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