this case, I was able to effect a complete repair, without needing any replacement parts. Had I been unsuccessful, it would likely have cost hundreds of dollars in replacement parts.
For more details on the inside of the Marco Phoroptor Arm, see a related video.
https://vimeo.com/133151585 Marco Phoroptor Arm, Repair, 2015 (23 min)
Clarifying comments. In order to drive the shaft out of the cylinder, it was necessary to use a “punch” with a point, and to always be striking the shaft in the same location, near the center of the shaft. The shaft is a soft steel and it is important NOT to mushroom the end of the shaft, or it can’t be driven out of the cylinder.
Initially, the shaft was barely moving, despite numerous strikes with the hammer.
Eventually, as the shaft was pounded further out, each blow with the hammer made more progress. Once the shaft was out, I was then able to sand and file off the irregularities of the parts, and eventually they all moved together smoothly. The end result was no replacement parts needed.
Years ago, on a previous repair (the shaft was also jammed in the phoroptor arm) the shaft removal was not as successful. I ultimately had to replace a number of parts of the phoroptor arm, and it was a substantial expense.
As I mentioned in the video, I placed the bracket on two 2x4s.
Basically, they were of similar length, and lying flat on the floor. I spaced one end of the 2x4s, with a wooden dowel (to allow a space for the metal shaft to be pounded out, through the gap between the 2x4s).
I then clamped the 2x4s together, so they would stay in place. Then I used another clamp to hold the bracket in place, to I could pound out the shaft, using a punch and hammer. Every few blows, I needed to re-center the bracket. Eventually the shaft started slowly moving. After more than an inch of the shaft protruded out, I found it necessary to prop up the underlying 2x4 boards with an extra 2x4. That gave the shaft more space to be driven out, without striking the (concrete) floor surface on which I was working.
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Cross-Cylinder Repair --- Complete Disassembly and Cleaning, July 2016
This video shows a complete disassembly of the Cross-Cylinder mechanism in the Reichert Ultramatic RxMaster Phoroptor.
(video duration, 17 minutes)
Under some conditions, the cylinder axis can shift significantly when flipping away the JCC or Risley mechanism.
After trying various lubrication arrangements, without success -- another thing to try is complete disassembly of the Cross-Cylinder mechanism. Once disassembled, all the parts can be cleaned, and if necessary, replace any affected parts.
The phoroptor in this video has been in use for over 25 years, and was having slippage of the cylinder axis, despite all lubrication attempts I had tried.
This video shows how I disassembled the Cross-Cylinder mechanism. During this project, I cleaned and re-lubricated all the internal parts, and I also replaced the Thrust Washer (which fits right underneath the Cross-Cylinder Housing). In this case, the Thrust Washer was substantially distorted and enlarged.
The replacement part is about $5 per Thrust Washer. Lombart currently identifies the replacement part as “Reichert Thrust Washer for Phoroptor” and part number RE9RE11625260.
To see a diagram of the parts, see my web-site for phoroptor maintenance (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance) which includes diagrams and part descriptions for the Reichert Phoroptor (https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/phoroptormaintenance/oc1AsdFuGp8). Click on the copy of the 1999 printout. Page 8 shows the “exploded” diagram of the Cross-Cylinder mechanism, and the next page shows the part names and numbers. (Item 46 on that diagram is listed as 11625-260 Thrust Washer).
I had a similar repair done through Lombart, in April 2016. The Cross Cylinder mechanism was serviced by Lombart. That repair resolved the problem, where the Phoroptor axis had been shifting substantially during eye exams.
By complete disassembly of the cross cylinder mechanism, a more thorough cleaning (and lubrication) is achieved, and that can resolve the “axis slipping” problem. During disassembly, I saw some phoroptors, in which debris persisted around the Thrust Washer, that nearly glued it in place. By cleaning the parts above and below the Thrust Washer, full function can be restored, even if replacement parts are not needed.
The only fragile part in the Cross Cylinder mechanism, is the “Thrust Washer” -- which is a plastic washer that fits underneath the Cross-Cylinder Housing. The Thrust Washer should be replaced, if it is substantially distorted or enlarged.
Perhaps the biggest factor in this Cross Cylinder Repair was the cleaning and re-lubrication of all the parts, which is best achieved by complete disassembly.
For additional details on reassembly of the Cross Cylinder mechanism, see this other video. https://vimeo.com/176166427 Cross Cylinder Repair -- Details of Reassembly, July 2016 (14 minutes)
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Severe Shifting of the Cylinder Axis position, January to April 2016
This problem was finally solved by having the Cylinder Assembly serviced by Lombart Instruments. It involved complete disassembly of the Cross Cylinder mechanism, and replacement of the “Thrust Washer.”
The problem appears to be -- the internal oil and grease had dried out, gotten sticky, and nearly turned to glue. Cleaning the components and replacing the lubrication resolves the problem.
To see the step-by step process of how the Cross Cylinder mechanism is disassembled, view this video. https://vimeo.com/174616858 Cross-Cylinder Repair --- Complete Disassembly and Cleaning, July 2016 (17 minutes)
Explanation.
After more than 16 years of working on phoroptors, I thought I had figured out how to “fix” a phoroptor that showed the axis slipping out of place.
Then I ran into this phoroptor, and it had me stumped.
When flipping away the JCC mechanism, the axis would sometimes rotate from 30 to 90 degrees. And other times, the cylinder axis showed no problem.
The axis-shifting problem persisted over a few months. When I cleaned and lubricated the JCC mechanism. I thought I had it fixed.
Then if I put the phoroptor back in an exam room, I would get a call that the problem had returned. Repeating my “clean and lubricate” method seemed to resolve the problem, yet the problem kept returning.
I finally figured out what needed to be done.
I sent the cylinder assembly to Lombart, with a typed explanation, and a DVD copy of this video. I stated that it appeared the Thrust Washer needed to be replaced.
A week later, I got the cylinder assembly back from Lombart, and the problem was resolved.
I currently service a number of phoroptors that are 25 or more years old. I have noticed a number of phoroptors that could need disassembly, cleaning, and re-lubrication of the Cross Cylinder mechanism. (I figure that if I can do the repair myself, I can save the downtime of shipping the cylinder assembly to and from Lombart, for such repairs.)
The other factor is the cost. I packed up the cylinder assembly and shipped it, with insurance, via UPS to Lombart ($17 shipping).
The repair charge was $95. The part was $5. The return shipping and tax brought the invoice charge to $131. Overall there was a week delay, and nearly $150 spent to have one Cross Cylinder mechanism repaired, with one Thrust Washer replaced.
Go to this video to see how the Cross-Cylinder mechanism can be disassembled, in order to clean and re-lubricate the mechanism. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the Thrust Washer, to restore complete function.
https://vimeo.com/174616858 Cross-Cylinder Repair --- Complete Disassembly and Cleaning, July 2016 (17 minutes)
For additional details, see this other video. https://vimeo.com/176166427 Cross Cylinder Repair -- Details of Reassembly, July 2016 (14 minutes)
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Cross Cylinder Repair -- Details of Reassembly, July 2016
This video shows reassembly details, of the Cross Cylinder mechanism of a Reichert Phoroptor.
It is a continuation of the video, “Cross-Cylinder Repair --- Complete Disassembly and Cleaning, July 2016” ( https://vimeo.com/174616858 ).
Video Duration -- 14 minutes
In this video I show close-up views while I put the parts together, and realigned for proper function of the cross cylinder.
Despite the annual cleaning and lubrication I have been doing of JCC mechanisms of 130 phoroptors each year, some continue to have an “axis slipping” problem. By complete disassembly of the cross cylinder mechanism, a more thorough cleaning (and lubrication) is achieved, and that can resolve the “axis slipping” problem. I saw some cases, in which debris persisted around the Thrust Washer, that nearly glued it in place. By cleaning the parts above and below the Thrust Washer, full function can be restored, even if replacement parts are not needed.
The only fragile part in the Cross Cylinder mechanism, is the “Thrust Washer” -- which is a plastic washer that fits underneath the Cross-Cylinder Housing. The Thrust Washer should be replaced, if it is substantially distorted or enlarged.
Perhaps the biggest factor in this Cross Cylinder Repair was the cleaning and re-lubrication of all the parts, which is best achieved by complete disassembly.
Most often, the problem appears to be -- the lubrication, over time, starts drying out, and it causes the parts to stick together. I was recently quite surprised to find relatively new phoroptors (less than 5 years old) where the cross cylinder mechanism was already sticking, and causing the axis to shift radically when flipping away the JCC. Or the JCC itself had become frozen in place, due to the lubrication becoming so sticky, as it aged and dried out.
While working on re-lubricating the cross cylinder mechanism, it is an easy matter to remove the three T-5 screws from the turret cover, and clean and re-lubricate the turret gear. (Use the same Sil-Glyde + 3-in-1 oil mixture of grease for that lubrication.)
I have found it is easier to place the axis and a mark at the 180 degree position for both banks, when reinserting the ring gear. (In the video I commented I put the axis and mark at 165 degrees for the left bank and 015 degrees for the right bank)
Also, I have found it useful, prior to disassembly, to look at the alignment of the ball bearing, with the axis set on “180 degrees.” That helps me get a better alignment on reassembly. There is enough “parallax” when viewing the 180 degree position, when marking it on the housing, that it is helpful to note how well the ball bearing and screws are aligned, and mark the housing BEFORE disassembly. Otherwise, it is easy to be off by “one gear tooth” when re-assembling.
Also, I found I could obtain Sil-Glyde from a local auto store, for a lower price. It is in a 4 ounce tube (Sil-Glyde Brake Lubricant, Cat.No. BK-4) for about $8. From Lombart it is a 1.5 oz tube for $7.50 plus shipping (Sil-Glyde Lubricating Compound, Cat.No. SG-2). Looks like the same lubricant inside.
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Restoring a Broken Phoroptor, 2017
Restoring a Broken Phoroptor, 2017
Video duration: 35 minutes
I got a request to look at this phoroptor which had become broken.
The left bank was completely broken off and the main phoroptor support bracket had broken off, and now the phoroptor could no longer hang from an ophthalmic stand.
I recognized this as a phoroptor I had last serviced over 5 years previously. It had been in a few clinics in an HMO in the Washington DC area, where I regularly service phoroptors. Since that time it had been donated to an organization providing eye services to impoverished people in Honduras.
It proved to be the most challenging repair I had ever done of any phoroptor.
However I was able to restore normal function to the phoroptor.
This video shows the steps I took to complete the repair.
Assessing the damage . . . . . . . 0:10
The repair parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9:40
The new bubble level . . . . . . . . 16:30
Reattaching the lens banks . . . . 21:00
Both Banks together . . . . . . . . . 22:20
Phoroptor hanging bracket . . . . . 26:20
Cylinder axis frozen . . . . . . . . . . 31:00
At 8:50 in the video, I discussed a broken “PD sighting mechanism.” It is actually a “Corneal Indicator” designed to allow a measurement of the vertex distance -- from cornea to phoroptor lens. That device can be useful when dealing with very high refractive errors. I have never used this device, and decided NOT to replace it.
To see detailed printed instructions on phoroptor maintenance, visit this website:
groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/phoroptormaintenance
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Projector Repair, Marco CP-690E projector, Nov 2016
Repair of Marco CP-690E projector, Nov 2016
This video shows 2 examples of a Marco projector that stopped functioning due to an electronic component.
One malfunction in 2016, followed by an earlier malfunction in 2011.
Both cases were resolved by having the proper electronic component re-soldered, without return to Marco for this procedure.
An additional repair is shown when a severed screw was replaced.
Video duration: 8 minutes.
Cleaning Anti-Reflection Coated Lenses, in phoroptors, 2017 (22 min)
Video Duration: 22 minutes
Since about 2004, Reichert has made phoroptors with Anti-Reflection coating on the internal phoroptor lenses. Prior to that time, the phoroptors had glass lenses that were uncoated.
I have found such anti-reflection coated lenses very difficult to clean, compared to uncoated glass lenses. The Anti-Reflection coating seems to have no advantage for refracting. However, it makes cleaning the lenses an especially frustrating endeavor.
I recently came up with a method that saves me a lot of time, when cleaning anti-reflection coated lenses. I describe the method in this video.
On an annual basis, I typically disassemble each phoroptor for internal lubrication and cleaning. While dismantled, I find it useful to take the 4 sphere lens wheels to a sink, and scrub them with hot, soapy water. Specifically, I use Dawn Dish soap to remove grease and oil from the lens frame and surfaces.
Also important is to use an extremely delicate toothbrush for the scrubbing of the lenses. Typical toothbrushes have sharp edge bristles which can damage and scratch the fragile anti-reflection coating.
Nimbus toothbrushes can be purchased on-line (Nimbusdental.com), and they have very soft bristles which are safe to use, when cleaning anti-reflection coated lenses.
The artist brush I used to spread the grease mixture onto the bearing surfaces measures 13 mm long bristles by 7 mm wide.
For the “towels” I use to wipe and dry off the sphere wheels, I wash them after use, and store them in a large ziplock bag so they stay dust free until I use them next.
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YEAR of Phoroptor Manufacture and Serial Number format.
Based on the serial number I can often tell the year of manufacturing.
Most Reichert phoroptors have a serial number which ends with a dash followed by another number or numbers. The ending numbers change, based on year of manufacturing.
Examples of year of manufacture, and typical serial numbers, for assorted Reichert minus cylinder phoroptors.
1988 . . . . . 11270-8 (note the “-8” for 1988)
1995 . . . . . 23098-5
1997 . . . . . 26099-07 (note the “-07” for 1997)
2001 . . . . . 36617-01
2006 . . . . . 47065-0406 (note that by 2006, the month was added - “April 2006”)
2013 . . . . . 58367-0813 (“August 2013”)
2015 . . . . . 59624-0215 (“Feb 2015”)
Prior to 1988, phoroptors had a different pattern than any of these, typically beginning with a couple of letters, such as BE45326. The manufacture year was likely prior to 1988, when I first noticed the “-8” ending to have been used.
Additionally, the shape and format of the serial number PLATE changed in various years, to be different than prior years.
The phoroptor shown in this video (57409-0706) was probably manufactured in July 2006 (note the “-0706” at the end of the serial number). (In the video I had stated it was June 2007, but that is likely incorrect.)
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