Cambridge Instruments 1177 Fiber Optic Microscope Illuminator Dual Gooseneck

Cambridge Instruments 1177 Fiber Optic Microscope Illuminator Dual Gooseneck 150W

The Cambridge Instruments 1177 is a benchtop fiber optic microscope illuminator with dual flexible gooseneck light guides. It delivers 150 watts of output through two independently positionable gooseneck arms, allowing the user to direct bright, cool illumination precisely onto a specimen from multiple angles. A front-panel rotary knob controls intensity from off to full brightness, and power is switched via a rear-mounted rocker switch. The unit was manufactured by Cambridge Instruments Inc. in Buffalo, New York, USA.

Specifications & What's Included

• Manufacturer: Cambridge Instruments Inc., Buffalo, New York — Made in USA
• Catalog Number: 1177
• Output: 150 Watts
• Input: 120V, 60Hz, 3A
• Fuse: 3AG 3A (rear-accessible push-button fuse holder)
• Light guides: Dual flexible stainless-jacketed gooseneck fiber optic arms
• Intensity control: Front-panel rotary knob, Off to Max
• Power switch: Rear rocker switch
• Form factor: Benchtop
• Includes: Dual gooseneck fiber optic arms and AC power cord

Applications

Fiber optic microscope illuminators like the Cambridge Instruments 1177 are standard accessories for stereo and inspection microscopes used in biology, materials science, electronics assembly, gemology, and industrial quality control. Unlike conventional incandescent ring lights mounted directly on the microscope head, fiber optic systems transmit light from a remote lamp housing through flexible light guides, keeping heat away from the specimen — critical when examining heat-sensitive biological samples or electronic components. The dual gooseneck design lets the user position each arm independently to eliminate shadows and create oblique or differential lighting effects that reveal surface texture and fine detail. Cambridge Instruments was a major supplier of optical and microscopy equipment, and the 1177 was widely used in university and industrial labs from the 1970s through the 1990s. Units like this remain in service today as reliable, high-output cold-light sources compatible with a broad range of stereo microscope stands.