Nikon A1R - Moving the sample

The microscope contains a motorized stage which moves the sample. The stage is controlled using the joystick. The sections below describe how to move the sample in XY and Z directions.

XY position

The XY position of the stage can be controlled by using the joystick or by right-clicking on the image and selecting “Move this point to center”.

If you are using the joystick, the speed of the stage movement can be changed by either:

1. Rotating the top of the joystick. This will change the stage speed from Coarse (Fastest) > Fine > Extra Fine (Slowest).
2. The speed of the stage is also controlled by the angle of the joystick. Pushing on the joystick further moves the stage faster.

Z position

The position of the objective is controlled by the z-position of the microscope. This changes the focus of the sample. 

1. The black knob on the right of the joystick will move the objective up and down.
2. The speed at which the z-position changes can be controlled by pushing the "Z speed" button. This will change the z-position speed from Coarse (Fastest) > Fine > Extra Fine (Slowest).
3. If the z-position does not change, check that the PFS is not engaged. To change the focus when the PFS is engaged, use the Perfect Focus wheel.