The following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding LabSmith Synchronized Video Microscopes.
Can I incorporate active microsystems for viewing with the SVM?
Yes. LabSmith's bonded-port connectors let you join microsystems to chips or slides for viewing in the SVM. View a document describing how to attach a bonded port connector to a glass slide.
Does the SVM include software for image processing?
The uScope software, which comes with the SVM, includes some real-time image processing, such as Intensity Over a Region, and PIV. These measurements can be saved to disk and analyzed later.
Can I use PIV probes with the SVM?
Yes. The included uScope software lets you place multiple probes in the flow and control their individual settings. Here is a document explaining their use.
How do I image my micro-channels in color?
1. Ensure that you have a color camera module installed (check the label on the front of the camera module). The SVM340 comes standard with a B&W camera module. Additional camera modules can be purchased from LabSmith.
2. Verify that the color format is set to RGB
by choosing Video>Color format>24 bit RGB.
3. Choose View>Video Options>Analog settings...
and set the saturation to 100% of scale.
4. Ensure that there is enough signal light for the camera to work
in color mode. At low light levels, the camera reverts to black
and white to reduce noise. Turn up the illuminator intensity to
full scale to check.
5. To verify that the camera is, in fact, in a color mode, shine
a white light on the top to flood illuminate your sample and check
whether the output is in color. You might also place a color picture
from, say, a magazine on the sample stage and check for color output.
Which video card should I use with my SVM340?
For a laptop: USB video card we recommend is the StarTech USB 2.0 Composite and S-Video Capture Cable (either SVID2USB2NS or SVID2USB2).
For a desktop computer: we recommend the Hauppauge Internal HDTV Card (WinTV-HVR-1150).
The USB video card is included with your SVM340 purchase. Additional units can be purchased from LabSmith or from many electronics retailers.
Can you recommend a USB-to-RS232 adapter for use with the SVM340?
We recommend and sell the Plugable USB to RS-232 DB9 Serial Adapter (Prolific PL2303HX Chipset) from Plugable Technologies. It is compatible with older versions of Windows, as well as Windows 7 32-bit and 64-bit.
What functionality do I gain with the Software Developers' Kit?
The SDK allows you to move the stage and change
illuminator settings automatically.
Email your questions to support @ labsmith.com.