Raptor Photonics Ninox 1280 User manual

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NINOX 1280
Model: NX1.7-VS-CL-1280
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 Specification................................................................................................................................................. 4
3.2 Specification Table .................................................................................................................................................... 4
4. MECHANICAL DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.1 Mechanical Model................................................................................................................................................ 5
4.2 Physical Interface ................................................................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Mounting to Microscope ..................................................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Mounting to a tripod or optical table ................................................................................................................. 6
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................ 6
5.1 Compatibility Table .............................................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 XCAP Compatibility............................................................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Micromanager Compatibility............................................................................................................................... 7
5.4 LabView Compatibility ....................................................................................................................................... 7
6. CAMERA SETUP.................................................................................................................................................................... 7
6.1 Connecting Camera to Chiller.............................................................................................................................. 8
6.2 Connecting Camera to Frame Grabber............................................................................................................... 8
7. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE................................................................................................................................................. 9
7.1 Computer System Requirements. ....................................................................................................................... 9
7.2 Frame Grabber Requirements............................................................................................................................. 9
7.3 Downloading and Installing XCAP........................................................................................................................ 9
7.4 Opening Camera Configuration......................................................................................................................... 10
7.5 Ensuring the Camera is Connected ................................................................................................................... 11
7.6 Acquiring a Live Image Sequence...................................................................................................................... 12
7.7 Controlling the Camera...................................................................................................................................... 12
7.7.1 Gain, Exposure & Frame Period. .................................................................................................................. 12
7.7.2 Triggering Modes. ......................................................................................................................................... 14
7.7.3 Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC). ....................................................................................................................... 14
7.7.4 Non-Uniformity Correction (NUC)................................................................................................................ 15
7.7.5 Auto Exposure Control (ALC):....................................................................................................................... 16
7.7.6 Auto Exposure ROI Control........................................................................................................................... 17
7.7.7 Miscellaneous Section. ................................................................................................................................. 19
7.7.8 Manufactures Data Information .................................................................................................................. 19
7.7.9 Saving Preset Settings................................................................................................................................... 20
7.7.10 Contrast Modification................................................................................................................................... 21

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Ninox 1280 digital camera and all applicable components. Raptor recommends
that this manual be used to optimize camera operation.
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.

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3. SPECIFICATION
3.1 Camera Specification
The Ninox 1280 VIS-SWIR is designed for high resolution applications requiring visible to SWIR imaging
(400-1700nm). The camera uses an InGaAS sensor with a resolution of 1280 x 1024. 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 card.
Raptor works closely with EPIX, whos frame grabbers we offer with our cameras. If, using their frame
grabbers, we offer their Software Development Kit (SDK) for interfacing with custom software. If using
another companies frame grabber of your choosing, then you will have to obtain their SDK.
3.2 Specification Table
SPECIFICATION
Sensor Type
InGaAs PIN-Photodiode
Active Pixel
1280 x 1024
Pixel Pitch
10μm x 10μm
Active Area
12.8mm x 10.24mm
Spectral response1
0.4μm to 1.7μm
Readout Noise (RMS)
LG = Low Gain HG = High Gain
LG: <190 electrons (160 electrons typical)
HG: <50 electrons (47 electrons typical)
Quantum Efficiency
>80% @ 1.55μm
Full Well Capacity
LG: 450ke-
HG: 10ke-
Pixel Operability
>99%
Digital Output Format
12 bit Camera Link (Medium Configuration)
Dark Current (e/p/s)
<4,000 @ 15°C (2,000 typical)
Exposure time2
LG = Low Gain HG = High Gain
LG: 300μs to 10s
HG: 600μs to 86.5ms
Frame Rate3
10 to 60Hz
Dynamic Range
LG: 69dB, HG: 47dB
Optical Interface
C-mount (selection of SWIR lenses available)
Trigger interface
Trigger IN and OUT –TLL compatible
Power supply
12V DC ± 0.5V
TE Cooling
Cooled to -15 C (∆T = 35 C)
Non-Uniformity Correction
(NUC)
3-point NUC (offset, gain & dark current) +
pixel correction
Functions Controlled by Serial
Communication
Exposure, Intelligent AGC, NUC , Gamma,
Pk/Av, ROI
Camera Power Consumption4
<3W with TEC OFF, NUC ON
<5W with TEC ON, NUC ON
Operating Case Temperature5
-20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +60°C
Dimensions (L*W*H)6
87.30mm x 78.86mm x 79.30mm
Weight
550g

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Note 1: Optional filters available: Low, High or bandpass.
Note 2: For exposure times up to 10s, the camera will have to be switched to long exposure mode.
This mode only operates in low gain and there is no NUC. When in normal mode and in low gain, the
maximum exposure time is 90ms with an active NUC. In high gain in normal mode, the NUC is also
active for the full exposure time range up to the maximum 80ms exposure.
Note 3: Frame rates lower than 10Hz are achievable when in the long exposure mode discussed in
note 2.
Note 4: Measured in an ambient of 25˚C with adequate heat sinking.
Note 5: Extended Operating Temperature range on request.
Note 6: Dimensions include all connector parts on camera.
4. MECHANICAL DESIGN
4.1 Mechanical Model
PDF of mechanical model available from our website.

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4.2 Physical Interface
4.3 Mounting to Microscope
The Ninox 1280 has a standard C-Mount that should easily screw onto any microscope port.
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.
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
5.1 Compatibility Table
XCAP
XCLIB
NI Labview
Micromanager
Hawk 252


Falcon III


Eagle




Owl 320 High Speed


Owl 'Mini'




Owl 640




Ninox 640




Owl 1280



NINOX 1280



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3
4
5
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1. 4 Pin Hirose Connector
2. SDR Camera Link Connector
3. SDR Camera Link Connector
4. SMA Connector: Trigger OUT
Single ended, source impedance =
51Ω, capable of sinking and
sourcing 32mA and will have an
output voltage of 3.3V i.e. TTL
compatible.
5. SMA Connector: Trigger IN
Single ended, termination
impedance = 510Ω, capacitive load
= 200pF [TTL compatible].
6. Liquid cooling IN/OUT valve
coupling (x2 IN/OUT)
- Software tested by Raptor Photonics
- Software tested by other companies
Blank - The camera has not been tested or is not supported by this software

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5.2 XCAP Compatibility
Raptor works closely with EPIX who integrate all of the Raptor camera models into their XCAP
Imaging Software package. XCAP is the core plug and play software package that is offered with
Raptor cameras.
5.3 Micromanager Compatibility
There is a selection of Raptor cameras integrated into the free open source imaging software
Micromanager. The cameras currently supported can be seen in the table outlined in section 5.1.
5.4 LabView Compatibility
Raptor can provide LabView Interface Control Document files (.icd) to image and control the camera
on National Instruments Software such as NI MAX. Contact a Raptor Sales employee to obtain this
file.
6. CAMERA SETUP
This section will talk through setting up the camera, including connecting to the frame grabber and
chiller (if applicable). Below is an image of a normal setup of the camera, computer and chiller. For
most applications, the chiller may not be necessary to use with the Ninox 1280, as the fan is
normally adequate at dissipating heat from the device. If imaging the camera in a high ambient
temperature environment, water cooling may be required to keep the PCB temperature low enough
in order to hit the optimum -15 C TEC set point. The maximum delta between the PCB and sensor
temperature is discussed in section 7.7.3.

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6.1 Connecting Camera to Chiller
If using a chiller, the water tubing simply needs connected from the camera water connectors to the
chiller connecters, as shown in the image below. You will hear a click which indicates a solid
connection. The polarity of the tubing connections does not matter.
Please consult the Ninox 1280 data sheet for a list of recommended re-circulators and tubing
accessories required. The set-up is as follows:
•Connect the cooling pipes and tubes to the from the Chiller to the camera.
•Fill the chiller with the liquid, filling to the bottom of the neck.
•Switch on the circulator; you will now see bubbles traveling along the tubing.
•Wait for the bubbles to bleed into the reservoir, top up the reservoir as required. You should tilt
the camera side to side to ensure there are no bubbles remaining in the camera.
•Click “Start” to begin circulating water.
•Now set the Temperature set point on the circulator. For the Ninox 1280 camera, 20°C is
preferred.
WARNING: Please ensure the temperature set point of the re-circulator is above your ambient dew
point, otherwise condensation can form around the sensor package and cause damage.
Disassembly and draining:
•Disconnect all the tubing from the camera and re-circulator.
•The camera and tubes should be drained by holding the adaptor with the tubing above the
camera.

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6.2 Connecting Camera to Frame Grabber
All demo cameras and PC units should be marked with an A and B symbol, which indicates the
polarity required for connecting the two frame grabber ports to the Camera Link MDR ports on the
camera head. This is shown in the two pictures below. Another way to distinguish which ports
connect together, is that the MDR port closest to the power connector on the camera head needs to
be connected to the frame grabber port nearest to the PCIe slot.
7. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE
7.1 Computer System Requirements
Contact EPIX Inc. for the latest information regarding minimum computer specification requirements
to run the XCAP Imaging Software.
7.2 Frame Grabber Requirements
With the Ninox 1280, it is a minimum requirement to use an PIXCI E8 frame grabber. If using a frame
grabber from another company, the spec requirements of this frame grabber must meet those
supplied by the PIXCI E8 model.
7.3 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.

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7.4 Opening 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 1 below:
Click on “Camera & Format” that is highlighted in Figure 1 and a “PIXCI Open Camera & Format” box
will appear, as shown in Figure 2 below:
Figure 1: PIXCI Open/Close.
Figure 2: PIXCI Open Camera & Format.