Raptor Photonics Kestrel Manual de usuario

1
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
Kestrel
Model: KE60V-BV-CL
USER MANUAL

2
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Scope .......................................................................................................................... 4
2. CAMERA CARE ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window ....................................................................................... 4
3. SPECIFICATION .............................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Camera Overview ........................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Datasheet .................................................................................................................... 5
4. DESIGN OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Mechanical Model ........................................................................................................ 6
4.2 Physical Interface ........................................................................................................ 7
4.3 Power Consumption .................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Mounting to Microscope ............................................................................................... 7
4.5 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table .......................................................................... 7
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY ......................................................................................... 8
5.1 XCAP Compatibility ..................................................................................................... 8
5.2 LabView Compatibility ................................................................................................. 8
5.3 Custom Software Interfacing ........................................................................................ 8
6. CAMERA AND CHILLER SETUP .................................................................................... 9
6.1 Connecting Camera to Frame Grabber ........................................................................ 9
6.2 Connecting Camera to Chiller ...................................................................................... 9
6.3 Recommended Coolants for Chiller ............................................................................. 9
6.4 Setting the Coolant Temperature for Re-circulation ..................................................... 9
6.5 Draining the Chiller, Camera and Tubing ................................................................... 10
7. FRAME GRABBER AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 11
7.1 Computer/Laptop System Requirements ................................................................... 11
7.2 Frame Grabber Requirements ................................................................................... 11
8. XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE ........................................................................................ 12
8.1 Downloading and Installing XCAP ............................................................................. 12
8.2 Opening the Camera Configuration ........................................................................... 12
8.3 Acquiring a Live Image Sequence ............................................................................. 14
9. CONTROLLING THE CAMERA (XCAP) ........................................................................ 15
9.1 EM Gain .................................................................................................................... 15
9.2 Triggering Modes and Pixel Clock Rate ..................................................................... 16
9.3 Region of Interest and Binning ................................................................................... 16
9.4 Exposure Time and Frame Period ............................................................................. 17

3
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
9.5 Maximum Frame Rates ............................................................................................. 18
9.6 Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) ..................................................................................... 18
9.7 Information Tab ......................................................................................................... 19
10. XCAP CONTROL FEATURES ..................................................................................... 20
10.1 Saving Preset Settings ............................................................................................ 20
10.2 Contrast Modification (XCAP Std. Only) ................................................................... 21

4
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
1. INTRODUCTION
This document provides detailed instructions for the operation of the Kestrel, Scientific
EMCCD camera. Raptor Photonics Limited reserves the right to change this document at
any time without notice and disclaims liability for editorial, pictorial or typographical errors.
1.1 Scope
This manual covers the Kestrel digital camera and all applicable components. Raptor
recommends that this manual be used to optimize camera operation. Details of the camera’s
mechanical and electrical interfaces are provided, as well as information on setting the
camera up with liquid cooling. Important precautions to be taken when using the camera are
also stated.
Detailed information is also provided on each of the cameras control parameters. Each
camera control is discussed and explained with the use of XCAP Imaging software, which is
the core plug and play software package that is offered with Raptor cameras. An image of
the camera is shown in Figure 1.
2. CAMERA CARE
2.1 Cleaning the Sensor Window
Raptor cameras require no regular maintenance except occasional external cleaning of the
sensor window (the glass window between the camera sensor and the microscope or lens).
Use optical grade isopropyl to clean this window. A cotton swab can be used, but may leave
some fibres on the window, so be careful. To avoid this, you could also use a lens tissue or a
cleaning swap such as a Texwipe Swab. Forced air can be applied to remove any loose
particles. Should any other issues occur please contact your local agent.
CAUTION — The camera’s sensor and circuits are sensitive to static discharge. Ensure that
you are using a static strap or completely grounded at all times to release any static energy
before you clean the window.
CAUTION — Do not use acetone.
Figure 1: Complete Camera Module.

5
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
3. SPECIFICATION
3.1 Camera Overview
The Kestrel is designed for applications that require high sensitivity and speed. The camera
uses the CCD 60 sensor from e2v with a resolution of 128 x 128. High-speed low-noise
electronics provide linear response and sensitivity for rapid image capture.
The Camera Link digital interface provides the most stable platform for data transfer and the
camera will work on any Camera Link standard frame grabber.
3.2 Datasheet
For the full specification of the Kestrel, the datasheet for the camera can be downloaded
from the Raptor Photonics website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/kestrel-emccd/

6
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
4. DESIGN OVERVIEW
4.1 Mechanical Model
PDF of mechanical model available from our website:
https://www.raptorphotonics.com/products/kestrel-emccd/
Units shown in mm and [inches]

7
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
4.2 Physical Interface
4.3 Power Consumption
The camera input power specification is 12V +/- 10% with a maximum of 10 Watts power
dissipation with the TEC cooler switched off. Additional current is required when the cooler
power is switched from low to high. The total, maximum steady state, unit power dissipation
is < 30W.
4.4 Mounting to Microscope
The camera has a standard C-mount that should easily screw onto any microscope port.
4.5 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table
The camera has a ¼-20 BSW (Whitworth), threaded hole to mount to a tripod or an optical
table.
2
3
4
1
6
1. Label Recess
2. 3M Camera Link connector
Part #: 12226-1150-00FR
3. SMA connector: Trigger Out (Frame).
Single ended, source impedance = 51 Ω,
capable of sinking and sourcing 32mA
and will have an output voltage of 3.3v
i.e. TTL compatible.
4. SMA connector: Trigger In.
Single ended, termination impedance =
510 Ω, capacitive load = 200 pF, TTL
compatible.
5. SMA connector: Trigger Out (Exp).
Single ended, source impedance = 51 Ω,
capable of sinking and sourcing 32mA
and will have an output voltage of 3.3v
i.e. TTL compatible.
6. 4 Pin KYCON Power Connector
Part#: KPJX-PM-4S
7. Water taps
Part#: CPC; MCD2402
5

8
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
5. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY
This section outlines the options relating to software that are available for the Kestrel
camera.
5.1 XCAP Compatibility
Raptor works closely with EPIX who integrate all the Raptor camera models into their XCAP
Imaging Software package. XCAP is the core plug and play software package that is offered
with Raptor cameras.
5.2 LabView Compatibility
Upon request, Raptor can create a LabView .icd file which can be used to control the
camera on National Instruments imaging tool NI MAX. The file may also be useful if
attempting to create your own LabView VI.
5.3 Custom Software Interfacing
Raptor works closely with EPIX Inc, who integrates all of our cameras into their software
package, XCAP. The EPIX frame grabbers are the models that we offer with our cameras.
We offer their Software Development Kit (SDK) for interfacing with custom software (XCLIB).
If using a frame grabber from a different company, you will have to obtain their SDK to
implement a custom solution.

9
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
6. CAMERA AND CHILLER SETUP
This section will give instruction on setting up the camera and other components, including
connecting to the frame grabber and chiller (if applicable).
6.1 Connecting Camera to Frame Grabber
The camera has the shrunk SDR port on the interface. The main frame grabber that Raptor offer
with this camera has the normal MDR port (EPIX EB1). Therefore, one MDR – SDR Camera Link
cable is required to connect the camera to this frame grabber.
If demoing the camera with the Mini PC system that Raptor provides, you should connect to
the left port of the frame grabber in the Mini PC. This should be stated on the Mini PC.
6.2 Connecting Camera to Chiller
Raptor use a Chiller from Thermotek, the T257P Precision Chiller. For the datasheet and full
user manual from Thermotek, please contact Raptor and we will provide this. The
instructions to set up the chiller are as follows:
1. Connect the T257P chiller to the Kestrel using the tubing provided. You will hear a click
which indicates a solid connection. The polarity of the tubing connections does not matter.
2. Keep the chiller horizontal and on a level surface.
3. Make sure there is a minimum 12” clearance and free path for flow of air entry and exit at
the left side and right side of the T257P chiller prior to operation.
4. Remove the reservoir cap and add coolant to the reservoir until the fluid reaches the
bottom of the neck. Please refer to section 6.3 for recommended coolants.
5. Close the cap securely to the reservoir. Make sure not to overfill the reservoir.
6. Install the appropriate end of the power cord into the unit and connect to the mains
electricity.
If using another chiller model, please refer to it’s manual for start-up instructions.
6.3 Recommended Coolants for Chiller
The recommended coolants are:
Option 1: Distilled Water
Option 2: 95% distilled water and 5% isopropyl alcohol mixture prevents bio growth.
Option 3: 80% distilled water and 20% inhibited glycol mixture for set temperatures below
5C.
Raptor recommends using option 3. If purchasing the Thermotek model from Raptor or using
a demo kit provided by Raptor, there will be inhibited glycol mixture provided to mix with
water.
6.4 Setting the Coolant Temperature for Re-circulation
When powering up the chiller, the screen will immediately give the option to set the
temperature of the coolant. It is recommended to set a 20 C set point. After the set point has
been configured, selecting start will initiate the coolant re-circulation. For more detailed
information on all the operating modes of the T257P Precision Chiller, please refer to the

10
Kestrel/USER-MANUAL/REV1.1/08-20
Thermotek user manual.
WARNING: Please ensure the temperature set point of the chiller is above your ambient
dew point, otherwise condensation can form around the sensor package and cause
damage.
6.5 Draining the Chiller, Camera and Tubing
If using the Thermotek T257P Precision Chiller, it is recommended that a coolant change be
implemented at a minimum, every six months, to keep the system in working order. Based
on the amount of use, you may need to perform this more frequently. For more detailed
information, please refer to the Thermotek user manual. If using another model of chiller,
please refer to its user manual for the recommended time frame for coolant changes.
If finishing the testing of a demo kit, please disconnect the tubing and drain all of the camera,
chiller and tubing before sending the equipment back to Raptor. Shorter draining tubes will
be supplied with the demo kit. Two draining tubes (with the appropriate mating connectors)
need to be connected to both connecters on each of the camera, chiller and tubing to drain
each individually.
Este manual sirve para los siguientes modelos
1
Tabla de contenidos
Otros manuales de Cámara de seguridad de Raptor Photonics




















