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Q u i c k   S t a r t

TWIN

CAM 

VERSION: 

MAY 2017 (SN 7039 - PRESENT)

The TwinCam is a simple, yet powerful and stable device for pixel aligning images captured using different wavelengths, 
polarization states, fields of view or other imaging modalities onto two camera sensors. It is designed to meet the most 
demanding requirements for the sub-pixel mapping of Super Resolution imaging and is compatible with most scientific 
C mount and F mount cameras.

Please contact us if you require any assistance during setup or use ([email protected]).

For the purpose of this Quick Start Guide, please refer to the TwinCam diagram on Page 3. All words in 

bold blue 

text are 

labelled on this diagram.

1. 

Connect the TwinCam to your existing 1x camera c-mount (or confocal unit if appropriate).

2. 

If using an inverted microscope, two support jacks are normally supplied to support the weight of the unit. Position 

 

the support jacks in the 

jacking point 

on each output. The height can be adjusted and locked in position with the blue

 

locking collar. A 

spirit level

 is also included in the input section to aid setup.

3. 

Remove the 

C-mount camera tube

 and protective 

dust cap

. The 

clamping screw 

may need to be loosened (using the  

 

2.5mm allen key provided).

4. 

Screw each camera onto the 

C-mount camera tube

 and replace on each arm of the TwinCam with the 

calibration ring 

 

still in place.

A) Mounting to your microscope

email:  [email protected]   [email protected] 

             

+44(0)1795 590140   www.cairn-research.co.uk

  

B) Aligning two images

1. 

View a live image (ideally of a graticule using transmitted light) on the 

transmitted port

. For initial setup, it is essential 

 

to be able to view all four edges of the 

rectangular aperture

, therefore it is not advisable to use a fluorescent sample at 

 

this stage.

2. 

Close the 

rectangular aperture 

until in view on the image and rotate the camera until square.

3. 

Lock off the 

clamping screw

.

4. 

Insert the calibration cube (containing a 50% mirror) into the unit by removing the magnetic 

door cover

. Magnets will 

 

ensure the cube locates correctly.

5. 

Repeat steps 1 to 3 on the 

reflected port

.

6. 

If the sample focus of the reflected camera is not precisely matching the focus of the transmitted camera, an adjust-  

 

ment is provided (to allow for any slight differences between positioning of the camera sensor). Remove the 

calibration 

 ring

 on the reflected port and move the camera in Z until focused. Lock off the 

clamping screw

 once again.

Each of the two images can now be overlaid in your imaging software and pixel aligned using two sets of XY controls:

7. 

With the 

rectangular aperture 

still in view, centre the transmitted port (using the 1.5mm allen key provided) by 

 

adjusting the 

transmitted H&V controls

. It’s useful to use a centred square or central crosshair as a reference point in 

 

your imaging software (if available).

8. 

Centre the reflected port using the 

reflected H&V controls

.

9. 

Note the reflected image will be mirrored horizontally, which will need to be flipped in your imaging software.

10. 

Replace the calibration cube with a filter cube for dual channel imaging (see section C).   

11. 

Open the 

rectangular aperture

 to slightly larger than the camera field of view to minimize scattered light.

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