Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 1: Warning Symbol Definitions Chapter 1 Warning Symbol Definitions Below is a list of warning symbols you may encounter in this manual or on your device. Symbol Description Direct Current Alternating Current Both Direct and Alternating Current Earth Ground Terminal Protective Conductor Terminal Frame or Chassis Terminal...
Opening the device will void your warranty. Any modification or servicing of this system by unqualified personnel renders Thorlabs free of any liability. This device can only be returned when packed into the complete original packaging, including all foam packing inserts. If necessary, ask for replacement packaging.
Although the system is easily adapted for custom interfaces, to achieve the listed specifications, this system should only be used with accessories provided by Thorlabs. Any modification or servicing by unqualified personnel renders the warranty null and void, leaving Thorlabs free of liability. Please contact Thorlabs for questions on customization.
To return your camera to TSI for service, you must first contact your local Thorlabs office or distributor and request a Return Material Authorization (RMA). Returns will not be accepted without an RMA. See Chapter 11, titled “Warranty Information”...
(Supplied line cord appropriate for user’s country or region) Accessories • Spanner Wrench • Lens cap (and IR filter removal tool) Thorlabs Camera Software and SDK Included Software (Available for download from www.thorlabs.com) CameraLink Interface Configuration GigE Interface Configuration 1500M Cooled or Non-Cooled Camera...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Chapter 4 Setup & Installation 4.1. Pre-Installation Before proceeding with installation of hardware or software, please identify whether your camera interface is Camera Link or Gigabit Ethernet (GigE). 4.1.1. Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) System If you purchased a Gigabit Ethernet camera, an Intel PCIe adapter card is provided for use on desktop computer systems.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.2. Installing the Software Although similar, the installation sequence for the GigE and Camera Link systems vary. Please see the steps below to install your system properly. 4.2.1. Getting Started If installing the software from a downloaded copy from our website please go to section 4.2.2, otherwise insert the CD-ROM included with your camera accessories into a suitable CD-ROM drive on your computer.
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Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Proceed to Driver Installation (Next Page) ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 11...
Once the camera is connected and powered up, follow the steps below from your Start Menu: “Start” “Thorlabs” “Scientific Imaging”“ThorCam” 4.2.4. Custom Setup (may be required for special circumstances) See below for a depiction of the custom setup process.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.2.5. Custom Driver Installation (Expert Mode) See below for the custom driver installation process. ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 14...
4.2.6. Installing 3 Party Software Applications After installation of Thorlabs components is complete, you have the option to install plug-ins for select 3 party image analysis packages you may already have installed on your computer, such as Matlab™. (Note: Thorlabs only provides ImageJ with this installation –...
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To begin, run ImageJ and select “TSICamera” from the list of available Plugins Special note for users of Micro-manager software: support for Thorlabs scientific cameras is included when you run versions 1.4.14 and later. If you wish to download or update your Micro-Manager software, please visit: http://valelab.ucsf.edu/~MM/MMwiki/index.php/Micro-Manager.
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Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 17...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.3. Connecting the Camera To connect the camera, follow the steps and refer to the diagram below. 1. With the power supply turned off, connect the DE-9 from the power supply to the DE-9 on the back of the camera.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.3.1. Multiple Camera Operation If multiple camera operation is required, it is recommended that a Gigabit Ethernet switch topology be setup, as shown below. When multiple cameras are connected and powered on, they will be visible in the Image Detector dropdown of Hardware Setup panel.
For the best results, the use of a C-Mount lens that matches the optical format of the 2/3” imaging area is recommended. For more information on Thorlabs C-Mount lenses, please visit www.thorlabs.com C-mount lenses are specified with a flange focal distance of 17.5 mm. However, there can be considerable variation in the flange focal distance among commercially available lenses.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation These 1/4”-20 tapped holes are compatible with Thorlabs ∅1/2” posts. For more information on Thorlabs Ø1/2" posts, please visit www.thorlabs.com. Figure 6 Arrows Indicate Two of the Four 1/4”-20 Tapped Holes on Camera 4.4.3.
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Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Figure 9 Exploded View of Optical and Mechanical Components Figure 10 Optical and Mechanical Sub-Assemblies C-mount adapter and lock-nut Filter retaining ring IR blocking filter Lens cap (and filter removal tool) Figure 11 Reverse View Showing IR Filter and Associated Components ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 22...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation Figure 12 Reverse View of IR Filter Sub-Assembly. Shows the Lens Cap Used as a Tool for Installing and Removing the Filters 4.5.1. Description of Components • C-Mount Adapter: Allows the camera to be optically coupled with standard C-mount optics, including lenses and microscope adapters.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.6. Optical Front End Procedures 4.6.1. Removing the C-mount Lock Ring Assembly Removal of the C-mount lock lens ring is not required for normal operation. It is required if users wish to remove, replace, or clean the installed filter.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.6.2. Filter Removal and Replacement Procedure TSI cameras are typically provided with an IR-blocking filter installed (see transmissivity curve in the “Specifications” section). The CCD has responsivity into the NIR (see Quantum Efficiency curve in the “Specifications”...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.6.3. Re-assembly of the C-mount Lock Ring and Back-Focus Adjustment 1. Install C-mount ring adapter into the front side of the camera as shown in Figure 17, shown below. Do NOT tighten or lock. 2.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 4: Setup & Installation 4.7. Auxiliary Connector The auxiliary connector on the camera allows the user to access optional camera control and internal status signals. 4.7.1. Pin Descriptions Pin Descriptions Pin # Signal LVAL (Output) CC1_OUT (Output) TRIGGER_IN (Input) FVAL (Output)
Refer to Section 10.5. A 10 foot long (3m) auxiliary I/O cable and interconnect break-out board are available from Thorlabs allowing access to the I/O control functions. Order the “1500-CAB1” and the “TSI-IOBOB”, as well as the required number and style of SMA patch cables for your specific application.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 5: Operation Chapter 5 Operation The 1500-series cameras can be operated using the ThorCam and ThorImageLS imaging applications. For more details on using ThorCam and ThorImageLS features, please consult the ThorCam and ThorImageLS User Manuals.
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Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 5: Operation Figure 19 Timing Diagram – Standard, Frames per Trigger = 1 Figure 20 Timing Diagram – Bulb Mode ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 30...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 6: Specifications Chapter 6 Specifications 6.1. CCD Specifications CCD Specifications Sony ICX285AL CCD Manufacturer and Item Number 1392 (H) x 1040 (V) Number of Active Pixels 6.45 µm X 6.45 µm Pixel Size 2/3” Format (11mm diagonal) Optical Format 60% at 500 nm Peak Quantum Efficiency...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 6: Specifications 6.3. IR Blocking Filter Figure 21 IR Blocking Filter Dimensions 1000 1100 Wavelength (nm) Figure 22 IR Blocking Filter Transmissivity Curve ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 32...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 6: Specifications 6.4. Imaging Specifications Imaging Specifications 0 to 1000 seconds in 1 ms increments* Exposure Time 20 MHz or 40 MHz CCD Pixel Clock Speed 12 bits ADC Resolution 0 to 1023 counts ADC Gain 0 to 1023 counts Optical Black Clamp...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 8: Troubleshooting Chapter 8 Troubleshooting 8.1. Interface Problem Symptoms Possible Cause Remedy 1. No power to camera 1. Plug in power supply to outlet 1. Power supply not connected Green light on 2. Camera does not acquire 2.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 8.3. Optical Possible Remedy Problem Symptoms Cause When using a standard 1. Displayed 1. Back focus of See Section 4.6 on how to set the C-mount lens image is not in camera needs to camera’s back focus (not included), focus...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 8.5. Software Possible Problem Symptoms Remedy Cause 1. Power not on 1. Make sure power supply is 2. Not plugged in switched on 3. Camera Link 2. Make sure the power and signal Error message, cable not cables are connected...
Doing so will void the warranty. If it is suspected that the seal has been broken or if the window breaks, call your local Thorlabs office or distributor. Do not apply power to the camera. Moisture will have been introduced into the chamber, and cooling in the presence of moisture will cause condensation and frost on the CCD, which can damage the entire cooling unit and/or CCD.
Re-examine once again and repeat the process once, if necessary. If contamination continues to be a problem, please call Thorlabs for assistance. CAUTION Ethyl and isopropyl alcohols are highly flammable! Do not use near extreme heat, arcing electrical equipment (such as space heaters) or open flame! Use only with proper ventilation.
10.1. Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public waste disposal site.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 10: Regulatory 10.3. Certifications and Compliance – CE Declaration of Conformity ITN000089-D02, Rev H Page 43...
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 10: Regulatory 10.4. FCC Statement This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Chapter 11 Warranty 11.1. General Product Warranty Thorlabs warrants that all products sold will be free from defects in material and workmanship, and will conform to the published specifications under normal use, when correctly installed and maintained. 11.2. Specific Warranties 11.2.1.
Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera Chapter 12: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts Chapter 12 Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to- date contact information. USA, Canada, and South America UK and Ireland Thorlabs, Inc.
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