Raptor HAWK 247 User manual

HAWK 247
Model: HK247-CL
USER MANUAL

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CONTENT
CONTENT................................................................................................................................................. 2
1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 3
2. SPECIFICATION ............................................................................................................................4
3. GETTING STARTED....................................................................................................................... 6
4. EPIX XCAP .................................................................................................................................... 8

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Hawk 247 camera and all applicable components. Raptor recommends that this
manual be used to optimize camera operation.
1.2 Camera Care
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). Should any other
issues occur please contact your local agent.
To clean the sensor window: gently wipe the face of the sensor window with a small amount of optical
grade isopropyl alcohol and lens paper. Apply forced air again to remove any loose particles.
CAUTION —The camera’s 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
window.
CAUTION —Do not use acetone.

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2. SPECIFICATION
2.1 Camera Specification
The Hawk 247 digital camera is designed for high-resolution applications requiring visible to NIR imaging
(350 - 1100nm). It uses an EMCCD sensor with a resolution of 658 x 496 in a 12-bit digital output. The
Hawk 247 also has a model that offers an analogue output. High-speed low-noise electronics provide
linear response and sensitivity for rapid image capture.
The Camera Link digital interface for the digital Hawk provides the most stable platform for data transfer
and the camera will work on any Camera Link standard card.
A Software Development Kit (SDK) is available for interfacing with custom software.
FPA Specification
Sensor
Texas Instruments TC247SPD-B0
Sensor Type
½” Frame Interline Transfer (FIT) Impaction
Active Pixel
658 x 496
Pixel Pitch
10μm x 10μm
Active Area
6.58mm x 4.96mm
Spectral response1
0.35μm to 1.1μm
Peak Quantum Efficiency
54% @ 490nm
Pixel Well Depth
< 1
Pixel Operability
< 99.5%
Camera Specification
Camera Setup / Control
Digital
Digital Output Format
12 bit Camera Link (Base Configuration)
Frame Rate
25Hz, 29.97Hz or 30Hz
Exposure time
500μs to 1/frame rate
Iris Control
N/A
Trigger interface
Trigger IN and OUT - TTL compatible
Total Power Consumption
< 5W
Functions controlled by serial
communication
Exposure, EM Gain, Intelligent AGC, Hot Pixel Correction,
Gamma
Video Connector
Camera Link
Power Connector
Hirose part code HR10A-7R-4PB
Resolution
450 TV lines
Readout Mode
Progressive Scan
Optical Interface
C/CS Mount, back focus compatibility
Dynamic Range
55 dB
Minimum Illumination
< 200μlux
Antiblooming Protection
Yes (> 500:1)
Power supply
12V DC ±10%
TE Cooling
Active, no fan
Operating Case Temperature
-20°C to +55°C
Storage Temperature
-30°C to +85°C
Dimensions
43mm x 43mm x 57mm (including CS-mount)
Weight
< 150g
Latest version available on www.raptorphotonics.com

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2.2 Mechanical Outline
3D drawings (STEP) are available upon request.

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3. GETTING STARTED
3.1 System Overview
3.2 Mounting to Microscope
The HAWK 247 has a standard C/CS-Mount that should easily screw onto any microscope port.
3.3 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. The
image below shows an optical table mount with the ¼-20 BSW thread.
¼-20 BSW
Power
Trig in/SMA
Trig out/SMA
Camera Link Connector/SDR
C-mount

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3.4 3rd PARTY SOFTWARE
Raptor supports a range of 3rd party software packages as per the matrix below.
XCAP
XCLIB
NI
Labview
Micro-
manager
StreamPix
Genika
Astro
Audela
Astro
Control
Kite








Hawk 247








Falcon II





Falcon III





Eagle






Owl 320








Owl 320 High Speed





Owl 'Mini'





Owl 640







Ninox 640





Owl 1280





In this guide, there is a quick overview of XCAP (http://www.epixinc.com/support/files.php) and Micro-
Manager (https://micro-manager.org). Should you have other software support specific needs, please
do not hesitate to contact our sales team on [e-mail].
3.5 Connecting your camera to a computer
•If using a laptop insert the Express Card to the Camera Link adapter while the PC is switched
off and make sure it is secure. If using a PC, insert the EPIX controller card into the correct slot
of your PC. You can visit http://www.epixinc.com for further support issues.
•Insert EPIX software key dongle into a USB port (the red light on the dongle should light up).
•Boot up the computer.
•Use the Camera Link cable to connect the camera to the computer.
•Connect the other end of the Camera Link cable to the camera.
•Carefully thread the C/CS-mount lens onto the camera’s lens ring, rotating the lens in a
clockwise direction until it is securely fastened. Use the lens controls to adjust focus. We
suggest that the camera be mounted on a tri-pod or an optical bench.
•Connect the 12V power supply to the camera.
The Hawk 247-CL is compatible with all types of Camera Link frame grabber. However, our cameras
are extensively tested using Epix Inc. equipment’s XCAP, for this reason we recommend XCAP software.
- Software tested by Raptor Photonics
- Software tested by other companies
Blank - The camera is not supported by this software

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4. EPIX XCAP
For minimum computer system requirements, please contact Epix for the latest information.
4.1 Download and Install XCAP
Using the following link, http://www.epixinc.com/support/files.php, please select the appropriate
version of XCAP for your computer. Please ensure you are downloading 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. Be sure to accept the board
driver installation.
4.2 Operating your camera using XCAP.
1. Open XCAP from within your operating system enabling administrative privileges.
2. Select PIXCI dropdown menu and select PIXCI Open Close, Figure 1 should appear.
Figure 1: Open / Close
3. Select Close, and then Click on the Camera & Format button.
4. Using the dropdown menu scroll down and select Raptor Photonics Hawk-CL from the list (Figure 2),
selecting OK when done.

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Figure 2: Camera Selection
5. Select Open and the viewing and control screens, Figure 3, will now open. Two windows should open
(
Figure 3), a viewing window (Left) and a control window (Right).
Figure 3: XCAP Camera Control Screen
6. The camera controls are pre-configured in EPIX.
7. The control window on the right should reflect your chosen camera. For example, for the Hawk 247,
it should read - EPIX PIXCI E8DB: Raptor Photonics Hawk 247-CL. If not, you need to select a different
camera.
8. Check that the camera is communicating, see animated icon (Figure 4) on bottom right of control
screen.
Figure 4: Active Communication
9. You are now configured and connected, ready to acquire an image.
10. Check the Serial Connect box (to establish serial communication to the camera). This should contain
a tick (as circled in Figure 5).
11. Check the live button (as circled in Figure 5).

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Figure 5: Image Capture
12. You should now see an image. On the bottom of the screen, you should see something similar to
the following: Frame: 0 Size: 658 x 496 Resize 0.8x0.8 Video: 25.0fps Capture: 25.0 fps Display: 25.0fps.
Figure 6: Live Image Capture Window