UVP BioDoc-It System User Manual

BioDoc-It

® Imaging System

Installation and User Instructions

UVP, LLC Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.

2066 W. 11th Street Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate
Upland, CA 91786 Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK
Phone: [phone] Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Web Site: www.uvp.com

81-0301-01 Rev H

BioDoc-It Imaging System 2

System Introduction

BioDoc-It® Imaging System

The BioDoc-It Imaging System enables simple documentation of fluorescent and non-fluorescent gels,
membranes, blots, film plates and assays with the ability to save images to a USB storage device for later
quantitative analysis or enhancement for publication.

Images are saved in 8-bit TIFF or JPEG formats, allowing saved images to be read by most PC or MAC
programs. The BioDoc-It Imaging System is a cost effective solution for capturing quality images in a
compact standalone pack age, as no external computer is required.

The BioDoc-It comes in two configurations:

 BioDoc-It 220 Imaging System includes a high resolution, 1.3 megapixel camera, 8-48mm zoom

lens and side access doors.

 BioDoc-It 210 Imaging System includes a 0.3 megapixel camera and an 8-48mm zoom lens.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 3

8” LCD Touch Screen

White Light and Darkroom
Power Switches

Wide Access
Door

USB Drive

Filter Tray (located under the
Main System Power Button

UV Gel Viewer
Window

Transilluminator

FluorCam 210 or 220

UV to White Light Converter

System Components

BioDoc-It Components

Refer to the packing slip and pictured components for parts included with the system.

with Tilt Capability

Camera and Zoom Lens

camera) with EtBr Filter

Plate (order separately)

Side Access Doors (on
BioDoc-It 220 models)

BioDoc-It Imaging System 4

Camera

BioDoc-It 220 Models:

settings.

Lens

The BioDoc-It is equipped with an 8-48mm zoom

length of the BioDoc-It Imaging System’s darkroom.

Built-In Computer



Ethidium Bromide Filter (EtBr)

The Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) filter (50mm sq) UV

System Specifications

The BioDoc-It 220 is equipped with a FluorCam 220
Camera (resolution of 1.3MP).

BioDoc-It 210 Models:

The BioDoc-It 210 is equipped with a Fluor C am 210
Camera (resolution of 0.3MP).

Both the FluorCam 220 and FluorCam 210 use a
USB 2.0 PC connection. All camera settings are
factory pre-set for optimum performance when
viewing gels, films, or membranes under low light
level conditions. Contact UV P T echnic al Suppor t
before making any adjustments to the camera

lens fitted with a close-up diopter and step-up ring,
allowing the camera to be held in a fixed position.
The diopter is for focusing on objects at the focus

Internal Storage: 60GB or more

 USB 2.0 Ports: 1 front, 4 in the back
 USB Storage Device Capacity: 1GB (minimum)
 Software: TS software

blocking band pass interference filter blocks UV and
IR radiation emitted from the transilluminator. The
filter is placed in the filter tray below the camera/lens
assembly.

The filter allows visualization of fluorophores from
580-630nm, targeting the EtBr emission peak of
605nm.

The EtBr filter can be substituted for other specific
fluorophore filters or removed when imaging non­fluorescent media (protein gels, colony plates, etc.)
in order to produce brighter images.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 5

Darkroom

Darkroom features include:

 UV gel viewer window
 Overhead white light
 Wide access door with UV safety interlock switch

Transilluminator

A transilluminator is included w ith the BioDoc-It system. UVP offers a variety of transilluminators, from benchtop
models with 8-watt, single wav eleng th and sin gle inte nsi ty to models with multiple wavelengths and high/low
intensities. UVP also offers the high-end FirstLight®, a highly uniform, 302nm UV transilluminator.

LCD Touch Screen

The display is an 8-inch VGA color touch screen with tilt adjustment connected to the darkroom cabinet. The
touch screen allows the user to preview, snap, save and print images, as well as select certain preference
options, without the need to use an external mouse or keyboard. However, should the user desire, a mouse
and/or keyboard (not included) can be used with the BioDoc-It.

A stylus pen is included for increased pointer control for selecting software options on the touch screen.

UVP Focus Target

The UVP Focus Target fluoresces when placed on a transilluminator
or when exposed to overhead UV. The target provides sharp,
fluorescent images to aid in adjusting the focus of the camera.

Removable USB Stick

The removable USB stick, included with the system, has 8GB
memory (minimum) and connects to the system to allow for saving
and transferring of images.

UVP Focus Target

BioDoc-It Imaging System 6

UV/White Converter Plate

Optional Equipment

Refer to the Replacement Parts and Accessories section of this manual for optional equipment part numbers.

Thermal Printer

The Thermal Printer provides archive quality, 256 grayscale prints
and five optional cost-effective print sizes.

Converter Plates

The UV/White Converter Plate allows imaging of non-fluorescent
stained media with an ultraviolet transilluminator. The converter plate
is specially coated to convert 302nm UV output to white light.

The Visi-Blue™ Converter Plate (not shown) converts UV to 460­470nm and is designed for use with blue excitation samples such as
SYBR Green, SYPRO Orange and GFP stains.

Thermal Printer

BioDoc-It Imaging System 7

2. The filter tray is located under the camera

3. Place the filter inside the filter tray. Ensure

The camera and zoom lens are assembled at the

2. If not already assembled, attach the step-up

Step-up ring

Diopter

Setup Instructions

Components

 BioDoc-It Darkroom
 CCD Camera and Zoom Lens
 Camera/Lens Mounting Bracket and Hardware
 Power, Jumper and USB Cables
 Transilluminator
 USB Storage Device (1GB minimum)

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONNECT ANY WIRING WHI LE THE EQUIPMENT IS CONNECTED TO
THE POWER SUPPLY!

CAUTION: Do not install the system in places with high moisture, dust, or high temperatures. Do not use any oil
or petroleum based cleaners on the cabinet. Use only a mild soap or detergent solution for cleaning. Ensure
that the system is turned OFF and is unplugged from its power source during cleaning.

Keep the equipment away from motors or other large magnetic equipment apparatus.

Installing the Filter

Systems include a 50mm sq Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) filter.
To install the filter in the BioDoc-It darkroom:

1. Carefully remove the filter from the protective
plastic case, holding the filter at the edges to
prevent fingerprints.

bracket on the top right side of the darkroom.
Slide the tray open.

that the text on the edge of the filter is
positioned so it is right side up when facing
the installer.

Additional filters are available. Refer to Replacement

Parts and Accessories for ordering information.

Camera Setup

UVP factory.

Note: The zoom lens shipped may appear
different than the one pictured at right.

1. Remove the cap from the lens.

ring and diopter to the lens. The step up ring
and diopter will only fit one way.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 8

3. Using the four brass thumb screws provided,

4. Slide the camera and lens assembly into the

5. Insert and tighten the black thumb screw and

6. Plug the camera cable into the top of the

Camera and lens
assembly

Camera USB cable

Brass thumb screw s

Connection for

Connection for the
USB port

Camera bracket

screw

Base

Ethernet port (for

secure the bracket to the base.

camera bracket. Slide the lens through the
center hole in the gasket on the base and
use the gasket to form a light-tight seal
around the lens.

washer in the central hole in the camera to
secure the camera to the bracket.

Black
thumb

secure the bracket
to the base

camera and the other end into a USB port on
back of the darkroom.

7. Connect the jumper cord from the darkroom
to the transilluminator.

8. Connect the main power cord from the back
of the darkroom to a surge-protected power
outlet.

Connecting the System to a Network

The BioDoc-It has wired networking capability for saving and sharing files on a network. To set up the network
connection, plug a netw or ked Ethernet cable into the rear of the BioDoc-It. Then, minimiz e the TS softw are
screen to access the Windows Start button and network setup functions by touching the Windows logo button
on the lower-right corner of the TS software. Contact your organization’s network administrator for further
network configuration instruct i ons. (Note: Connecting the BioDoc-It to a network is not required to operate the
system)

Stylus and Holder

The BioDoc-It screen is touch sensitive. Use the stylus included with the system to operate the software
controls. For easy access to the stylus when operating the system, remove the tape from the back of the stylus
holder and adhere it to the BioDoc-It. Slide the stylus into the holder.

network capability)

main darkroom
power

jumper cord to the
transilluminator

BioDoc-It Imaging System 9

1. Ensure that the main power cord is connected from

Main Power

Black

Using the System

Powering Up the System

the back of the darkroom to a surge-protected
power outlet.

2. Power up the system by pressing once on the Main
Power button located on the right side of the unit.
All internal components will now have power and
the TS software will automatically load.

3. To power down the system, push the Main Power
button.

Adjusting the Screen Angle

1. To adjust the angle of the screen, loosen the
black rubberized knobs on each side of the
monitor. Twist each knob counter-clockwise
(note that the knobs will be turning opposite
directions).

2. Tilt the screen to the desired angle.

3. Turn each knob clockwise to tighten.

Rubberized Knob

Button

BioDoc-It Imaging System 10

Metal tab

Operating the TS Software

Once the Main Power button is pressed, the system w ill go through the boot-up proc es s. Upon com plet ion, the
LCD monitor will display the TS software screen similar to the one below:

To shut down the TS software, touch the X on the bott om left corner of the screen.
To turn the system off, press the Main Power button or power down from the Windows icon on the bottom right

corner of the screen.
Refer to Touch Screen Interface in this manual for detailed instructions on using the software.

Using the Transilluminator

Once the BioDoc-It darkroom power is turned on, power is supplied to
all components. This includes the jumper cable that supplies power to
the transilluminator. To use the transilluminator, turn ON the two
transilluminator power switches. One switch is on the front of the
BioDoc-It unit and is labeled UV Trans. The other switch is located on
the front of the transilluminator itself, directly below the darkroom door.

Refer to the Transilluminator Manual for additional instructions on
using the transilluminator.

Using the UV Gel Viewer Window

The UV Gel Viewer Window has a metal cover to block out ambie nt
lighting and to protect the UV-safe glass. The cover is held in the
closed position by two small magnets built into the UV-safe glass. To
open the window cover, pull down on the metal tab. The cover will pop
open. To close the cover, pivot it up until it reengages with the two
small magnets.

The glass is UV blocking while providing a clear, UV-safe view to the
transilluminator surface for visibility of samples.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 11

Aperture

Zoom

Min / Sec / mSec

Decrease

Increase

Image Focusing

Prior to capturing any images, prepare the image foc us cap a bilit ie s of the syste m:

1. Turn on the transilluminator and place the UVP Focus Targe t on
the transilluminator surface.

NOTE: The BioDoc-It darkroom has a UV safety switch that turns

the transilluminator off when the door is open. After closing the
door, be sure the overhead white light switch is turned OFF.

2. Press the LIVE button on the TS software screen. While watching
the LCD screen, rotate the Aperture adjustment ring on the lens
so that the image is as bright as possible.

3. Using the integration time settings at the bottom of the screen,
press the mSec time interval selector square. Then, use the +
button to increase integration time until the desired brightness is
achieved. Readjust the Aperture adjustment ring if needed.

4. Rotate the Focus adjustment ring on the lens. Adjust this so that
the image appears in clear focus on the LCD monitor. Note: Once
the proper zoom range is set, the lens will have to be refocused
when zoomed in completely.

5. Rotate the Zoom adjustment ring on the lens so that the image is
as large as possible. Readjust the Focus ring on the lens, making
the image clear. Adjust the zoom so that the object of interest is
within the picture on the LCD monitor.

Focus

Integration

Time

Time Interval Selectors

Integration

Time

Printer Setup

The thermal printer is an optional accessory. If this order did not include a thermal printer, move on to the next
section. Otherwise, to set up the printer:

1. Plug the power cable from the printer into the power source.

2. Press the Open button to open the lid of the printer and load the paper by allowing the loose end of the
roll to come off the top of the roll.

3. After shutting the printer lid, tear off the excess paper that is visible.

4. Plug in the USB cable from the printer into the BioDoc-It USB port.

5. With the BioDoc-It turned on, press the “Windows” button on the lower-right portion of the TS software
screen.

6. To set the printer settings click “Start” at the lower left of the computer. Next, click “Printers and Faxes”,
then right-click on the appropriate printer icon and select “Printing Preferences”.

7. Choose the following settings: High Density paper, 1280X1280, Portrait mode.

8. Click on the “Option” tab and click the “Enlarge Image to Fit Paper” box. Then, click “Apply” and “OK”.

9. Restart the BioDoc-it system.

If the thermal printer does not work correctly, contact UVP Technical Support for assistance. See the Technical
Support section of this manual for contact infor ma tion .

BioDoc-It Imaging System 12

Touch Screen Interface

Setting User Preferences on the TS Software

Before capturing images, set up the user preferences by touching the PREF (preferences) button on
the main screen. Select from the following tabs:

 Capture
 Postprocessing
 Saving

Capture Tab

Active Camera: The name of the attac hed ca mera w ill be sh own.
Bit Depth: Select the bit depth. 16 bpp (bits per pixel) is shown for the Gel HR Camera.
Display Time Stamp: Turn the time stamp on or off.

Postprocessing Tab

Auto Rotate: To rotate the image, click the OFF button and then the down arrow. Rotate options are:

0, 90, 180 or 270 degrees.
Auto Invert Image: Click ON to automatically invert the colors within the image.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 13

Saving Tab

NOTE: If the auto save function is enabled, the image will automatically save when the SNAP button is

pressed. If the auto save function is not enabled, press the SAVE button to save an image. A pop up
screen will allow the user to save to the USB Drive or a different location with Prompt for Location
function.

Save Images To: Select the location where images are to be saved. White highlight indicates which
button is activated. The USB DRIVE will save the file to the USB drive if one is plugged in. If one is not
plugged in, the user will be prompted to select a different location. PROMPT FOR LOCATION will ask
the user to select a location when the SAVE button is pre ss ed.

Save Format: Click the down arrow to select the file format. Save images as TIFF (16-bit), JPEG (8-bit)
or GIF (8-bit) file formats.

Auto Save To: Click the white box to active the auto save function. To change the folder to a different
location, click in the folder field and a “Browse for Folder” window will pop up. Select a folder or make a
new folder. Click OK to close the window. The selected folder will display in the auto save to box.

Auto Print: Select from Never, Always, or After Save

NOTE: These options will be reflected after capturing an image with the SNAP button, and not in LIVE

mode.
Touch the OK button to save all preferences and go back to the main screen, or the Cancel button to go

back to the main screen without saving changes.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 14

Tool/Function

Procedure

Adjust exposure

2. Adjust the exposure time by first selecting the time interval. Touch on the

3. To view overexposed pixels, touch the EXP WARN button. Overexposed

4. To add a date stamp to the image, touch the TIME STAMP button. This will

TIME STAMP

EXP WARN

PREF

Windows Icon
OFF (X) – Shuts

PRINT - Calls up
SAVE

SNAP

LIVE
Decrease

Status Bar

Min / Sec / mSec

Increase integration

Identifying the Touch Screen Functions and Tools

Using the software touch screen allows convenient selection of image capture, save, print and other
functions of the system. Callouts are provided below to briefly describe the buttons.

Preview an image
before snapping it

Capture an image

Store the captured
image

the Print dialog
box to choose print
options

down the TS
software

integration time

Using the Functions and Tools

Adds a date stamp
to the image as
follows:
UVP####mm/dd/yy

Indicates mode of
operation and
exposure time

In Live Mode, the
system will show
overexposed pixels
in yellow
(overexposure) or
red (high
overexposure)

Navigate to the
Preferences screen

Touch icon to go
access the Windows
desktop

Display time interval

time

1. To see a preview of the image before snapping it, touch the LIVE button.

time

LIVE mode will be indicated in the status bar.

corresponding bars, Minutes, Seconds, milliSeconds, from left to right,
respectively. These bars will be animated in LIVE/SNAP mode to show
progress as time elapses. Decrease or increase the time by touching the
minus or plus button respectively.

pixels will be identified with a yellow or red color, depending on the how
saturated they are.

add UVP#####mm/dd/yy at the bottom right corner of the image. This
information is NOT burned into the image unt il the image is s av ed.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 15

5. To snap (capture) the image, touch the SNAP butto n. NOTE: When using

6. Touch the SAVE button to save the image to the location specified in the

7. Print the image (if a printer is installed) by touching the PRINT button and

Status bar

8. Status bar indicates the modes of operation: IDLE, LIVE or CAPTURE.

Managing Files

X

Min. Sec. MSec

the SNAP button, if the Auto Save function is enabled, the image will
automatically be saved.

Preferences. The file name is assigned automatically by the software as

UVP#####mmddyyyy.*

NOTE: Once an image is saved, the us er cannot open the image with the

software. TIFF images can be opened by VisionWorks or comparable softw are
(contact UVP Tech Support for recommendations). JPEG and GIF files can be
opened with many Microsoft or comparable programs.

clicking OK at the print dialog box.

modes

Minutes, seconds, milliseconds bars display time progress. Each field

(Min, Sec, Msec) displays the current exposure time and the start of the
current exposure being taken. The large portion of each field indicates the
current exposure status. The smaller portion to the right indicates the
current exposure setting.

9. To go Microsoft Windows, touch the WINDOWS ICON located at the
bottom right corner of the screen. To turn off the system, shut down from
Windows or push the MAIN POWER button.

To close the software, click the X in the bottom left corner of the screen.

Find and View Images

The TS System allows the user to save images in several locations. The location
is selected in the PREF screen. The system has a built-in hard drive with at least
25 GB of storage space that can be used.

To save images in the USB drive, make sure a USB drive is plugged in. If one is
not plugged in, the TS software will automatically prompt the user for a locati on.

Viewing Images

It is not possible to view saved images on the software screen. To view images
captured and saved from the TS system, different software is required.

To view 8-bit JPEG or GIF images, exit to Windows and open Windows Image
Viewer or other comparable software program. To exit the TS software interface
and go to Microsoft Windows, touch the WINDOW ICON located at the bottom
right corner.

To view 16-bit TIFF images, open VisionWorksLS or comparable program
(contact UVP Tech Support for recommendations). VisionWorksLS may be
included with the system. To check, go to Start > All Programs > UVP >
VisionWorks or look for the V isionWorks icon on the desktop.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 16

Network

Connecting to a Network

The TS System has built-in networkability. While it is fairly simple to connect the

Connectivity

device to the network, it is highly recommend to obtain assistance from your
network administrator.

Follow the Microsoft or local standard network protocols for network
configuration. To exit the TS software interface and go to Microsoft Windows,
touch the WINDOWS ICON located at the bottom right corner of the main
screen.

Install Drivers or Additional Software

Installing Drivers

or Additional

Software

In the event that additional drivers or VisionWorksLS software need to be
installed on the system, exit the TS software interface and go to Microsoft
Windows by pressing the WINDOWS ICON button located at the bottom right
corner of the main screen.

To install drivers or additional software, copy to a USB storage device, open
Windows Explorer in TS and run the desired program. The system can accept
USB as a method of software installation.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 17

Service Procedures

Return Procedure

Replacement Parts and Accessories

Troubleshooting

A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP Customer Service before
returning any product.

To order accessories or replacement parts for the BioDoc-It Imaging System, contact UVP’s offices.

Part Description Part Number

Filter, Ethidium Bromide, 50mm Square 38-0220-01
Filter, SYBR Green, 50mm Square 38-0219-01
Filter, SYBR Gold, 50mm Square 38-0221-01

White Light Converter Plate, 21x26cm 38-0191-01
White Light Converter Plate, 25x26cm 38-0191-04
Visi-Blue Converter Plate, 21x26cm 38-0200-01
Visi-Blue Converter Plate, 25x26cm 38-0200-04

Gel-Cutter 85-0002-01
Gel-Ruler 85-0003-01
Gel-Scooper 85-0006-01
Gel-Tray, small 85-0007-01
Gel-Sentry DNA Preparation Plate 97-0076-01
Fluorescent Standard Step Tablet 33-0014-02

®

LS Analysis Software 97-0185-02

Doc-It
Spectacles, UV Blocking (UVC-303) 98-0002-01

Goggles, UV Blocking (UVC-503) 98-0002-02
Faceshield, UV Blocking (UVC-803) 98-0002-04

No Power to the Darkroom or Transilluminator

1. Recheck the main power cord connection to the BioDoc-It darkroom as well as the power cables
between the darkroom and transilluminator.

2. Check the fuses located at the back of the unit next to the power port. A flat-head screwdriver will
be required. Turn the fuseholder cap counterclockwise and the fuse holder will pop out. Inspect the
thin wire within the glass fuse to see if there is a break in the wire. If so, replace the fuse(s). If fuses
are blowing repeatedly, contact UVP Technical Support for additional troubleshooting.

Transilluminator Will Not Turn On

1. Make sure to turn ON the two transilluminator power switches and that both switches are glowing
green. One switch is on the front of the BioDoc-It unit and is labeled UV Trans. The other switch is
located on the front of the transilluminator itself, directly below the darkroom door.

If the switches do not glow green, refer to “No Power to the Darkroom or Transilluminator” above.

2. Be sure the darkroom cabinet’s door is completely closed. There is a UV exposure safety cut-off
switch that turns the transilluminator off when the darkroom cabinet’s door is opened.

3. Be sure the transilluminator’s power jumper cord is securely connected at both the ends of the
cable.

BioDoc-It Imaging System 18

Touch Screen Not Accurate

1. If touching or clicking on the buttons becomes inaccurate, the touch screen may need to be
recalibrated. Please follow all instructions in the touch screen calibration instructions included in
the TS software CD.

Error Messages Appear on the Screen

1. An error message that is related to the TS software interface or Microsoft Windows may appear on
the screen. If the message is related to Microsoft Windows, such as a reminder to activate or
update the copy of Windows, contact your system administrator for assistance.

2. If an error message appears repeatedly and your system administrator does not recognize it as a
Microsoft Windows error, contact UVP Technical Support for further assistance.

Technical Support

UVP offers technical support on all of its products. If there are questions about the product’s use, operation or
repair, please contact UVP’s offices at the locations below. Or go to UVP’s web site and click the Tech Support
> BioImaging Systems.

If in North America, South America,

East Asia or Australia:

Call [phone] or (909) 946-

3197, and ask for Customer Service

during regular business days, between

7:00 am and 5:00 pm, PST.

E-mail your message to:

[e-mail]

Fax Customer Service, and send it to

[phone]

Write to: UVP, LLC 2066 W. 11th

Street, Upland, CA 91786 USA

If in Europe, Africa, the Middle East of

Western Asia:

Call [phone], and ask for

Customer Service during regular

business days between 9:00 am and

5:30 pm.

E-mail your message to: [e-mail]

Fax Customer Service, and send it to:

[phone]

Write to: Ultra-Violet Products Ltd

Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate, Nuffield

Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK

Warranty

UVP's products are guaranteed to be free of defect s in materi al s, workmanship and manufacture for two (2) years
from date of purchase. Consumable and dispos able parts inc luding, but not l imited to tubes and filters, are
guaranteed to be free from defects in manufacture a nd materi als for ninet y (90) day s fr om da te of purchase.
Transilluminators carry a two (2) year war ranty fr om date of purchase. If equipment failure or malfunctio n occ urs
during the warranty period, UVP shall ex amine the inoperativ e equipment and have the option of repairing or
replacing any part(s) which, in the judgment of UVP, were originally defective or became so under conditions of
normal usage and service.

No warranty shall apply to this instrument, or part thereof, that has been subject to accident, n egligence, a lt eration,
abuse or misuse by the end-user. M or eov er, UVP makes no war ranties whatsoever with respect to parts not
supplied by UVP or that have been installed, used and/or serv iced other than in strict compliance with instructions
appearing in this manual.

In no event shall UVP be responsible to the end-user for any incidental or consequential damages, whether
foreseeable or not, including but not limited to property damage, inability to use equipment, lost business, lost
profits, or inconvenience arising out of or connected with the use of instruments produced by UVP. Nor is UVP
liable or responsible for any personal injuries occurring as a result of the use, installation and/or servicing of
equipment.

This warranty does not supersede any statutory r ights that may be av ailable in certain countries.

BioDoc-It, Doc-It and FirstLight are registered trademarks of UVP, LLC. Visi-Blue is a trademark of UVP, LLC.