software control
Graphical User Interface (GUI): A Lumencor GUI is available to independently control the switching and
intensity of each of the light sources within the light engine via serial communications from your lab computer. Either a RS-232 or a USB connection (with the Lumencor-supplied USB-to-RS232 cable) may be used to connect the lab computer to your light engine. The GUI can be downloaded and installed in minutes and provides the user a quick start way to begin using the light engine. The GUIs run under Windows XP, Vista or 7.
If you are running an older version of Windows OS you may need to install the driver for the special USB-to-RS232 cable. If so just click on this link, CDM20814_Setup, to install the driver.
Two GUIs are available for AURA; one for Live Cell and one for Fixed Cell configurations. Either GUI can be used for 3, 4 or 5 color AURAs.
- AURA Live Cell GUI Instructions
- AURA Live Cell GUI Download (614 KB Zip)
- AURA Fixed Cell GUI Instructions
- AURA Fixed Cell GUI Download (262 KB Zip)
The SPECTRA GUI may be used to control a 2 through 7 color SPECTRA or a SPECTRAX.
The SOLA GUI can be installed by downloading and running the installer below.
Third Party lab software: Lumencor light engines are supported by a number of popular lab software products. Depending on your application, the hardware interface from the lab computer to the light engine may be accomplished via the TTL port, the serial port or both together. Each interface is described below to help you decide.
Follow the links below for information on downloading and installing the driver(s) of choice. The list is growing and if you don’t see a particular product listed, don’t hesitate to inquire.
| LAB SOFTWARE PROGRAM | AURA | SPECTRA7 | SPECTRA-X | SOLA | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ImageProPlus (RS-232 only) | -- | -- | -- | -- | Still under development |
| ImageProPlus (RS-232 + TTL) | -- | -- | -- | n/a | Still under development |
| iVision-Mac (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | Go to BioVision website for details. biovis.com |
| iVision-Mac (RS-232 + TTL) | yes | yes | yes | n/a | Go to BioVision website for details. biovis.com |
| LabView (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | ↓ Download DLL (146MB) |
| LabView (RS-232 + TTL) | yes | yes | yes | n/a | DLL available from Lumencor. |
| Matlab (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | Sample code available from Lumencor. ↓ Download Matlab Driver |
| Matlab (RS-232 + TTL) | -- | -- | -- | n/a | Sample code available from Lumencor. |
| MetaMorph (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | Available from Molecular Devices as a part of the current code build. Go to moleculardevices.com |
| MetaMorph (RS-232 + TTL) | yes | yes | yes | n/a | Available from Molecular Devices as a part of the current code build. Go to moleculardevices.com |
| MicroManager (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | Available from Micro-Manager as part of the current code build. Go to micro-manager.org |
| MicroManager (RS-232 + TTL) | yes | yes | yes | n/a | Available from Micro-Manager as part of the current code build. Go to micro-manager.org |
| NIS-Elements (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | Available from NIS-Elements as part of the current code build. Go to nis-elements.com |
| NIS-Elements (RS-232 + TTL) | yes | yes | yes | n/a | Available from NIS-Elements as part of the current code build. Go to nis-elements.com |
| SlideBook (RS-232 only) | yes | yes | yes | yes | Available from Intelligent Imaging Solutions as part of the current code build. Go to slidebook.com. |
| SlideBook (RS-232 + TTL) | yes | yes | yes | n/a | Available from Intelligent Imaging Solutions as part of the current code build. Go to slidebook.com. |
TTL Interface: In applications where only the full intensity and precise on/off timing of each light source is desirable, then interfacing to the TTL port on the light engine would be the appropriate control interface option. The interface specifications are available in the following downloads.
RS-232 Interface: The RS-232 interface supports intensity control of each light source and on/off control. The serial commands are defined in the Interface Documents for AURA, SPECTRA (2-7 or X) or SOLA. Just download the appropriate document below.
Remote Control Accessory (RCA): The RCA may be used to control either a SPECTRA (2-7), SPECTRA X or SOLA. Operation of the RCA is described in the manual below. The RCA firmware may be upgraded in the field. Just download the zipfile below which contains everything that you’ll need for the upgrade.