There is a variety of different digital eyepiece cameras available designed specifically for use with standard (monocular, binocular, or trinocular) microscopes. The BigCatch "EM" series are compatible with both the 23.2 and 30mm diameter ocular tubes found on most standard microscopes. The installation of the eyepiece camera is the same for both versions and requires the removal of the microscope eyepiece from one of the ocular tubes and simply inserting the eyepiece camera. Certain trinocular version microscopes may require a special "C" mount adaptor which comes with the EM300C model C-Mount eyepiece camera.

Furthermore, you need to consider certain performance features of the digital camera and determine if they meet your requirements. You also need to ensure that your computer and operating system are compatible with the eyepiece digital camera software. Other things to consider;
    * Determine the desired camera field of view. The "EM" series has an 18mm FOV  
    * The camera must match the objective lens par-focalization.
    * The camera must offer a sharp and clear image in true color.
    * The camera should offer video imaging at speeds of 15-30 frames /sec.

Quality of sensor -
There are Four types of sensors that we currently carry. Super Color CCD, CCD, Enhanced Color CMOS, and CMOS
Each one has certain advantages and disadvantages depending on application.
The CMOS sensor (Model # : EM-XXX) has base performance images.
The Enhanced Color CMOS sensor (Model # : EM-X10) is an improved CMOS with great color quality & refresh rate.
The CCD sensor (Model # : EM-CXXX) has a fast transfer rate and also is great for florescent or darker applications.
The Super Color HP CCD (Model # : EM-XXXF) is an improved CCD that has excellent color quality with a refresh rate comparable to the CCD.

Finally, you should consider the software supplied with the camera. Some cameras come without imaging software. Some come with basic imaging software with simple photo and video capturing functions only. Some users require enhanced software features with measurement and other image processing capabilities such as the "ScopePhoto" software included with the "EM" series eyepiece cameras.

by Features sheet (pdf)

All digital microscopes and eyepiece camera internal components are sealed within the housing and require only occasional cleaning to maintain their optical integrity.

CAUTION!!!   Never disassemble or open the scope or camera body. This will introduce dust and other contaminants and may cause permanent damage.

1. Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, Vista.
2. Intel CPU Pentium 2.4GHZ, Celeron or above.
3. RAM of 512 MB or more recommended.
4. At least 500 MB of free disk space.
5. VGA Card: 16bit or above
6. CD-ROM drive
7. At least one USB 2.0 port.

Adjusting image results for better color quality is to manually adjust the color by adjusting the white balance and exposure to match a white surface such as white paper.
or
Empty the stage so it would be viewing an empty field. Then set the white balance by going to:
Setup > Video source property > auto white balance

Select Video setup and simply adjust the brightness using the Brightness feature. This allows you to adjust brightness of the monitor/display only. 

First "capture" the observed image. Then double click the captured image. Then select "drawing" from tool bar options then chooses "ellipse" or "circle". Now left click and drag on area of image you wish to circle until desired diameter then release

Open a Word file and just drag the captured image to the Word file and release

Double click any captured image and that image will open and be displayed. Simply open and display multiple images then drag them into desired positions (ie; side by side) for comparison purposes.

Ver3.0.3 12.9MB 2007-6-30 Support windows Vista/Windows 2008 x32 OS
Ver3.0.12.631 12.9MB 2008-4-21 Video power scale and date mark added
Ver3.0.12.732 21.6MB 2008-6-19 Auto focus,Image Fusion added,HELP file updated
Ver3.0.12.781 20.7MB 2008-7-20 Improved video scale & clarity factor added
Ver3.0.12.783 20.8MB 2008-8-13 video scale size bug fixed & HELP file updated

If you have any problems with the instrument quality or operation, please contact the distributor or the dealer where you purchased the device. Do not attempt to disassemble as this may cause permanent damage and will void the warranty.

"EM" series microscope eyepiece cameras are designed with CMOS technology.  CCD technology can be made available as a custom application as required.

The "EM" series microscope eyepiece cameras are designed to function under normal "white" light. If under ultra violet or fluorescent lighting than the background may be affected.

The "EM" series microscope eyepiece provides variable exposure time from 1/10,000th sec up to 1/50th sec by adjusting the video settings.

The "EM" series microscope eyepiece has a field of view (FOV) of 18mm. 

USB eyepiece focus may require fine adjustment to synchronize with the microscope eyepiece focus      .

Capturing images of moving objects across FOV (factory production line inspection, etc) will require a special lens such as a Global light lens. This special lens type exposes fast moving objects in sync with a sensor.

1. Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, Vista.
2. Intel CPU Pentium 2.4GHZ, Celeron or above.
3. RAM of 512 MB or more recommended.
4. At least 500 MB of free disk space.
5. VGA Card: 16bit or above
6. CD-ROM drive
7. At least one USB 2.0 port.

EM-Series is currently not compatible with 64 bit operating systems.
However you can still use 64 bit software that you currently use in conjunction with the Em-Series drivers, such as webcam software or video recording software. If you do not have any related software, you can try third party free or open source software that is available online such as and not limited to:

Dorgem http://dorgem.sourceforge.net/
or
AMCAP http://amcap.en.softonic.com/

A note that since these are third party software, some features advertised might not be functional other than the basic use of the EM digital Eyepiece camera Microscopes such as viewing and taking pictures.

Use time-lapsed capture function problem under Windows OS-
Cannot start after using time-lapsed capture function. only shows dino-lite logo and hangs there.
Possible cause: dino-lite accidentally created a corrupted .avi file from time-lapsed capture
solution: Search this particular .avi file, find and delete it.

The Eyepiece does not work-
Follow these testing steps if you have a problem viewing with your eyepiece:
1. Connect Dino eyepiece to the computer, run the program and you should see a fuzzy image. If there is no image please refer to "There is no picture on screen" section.
2) Use your original microscope eyepiece and focus on the image that you want to see.
3) Input Dino eyepiece into traditional microscope eyepiece. If Dino eyepiece does not fit refer to "Before you buy a Dino Digital Eyepiece" section.
4) Refocus till you have a clear image.
5) If still can't see, then there are other issues effecting the device

Notes:
• Microscope eyepiece has a different focus than Digital (Dino) eyepiece camera.
• Dino eyepiece FOV (field of view) is a zoomed in area which is about 20% FOV of a traditional microscope eyepiece.

The computer is not using USB 2.0 or cannot process the high resolution image
Solution:
If you reduce the video settings, you may be able to get an image through the scope. You do this by: While using Scopephoto, select "Live Capture" > when live capture is on, you can choose "setup" on the top left corner > in "setup" click on "Video Source Format" > a window will show up where you can reduce the resolution. Select the lowest resolution.

Scopephoto is set to use another camera
Solution:
In "Scope Photo" select the right device (eg. EM200 = DCM200).

Possible error in installation
Solution:
Walkthrough installing device per instructions

Possibly something to do with color pattern.
Solution:
In "TC" (Twain Acquire) check or uncheck "RGB/BGR"

www.BigCatchUSA.com

EM SERIES EYEPIECE SOFTWARE -
Quick Installation Guide for Windows XP/2000/Vista
(EM-035 and EM-130 Series currently is not available on Vista)

1. Turn on your PC and place the "SCOPEPHOTO" installation CD into your CD-ROM. The installation program should start automatically. (For Windows XP/2000: DO NOT connect USB Cable of microscope eyepiece Digital camera to PC before software driver installation)
2. "AUTORUN" will start automatically. ( Note: If "AUTORUN" does not start then click "MY COMPUTER" then click "SCOPEPHOTO")
3. Click on the appropriate driver installation for the model (eg. EM 200 = DCM 200) and then click "Next" to continue.
4. For Vista "Allow" Unidentified Publisher and continue till installation is complete. For Windows XP/2000: Now Plug the USB Cable of the Microscope Digital Eyepiece to PC. A "Found New Hardware Wizard" will then appear. Click "Next" to continue. (Note: if a "Software Installation" warning message appears in the process, click "Continue Anyway". Until installation complete.)
5. Now restart your computer. When finished rebooting your system, start the Scopephoto CD again and then double click on the "Scopephoto" icon in the window to start installing the camera's program.
6. When the "Software Installation" warning message appears, click "Continue Anyway". Until installation is complete. (For Vista "Allow" Unidentified Publisher).
7. Click on "DirectX9.0" in the main window to install the camera's Video program

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1. HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE EM SERIES EYEPIECE CAMERAS ?

To use as a video camera:
- Make sure the device is plugged into USB port properly
- Go to "FILE". Select "IMPORT IMAGE" > "LIVE CAPTURE"> select your model, a video window is now opened.
- You can also click on the "video icon" located at the top of the window. Both of these actions will open the video window.
- Go to "Live Capture" menu on the start page and click to select the appropriate model
(i.e.: "dcm130 USB2.0 camera" or others). The video should now be running.

To Capture Video images:
Go to "CAPTURE" menu and select one of the following capture options, depending on your application:

1. Copy To Clipboard (Does NOT allow captured image to be saved)
2. Capture a Frame (Allows captured image to be saved for future reference)
3. Auto Capture
4. Start Capture Video

To Capture a "Still Image":
-Go to "FILE"> Select"IMPORT IMAGE" > TWAIN: ACQUIRE"
-You may need to "SELECT DEVICE" and select the appropriate eyepiece camera model in order to see the still image on window.
NOTE: You can also select the file location and file type when saving by going to the "FILE" menu.
------ Download Latest Driver at www.BigCatchUSA.com Download Section ------

- EM 200 /300/310 /500/510/800/900 SERIES EYEPIECE SOFTWARE -
Quick Installation Guide for Windows XP/2000/ Vista

1. Turn on your PC and place the "SCOPEPHOTO" installation CD into your CD-ROM. The installation program should start automatically. (CAUTION: DO NOT connect USB Cable of microscope eyepiece Digital camera to PC before SW driver installation)
2. "AUTORUN" will start automatically. ( Note: If "AUTORUN" does not start then click "MY COMPUTER" then click "SCOPEPHOTO")
3. Click on the appropriate driver installation for the model (eg. EM 200 = DCM 200) and then click "Next" to continue.
4. Now Plug the USB Cable of the Microscope Digital Eyepiece to PC. A "Found New Hardware Wizard" will then appear. Click "Next" to continue. (Note: if a "Software Installation" warning message appears in the process, click "Continue Anyway". Until installation complete.)
5. Now restart your computer. When finished rebooting your system, start the Scopephoto CD again and then double click on the "Scopephoto" icon in the window to start installing the camera's program.
6. When the "Software Installation" warning message appears, click "Continue Anyway". Until installation is complete.
7. Click on "DirectX9.0" in the main window to install the camera's Video program

*** For Instruction Manual, Press F1 or go to Help > Help contents ***

HELPFUL TIPS FOR THE EM SERIES EYEPIECE CAMERAS
To use as a video camera:
- Make sure the device is plugged into USB port properly
- Go to "FILE". Select "IMPORT IMAGE" > "LIVE CAPTURE"> select your model, a video window is now opened.
- You can also click on the "video icon" located at the top of the window.
Both of these actions will open the video window.
- Go to "Live Capture" menu on the start page and click to select the appropriate model
(i.e.: "dcm300 USB2.0 camera" or others). The video should now be running.

To Capture Video images:
Go to "CAPTURE" menu and select one of the following capture options, depending on your application:

1. Copy To Clipboard (Does NOT allow captured image to be saved)
2. Capture a Frame (Allows captured image to be saved for future reference)
3. Auto Capture
4. Start Capture Video

To Capture a "Still Image":
-Go to "FILE"> Select"IMPORT IMAGE" > TWAIN: ACQUIRE"
-You may need to "SELECT DEVICE" and select the appropriate eyepiece camera model in order to see the still image on window.
NOTE:You can also select the file location and file type when saving by going to the "FILE" menu.
Product Requirements:
Intel Pentium 4 2.4G MHz processor or faster, 512MB memory, USB 2.0
Recommendation: Download Latest Driver at www.BigCatchUSA.com Download Section

EM-C320/C, C560 Series Eyepieces camera quick start user guide

I Install driver and software for Windows XP/Vista
1. Insert CD into CD-ROM drive
2. Select "Install camera driver"
-Continue with installation prompts. (If using Vista, please plug the digital eyepiece into the USB slot before installing camera driver and skip step 3).
(If unidentified publisher/ Windows Logo Testing appear, select continue anyway)
3. Connect the USB cable into a free USB slot on the computer (Requires USB 2.0 interface).
-The found new hardware wizard would start Select "Install the software automatically" Finish
(If unidentified publisher/ Windows Logo Testing appear, select continue anyway)
4. Install advanced image software
(After installation the ScopePhoto software icon will created on the desktop)

II Using the camera
(*** for Instruction Manual, Press F1 or go to Help > Help contents ***)
1. Start the ScopePhoto software
2. Start video
-Click on the camera name below "Live capture" on the bottom of start page (eg. ScopeTek MDC320).
(If you do not see the start page, you may find it from "Help Show Start Page")
3. Connect the camera to the microscope and turn on the light.
(Please make sure your light system has the option of a blue light filter. For the CCD to view properly, you would need light color temperatures around 5600K-6000K.)
4. Setting the white balance
-Empty the stage so it would be viewing an empty field. Then set the white balance by going to: Setup Video source property to white balance
5. The digital eyepiece is now ready for use.

III Calibrating the system for measurements
Please see "User guide" pps file in the CD-ROM for details.
Product Requirements:
Intel Pentium 4 2.4G MHz processor or faster, 1 GB memory, USB 2.0
Recommendation: Download Latest Driver at www.BigCatchUSA.com Download Section

• (*** for Instruction Manual, Press F1 or go to Help > Help contents ***)
  Product Requirements:
  Intel Pentium 4 2.4G MHz processor or faster, 1GB memory, USB 2.0
  Recommendation: Download Latest Driver at www.BigCatchUSA.com Download Section
  
  
• To use as a video camera
  - Make sure the device is plugged into USB port properly
  -Go to "FILE". Select "IMPORT IMAGE" > "LIVE CAPTURE", a drop down menu will appear select the appropriate model camera, a video window is now opened.
  - You can also click on the "video icon" located at the top of the window. Both of these actions will open the video window.
  -Go to "Live Capture" menu on the start page and click to select the appropriate model (i.e.: "dcm130 USB2.0 camera" or others). The video should now be running.
  
• To Capture Video images:
  Go to "CAPTURE" menu and select one of the following capture options, depending on your application:
  - Copy To Clipboard (Does NOT allow captured image to be saved)
  - Capture a Frame (Allows captured image to be saved for future reference)
  - Auto Capture - Start Capture Video
  
• To Capture a "Still Image"
  -Select the RED SD (TWAIN SELECT) button located at the top of the window
  -A selection window will appear. Select the appropriate eyepiece camera model.
  -Next select the BLUE TC (TWAIN ACQUIRE) button located at the top of the window.
  
  NOTE: You can also select the file location and file type when saving by going to the "FILE" menu