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81-0220-01 Rev R
8.2.2
Capturing Longer Image Exposure with the Least Noise
1.
Binning
can be ideal for very dim images where high sensitivity is needed. Binning of at
least 2 x 2 is recommended for exposures over 1 - 2 minutes.
2.
Ensure that the camera has had an adequate amount of
time to cool before taking long exposure images. This can
be verified by referencing the “CCD Temperature” status
in the lower-left corner of VisionWorks.
Take a test image with a short exposure (less than 1 minute) to
ensure adequate focus before starting longer (greater than 1
minute) exposures.
8.3
Using Templates
8.3.1
Set Up and Save Camera Templates
IMPORTANT
Without using templates, camera settings can be manually adjusted directly in the software.
For additional information on using templates, refer to the software Help files or the Vision-
WorksLS software manual.
Chemi Blot Pre-Capture Positioning:
For this application, use a preview binning of 4 x 4, a
capture binning 1 x 1 and an exposure time of 0.2 sec. Have the darkroom door cracked
open to let in some ambient light.
Chemi Blot with Fast Capture and Lower Resolution:
For this application, use a preview
binning of 8 x 8, a capture binning of 4 x 4, and an exposure time of 15 sec. This setting is
useful for quick screening; the time can be increased or decreased depending on the
intensity of the signal from the blot.
For better resolution, set the preview binning to 8 x 8, the capture binning to 2 x 2, and the
exposure time to 60 sec. The preview is the same and the exposure time is intermediate, but
the final image is of higher resolution than when using 4 x 4 binning.
Chemi Blot with Slower Capture and Higher Resolution:
For this application, use a pre-
view binning of 8 x 8, a capture binning of 1 x 1, and an exposure time of 5 min. This will
result in the best possible capture resolution. However, the exposure takes longer because
the image is unbinned.
IMPORTANT
Without using templates, darkroom settings can be manually adjusted directly in the software.
Chemi Blots:
Place e.g. a business card on the chemi tray in the darkroom. Set the lens to
the fastest f-stop (the lowest aperture number) and focus on the business card with the dark-
room door cracked open, no emission filter in place, no lighting on, and either the lens
zoomed or the lift platform positioned to fit the blot.
