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. Load the Distribution Disk ................................ ......................... 5
3.6.2. Driver Selection ........................................................................ 6
3.7. Basic Connections ....................................................... 10
3.7.1. Connections for Camera Link Scientific Camera ......................10
3.7.2. Connections for a Gigabit Ethernet Scientific Camera ..............11
3.7.3. Connections for a USB 3.0 Scientific Camera ..........................12
Regulatory ....................................................................... 13
4.1. Waste Treatment is Your Own Responsibility ............... 13
4.2. Ecological Background ................................................ 13
Product Care ................................................................... 14
5.1.1. Service ................................................................ .....................14
5.1.2. Warranty ..................................................................................14
5.1.3. Troubleshooting .......................................................................15
Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts....................................... 17
Chapter 1: Description
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.
1500_Series_Digital_Camera_User_Guide
Scientific_Series_Digital_Camera_User_Guide
Compact_Scientific_Series_Digital_Camera_User_Guide
TSI_Application_Programming_Interface_Guide
ThorCam_Software_User_Guide
DCx_User_and_SDK_Manual
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 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.
Chapter 2: Safety
Page 2 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
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 techsupport@thorlabs.com
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.
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 3
Setup & installation
3.1. Know Your Camera Family!
Scientific Cameras and Compact Scientific Cameras have a black and red
aluminum case. Both Scientific Camera families have their own drivers (Camera
Link, Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0) and SDK.
Figure 1 Scientific and Compact Scientific 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.
Figure 2 DCU/DCC cameras
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 4 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
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.
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
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, 8.1, and 10 operating
systems ONLY.
3.6.1. Load the Distribution Disk
A CD or DVD disk can be found with the camera. Load the disk into the CD/DVD
drive on the computer you wish to operate the camera and software. The
installation software will automatically detect whether your system is 32-bit or 64bit. Loading and detection could take a minute or two, depending on your drive
speed. You may also download the latest version from our website at
https://www.thorlabs.com/software_pages/viewsoftwarepage.cfm?code=
ThorCam .
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 6 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
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; “This feature will be installed on local hard drive,” or “This
feature, and all subfeatures, will be installed on local hard drive.” There are no
subfeatures, so both choices do the same thing.
If you do not wish to install the driver, select “This 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.
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
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.
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 8 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
Camera Link Driver Installation (if selected). Click “Install”
USB Driver Installation (if selected). Click “Install”
Gigabit Ethernet Driver Installation (if selected). Click “Install”
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 9
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.
“Start”→”All Programs”→”ThorIabs” →”Scientific Imaging ”→”ThorCam”
Figure 3 Thorlabs Start Menu Shortcuts
Please refer to the User Manual for more information on the additional items
installed during this procedure, including configuring the Gigabit Ethernet Driver
for best performance.
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 10 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
3.7. Basic Connections
3.7.1. Connections for Camera Link Scientific Camera
Power to camera must be turned off before connecting to computer
CL_0 to Camera Link Port 0 / CL_1 to Camera Link Port 1
Port 0 is default Port. Port 1 used for Multi-Tap operation
For operation with a single Camera Link cable always use port 0.
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 11
3.7.2. Connections for a Gigabit Ethernet Scientific Camera
Chapter 3: Setup & installation
Page 12 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
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.
Chapter 4: Regulatory
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.
4.1. 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.
4.2. 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.
Wheelie Bin Logo
Chapter 5: Product Care
Page 14 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
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 techsupport@thorlabs.com 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.
Chapter 5: Product Care
Page 15
5.1.3. Troubleshooting
Ethernet Connector LED Indications:
1500x-GE Models:
8051/4070/1501/340 –GE Models:
LED
Color
If LED is On
If LED is
Flashing
If LED is Off
Green
The Link is Operational,
but the Camera is
Currently not Sending
Data
Normal (Indicates
that the Camera is
Sending Data)
There is no Ethernet
Connection
Yellow
Normal Operation
Not Applicable
There is no Ethernet
Connection, or The
Camera is Plugged into
a 10/100 Mbps Network
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
Chapter 5: Product Care
Page 16 ITN000081-D03 Rev. N
USB 3.0 Rear Panel LED Indications:
Scientific Cameras 8051/4070/1501/340 –USB Models:
Compact Scientific Cameras
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 USB problem
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
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 USB problem
USB port cannot
provide sufficient
power to the
camera
There is no USB
Connection providing
power to the camera
Chapter 6: Thorlabs Worldwide Contacts
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
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