Thank you for purchasing the Nikon products. This instruction manual has been prepared for users of the
DS Camera Control Unit DS-L1, DS Camera Head DS-5M, and DS Cooled Camera Head DS-5Mc. To
ensure correct use, please read this manual carefully before using these products.
• The contents of this manual may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.
• Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this manual. If you have any questions
or discover any errors in this manual, please contact your nearest Nikon representative.
• Please refer to the instruction manuals for any other devices you may be using along with these
products (e.g., a microscope or personal computer).
Warning and Cautionary Symbols Used in This Manual
Although Nikon products are designed to provide you with the utmost safety during use, incorrect use or
failure to observe the instructions may result in injury or property damage. To ensure correct use, read
this manual carefully before using your products. Do not discard this manual. Always keep it at hand for
easy reference. Safety instructions in this manual are indicated by the symbols shown below. To ensure
safety, please follow the instructions indicated by these symbols.
Symbol Meaning
Disregarding instructions indicated by this symbol may result in death or serious
injury.
Disregarding instructions indicated by this symbol may result in injury or
property damage.
Trademarks
Microsoft, Windows, and Internet Explorer are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States or other countries.
Macintosh and MacOS are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, inc. in the United States or other
countries.
Netscape Navigator is a registered trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation
Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
The “TM” and ® marks are not used to identify registered trademarks and trademarks in these
instructions.
- i -
1. Using the equipment
This equipment should be used for photographic purposes only. Do not attempt to use it for any other
purpose.
2. Do not disassemble or repair the equipment
The DS-L1 and DS AC adapter contain high-voltage power supplies. Never attempt to disassemble or
repair the equipment by yourself; doing so may result in electric shock or equipment failure. Never
attempt to disassemble any part of the equipment unless instructed to do so in this manual. If you
notice any problems with the equipment, turn off the power and contact your nearest Nikon
representative.
3. DS AC adapter
Be sure to use a dedicated AC adapter. Use of any other AC adapter may result in fire or electric shock.
4. Power cord
To prevent electric shock, always turn off the POWER switch on the DS-L1 when plugging in or
unplugging the power cord. For the DS-U1, use only the specified power cord. The specifications for the
specified power cord are given below. Using another power cord may lead to fire or other hazardous
conditions.
Because this equipment falls under the category of electric shock protection class I, always make sure
it is grounded to a protective ground terminal. If you misplace or damage the power cord, contact your
nearest Nikon representative.
• When using the product in 100-120 V AC regions:
Use an UL-listed detachable power cord set.
3 conductor grounding Type SVT. No.18 AWG, 3m long maximum, rated at 125V AC minimum
• When using the product in 220-240 V AC regions:
Use only an EU/EN-approved three-conductor power cord set.
3 conductor grounding Type H05VV-F, 3m long maximum, rated at 250V AC minimum
5. Handling
• To prevent malfunctions or overheating due to short circuits, do not allow this equipment or any
other device used with it to become wet. Never insert any foreign objects or materials into the
equipment. If the equipment gets wet, or if foreign matter (e.g., a scrap of paper) gets inside the
equipment, turn off the DS-L1’s POWER switch and unplug the power cord from the outlet. Then
contact your nearest Nikon representative.
• Do not bend or twist the cables with undue force. Doing so may damage the cables and result in
fire.
• Do not place a cloth or paper on the DS-L1 or DS AC adapter. Doing so may cause heat to collect
inside the equipment, resulting in fire.
- ii -
1. Installation environment
• Do not use this equipment in locations subject to high temperatures, high humidity, vibration, or
excessive amounts of dust. Doing so may result in fire or malfunction.
• When used for an extended period of time, the DS-L1 may become hot. Do not place the DS-L1 on
a surface that cannot withstand heat (such as vinyl or plastic). Always install the equipment with a
surrounding clear area of 100 mm or more.
• When using the fitting holes on the back of the equipment to install it, always use metal fixtures
that can support the weight of the DS-L1 (without directly attaching the equipment to the wall).
Leave a clearance of 100 mm or more from the wall surfaces and periphery.
2. Always turn off power when setting up the equipment or when
connecting/disconnecting cables.
To prevent damage or malfunction, always turn off the DS-L1’s POWER switch when setting up the
equipment or when connecting or disconnecting cables.
3. Connect only the devices specified to the connectors.
To prevent damage to the equipment, connect only the devices specified to the connectors on the
DS-L1, the DS Camera Head DS-5M/DS-5Mc, or the DS Remote Controller DS-RC.
4. Cautions on setup, installation, and storage of the equipment
• Be careful to avoid pinching your fingers or hands in the equipment during installation.
• To prevent damage to the equipment, avoid subjecting it to physical shock or violent vibrations
during installation.
• If you will not be using the equipment for an extended period of time, unplug the power cord from
the power outlet.
•
Store equipment in a location where it will not be subject to vibrations or excessive amounts of
dust.
•
Avoid storing the equipment in hot, humid locations.
- iii -
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
CONTENTS.................................................................................................... iv
I
Components of the Equipment ................................................................... 1
Check to see that all the items listed below are provided in the package.
If any items are missing, contact your nearest Nikon representative immediately.
1 DS Camera Control Unit DS-L1
2 Instruction manual
5 DS Camera Head DS-5M or
DS Cooled Camera Head DS-5Mc
C mount cap
Camera cable, 3 m
(E229586)
6 DS Remote Controller DS-RC
Remote cable
(E120411)
(optional)
3 DS AC adapter
4 Power cord
9 Microscope Control License (optional)
7 Direct Print License (optional)
8 C mount adapter (optional)
- 1 -
II Peripheral Equipment
II
(1) Analog RGB input display
Although the DS-L1 contains a 1,024 × 768 (XGA) 6.3-inch liquid crystal display, you may need an
external display if you want to observe images on a larger screen or at a higher 1,280 × 1,024
resolution (SXGA).
Prepare an SXGA 60 Hz or XGA 60 Hz TTL-synchronized display available for use with PCs. For
best results, we recommend SXGA monitors.
When shipped from the factory, the equipment is set for XGA output. If you’ve set your
equipment to SXGA to start up and are using a display that can only be synchronized to XGA
timing, hold down the MENU button on the DS-L1 when powering up. Be sure to hold down the
MENU button until the DS-L1 has started up. This forcibly sets the DS-L1 to internal monitor
output and external XGA output modes when it starts up.
After the DS-L1 has started up, set to XGA in Power On Settings of the SETUP menu and save
your settings.
NOTE: If you are using an LCD display or LCD projector, we recommend adjusting
its clock phase and clock pitch.
(2) USB mouse
Peripheral Equipment
You'll need a USB mouse to access functions available only from the mouse (e.g., screen scroll
while using the electronic zoom, TOOL functions such as length measurement or the pen drawing
function, or histograms). The mouse can also be used for various menu settings and operations.
Be sure to use a USB mouse recommended by Nikon. (Not every USB mouse is compatible with
(3) USB keyboard
the DS-L1.)
Although you can enter photographed data and comments using a mouse, it's easier to enter
such information with a keyboard. Use a keyboard recommended by Nikon. (Not every USB
keyboard is compatible with the DS-L1.)
- 2 -
II Peripheral Equipment
(4) USB hub
You'll need a USB hub to use a mouse, keyboard, and printer at the same time. Use a USB hub
recommended by Nikon. (Not every USB hub is compatible with the DS-L1.)
Only one hub can be connected to the DS-L1. If your keyboard is equipped with a USB hub, use
this hub.
(5) USB printer
Use the specified Mitsubishi CP900D or a printer which supports PictBridge Standard. You must
purchase a license to use the printer. Contact your nearest Nikon representative for more
information.
Restrictions will be displayed on the print screen if you attempt to use the printer without
obtaining a license. Refer to “1.4.5 Settings for Direct Print” in Chapter VI for details on how to
obtain a license.
(6) CF card
A CF card is needed to record or reproduce photographed data to or from a CF card.
We recommend a Type I- or Type II-compliant CF card or CF+ Type II microdrive (1GB).
(7) C mount lens
A C mount lens is required to photograph subjects other than photomicrographs. Any lens that
satisfies the following conditions may be used:
• Protrudes no more than 8 mm from the mount surface into the camera.
• The image circle is 2/3". Use a lens for 2/3" or larger (e.g., 1”).
• When using diaphragm settings brighter than F2.8, you may observe slight light falloff
around the periphery.
(8) Network connection cable
You'll need a network connection cable to save image data on another server or to control the
DS-L1 from another computer over a network. Use a cable for 100Base-TX (Category 5 or 6).
To satisfy EMC standards, use a shielded cable.
When connecting the DS-L1 to a LAN, use a straight cable. When connecting the DS-L1 directly
to a PC, use a crossed cable.
(9) USB cable
You'll need a USB cable to save image data to a PC or to print directly to a printer via USB. We
recommend using a USB 2.0-compliant AB-type cable for connections to a PC and an AB-type
cable for connection to a printer.
- 3 -
II Peripheral Equipment
(10) Personal computer (PC)
A PC is required for remote control of the DS-L1 or to handle image data on other media. A PC
can be connected to the DS-L1 via USB or over a network. For connect a PC to a network, we
recommend the following configuration:
OS:Windows 98/NT/2000/XP Macintosh OS 8.6/9.2/X
Memory: 64 MB or more
Browser: Windows Internet Explorer 5.5/6.0
Netscape 6.2/7.0
Macintosh Netscape 6.2/7.0
Although Nikon has confirmed that the DS-L1 operates properly under the above conditions,
DS-L1 operations cannot always be guaranteed, since they are affected by OS or browser
versions and by various software settings.
(11) Nikon 80i/90i Microscope
If you have a Nikon 80i/90i microscopes equipped with a digital imaging head, you can purchase
a license to control the microscope or display its status using the menus on DS-L1. To connect
your Nikon 80i/90i microscope to the DS-L1, use the USB cable provided with the microscope.
For information on purchasing a license, please contact the nearest Nikon office or distributor.
- 4 -
III Names of Parts and Their Functions
1 DS Camera Control Unit DS-L1
III
1
DS Camera Control Unit DS-L1
Front of the DS-L1
Names of Parts and Their Functions
Internal LCD
1,024 × 768 dots
6.3-inch LCD display
MENU button
Press the MENU button to bring up a menu. After a menu is
displayed, the MENU button can be used to confirm a
selected menu command, just like the ENTER button.
Cursor buttons
Use one of the four cursor buttons to choose an item within
a menu and the MENU button to confirm what you’ve
selected.
POWER switch
This is a push switch.
Press it to turn on the power.
Press again to release it and turn off the
power. When the power is on, the LED
indicator lights and remains on.
The freeze LED lights when the display is frozen.
CAPTURE: Saves an image to the destination that you selected in
Additional Settings. The destination to which you have saved
or printed is indicated by an LED.
CF CARD / PRINT / LAN
- 5 -
III Names of Parts and Their Functions
p
g
1 DS Camera Control Unit DS-L1
Left side of the DS-L1
12 V DC output
This output is
currently unused.
12 V DC input
Use a dedicated AC
adapter.
LAN port
Connect the DS-L1 to a LAN with a LAN cable to exchange data with a PC or server
through a LAN.
USB device port
Connect a PC to this port with a USB cable to
send and receive data to and from the PC.
Or connect a PictBridge-supporting printer to
perform the direct print.
USB host port
Use this port to connect a USB mouse, USB
keyboard, USB printer (CP900D), or Nikon
80i/90i microsco
Network Tx indicator
Li
hts when sending data to a LAN.
Network Rx indicator
Lights when receiving data from a LAN.
e.
Right side of the DS-L1
Stand arm
Extract the arm to use it.
CF card slot
Insert a CF card into this slot to save or reproduce
data to or from the card.
* Make sure you're inserting the card in the correct
direction.
- 6 -
III Names of Parts and Their Functions
g
g
1 DS Camera Control Unit DS-L1
Rear of the DS-L1
RGB connector
Use this connector to
connect an external
monitor.
External interface output
Connect a stroboscope or other external device here. This output
generates a synchronizing signal when capturing an image,
enabling the strobe light to be turned on synchronously.
Refer to “3 Connection Methods” in Chapter IV for details on the
interface specifications.
Camera connector
Connect the DS Camera Head DS-5M or the DS Cooled
Camera Head DS-5Mc to this connector.
* Always be sure to turn off the power before connectin
disconnectin
Failure to do so may result in malfunction.
External interface input
Connect the DS Remote Controller DS-RC here, and you can perform
freeze and capture operations from the DS-RC. A foot switch, etc.,
may also be used, providing it meets the interface specifications.
Refer to "3 Connection Methods" in Chapter IV for details on the
interface specifications.
the camera head to or from this connector.
or
- 7 -
III Names of Parts and Their Functions
g
2 DS Camera Head DS-5M / DS Cooled Camera Head DS-5Mc
2
DS Camera Head DS-5M / DS Cooled Camera Head DS-5Mc
Tripod mount
This mount can be used to mount
the camera head on a tripod, etc.
Top
Rear
Bottom
C mount cap
Protects the C mount
from dust.
C mount
When takin
the C mount adapter here before
connecting to the microscope.
When taking other photographs,
attach the C mount lens here.
microphotographs, mount
CAMERA OUT connector
NOTE: DS-5M and DS-5Mc have the same
body, only the color differs.
DS-5M: White
DS-5Mc: Black
3
DS Remote Controller DS-RC (Optional)
To EXT.IN connector
Connect the cable supplied with the unit from
this connector to the EXTERNAL IN connector
on the DS-L1.
FREEZE button
Freezes the current
image as a still
picture. To release
the frozen image,
press the button
again.
CAPTURE button
Saves image data. A destination where image
data is saved (a CF card, server via FTP, or
output directly to a printer) can be assigned.
Above functions can be assigned to the button in
Additional Settings of the SETUP menu.
- 8 -
IV Connecting and Installing the Equipment
1 Connection Diagrams
IV
Connecting and Installing the Equipment
1
Schematic diagram
PC or a PictBridge-
supporting printer
USB equipment, mouse, keyboard, printer,
and Nikon 80i/90i misroscope
Connection Diagrams
LAN
DS-L1
USB cable
LAN cable
CF card
DS AC adapter
DS camera cable
DS-5M/DS-5Mc
- 9 -
RGB cable
DS-RC
IV Connecting and Installing the Equipment
p
p
←
1 Connection Diagrams
Connectors
· DS-L1 Left side
USB mouse
USB keyboard
Printer
Microsco
e
PC or a
PictBridgesupporting
printer
DS AC ada
LAN ←
USB cable
USB equipment
ter
LAN cable
· DS-L1 Rear
RGB cable
↓
External monitor
Remote cable
↓
DS-RC
Remote cable
↓
DS-5M/DS-5Mc
- 10 -
IV Connecting and Installing the Equipment
2 Installing the DS-L1
2
When installing the DS-L1 on a flat surface such as a desktop by using the stand arm
Installing the DS-L1
Extract the stand arm from the DS-L1 and place it at an angle of 5 to 10 degrees, as shown
below.
Leave a clearance of about 100 mm around the DS-L1 to prevent heat from collecting near the
equipment.
When attaching a commercially available arm to the DS-L1
Any commercially available VESA standard-compliant 75-mm arm, UL1678-suited stand and
mount can be attached to the DS-L1. When doing so, make sure the following specifications are
met:
DS-L1 weight: 1.3 kg
Fitting screw hole: M4, 7-mm deep
Tightening torque: 80-120 N·cm
Leave a clearance of about 100 mm around the DS-L1 to prevent heat from collecting near the
equipment.
M4 screw holes
Arm
Side view of the DS-L1 Rear view of the DS-L1
- 11 -
IV Connecting and Installing the Equipment
3 Connection Methods
3
Connection Methods
(1) Connecting the DS Camera Head DS-5M
(Equivalent to that for DS-5Mc)
Be sure to turn off the power for the DS-L1 before making any connections.
Connect one end of the camera cable supplied with the unit to the CAMERA connector on the
DS-L1 and the other end to the CAMERA OUT connector on the DS-5M. Squeeze the locking tabs
on the connector as you plug in the connector. When the connector is plugged in all the way, the
locking tabs return to their original positions, locking the connector in place.
Mounting the camera head on a microscope
1) Remove the C mount cap from the C mount
on the camera head.
2) Make sure there is no dust on the C mount
adapter.
If there is, use an air blower or similar means
to remove it.
3) Screw the C mount adapter into the C mount
on the camera head.
Screw it in as far as it will go.
4) Insert the C mount adapter into the vertical
tube of the microscope.
Use the clamping screw on the vertical tube
to secure the C mount adapter in place.
To CAMERA connector
on the DS-L1
DS-5M
C mount
C mount adapter
Vertical tube of microscope
You can also attach a x0.7 relay lens.
When you have mounted the camera head on a
microscope, be sure to read "Chapter V Microscope
Adjustment" as well.
Installing a third-party C mount lens on the camera head
Select a mountable lens (see "Chapter II Peripheral Equipment"), then screw it into the C mount.
Note that the image quality produced by this product is tuned for microphotography. The tripod
mount on the camera head can also be used to mount the camera head on a tripod.
(2) Connecting an External Display
Be sure to turn off the power for the DS-L1 and the display before making any connections.
Connect one end of the D-sub 15-pin connecting cable supplied with the unit to the RGB
connector on the DS-L1 and the other end to the D-sub 15-pin connector on the display. Secure
the connections, using a screwdriver to tighten the screws on the cable connectors.
- 12 -
IV Connecting and Installing the Equipment
3 Connection Methods
(3) Connecting USB Peripheral Equipment
Be sure to turn off the power for the DS-L1 before making any connections.
When using a USB mouse, USB keyboard, USB printer (Mitsubishi CP900D), or Nikon 80i/90i
microscope independently, connect the device directly to the USB-H connector on the DS-L1.
When using USB devices simultaneously, connect them to a USB hub.
Only one USB hub can be connected to the DS-L1.
If your keyboard is equipped with a USB hub, use the hub built into your keyboard.
(4) Connecting to a PC or a PictBridge-Supporting Printer with USB Cable
When connecting to a PC, connect one end of the USB 2.0 cable (AB type) to the USB connector
on the PC and the other end to the USB-D connector on the DS-L1.
When connecting to a PictBridge-supporting printer, connect the PictBridge-supporting printer
and the USB-D connector on DS-L1 with a USB cable (AB type).
(5) Connecting the DS Remote Controller DS-RC
Be sure to turn off the power for the DS-L1 before making any connections.
Connect one end of the remote cable supplied with the unit to the EXTERNAL IN connector on
the DS-L1 and the other end to the TO EXT.IN connector on the remote controller.
(6) Connecting to a Network
Be sure to turn off power for the DS-L1 and the equipment to be connected before making any
connections. In addition, be sure to consult your network administrator.
Make the connections as shown below. We recommend using cables and hubs designed for
100BASE-TX use.
Be sure to turn off the power to the DS-L1 and any equipment to be connected before making
connections.
When an external device is connected to the EXTERNAL IN connector on the DS-L1, the image
can be frozen or captured by trigger input from the external device.
Furthermore, if an external device is plugged into the EXTERNAL OUT connector, a strobe
synchronizing output can be obtained when capturing an image.
If you are preparing your own external device, use a device that satisfies the specifications
shown below.
Connector: 3.5-mm diameter stereo pin jack (EXTERNAL IN connector)
Connector: 2.5-mm diameter stereo pin jack (EXTERNAL OUT connector)
Pin 3: GND
Pin 2
Pin 1
EXTERNAL IN
Functions Pin 1: FREEZE
Pin 2: CAPTURE
You will not be able to capture desired images at precise, split-second moments. Use of this
input is not suitable for photographing fast-moving objects using a sensor.
3.3V
3.3kΩ
DS-L1 side
GND
Pin 1 or 2
Activated when the switch is ON (closed)
Required pulse width: 10 ms or more
Pin 3
- 14 -
IV Connecting and Installing the Equipment
3 Connection Methods
EXTERNAL OUT
Functions:
Extended external output pins 1 and 2, both for strobe synchronizing output
This output is used mainly for synchronized firing of a stroboscope when capturing an image with
the DS-L1.
Electrical characteristics of strobe synchronizing output are open-collector output, maximum
input current = 10 mA, withstand voltage = 24 V, and internal resistance = 100 Ω.
The output pulse width is 67 ms.
This output can be connected to external devices that satisfy the following electrical
characteristics. (See the diagram below.)
• Strobe synchronizing output is tied to a power supply line of 24 V or less through a pullup
resistor R on the external device side.
• Inputs on the DS-L1 and external user device sides have the same GND potential or are
left floating.
100Ω
DS-L1 side External device side
When plugging a stroboscope or other external device into the EXTERNAL OUT
connector of the DS-L1, make sure the power for the external device is turned
off. If the power for the external device remains on, your eyes may be damaged
by unintended light emission.
(8) Connecting to a Power Supply
Pins 1 and 2
Pin 3
E≤24V
R≤E/10(kΩ)
ON-time level (100xE)/(R+100)(V)
OFF-time level E(V)
To prevent electric shock, turn off the power for the DS-L1 before making any connections.
Complete all other connections before plugging into a power supply.
When connecting the DS-L1 to a power supply, always use the specified AC adapter (DS AC
adapter) to which a dedicated power cord should be connected. Using the wrong AC adapter or
power cord may lead to a fire or other dangerous conditions.
This product belongs to electric shock protection class I and must be connected to a power outlet
with a protective ground terminal. If you misplace or damage the DS AC adapter power cord,
please contact your nearest Nikon representative.
- 15 -
V Microscope Adjustment
V
(1) Use the Appropriate Filters
When the camera head is mounted on a microscope, adjust the microscope as described below.
When capturing a color image:
Insert the NCB filter into the optical path.
When capturing a black & white image:
Insert the appropriate filter into the optical path, depending on the photographic purpose.
Generally, inserting a green interference filter (GIF) will heighten contrast. Contrast is
enhanced by inserting a filter with a color complementary to the specimen.
Supplement
* The method for inserting and removing a filter varies from microscope to
microscope. Refer to your microscope’s instruction manual.
* A third-party color compensation filter (CC filter) can be inserted into the
illumination optical path of the microscope to compensate for changes in
color balance caused by the length of the exposure time.
* When using a phase contrast microscope or an interference microscope (two
luminous fluxes or multiple luminous fluxes), you can enhance contrast
using a green interference filter (GIF) or a monochrome interference filter
(IF).
* Some microscopes may require a heat-wave absorption filter.
Microscope Adjustment
Terms
What is an NCB filter?
An NCB (neutral color balance) filter is a color-balancing compensation filter used to adjust
color temperature to daylight values in microscopes that use a halogen bulb as a light
source.
What is a complementary color?
For example, green and magenta, red and cyan, and blue and yellow are all pairs of
complementary colors. When complementary colors overlap, their respective hues cancel
each other out.
- 16 -
V Microscope Adjustment
(2) Adjusting the Field Diaphragm
Adjust the field diaphragm so that it circumscribes the viewfield. The field diaphragm has a
significant impact on contrast, especially for fluorescent specimens against dark backgrounds.
Make sure you adjust the field diaphragm correctly. For details on adjustment, refer to your
microscope’s instruction manual.
(3) Adjusting the Aperture Diaphragm
When using diascopic illumination:
Generally, the numeric value of the condenser aperture diaphragm should be adjusted to
approximately 70% to 80% of the numerical aperture (N.A.) of the objective.
When using episcopic illumination:
Generally, the aperture diaphragm should be adjusted to approximately 70% to 80% of
the size of the pupil of the objective that can be seen by removing the eyepiece and
looking into the eyepiece tube.
Supplement
* For details on adjusting the aperture diaphragm, refer to your microscope’s
instruction manual.
* For photographed images that have greater depth of focus, close down the
aperture diaphragm. Note that closing down the aperture may limit the
performance of the objective.
Terms
What is depth of focus?
"Depth of focus" refers to the range along the axis of the field of view over which the
image is in apparent focus. Although reducing the aperture diaphragm extends the depth
of focus, doing so will also reduce resolution. Take this into consideration and adjust the
aperture diaphragm in accordance with your needs.
(4) Adjusting the Focus
Adjust the focus of the microscope so that the image can be clearly seen on the display.
(5) Adjusting the Lamp Voltage
When photographing a color image, the color reproducibility of the image depends on the lamp
voltage. When a halogen lamp is used as the light source, increasing the lamp voltage produces
a bluish light, while decreasing the lamp voltage produces a reddish light. Except in cases where
it is specifically necessary to adjust the tone, the voltage should be set to the proper level for
microphotography, which depends on the microscope being used. (Since this level varies for
each type of microscope, refer to your microscope’s instruction manual.)
If the lamp voltage changes, measure the white balance once again.
- 17 -
V Microscope Adjustment
(6) Adjusting the Exposure Time
Use an ND filter to adjust the illumination for the microscope to a level that yields a suitable
exposure time (generally 1/15 to 1/250 s). You can also adjust the camera sensitivity.
Terms
What is an ND filter?
An ND filter is a filter that affects only the amount of light passed, not the color balance of
the light. For example, an "ND2" filter cuts transmitted light in half, while an "ND16" filter
reduces transmitted light to 1/16th of actual levels.
(7) Effects of Ambient Light
When capturing a dark specimen with a fluorescent microscope, for example, ambient indoor
light may enter the optical path. Accordingly, interior lighting should be darkened for
photomicrography. Place caps on the binocular eyepiece to prevent light from entering through
the eyepiece.
(8) Effects of Vibration
Because photomicrography involves extremely high image resolution, the slightest vibration can
affect image quality. To insulate the microscope from vibration, set it on a solid, stable surface
on a solid floor. Using an anti-vibration table compatible with the microscope will further reduce
the effects of vibration. While actual microphotography is in progress, be careful to avoid
touching the microscope or the desk or stand on which it is positioned.
- 18 -
VI Basic Operations SETUP
1 Preparations Before Photographing
VI
1
1.1
1.1.1 Using the DS-L1 Panel Switches
Preparations Before Photographing
Using Various Input Devices
ZOOM button FREEZE buttonCAPTURE button
Basic Operations
MENU button
Cursor buttons
MENU button (menu/enter button)
Pressing the MENU button brings up the CAM Easy menu. While the menu is displayed, use
this button as the ENTER button to confirm your selection.
- 19 -
.SETUP.VI Basic Operations
1 Preparations Before Photographing
Cursor buttons
Use these buttons to select an icon in a menu or to increment or decrement a set value.
• For an icon to increment or decrement a value such as the Gain icon on the CAM
menu
Position the cursor over the icon and press the MENU button to select the icon. The
color of the cursor frame changes to blue. Press the right or top cursor button to
increment the value or the left or bottom cursor button to decrement the value.
• For a shutter speed
The value changes in the same way as described above. The right or top cursor
button lowers the shutter speed to increase exposure, whereas the left or bottom
cursor button increases the shutter speed to reduce exposure.
• For a mode-select icon, such as one to choose an exposure method on the CAM
menu
Select an icon you want and use the right or top cursor button to select items in the
forward direction or the left or bottom cursor button to select items in the reverse
direction.
ZOOM button (electronic zoom button)
Use this button to apply an electronic zoom. The image zooms in or out at the
magnification selected for E.Zoom Step in Additional Settings of the SETUP menu.
FREEZE button (freeze button)
This button allows you to switch the state of a photographed image between freeze and
live.
CAPTURE button (capture button)
Use this button to save an image. This button can be assigned a save destination (CF card,
FTP server, or printer). The image will then be saved to the destination selected for
Capture Function in Additional Settings of the SETUP menu.
1.1.2 Using the DS Remote Controller DS-RC
FREEZE button CAPTURE button
FREEZE and CAPTURE buttons
These buttons serve the same function as the FREEZE and CAPTURE buttons on the front
panel of the DS-L1.
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VI Basic Operations SETUP
1 Preparations Before Photographing
1.1.3 Using a Mouse
You can use a USB mouse with the DS-L1. Be sure to use a recommended mouse. Not every
USB mouse is compatible with the DS-L1.
While most normal operations involve left-clicking the mouse, some may require right-clicking.
For icons to set a value or select a mode, left- or right-clicking the mouse button allows you to
increment or decrement a value or select items in the forward or reverse direction.
• For an icon to increment or decrement a value such as the Gain icon on the CAM menu
Left-clicking the icon increases the value, while right-clicking the icon reduces the value.
• For a shutter speed
Left-clicking reduces the shutter speed to increase exposure; right-clicking increases the
shutter speed to reduce exposure.
• For a mode-select icon, such as one to choose an exposure method on the CAM menu
Left-clicking lets you select items in the forward direction; right-clicking lets you select
items in the reverse direction.
Some functions are available only with the mouse. You will need a mouse to access all the
functions of the DS-L1. The following functions are not accessible without a mouse:
• Electronic zoom scroll
• Screen scroll when split into halves
• Histogram display
• Pen drawing function
• Text input function
• Count marking function
• Two-point distance measurement function (including calibration)
• Superimposed position adjustment
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.SETUP.VI Basic Operations
1 Preparations Before Photographing
1.1.4 Using a Keyboard
You can use a USB keyboard with the DS-L1. For frequent text or character entry, you'll find
using a keyboard most convenient. Be sure to use a recommended type of keyboard. Not all USB
keyboards are compatible with the DS-L1.
Alphanumeric characters in upper- or lowercase can be used with the DS-L1.
The function keys on the keyboard can be assigned various functions, such as displaying a menu,
freezing or the Capture button for quick operations.
Function key assignments on the USB keyboard
F1 CAM menu
F2 VIEW menu
F3 REC menu
F4 TOOL menu
F5 SETUP menu
F6 MIC menu
F7
F8
F9 E.ZOOM–
F10 E.ZOOM+
F11 FREEZE
F12 CAPTURE
Back Space Deletes one character during character entry
SHIFT + Backspace Deletes the entire text during character entry
NOTE: The DS-L1 is factory set to a Japanese keyboard layout. If you wish to use
an English keyboard, issue the Telnet command shown below to change
keyboard settings. To revert to the Japanese keyboard, use the Telnet
command shown below to change keyboard settings.
w_KYBUS Selects an English keyboard
w_KYBJP Selects a Japanese keyboard
Settings you’ve changed will take effect upon restarting the DS-L1 after
executing the command.
For information on Telnet connections, refer to “4.5 Using Telnet Commands
for the DS-L1” in Chapter VI.
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