Video Microscope Table MEA-VMT Manual
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted without the express written permission of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this document, the publisher and the author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of information contained in this document or from the use of programs and source code that may accompany it.
Table of Contents 1 1.1 1.2 Introduction About this Manual Welcome to the Video Microscope Table MEA-VMT 5 5 5 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 Important Information and Instructions Important Safety Advice Guarantee and Liability Operator's Obligations 6 6 7 7 3 3.1 3.2 Hardware Hardware Setup Video Microscope Operation 8 9 10 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 Software System Requirements Software Installation Software Operation 11 11 11 12 5 Troubleshooting 15 6 6.1 6.2 6.
1 Introduction 1.1 About this Manual This manual comprises all important information about the first installation of the hardware and software, and about the daily work with the instrument. It is assumed that you have already a basic understanding of technical and software terms. No special skills are required to read this manual.
MEA-VMT Manual 2 Important Information and Instructions 2.1 Important Safety Advice Warning: Make sure to read the following advice prior to install or to use the device and the software. If you do not fulfill all requirements stated below, this may lead to malfunctions or breakage of connected hardware, or even fatal injuries. Warning: Obey always the rules of local regulations and laws. Only qualified personnel should be allowed to perform laboratory work.
2.2 Guarantee and Liability The General conditions of sale and delivery of Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH always apply. The operator will receive these no later than on conclusion of the contract. Multi Channel Systems MCS GmbH makes no guarantee as to the accuracy of any and all tests and data generated by the use of the device or the software. It is up to the user to use good laboratory practice to establish the validity of his findings.
MEA-VMT Manual 3 Hardware The MEA-VMT is a solid table with a video microscope underneath. The image is captured by a USB 3.0 camera and transferred to a computer via USB interface. Illumination is provided by flexible LED lights, which are also connected to a hub together with the camera/s. There are M6 screw holes around the edge of the table, which can be used to screw down additional equipment, like a manipulator, for example. The USB Hub is also connected to the underside of the table.
3.1 Hardware Setup Important: Please install the software before connecting the cameras to the computer. Place the MEA-VMT on a stable and even surface. The camera/s are already connected with 0.5 m USB cable/s to the respective USB 3.0 or 2.0 hub. It does not matter which port of the USB hub is used. Connect the flexible LED light/s to the USB hub. Install the software and drivers for the camera/s (please see chapter 4.1). Connect the USB 3.0 or 2.0 hub to a USB 3.0 or USB 2.
MEA-VMT Manual MEA-VMT-1 3.2 Video Microscope Operation The MEA-VMT is equipped with one or two video microscopes underneath the table. They consist each of a prism, an objective with zoom, iris, and focus, and a USB 3.0 camera. You can control focus, iris, and zoom with the three adjusting rings along the objective. Use the respective set screws of each ring to fix an appropriate adjustment.
4 Software 4.1 System Requirements Operating system: One of the following Windows operating systems is required: XP (Service Pack SP 3), Vista or Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit). Different installation files for the uEye software must be used for 32 and 64 bit operating systems. Hardware: For MEA-VMT-2 a computer with an USB 3.0 port is recommended. It is also possible to use an USB 2.0 port, but may be it is not possible to operate both cameras simultaneously due to bandwidth restrictions.
MEA-VMT Manual MEA Monitor MEA-Monitor is a much reduced version of the uEye software with a few functions that help operating the MEA-VMT. After installing uEye, start the MEA-Monitor.exe from the included CD and follow the instructions of the installation wizard. USB 3.0 Driver Update USB 3.0 drivers are currently under permanent development. Older versions might cause problems in operating the USB 3.0 cameras. If problems occur, please check in the Windows Device Manager which kind of USB 3.
MEA-Monitor MEA-Monitor is a much reduced version of uEye Cockpit, which has only the necessary functions to operate the MEA-VMT. Open the software once or twice, depending on whether you want to operate one camera (MEA-VMT-1) or two cameras in parallel (MEA-VMT-2). Please see below an image of two MEAs imaged in parallel with two instances of MEA-Monitor. After opening the software, select “Open Camera” from the camera drop-down menu or press the respective icon .
MEA-VMT Manual Use the “Stop Camera” command to assign a software instance to a different camera. Already assigned cameras will not be available. The MEA-Monitor software offers only the most basic functions which are needed in routine work with slices or cells on MEAs. It is possible to save the actual image. You can fit the image automatically to the window or set the screen size to full or half the actual size. The actual picture size in pixels can be selected from a drop-down menu.
5 Troubleshooting Most problems occur seldom and only under specific circumstances. In most cases, it is only a minor problem that can be easily avoided or solved. If the problem persists, please contact your local retailer. The highly qualified staff will be glad to help you. Please inform your local retailer as well, if other problems that are not mentioned in this documentation occur, even if you have solved the problem on your own.
MEA-VMT Manual 6 Appendix 6.1 Technical Specifications The MEA-VMT is a device to image MEAs inside MCS amplifiers.
6.3 Contact Information Local retailer Please see the list of official MCS distributors on the MCS web site. User forum The Multi Channel Systems User Forum provides the opportunity for you to exchange your experience or thoughts with other users worldwide. You can access the forum via the Multi Channel Systems web site ("Service" tab).
