DNR MicroChemi User manual

Welcome to the
MicroChemi System

Important Notice
© Copyright 2009, DNR Bio-Imaging Systems, Ltd. All rights reserved.
MicroChemi is proprietary of DNR Bio-Imaging Systems, Ltd.
The information contained in this document is proprietary and is subject to all relevant copyright,
patent, and other laws protecting intellectual property, as well as any specific agreement protecting
DNR Bio-Imaging Systems, Ltd. (DNR) rights in the aforesaid information. Neither this document nor
the information contained herein may be published, reproduced, or disclosed to third parties, in
whole or in part, without the express, prior written permission of DNR. Such information is supplied
solely for the purpose of assisting explicitly and properly authorized users of the MicroChemi.
DNR reserves the right, without prior notice or liability, to make changes in equipment design or
specifications.
The text and graphics are for the purpose of illustration and reference only. The specifications on
which they are based are subject to change without notice.
Information in this user guide is subject to change without notice. Corporate and individual names
and data used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted.
The software described in this user guide is furnished under license. The software may be used or
copied only in accordance with the terms of that agreement.
Other company and brand products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
holders.
This document may contain flaws, omissions, or typesetting errors; no warranty is granted nor liability
assumed in relation thereto unless specifically undertaken by DNR sales, contract, or order
confirmation. Information contained herein is periodically updated and changes will be incorporated
into subsequent editions. If you have encountered any error please contact DNR.
Contact us at: [phone]
USA Toll-free number: 1-866-300-4286
Email: [email protected]om

Table of Contents
1Introduction............................................................................................................................................. 4
2Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 5
System Overview .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Features and Benefits ....................................................................................................................................... 6
The MicroChemi Unit ........................................................................................................................................ 6
The MicroChemi Body ..........................................................................................................................................6
Drawer Tray .........................................................................................................................................................7
GelCapture........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Application Features ............................................................................................................................................9
Icons...................................................................................................................................................................10
3Setup and Installation............................................................................................................................ 11
Safety Requirements....................................................................................................................................... 11
Electrical Ratings............................................................................................................................................. 11
Out of the Box................................................................................................................................................. 11
Hardware Setup .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Software Installation....................................................................................................................................... 12
Installing GelCapture from CD (Windows XP Pro)..............................................................................................13
Installing GelCapture from CD (Windows 7 Professional)..................................................................................17
Installing the Camera Drivers (Windows XP Pro) ...............................................................................................23
Installing the Camera Drivers (Windows 7 Professional) ...................................................................................26
Camera Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 35
Calibrating the Camera from GelCapture’s Menu bar .......................................................................................38
4Operating Instructions ........................................................................................................................... 39
Turning the MicroChemi Unit On .................................................................................................................... 39
Turning the MicroChemi Camera On ............................................................................................................... 40
Inserting a Sample .......................................................................................................................................... 40
Previewing an Image....................................................................................................................................... 41

Capturing Images ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Exposure Time....................................................................................................................................................43
Automatic Exposure Time ..................................................................................................................................44
Binning –Resolution vs. Sensitivity....................................................................................................................46
Capture Type –Single Image and Image Series .................................................................................................48
Saving Features............................................................................................................................................... 55
To Save an Image...............................................................................................................................................55
Saving Options ...................................................................................................................................................56
Save Image with Reference................................................................................................................................56
Open an Image................................................................................................................................................ 62
Imaging Tools.................................................................................................................................................. 63
Image Statistics..................................................................................................................................................63
Inverted Image...................................................................................................................................................64
Pseudo-color ......................................................................................................................................................65
Overexposure.....................................................................................................................................................65
Region of Interest (ROI) .....................................................................................................................................66
5Maintenance.......................................................................................................................................... 67
MicroChemi Annual Maintenance................................................................................................................... 67
6Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................... 68
7Glossary................................................................................................................................................. 70
8Index...................................................................................................................................................... 71

4
1Introduction
The MicroChemi system is a compact and affordable gel documentation system that supports
chemiluminescent and bioluminescent applications. The system combines the MicroChemi Unit and
GelCapture software - intuitive and easy-to-use image detection software, to create a compact and
fully integrated imaging solution.
The MicroChemi system is packaged with a CD containing both a Quick Reference Guide and this User
Manual. To better utilize your system read Chapter 3 on Installing MicroChemi and GelCapture before
proceeding with the rest of the manual. Once your system is installed and operational, you can then
familiarize yourself with the system’s different features and procedures.
Everything you need to know about your MicroChemi system is included in this manual. The
highlighted chapter below contains information you may need to refer to in your daily use of the
MicroChemi system and is therefore also provided as a Quick Reference Guide for your convenience.
Chapter
Topics Covered
1
Introduction
An introduction to the manual and the topics
covered in it
2
Overview
A brief look at the system’s key features
3
Installing MicroChemi and
GelCapture
A step-by-step guide for installing your system
4
Operating Instructions
Operating instructions from basic to advanced
5
Maintenance
Guidelines for maintaining good working order
6
Troubleshooting
A list of the most common issues and how to
resolve each one
7
Glossary
A list of terms used in this guide and their meaning
8
Index

5
2Overview
The compactly designed and easy to operate MicroChemi unit houses a high-resolution camera
(which is fully controlled by the GelCapture software), a super bright lens and an advanced dark
chamber, all producing the perfect solution for high quality imaging results.
System Overview
The gel sample is placed on the MicroChemi Drawer Tray and the GelCapture image detection
software detects and saves the specimen images, which can then be exported to other software for
analysis. Image detection settings can also be saved and later recalled for further use.
Detect and capture the
specimen’s image
Place a
sample on
the Drawer
Tray

2:
Overview
6
Features and Benefits
The key features that make MicroChemi the choice for bio-imaging professionals are:
Quick - 5 minute set-up and convenient 1-button capture technology
Accurate - high-quality imaging for accurate quantification
Efficient - optional work flow integration tools designed to boost efficiency
Chemiluminescent and bioluminescent gel documentation system
High resolution 2.0 Mp CCD Camera and 16-bit file format
Fixed lens (iris and focus) for high efficiency workflow
Enhanced sensitivity especially for faint sample detection
Advanced Dark Chamber technology providing clear images with minimum background noise
Intuitive software and hardware operation
Detailed sample viewing made available by real time high magnification
Click-of-a-button software interface to perform most operations
Advanced software features which is designed especially for chemiluminescent use (e.g. Save
image with reference, Auto exposure)
The MicroChemi Unit
The MicroChemi is a sample imaging product which is easy and simple to use. Read the following
section to learn about the unit’s parts and functionality.
The MicroChemi Body
The MicroChemi body contains a high-resolution camera to provide high quality imaging of biological
samples. The unit connects directly to the PC through a USB 2.0-compliant cable and to the wall
through the power supply cable.

2:
Overview
7
Drawer Tray
The MicroChemi Drawer Tray is uniquely designed to facilitate sample image analysis. The samples
are placed on the Drawer Tray which is modeled with a bordered niche to ensure the sample solvents
will not to leak out onto the Drawer Tray itself.
Drawer Tray
Drawer

2:
Overview
8
GelCapture
The GelCapture application seamlessly integrates with the MicroChemi unit, thereby giving you
complete control of configuration, capturing and saving sample images on your PC for analysis. The
friendly GUI lets you perform common actions with a single click of a button or icon. The following
image displays the application’s main screen.

2:
Overview
9
Application Features
Menu Bar:
The drop-down menus contain all of the software’s features
Icons’ Toolbar:
Commonly used functions can be triggered with a click of an icon from the top
toolbar
Preview
Preview the image to make sure it is positioned properly
Exposure Time:
Sets the exposure time
Capture Type:
Select either a Single Image or an Image Series for capturing
Binning:
Set the camera Resolution and Sensitivity
Camera Ready
Indicator:
The indicator light changes from red to green when the camera reaches operating
temperature
Start:
Click to start capturing an image
Image Statistics:
Provides an illustrated version of the image data to help you capture images
optimally
Viewing Area:
The captured image appears here

2:
Overview
10
Icons
The most commonly used functions can easily be accessed with a single click of an icon.
Icon
Name
To
Open Image
Open a previously captured and saved .TIFF image
Save
Save the image
Save Image with
Reference
Combine an image of visible stained standards and
chemiluminescent bands
Copy
Copy the image to the clipboard. You can then paste the
image in a number of Windows applications
Invert Image
Display an inverse version of the image
Pseudo-color
Show the image in Pseudo-colors
Show/Hide Over-
Exposure
Show overexposed areas in red
Zoom In
Zoom into the image
Zoom Out
Zoom out of the image
Actual Pixels
Display the actual image size
Fit to Window
Resize the image to fit in the viewing area
Full Screen
Display the image on the entire screen. To return to
GelCapture’s main screen press [Esc].
Region of Interest
Select a specific area to work within the image

11
3Setup and Installation
This chapter explains all the steps required for proper installation of your system and includes safety
requirements, PC requirements, software installation and more. Once you have completed these steps,
your MicroChemi should be fully operational.
Safety Requirements
Ensure the AC power outlet is properly grounded to protect both the personnel and the
equipment
Verify that the device turned off before making any connections
Do not block the ventilation openings of the MicroChemi unit
Place the MicroChemi unit at least 30 cm (12 inches) away from walls and ceiling
Do not store below -10°C. The recommended operating conditions for MicroChemi are 25°C
(78°F) and 55% relative humidity. Maximum ambient temperature: 28°c; maximum ambient
humidity: 80%
Do not store the system in direct sunlight or in the direct flow of the air conditioner
Do not clean the system with harmful solvents. Only use a soft cloth dampened with water and
then with 70% Ethanol
Intended for indoor use only
Do not open the unit. Due to the danger of exposure to high voltage, only trained service
technicians should open the unit
Do not place the system near any motorized, vibrating or magnetic equipment
Unit protection can be impaired if used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer
Electrical Ratings
The system is compatible with 100V and 240V.
Out of the Box
Your MicroChemi unit packaging should include the following items:
1MicroChemi unit (dimensions: W 35 x L 32 x H 64 cm)
2Pre connected USB 2.0 camera cable
3AC power cord (European/N. America compatible)
4GelCapture CD, image analysis software CD and Calibration Files CD (also includes this User Manual
and Quick Reference Guide)

3:
Setup and Installation
12
Hardware Setup
To set up your MicroChemi unit, plug in the MicroChemi power supply cable to the unit and the wall, and
connect the USB 2.0 cable to the PC, as illustrated below.
Software Installation
After the MicroChemi unit is set up you can proceed to install the following software from the CDs
provided inside the MicroChemi package:
GelCapture (Windows XP Pro page 13/Windows 7 Professional, page 17)
Camera drivers (Windows XP Pro page 23/Windows 7 Professional, page 26)
Analysis Software (an explanation on the installation process can be found in the CD).
Note:
Turn the MicroChemi unit OFF before you install GelCapture.
MicroChemi
fuse niche
MicroChemi
ventilation
MicroChemi power
supply socket
Pre-connected
Camera USB cable
MicroChemi
ON/OFF switch

3:
Setup and Installation
13
Installing GelCapture from CD (Windows XP Pro)
The installation process requires constant feedback and input; it is therefore advised to closely oversee
the installation process.
Note:
Before starting installation, verify that you are logged in as Local Administrator.
1Insert the installation CD into the disk drive. The installation wizard starts automatically. In the
Welcome window click Next to continue.

3:
Setup and Installation
14
2Click Next to install to the default location or click Browse to select a different location.
3From the drop down menu, select the appropriate system to install and click Next.

3:
Setup and Installation
15
4Mark the checkbox if you wish to create a desktop icon and click Next.

3:
Setup and Installation
16
5Verify that the installation information is correct and click Install.
After you click Install, the installation progress will be displayed.
6Once installation is completed, click Finish to exit Setup.

3:
Setup and Installation
17
Installing GelCapture from CD (Windows 7 Professional)
To install GelCapture (Windows 7 Professional)
1In the CD, right-click the installation file: GelCapture.exe and select “Run as administrator”. The drop
down list will close after the selection is made.
2In the CD again, locate the GelCapture.exe file and double click it to start the installation.
3In the next window, select “Allow, I trust this program. I know where it's from or I've used it before”
to allow the program to run.

3:
Setup and Installation
18
4Click Next.
5Click Next to install to the default location or click Browse to select a different location.

3:
Setup and Installation
19
6Click the combo box and select the MicroChemi component from the list.