Computer Control of Microscope Motion

The true pioneer in the development of motorized XYZ for microscopes is Marzhauser in Germany. The factory is located in Wetzlar near the original E. Leitz microscope works. VISIT: www.marzhauser.com and www.tango-pci.de

Here you will se a Motic BA400 biological microscope set up for scanning of single glass micro slides. The new EK14 stepper motor stage is then connected to the latest TANGO PCI card and the fine focus drive (MFD2) is then secured to the fine focus shaft for precision focusing controls (manual and autofocus).

A unique feature of the EK14 stage is the option to have a coaxial drive shaft (right) to activate the stepper motors of the stage (xy). This is an alternative to the usual joystick or trackball. Further, a new 3D mouse input controller will be offered to ergonomically control X, Y and Z movements. The EK14 connects to the Motic BA 400 stage bracket with a single lock-down bolt and is easily set up in the field without drilling, tapping holes and collimation. Versions of the EK14 are available for use on upright microscopes from Nikon, Olympus, Zeiss and Leica.

Customized configurations involving the ultra-precision SCAN 75x30 stage (better than 1 micron repeatability) are offered. This photo shows a Bunton MACRO-ZOOM FL being used in conjunction with the latest Marzhauser stage and Tango DT (desktop) control box. This unit includes the same 2 or 3 axis TANGO card with a power supply. This means the stage may be used without a PC. It also means that you can connect to a PC (including your laptop) via the USB2 cable shown. Typical input may be with joystick, trackball or 3D mouse.

TANGO controls are also available for use with the fine MARZHAUSER micromanipulators with stepper motors. Bunton also will begin selling the manual measuring stages manipulators and positioners that made Marzhauser famous around the world in the industrial and life science arenas.

Alternative PCI cards and software are also available. Modules to control image acquisition with a digital camera are now offered by Objective Imaging VISIT: www.objectiveimaging.com Bunton Instrument is ready to discuss your requirements, questions and look forward to an opportunity to present you with a proposal.