TECHNICAL SUPPORT: FAQs

SyncroCOOL Product FAQ

FAQ 1:For what microscopy applications can I use the SyncroCOOL 435?

The SyncroCOOL 435 is ideal for both brightfield and fluorescence microscopy applications.

FAQ 2:Can I get a live image preview in colour?

The live image preview of the SyncroCOOL 435 is at full resolution (1360 x 1024 pixels), full RGB colour, and a refresh rate of 7.5 frames per second. The live full resolution preview is designed for rapid slide scanning and focusing.

FAQ 3:How long do I have to wait for the image to download when captured?

The high-speed interface provided by Syncroscopy enables an immediate image download (less then a second).

FAQ 4:What software do I need to run the SyncroCOOL 435?

Syncroscopy provides image capture software called AcQuis, which has been specifically designed to take full advantage of the camera's special features. The unique Multi Channel Acquisition tool within AcQuis permits overlaying of a live image on top of previously captured images. Other software will also work with SyncroCOOL 435, this includes:
Auto-Montage
Montage Explorer
Syncroscan
Quantage
Prysm TWAIN driver
Any software that uses the Prysm TWAIN driver
Any software that currently supports the JVC KY F70 camera (SyncroCOOL 435 uses the same drivers)
NB The degree to which all functions of the camera are supported will vary.
NB For best performance the Syncroscopy Prysm camera interface board is recommended.

FAQ 5:Can Multi Channel Acquisition be switched off?

Yes, Multi Channel Acquisition can be switched off, and then the camera operates in normal RGB mode, with a full colour, full resolution live image preview. This is the best mode for brightfield images.

FAQ 6:Why does the SyncroCOOL 435 have 3 CCDs?

A CCD is a "Charge Coupled Device". Each CCD gives only grey level information, and therefore only a monochrome image. If a camera has only one CCD, then colour filters must be used in order to derive a colour image. One such design is to place a primary colour filter above each pixel. This means that each pixel can only be red, green, or blue, but not all three. To derive the other primary colour values from each pixel, the process of interpolation must be used. This can result in colour inaccuracies, and therefore a reduction in the colour resolution of the image.

With a 3 CCD camera the incoming light is split by an optical prism into its red, green, and blue components. Each CCD receives a separate red, green or blue signal.

This means that each pixel has values for red, green and blue, and when these signals are recombined a true RGB image is derived.

FAQ 7:Why are the CCDs cooled?

All CCDs have a certain amount of electronic "noise". This is caused by random and spontaneous movements of electrons within the CCD. The result of this "noise" is to create a background "sparkly" appearance to the image. Normally this is not visible in brightfield images, as the exposure times are relatively short, and the image background is bright. However, at low light levels, for example, in imaging fluorescence samples, exposure times are much longer, and the background is dark. It is at longer exposure times that "noise" can become apparent in the image. By lowering the operating temperature of the CCD, the "noise" can be reduced. The SyncroCOOL 435 has 38 degrees of cooling applied to the CCDs by means of a Peltier device. This allows "noise" free images to be captured even at long exposure times.

FAQ 8:Will it work without cooling?

Yes, the cooling on the SyncroCOOL 435 can be switched off, if desired, with no compromise on the quality of the brightfield images.

FAQ 9:How do I connect the SyncroCOOL 435 to my computer?

Syncroscopy provides a camera interface board, and all necessary cables to connect to your PC. Alternatively, the SyncroCOOL 435 can be supplied with a SCSI-2 cable (not recommended for practical microscopy).

FAQ 10:Can I use the SyncroCOOL435 with other Syncroscopy products?

The SyncroCOOL 435 can be used with Auto-Montage, Montage Explorer, Quantage, and Syncroscan.

FAQ 11:What are the buttons for on the end of the camera?

The buttons give access to on-screen menus. To see the menus, you need to display a live image through the Syncroscopy Prysm camera interface board. Using the menu button you can set a number of the camera's parameters. The range of functions is explained in the manual. Most functions are duplicated using the Syncroscopy camera control software that is supplied with AcQuis, Auto-Montage, Syncroscan and Montage Explorer. This means that using the on-screen menus through the camera buttons is not normally required.

FAQ 12:What is Multi Channel Acquisition?

Multi Channel Acquisition is a feature within the AcQuis software, which allows the red, green, and blue channels to be displayed and captured individually. Each channel can be added sequentially to provide a complete RGB image. This is extremely useful for fluorescence samples, which are multiple stained, and the user wishes to see and adjust each fluorochrome signal separately, and then add them together. This tool is also ideal for ensuring that images from all colour planes are perfectly registered, and have perfectly matched colour intensities. The live image from a selected channel can be overlaid on a frozen image of other channels to ensure perfect intensity balance.

FAQ 13:What are the minimum requirements for computers used with Syncroscopy systems?

If you are buying a new system then the following PC specifications are suitable. If you are upgrading or replacing a PC on an existing system please contact Syncroscopy

Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP2 (32 bit version only)

Processor: Intel Processor (Pentium 4, Pentium D, Celeron D, Pentium M, Core, Core 2 or Xeon) (we recommend 2GHz or higher Core 2 processor) Memory: we recommended using 2GB or more OpenGL compatible graphics card with a resolution of at least 1024 x 768 with true colour (1280 x 1024 resolution preferred) Hi-Speed (480 Mbps) USB 2.0 port available* (note: must not be shared with a Lo-Speed device)

If you are using a laptop you may need a powered PCMCIA (Cardbus) Hi-Speed USB 2.0 hub for connection to the camera. * You need to check that the system has at least one available high-speed USB 2.0 port Note that there are three possible port speeds with USB 2.0: Lo-Speed (1.5Mbps) , Full-Speed (12Mbps) and Hi-Speed (up to 480Mbps).

Not all USB 2.0 compatible systems implement the Hi-Speed mode.