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
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
Web Site: www.uvp.com
81-0269-01 Rev. D
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
Type
Resolution
Megapixels
Bit Depth
Quantum Efficiency
Cooling
Binning
PC Interface
BioChemi 500 Camera
Interline Transfer CCD,
Monochrome
2048 x 2048
4.2
16-bit
55% at peak
50% at 425nm
-28˚ C Absolute
Yes
USB 2.0
Chemi 410 Camera
Interline Transfer CCD,
Monochrome
1600 x 1200
2.0
16-bit
56% at peak
50% at 425nm
-28˚ C Absolute
Yes
USB 2.0
The camera/lens kit components and camera bracket are assembled at the UVP factory. Refer to the
packing list.
Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras
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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.
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
3
2
1
6
5
4
10. Screws and thumb nuts
11. Power cord
7
8
9
10
12. Camera power supply
11
12
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.
Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras
4
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.
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
2
3
1
6
10. Thumb nuts
7
8
10
5
9
4
11. Power cord
12. Camera power supply
11
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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).
Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras
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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.
Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras
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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.
Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras
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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.
Chemi 410 and BioChemi 500 Cameras
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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