Zeiss Axiocam MR Installation and operating manual

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Number of this manual: M 60-3-0014 e
Printed 12.2008

Carl Zeiss draws the User's attention to the fact that the information and references
contained in these documents may be subject to technical modifications, in particular
due to the continuous further development of Carl Zeiss's products. The documents
enclosed do not contain any warranty by Carl Zeiss with regard to the technical
processes described in the documentation or to certain reproduced product
characteristics. Furthermore, Carl Zeiss shall not be held liable for any possible printing
errors or other inaccuracies in this documentation, unless proof can be furnished that
any such errors or inaccuracies are already known by Carl Zeiss or that these are not
known to Carl Zeiss due to gross negligence and that furthermore Carl Zeiss has for
these reasons refrained from eliminating these errors or inaccuracies appropriately.
Carl Zeiss hereby explicitly draws the User's attention to the fact that this manual only
contains a general description of the technical processes and information, the
implementation of which in any individual case may not be appropriate in the form
described here. In cases of doubt, we recommend the User to consult Carl Zeiss.
This manual is protected by copyright. Carl Zeiss has reserved all rights to this
documentation. It is prohibited to make copies, partial copies, or to translate this
manual into any other language, except copies for personal use.
Carl Zeiss explicitly draws attention to the fact that the information contained in this
manual will be updated regularly in compliance with the technical modifications and
supplements carried out in the products and furthermore that this manual only reflects
the technical status of Carl Zeiss's products at the time of printing.
Copyright 2005-2008 by Carl Zeiss
Microsoft, Windows, Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
FireWire is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
i.Link is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation in Japan and/or other countries.
Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH
07740 Jena, Germany
BioSciences | Göttingen Location
Phone: [phone]
Telefax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.zeiss.de

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The referenced Software of Carl Zeiss ("Zeiss Software"), contained in this
documentation, was designed, realized, verificated, validated and released in
a certificated process environment. The quality management system is
certified following the rule of DIN EN ISO 9001.
The fields of application of the Software are common tasks and applications in
microscopy respectively imaging (so called "Off-The-Shelf Software"). Though
the user acknowledges that in any kind of use the end user of the Software is
responsible for the validation of the Software for the end user’s dedicated
intend of use considering all requirements of law and standards (e. g. 21 CFR
part 11, FDA, MDD etc.). If necessary the end user has to establish, to
document, to implement and to maintain a special process to fulfill all the
requirements to be conform with the validate rules of law and standards.
CARL ZEISS DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THIS SOFTWARE IS USABLE FOR
SPECIAL PURPOSES OTHER THAN IN THE FIELDS OF APPLICATION DEFINED
ABOVE.
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Refer to the safety notes and instructions in the manuals of all
necessary devices (e.g. microscope peripherals, cameras,
computers, computer additionals, etc.) before installing and
using the software.

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This product has been developed, tested and manufactured in
accordance with the applicable environmental provisions and
directives of the European Union.
The product and its accessories comply with EU directives 2002/95/EC
(RoHS) and 2002/96/EC (WEEE), insofar as these apply to this product.
We have implemented a take-back and recycling process that ensures
that proper recycling is carried out in accordance with the
aforementioned EU directives.
Please contact your Carl Zeiss sales/service organization for details relating
to disposal and recycling.
This product must not be disposed of with domestic waste or using
municipal waste disposal services. In the event of resale, the seller must
inform the buyer of the need to dispose of the product appropriately.

Table of Contents
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IMPORTANT NOTE........................................................................................ i
1. Installation.............................................................................................. 3
1.1 Safety Regulations ............................................................................ 3
General notes ................................................................................. 5
Backup copies................................................................................. 6
1.2 System Requirements........................................................................ 6
Contents of delivery........................................................................ 6
Setting up the camera system .................................................................. 7
Operating the camera on a PC........................................................ 8
Operating the camera on a PC using the FireWire PCI bus
interface card ............................................................................ 8
Installing the PCI bus interface card on the PC........................ 8
Connecting the camera to the PC......................................... 10
Operating the camera on a PC with onboard FireWire interface11
Connecting the camera to the PC......................................... 11
Operating the camera on a notebook ........................................... 12
Operating the camera on a notebook using the FireWire PCcard
(CardBus) interface card .......................................................... 12
Installing the PCcard (CardBus) interface card on the notebook
............................................................................................12
Connecting the camera to the notebook ..............................14
Operating the camera on a notebook with onboard FireWire
interfaces................................................................................. 15
Connecting the camera to the notebook .............................. 15
Mounting the camera onto the microscope ............................. 17
Function indicator.................................................................... 17
Expansion socket ..................................................................... 18
Second FireWire socket............................................................ 18
Checking the equipment has been set up correctly....................... 18
Installing the driver software .................................................................. 19
General......................................................................................... 19
Installing the camera driver with the hardware wizard .................. 20
Installing the camera driver using the setup program.................... 23
How to correct the driver entry in the device manager............. 27
Resetting the AxioCam MR firmware....................................... 29
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference i

Table of Contents
1.3 Notes on Maintenance.................................................................... 30
Camera electronic......................................................................... 30
Optical system .............................................................................. 30
Cleaning the infrared barrier filter................................................. 31
Important note on the use of C-mount objectives......................... 31
2. Image Acquisition ................................................................................ 32
2.1 General........................................................................................... 32
2.2 Quick Guide to the First Image with AxioVision............................... 33
The workflow Standard................................................................. 34
Step by step to the first image ...................................................... 35
2.3 Adjust Property Page....................................................................... 42
Exposure....................................................................................... 43
Automatic exposure................................................................. 44
White balance............................................................................... 45
Color adjustment..................................................................... 46
Color saturation............................................................................ 47
Histogram..................................................................................... 47
2.4 Frame Property Page ....................................................................... 49
Camera mode............................................................................... 49
Resolution................................................................................ 50
Binning.................................................................................... 52
Size of the resulting files.......................................................... 52
Frame ........................................................................................... 53
2.5 General Property Page .................................................................... 54
Digital gain ................................................................................... 55
Image orientation ......................................................................... 55
Black reference ............................................................................. 56
Shading correction........................................................................ 57
Sharpening ................................................................................... 60
Shutter control.............................................................................. 64
Filter operations ............................................................................ 66
2.6 Practical Notes on Operation in AxioVision...................................... 67
Reset camera to a default state..................................................... 67
Speed of the live image................................................................. 68
Notes on optimum color reproduction in AxioVision ..................... 69
2.7 Information for Displaying 12 Bit AxioCam Images in AxioVision..... 71
Recommended camera settings .................................................... 73
Recommended monitor settings ................................................... 73
ii M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008

Table of Contents
2.8 Background Information ................................................................. 74
Gamma setting............................................................................. 74
Linearity........................................................................................ 74
Configurable toolbars for operating the camera ........................... 74
3. Trouble Shooting ................................................................................. 75
3.1 Software......................................................................................... 75
3.2 Image Quality ................................................................................. 76
4. Technical Data ...................................................................................... 77
4.1 AxioCam MRc (color version) .......................................................... 77
4.2 AxioCam MRm (monochrome version)............................................ 79
4.3 Spectral Sensitivity .......................................................................... 81
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference iii

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The FireWire (IEEE 1394 a) interface is defined as a "hot plugging"
interconnection, i.e. peripherals (cameras, drives, etc.) may be connected or
disconnected while the computer is powered up. In connection with this "hot
plugging" feature in isolated cases damages being caused to interface
components were reported, presumably due to a discharge of static electricity
during the insertion of the cables.
To avoid this kind of damage, we urge you to take careful note of the following
points before inserting or removing the AxioCam MR’s FireWire cable:
Avoid hot plugging with devices that are powered via the FireWire bus, i.e.
do not insert or remove the camera while the computer is switched on.
Use only high-quality and undamaged FireWire cables.
If you cannot avoid hot plugging, please take the following information into
account:
Sequence for cable insertion:
When you connect the camera to the PC, insert the cable into the PC first,
and only then into the camera head.
When you disconnect the FireWire camera from the PC, remove the cable
from the camera head first, and only then from the PC.
In this way the cable provides protection in the event that static electricity is
discharged.
Additional interface card: As an added precaution, we also recommend that
you establish the FireWire connection via FireWire interface PCI cards rather than
the onboard FireWire interfaces. Alternatively, a FireWire hub can be connected
between the camera and PC.
Carl Zeiss is unable to accept any liability for damage that results from
failure to comply with these safety recommendations.

Installation
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The AxioCam MR is a professional, high-resolution digital camera with
FireWireinterface for universal light-microscopy applications.
There are two versions available: AxioCam MRc (color camera) and AxioCam
MRm (b/w camera).
To make it easier for you to set up the camera, please follow the instructions
in these chapters step by step.
In this manual the interface between AxioCam MR and the computer is called
FireWire. Synonym the terms IEEE 1394 a and i.LINKare also used for this
interface.
Note:
In the description that follows the term AxioCam HR is used for both the
color camera and the black/white camera. A distinction is only made
where this is necessary for technical reasons.
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Please read this chapter carefully and observe the regulations in
order to ensure your safety and the intended operation of the
system. Please observe the warnings and notes printed in this
manual and on the unit.
The digital camera AxioCam MR has been manufactured and tested by Carl
Zeiss according to the regulations specified in CE und cUL 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.
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference 3

Installation
Exemption from statutory liability for accidents
The manufacturer shall be exempt from statutory liability for accidents should
the operator fail to observe the safety regulations.
Limitation of liability
No warranty shall be assumed by Carl Zeiss during the warranty period if the
equipment is operated without observing the safety regulations. In any such
case, Carl Zeiss shall be exempt from statutory liability for accidents resulting
from such operation.
Exemption from warranty
Carl Zeiss shall be exempt from any warranty obligations should the user fail
to observe the safety regulations. Carl Zeiss only guarantees the safety,
reliability, and performance of the system if the following safety regulations
are closely observed.
¾The electrical installations of the room where the system is to be set up
must conform to IEC requirements.
Warning:
Any interruption of the PE conductor, either internally or externally, or
removal of the earthed conductor will make the system unsafe to use.
Any intentional interruption of the earthed conductor is illegal.
Attention:
To interrupt the power supply simply disconnect the data cable.
¾Setup, expansions, re-adjustments, alterations, and repairs must only be
carried out by persons who have been authorized by Carl Zeiss.
¾Use only those cables supplied by Carl Zeiss.
¾Do not allow any cables, particularly power cords, to trail across the floor,
where they can be snagged by people walking past.
4 M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008

Installation
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Please ensure the notes described below are adhered to when setting up and
operating the AxioCam MR camera.
¾All connectors must be firmly and securely attached.
¾Please protect the data cable from excessive heat (e.g. halogen lamps,
microscope fluorescence illumination).
¾Only use the camera in a clean and dry location.
¾The camera must be protected against mechanical impact. External
damage may affect the operation of inner components.
¾Keep chemicals and fluids away from the camera. To avoid the risk of fire,
do not use near inflammable liquids or gases.
¾Make sure there is sufficient ventilation of the camera head. Avoid direct
exposure to sunlight and locations near to heat sources (radiators, stoves).
Overheating can cause noisy images.
¾The camera housing can be cleaned using normal microscope cleaning
material.
In case of repair please contact your local Carl Zeiss representation.
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference 5

Installation
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We strongly recommend that all users save the data they create, such as
images, measurement data, archives, reports, forms and documents, at
regular intervals on an external medium. Otherwise it cannot be excluded that
access to this data may be lost as a result of operational errors or hardware
defects. Carl Zeiss accepts no liability for consequential damage resulting from
insufficient data protection.
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The appropriate system requirements relating to hard- and software
equipment can be found in the file "Installation Manual.PDF" on the actual
product DVD.
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AxioCam MR camera head
FireWire data cable (6-pin to 6-pin) for power supply to the AxioCam MR
and for data transmission between camera and computer
DVD-ROM with device driver for AxioVision as well as this
Installation+Reference Guide as a PDF file.
Camera, data cable
6 M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008

Installation
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference 7
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The standardized FireWire interface allows the camera to be used for a variety
of applications. The following graphic provides an overview of the possible
hardware configurations and the required accessories:
AxioCam MR
FireWire Hub
(with external power supply)
order number:
000000-0452-376
PC with
FireWire PCI-Bus
Interfaceboard
order number:
000000-0452-036
Notebook with
FireWire
interface
"onboard"
Notebook with
FireWire PCcard
(CardBus)
Interface
order number:
000000-0452-037
PC with
FireWire
interface
"onboard"
6-pin to 6-pin digital FireWire cable
(included in AxioCam MR package)
additional 6-pin to 6-pin digital FireWire cable
(included in FireWire Hub package)
additional 4-pin to 6-pin digital FireWire cable
(included in FireWire Hub package)
6-pin to 6-pin digital FireWire cable
(included in AxioCam MR package)
6-pin to 6-pin digital FireWire cable
(included in AxioCam MR package)
When it is being operated on a PC, power is supplied to the AxioCam MR via
the 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. On a notebook, a FireWire hub is also
required to supply power to the camera.

Installation
The table below provides an overview of the order numbers of the
accessories:
Accessory Order Number
FireWire hub 000000-0452-376
FireWire PCI bus interface card 000000-0452-036
FireWire PCcard (CardBus) interface
card 000000-0452-037
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Depending on your system specifications, you can choose between two forms
of connection:
connection of the camera to the FireWire PCI bus interface card
connection of the camera to the PC’s integrated (onboard) FireWire
interface
In both cases the AxioCam MR is connected to the PC using the FireWire
cable (6-pin to 6-pin) supplied with the camera. Power is supplied to the
camera through the PC.
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Static electricity can damage electronic components. To protect
electronic components against static electricity, do not touch them
until you have earthed yourself to the casing of the device. Never
touch the contacts of electronic components. We also recommend
that you work only on an antistatic mat.
8 M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008

Installation
For installation of the FireWire PCI bus interface card, please also
take into account the notes in the interface card documentation.
Only the basic principles of interface card installation are described
in this manual.
The FireWire PCI bus interface card (order number: 000000-0452-
036) also has integrated USB connections.
FireWire PCI bus interface card
To ensure that power is supplied to the AxioCam MR, no other devices should
be connected to the FireWire or USB ports of the FireWire PCI bus interface
card.
If you wish to operate other FireWire or USB devices, you can configure the
FireWire PCI bus interface card in accordance with the manufacturer’s
documentation.
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference 9

Installation
Switch off your PC and all connected peripherals. Disconnect the PC and the
peripherals from the mains. The FireWire PCI bus interface card can now be
fitted into the appropriate slot on your computer.
Special details on opening your computer and on the slots it
contains can be found in the relevant documentation from your
PC’s manufacturer.
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Lay the data cable carefully between the camera and the PC. Make
sure that the cable is a safe distance from hot light sources on the
microscope, to prevent it being damaged by heat.
To connect the camera to a PC, you require a FireWire cable with a 6-pin
connector at both ends. This is supplied with the camera.
Connect the FireWire cable of the AxioCam MR to the PCI bus interface card.
Connecting the AxioCam MR to the FireWire PCI bus interface card
10 M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008

Installation
¾Power is supplied to the AxioCam MR via the FireWire interface card. If
you switch off the PC, the camera is also switched off.
¾The AxioCam MR has been designed for continuous operation. During
operation the camera may heat up. This is quite safe, and does not in any
way impair the functioning of the device.
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Lay the data cable carefully between the camera and the PC. Make
sure that the cable is a safe distance from hot light sources on the
microscope, to prevent it being damaged by heat.
To connect the camera to a PC, you require a FireWire cable with a 6-pin
connector at both ends. This cable is supplied with the camera.
Connect the FireWire cable of the AxioCam MR to the onboard FireWire
interface of the PC.
Connecting the AxioCam MR to the onboard FireWire interface of the PC
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference 11

Installation
¾Power is supplied to the AxioCam MR via the FireWire interface. Before
operating the AxioCam MR for the first time, you should therefore check
that the specifications of your PC’s FireWire interface correspond with the
power requirements of the AxioCam MR.
¾If you switch off the PC, the AxioCam MR is also switched off.
¾The AxioCam MR has been designed for continuous operation. During
operation the camera may heat up. This is quite safe, and does not in any
way impair the functioning of the device.
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Depending on your notebook’s specifications, you can choose between two
forms of connection:
connection of the camera to the FireWire PCcard (CardBus) interface card
connection of the camera to the notebook’s integrated (onboard)
FireWire interface
In both cases the FireWire hub is also required to supply power to the
AxioCam MR. The AxioCam MR is connected using the cables supplied with
the camera and the hub.
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Static electricity can damage electronic components. To protect
electronic components against static electricity, do not touch them
until you have earthed yourself to the casing of the device. Never
touch the contacts of electronic components.
12 M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008

Installation
For installation of the FireWire PCcard (CardBus) interface card,
please also take into account the notes in the interface card and
notebook documentation. Only the basic principles of interface card
installation are described in this manual.
FireWire PCcard (CardBus) interface card
Switch off your notebook and all connected peripherals. Insert the FireWire
PCcard (CardBus) interface card into the appropriate slot on the notebook.
AxioCam MR Installation + Reference 13

Installation
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Lay the data cable carefully between the camera and the
notebook. Make sure that the cable is a safe distance from hot
light sources on the microscope, to prevent it being damaged by
heat.
To ensure the efficient use of energy resources, the FireWire slots
on the notebook are not normally designed to supply power to
peripheral devices. A FireWire hub should therefore be used to
supply power to operate the AxioCam MR on a notebook.
The following components are required:
FireWire hub with power supply (order number: 000000-0452-376)
6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable (supplied with the AxioCam MR) to connect
the AxioCam MR to the FireWire hub.
A second 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable (supplied with the FireWire hub) to
connect the FireWire hub to the PCcard (CardBus) interface card.
Connecting the AxioCam MR to the FireWire PCcard interface card
14 M 60-3-0014 e / printed 12.2008