Fixed Cameras
The following is a list of parts for building an image acquisition apparatus. We have also prepared a PDF step-by-step assembly guide for your convenience.
| Component | Suggested Vendor and Part | Relevant Features and Purpose | Approximate Price (USD) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Vision Technologies (AVT) Marlin F146B CCD Camera | Edmund Optics part NT59-031 | Firewire connection; 1392 x 1040 resolution; 4.65 micron x 4.65 micron pixels; 10 bit pixel depth; monochrome; easily removable IR-blocking filter (must be removed). Time lapse acquisition is controlled by provided software that runs on a Windows or Linux-based computer. | $2,230 | 1 |
| Mounting plate adapter for Marlin cameras | Edmund Optics part NT59-157 | This small metal plate with holes tapped for 1/4-20 screws is needed to secure the camera to the mounting brackets. | $12 | 1 |
| Mounting brackets, 90 degree angle | Newport Corp. part 360-90 | Two right-angled metal brackets bolt together to make a stable horizontal mount for the camera. The third bracket is used to support the sample holder fixture. | $69 | 3 |
| Macro video zoom lens 18-108 mm | Qioptiq Imaging Solutions part MVZL | The MVZL works well in the IR, not all 18-108 mm zoom lenses do. Purchase the MVZL from Bob Hanrahan at Qioptiq (585-223-2370 ext 112). Edmund Optics expects to have this lens for sale as part 52-274 in early 2008. A very similar lens that will work but which does not focus the IR as well around the edges is the NT58-240 from Edmund Optics. | $499 | 1 |
| Infrared longpass filter | Edmund Optics part NT54-753 | The Hoya R-72 glass of this filter passes only wavelengths greater than 720 nm. Its 52 mm diameter matches the threaded front of the MVZL lens. | $49 | 1 |
| Linear translation stages | Newport Corp. part TSX-1D | These manual dovetail slides provide control of x, y, and z positions of the sample holder fixture. | $166 | 3 |
| Magnetic base mount | Newport Corp. part MB-3 | This unit has 1/4-20 tapped holes so that the angle brackets can be bolted to a stable base that magnetically grips the steel base plate | $71 | 2 |
| Screw set | Newport Corp. part SK-25A | Screws for bolting the components together are not provided with the angle brackets, slides, or bases. This optional but useful kit of various 1/4-20 screws includes everything necessary for assembly. | $49 | 1 |
| Steel base plate | Acquire locally | A smooth and flat 1/4 inch (6 mm) steel plate approximately 16 x 24 inches provides a stable platform for the entire apparatus. | $50 | 1 |
| Infrared backlight | Edmund Optics part NT55-819 (50 mm x 50 mm) or part NT55-393 (100 mm x 100 mm) | The unit consists of an LED array and a diffusing mechanism for producing uniform irradiation of sample with 880 nm radiation that the camera detects but not the plants. Each apparatus requires its own backlight. The 100 mm x 100 mm backlight better illuminates larger samples. | $590 or $680 | 1 |
| Basic current source for backlight panel | Edmund Optics part NT56-440 | The single output (24 VDC, 1.25 A) model controls one backlight. The dual output model (NT56-441) can drive two separate backlights. | $250 | 1 |
| Petri plate holder | Custom made; see technical drawings below | Milled from acrylic, the holder clamps a round or square 100 mm Petri plate perpendicular to the optical path of the lens. The holder is bolted to a 360 series 90° angle bracket, which is bolted to the MB-3 base, which magnetically grips to the steel base plate. | $20 | 1 |
Technical Drawings
The following technical drawings are available for the Petri plate holder:
Application Notes
- A single computer can operate multiple AVT Marlin cameras simultaneously but problems may occur if the Firewire adapter card in the computer is not based on a TI chipset. AVT sells Firewire adapter cards with TI chipsets.
- Two backlights may be driven by one power supply using a splitter cable sold by 1stVision Inc., which is also an alternative vendor for several of the components listed above.