FAQs

GENERAL FAQs:

--- Handheld ---

What is a Digital Microscope?
A digital microscope is a magnifying device equipped with a digital camera.  Basically, there are two types; one type is a microscope or magnifying device with a built-in digital camera while the other type is a standard style microscope adapted with a digital camera.

Which Handheld Digital Microscope Model should I choose?
AM211 - For entry level, hobbies & collecting, students, entertainment, etc.
AM311S/AM313/AM411T - For the office, shop, industrial, university, etc.
AM313/AM413T - For professional level applications.
AM312/AM412 - For use with TV setup only.  For the home, reading aid, entertainment, manufacture, etc.
AM351/352 - For the classroom, field laboratory, home microscope, or conveniences, back up for professional use.

What are some of the functions of DINO Digital Microscope?
 Dino digital microscopes function as microscope, camera, video-cam and as well as a web cam, depending on the model.

What is the purpose of LED light?
Light Emitting Diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current passes through it. LED lights are brighter in one spot while regular lights are softer.

What is the largest magnification you carry on the Digital Microscope?
The Dino Digital AM Series Handheld Microscopes offer magnification ranges from 10X to 200X.
The Dino Digital AM413 T5 Handheld Microscopes offer 500x fixed magnification.
The Dino Digital AM451 Table top Microscopes offer magnification ranges from 10X to 600X.

Cable lengths
AM312/AM412 is a TV version only. This Connects directly to the video “in” jack on the TV or an attached VCR/DVD player.
 The included connecting cable length is 6 feet.
 Optional15 foot extension cable available.
 Note: can also be used with wireless setup.

AM211 /311S /313/411T/413T are USB versions that connect to a desktop or laptop PC.
 The included connecting cable length is 6 feet.
 Optional 6 foot USB extension cable is available.
 Optional USB 4 port hub can allow extension to 15+ feet.

--- Eyepiece ---

How do I choose a Microscope Eyepiece camera?
There is a variety of different digital eyepiece cameras available designed specifically for use with standard (monocular, binocular, or trinocular) microscopes.  The Dino “AM” and “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 EM130C model 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    while the “AM” series FOV is approx. 3mm.  But the “AM” series provides a zoom feature for additional image magnification and enhanced clarity but in a reduced area.
    * 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.

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.

Maintenance and Cleaning
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.

--- Handheld & Eyepiece ---

Should I choose a Handheld Digital Microscope or Eyepiece camera?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both types.  The handheld digital microscope with the built in camera is more portable and versatile and can provide up to a 360 degree view perspective but is usually more expensive.  Digital camera eyepieces for microscopes are generally less expensive and can be adapted for use as an accessory with any standard microscope.  Both types generally come with software which can be easily upgraded via download.  Both are self contained units and require only simple cleaning for maintenance.  Any serious repair work needs to be handled through the distributor or dealer.

If you require portability, hand-held or mounted versatility and convenience then choose one of the Dino-Lite series of digital microscopes to satisfy these requirements.  If you have an existing standard type (biological, stereo or compound) microscope and you want to convert it to a digital microscope, then you should chose a suitable “EM” or “AM” series digital camera for your microscope.

How to set-up the Hardware and Software?
User’s Manual on CD is included, be sure to read the User Manual before use. Please retain this CD for future reference. Installation of Dino Capture Application Software is easy. Just follow the step by step instructions. The CD will guide you through to the end of the installation. 

IMPORTANT: Connect the digital microscope to your computer AFTER the software is installed.

What are the system requirements for my computer?
         1. Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 or XP, Vista.
         2. Intel CPU Pentium 1.5GHZ, Celeron or above.
         3. RAM of 256 MB or more recommended.
         4. At least 150MB of free disk space.
         5. VGA Card: 16bit or above
         6. CD-ROM drive
         7. At least one USB 1.1 or 2.0 port.

Which format should I use?
With VGA and SVGA models, the JPEG file format is easiest to save and email. JPEG also uses least amount of storage space.

Use the BMP (AM and EM series) or TIFF (EM series only) file format for better quality image when printing or publishing.

Use TIFF, PSD or EPS formats (EM series only) if CMYK true color images are required when printing or transferring images. 

- Reference of RESOLUTION VALUES –

VGA 640 x 480
SVGA 800 x 600
XGA 1024 x 768
WXGA 1366 x 768
SXGA 1280 x 1024
UXGA 1600 x 1200
QXGA 2048 x 1538

Pixel resolution - Under VGA Model 640 x 480 image, the resolution of a single pixel can be calculated to be
1757.3 microns/640 pixels = 2.745 microns (0.002745mm) per pixel

Pixel resolution - 1.3MP - 1280 x 1024 image, the resolution of a single pixel can be calculated to be
1757.3 microns/1280 pixels = 1.37 microns (0.00137mm) per pixel

USEFUL TIPS FOR EYEPIECE CAMERAS:

Dino Digital Eyepiece -
There are two common sized apertures on a microscope: 23mm and 30mm. If you choose a 23mm Dino eyepiece and have a 30mm aperture on your microscope then the eye-piece would not function properly. Similarly if your eyepiece does not fit on the aperture of your microscope, then you may want to switch to a smaller eyepiece.

The AM423 eyepiece camera is designed with a zoom-in feature.  The field of view (FOV) is approx. 12-14mm allowing for a high quality image of a reduced area.  If your application requires a larger field of view then choose one of our EM series eyepieces which have an 18mm FOV.

To invert image -
 To view your image upside down, select Video Setup then select both the “mirror” and “flip” options.

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

Circle area with image -
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

Transfer Captured image to word file -
Open a Word file and just drag the captured image to the Word file and release

Compare multiple images -
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.

Here are links and photo references:

- http://www.bigc.com/demo
- http://www.bigc.com/demo/products.php

USEFUL TIPS FOR HANDHELD MICROSCOPES:

Install two or more DINO-Lite products -
Install 2 or more Dino products do not yet support the DinoCapture software at this time.

Focus Tips -
The Dino-Lite digital microscopes are designed to achieve the specified maximum magnification and clear focus with the scope either in contact with or on the same level as the observed object or surface, such as the skin, etc.  The nozzle length is designed to provide the appropriate focal length to achieve this.  When scope is in this optimum position then the user will be able to achieve a clear focus in two distinct magnification ranges. In order to focus in the maximum magnification range simply continue to zoom beyond the first clear focus range on the observed object or surface until you see the object again come into focus.  This second stage is the maximum magnification of the scope.   When scope is further away from the observed object or surface you will only be able to focus in at one magnification range.

How to Enlarge Dino Capture Screen or in normal view -
1) Click “Full screen” button on top right corner of window left of “Exit” button to view image in full screen.
2) To exit full screen: right click your mouse and choose “Exit” from the menu that pops up. Or just press “Esc” on your keyboard to exit full screen.

Software Update -
For DinoCapture software We recommend that you update your software to insure a better product experience. If you’re not sure that you have the latest software you can simply update from the programs provided with your product:
Run the DinoCapture program From the DinoCapture’s menu bar
select “Help”
Then choose “DincoCapture Update”. 
 
To invert image -
 To view your image upside down, select Video Setup then select both the “mirror” and “flip” options.

Adjust Brightness or Darkness-
A1. Go to Settings> Real-time image settings> on the “Settings” tab you can adjust the “Brightness” or “Exposure” to your liking.
A2. Select Video setup and simply adjust the brightness using the Brightness feature.  This allows you to adjust brightness of the monitor/display only. 
A3: Turn on/off the LED’s and use external light

Circle area with image -
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

Transfer Captured image to word file -
Open a Word file and just drag the captured image to the Word file and release

Compare multiple images -
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.

Measurement tips -
Measurement features are only available on the AM313 series and AM413 models
AM313 series Measurement features are not available on Mac OS

The term Mil means one thousandth of an inch (0.001 inch).
A circular mil is the area of a circular wire with a diameter
of one mil, 0.001". ...
Current we can select mm = 1,000um (micrometer / microns) = 0.1 cm

mil = 0.001 inch.
inch= 1,000 mil.
um = 0.001 mm
mm = 1,000 um (micrometer / microns)

Comparative product images:

Link - AM313 Series & AM413T's Measurement
Link - How to Use the Calibration Function in DinoCapture (Available on AM413 Series only)

Video Demo - Video library
http://www.bigc.com/demo/video/measurement_%20v1.wmv

Format -
Save file format BMP is a “true” color format.
The JEPG format is good for email out w/o requiring an exact color match with your object.
The TIFF file format is available on the “EM” eyepiece series only. Can transfer formats by using other graphic programs, i.e. Adobe Photo shop to match CMYK color types.

How to use DINO Digital Microscope?

Field of view chart
The viewable area varies depending on the distance of the scope from the object.  Each hand-held Dino-Lite scope has a clear protective “nozzle” which provides a “buffer” of approximately 2 cm between the scope lens and the end of the nozzle. 

Distance from object                            viewable area

zero distance from object  @ 211x Magnification  - “viewable area” ~  0.066” (L) x 0.049” (W) / 1.67mm x 1.25mm
0cm / 0.0”  from object  @ 60 x Magnification  - “viewable area” ~  0.23” (L) x 0.17” (W) / 5.8mm x 4.3mm
2cm / 0.79”  from object  @ 30 x Magnification - “viewable area” ~ 0.4” (L) x 0.27” (W) / 10mm x 7mm
5.0cm / 2.0” from object  @ 20 x Magnification-        “          “           = 0.7” (L) / 0.4” (W) / 18mm x 10 mm
10cm / 3.9” from object   @ 17 x Magnification-       “           “           = 0.9” (L) x 0.6” (W) / 23mm x 15mm
15cm / 5.9” from object   @ 15 x Magnification-       “           “           = 1.5” (L) x 0.9” (W) / 38mm x 23mm
20cm / 7.9” from object  @ 10 x Magnification-       “           “           = 1.9” (L) x 1.5” (W) / 48mm x 38mm

Depth of field
The depth of field of different magnification rates has been obtained as following:
20x --> 12 mm
40x --> 1.6 mm
60x --> 0.7mm

Link - Viewable Area Example

Keyboard Function Key options -
Use the function keys on your keyboard to capture pictures, start video or time lapse video as well as “hold” real time images.  Simply press the following function keys on the keyboard when image is ready:

F1: Help
F7: To start time-lapse Video
F8: To Hold or stop Real Time Image (Press F8 once). To Release this held Image (Press F8 again).  
       NOTE: This will not capture the image as a photo.        
F11: To take a Picture or “capture” image
F12: To start Video

USEFUL TIPS FOR EYEPIECE CAMERAS:

Dino Digital Eyepiece -
There are two common sized apertures on a microscope: 23mm and 30mm. If you choose a 23mm Dino eyepiece and have a 30mm aperture on your microscope then the eye-piece would not function properly. Similarly if your eyepiece does not fit on the aperture of your microscope, then you may want to switch to a smaller eyepiece.

The AM423 eyepiece camera is designed with a zoom-in feature.  The field of view (FOV) is approx. 12-14mm allowing for a high quality image of a reduced area.  If your application requires a larger field of view then choose one of our EM series eyepieces which have an 18mm FOV.

To invert image -
 To view your image upside down, select Video Setup then select both the “mirror” and “flip” options.

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

Circle area with image -
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

Transfer Captured image to word file -
Open a Word file and just drag the captured image to the Word file and release

Compare multiple images -
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.

Applications for Digital Microscope and eyepiece cameras?

Here are links and photo references:

- http://www.bigc.com/demo
- http:///www.bigc.com/demo/products.php

TECHNICAL FAQs FOR HANDHELD MICROSCOPE:

Run-time error '339' ---- FathZip.DDL in some of Vista OS -
If you have any such problems, it is related to your Vista authorization issue.
Solution -
When you run DinoCapture program for the first time, please don't double click on the DinoCapture icon.
Instead, right click on the DinoCapture icon, then the optional manual will pop up and you should select
"Run as administrator" Then confirm OK, the program will start to run.
This is a one time process only, after that your computer will recognize that Run DinoCapture is authorized by the administrator. You will be able to double click DinoCapture for future use.

AM310/311 on VISTA with black window-
After you have installed DinoCapture, simply run windows update using internet explorer and it should detect an optional driver called “Hewlett Packard-Other Hardware - HP Basic Starter Camera”. Download, install, then restart your PC.

Viewing window is larger than normal on DinoCapture (view window partially covers the “video” tab) -
Suggestion:
A: Please check your Display property >Setting >Advance Display
DPI 96 or 120? Please use 96 DPI.

B: If reduced DPI to 96 but prefer larger font’s you can enlarge by manipulating display properties:
Display property > “Appearance” tab > Font size: Extra Large Fonts
And to enlarge icons
Display property > “Appearance” tab > “Effects” button > check “Use Large Icons”

TV Card display through DinoCapture -
Suggestion:
Disable the TV card through “Device Manager”
Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager > select the TV card >
right click “Device Usage” to “Disabled”

When starting DinoCapture, the view window is a green screen
The computer possibly has video security software installed.
Suggestion:
Uninstall video security software or disable the utility.
(Reference: solved the green screen issue with the AM41X series camera by uninstalling a utility that ships with ASUS motherboards called VideoSecurityOnline – Provided by R. Chambers)

DinoCapture view window is capturing web-cam or another video device image -
Suggestion:
A: Unplug the other video capturing device then start DinoCapture

B: If the web-cam is built in: While in DinoCapture go to “settings” > “Real-time image settings” >
select “Capture Source” tab > and select “Dino Lite Plus and Pro” for video source

C: If cannot select source try disabling the web-cam by going to “System Properties” > “Hardware tab” >
“Device Manager” button > expand “Imaging devices” >
double click on the other device that is not DinoLite > then for Device usage select “Do not use this device”

Software support -
AM313 series Measurement features are not available on Mac OS.
MACINTOSH OS support is not 100%, so please check compatibility chart.
Here is link
http://www.bigc.com/faq_QuickInstall_AM_MAC.php

When saving images with the VGA models, you are able to achieve 300 DPI after reformatting the resolution;
For 1024 x 768 resolution can provide 2.1” x 1.6” at 300 DPI
For 1280 x 1024 resolution can provide 3.4” x 2.5” at 300 DPI

Pixel resolution - Under 640 x 480 image, the resolution of a single pixel can be calculated to be
1757.3 microns/640 pixels = 2.745 microns (0.002745mm) per pixel

Save file format allows you the option to save in 1024x768 large picture size. The JPEG format is recommended as the most common format for this but if a 100% true color match is required then you need to save in BMP or TIFF file format.

If the Dino-lite Video function is not working properly then as a first step simply close the Dino-lite program and reopen it to refresh the virtual memory.

What to do when my computer or microscope freezes?
This is a fairly common occurrence with all general computer electronics. When the appliance freezes, Restart your computer. Also, simply unplug the power adapter for about 1 min, and then plug it back in.

Useful Tech Tips -
How would we know what magnification to choose for our imaging products?
Always start observing using the lowest magnification with the microscope. Adjust the objective lens or magnification knob until the desired image comes into focus.  Then increase magnification gradually until satisfied.

To reduce glare simply change the point of view of either the object or the scope by a few degrees.  On model AM313 you are also able to turn off the LED lights if desired.

TV Video models utilize NTSC analog format which provides “no-delay” images, whereas the USB models use a digital format which may cause a slight delay when focusing.

The current DinoCapture measurement functions have been tested by major LCD manufacturers to be within a 5% margin of error under 200 x magnifications.

When examining LCD panels it may be necessary to apply a thin coat of oil (baby oil, etc) to the panel surface in order to view sub-pixels.  The “hard coating” (HC) applied to the LCD panel at the factory may make this necessary in order to view the pixels beyond the polarize level.

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.

Troubleshooting:

You may contact support for more help via
e-mail: support@bigc.com
Toll Free: (888)668-2442 x 110 from 9 am to 6pm PST from Monday to Friday
Online live support: http://www.bigc.com/contact_us.php

There is no picture on screen-
To test the video if no image appears on your screen please try following these testing Steps:
Check if your Dino microscope is connected properly. If you have a built in web-cam on your computer, please check if you have selected the correct source. If your Dino microscope still does not work properly after you select Dino microscope as “view source”, try disabling your web-cam to see if your Dino microscope will work properly.
or Try the device on another computer to see if it is an defective device.

Gets error after taking a picture -
Cause:
Possible corrupted picture in “My documents”.
Solution:
A: Move or delete pictures and see if it works.
B: Another possible solution is to directly install DinoCapture on C:/ drive.

Slow video capture even in fast systems using Windows Vista -
Cause:
Possibly not enough virtual memory
Solutions:
A: Changing Virtual memory by: Control Panel > System > advanced > Performance “Settings” button > Advanced > Virtual Memory “Change” > highlight what drive DinoCapture is installed to > Select “System managed size” > OK
B: Removing temporary files by: Start > All Programs > Accessories > System tools > Disk Cleanup.
C: Change the codec or compression settings by going to: Capture video > “Compress” button.

Error Messages
Runtime error 380 invalid property value.
Cause: Your version of Windows is currently configured to use the comma "," character when displaying numbers instead of the decimal "." character. Term-LAB will only work when decimals are used in numbers.
Solution:
Configure Windows to use the decimal "." when displaying numbers.
Select Start / Control Panel / Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options. Change the format of numbers, dates, and times. On the Regional Options configuration page, click on the Customize button. Enter the decimal character "." as the character to use for the Decimal Symbol. Click on the OK button to save your settings.

Error-Code 10
Cause: If the device has a FailReasonString value in its hardware key, that string appears as the error message. The driver or enumerator puts this registry string value there. If there is no FailReasonString in the hardware key, you receive the following error message.
Solution:
- Plug in the microscope, then right click "My computer” > select “Properties” > then choose the “hardware” tab > and click on “Device manager” button > please have a look if there is any “!” or “?”. If so, double click it and select “update driver”
- Install to C:/ drive and restart computer.

Error-Code 39 - Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware
After completing the installation from the CD, then plugging the device into a USB port to install the driver, an error message shows up while installing.
“Code 39 Windows cannot load the device driver for this hardware. The driver may be corrupted or missing.”
Cause:
Problem may be caused after installing DinoCapture then uninstalling another imaging device such as a web-cam. Solution:
Please re-install the other imaging devices software which the DinoLite software might have linked some files to. After that re-install DinoCapture

Runtime error 339 - Cause (XP):
Component ‘FileZip.DLL’ or one of its dependencies not correctly registered: file is missing or invalid.
Solution:
As for the Windows XP computer, if the error is just FileZip.DLL then downloading and installing the latest software update version 2.1.0.9 or above from our website should fix the issue.

Cause (Vista): Fathzip.dll. Vista authorization issue
Solution :
When you run the DinoCapture program for the first time, please don't double click on the DinoCapture icon that is located on the desktop. Instead, right click on the DinoCapture icon, and then the option menu will pop up. Select "Run as administrator". When the Vista “User Account Control” screen shows up, choose” Allow”. Your computer should recognize that DinoCapture is authorized by the administrator. Now you should be able to double click the DinoCapture icon on the desktop for normal use in future.

Error Code - Runtime error 481 - Happens when run the program or take picture, some time freeze mouse.
Cause: Possible conflict with others device such as mouse when laptop is attached to docking station
Solution: Remove the laptop from its docking station, or some of USB 2.0 device in docking station.

Error Code - Runtime error 53 - file not found
Cause: Deleted or manipulated picture on source folder (My Documents/ Pictures)
Solution: Remove or transfer pictures/video onto another folder.

Do not disassemble the instruments -
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.

Installation/ use has no error messages but black screen and no image
Cause: Possible USB controller not USB 2.0
Solution:
- Reduce the resolution to the lowest setting by going to: “setting” > “resolution”
- Upgrade to USB 2.0
- Purchase USB 2.0 certified HUB
*Check if it is USB 2.0 by: “start” > right click “My Computer” > select “properties” > “hardware” tab > then “device manager” > expand “Universal serial Bus controllers” > if the word “enhanced” is there, then it is using USB 2.0. *Check if it is USB 2.0 when inserting USB, a notification on the bottom right will say that the device can perform better with USB 2.0

DinoCapture has an image at 640x480 but black screen (or no images) at 1280x1024
Cause: It is possible that the USB controller is not USB 2.0, or the HUB is USB 1.1/ not certified 2.0
Solution:
* Reduce the resolution to the lowest setting by going to: “setting” > “resolution”
* Upgrade to USB 2.0
* Purchase USB 2.0 certified HUB
*Check if it is USB 2.0 by: “Start” on desktop > right click “My Computer” > select “properties” > “hardware” tab > then “device manager” > expand “Universal serial Bus controllers” > if the word “enhanced” is there, then it is using USB 2.0.
*Check if it is USB 2.0 when inserting USB, a notification on the bottom right will say that the device can perform better with USB 2.0

How sensitive to infrared light are the Dino-Lite Digital Microscopes?
The Dino-Lite digital microscopes is sensitive up to 850nm

TECHNICAL FAQs FOR EYEPIECE CAMERA:

Do not disassemble the instruments -
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.

Eyepiece Camera -
Both the “AM” and “EM” series microscope eyepiece cameras are designed with CMOS technology.  CCD technology can be made available as a custom application as required.

The “AM” and “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 AM-32x seriesmicroscope eyepiece series provides a 3mm viewable area FOV. (Both the 23mm and 30mm adaptors)

The “EM” series microscope eyepiece has a field of view (FOV) of 18mm.  The “AM” series FOV is approximately 3mm.

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.

What are the system requirements for my computer?
         1. Windows 2000 or XP, Vista.
         2. Intel CPU Pentium 2.4GHZ, Celeron or above.
         3. RAM of 512 MB or more recommended.
         4. At least 150MB of free disk space.
         5. VGA Card: 16bit or above
         6. CD-ROM drive
         7. At least one USB 2.0 port.

Useful Tech Tips -

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.

Troubleshooting -

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.

Installs without any error messages but just see a black screen
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 viewing a different camera
Scopephoto is set to use another camera
Solution:
In “Scope Photo” select the right device (eg. EM200 = DCM200).

Cannot detect device message
Possible error in installation
Solution:
Walkthrough installing device per instructions

Pictures taken turn blue using EM series digital eyepiece
Possibly something to do with color pattern.
Solution:
In “TC” (Twain Acquire) check or uncheck “RGB/BGR”

MAC INFO:

Software support -
AM313 / AM413T series DinoCapture Measurement features are not available on Mac OS.

To get measurements feature from a third party software for MAC OS -
To get measurement features for the MAC OS, please download a third party software called MiXscope
that you would need to purchase, which supports Dino-Lite microscope models from AM311S to AM413T Series.
To use, simply install the Dino-Lite MAC driver and then the MiXscope software.
Then to start viewing, select Quicktime for which scope > Dino-Lite as your video driver when using MiXscope
Link http://www.edhsw.com/mixscope/

MACINTOSH OS support is not 100%, so please check the compatibility chart at http://www.bigc.com/faq_QuickInstall_AM_MAC.php

Image from screen is from another web cam
The computer has another video capturing device.
Solution:
A: Re-install DinoScope and then look for the Dino-Lite By Starting DinoScope ~> Monitor~> Video~> Source ~> Din-Lite Microscope ~> Camera
B: Try to disable your built in camera and after that check can you find the Dino-Lite in DinoScope: Monitor~> Video~> Source~> Dino-Lite ~> Camera
Or After disable other camera re-install Dino-Lite and look for it in DinoScope: Monitor~> Video~> Source

LED’s turn on and off by themselves
The LED is on “Auto” mode
Solution:
For the updated MAC 4.0 driver, we believe that the lights flicker because once you install the driver it is initially set to “Auto” for the LED’s.
To change it so that it is always on, while in DinoScope select “Monitor” > then “Video Settings” > Then near the bottom of the window, there is a dropdown that lets you choose LED settings. If it is on “Auto” switch it to “on”. This should prevent the LED’s from randomly turning on and off.

How do you take a picture with DinoScope?
Cause: Using non microtouch models or prefers not to use microtouch
Solution: While in DinoScope select Edit > then Copy/Cut > open “Applications” > select “preview” >while on preview program select “File” > then “New from clipboard”

No image on screen:
The computer has another video capturing device.
Solution: If you are using a USB HUB please check if it is an external powered USB 2.0 HUB.

MAC Tech Tips -
Problem: No image on screen when using DinoScope or computer freezes when using DinoScope on MAC Solution: One possible reason is that the Dino microscope has a conflict with another video capturing device such as a web-cam that is installed onto your computer. Disabling the other device, then starting DinoScope should resolve the issue.

BEFORE YOU BUY:

MACINTOSH users need to verify which MAC operating systems will support the “Dino-Capture” software.
Link - http://www.bigc.com/faq_QuickInstall_AM_MAC.php

Before you buy a Dino Digital Eyepiece- There are two common sized apertures on a microscope: 23mm and 30mm. If you choose a 23mm Dino eyepiece and have a 30mm aperture on your microscope then the eye-piece would not function properly. Similarly if your eyepiece does not fit on the aperture of your microscope, then you may want to switch to a smaller eyepiece.

On model’s AM351/AM352, if the height of the object or specimen is greater than 10mm   it may interfere with the 400x600 lens. If the diameter of the object or specimen is greater than 30mm it may not fit properly in the observation tray.

The 10x lens on the AM351 requires fine adjustment by rotating the lens by hand until clear focus is achieved.

The AM423 eyepiece camera is designed with a zoom-in feature.  The field of view (FOV) is approx. 12-14mm allowing for a high quality image of a reduced area.  If your application requires a larger field of view then choose one of our EM series eyepieces which have an 18mm FOV.

What are some other uses for the DINO-Lite Digital Microscope?
The Dino-Lite can also be used as a web cam for instant messaging (Preferably MSN Messenger.)
Physicians from different locations can review patient case images in real time from remote facilities from throughout the world.
Dino-Lite digital microscopes can be used for entertainment purposes as well as a handy household tool.