UVP iBox Explorer Imaging Microscope User Manual

Ultra-Violet Products Ltd.

2

iBox

Explorer Imaging Microscope

®

Instruction Guide

______________________________________________________________________________

UVP, LLC

2066 W. 11th Street, Upland, CA 91786
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Web Site:

Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK

Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]

www.uvp.com

Unit 1, Trinity Hall Farm Estate

81-0342-01 Rev E

iBox Explorer2 2

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................. 3

Safety Information ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Components ................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

Darkroom Cabinet ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Four Position Filter Tray ............................................................................................................................................ 6

CCD Camera and Objectives .................................................................................................................................... 6

Magnification and Field of View ................................................................................................................................. 6

Viewer Window .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

Motorized Sample Platform ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Warming Plate ........................................................................................................................................................... 6

VisionWorksLS Software ........................................................................................................................................... 6

BioLite Xe MultiSpectral Source ................................................................................................................................ 6

Installation .................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Installing the Software ............................................................................................................................................... 7

Registering the Software ........................................................................................................................................... 7

Installing the Hardware .............................................................................................................................................. 9

BioLite Xe MultiSpectral Light Source Setup ........................................................................................................... 10

Fiber Optic Cable Connection ................................................................................................................................. 11

Platform Stage/Warming Plate ................................................................................................................................ 12

Additional iBox Explorer

Loading Drivers ....................................................................................................................................................... 13

Operation .................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Preparing the System .............................................................................................................................................. 14

Preparing to Capture Images .................................................................................................................................. 15

Capturing Images .................................................................................................................................................... 18

Service Procedures .................................................................................................................................................... 19

Care and Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................. 19

Return Procedure .................................................................................................................................................... 19

Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................................................... 19

Replacement Parts and Accessories ....................................................................................................................... 20

Technical Support ................................................................................................................................................... 21

2

Connections .................................................................................................................... 13

iBox Explorer2 3

Introduction

The iBox Explorer2 Imaging Microscope is designed to automate research with one-touch preset or user-defined PC
controls for accurate, repeatable imaging and analysis of animals and plants. The iBox Explorer
tight darkroom with VisionWorks
wide range of magnification settings, allowing visualization from an entire small animal down to the cellular level
subcutaneously and within the body cavity of living mice.

The darkroom has a door-mounted viewing window, four-position emission filter tray with four emission filters
included, and a software- and joystick-controlled imaging platform. The system comes with dual-pat h dire cte d lighti ng
for exciting samples with the BioLite™ Xe MultiSpectral Light Source. The BioLite Xe offers an eight-position filter
wheel, six-position intensity selector, and a direct lighting source using fiber optic bundles to tightly control the output
spectrum for consistent, repeatable measurements. Two excitation filters are included, one each for the excitation of
GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) and RFP (Red Fluorescent Protein).

2

The iBox Explorer
stage surface at a constant 38°C. The warming plate also contains two threaded studs to accommodate a small
animal anesthesi a manifold .

The iBox Explorer
preview images.

Imaging Microscope comes equipped with a slide-out warming plate that maintains the platform

2

includes a highly sensitive CCD camera with high magnification optics, providing real-time, live



LS Acquisition & Analysis software for automated control. The system provides a

2

incorporates a light

iBox Explorer2 Imaging Microscope

iBox Explorer2 4

Safety Information

Do not use this equipment in a manner other than as stated in these instructions.
This equipment is designed for use in a laboratory environment by personnel knowledgeable in safe laboratory

practices. Pro per prec autions must be taken as potential electri cal and me chan ical hazards are inherent in the
use of this equipment.

CAUTION: While UVP’s warming plate is designed for the safety of users, care should be taken when operating
the unit as the platfor m stage can be hot.

iBox Explorer2 5

Monochrome CCD camera and

Four position filter tray with

Access ports for

Source

Viewer window opens for

amber screen

Light tight darkroom with

wide access door

Software controlled

platform adjusts on the

Warming plate

VisionWorks®LS software

image capture & image analysis

BioLite Xe

Components

The iBox Explorer2 Imaging Microscope is comprised of the following components:

 Darkroom Cabinet
 Joystick
 CCD Camera/Optics (internal and not visible)
 Sample Viewer Window and Internal Amber Screen
 Motorized Platform
 Slide-Out Warming Plate
 Emission Filters (GFP, RFP, 515 Long Pass, Neutral Density)
 Excitation Filters (GFP, RFP)
 BioLite Xe MultiSpectral Light Source
 VisionWorksLS Software

Please review the packing slip for a complete equipment list. System components may vary.
Note: The system may also include a computer and monitor.

magnification objectives are
housed inside the darkroom

BioLite Xe

MultiSpectral Light

with indicator

lights

X, Y and Z axes

RFP, GFP, 515 Long Pass and

Neutral Density filter s in clud ed

sample observation through

controls darkroom functions,

iBox Explorer2 6

Specifications

Power Requirements: 100-230V; 6.3 Amps at 120 Volts

Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed 10 percent of the nominal supply
voltage

Pollution Degree: 2
Installation Category: II
Altitude: Up to 2000m
Ambient Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Software Requirements: Windows XP (SP2) or Windows 7 (32-bit and 64-bit versions)
Humidity: Maximum relative humidity of 80% for temperatures up to 31°C, decreasing linearly

to 50% maximum relative humidity at 40°C

Darkroom Cabinet

The iBox Explorer2 is constructed of aluminum and fabricated to provide a light tight chamber. Darkroom
dimensions are 17.5”W x 20”D x 42”H (44.5cm x 50.8cm x 106.7cm).

Four Position Filter Tray

The filter tray accommodates up to four removable emission filters. The iBox Explorer2 system includes RFP
(Red Fluorescent Protein), GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein), 515 Long Pass and Neutral Density emission
filters. VisionWorksLS software controls the selection of filters. Additional filters are available through UVP.

CCD Camera and Objectives

The high-sensitivity CCD camera and fast optics, housed in the top of darkroom, generate high resolution
images. The camera and motorized optics are controlled by VisionWorksLS software.

Magnification and Field of View

The iBox Explorer2 contains a combination of relay and objective lenses, providing magnifications of 0.17x,

0.25x, 0.50x, 1.66x, 2.50x, 4.50x, 7.50x, 8.80x and 16.5x. The corresponding fields of view are 90mm2, 60mm2,

2

, 9mm2, 6mm2, 3.3mm2, 2mm2, 1.7mm2 and 0.9mm2.

30mm

Viewer Win dow

The viewer window, built into the darkroom door, opens for sample viewing.

Motorized Sample Platform

The motorized sample platform, controlled by the joystick, can be adjusted in the X, Y and Z dimensions. The
platform can be moved 100mm in each direction.

Warming Plate

The warming plate creates a constant temperature of 38ºC for the warming of animal specimens. The dark
background creates an ideal imaging surface while maintaining a constant temperature for the animal.

VisionWorksLS Software

The VisionWorksLS Acquisition & Analysis software controls the darkroom functions and lighting as well as the
motorized optics and camera. T he softwar e is operational on both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows operating systems.

BioLite Xe MultiSpectral Source

The BioLite Xe MultiSpectral Source provides dual path excitation lighting for specimens. GFP and RFP filters
come standard with the BioLite Xe, and custom filters for specif ic appl ic ations are also available. Refer to
“Replacement Parts and Accessor ies” for orderi ng information.

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



Installation

Installing the Software

 Insert VisionWorksLS CD (not network CD) into the computer.
 Click on the Install button for VisionWorksLS.
 Click OK, Next, agree to “I accept terms of licensing agreement”, then Next. Leave all options in

their default settings. Then click Next, Next, Install and finally Finish.

Registering the Software

Open the Software

Double click VisionWorksLS software icon
on the desktop.

 To activate the software, registration is

required. To immediately activate the
software online, choose On-the-Fly
activation. If the computer is not
connected to the Internet, select Offline
activation and proceed to the following
page of this manual, or call UVP to register
the software.

 Click Next to continue.
 The Already have an activation ID option

is useful when reloading the software after
receiving an initial activation code.

Complete all required information on the
form.

 Fill out the Serial Number located on the

CD. The number should be four sets of six
numbers.

 Once the form is completed, click on Get

Activation No. and then click Activate

once the Activation Number appears in the
box.





iBox Explorer2 8

If the computer is not connected to the
Internet, click Offline activation to register
the software. This allows the user to obtain
the activation code and enter it at another
time.

 Click Next to continue.

Click the link provided and complete the
form to obtain instructions. Click Finish.

iBox Explorer2 9

Filter Position #1 – 515 Long Pass

Filter Position #2 – 535/45 GFP

Filter Position #4 – Neutral Density

Filter Position #3 – 605/50 RFP

Filter Tray

Filter Holder

Lip facing up

Filter tray well door

Installing the Hardware

Darkroom Setup

 When unpacking and setting up the darkroom, tw o people ar e requ ired to mov e the darkroom.
 Place the darkroom on a flat surface which can provide adequate support for up to 120 pounds.

NOTE: This system is designed for indoor use only.

Darkroom Filter Setup

 Place the filters into the filter tray in the appropriate positions as noted bel ow. Once all filters are in

place, position the magnetic filter holder over the filter tray to hold the filt ers in plac e.

 Open the darkroom door

and slide the filter tray
well door open. Place the
filter tray into position with
the lip facing up (note that
the filter must be set to
position #2 in
VisionWorksLS in order
for the filter tray to be
inserted or removed).

iBox Explorer2 10





Note: Image shown may appear different from the product

USB Cable

Power Cord

Dichroic splitter

cube door

Dichroic splitter

cube

Dichroic Splitter Cube Installation

The dichroic splitter cube is used
to direct coaxial lighting down
through the magnification
objectives while allowing sample
emission lighting to pass through
to the camera.

 Slide the dichroic splitter cube door

open to the left (the door is
embossed with the UVP logo) and
fully insert the dichroic splitter
cube. Fully slide the door to the
right once the cube is in place.

Camera Assembly

The system will come shippe d with the camera and objectives instal led from the factory. No
additional assembly is required.

BioLite Xe MultiSpectral Light Source Setup

shipped.

 Position the BioLite Xe to the left of the darkroom,

turn off the unit and unplug the power cord.

 The xenon bulb assembly will come separate from the

BioLite Xe and is equipped with a male connector on
one end and a female connector on the other.

CAUTION: Wear safety glasses when handling the
xenon bulb assembly! The bulb is under high

pressure and can explode if dropped or mishandled.

 To insert the bulb, lay the BioLite Xe on its back so

that the bottom of the unit is exposed. Connect the
male connector from the bulb to the female conne ctor
in the BioLite Xe and vice versa.

CAUTION: Do not touch the glass portion of the
xenon bulb assembly! Residual fingerprint oils can

cause the bulb to explode during use.

 Connect the bulb base plate to the bottom of the unit

using the three supplied nuts.

 Return the BioLite Xe to the upright position. Plug the

power cord into the receptacle on the back of the unit
and to a power outlet. Connect the USB cable to the
back of the unit and to the computer.

iBox Explorer2 11

Plug the upper

BioLite Xe unit.

Plug the lower fiber

Filter

Filter

Ridge

Magnetic

Filters are installed in their black casing at the UVP factory.

 To insert the filter/holder into the filter wheel, hold the

assembly so that it is positioned vertically with the ridge
to the top left as shown in the photo.

 The filter/holder ridge is then positioned closest to the

front of the unit.

access

port

 Manually rotate the filter wheel to select the desired

filter position.

1. Load the GFP filter in position number one as
noted on the BioLite Xe filter wheel.

2. Load the RFP filter in position number two as
noted on the BioLite Xe filter wheel.

NOTE: Do not force the filter assembly inside the BioLite Xe wheel
slot. If the filter assembly does not easily insert, check to ensure that
the orientation of the assembly is correct.

Tab

access

port

Fiber Optic Cable Connection

The iBox Explorer2 has two black fiber optic cables coming out of the left side of the unit.

 Remove the soft rubber cap from the tip of each of the black fiber optic cables.
 Plug the lower fiber optic cable into the left port (Epi/Coaxial) on the BioLite Xe unit.
 Plug the upper fiber optic cable into the right port (Trans/Side) on the BioLite Xe unit.

fiber optic cable

into the right port

(Trans/Side) on the

optic cable into the

left port

(Epi/Coaxial) on the

BioLite Xe unit.

iBox Explorer2 12

Plug the fiber

rubber caps

Adjustable

Warming plate

display

Warming plate

On/Off switch

Slide-out

warming plate

Temperature

control buttons

optic cables into

the appropriate

ports after

removing the soft

Platform Stage/Warming Pla te

The platform stage contains a built-in retractable warming plate. The w ar ming plat e is able to be shut off
using the switch on the warming plate control box and the temperature of the plate can be adjusted using
the two black buttons below the control box LCD display.

amber filter

viewer for

enhanced

sample

viewing under

blue light

controller box

with LCD

temperature

NOTE: Allow the warming plate to reach room temperature prior to operating. If the unit is extremely cold
when switched on, the warming surface temperature can exceed the preset temperature indicated on the
LCD display.

iBox Explorer2 13

Additional iBox Explorer2 Connections

 Plug the USB cable into the back of the darkroom cabinet and the other end into the computer. This

cable allows the user to control all iBox Explorer2 hardware including magnif ica t io n, camer a and filter
selection through VisionWorksLS.

 Plug the joystick cable into the back of the darkroom cabinet.
 Plug the power cord into the back of the darkroom cabinet and the other end into a wall outlet.
 Turn the darkroom ON (power switch is located on the lower bac k side of the darkroom).

NOTE: Be sure to click the “Disconnect” button in VisionWorksLS before disconnecting any hardware
from the computer.

Loading Drivers

 Open VisionWorksLS software.
 Turn the darkroom ON if not already powered on (power switch is located on the lower back side of

the darkroom).

 Install the camera driver:

o When the camera is first connected to the computer, the Found New Hardware wizard will

open. Select “Install from a list or specified location (Advanced)” and click the Next button.

o Select “Don’t Search. I will choose the driver to install”. Then click the Next button.
o Click the Have Disk… button and browse to the C:\Windows\system32\drivers folder. Sele ct

the AltaUSB.inf file and select Open and then OK to install the camera.

o Select Finish.

 Install the darkroom driver:

o Load the small disk that was shipped with the system to enable functionality of the darkroom.
o NOTE: If you do not have a tray-loading CD/DVD drive with an inset for loading a smaller disk,

contact UVP Technical Support for further assistance.

iBox Explorer2 14

Preparing the System

Operation

 Turn on the darkroom and the BioLite Xe prior to opening the software to enable the hardware connection.

Note that the iBox Explorer
system is powered on.

 Open VisionWorksLS software which controls the iBox Explorer

2

will perform a three-minute calibration and self-test procedure each time the

2

system and the BioLite Xe.

 To operate the darkroom controls, click on the “Acquisition” tab in VisionWorksLS. The software operates

the objectives (lenses), emission filters and BioLite Xe lighting.

 The purpose of the Action Tabs is to enable quick selection of major tasks.

o Acquisition: Options to change camera, darkroom, lens etc. settings to obtain an image
o Image: Options to apply image filters, brightness & contrast, pseu doc olors, annotations and

other tools to alter the appearance of the image
NOTE: 1D Analysis, Area Density and Colony Counting tabs are shown in the software but are

grayed out as they are not applicable.

iBox Explorer2 15

Setting

Relative Intensity

6

100%

5

50%

4

40%

3

25%

2

12%

Excitation

Filter

Light Intensity

Illumination

Preparing to Capture Images

Platform Stage/Warmin g Plate

The platform stage/warming plate creates a constant temperature of 38ºC to warm and prevent hypothermia in
animal specimens. Slide out the platform stage and place the specimen on the warming plate of the iBox
Explorer
the animal.

For samples that do not require heat, it is possible to disable the warming component of the platform stage by
moving the switch on the warming plate control box to the OFF position.

2

. The dark background creates an ideal imaging surface while maintaining a constant temperature for

Selecting Excitation Filters and Lighting

VisionWorksLS provides automated control of the BioLite Xe excitation filters and lighting via the Lighting
menu. Note that it is possible to control the BioLite Xe manually via the controls on the front of the unit;
however, this is not recommended as any changes made may not be reflected in VisionWorksLS.

 Select from one of eight excitation filters (GFP and RFP are included) using the “Filter” drop-down

menu shown.

 Select the “On” radio button next to “Light Engine”.
 Light intensity is selected via the “Intensity” slider, with intensities ranging from 1 (minimum) to 6

(maximum). The relative outputs for each setting are:

1 0%

 Select the illumination path through the “Illumination” menu (either side or coaxial lighting).

Path

iBox Explorer2 16

The camera and its various settings are controlled via the Camera menu button. Here, the user can selec t

Joystick

Speed Adjustment

Selecting Emission Filters

Filter selection is controlled via the Microscope menu.
Select the appropriate emi ssion filter from the available
buttons (note that the Clear/Neutral Density filter simply
reduces the total amount of light that is allowed to pass
through the filter).

Selecting Microscope Magnification

Microscope magnification is controlled via the
Microscope menu. There are nine imaging
magnification objectives to choose from. Select the
desired magnification object iv e from the available radio
buttons.

For initial focusing, it is recommended to begin at the

0.17x setting, focus the image, and then move to the
next higher magnification. Additionally, parfocusing
allows the user to focus at a higher magnification then
move to a lower magnification without losing focus.

The iBox Explorer

Optical

Magnification

2

’s various magnification setting s provide the following fields of view:

0.17x 0.25x 0.50x 1.66x 2.5x 4.5x 7.5x 8.8x 16.5x

Field of View

(mm

2

)

90 60 30 9 6 3.3 2 1.7 0.9

Camera Control

from a variety of settings, including exposure time, binning and templates.

Adjusting the Sample Platform

The sample platform position is adjusted using the joystick.

 Adjust the sample platform height (Z movement) by twisting the joystick handle left and right.
 Adjust the X and Y movement (left and right, or forward and back) by moving the joystick handle right

and left, fore and aft.

 The green “turbo” button on the joystick box is used to toggle between slow and quick platform

movement.

iBox Explorer2 17

Fine Focus

Viewer

Window

 While twisting the joystick handle will cause quick

vertical movements of the sample platform, the “+”
and “–“buttons under the Microscope menu on
VisionWorksLS are used for minor vertical
adjustments of the platform. This allows for detailed
focusing adjustments.

Bookmarks

Using VisionWorksLS Bookmarks feature, it is possible
to temporarily store various platform positions. When the
user desires to store the current platform position, click
the “New” button under the “Bookmarks” section of the
“Microscope” tab. Enter a name for the bookmark for
reference.

 “New” allows the user to save a new bookmark.
 “Update” allows the user to update the name or

location of an existing bookmark.

 “Delete” allows the user to delete the selected

bookmark.

 “Clear” deletes ALL stored bookmarks.

NOTE: Once VisionWorksLS is closed, all bookmarks

will be deleted.

Viewer Window

The Viewer Window is located on the front of the darkroom door and has a pressure-sensitive clasp. Press
firmly at the top of the cover to open the viewer. The window provides a view to the imaging platform surface for
visibility of samples without opening the door.

iBox Explorer2 18

Preview

Button

Excitation

Filter

Light Intensity

Illumination

Capturing Images

 Prior to image capture, use the Preview button to adjust image focus, exposure, location, etc.

 For excitation lighting, use the BioLite Xe to view the sample with:

o Side lighting for low magnification imaging and
o Coaxial lighting for high magnification imaging.

 Use VisionWorksLS software to:

o Select the appropriate filter and
o Select the desired intensity.

 Adjust the position of the

stage using the joystick as
described in Adjusting the
Sample Platform.

 Adjust the exposure time,

binning and region of
interest (ROI) while in the
Preview window.

 Begin by focusing with the

lowest magnification. Then,
increase the magnification
by one level and fine focus
the image. Repeat this
process until the desired
magnification is achieved.
Again, the Bookmarks tool
is available to temporarily
store locations and
magnifications at those
locations.

iBox Explorer2 19

Service Procedures

Care and Cleaning

CAUTION: Warming plate surface can be hot. Let the plate cool prior to cleaning the unit.

To clean the unit:

• Unplug the unit from the power source prior to cleaning.

• Use mild soap and water with a soft cloth or sponge to clean the exterior of the unit.

• Mild isopropyl alcohol or bleach can be used to clean the surface of the unit.

CAUTION: If cleaning agents other than those recommended by UVP are used, a reaction with parts or
materials contained within the warming plate may pose a potential hazard. Contact UVP Technical Support
(contact information listed below) if there are questions regarding the materials used for decontamination or
cleaning.

Return Procedure

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

Troubleshooting No Power to the Darkroom

1. Recheck the main power cord connection to the iBox Explorer2 darkroom.

2. Check the fuses located at the back of the unit next to
the power port. A small flat-head screwdriver or similar
tool will be required. Push the bottom tab of the
fuseholder up until the fuseholder’s bottom pops out.
Then, push the top tab down until the top pops out.
The entire fuseholder can now be pulled out.

Inspect the thin wire within each 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.

When reinstalling the fuses and fuseholder, make sure that both the bottom and top fuseholder
tabs click firmly into place.

iBox Explorer2 20

Replacement Parts and Accessories

Replacement parts and accessories part numbers are shown below. To order accessories or replacement
parts, including excitation and emission filters, contact UVP’s offices listed under Technical Support.

Part Description Pa r t Number

Fuse, 3.2 Amp 56-0002-05 (Qty. 2 Required)
Power Cord, 100V/115V 46-0023-38
Power Cord, 230V 46-0023-39
Additional or Replacement Excitation/Emission Filters Contact UVP for Details
Four-Position Filter Holder Assembly 76-0400-01

Thermal printer, digital archive quality 256-grayscale (Mitsubishi) 89-0069-06 (115V)
Thermal printer, digital archive quality 256-grayscale (Mitsubishi) 89-0069-07 (230V)
Thermal printer, digital archive quality 256-grayscale (Sony for Europe) 89-0069-15 (230V)
Thermal paper, Mitsubishi (4 rolls – 800 images) 89-0038-01
Thermal paper, Sony high gloss (5 rolls – 1000 images) 89-0174-01
Thermal paper, Sony glossy (5 rolls – 1000 images) 89-0031-01

Anesthesia Unit: The anesthesia system is an optional component designed to safely anesthetize one
small animal at a time inside the darkroom. The pat en ted no n-rebreathing technology safely prevents
backflow of gases into the darkroom. Anesthesia units are available with either isoflurane or sevoflurane, as
well as with or without oxygen regulators. Contact UVP for ordering information.

iBox Explorer2 21

Technical Support

UVP offers expert technical support on all UVP products. If there are any questions about product use,
operation or repair, contact UVP’s offices at the locations below.

NOTE: A Returned Goods Authorization (RGA) number must be obtained from UVP’s Customer Service
prior to returning any product.

If you are in North America, South America,
East Asia or Australia:

If you are in Europe, Africa, the Middle East or
Western Asia:

Call [phone] or [phone], and ask

for Technical Support during regula r busin es s
days, between 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, PST.

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

Fax Technical Support at [phone]

Write to: UVP, LLC. 2066 W. 11th Street, Upland,

CA 91786 USA

iBox and Vi si onWorks are registered trademarks of UVP, LLC.
BioLite and Explorer are trademarks of UVP, LLC.

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 at
[phone]

Write to: Ultra-Violet Products Ltd. Unit 1, Trinity Hall

Farm Estate, Nuffield Road, Cambridge CB4 1TG UK