Properly orienting a Dino-Lite for fast and accurate alignment
This blog post will explore options to help with optimal viewing by positioning and orienting your Dino-Lite microscope, to eliminate any difficulty in bringing the exact point of interest into view. By properly orienting your Dino-Lite, using camera adjustments, and incorporating various accessories and holsters, you can cut wasted time from your workflow, and get the imaging results you need.
Consistent Sensor Alignment
Every Dino-Lite sensor is aligned with the housing in the same way. The large Dino-Lite logo runs along the same edge of the body as the “top” of the camera sensor.
This color-coded image shows how to install the Dino-Lite so that your in-person view will correspond more closely with the live view on the screen when viewing subjects.
Note the green arrow, which indicates the direction of the top of the sensor.
Traditional Orientation of Your Dino-Lite
As shown above, to align the Dino-Lite with your view and the screen view, while it is in the traditional position, facing downward, make sure the Dino-Lite logo is facing away from you. When you are looking at the microscope, the magnification dial should be on the left side.
Camera Adjustments
For inverted installations, we have camera adjustments that can help with orientation in our DinoCapture 2.0,and DinoCapture 3.0 beta for Windows.
Press the wrench button on the video preview window to open the camera adjustment window.
In this panel, you will find a section called Mirror.
For an inverted scope, you’ll want to check the horizontal and vertical boxes. Not only is this helpful when the Dino-Lite is inverted, but it is also great for left-handed users when using a Dino-Lite handheld.
The buttons at the bottom of the camera adjustment window let you Import or Export video settings, restore default settings, and Load the current setting on startup.
After making your selections, click the OK button to confirm and close the window.
Use of Accessories and Holsters
With the understanding of how the camera sensor is aligned with the housing of the Dino-Lite, it’s a great time to review some accessories that can help with positioning and workflow.
SS-M2 Petri Dish Holder
SS-M2 is a height-adjustable Petri dish holder designed for the RK-10A stand.
Some users place the Petri dish at the bottom, with the Dino-Lite digital microscope viewing from above.
You can also invert the Dino-Lite to inspect from below.
Remember to use mirror options within the Camera Adjustment settings to more easily move your subject.
HD-M2A Low-Profile Metal Screw Grip Holster
The HD-M2A is a popular holster that securely keeps the Dino-Lite from moving or slipping, especially within industrial environments.
The HD-M2A metal holder is designed to firmly attach the Dino-Lite to a stand. It features a screw lock for easy mounting and detachment, and you can rotate the Dino-Lite in place before securing it, which is helpful for angled installations.
The HD-M2A features two, 10mm mounting holes, to install the Dino-Lite on a stand in either a vertical or horizontal orientation.
If your setup uses ½” rods, the HD-M2B is available with holes those size, but otherwise the same design.
HD-M2A Holster and RK-10-PX2 Positioning Arm Combination
Many Dino-Lite stands feature a focus adjustment dial, to aid in focusing when the digital microscope is installed in the downward, or upward facing position.
To create a focus adjustment option while in the horizontal position, the RK-10-PX2 can be used with the HD-M2A. This will grant users full control of the X, Y, and Z axis position of the Dino-Lite.
MSA3M Metal Secure Snap-in Holster
The MSA3M metal holster for Dino-Lite microscopes ensures secure and consistent positioning. To use this holster properly, ensure the magnification dial is exposed, and the holster is snapped into the edges of the magnification dial opening. Consequently, using the MSA3M will always provide a fixed orientation.
Many applications prefer this, to that users can have a uniform view every time the Dino-Lite is powered on.
Remember to use mirror options within the Camera Adjustment settings if you install this inverted.
MSA2T – Angle Flexibility Add-on
We also offer the MSA2T optional add-on accessory for angled positioning.
This attachment lets users benefit from a taller viewing height on their RK-10A stands and provides additional rotation for angled viewing.
The MSA2T is an optional accessory, the RK-10A stand is sold separately.
Conclusion
Mastering the orientation of your Dino-Lite microscope is essential for achieving accurate and efficient viewing. Proper orientation techniques, utilizing camera adjustments, and incorporating compatible accessories can enhance your microscopy experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these tips and tools will empower you to unlock the full potential of your Dino-Lite microscope.
