Zeiss Axiocam 503 color User manual

User Guide
Axiocam 503 color/mono
Microscope Camera

2
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Carl-Zeiss-Promenade 10
07745 Jena, Germany
[email protected]
www.zeiss.com/microscopy
Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH
Königsallee 9-21
37081 Göttingen
Germany
Effective from: 06 / 2016
© Jena 2016 by Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH - all rights reserved
This document or any part of it must not be translated, reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information or retrieval system. Violations will be prosecuted.
The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, etc. in this document does not imply, even in the absence of a specific
statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. Software programs will
fully remain the property of ZEISS. No program, documentation, or subsequent upgrade thereof may be disclosed to any third party, unless prior
written consent of ZEISS has been procured to do so, nor may be copied or otherwise duplicated, even for the customer's internal needs, apart from
a single back-up copy for safety purposes.
ZEISS reserves the right to make modifications to this document without notice.

Content
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 3
1 About this guide 5
1.1 Introduction 5
1.2 Safety notes conventions 6
1.3 Text formats and conventions 6
2 Safety 8
2.1 Safety Notes 8
2.2 Limitation of liability 9
2.3 Warranty 9
3 Technical Data 10
3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono 10
3.1.1 Binning Mode and Frame Rate 13
3.1.2 Live Frame Rates 13
3.1.3 Spectral Sensitivity 14
4 Shipment 15
5 Connecting the Camera 16
5.1 Camera Overview 16
5.2 Building in the interface card 17
5.3 Mounting the camera on the microsope 18
5.4 Connecting the camera to the PC 18
5.5 Connecting the trigger cable 19
5.6 Function indicator 21
6 Installing Software and drivers 22
6.1 Installing software and drivers 22
7 Trouble-shooting 23
7.1 Software 23
7.1.1 The camera does not appear in the menu of selectable
cameras 23
7.1.2 You don't see a camera image on your screen 23
7.1.3 The color of my image does not correspond to the impression
through the ocular 23
7.2 Hardware 24
7.2.1 Vibrations 24

Content
4User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
8 Maintenance 25
8.1 Optical System 25
8.2 Cleaning the infrared filter or protective glass 25
9 Disposal and Recycling 26

1 About this guide|1.1 Introduction
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 5
1 About this guide
1.1 Introduction
|
1.1
Introduction
Welcome Welcome to the Axiocam 503 user documentation.
The camera is a professional digital camera for universal light microscopy with a
high resolution 3 Megapixel sensor and a USB 3.0 interface. The camera can be
ordered as color camera (Axiocam 503 color) or monochrome camera (Axiocam
503 mono). As setting up the two camera models is the same, this guide stands for
both camera models.
The differences in the specs can be found in the chapter Technical Data [}10]. To
set up the camera correctly, follow the instructions in this guide step by step.
Content Chapter Content
About this manual Introduction and overview about this manual.
Safety Important information on a safe handling with the
Axiocam 503. Read this chapter, before
unpacking the camera and putting it into
operation.
Shipment The contents of delivery and optional attachments
will be described here.
Technical data Here you will find all technical data to your
camera.
Connecting the camera In this chapter you will find detailed instructions
on connecting and using the camera.
Installing software and
drivers
Here you will learn how to install ZEISS software
and camera drivers.
Trouble-shooting In this chapter we have listed some solutions to
various problems. If you can not solve your
problem, contact the ZEISS support.
Maintenance This chapter describes some measures for the
maintenance and care of your camera. For greater
damage always contact the ZEISS support.
Disposal and Recycling Important instructions for disposal and recycling.

1 About this guide|1.2 Safety notes conventions
6User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
1.2 Safety notes conventions
|
1.2
Safety notes conventions
The safety notes in this document follow a system of risk levels, defined in the
following manner:
CAUTION
Risk of personal injury
CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate personal injury.
NOTICE
Risk of property damage
NOTICE indicates a property damage message. In addition, NOTICE is used for
data loss or corrupt data.
INFO
Indicates useful additional information. It helps you to make your daily work
easier, but it is optional. There is no risk for personal injury or property damage
involved.
1.3 Text formats and conventions
|
1.3
Text formats and conventions
Bold texts
Bold is used for texts within the software like names of GUI elements (e.g. buttons,
sections, tools, menus), buttons on a device, and product names (e.g. MTB 2011).
Font type "Courier"
Usedforprogrammingcode,e.g.macrocodeaswellas
foranythingthatyouwouldtypeliterallywhen
programming,includingkeywords,datatypes,constants,
methodnames,variables,classnames,andinterface
names.
Shortcuts and key commands
Shortcuts are written like Crtl+C, meaning you should press Crtl-Key and C-Key
simultaneously.

1 About this guide|1.3 Text formats and conventions
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 7
Procedures
The following formats are used for procedures (instructive sequences):
Prerequisites ¢stands for a condition which must be fulfilled before starting with the action.
Procedure 1stands for a single step the user is asked to perform.
Web-Links
Web links appear in blue text. To open the linked website, simply click on the link.
Please make sure you have an internet connection established before opening the
web link.

2 Safety|2.1 Safety Notes
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2 Safety
2.1 Safety Notes
|
2.1
Safety Notes
The Axiocam 503 has been manufactured and tested by ZEISS according to the
regulations specified in CE and has left the manufacturer’s premises in perfect
working order. In order to ensure that this condition is maintained and to avoid any
risks when operating the system, the user must comply with any notes and
warnings contained in this manual. The manufacturer shall be exempt from
statutory liability for accidents should the operator fail to observe the safety
regulations.
CAUTION
Personal Injury
To avoid personal injury, read and adhere to the safety notes below.
uTo avoid the risk of fire or explosion, do not use the camera near
inflammable liquids or gases.
uSetup, expansions, re-adjustments, alterations, and repairs must be carried
out only by persons who have been authorized by ZEISS.
uDo not allow any cables, particularly power cords, to trail across the floor,
where they can be snagged by people walking past.
uProtect the cables from excessive heat (e.g. halogen lamps, microscope
fluorescence illumination).

2 Safety|2.2 Limitation of liability
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 9
NOTICE
To avoid equipment damage, data loss, or corrupted data, read and adhere to
the safety notes below.
uProtect the camera against mechanical impact. External damage may affect
the operation of inner components.
uKeep chemicals and fluids away from the camera.
uMake sure there is sufficient ventilation of the camera head. Avoid direct
exposure to sunlight and locations near heat sources (radiators, stoves).
Overheating can cause noisy images.
uUse the camera in a clean and dry location.
uAttach all connectors firmly and securely.
uUse only the accessories supplied by ZEISS, when applicable.
uUse only normal microscope cleaning material to clean the camera housing.
uContact your local ZEISS service organization if a repair is necessary.
uSave all your data, such as images, measurement data, archives, reports,
forms and documents, at regular intervals on an external storage medium.
Otherwise it cannot be avoided that access to this data may be lost as a
result of operational errors or hardware defects. ZEISS accepts no liability for
consequential damage resulting from insufficient data protection.
2.2 Limitation of liability
|
2.2
Limitation of liability
No warranty shall be assumed by ZEISS during the warranty period if the equipment
is operated without observing the safety regulations. In any such case, ZEISS shall
be exempt from statutory liability for accidents resulting from such operation.
2.3 Warranty
|
2.3
Warranty
ZEISS shall be exempt from any warranty obligations should the user fail to observe
the safety regulations. ZEISS only guarantees the safety, reliability, and performance
of the system if the safety notes are closely observed.

3 Technical Data|3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono
10 User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
3 Technical Data
3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono
|
3.1
Axiocam 503 color/mono
Feature Value
Sensor Model Sony ICX 674, EXviewHAD CCD II ™
Progressive Scan, Quad-Port Readout
architecture, pre-selected sensors for highest
image quality
Sensor Pixel Count 2,83 Megapixel: 1936 (H) × 1460 (V)
Pixel Size 4.54 µm x 4.54 µm
Sensor Size Image Diagonal 11 mm , equivalent to 2/3”"
Sensor Format
Spectral Sensitivity Axiocam 503 color:
app. 400 nm-720 nm, coated Hoya C5000 IR
Cut Filter,
RGB Bayer color filter mask
Axiocam 503 mono:
app. 400 nm-1000 nm, coated BK 7
protective glass
Max Full Well Capacity
(typical)
15.000 e- per pixel
Signal Amplification Adjustable analog amplification 1x, 2x, 3x
Digitization 14 Bit / Pixel
Read Out Speed Switchable readout clock speed 39 MHz / 13
Mhz
Readout Noise
(typical)
6.5 e- at 39 Mhz
6.0 e- at 13 Mhz
Dynamic Range (typical) 1:2500 (68dB)
Dark Current (typical) < 0,06 e-/p/s at 18 °C sensor temperature
Cooling Regulated Peltier-Cooling,
(power supplied through USB 3.0 and USB 2.0
ports) Delta-T 20° C, sensor temperature 18°C

3 Technical Data|3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 11
Feature Value
Dark Current Compensation Digital Dark Current Compensation for
optimum low light performance at long
exposure times,
Automatic Hot Pixel Correction
Exposure Time Range 250 µs to 60 s
Color Interpolation Modes Axiocam 503 color:
“High Speed ”: optimum speed color
interpolation
“High Quality ”: optimum quality color
interpolation
Special Preset Modes Eight pre-loadable sets of imaging parameters
for speed-optimized multi-modal image
acquisition,
Overlapping exposure and readout for fast
time lapse imaging
Switchable Sensor Output
Amplifier
Single Port Readout mode for long exposure
times for maximum signal quality, Dual Port
and Quad Port Readout Mode for improved
readout speed at full resolution,
Automatic port activation mode or full manual
mode
Region of Interest (ROI) User defined imaging sub area for
improvement of readout speed and reduction
of amount of data
Hardware Trigger Galvanic isolated I/O signals,
three output signals: exposure time, readout
time, trigger ready,
i.e. for controlling external mechanical
shutters,
one trigger input for exposure control,
5V auxiliary voltage, GND
Status LED Top LED: Camera Status (acquisition, power,
cooling, speed)
Back LED: Trigger Status
Interface USB3.0 SuperSpeed (5 Gbit/s), bandwidth
max. 240 Mbytes/s
USB2.0 optional, with lower speed

3 Technical Data|3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono
12 User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
Feature Value
Optical Interface C-Mount (17.5 mm)
Max. File Size per image Axiocam 503 color:
app. 17 MB per image with 1936 x 1460
Pixels
at 3 x 14 Bit/Pixel
Axiocam 503 mono:
App. 5,6 MB per image with 1936 x 1460
Pixels
at 14 Bit/Pixel
Operating Systems MicrosoftÒ Windows 7 Enterprise and higher
Size / Weight 10.8 cm x 7.8 cm x 4.3 cm / 500 g
Housing Blue anodized aluminum, ¼“ thread for
camera equipment,
Zero Vibration by convection- cooling,
optimized cooling finns,
Teflon coated C-mount thread,
Certificates CE
Power Supply Max. 7W power consumption,
power by USB2.0 and USB3.0-Bus from PC
For maximum performance connection to USB
3.0 and USB 2.0 required, dual connection
cabling provided with camera
Ambient Conditions
(Operation)
+5° ... +35° Celsius
max. 80% relative humidity, non-condensing,
free air circulation required,
Ambient Conditions (Storage) -15° ... +60° Celsius
90% relative humidity at +40° Celsius,
80% relative at +20° Celsius, non-condensing

3 Technical Data|3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 13
3.1.1 Binning Mode and Frame Rate
Binning H x V Mode FPS@1ms
1x1 1936 x 1460 Color/Mono 38
2x2 968 x 728 Mono 61
3x3 640 x 484 Color/Mono 75
4x4 480 x 364 Mono 87
5x5 384 x 292 Color/Mono 93
ROI 2752 x 1080 Color/Mono 45
ROI 2752 x 512 Color/Mono 69
3.1.2 Live Frame Rates
Axiocam 503 color Max. Ratings at optimum settings; Hardware and color enhancement off:
Max. Frame Rate Binning Factor /
Mode
Pixel Count
38 frames/s 1 / slow 1936 x 1460
75 frames/s 3 / medium 640 x 484
93 frames/s 5 / fast 384 x 292
Axiocam 503 mono Max. Ratings at optimum settings
Max. Frame Rate Binning Factor /
Mode
Pixel Count
38 Bilder/s 1 / slow 1936 x 1460
61 Bilder/s 2 / medium 968 x 728
76 Bilder/s 3 / fast 640 x 484
INFO
Computer hardware, operating system and software may decrease the frame
rates. Selecting a part of the sensor area or applying binning can increase the
frame rate. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

3 Technical Data|3.1 Axiocam 503 color/mono
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3.1.3 Spectral Sensitivity
Axiocam 503 color
Fig.3.1: Axiocam 503 color incl. Hoya C5000 IR Cut Filter
Axiocam 503 mono
Fig.3.2: Spectral Sensitivity Axiocam 503 mono

4 Shipment
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 15
4 Shipment
Content Order Number
1 x Axiocam 503 color camera or
1 x Axiocam 503 mono camera
426558-0000-000
426559-0000-000
1 x USB cable (2 in one) for power supply (USB 2.0 =
black cable) and data transfer (USB 3.0 = blue cable)
1 x PCI express interface card ( 4 x USB 3.0)
1 x 15 Pin SATA power connector cable
1 x DVD with device driver for ZEISS software as well
as this guide as a PDF file.
Accessory (optional)
Fig.4.1: Axiocam trigger cable
Content Order Number
Trigger cable 426557-0001-000

5 Connecting the Camera|5.1 Camera Overview
16 User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
5 Connecting the Camera
5.1 Camera Overview
|
5.1
Camera Overview
Camera connections
Fig.5.1: Camera back
Number Description
1 Trigger connection
2 USB 2.0 connection for power supply and cooling
3 USB 3.0 connection for image / controller data and power
supply
4 ¼ “ photo thread (tripod connection)

5 Connecting the Camera|5.2 Building in the interface card
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 17
5.2 Building in the interface card
|
5.2
Building in the interface card
This chapter describes how to build in the PCI express interface card (4 x USB 3.0)
into your PC.
NOTICE
Static Electricity
Static electricity can damage electronic components. To protect electronic
components against static electricity, do not touch them until you have
grounded yourself to the casing of the device. Never touch the contacts of the
electronic components. We also recommend that you work only on an antistatic
mat.
Prerequisites ¢You have read the documentation of the interface card and of your computer
before you build in the interface card.
Procedure 1Switch off your PC and all connected peripherals.
2Disconnect the PC and the peripherals from the mains and open the computer
case.
3Examine your PC’s power supply to see if it has Molex type connectors or SATA
type connectors. Choose the appropriate power connector cable for the
following steps. If your PC’s power supply has both connector types, choose
only one cable.
4Connect the appropriate power connector cable to one of the open
connectors from your computer’s power supply.
5Connect the other end of the power cable to the PCIe interface card.
6Insert the PCIe interface card into the appropriate slot on your computer.
7Close the computer case and reconnect the peripherals.
You can now mount the camera on the microscope and connect it to the PC via
the USB 3.0 interface, see Connecting the camera with PC.

5 Connecting the Camera|5.3 Mounting the camera on the microsope
18 User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
5.3 Mounting the camera on the microsope
|
5.3
Mounting the camera on the microsope
To mount the camera onto your microscope’s TV port, use a C-mount adapter. The
adapter is not included in the shipment. You will find some suitbale examples for
adapters in the list below:
Port Name Order Number
44 Video Adapter 44 C 2/3" 1,0x 452995-0000-000
60 Camera Adapter 60 C 1" 1,0x 456105-9901-000
60 Video Adapter 60 C 2/3" 0,63x 000000-1069-414
60N Camera Adapter 60N-C 1" 1,0x 426114-0000-000
60N Camera Adapter 60N-C 2/3" 0,63x 426113-0000-000
NOTICE
Loss of warranty
The Axiocam 503 color is delivered with an integrated IR filter (infrared cut
filter). The Axiocam 503 mono is delivered with an integrated BK7 protective
glas. This will protect the camera against dust and reduces optical interferences.
uThe IR filter is situated approx. 5 mm behind the outer edge of the C-mount
opening in the camera.
uDue to this pre-mounted IR barrier filter, C-mount adapters that screw more
than 5 mm into the thread cannot be screwed into the camera.
uDo not remove the filter or the protective glas otherwise the warranty will
be lost.
Procedure 1Remove the dust cap from the camera’s C-mount port.
2Screw the adapter in as far as it will go.
3Mount the camera onto the microscope’s TV port. Ensure that no dust enters
the opening of the camera or the microscope’s TV port.
5.4 Connecting the camera to the PC
|
5.4
Connecting the camera to the PC
Procedure 1Lay the USB cable (2 in 1) carefully between the camera and the PC.
2Connect the USB cables to the USB 3.0 interface card of the PC.
3Connect the USB cables with the camera.
4If you switch on the PC, the camera will be also switched on.

5 Connecting the Camera|5.5 Connecting the trigger cable
User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016 19
Power is supplied via the USB 3.0 cable. The USB 2.0 cable supplies the peletier
cooling. By switching off the PC, the camera will be switched of as well. If the
camera is assembled correctly, the status LED will light red. If you start the software
the LED will turn blue. You`ll find a detailed description of the LED status light in the
chapter Function indicator
5.5 Connecting the trigger cable
|
5.5
Connecting the trigger cable
In this chapter you will learn how to connect the trigger cable (optional) to the
camera and the SVB (signal distribution box).
Fig.5.2: Trigger cable
Number Description
1 Trigger (Trigger-In)
2 GPO 0 (Trigger Out, for exposure time incl. predelay,
coresponding to shutter control
3 GPO 1 (Trigger Ready, for Readout Time data)
4 GPO 2
5 GPOPWR
6 AUXPWR
7 Commercial Micro-D
INFO
The numbers in brackets in the guide below refer to the connectors shown in
the illustration "Trigger cable" and described in the table below it.

5 Connecting the Camera|5.5 Connecting the trigger cable
20 User Guide Axiocam 503 color/mono|V 3.0 en 06/2016
Procedure 1Plug the connector Commercial Micro D (7) in the trigger connector on the
back of the camera, see Camera Overview [}16].
2Plug the connector Trigger (1) in the socket Trigger Out of the SVB (Signal
distribution box).
Fig.5.3: Signal distribution box (SVB) backside
3Plug the connector GPO 0 (2) in the socket Trigger In 1 of the SVB (Signal
distribution box).
4Plug the connector GPO 1 (3) in the socket Trigger In 2 of the SVB.
5Connect the connectors GPOPWR (5) and AUXPWR (6) of the trigger cable
together.
GPO 2 (4) is not connected.