Description
American Optical 365 Microscope Illuminator Light Source 115V 5.5-6.5V No Bulb
The American Optical 365 is a variable-intensity microscope light source made by A O Instrument Co. of Buffalo, New York. It steps down 115V AC mains power to a low-voltage output (5.5–6.5V) suitable for driving a microscope lamp, with brightness controlled by a front-panel rotary dial. The unit is UL listed and made in the USA.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: A O Instrument Co. (American Optical), Buffalo, NY 14215
- Model: 365
- Primary voltage: 115V AC only
- Secondary (output) voltage: 5.5V to 6.5V
- Power rating: 23 V.Amps (VA)
- Frequency: 60 Hz
- Intensity settings: OFF / LO / MED / HI (rotary dial)
- Front panel: rotary intensity knob and orange power indicator lamp
- Output: cylindrical black lamp head / probe on attached cable
- Power cord: standard 3-prong AC cord
- Certifications: UL Listed
- Country of manufacture: USA
- No bulb included — lamp head socket is empty; a compatible replacement bulb will be needed
Applications
The American Optical 365 is a substage or external illuminator designed for use with AO Spencer and compatible biological microscopes from the mid-twentieth century. This type of regulated low-voltage light source was standard equipment in clinical, educational, and research labs during the 1950s through 1970s, replacing direct mains-powered lamps with a safer, controllable low-voltage output that extended bulb life and allowed fine brightness adjustment for different specimen types and magnifications. The variable intensity control — OFF, LO, MED, HI — lets the user balance illumination for brightfield, darkfield, or phase-contrast work without a separate rheostat. American Optical (later AO Scientific Instruments) was one of the dominant U.S. microscope manufacturers of that era, and replacement lamp heads and compatible bulbs for this series are still sought by labs and collectors maintaining vintage AO microscope setups.
This American Optical 365 Microscope Illuminator has been inspected and is in good used condition. It was pulled from a working environment where it was previously in service. The gray housing shows normal wear consistent with lab use, and the lamp head probe shows some dust and residue around the bulb socket — as clearly visible in the photos. The orange power indicator is present and intact. Please note: no bulb is included with this unit. Review all photos and contact us with any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
American Optical |
Model: |
365 |
MPN: |
365 |
Type: |
Microscope Illuminator / Light Source |
SKU: |
46510 |
Primary Voltage: |
115V AC, 60 Hz |
Secondary Voltage (Output): |
5.5V to 6.5V |
Power Rating: |
23 V.Amps (VA) |
Frequency: |
60 Hz |
Input: |
AC Only |
Intensity Settings: |
OFF, LO, MED, HI (rotary dial) |
Bulb Included: |
No — bulb not included |
Light Output Connector: |
Cylindrical lamp head / probe attachment |
Power Cord: |
Standard 3-prong AC power cord included |
Indicator Light: |
Orange power indicator lamp on front panel |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Manufacturer: |
A O Instrument Co., Buffalo, NY 14215 |
Certifications: |
UL Listed |
Form Factor: |
Benchtop |
Compatible With: |
American Optical / AO Spencer microscopes |
Seller Notes: |
Includes power cord and lamp head probe. No bulb included. |
Condition Notes: |
This American Optical 365 Microscope Illuminator is in good used condition, pulled from a working lab environment. Housing shows normal wear; lamp head has dust around the socket. No bulb included. Please view photos and contact us with questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |