THORLABS DCC3260M User manual

Thorlabs Digital Camera
Quick Start Guide

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide
Table of Contents
Description........................................................................1
1.1. Introduction..................................................................1
1.2. Receiving and Unpacking ..............................................1
Safety.................................................................................2
2.1. Precautions...................................................................2
2.2. Before installation ........................................................2
Setup & installation..........................................................3
3.1. Know Your Camera Family! ...........................................3
3.2. USB Camera Installation................................................4
3.3. GigE Camera Installation:..............................................4
3.4. Camera Link Installation:...............................................4
3.5. Scientific USB 3.0 Installation: .......................................5
3.6. Installing the Software..................................................5
3.6.1. Download the Software Installation Package............................. 5
3.6.2. Driver Selection ........................................................................ 6
3.7. Basic Connections .......................................................10
3.7.1. Connections for Standalone USB2.0 and USB3.0 Cameras.....10
3.7.2. Connections for a Gigabit Ethernet Scientific Camera..............10
3.7.3. Connections for a USB 3.0 Scientific Camera..........................11
3.7.4. Connections for a USB 3.0 Cooled sCMOS or CMOS Camera12
Regulatory.......................................................................13
Product Care...................................................................14
5.1.1. Service.....................................................................................14
5.1.2. Warranty..................................................................................14
5.1.3. Troubleshooting.......................................................................15
Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts.......................................17

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 1: Description
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 1
Description
1.1. Introduction
This booklet is a Quick Start Guide to the installation of Thorlabs Compact and
Scientific-Grade cameras, and it is meant to be a companion to the camera user
guides in the Program Files\Thorlabs\Scientific Imaging\Documentation folder
that will be installed with your software. This Quick Start Guide is intended to
provide basic information regarding the initial set-up and installation of your
camera.
It is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the detailed information
contained in the documentation folder associated with your specific camera model
and Thorlabs Software once you have completed this installation.
These manuals are also available on the specific camera model web page at
www.thorlabs.com.
1.2. Receiving and Unpacking
Your camera was thoroughly tested and carefully packed at the factory. Once the
camera shipment is accepted for delivery, the carrier assumes full responsibility
for its safe arrival. Should you receive your shipment with any damage—concealed
or apparent—please contact the carrier at once. The carrier will instruct you on
how to initiate a damage claim. If a visual inspection reveals damage upon receipt,
it must be noted on the freight bill or express receipt and the notation signed by
the carrier’s agent. Failure to do so can result in the carrier refusing to honor the
claim.
To return your camera to Thorlabs Scientific Imaging (TSI) for service, you must
first contact your local Thorlabs office or distributor and request a Return Material
Authorization (RMA). Returns will not be accepted without an RMA. See chapter
titled “Warranty Information” for details.

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 2: Safety
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Safety
2.1. Precautions
ATTENTION USERS
This attention symbol indicates that additional information is available
in these user guides.
Please read the instruction manual for the appropriate model device carefully
before operating your Digital Video Camera. All statements regarding safety
and technical specifications are published in that document and will only
apply when the unit is operated correctly.
Refer to this Quick Start Guide or User Guide whenever the following symbols
are encountered on the Digital Video Camera and Power Supply:
This equipment is intended for laboratory use only and is not certified for
medical applications, including but not limited to, life support situations.
Check the supply voltage of the system BEFORE plugging in the
power supply. Make sure the included power cord is the correct type for the
service you are connecting to AND connected to a properly grounded power
outlet (100 –240 VAC; 50 –60 Hz).
Transportation and delivery may cause the Digital Video Camera to be warm
or cool upon receipt. Please wait for the device to reach room temperature
before attempting to operate.
There are NO user accessible fuses in this Digital Video Camera or the
included External Power Supply.
Do not open the Digital Video Camera or the External Power Supply.
Doing so is dangerous and could result in damage to the unit or death to the
user.
Please contact Thorlabs’ Technical Support at techsup[email protected]m
and a member of our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you
may have regarding this product.
2.2. Before installation
Before proceeding with the installation of hardware or software,
please identify whether your camera interface is Camera Link, Gigabit
Ethernet (GigE), or USB 3.0. Please note the significant difference in
installation steps for the three types of cameras.

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 3
Setup & installation
3.1. Know Your Camera Family!
Scientific, Compact Scientific, Zelux and Cooled sCMOS/CMOS (not shown)
cameras have a black and red aluminum case. All Scientific Camera families have
their own drivers (Camera Link, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0) and SDK.
Scientific, Compact Scientific, and Zelux Cameras
DCC- or DCU- (also referred to as DCx) Compact USB Cameras are small with
either a black/stainless steel or grey plastic case, depending on the model. The
DCx Camera family has its own USB drivers and SDK.
DCU/DCC cameras

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3.2. USB Camera Installation
If you purchased a DCx or Compact Scientific USB camera, the only connection
required is with the supplied USB cable.
1. Run the software installer –follow the steps outlined in the next section,
including driver installation.
2. Connect the USB cable* to the appropriate USB port.
3. Wait for windows to recognize the camera
4. Run ThorCam application software
* We recommend using only the USB3 cable that was shipped with the camera.
3.3. GigE Camera Installation:
If you purchased a Gigabit Ethernet camera, an Intel PCI/PCIe adapter card is
provided for use on desktop computer systems. Although the system will work with
other adapters (including laptop GigE adapters), it is recommended that this card
be used for optimal performance on all desktop installations.
1. Power down the computer.
2. Taking necessary precautions, install the Intel PCI/PCIe GigE adapter.
3. Turn on the computer and accept Windows driver recommendations for
the newly installed hardware
4. Run the software installer –follow the steps outlined in the next section,
including driver installation.
5. Connect camera per section 3.5, then power on camera and run
ThorCam application software.
3.4. Camera Link Installation:
If you purchased a Camera Link camera, an EDT PCIe interface card is provided.
Other Camera Link interface cards are not supported.
1. Run the Software Installer - follow the steps outlined in the next section,
including driver installation.
2. Power down the computer.

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 5
3. Taking necessary precautions, install the EDT PCI/PCIe Camera Link
interface card.
4. Turn on the computer
5. Accept the driver installation recommendations for the newly installed
hardware.
6. Connect camera per section 3.7, then power on camera and run
ThorCam application software
3.5. Scientific USB 3.0 Installation:
If you purchased a Scientific or Compact Scientific USB 3.0 camera, an optional
USB 3.0 PCIe interface card is available, USB3-PCIE, which may provide higher
throughput over an integrated USB 3.0 port on your PC. (Other USB interface
cards may work, but are not supported)
1. Run the Software Installer - follow the steps outlined in the next section,
including driver installation.
2. If installing a PCIe USB3.0 card - Power down the computer. Taking
necessary precautions, install the USB 3.0 PCIe interface card. Turn on
the computer.
3. Otherwise, simply connect the camera to a USB3.0 port on the PC.
4. Accept the driver installation recommendations for the newly installed
hardware.
5. Power on the camera and run the ThorCam application software.
3.6. Installing the Software
The Thorlabs camera software runs on Windows 7 and 10 operating systems
ONLY.
3.6.1. Download the Software Installation Package
Determine whether your computer system is 32-bit or 64-bit. Download the
appropriate installation package located at the following link:
https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=
ThorCam . Double-click on the TSI_Camera_Setup application file and follow
the screen prompts.

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3.6.2. Driver Selection
Your camera requires a driver to be installed on your computer. After the welcome
screen, acceptance of the license agreement, and entering your user information,
you will be presented with a choice of drivers. Select the driver that matches the
interface on your camera; USB (2.0 or 3.0), Gigabit Ethernet, or Camera Link. If
you have more than one camera and with different interfaces, select all that apply.
If you’re unsure, select them all.
Select a driver for installation by clicking on the dropdown and selecting either of
the two choices; “Will be installed on local hard drive,” or “Entire feature will be
installed on local hard drive.” Both choices will install the driver.
If you do not wish to install the driver, select “Entire feature will not be available”
Once a driver is selected, the red X will be replaced with a hard drive icon as shown
in the USB selection below.

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Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 7
Click Next to proceed with the driver installation. Depending on your PC’s
configuration and the drivers you selected, you might encounter the additional
Windows security dialogs below. Be sure to click install to complete the operation,
otherwise the installer will “roll back” and exit.
Note: Camera Link models are no longer sold by Thorlabs, however the software
still supports legacy products.

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USB Driver Installation (if selected). Click “Install”
Gigabit Ethernet Driver Installation (if selected). Click “Install”
Camera Link Driver Installation (if selected). Click “Install”
Once setup is complete, you may now proceed to the next section that will
describe how to connect and power on your camera. When the camera is
connected and powered up, you can navigate to the ThorCam Imaging Software
as shown below.

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 9
“Start”→”All Programs”→”ThorIabs”→”Scientific Imaging ”→”ThorCam”
Figure 1 Thorlabs Start Menu Shortcuts
Please refer to the model specific User Guide for more information on the
additional items installed during this procedure, including configuring the Gigabit
Ethernet Driver for best performance.

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3.7. Basic Connections
3.7.1. Connections for Standalone USB2.0 and USB3.0 Cameras
Using the supplied USB2.0 or USB3.0 cable, simply connect the camera to the
appropriate USB2.0 or USB3.0 port on the host computer.
For USB3.0 cameras, secure the micro-B end of the cable to the camera using the
two thumbscrews. Tighten hand-tight only.
3.7.2. Connections for a Gigabit Ethernet Scientific Camera
To connect the camera, follow the steps below:
1. Plug the included power supply into a 100 –240 VAC mains outlet.
2. With the power supply turned off, connect the power supply to the
POWER connector on the back of the camera. The connector on the
camera is labeled is keyed to orient the connectors properly.
3. Connect the included Cat5e Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) Cable: Connect the
Ethernet cable to the port on the camera labeled “GigE”. Connect the
other end into the port of the Intel® Gigabit CT PCI Express desktop
adapter, installed in the computer.
4. If external I/O signaling is required connect an 8050-CAB1 cable (not
included) to the AUX port.

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Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 11
3.7.3. Connections for a USB 3.0 Scientific Camera
Note: Compact Scientific cameras use the USB 3.0 cable for both data and
power.
To connect the camera, follow the steps below:
1. Plug the included power supply into a 100 –240 VAC mains outlet.
2. With the power supply turned off, connect the power supply to the
POWER connector on the back of the camera. The connector on the
camera is keyed to orient the connectors properly.
3. Connect the provided USB 3.0 cable into the mating USB port on the
back of the camera. The camera end of the cable will have two thumb
screws. Make sure the connector is fully inserted, and then tighten the
thumbscrews by hand into the camera housing. Connect the other end
of the USB 3.0 cable into a USB 3.0 port (USB SS) on the host
computer.
4. If external I/O signaling is required connect an 8050-CAB1 cable (not
included) to the AUX port.

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3.7.4. Connections for a USB 3.0 Cooled sCMOS or CMOS Camera
To connect the camera, follow the steps below.
1. Connect the provided USB 3.0 cable into the mating USB 3.0 port on
the back of the camera. The camera end of the cable will have two
thumb screws. Make sure the connector is fully inserted, and then
tighten the thumbscrews by hand into the camera housing.
2. Connect the provided +5V / 3A power supply to the TEC Power port by
threading the mating connector onto the camera’s connector. This
provides power to the Thermal Electric Cooler (Peltier device).
3. Connect the other end of the USB 3.0 cable into a USB 3.0 port (USB
SS) on the host computer. Note: The camera will turn on at this point.
4. If external I/O signaling is required connect an 8050-CAB1 cable (not
included) to the I/O port.
5. Confirm that the appropriate AC Mains adapter is installed on the +5V /
3A power supply, then plug it into a suitable AC Mains power source of
100 –240 VAC @ 50 –60 Hz. Sensor cooling will not work without this
power source.

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 4: Regulatory
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 13
Regulatory
As required by the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive)
of the European Community and the corresponding national laws, Thorlabs offers
all end users in the EC the possibility to return “end of life” units without incurring
disposal charges.
•This offer is valid for Thorlabs electrical and electronic equipment:
•Sold after August 13, 2005
•Marked correspondingly with the crossed out
“wheelie bin” logo (see right)
•Sold to a company or institute within the EC
•Currently owned by a company or institute
within the EC
•Still complete, not disassembled and not
contaminated
As the WEEE directive applies to self-contained
operational electrical and electronic products, this end of
life take back service does not refer to other Thorlabs products, such as:
•Pure OEM products, that means assemblies to be built into a unit by the
user (e.g. OEM laser driver cards)
•Components
•Mechanics and optics
•Left over parts of units disassembled by the user (PCB’s, housings etc.).
If you wish to return a Thorlabs unit for waste recovery, please contact Thorlabs or
your nearest dealer for further information.
Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility
If you do not return an “end of life” unit to Thorlabs, you must hand it to a company
specialized in waste recovery. Do not dispose of the unit in a litter bin or at a public
waste disposal site.
Ecological Background
It is well known that WEEE pollutes the environment by releasing toxic products
during decomposition. The aim of the European RoHS directive is to reduce the
content of toxic substances in electronic products in the future.
The intent of the WEEE directive is to enforce the recycling of WEEE. A controlled
recycling of end of life products will thereby avoid negative impacts on the
environment.
Declarations of Conformity
Please refer to the model specific User Guide for copies of the CE Declaration of
Conformity.
Wheelie Bin Logo

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 5: Product Care
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Product Care
•Do not store or operate in a damp, closed environment.
•Do not use solvents on or near the equipment.
•Keep away from dust, dirt, and airborne pollutants (including cigarette
smoke). The system is not designed for outdoor use. Protect the
equipment from rain, snow, and humidity.
•Do not expose to mechanical or thermal extremes. Protect the equipment
from rapid variation in temperature.
•Handle all connectors with care. Do not use unnecessary force as this
may damage the connectors.
•Clean using a soft, lint free cloth. Use of isopropyl alcohol is permitted,
however do not immerse in any liquid or solvent.
•Clean any accessible optical surfaces with an appropriate optics grade
tissue or cloth.
5.1.1. Service
Only trained and approved Thorlabs’ personnel should service the system. Please
contact Thorlabs’ Technical Support at [email protected]om and a member
of our team will be happy to assist you.
5.1.2. Warranty
Any modification or servicing by unqualified personnel renders the warranty null
and void, leaving Thorlabs free of liability. Please refer to your camera User
Manual for complete warranty information.

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 5: Product Care
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 15
5.1.3. Troubleshooting
Ethernet Scientific Camera Connector LED Indications:
8051/4070/1501/340 –GE Models:
USB 3.0 Scientific Camera Rear Panel LED Indications:
8051/4070/1501/340 –USB Models:
LED
Color
If LED is On
If LED is
Flashing
If LED is Off
Green
The Link is
Operational, but the
Camera is not
Sending Data
Normal (Indicates
that the Camera is
Sending Data)
There is no Ethernet
Connection
Green/
Orange
Normal Operation/ or
10/100Mbps
Normal Operation/
or 10/100Mbps
There is no Ethernet
Connection
LED
If LED is On
If LED is
Flashing
If LED is Off
Link
Blue: Connected to USB
3.0 Port
Green: Connected to
USB 2.0 Port
Amber: Camera has
internal problem or the
host computer port has
malfunctioned
Not Applicable
There is no USB
Connection or,
Camera is turned
off
Status
Green: Camera is
paused
Green: Camera is
sending frames
Camera is turned
off

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Compact Scientific Cameras including Zelux
Note: In some cases it may 5 seconds or longer for the status indicator to
transition from amber to blue or green.
Cooled sCMOS/CMOS Cameras
Note 1 –The Status LED will be amber momentarily at power up while the
camera initializes.
LED
If LED is On
If LED is
Flashing
If LED is Off
Status
Blue: Connected to USB
3.0 Port
Green: Connected to
USB 2.0 Port
Amber: Camera has
internal problem or the
host computer port has
malfunctioned
USB port cannot
provide sufficient
power to the
camera
There is no USB
Connection
providing power
to the camera
LED
If LED is On
If LED is
Flashing
If LED is Off
Status
Blue: Connected to a
USB 3.0 Port
Green: Connected to a
USB 2.0 Port
Amber: Camera has
internal problem1
Cyan: TEC Power
Supply is not connected
or turned on
USB port cannot
provide sufficient
power to the
camera
There is no USB
Connection
providing power to
the camera

Thorlabs Digital Camera Quick Start Guide Chapter 6: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
Rev S, June 1, 2020 Page 17
Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
For technical support or sales inquiries, please visit us at
www.thorlabs.com/contact for our most up-to-date contact information.

www.thorlabs.com