Simple but effective anti-vibration base constructed at the offices of Autoscan Systems.

(Please refer to the big photo on our home page). Our base consists of a slab of granite, suspended on four to six partly inflated 8-inch wheel-barrow inner tubes. It is a very simple way to provide isolation of the microscope against external vibrations, which become quite perceptible at the x1,000 magnifications required for fission track dating work. It relies on the fact that a substantial mass will remain static due to its inertia when suspended on a sufficiently elastic base. We drilled six holes in our slab, in order to allow the right-angle inflation tubes to emerge through them. That way, we can top up the tubes every now and then, as required. A bubble spirit-level is useful to ensure that the microscope is perfectly level. We use a circular "bulls-eye" version, which allows simultaneous levelling in both horizontal axes.

Please refer to our dimensioned drawing, available via the "Miscellaneous/Download" menu.