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PDFs available for Remote Control Accessory, RCA

Remote Control Accessory, RCA

Lumencor’s newest light engine option is a handheld RCA or remote control accessory. The RCA enables light engine users illuminator control without the need for a dedicated computer or third party software. The RCA, in SPECTRA control mode, allows the user to customize the view by renaming the individual excitation bands, toggle between them, adjust output power levels as well as save the settings for quick recall during subsequent use. It connects directly to the serial port of the SPECTRA light engine; it can detect the connection and automatically display the SPECTRA control menus. It can be used with other SPECTRA accessories such as the Camera Interface Accessory (CIA). The RCA provides SPECTRA users direct light engine control, as well as control via a computer interface, with Lumencor software or 3rd party software. The RCA, in SOLA control mode, allows the user to adjust the output power level and will save the setting for quick recall. The output may be enabled or disabled externally by a camera, manual switch or computer via serial port connection. The RCA, in Uniblitz emulation mode, will respond to Uniblitz shutter on/off commands to turn on/off the SOLA output. In combination with any light engine, the RCA enables easy control – even for hard to reach light engines such as those directly coupled to an inaccessible microscope illuminator mount. The RCA has a 4 line LCD display for real-time display of light engine settings and states. In addition, the RCA allows the user to customize the RCA’s own display, leading to the ultimate in flexibility and ease of light engine communications for individual users and core facilities.

SPECIFICATIONS

SOLA and RCA setup (no PC)
In this configuration, the RCA is stand-alone and communicates with the light engine via the RS-232 serial cable to send commands for on/off control of the light output and for adjustment of the output power level (0-100%). Power for the RCA comes from the AC-to-DC power supply (country-specific) that plugs into the USB-mini connector on the back of the RCA. The yellow toggle switch on the RCA is used to turn on/off power to the RCA. In addition to the on/off control of the source via the RCA keypad, the SOLA light engine may also be turned on/off manually with an external switch (e.g. foot switch, optional purchase) or by the expose out signal from a camera connected to the RCA. A DIN-to-BNC(dual) adapter is included with the RCA for this purpose. The switch or camera is connected to one of the two BNC connectors and then must be configured in the RCA SOLA menu.

SOLA and RCA setup (with PC)
In this configuration, both the PC and the RCA can communicate with the light engine via the RS-232 serial cable to send commands for on/off control of the light output and for adjustment of the output power level (0-100%). Power for the RCA comes from the USB-to-USBmini cable connected between the PC and the RCA. This cable also provides communications between the PC and the RCA and/or the SOLA. The yellow toggle switch on the RCA is used to turn on/off power to the RCA. In addition to the on/off control of the source via the RCA keypad, the SOLA light engine may also be turned on/ off manually with an external switch (e.g. foot switch, optional purchase, not pictured) or by the expose out signal from a camera (not pictured) connected to the RCA. A DIN-to-BNC(dual) adapter is included with the RCA for this purpose. The switch or camera may be connected to one of the two BNC connectors and then must be configured in the RCA SOLA menu.