UVP ChemiDoc-It 2 Imagers - Manual (Page 18)

GelDoc-It
2
and ChemiDoc-It
2
Imagers 18
Recommended Settings for Short Exposures and Focusing
1. Increasing the Binning will increase the camera’s refresh rate and sensitivity. However, it also
exponentially decreases overall image resolution. Binning works by combining smaller pixels
into one larger pixel. For example, 2x2 binning will take a 2x2 area of pixels (4 pixels all
together) and combine them into one large pixel, 4x4 binning will combine a 4x4 area of pixels
(16 pixels all together) into one large pixel, and so forth, thus increasing image sensitivity but
decreasing overall image resolution.
In most cases, 4x4 preview binning is recommended for general focusing and the fastest
possible frame rates. (NOTE: Binning is not available on 300-series cameras)
2. Decrease the preview exposure time to 15-100ms.
3. Always focus at a lower (faster) f-number than the capture setting. Increasing the f-number will
increase the “depth of field,” creating a better focus on the target.
Capturing Longer Image Exposure with the Least Noise
1. Binning can be ideal for very dim images where high sensitivity is needed. Binning of at least
2x2 is recommended for exposures over 1-2 minutes.
2. Ensure that the camera has had an adequate
amount of time to cool before taking long
exposure images. This can be verified by
referencing the “CCD Temperature” status in the
lower-left corner of VisionWorksLS.
Take a test image with a short exposure (less than 1 minute) to ensure adequate focus before
starting longer (greater than 1 minute) exposures.
Using Templates
Set Up and Save Camera Templates
NOTE: Without using templates, camera settings can be manually adjusted directly in the software.
For additional information on using templates, refer to the software Help files or the VisionWorksLS
software manual.
Chemi Blot Pre-Capture Positioning: For this application, use a preview binning of 4x4, a capture
binning 1x1 and an exposure time of 0.2sec. Have the darkroom door cracked open to let in some
ambient light.
Chemi Blot with Fast Capture and Lower Resolution: For this application, use a preview binning
of 8x8, a capture binning of 4x4, and an exposure time of 15sec. This setting is useful for quick
screening; the time can be increased or decreased depending on the intensity of the signal from the
blot.
For better resolution, set the preview binning to 8x8, the capture binning to 2x2, and the exposure
time to 60sec. The preview is the same and the exposure time is intermediate, but the final image is
of higher resolution than when using 4x4 binning.
Chemi Blot with Slower Capture and Higher Resolution: For this application, use a preview
binning of 8x8, a capture binning of 1x1, and an exposure time of 5min. This will result in the best
possible capture resolution. However, the exposure takes longer because the image is unbinned.
Set Up Darkroom Templates
NOTE: Without using templates, darkroom settings can be manually adjusted directly in the software.
Chemi Blots: Place a business card on the chemi tray in the darkroom. Set the lens to the fastest f-
stop (the lowest aperture number) and focus on the business card with the darkroom door cracked
open, no emission filter in place, no lighting on, and either the lens zoomed or the lift platform
positioned to fit the blot.