Raptor Photonics HAWK 252 User manual

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HAWK-252/USER-MANUAL/REV1.0/02-20
HAWK 252
Model: HK252-CL
USER MANUAL

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CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Scope ............................................................................................................................................ 3
2. CAMERA CARE ................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window........................................................................................................ 3
3. SPECIFICATION ................................................................................................................................ 4
3.1 Camera Overview ......................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Datasheet ...................................................................................................................................... 4
4. DESIGN OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Mechanical Model ......................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Physical Interface .......................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Power Consumption ...................................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table........................................................................................... 6
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY .......................................................................................................... 7
5.1 XCAP Compatibility ....................................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Custom Software Interfacing......................................................................................................... 7
6. CAMERA SETUP AND REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 8
6.1 Connecting the Camera to the Frame Grabber ............................................................................ 8
6.2 Computer/Laptop System Requirements...................................................................................... 8
6.3 Frame Grabber Requirements ...................................................................................................... 8
7. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE............................................................................................................ 9
7.1 Downloading and Installing XCAP ................................................................................................ 9
7.2 Opening the Camera Configuration .............................................................................................. 9
7.3 Acquiring a Live Image Sequence .............................................................................................. 11
8. CONTROLLING THE CAMERA (XCAP) ......................................................................................... 12
8.1 Exposure and Gain Control......................................................................................................... 12
8.2 Frame Rate and Triggering Modes ............................................................................................. 13
8.3 Automatic Light Control Adjustment............................................................................................ 14
8.3.1 Automatic Light Control Parameters .................................................................................... 14
8.3.2 Automatic Light Control Region of Interest ..........................................................................15
8.4 Image State ................................................................................................................................. 16
8.5 Thermoelectric Cooler ................................................................................................................. 17
8.6 Horizontal Flip and Micro Reset .................................................................................................. 18
8.7 Manufactures Data ...................................................................................................................... 19
9. XCAP CONTROL FEATURES......................................................................................................... 20
9.1 Saving Preset Settings................................................................................................................ 20
9.2 Contrast Modification (XCAP Std. Only) ..................................................................................... 21

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1. INTRODUCTION
This document provides detailed instructions for the operation of the Hawk 252 EMCCD
camera. Raptor Photonics Limited reserves the right to change this document at any time
without notice and disclaims liability for editorial, pictorial or typographical errors.
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Hawk 252 digital camera and all applicable components. Raptor
recommends that this manual be used to optimize camera operation. Details of the camera’s
mechanical and electrical interfaces are provided, as well as information on the camera
controls. Important precautions to be taken when using the camera are also stated.
Detailed information is also provided on each of the cameras control parameters. Each
camera control is discussed and explained with the use of XCAP Imaging software, which is
the core plug and play software package that is offered with Raptor cameras. An image of
the Hawk 252 is shown in Figure 1.
2. CAMERA CARE
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window
Raptor cameras require no regular maintenance except occasional external cleaning of the
sensor window (the glass window between the camera sensor and the microscope or lens).
Use optical grade isopropyl to clean this window. A cotton swab can be used, but may leave
some fibres on the window, so be careful. To avoid this, you could also use a lens tissue or a
cleaning swap such as a texwipe. Forced air can be applied to remove any loose particles.
Should any other issues occur please contact your local agent.
CAUTION — The camera’s sensor and circuits are sensitive to static discharge. Ensure that
you are using a static strap or completely grounded at all times to release any static energy
before you clean the window.
CAUTION — Do not use acetone.
Figure 1: Complete Camera Module.

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3. SPECIFICATION
3.1 Camera Overview
The Hawk 252 is designed for applications that require high sensitivity and resolution (1280 x
1024). The camera is a cooled HD EMCCD, with back-illuminated EMCCD technology,
enabling ultimate sensitive imaging (<50μlux). High-speed low-noise electronics provide linear
response and sensitivity for rapid image capture.
The Camera Link digital interface provides the most stable platform for data transfer and the
camera will work on any Camera Link standard frame grabber.
3.2 Datasheet
For the full specification of the Hawk 252, the datasheet for the camera can be downloaded
from the Raptor Photonics website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/hawk-252/

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4. DESIGN OVERVIEW
4.1 Mechanical Model
Units shown in mm and [inches]
PDF of mechanical model available from our website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/hawk-252/

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4.2 Physical Interface
4.3 Power Consumption
Unit input power specification is +12V DC +/- 0.5V with <15W power dissipation when the
TEC is disabled. An additional 5W may be required if the full drive to the TEC is required.
This will be dependent on environmental conditions and the TEC temperature set point.
The set point for the TEC cooling is +15 °C. The TEC power is automatically adjusted to try
and achieve the set point temperature. For low ambient temperatures or with additional heat
sinking, less than 5W may be applied to the TEC to achieve the set point.
4.4 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table
The camera has a ¼-20 BSW (Whitworth), threaded hole to mount to a tripod or an optical
table.
2
3
4
1
1. 3M CameraLink connector
(TyOUT)
Part #: 12226-1150-00FR
2. SMA connector: Trigger Out.
Single ended, source impedance =
51 Ω, capable of sinking and
sourcing 32mA and will have an
output voltage of 3.3v i.e. TTL
compatible.
3. SMA connector: Trigger In.
Single ended, termination impedance
= 510 Ω, capacitive load = 200 pF,
TTL compatible.
4. 4 Pin Hirose connector
Part #: HR10A-7R-4PB(73)

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5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
This section outlines the options relating to software that are available for the Hawk 252.
5.1 XCAP Compatibility
Raptor works closely with EPIX who integrate all Raptor camera models into their XCAP
Imaging Software package. XCAP is the core plug and play software package that is offered
with all Raptor cameras.
5.2 Custom Software Interfacing
The EPIX frame grabbers are the models that we offer with our cameras. We offer their
Software Development Kit (SDK) for interfacing with custom software (XCLIB). If using a
frame grabber from a different company, then you will have to obtain their SDK. Raptor can
provide a full ICD with all serial settings and serial commands to control the camera. This,
along with the SDK that you obtain, will enable you to integrate the camera into a custom
software package.

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6. CAMERA SETUP AND REQUIREMENTS
This section will give instruction on setting up the camera with the frame grabber and also
states important requirements for the frame grabber and PC.
6.1 Connecting the Camera to the Frame Grabber
The Hawk 252 uses base Camera Link configuration, so therefore requires a frame grabber
that supports base Camera Link. The frame grabber that Raptor offer with this camera is the
EB1 model from EPIX. When using this frame grabber, one MDR – SDR Camera Link cable
is required to connect the camera to the frame grabber.
If demoing the camera with the Mini PC system that Raptor provides, you should connect the
left port of the frame grabber to the SDR port on the camera interface. This should be
labelled on the mini PC that is sent with the demo kit.
6.2 Computer/Laptop System Requirements
The basic system requirement is that the PCIe bus of the system must provide sufficient
bandwidth to handle video rate transfers. The amount of bandwidth required depends on the
camera in-hand. The Owl 640 S uses a base Camera Link interface which can be handled
with a x1 PCIe bus and PIXCI EB1 from EPIX, providing roughly 200MB/sec maximum
bandwidth. Contact EPIX Inc. for further information regarding minimum computer/laptop
specification requirements to run the XCAP Imaging Software.
6.3 Frame Grabber Requirements
It is a minimum requirement to use the EB1 frame grabber model if using EPIX. If using
another frame grabber from a different company, the specification of this frame grabber must
match that of the EB1 model.
If using a laptop, EPIX offers base Camera Link frame grabbers for a laptop system, such as
the ECB1/ECB1-34.

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7. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE
This section will discuss downloading and installing XCAP, as well as acquiring an initial
image using the software package.
7.1 Downloading and Installing XCAP
The latest version of XCAP can be downloaded from the link below:
http://www.epixinc.com/support/files.php
please select the appropriate version of XCAP for your computer. Ensure that you download
from the section labelled “Pre-release version with support for the latest cameras and
latest PIXCI® imaging boards”.Open the downloaded file when complete and follow the
onscreen instructions in the installation wizard. If a pop-up message appears asking whether
to install the PIXCI driver, ensure that you click yes.
7.2 Opening the Camera Configuration
After opening XCAP, select “PIXCI Open/Close” from the “PIXCI” tab from the top menu bar
in the main window. A PIXCI Open/Close pop-up box will open as shown in Figure 2.
Click on “Camera & Format” that is highlighted in Figure 2 and a “PIXCI Open Camera &
Format” box will appear, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 2: PIXCI Open/Close.

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Using the dropdown menu highlighted, search for “Hawk 252”, which will bring up the Raptor
Photonics Hawk 252 camera configuration. Select ok on this configuration. Selecting “Open
w. Default Video Setup” will open the control panel with all control parameters set to the
default states. “Open w. Last used Video Setup” will open the control panel with all
parameters set at the last known state. Once this option between the two has been selected,
click “Ok”. To open the camera control panel and imaging window, click “Open” in the “PIXCI
Open/Close” window (Figure 2).
Two windows will now open in XCAP, and imaging window and control panel, as shown in
Figure 4.
Figure 3: PIXCI Open Camera & Format.
Figure 4: Imaging Window & Control Panel.