Rolera-XR User’s Manual Applicability This document applies to the Rolera-XR camera. For the latest updates, please visit WWW.QIMAGING.COM. Notice of Copyright Copyright 2003 Quantitative Imaging Corporation. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication of this document is prohibited. Trademarks and Proprietary Names QImaging, Retiga, and QCapture are trademarks of QImaging.
Rolera-XR User’s Manual i INTRODUCTION 1 Power Requirements 1 Host Requirements 1 IEEE 1394 (Firewire) Interface 2 Cables 2 Imaging Software for Your Camera 2 INSTALLATION 4 Step 1. Install the 1394 PCI card (Windows Users Only) 4 Step 2. Install Your Imaging Software 5 Step 3.
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The QImaging Rolera-XR CCD digital camera is designed for high resolution infra-red and visible range scientific and industrila imaging applications. The Rolera-XR spectral range extends to 1000nm in the IR region. High-speed low-noise electronics provide linear digital data for rapid image capture. The Firewire IEEE1394 digital interface allows ease of use and installation with a single wire requiring no framegrabber or external power supply.
For Mac OS Computers: • PowerPC-based Macintosh with an OHCI compliant IEEE 1394 port (G4 and iMac models). • iMac models may not provide enough power to cooled cameras. QImaging’s IEEE 1394 HUB may be required to power the camera. Contact QImaging for ordering information. • Mac OS 10.2.X or higher • 256 MB+ RAM • All the G4 and iMac models are equipped with a Firewire card. The supplied IEEE 1394 PCI is not required for Mac OS computers.
QCapture Suite Software The Rolera-XR operates on both Windows and Mac OS based systems. QCapture Suite Software for both systems is available at WWW.QIMAGING.COM. The easy-to-use QCapture software gives you complete control over the camera’s settings and image capture functions. QCapture Suite also includes a TWAIN-compliant interface that allows many Windows image-editing applications to acquire images using QImaging cameras.
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION IMPORTANT: Follow these steps in order to complete the installation. DO NOT CONNECT the camera until the camera driver is installed. 1. Windows PC users only: Install the IEEE 1394 PCI card - only if necessary. 2. Imaging Software - Install the software and drivers that your new QImaging camera needs to capture images. 3. Rolera-XR - Connect the camera to your computer using the supplied IEEE 1394 cable.
If your PC does not have a functioning Firewire port, you must install the IEEE 1394 PCI card that came with your camera. If necessary, install the supplied IEEE 1394 PCI card: • Shut down your computer. • Open the case, and install the supplied IEEE 1394 card into an empty PCI slot. See the user’s manual for your computer for complete instructions on installing new PCI cards. • Restart your computer. Windows should automatically install the appropriate software drivers for the card. Step 2.
Connecting the camera to a PC/MAC desktop or MAC laptop Computer Perform the following for connecting your camera. • Remove the Firewire cable from the camera box, and plug one end of the cable into one of the camera’s Firewire sockets (either socket is fine). FIREWIRE PORTS Figure 3— Camera Firewire Sockets.
Code 28 or the software not working consistently. In this case, external power must be delivered to the camera which can be accomplished by connecting the camera via one of the following methods.
Computer Port2 Not Connected Port1 Camera 110/240 VAC Figure 7— Firewire and 1394 Power Supply Connection If you purchased an IEEE 1394 HUB, connect your camera as per the following figure. Camera Computer 1394 HUB 110/240 VAC Figure 8— Firewire and IEEE 1394 HUB Connection 2. PCMCIA Card with a 4-pin/6-pin Firewire Port In some cases, laptop computers have a firewire port from a PCMCIA card. Most of these PCMCIA cards allow an external connection directly to the card.
CHAPTER 3 CAMERA BASICS The Rolera-XR’s image capture capabilities are controlled entirely by your imaging software. This chapter provides basic instructions for working with the camera itself. Turning the Camera On and Off To turn the Rolera-XR on, all you need to do is to flip the power switch to the “|” position ensuring that you have the appropriate configuration of “Step 3” in the “Introduction” section.
To attach a C-mount lens to the camera: Carefully thread the C-mount lens onto the camera’s lens ring, rotating the lens in a clockwise direction until it is mounted securely. Use the lens controls to adjust focus. To attach F-mount optics: If you have a monochrome camera and you have purchased the optional color filter, then carefully thread the color filter to the C-mount ring on the camera. The opposite end of the color filter is a female F-mount connector.
CHAPTER 4 ADVANCED CAMERA CONTROLS The Rolera-XR offers the user an advanced method of synchronizing to external events. The use of external triggering allows more advanced specialized applications of digital imaging. This section explains external triggering for the Rolera-XR as well as the operation and control of electrical gain and offset.
To ensure that you will use the external triggering mechanism correctly, it is important to ensure that the following questions have been answered when devising or architecting your system design: • Has a system design been developed that incorporates the necessary elements such as: • a Timing Diagram, • Flow of Events (e.g. a simple state diagram), • necessary components (e.g.
CHAPTER 5 CARING FOR YOUR CAMERA The Rolera-XR camera requires no regular maintenance except occasional external cleaning of the CCD window (the glass window between the camera sensor and the microscope or lens). To clean the CCD window: CAUTION — The camera’s CCD sensor, and circuits are sensitive to static discharge. Ensure you are using a static strap or are completely grounded at all times to release any static energy before you clean the CCD window.
CHAPTER 6 TROUBLESHOOTING Resolving Problems with the camera The Green LED is not lit. • Check all the cable connections. • Flip the switch at the back of the camera. • If your camera is still not lit, then your camera may not be receiving the required power. If you have a 1394 Power Supply or you have an IEEE 1394 HUB, connect the camera as listed in Step 3 of the “Introduction” Section. Image occasionally goes bright on one side or stays dark on one side Turn off the overhead lights in the room.
Unresolved Problems - Contacting QImaging Support If you are still unable to resolve your problem, contact QImaging Support for assistance in one of four ways: • Visit HTTP://WWW.QIMAGING.COM/SUPPORT/FAQ/ for a list of all frequently asked questions. Your issue may be resolved in one of these faqs. • Visit HTTP://WWW.QIMAGING.COM/SUPPORT/CONTACT/ and fill out a support form online with the details of your problem. • E-mail SUPPORT@QIMAGING.
CHAPTER 7 GLOSSARY Binning Binning is a method of increasing camera speed and sensitivity to boost low signals. Binning causes the acquired image to be brighter and smaller, but the resolution will be lower as a result. Because the image is smaller, the image transfer time is reduced significantly. When you select a binning setting in your imaging software, the camera combines data from several pixels in the camera’s CCD into a single super pixel.
See IEEE 1394. IEEE 1394 High bandwidth (40 megabytes/second - 1394a; 80 megabytes/second - 1394b) interface for connecting digital imaging, storage, and other devices to host computers. Image Intensifier An electro-optical vacuum tube which intensifies or amplifies on low light level images. Integration The active collection of photons as done by an image sensor. Iris A diaphragm in the lens that opens or closes to set the aperture (the amount of light that passes through the lens to the CCD).
CHAPTER 8 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: External Trigger Port The external trigger port at the rear of the camera is a 6-pin miniature circular DIN receptacle (AMP 749265-1). The mating connector is a Singatron Enterprises part number 62000-6P, available fromDigikey (www.digikey.
Figure 2— Schematic of External Trigger circuit internal to camera. 19 3 5 1 MINI-DIN 2 4 6 CN8 CN8 PIN REFERENCE 1 : USER VCC 2 : TRIGGER (input) 3 : SYNCA (output) 4 : GROUND 5 : SYNCB (output) 6 : GROUND R37 357R R34 357R GND VCC GND GND HCPL-061A 5 C39 0.1uF 6 U14 8 VCC 7 HCPL-061A 5 C38 0.1uF 6 U13 8 VCC 7 HCPL-061A 3 R33 357R 2 R32 357R U12 R39 237R 3 R38 237R 2 R36 237R 3 R35 237R 2 5 C37 6 0.
Input Signals In order to use the External Trigger Port correctly and ensure external triggering operation for your camera, you need to supply at least 4 input signals through the mini din receptacle. Pin 1 always needs to be powered at a 5V potential, with Pins 4 and 6 always connected to ground. The input signal to begin triggering the camera is through Pin 2 and should be a 5V TTL pulse. Output Signals There are two output signals provided on the Rolera-XR, SYNC A and SYNC B.
