1. Are Newvicon cameras still available?
Newvicon cameras are available from Dage-MTI. The cameras feature 1000 TVL resolution at 30 fps operation. Peak spectral sensitivity is at 750nm. The control unit offers enhancement adjustments for gain, black level, aperture, gamma and polarity reversal.

2. Can you provide SIT cameras for real-time low light level imaging?
The VE-1000-SIT intensified camera features real-time operation with sensitivity to 1x10(-5) fc. Contrast enhancement controls offer adjustments for KV/gain, black level, enhance, gamma and shading correction.

3. Can you replace the SIT tube in my camera?
SIT tubes are available as replacement parts for older camera models.

4. Are the Excel cameras IIDC compliant?
Yes. All Excel cameras are IIDC version 1.31 compliant as set forth by the 1394 Trade Association.

5. What is IIDC Compliance and why should I care?
IIDC stands for “Instrumentation and Industrial Control Working Group, Digital Camera Sub Working Group”. This is a group of individuals working for and with the 1394 Trade Association that have created a document to act as a design guide for digital camera manufacturers that wish to use IEEE 1394 as the camera-to-PC interconnect. Early in the development of the IIDC standard, it was also known as DCAM. By adhering to this standard, digital camera manufacturers can assure their customers that the camera interface is constant between different cameras and manufacturers. As a customer, IIDC compliance provides a common interface that can be used to build their software application, thereby providing a confidence that their investment is not determined by a single camera manufacturer.

The camera’s functionality is in the form of a set of Control and Status Registers (CSR’s) that are defined by the IIDC standard and reside within each camera. The IIDC CSR’s consist of Inquiry Registers and Control Registers. The IIDC specification is designed to support many different types of cameras with many different features and hence the need for Inquiry registers. The Inquiry registers are used by controlling software to determine which of the features are supported by a particular camera. With the Inquiry registers, you are asking the camera “What can you do?” Once the host software has determined which features are supported, the Control registers are used to modify settings of those supported features.

As a user of IEEE 1934 based digital cameras, the real question is “Why would you NOT care about IIDC compliance?” Development of software is a large and costly proposition and needs to be protected. IIDC compliance assures a common PC-to-camera interface that is independent of the camera manufacturer.

6. What application is used in the Exponent GUI?
The Exponent code is written in C#, utilizing Microsoft'™s .net application. By using this state-of-the-art technology, we can provide better, faster, safer software because it is based upon key parts of Microsoft'™s latest, most powerful development platform.

7. Why do you include a Firewire (IEEE-1394) PCMCIA card with every Excel series camera?
The PCMCIA cards shipped with every Excel series Firewire camera are compliant with 1394 OHCI Specifications v1.0 and v1.1 and also IEEE Std 1394A-2000 operating at 400M bits/s. These boards have been thoroughly tested to ensure they will work with our cameras and software.

Just because a host adapter board has Firewire capability does not guarantee that it will function properly when attempting to control and transfer video from a digital camera. If you choose not to use our host adapter board, we recommend you utilize boards that are OHCI compliant and capable of 400M bit/s operation. Host adapter boards based upon the Texas Instruments and VIA chip sets are approved recommendations.

8. Do I need a frame grabber board with the Excel cameras?
No. The Firewire interface only requires an IEEE-1394 PCMCIA card. We supply this card with every Excel camera shipped.

9. What is integration?
Integration is a technique analogous to time exposure of film. In the case of video, the CCD sensor integrates the photon energy over a specified time. By controlling the frame time intervals, the sensor is exposed for the designated time, thereby capturing more photons and producing a brighter image. This technique is used to increase sensitivity in low light imaging applications.

The Excel cameras can integrate up to one minute. The cooling option extends the integration capability to 10 minutes.

10. What is the standard time of delivery for the Excel cameras?
Our general philosophy is to have product available for delivery within one week after receipt of order, and to this end we maintain a supply of stock items. With appropriate planning, we can meet any quantity delivery requirements necessary.

11. As an OEM customer, can the Excel cameras be customized for my needs (i.e., different sensors, different labeling on the cameras, different soft)?
The Excel cameras were designed and built to ensure flexibility in meeting our OEM customer's requirements. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your specific product needs.

12. What is a driver?
A driver is a piece of software that resides on the PC whose function is to act as an interface between a piece of hardware and applications that want to use that hardware. In the case of the Excel series digital cameras, the driver is installed with the Exponent software and interfaces the software application with the 1394 Firewire PCI host adapter board.

13. Is an SDK available?
A fully documented software development kit (SDK) is available to our customers for the Excel series cameras

14. Do the Excel cameras have a C-mount?
Yes, all Excel cameras are provided with a standard C-mount.

15. Can more than one Excel camera be used at the same time?
Multiple cameras can be used either independently or simultaneously with each having its own software window and set of controls. This allows the user full control to view the video, make adjustments and decide which camera is active without having floating adjustment menus or confusion as to which menu operates each camera.

A "Pause When in Background" tool is available to stop video updates when another window overlays. This is useful in multi-camera applications in order to conserve bandwidth.

16. How long will it take to update my Excel camera'™s firmware and software?
Firmware updates can be downloaded directly from the Dage website and accessed from the Tools menu. This ensures the user can update newly released camera features without downtime due to sending the equipment back to the factory. There is no need for a special application, opening of the camera or returning the camera to provide firmware updates.
Software updates are available from the Download Section at www.dagemti.com.

17. Can I use a footswitch control with the Excel cameras?
A footswitch can be used to view and capture live images while keeping both hands free to operate a microscope or other piece of equipment. When used with the Auto Save feature, this can save valuable time over having to click a capture, key in a name, and then finally save an image. Reference P/N 207765-01 to order footswitch.

18. Can I do Region of Interest and Binning in the color Excel cameras?
Region of Interest is available in all binning modes of the color and monochrome Excel cameras.

19. Are the Excel cameras supplied with a TWAIN driver?
A TWAIN driver is included which allows Exponent to import images into your favorite applications.

20. Do the Excel cameras require a separate power supply?
The Excel cameras are powered through a single-cable connection between the camera and the PC and do not require a separate power supply. A separate power supply is only necessary for connection to a laptop.

21. Can I use the Excel cameras with my laptop?
Yes, the Excel cameras will work with laptop computers configured with an IEEE-1394 port. A separate power supply is required to power the camera. The following laptop kits are available from Dage-MTI.

P/N 207744-04. Required if your laptop is equipped with an IEEE-1394 port. This includes 4-pin to 6-pin IEEE-1394 cable and 12 volt power supply.
P/N 207744-03. Required if your laptop is not equipped with an IEEE-1394 port. This includes the IEEE-1394 card, 6-pin to 6-pin cable, and 12V power supply.

22. How do I uninstall the Exponent application and driver?
You can use the "Add or Remove Programs" section in the Windows"Control Pane" to remove software and drivers. Refer to Page 8 of the Excel series manual for additional details if necessary.

23. What are the minimum PC requirements?
Minimum PC requirements are:
Intel Pentium 4, 1.7GHz or compatible processor
128MB of RAM
Integrated or dedicated display card set to 1024x768 (or higher); 24 or 32-bit color

Optimum PC requirements are:
Intel Pentium 4, 2.8GHz (or faster) or compatible processor
512MB RAM (or more)
Dedicated video display card (AGP or PCI-Express Bus)

24. What is the function of the LED on the Excel cameras?
Excel Cameras have a built in "Power On Self Test" feature. The camera will communicate any errors via the LED on the back of the camera. Normal operation is a steady green when power is first applied and then flashes with each transmitted video frame. If the LED is flashing red, then the self test has failed. Contact the Dage-MTI Customer Service Department for further information if the "Power on Self Test" has failed.

25. What is the warranty policy for the Excel cameras?
The Excel cameras are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship in normal use for a period of two years from the original date of purchase from Dage-MTI.

This warranty does not apply to units which have been subject to abuse, neglect, accident, improper installation, or on which the serial number has been removed or damaged. Units that have been altered without the prior permission of Dage-MTI are not covered by this warranty. This warranty is valid only if the unit is returned to Dage-MTI service depot.

26. What is your turn around time for service?
Most products can be turned around within one week. You should contact Dage-MTI to receive a Return Authorization number prior to returning your product.

back to top