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Figure 5.
A Benchtop FlowCAM with the Optics Door closed. The green arrows indicate (in
descending order) the instrument power switch, USB port, and the laser power key hole
If required, log into the FlowCAM
Once the computer has run through the standard start-up sequence, it will bring the user into the
Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. Since the default user account does not require a password, the
user should not experience a Windows 7 login screen. If the instrument is to be used by a single user,
this can be left as is. However, for security and administration (revision control, etc.) reasons, it is highly
recommended that the system be administered as with any normal computer, especially if the instrument
is going to be used by multiple users.
As image processing is a very computer-intensive operation, it is important that the FlowCAM computer
remain dedicated to its operation during data acquisition. This means that all other applications should
be shut down during FlowCAM use (especially file monitoring applications such as virus scanners
which can significantly impact performance). If connecting the FlowCAM to an external connection,
please note the instrument is not provided with any anti-virus software.
Install objective
Install the objective (typically 2X, 4X, 10X, or 20X) by threading it into the appropriate optics cube (see
Figure 2, letter K). The appropriate optics cube on the Benchtop FlowCAM is located on the left in the
optics area. Be sure not to touch the face of the lens.
Install collimator or diffuser if necessary
If a collimator (used to increase light) or a diffuser (used to reduce light) is required for the chosen
objective, thread it into the final cube (see Figure 2, letter O). When the instrument was tested at our
facility, information on collimators and diffusers was recorded on the inspection sheet that is supplied
with the instrument.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR TRIGGER MODES: If applicable
,
the diffuser must be removed when
running in trigger mode, otherwise the sensitivity of the scatter detector will be significantly diminished.
