Digital Microscope Camera (DMC) User Guide
Table of Contents Quick startup iv Introduction 1 Introducing the DMC Digital Microscope Camera 1 System requirements PC systems PowerMac or PowerPC systems 3 3 3 Technical assistance 4 Using this manual 4 Setting up 7 Unpacking 7 Camera switches and connectors 8 Setting the SCSI ID 10 Attaching the camera to your microscope 11 Connecting the camera to your PC Installing a SCSI adapter If the DMC is the only SCSI device If your PC has other SCSI devices 13 13 14 15 Installing the DM
Connecting the camera to your PowerMac or PowerPC 18 If the DMC is the only SCSI device 19 If your PowerMac or PowerPC has other SCSI devices 20 Connecting to an Apple PowerBook 21 Installing DMC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC 22 Parfocalizing 24 Using the DMC camera ii 25 Typical DMC workflow 25 Turning on the camera 26 Starting the DMC application 26 Framing and focusing the image 28 Selecting picture options Shutter speed Film speed Flash mode Color temperature Color or black-and-white
Maintenance and troubleshooting 35 Caring for the DMC camera 35 Troubleshooting SCSI connection problems PowerMac/PowerPC SCSI ID conflicts Windows 95 SCSI ID registry entries SCSI drivers 36 36 36 36 DMC full one-year warranty 37 Service 37 Radio and television interference 38 DMC camera specifications 41 Software license agreement 43 Polaroid Offices and Service Centers 47 Index 49 iii
Quick startup For more information, see the page indicated. Setting up Page PC/Windows Page (PowerMac/ PowerPC) Steps 7 7 1 Unpack the DMC camera. 10 10 2 Set the cameras SCSI ID. 11 11 3 Attach the camera to the microscope. 13 13 3 Connect the camera to your computer. 16 22 4 Install the DMC software on your computer. Taking pictures iv Page Steps 26 1 Turn on the camera. 26 2 Start your computer, and start your application or DMC Direct. 28 3 Frame and focus the image.
Introduction Introducing the DMC Digital Microscope Camera The Polaroid DMC Digital Microscope Camera captures high-quality digital color images from light microscopes and other optical instruments. The camera uses a unique, millionpixel, 12.15mm CCD (charge coupled device) to capture pictures with up to 16.7 million colors.
Using the Microsoft Windows or PowerMac/PowerPC software provided with the camera, you can display a viewfinder image on your computer screen, choose resolution and other options, enhance color balance, brightness, contrast and sharpness, then transfer the picture to your image-processing application or a disk drive. The camera has a SCSI-2 connection requiring no framegrabber or other special hardware or software. (For use with IBM PCs or PC-compatible computers, the camera requires a SCSI adapter board.
System requirements Using the DMC software to view and capture pictures taken with the DMC camera requires the following hardware and software. If you do not have the required configuration, contact your Polaroid dealer. PC systems · An IBM PC or compatible computer, with at least a 66 MHz Pentium-class processor and 20 megabytes (MB) of RAM (32 MB recommended). · Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT operating system. · A monitor and graphics adapter capable of displaying 24-bit color (16.
recommended for working with DMC pictures. If you do not have such an application, you can use DMC Direct (provided and installed as part of the DMC software) to transfer pictures from the camera and to control the camera from the computer. · Light microscope with a .63 or larger C-mount adapter Technical assistance Call Polaroid toll-free from within the U.S.A. at 1-800-4325355, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern time. Polaroid offers a variety of customer support services.
Introduction: Briefly describes the DMC camera, lists system requirements and explains how to obtain technical assistance. Setting up: Explains how to install the DMC software on your PC or PowerMac/PowerPC computer, and how to connect the DMC camera to your computer. Using the DMC camera: Provides detailed instructions for taking and enhancing pictures. Maintenance and troubleshooting: Contains camera care information, solutions to problems that might occur, and warranty and service information.
Setting up Unpacking Listed below are the components in the DMC camera package. If any is missing, contact your dealer immediately. = > ? @ Packag8.cdr a DMC camera b Power adapter: Provides surge-protected 5.8VDC, 3-amp power for the camera from 110-240VAC power outlets.
c SCSI cable (2 meter) and 25/50 DB to HD SCSI adapter: Connect the DMC camera to a PowerMac/PowerPC computer or the PC SCSI-2 adapter. d Software diskettes: TWAIN driver (for Windows 95 and Windows NT only), DMC Plug-in software for PowerMac/PowerPC systems, and Polaroid DMC Direct camera utility software for Windows 95, Windows NT, and PowerMac/ PowerPC systems. The package also contains this users guide, not shown in the illustration. WARNING: NOTHING INSIDE THE DMC CAMERA IS USER-SERVICEABLE.
d X-sync connector: Connector for electronic flash, if used with the camera. e Power switch: Turns the camera on and off. f Power indicator LED: Lights to indicate that camera is powered on. g Power connector: Connection for the AC power adapter. Camdetl2.ai h Tripod mount: Standard mount for attaching the camera to a copystand or tripod. i C-mount: Accepts standard c-mount adapter for attachment to microscopes, other optical instruments and c-mount lenses.
Setting the SCSI ID The DMC camera is a Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) device. You can connect up to seven SCSI devices to your computer, one to another in a SCSI chain. The DMC cameras SCSI ID is preset to 4 at the factory. You do not need to change this number unless another SCSI device in the chain is already using it. To determine whether 4 is already being used, check the user guides of the other devices or run a SCSI utility program.
2 Insert a small screwdriver into the slot of the SCSI ID selector on the camera and rotate the selector until the arrow points to the desired SCSI ID. Scsiwit.ai Note: Do not use 7 or 0, which are customarily reserved for the computer and for PowerMac/PowerPC hard drives. If possible, you should also avoid SCSI ID 3, which is often used for internal CD-ROM drives. Attaching the camera to your microscope Note: Attaching the DMC camera to your microscope requires a .
Use the following steps to attach the camera to your microscope: 1 Screw the threaded side of the c-mount adapter (a) into the DMC camera (b). Camtomic.ai The mounting arrangement shown is typical. Yours may be different. Important: Finger-tighten the adapter. Do not use any tools. 2 Following instructions with your microscope or c-mount adapter, insert the c-mount adapter into the microscope (c).
4 Attach the cables to the camera as shown. Camcabl.ai a SCSI cable b Power adapter cable Connecting the camera to your PC How you connect the camera to your PC depends on whether your computer has a SCSI adapter, and whether you have additional SCSI devices connected to your computer. Installing a SCSI adapter The DMC camera is a SCSI device designed to connect to a SCSI adapter on your IBM-compatible computer.
If the DMC is the only SCSI device If the DMC camera is the only external SCSI device being used with your computer, turn off the computer and the camera. Then connect the camera SCSI cable to the computers SCSI port (a). If you have not already done so, connect the other end of the SCSI cable (b) to the cameras SCSI connector as shown on page 13. 1scsipc.ai Use only the SCSI cable provided with the camera. Other cables may appear similar, but could damage the camera or your computer.
If your PC has other SCSI devices Follow the steps below if your computer has other external SCSI devices in addition to the DMC camera. You must install the DMC camera as the last device in your SCSI chain as follows: 1 Turn off the computer, all SCSI devices, and the camera. 2 Remove the terminator (a) from the last device in your SCSI chain. 2scsipc.ai Note: Keep the terminator. You will need to reconnect it if you wish to use the computer while the camera is disconnected from it.
Note: If a cable or adapter you need is not included with the DMC camera, Polaroid Technical Assistance (see page 4) can provide instructions for obtaining it. IMPORTANT: Always connect the camera to AC power when it is connected to the computer. If the camera or any other SCSI device turns off while connected, it could corrupt data on your hard disk. Installing the DMC software on your PC To operate the DMC camera, you must use one of the following programs on your PC.
7 Remove the diskette or CD-ROM from the drive. 8 If you have not already connected the DMC to the computer, turn off the computer and connect the camera as described on page 13. 9 Use the power switch (a) to turn the camera on. Pwrswit.ai 10 Restart your computer. 11 Start DMC Direct and wait for the DMC window to appear, verifying that the camera and computer are communicating. dmcmabln.
Connecting the camera to your PowerMac or PowerPC The DMC camera is a SCSI device designed to connect to the SCSI port of your PowerMac or PowerPC computer. How you connect the DMC depends on whether you have other SCSI devices connected to your computer. Be sure to set the cameras SCSI ID as described on page 10 before connecting the camera. WARNING: IF YOU ARE CONNECTING THE DMC TO AN APPLE POWERBOOK COMPUTER, READ "CONNECTING TO AN APPLE POWERBOOK" ON PAGE 21 BEFORE CONTINUING.
If the DMC is the only SCSI device If the DMC camera is the only external SCSI device being used with your computer, turn off the computer and the camera. Then connect the SCSI cable provided to the computers SCSI port (a). The port is marked with a SCSI symbol for easy identification. If you have not already done so, connect the other end of the SCSI cable (b) to the cameras SCSI connector as shown on page 13. 1scsimac. Use only the SCSI cable provided with the camera.
If your PowerMac or PowerPC has other SCSI devices Because the DMC camera has only one SCSI connector, you must install it as the last device in your SCSI chain as follows: 1 Turn off the computer, all SCSI devices, and the camera. 2 Remove the terminator (a) from the last SCSI device in your SCSI chain. 2scsimac. Note: Keep the terminator. You must reconnect it if you use the computer while the camera is not attached. 3 Attach the 25/50 DB to HD SCSI adapter (b) to the end of the SCSI cable (c).
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS CONNECT THE CAMERA TO AC POWER WHEN IT IS CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER. IF THE CAMERA OR ANY OTHER SCSI DEVICE TURNS OFF WHILE CONNECTED, IT COULD CORRUPT DATA ON YOUR HARD DISK. WHEN DISCONNECTING THE CAMERA, ALWAYS REINSTALL THE TERMINATOR ON THE LAST DEVICE IN THE SCSI CHAIN BEFORE RESTARTING THE COMPUTER. FAILURE TO DO SO COULD CORRUPT DATA ON YOUR HARD DISK.
Installing DMC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC To take pictures with the DMC camera, you must use one of the following programs on your PowerMac or PowerPC. Both are provided with the DMC camera and are installed during the procedure described below. · DMC Plug-in software Using the Plug-in after it is installed requires an image-processing application (not provided) compatible with Adobe Photoshop plug-in modules.
8 Use the power switch (a) to turn the camera on. Pwrswit.ai 9 Restart your computer. 10 Start DMC Direct and wait for the DMC window to appear, verifying that the camera and computer are communicating. mcmablnk Note: If an error message appears instead of the DMC window, refer to "Troubleshooting SCSI connection problems" on page 36 to correct the problem. 12 Proceed to Parfocalizing (the following section).
Parfocalizing After installing the camera on the microscope, parfocalize as described below to assure that the eyepiece image and the camera image are both in focus simultaneously. Note: If you are using a 1:1 c-mount adapter, parfocalizing is not necessary. Parfocalize as follows: 1 Place a focusing target or specimen under the microscope. 2 Adjust the microscope lighting and focus to optimize the image viewed through the eyepiece.
Using the DMC camera Typical DMC workflow To help you immediately begin using the DMC camera, a typical workflow sequence is presented below. (After you become familiar with DMC operation and features, you can use the camera in the way that best suits your imaging needs.) 1 Start your imaging application or DMC Direct. 2 If you are using an imaging application, use the Acquire or Import command to launch the DMC interface.
6 Transfer the image to your imaging application or to your hard drive as a TIFF file. 7 Import the image to your presentation, publishing or archiving application. Turning on the camera Turn off your computer before powering up the DMC camera. Then turn on the camera by pressing the side of the power switch (a) labeled 1. Pwrswit.ai After turning on the camera, restart your computer. Starting the DMC application 1 Start an image-processing application compatible with Photoshop plug-ins or TWAIN.
3 Wait for the main DMC window to appear. PC: dmcmabln.bm PowerMac/PowerPC: mcmablnk.bm 4 If the viewfinder image area is not visible on the left side of the window, click the expand button (<< or ) to display it.
Framing and focusing the image Before attempting to capture an image with the DMC camera, view the subject through the microscope eyepiece and adjust its position, focus and lighting according to the microscope instructions. When the subject appears as desired in the microscope eyepiece, continue to the following section. Selecting picture options After adjusting the image through the microscope eyepiece, view the black-and-white viewfinder image in the main DMC window on your computer display.
PowerMac/PowerPC window: Mcmain.bmp Shutter speed Select a shutter speed between 1/500 and 1 second by dragging the shutter speed slider (a) and observe its effect on the viewfinder image. PC: = shutspd.
PowerMac/PowerPC: = shutsmac.cdr Film speed Choose a film speed (ISO 25, 50 or 100) from the Film Speed drop-down list box and observe its effect on the viewfinder image. Flash mode If an electronic flash is connected to the x-sync connector of the camera, click the Flash box to activate it. Color temperature If you are capturing a color image, click the appropriate color temperature (3200K or 5500K) for your lighting. Color or black-andwhite Choose color (24-bit, 16.
Using the focus indicator The focus indicator (a) at the bottom of the DMC window helps achieve optimum focus for any selected area of the image. PC: = foc_ind.cdr PowerMac/PowerPC: = Using the DMC camera focinmac.
To use the focus indicator: 1 Using the mouse, move the cursor to the area you want to use for determining optimum focus. Click the mouse to define a 50x50-pixel focusing area below and to the right of the cursor. 2 While watching the focus indicator (a) in the DMC window, change the microscope focus slightly according to the microscope instructions. If the indicator increases in value, your adjustment improved the focus. If it decreases, your adjustment degraded the focus.
Capturing and enhancing Use this procedure to capture the image currently displayed in the DMC main window and to enhance it with DMC software: 1 Click the Capture & Enhance button to display the DMC Enhance window. PC: Dmcenh3.bm PowerMac/PowerPC: Mcprev.
2 Adjust color, contrast, brightness and sharpening as desired by dragging the sliders. The preview image displays the effect of any changes you make. Note: When you open the Enhance window, the sliders are in the positions you set for the previous image. To reset the sliders to the settings in effect when you opened the Enhance window, click Reset. 3 To save the enhanced image to disk, click Save and choose a folder and file name for the image.
Maintenance and troubleshooting Caring for the DMC camera Be sure to keep the DMC camera protected from dirt, dust, rain and moisture. Damaged caused by these conditions may not be covered by the warranty. If the DMC camera body requires cleaning, use a clean, soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use cleaners of any kind, and do not spray water or other liquids directly onto the camera.
Troubleshooting SCSI connection problems PowerMac/PowerPC SCSI ID conflicts The SCSI ID number used for the DMC must be unique, and must not be used by any other of the computer's internal or external SCSI devices on any SCSI bus. If another SCSI device is using the same ID as the DMC camera, the following message appears on the PowerMac/PowerPC display: "Unable to communicate with camera...
DMC full one-year warranty Polaroid Corporation warrants the DMC camera against defects in manufacture or workmanship for a period of one year from the date of purchase. To verify the warranty period, you should keep the invoice, sales receipt, or other proof of the purchase date.
Radio and television interference FCC Notice (U.S.A.) Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
EMC Statement (Europe) Polaroid Corporation certifies that this product conforms to the following standards: Safety Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC IEC 950/EN60950 EMC 89/336/EEC EMC Directive EN 55022, Class B EN 50082-1 IEC 801-2 IEC 801-3 IEC 801-4 Use only a harmonized detachable cordset that has conductors with a cross sectional area equal to or greater than 1.0mm. This cord shall be rated for 220-240VAC, 10 Amperes. It should be approved by a European agency such as VDE, SEMKO, ASTA or VTE.
DMC camera specifications Camera type Microscope-mounted, computer-controlled digital camera Sensor resolution and size Polaroid 1 million pixel, 12.15mm CCD Output resolution High resolution: 800x600 pixels, 24-bit color (16.7 million colors), 1.4MB file or 800x600 pixels, 8-bit gray scale (256 gray shades), 450kb file Super high resolution: 1600x1200 pixels, 24-bit color (16.7 million colors), 5.6MB file or 1600x1200 pixels, 8-bit gray scale (256 gray shades), 1.
Preview mode Black and white, up to 5 frames/second Power adapter IEC universal power adapter Input: 100-240VAC, 0.38A, 50-60Hz (surge protected) Output: +5.8 VDC, 3.0A Class II, double-insulated UL, SA, CE, DVE approved Dimensions Height: Length: Width: Weight 2.6 pounds (1.2 kg) Operating environment Temperature: 32° to 120°F (0° to 48°C) Relative humidity: 5% to 90%, no condensation 42 7.8 inches (19.8cm) 4.6 inches (11.7cm) 2.2 inches (5.
Software license agreement Polaroid End User License Agreement IMPORTANT: THIS IS A LEGAL AGREEMENT. BY INSTALLING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU ACCEPT ALL THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT. This Polaroid Corporation ("Polaroid") End User License Agreement ("Agreement") is provided with the "Polaroid Digital Microscope Camera v1" software product and related documentation (collectively, "Software"). The term Software also shall include any upgrades, enhancements or updates of the Software.
terminal connected to a single computer (i.e., with a single CPU). You may not network the Software or otherwise use it on more than one computer or computer terminal at the same time. 2. Copyright. The Software is owned by Polaroid or its suppliers and is protected by United States Copyright Laws and International Treaty provisions. Therefore, you must treat the Software like any other copyrighted material (e.g.
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states and countries do not allow the exclusion of implied warranties, so the above exclusions may not apply to you. 6. Limitation of Liability.
its terms. This Agreement may only be modified in writing signed by an authorized officer of Polaroid.
Polaroid Offices and Service Centers For information about technical support or service, contact the Polaroid Office or Service Center nearest you: Location Telephone Australia................1800 066 021 België.....................02 714 31 02 Belgique.................02 714 31 06 Brasil .....................0800 11 2177 Canada ..................1-800-268-6970 Danmark ...............80 01 59 56 Deutschland .......... 069 9509 6056 España...................01 377 81 03 France....................
Index A F attaching camera to microscope, 11 B black-and-white or color, choosing, 30 C camera service, 37 camera specifications, 41 capturing and enhancing, 33 capturing and saving to disk, 34 capturing and transferring to an application, 34 capturing the picture, 32 caring for the camera, 35 cleaning the camera, 35 c-mount adapter, maximum length, 11 color or black-and-white, choosing, 30 color temperature, 30 connecting the camera to your PC, 13 connecting the camera to your PowerMac/PowerPC, 18 c
P parfocalizing, 24 PC system requirements, 3 PC, connecting camera to, 13 PC, setting up, 16 picture options, selecting, 28 Polaroid Offices and Service Centers, 47 PowerBook computers, connecting to, 21 PowerMac/PowerPC SCSI ID conflicts, 36 PowerMac/PowerPC system requirements, 3 PowerMac/PowerPC, connecting camera to, 18 PowerMac/PowerPC, setting up, 22 quick startup, iv Q R radio and television interference, 38 registry entries, Windows 95 SCSI ID, 36 requirements, system, 3 resolution, choosing, 3
