Alpha Innotech FC2 Camera & Software Setup

1. Open the camera door, and set the adjustable tray on the top shelf.
2. Place the mouse pad in the center of the tray for focusing.
3. Open the aperture on the camera all the way to the lowest value (~1.8).
4. Launch the software on the computer, then click the Acquire button.
5. Close the door on the camera slightly so some light can get in and you can see the mouse pad on the computer screen.
6. Adjust the focus on the actual camera lens until the letters on the mouse pad are in focus, then remove the mouse pad.
7. Place the plate in the center of the tray and make sure it is in the center of the photo path (on the computer screen).
8. Close all doors on the camera and ensure there are no light leaks.
9. Make sure there are no lights turned on in the cabinet and that the filter wheel is set to “1.”
10. Set the software settings on the computer.
1. No lights on.
2. Resolution to “Normal/Ultra.”
3. Nothing should be checked in the boxes but “noise reduction.”
4. Set the exposure time to 6min for the first time.
11. Click on Acquire Image.
12. It is recommended you take several images of the plate at different exposure times as each camera, assay, and setup is different. Other suggested image times are1 minute, 2 minutes, and 4 minutes.