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81-0220-01 Rev R
8.1.2
Motorized Lens (815 CCD and 515 CCD)
Prior to capturing an image, prepare the image focus:
1.
Turn on the transilluminator and place the
Fluorescent Focus Target
(see “System
Components”) on the transilluminator surface.
NOTE
: The darkroom has a UV safety switch that turns the transilluminator and optional
UV handheld lamps off when the door is open. After closing the door, open the
UV Gel
Viewer Window
to ensure that the transilluminator is on and that all other lighting is off.
2.
Open VisionWorks software, click on the Acquisition Action Tab, and then click on
the Lighting Menu Button. Adjust the aperture, zoom (if applicable) and focus controls
from the Lens Control section of the Lighting Menu until an ideal image is seen.
3.
Adjust the camera settings, including exposure time, to enhance the image of the sam-
ple. To adjust the settings, go to the Acquisition Action Tab and click on the Camera
Menu Button. Adjust the exposure time from the Exposure Time section of the Camera
Menu.
8.2
Capturing Images
1.
Depending on the sample type, place the sample on the chemi tray, transilluminator or
white light plate.
2.
For a chemiluminescent sample, turn off all darkroom lighting, place the black chemi
tray on top of the transilluminator and place the sample on the tray. For a fluorescent
gel sample, turn on the UV transilluminator.
3.
Adjust the capture settings in VisionWorks.
4.
Click the
Capture
button.
8.2.1
Recommended Settings for Short Exposures and Focusing
1.
Increasing the Binning will increase the camera’s refresh rate and sensitivity. However,
it also exponentially decreases overall image resolution. Binning works by combining
smaller pixels into one larger pixel. For example, 2 x 2 binning will take a 2 x 2 area of
pixels (4 pixels all together) and combine them into one large pixel, 4 x 4 binning will
combine a 4 x 4 area of pixels (16 pixels all together) into one large pixel, and so forth,
thus increasing image sensitivity but decreasing overall image resolution.
2.
In most cases, 4 x 4 preview binning is recommended for general focusing and the fast-
est possible frame rates. (
NOTE
: Binning is not available on 300-series cameras)
3.
Decrease the preview exposure time to 15 - 100 ms.
4.
Always focus at a lower (faster) f-number than the capture setting. Increasing the f-
number will increase the “depth of field,” creating a better focus on the target.
