Compact Scientific Digital Cameras
Chapter 2: Description
Page 4
ITN004347-D02
Chapter 2
Description
2.1.
Introduction
This Compact Scientific camera series consists of various monochrome and color models with USB 3.0 interfaces.
All models are compatible with many Thorlabs supporting products, including CS-mount and C-mount lenses, our
30 mm cage system, and SM1 tubes and accessories. They are designed specifically to work
“out of the box” in
conjunction with our ThorCam software tool, and can also be operated with a variety of other imaging tools, as well
as from a USB 2.0 port.
The model format for the
Zelux
xxy
is the number of pixels,
where “xx” is the multiplier and “y” is the exponent of 10. A value of “505” is then 50 x
10
5
indicating 5 megapixels,
M/C
denotes
m
onochrome or
c
olor,
U
indicates a USB2.0/3.0 interface,
1
indicates
I/O capable, and
/M
indicates a metric M-6
mounting option, as opposed to an Imperial
¼″-20 thread.
The cameras are bundled with the full complement of Thorlabs Scientific Imaging (TSI) software. For end-users,
the ThorCam software application provides full control of the camera through an intuitive user interface, and it allows
the user to acquire, pan, zoom, analyze, and save images and metadata.
For developers, TSI also offers a Software D
eveloper’s Kit (SDK), which includes a comprehensive Application
Programming Interface (API) to streamline the integration of any TSI camera into your system. After software
installation, the SDK can be found in a sub-folder under C:\Program Files\Thorlabs. This is the same directory for
32- and 64-bit distributions.
This manual is a functional overview of the camera, and it is meant to be a companion to the Camera Quick Start
Guide, ThorCam User Guide, and the TSI Application Programming Interface Guide. All support documentation is
available at
as well as in the C:\Program Files\Thorlabs folder following the installation of
ThorCam.
The current list of CS165 series digital cameras consists of:
CS165MU, CS165CU monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with imperial ¼
″-20 mounting threads
CS165MU/M, CS165CU/M monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with metric M6 mounting threads
CS165MU1, CS165CU1 monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with ¼
″-20 threads and I/O.
CS165MU1/M, CS165CU1/M monochrome or color 1.6 MP camera with M6 threads and I/O.
2.2.
Receiving and Unpacking
Your camera was thoroughly tested and carefully packed at the factory. Once the camera shipment is accepted for
delivery, the carrier assumes full responsibility for its safe arrival. Should you receive your shipment with any
damage
—concealed or apparent—please contact the carrier at once. The carrier will instruct you on how to initiate
a damage claim. If a visual inspection reveals damage upon receipt, it must be noted on the freight bill or express
receipt and the notation signed by the carrier’s agent. Failure to do so can result in the carrier refusing to honor the
claim.
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 12, titled
“Warranty” for details.
