User`s manual

Alpha Innotech User’s Manual, version 4
1-1
Chapter 1: Introduction and Setup
1.1 AlphaImager 2200 Imaging System
The AlphaImager Imaging System is a powerful digital imaging system, ideal for instant
photography of a wide variety of samples. The CCD camera allows imaging of low-light
samples in UV-illuminated, and fluorescent applications.
The instrument is controlled by AlphaEaseFC software, which is designed with ease-of-
use in mind. AlphaEaseFC software performs image analysis and archiving, and can
prepare images for desktop publishing.
AlphaEaseFC software includes tools to optimize the image display by adjusting contrast
automatically or manually. Hard-to-see portions of the image can be clarified by
converting the image from positive to negative, using digital filters, or applying a false
color map. Notes, labels, arrows, lines and other drawing tools can be recorded directly
on the image using the annotation functions available in AlphaEaseFC software.
Annotations are superimposed on the image when a hard copy is printed and can either be
saved as a template file or as part of the image. All of these features are accessible via
convenient on-screen buttons and menus controlled by the mouse.
AlphaEaseFC software also includes a broad array of analysis tools, including molecular
weight calculation, R
f
determination, 1-D lane densitometry, 2-D spot densitometry,
quantitative PCR, microtiter plate reading, object distance measuring, gel scoring, and
automatic colony counting.
The AlphaImager System is a complete package, including all the hardware and software
needed for image capture, enhancement and analysis. The system's computer need not be
solely dedicated to AlphaEaseFC software and can also be used to run other software
such as word processing programs, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing software.
Images can be printed using a 256-level gray scale thermal printer or any printer with a
Windows
®
driver. The low-cost, high-quality prints are ideal for record keeping in lab
notebooks or for publication. A list of journals that have published prints from
AlphaEaseFC software is available from Alpha Innotech.
Images can be archived to the system’s hard disk, floppy disk, Zip or optional Jaz drive,
or to a network drive if applicable.
In section 1.4, there is a condensed instruction sheet, which will be useful if you are
familiar with the program but need to quickly refresh your memory. We suggest you
photocopy the appropriate instruction sheet(s) and post them near the instrument for easy
reference.