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HAWK-252/USER-MANUAL/REV1.0/02-20 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

This document provides detailed instructions for the operation of the Hawk 252 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 Hawk 252 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 the camera 

controls. 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 Hawk 252 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. 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. 

Summary of Contents for HAWK 252

Page 1: ...1 HAWK 252 USER MANUAL REV1 0 02 20 HAWK 252 Model HK252 CL USER MANUAL...

Page 2: ...ber 8 6 2 Computer Laptop System Requirements 8 6 3 Frame Grabber Requirements 8 7 XCAP IMAGING SOFTWARE 9 7 1 Downloading and Installing XCAP 9 7 2 Opening the Camera Configuration 9 7 3 Acquiring a...

Page 3: ...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 Hawk 252 is shown in Figure 1 2 CAMERA CARE 2 1 Cleaning the...

Page 4: ...sensitive imaging 50 lux 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 t...

Page 5: ...HAWK 252 USER MANUAL REV1 0 02 20 4 DESIGN OVERVIEW 4 1 Mechanical Model Units shown in mm and inches PDF of mechanical model available from our website https www raptorphotonics com products hawk 25...

Page 6: ...et point temperature For low ambient temperatures or with additional heat sinking less than 5W may be applied to the TEC to achieve the set point 4 4 Mounting to a Tripod or Optical Table The camera h...

Page 7: ...age that is offered with all Raptor cameras 5 2 Custom Software Interfacing The EPIX frame grabbers are the models that we offer with our cameras We offer their Software Development Kit SDK for interf...

Page 8: ...This should be labelled on the mini PC that is sent with the demo kit 6 2 Computer Laptop System Requirements The basic system requirement is that the PCIe bus of the system must provide sufficient b...

Page 9: ...Pre release version with support for the latest cameras and latest PIXCI imaging boards Open the downloaded file when complete and follow the onscreen instructions in the installation wizard If a pop...

Page 10: ...trol parameters set to the default states Open w Last used Video Setup will open the control panel with all parameters set at the last known state Once this option between the two has been selected cl...

Page 11: ...o data from the camera The imaging statistics displayed directly underneath the imaging window will also inform you if you are receiving a video feed from the camera Once you have established a serial...

Page 12: ...using the Automatic Light Control ALC When the ALC is enabled the camera will automatically adjust the exposure and gain of the camera based on the ALC parameters set Adjusting the ALC parameters is...

Page 13: ...runs only at 25Hz This will eventually be adjusted so that a few different discrete frame rate options can be selected The trigger state of the camera can also be adjusted By default the camera is se...

Page 14: ...the active ROI This value will be calculated in real time i e as pixel data in the ROI is captured from the sensor it is fed directly to an accumulator At the end of the frame the accumulator is divi...

Page 15: ...igure 9 The active ROI for the ALC can be adjusted from the Auto ROI tab in the XCAP GUI shown in Figure 10 The ROI can be moved to within a resolution of 8 pixels in the X and Y axis and the ROI size...

Page 16: ...cted Raw Data Test Pattern 1 Test Pattern 2 By default the camera will be running in Gain Corrected which is what Raptor recommends using the camera in If wanting to obtain the raw data from the camer...

Page 17: ...e that the gain correction is performed Raptor recommends keeping the TEC set point at 15 C The TEC set point can be set lower but there is a delta limit between the sensor and PCB temperature Therefo...

Page 18: ...on XCAP has the controls for the horizontal flip and the micro reset shown in Figure 13 By default the camera will have horizontal flip enabled which flips the image in the Y axis There is also a but...

Page 19: ...factures Data The Info tab displays the manufacturers data of the camera such as the firmware version serial number etc The sensor and PCB temperature can also be read from this tab The Info tab is sh...

Page 20: ...frame grabber settings can be saved in the Preset tab under the PIXCI relevant frame grabber model number section of the GUI as shown in Figure 12 Up to three different presets can be saved per setti...

Page 21: ...or recommends having this enabled at all times when imaging the camera In the contrast modification box that can be seen from Figure 14 select Stretch Contrast Histogram Percentile Endpoints and click...

Page 22: ...22 HAWK 252 USER MANUAL REV1 0 02 20 CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS Raptor Photonics LTD Willowbank Business Park Larne Co Antrim BT40 2SF Northern Ireland PH 44 2828 270141 www raptorphotonics com...

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