CCD Cameras: Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Installation and User Instructions

UVP, LLC 2066 W. 11th Street Upland, CA 91786 Phone: (800) 452-6788 / (909) 946-3197 Fax: (909) 946-3597

Web Site: www.uvp.com 81-0269-01 Rev. D

Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate,

Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK Phone: +44(0)1223-420022

Fax: +44(0)1223-420561

Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras 2

Introduction

The high sensitivity, cooled CCD Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras are designed for use with UVP’s BioSpectrum® and EC3 Imaging Systems. The instruction manual covers assembly of the camera on the darkroom, installation of software and use of the camera. Refer to your darkroom manual for additional system information and the VisionWorksLS Software Manual or Help Files for software information.

Components Camera Kits

The cameras use an Interline Transfer CCD with the following specifications:

Specifications BioChemi 500 Camera Chemi 410 Camera Type Interline Transfer CCD, Interline Transfer CCD, Monochrome Monochrome Resolution 2048 x 2048 1600 x 1200 Megapixels 4.2 2.0 Bit Depth 16-bit 16-bit Quantum Efficiency 55% at peak 56% at peak 50% at 425nm 50% at 425nm Cooling -28˚ C Absolute -28˚ C Absolute Binning Yes Yes PC Interface USB 2.0 USB 2.0

The camera/lens kit components and camera bracket are assembled at the UVP factory. Refer to the packing list.

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Installation

The camera is controlled by VisionWorksLS software. Refer to your darkroom manual for additional system information and the VisionWorksLS Software Manual (pdf file on the VisionWorksLS CD) or Help Files for software information.

BioChemi 500 Camera Kit with Motorized Lens

Installing on the BioSpectrum Imaging System

The photograph shows parts required for assembly of the camera kit with the automated/motorized zoom lens onto the BioSpectrum Imaging System. NOTE: Some components are preassembled at the UVP factory.

1. Set up the darkroom and unplug all components from the power outlet. Refer to the BioSpectrum Imaging System Manual for more information.

2. The base mount (3) should be preassembled at the UVP factory. If not, secure it to the darkroom with the long screws (10).

3. Attach the camera bracket (4) to the base with the thumb nuts (10).

4. The camera (2) should be preassembled with the motorized lens (7), step-up ring (6) and the diopter (9) and magnifier (8). Place the camera/lens assembly over the base mount and secure the camera to the bracket (4) with the knob (5).

Note: When positioning the camera, make sure that the cables are positioned to the left of the camera when viewed from the front of the darkroom. If this is not the case your image may display an incorrect orientation.

5. Install the VisionWorksLS software to run the camera if not already installed. Refer to the “Installing Software” section for more information.

1. Camera USB cable

2. BioChemi 500 Camera

3. Base mount

4. Bracket

5. Knob

6. Step-up ring

7. Auto zoom lens

8. Magnifier

9. Diopter

10. Screws and thumb nuts

11. Power cord

12. Camera power supply

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6. Once the software is installed, connect the camera USB cable (1) to the camera and an available port on the computer.

7. Connect the motorized lens cable (7) to the port located in the camera well of the darkroom.

8. Connect the power supply and cable (11) to the camera and power source.

Refer to the BioSpectrum Imaging System manual for additional system assembly and user instructions.

BioChemi 500 Camera Kit with Manual Lens

Installing on the EC3 Imaging System

The photograph shows parts required for assembly of the camera kit with the manual zoom lens onto the EC3 Imaging System.

1. Set up the Darkroom and unplug all components from the power outlet. Refer to the EC3 Imaging System Manual for more information.

2. Screw the base mount and gasket (3) to the darkroom with the thumb nuts (10). Note: This step may be completed by the manufacturer. If your base mount is already attached proceed to step 3. Place the gasket between the base mount and darkroom. Ensure that the gasket prevents light leaks into the dark room around the lens.

3. Attach the camera bracket (4) to the base mount with the brass thumb nuts (10).

4. The camera (2) should be preassembled with the manual lens (7), step-up ring (6) and the diopter (9) and magnifier (8). Place the camera/lens assembly over the base mount and secure the camera to the bracket (4) with the knob (5).

5. Attach the magnifier (8) to the back of the lens and then attach the camera (2) to the magnifier.

6. Place the camera/lens assembly in the hole in the base mount and then use the knobs (5) to secure the camera in place attaching it through the hole at the top of the bracket (4).

1. USB cable

2. BioChemi HR Camera

3. Base mount and gasket

4. Bracket

5. Knobs

6. Step-up ring

7. Manual Lens

8. Magnifier

9. Diopter

10. Thumb nuts

11. Power cord

12. Camera power supply

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Note: Make sure the cables extend to the left from the camera when viewed from the front of the darkroom. If this is not the case your image may display an incorrect orientation.

7. Use the VisionWorksLS software to run the camera.

Install the Software

Install VisionWorksLS software from the VisionWorksLS CD. Refer to the VisionWorksLS software manual or help file for more information.

Install the Camera drivers

1. Connect the camera to a USB port on the computer with the USB cable provided and power connect the power supply to the camera and an appropriate power outlet.

2. When the camera is first connected to the computer the “Found New Hardware” wizard will open. Select “Install from a list or specified location (Advanced)” and click the “Next” button.

3. Select “Don’t Search. I will choose the driver to install.” The click the “Next” button.

4. Click the “Have Disk…” button and browse to the “C:\Windows\system32\drivers” folder. Select the “AltaUSB.inf” file and select “Open” and then “OK” to install the camera.

5. Select “Finish”.

Note: the installation may cause a warning message saying that the drivers are “not verified by Microsoft”. Select “Continue Anyway” and your drivers will be installed correctly.

Capturing Images with the BioChemi 500 Camera

The BioChemi HR Camera is a high sensitivity and high resolution camera. The images are captured in either 12 or 16 bits. Use the VisionWorksLS software to control the camera and any other automated features of your hardware.

Run the Software

1. Run the VisionWorksLS software and log in under the desired user account.

2. Select the menu View > Plugins > BioChemi HR camera plug-in and ensure that plugin is enabled.

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Interface Settings

The interface settings for the camera are described below:

Features

Integration: Provides 3 different modes to capture images. The option selected will activate with the Capture button. Select the button on the right of each feature for more options.

On-chip integration: Captures one or more images at the same exposure time.

Sequential integration: Captures one or more images at the same or different exposure times.

Dynamic integration: This option stacks images to give the user a dynamically updating image to preview longer integration times.

Binning: Controls the preview and capture binning. Increase the binning for greater sensitivity. Decrease the binning for greater resolution. 4x4 binning for preview is recommended for faster frame rates.

Compensate exposure for binning: Use this feature to emulate the actual exposure intensity of the captured image.

Minutes and Seconds: These fields and the slider bar below them control the integration time of the capture function of the camera.

Gain: Adjusts the gain of the image. This will only adjust for 12 bit images and the camera preview.

Preview ROI% (Region of Interest): This control will crop the image allowing faster frame rates in preview. Use this control to achieve fast frame rates for position and focusing.

Saturation Preview: Overlays yellow and red pixel values for nearly over-exposed and over-exposed areas of the preview window.

Template: Save a set of capture settings in a template and recall them for use in later experiments. Click on the arrow to select a template or the button to edit or create templates.

Capture: Captures an image according to integration settings. Click this button again to stop the capture before the integration is finished.

Preview: Opens a preview window with a live video of the camera. Click the preview button a second time to close the preview window.

Capture information: Progress bars for individual captures and total time for the current integration.

Preferences: Opens the preferences window for the BioChemi HR camera. Use this tab to change the camera between 12 and 16 bit mode.

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Focusing the lens using the Preview

1. Place your sample or focus target on the surface where the sample will be scanned.

2. Turn on the darkroom white light (or the UV transilluminator for the fluorescent focus target).

3. Start the image preview by left-clicking on the Preview button.

4. Set the aperture to the lowest setting and adjust the exposure time to see the target clearly.

5. Zoom to the desired region of interest.

6. Adjust the focus to be as sharp as possible.

TIP: Decrease the aperture after focusing the lens if possible. This will sharpen the focus and increase the depth of field at the expense of some of the brightness of the image.

Capturing Images

1. Place your sample to be imaged on the chemi plate, transilluminator or white light plate.

2. Turn off the darkroom white light.

3. Adjust capture settings on the Plugin window.

4. Left-click the Capture button.

Recommended settings for very short exposures and focusing

1. Increasing the Binning will increase the camera’s refresh rate. It will also increase sensitivity. 4x4 binning is recommended for general focusing and the fastest possible frame rates

2. Decrease the preview exposure time to 15-100 ms.

3. Always focus at a lower (faster) f-number (aperture setting on the lens) than the capture setting. Increasing the f-number will increase the “depth of field” creating a better focus on the target.

To capture the longer images with the least noise

1. Binning can be good for very dim images where high sensitivity is needed. Binning of at least 2x2 is recommended for exposures over 1-2 minutes.

2. Ensure that the camera has had 5-10 minutes to cool the sensor since the camera was turned on.

3. Take a test image with a short exposure (less than 1 minute) to ensure good focus before starting longer (greater than 1 minute) exposures.

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Accessories and Replacement Parts To order accessories or replacement parts, contact UVP’s offices listed under Technical Support.

Technical Support

UVP offers expert technical support on all of our products. If you have any questions about the product’s use, operation or repair, please contact our offices at the locations below. Note: A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP’s Customer Service prior to returning any product.

If you are in North America, South America, East Asia or Australia:

If you are in Europe, Africa, the Middle East or Western Asia:

Call (800) 452-6788 or (909) 946-3197, and ask for Technical Support during regular business days, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, PST.

Call +44(0) 1223-42002, and ask for Customer Service during regular business days between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm.

E-mail your message to: info@uvp.com or techsupport@uvp.com E-mail your message to: uvp@uvp.co.uk

Fax Technical Support at (909) 946-3597 Fax Customer Service at +44(0)1223-420561

Write to: UVP, LLC 2066 W. 11th Street, Upland, CA 91786 USA

Write to: Ultra-Violet Products Ltd. Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate, Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK