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Micro-EX User Manual

1. rr 6 2 MAKING 7 The Camera Connection Diagram 7 Connecting MiTo EX To Ga eese tat Nh ada 7 7 INIcro B er endo utes sent e sd qa 8 ETE 8 Connecting the Micro EX to your Computer for 2 5 9 SOW Es Leno 9 merits S 9 Attaching the Video Cable to Micro EX 22 2222252 0001 0000000000000000005552 0 000000000500 0 10 10 Checking out the Miero EX Tor the First ed ore bed ter animu tas 11 3 Operating Micro EX 15 Imnamno Methods EE EE OS 15 m 15 TTE 16 SLICETIS 16 Amp low and Warm PIXE eost etate can tede A pu ub uten telo ten SUE Rude 16 Controlling the Micro EX by Hand ee PY sv PT Ee eov E eU ense Ss 18 The Moon Fixed EXpOSure
2. qid tud Qo eden RD eL 46 SENSE ET 47 o bdr era 48 EENS E N P 49 BRIGHTNESS 50 50 COLOR PEE UR 51 ANC CAULO White COfHpensatioli 51 52 DAYS NIOH PEE 53 EFFEC CE 55 MOTION 57 57 58 GAMMA 58 59 MONITOR Ncc Ts 59 TS 60 60 TI 61 Appendix B On Screen Display OSD 1 62 Appendix Installing the MCV 65 Appendix D Installing RS485 5 52 68 FES 4 55 COMMU CATIONS O odeut ses od 68 SB to RS232 AG apie ORE 69 Installing the USB to RS232 Adapter Windows 7 8 Specific 202215 0004 000400060000500000 69 Oh No Driver did Nota
3. 5 un 74 Now all we need to do is start the video display software of your choice to display the image Remember what ever software choice you made to display the image from the Micro Ex if will have an option that allows you to choose the Video Capture Adapter s driver x2828 for MCV Once you chosen the driver you should now see an image of what the Micro EX is capturing Micro EX User Manual Page 10 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Checking out the Micro EX for the First Time Now is the fime to do a quick check of the Micro EX to see if you can obtain a video signal This walk through assumes you have a monitor with a Composite input capabilities or a Laptop with a Video Capture Device attached and configured along with Video Display Software Attach your Micro EX to your telescope and keep the lens cover on your telescope and power up your Micro EX start your Video Display Software if using a Computer It is best to check out your Micro EE in the daytime so you can more easily image an object Now depending upon the settings of the Micro EX camera your screen may be very colourful with specks dancing around the screen around the screen Don t worry this is normal as we have not yet adjusted the settings Press and release the Centre Button 5 on the Connection Diagram on the Back of the Micro EX or at the end of the Remote if using Micro Ex Wired If everything is connected and powered corre
4. then if the is left alone for about 3 minutes the Onscreen Menu will shut down and the camera will revert all of its settings to the last time a SAVE EXIT was performed Micro EX User Manual Page 28 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Deep Sky Objects Stacking Method You have pushed the Micro EX to 2 1 seconds or even higher seconds but now you need to take the plunge and push the Micro EX to the edge We do this by having the camera internally stack the images before displaying them It is possible to stack five 17 second images to perform an equivalent of 85 second exposure We will walk through just stacking three 8 4 second exposures You have the telescope set up and the Micro EX attached to the eyepiece holder the video cables are attached fo your monitor and power is connected to everything You are feeling very confident with the equipment and using the buttons to select the setting options on the Micro EX Time for some more fun The recommended starting settings for imaging dim Deep Sky Objects are displayed below The instructions will walk you through setting these values into the Micro EX EXPOSURE ICON EXPOSURE NORMAL gt SENSE UP OFF gt AGC LOW gt LENS o ELECTRIC o SPEED X512 this is about 8 4 seconds gt BRIGHTNESS start at 40 COLOR ICON gt COLOR RGB ATW auto DAY amp NIGHT ICON gt DAY EFFEC ICON gt SHARPNESS 20 ENHANCE ICON gt GAMMA 1 gt 3D
5. Version 1 0 Michael Burns Rock Mallin Micro EX User Manual This document will introduce you to the wonders of the MallinCam Micro EX Camera It will include instructions on how to connect the Micro EX to your computer along with explanations of the 5 various settings Imaging techniques with the various hardware and software options will be covered The standard Composite Video output will be discussed along with hints and suggestions on how to resolve any problems that you encounter with this camera Enjoy the adventure with Rock Mallin s Micro EX Video camera which will introduce you to the amazing field of near Real Time video imaging Micro EX User Manual Page Revision Sheet Revision History Revision Description 6 05 2014 Template Creation and Micro EX Wired Micro EX User Manual Page ii Table of Contents Revision OOo i ii Table OF Contents ceo pH One oe OR mnia NO Pneu adl CI do 0 Mec erede 2 The Contents of the Micro EX Package c eere eee eee eee eese 3 MallinC am Miero EX Deluxe iat e PRO DM oO 3 Micro EFEX Opuonal Caples 3 MallinCam Micro EX with Wired Remote Package 3 The Camera Just the FACS ipe 5 Camera 5
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8. 18 A Bright Star or Bright Deep Sky Object Extended Exposure sese 24 Deep Sky Objects Stacking Method rt Eder 20 Controlling Micro EX by Computer eee 1 erect e eee ettet eee tette ettet esee 34 Ale RequiEe ie nts uia medio das aote quid te Io ip tud titer arto 34 Attaching the T Rt 35 Using MControlMicro Software to control the 35 ics as xa caesar dida DS tet ride 35 Starune Miro EX SOR 36 Connecting to Night Skies Network 5 38 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 A APPEN EOS 45 Appendix A On Screen Display OSD 45 MENU coded Eo cde dud 45 EXPOSURE MAIN an deis neut 45 bna utendi 45 NORMA Ue M M 45 BEC Black Licht OmipenSallOn Ra RU Delos din qud tud oos 46 WDR OW bite Dynamic
9. USB2 0 FID AV Grabber with Install Drivers Install DVR2 5 Install DirectX 9 0C User Guide gt Browse Exit e You may receive a Windows warning asking you if you want to allow the installation to run Click Yes e Follow the instructions on the Installation of USB Video Audio Device Driver Wizard that is displayed on the desktop e The installation takes under a minute Once complete you will be presented with a notification windows click Finish with the Yes want to restart my computer now option selected e The computer will restart Login in as you normally would e You don t need to install any of the other files from the HD AV Grabber installer Step 3 Checking out the MCV 1 MCV 1e It is always a good idea to check out the MCV 1e to see if it is running correctly after you have done a first time installation e Start the Image software that you will using to display your Micro EX Video image such as AmpCap SharpCap VirtualDub Micro EX User Manual Page 66 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 e Inthe Video Device menu you should see a Video Source called USB 2828x Device This is the driver for either the MCV 1 or MCV 1e device This is the one we want Select it e Power up your Signature and you should be able to see the camera s images on the video window of your software Oh No the video is not working correctly strange stuff is happening and it is n
10. 4 5 6 17 TOP 1 247216 Y 5 153 LEFT 1 29 216 Y 5 153 RIGHT X 29 216 5 153 BOTTON 1 29 216 5 153 MOVE 1 29 216 Y 5 153 ENHANCE GAMMA 0 3 0 45 0 6 1 0 3D DNR 0 5 MONITOP CRT LCD DPC OFF AUTO SYSTEM COMM ID 0 254 TITLE OFF ON Supports for up to 16 characters Micro EX User Manual Page 64 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Appendix C Installing the MCV The MCV 1 and the MCV 1e both come nicely packed in its own see through packaging The installation procedures will be the same for either package The following are the techniques I have used on 4 different computers 3 laptops and 1 desktop Some are 32 bit and others are 64 bit all run windows 7 have not encountered any problems installing this way Do some pre planning to minimize frustration that may occur when Windows gets a bit temperamental use both the MallinCam Micro EX and the MallinCam Signature exclusively with computer control so needed to assign one USB port for my video input MCV and another USB port for my serial cable Belkin USB Serial cable even label which port is which on my lap top just in case I forget I will always use the same port for each device so that will not have multiple versions of the drivers for multiple USB ports you are just teasing the windows gods if you mix and match and they will get even The MCV 1 and MCV 1e are heavy and depending upon your computer s manufacturer the MCV may put
11. CENTRE Button display the LENS MENU RETURNS Step 8 Using the RIGHT Button select a soeed such as 1 10000 Then move to the RETURN selection and press the CENTRE Button return to EXPOSURE MENU Step 9 Use the DOWN Button to select the BRIGHTNESS feature and adjust this to your preferences using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons 40 is always a good place to start Micro EX User Manual Page 21 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Depending upon your personal preferences we will now adjust the DAY amp NIGHT Option on the Micro EX Step 10 Step 11 Step 12 While on the EXPOSURE MENU select the EXIT choice at the bottom of the menu and press the CENTRE Button to close the EXPOSURE MENU and Return to the ICON MENU Using the RIGHT Button select the DAY amp NIGHT ICON and press the CENTRE Button display its menu AY amp NI GHT RETURN4 With the MODE choice selected use the RIGHT or LEFT Button to select either DAY or NIGHT depending upon your preference Now use the DOWN Button to select the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN to the ICON MENU We will now set the sharpness value like to start at 10 but you can adjust this any value that best suits your system The SHARPNESS feature is located in the EFFECT ICON Menu System Step 13 Using the LEFT or RIGHT Button select the EFFECT ICON and press the CENTRE Button to display the EFFECT Menu Now using the DOWN
12. DNR 3 gt DPC AUTO Micro EX User Manual Page 29 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 So we will adjust the Micro EX to match these settings Remember these settings are just a starting point you may need to tweak them for your telescope set up Step 1 With your Telescope still covered Press the Centre Button on the back of the Micro EX or the Centre Button on the Remote Wired Keypad lt ICON MENU screen will appear on your monitors screen zar au Step 2 With EXPOSURE ICON selected Press the Centre Button to display the EXPOSURE MENU EXPOSURE gt ps GJ m agi ec SENSE UP AGC LENS BRIGHTNESS 40 EXIT RETURN4 Step 3 With the EXPOSURE Mode selected Press the RIGHT Button enough times to set it to NORMAL Step 4 Using the DOWN Button select SENSE UP then using the LEFT or RIGHT Button ensure its setting is OFF Micro EX User Manual Page 30 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Step 5 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Using the DOWN Button select AGC then using the LEFT or RIGHT Button set its value to LOW this is required for stacking Sean tae Ya SE ELECTR 1 mm 40 RETURN 4 LENS BRIGHTNESS EXIT From the EXPOSURE MENU use the DOWN Button to select LENS option then press the CENTRE Button fo display the LENS MENU LENS RETURN4 Using the RIGHT Button select the speed value x512 Then move to the RETURN selection and press t
13. ENHANCE MONITOR e DPC SYSTEM COMM ID e TITLE EXIT OSD user manual 6 2014 This model is very convenient with the menu function You could visit and view the menu on screen by operating five buttons at the back of the camera s Press the MENU button ta access MAIN MENU use this button to enter a menu or to select a menu option Use UP and DOWN buttons to move vertically between menus and options Use LEFT and RIGHT buttons to move horizontally between menus and options Note You must use SAVE EXIT else your changes will revert back when the OSD Menu closes Micro EX User Manual Page 62 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 EXPOSURE EXPOSURE NORMAL BLC WDR HLI SENSE UP OFF X2 X4 X8 X16 X132 X64 X128 X256 X512 4 X102 OFF LOW MIDDLE HIGH LENS ELECTR DC IRIS BRIGHTNESS 0 99 COLOR MODE ATW AWB MANUAL PUSH MODE AUTO DAY NIGHT SMART LED BURST DAY GHT 0 255 NIGHT DAY 0 255 DELAY TIME 0 10 CDS START 0 255 CDS END 0 255 EFFECT MIRROR OFF HORI VERT ROTATE SHARPNESS 0 49 Micro EX User Manual Page 63 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 MOTLON DET MOTION DET OFF ON ALARM MODE QOFF MESSAGE AREA SENSI TIVITY 120 AREA SELECT 1 2 3 4 MODE OFF ON STARE X Y 0 15 X Y 0 15 OUTPUT TIMED 10 AUTO ZOOM OFF ON PRIVACY MASK SELECT 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MODE COLOR 0 1 2 3
14. ICON MENU We will now set the sharpness value like to start at 10 but you can adjust this any value that best suits your system The SHARPNESS feature is located in the EFFECT ICON Menu System Micro EX User Manual Page 26 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Step 12 Using the LEFT or RIGHT Button select the EFFECT ICON and press the CENTRE Button to display the EFFECT Menu Now using the DOWN Button select the SHARPNESS choice and adjust your preference using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons When satisfied move to the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN fo the ICON MENU We will now ensure that the GAMMA is set to 1 again your choice and that 3D DNR is set to 0 and that DPC is OFF of these features are located in the ENHANCE ICON MENU Step 14 Using the LEFT or RIGHT Button select the ENHANCE ICON and press the CENTRE Button to display the ENHANCE Menu Now using the Button set GAMMA to 1 0 3D DRN 0 and DPC to OFF When satisfied move to the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN to the ICON MENU You should now have some starting settings to image your bright Deep Sky Object You must save these settings by going to the EXIT ICON and choosing SAVE EXIT Micro EX User Manual Page 27 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 screen will jump bit while the Micro EX saves your settings then the Menu system will shut down If you do not perform a
15. Mallincam Micro EX to USB cable Mallincam dual power video coble Micro EX AC to DC power adapter Micro EX camera Harware Requirements A USB to RS232 Adapter that attaches to MallinCam s Optional Micro EX cable This combination allows software to communicate from the computer to the Micro EX Software Requirements The current software packages are Free gt Control Micro EX by Stephan Lalonde that allows you to access the back buttons from the camera but through software Paid gt Astrolive by Kyle Goodwin at Astro Precision Each software has its pros and cons depending upon what you require the software do but since most will use Stephane s Control Micro EX will demonstrate how to install it and use this piece of software Micro EX User Manual Page 34 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Attaching the 5485 Cable Once the USB adapter is installed and the drivers loaded see Appendix D Installing RS485 Communications and the MallinCam RS485 cable is attached it is time to connect it to the Micro EX Locate the small guide notch on both the cable and the AUTO IRIS Port on the Micro EX will be on lower right when looking at the back of the camera Align the notches and plug in the 85485 cable The cable end will also be pointing down The fit will be snug so a little pressure will be required to properly seat the cable into the Micro EX You will notice that w
16. SKIES NETWORK SPONSORED BY MALLINCAM Click an image below to view the broadcast You can also click on the channel s with red names below You will be presented with the screen for NSN Again enter your Username and Password and click on Publish Channel button CHANNEL LAUNCH SIGN IN NIGHT SKIES NETWORK SPONSORED BY MALLINCAM Please verify your login to broadcast Channel Username 5 Password Publish Channel Step 7 The window will pop up on your screen asking you for permission to use your camera and your microphone Select Allow Waterloo Observatory STOP Sound EFFects 4 Waterloo Observatory Channel Chat Viewers 1 Welcome 42 Waterloo Observatoi NetConnection Connect Success You are broadcasting on channel Waterloo Observatory Welcome NetConnection Call Failed Adobe Flash Player Settings E Camera and Microphone Access vww nightskiesnetwork com is requesting access to your camera and microphone 00 19 If you click Allow you may be recorded m m 0 Allow Deny Micro EX User Manual Page 40 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Turn off your Microphone Until you have your microphone figured out it is best to initially turn it off If you do not the viewers on NSN may hear a loud buzzing feedback noise Later on we will look at using the microphone but until then recommend CLICKING on the little microphone symbol on the upper r
17. download or CD option you chose will be to reinsert the USB to RS232 Adapter back into you USB Port and windows should finish the installation process and then display success popup menu with the COM Port it has assigned to your Adapter Micro EX User Manual Page 71 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Step 2 y Connect the USB to RS232 Adapter to RSR232 RS485 Connector You now need to connect the RS232 Adapter to the RS232 end of the RS232 RS485 Connector that came with your kit It will only connect one way 65232 Adapter RS232 RS485 Connector p Connect the Micro EX to the RS232 RS45 Connector Now connect the 5485 end of the RS232 RS485 Connector to the provided Micro Ex Cable and insert the IRIS end of the cable into the IRIS port on the back of the Micro EX Your communications path is now complete and you should be able to control your Micro EX through software As mentioned in the Connecting Micro EX to Computer section You must ensure that the Micro EX has the COMM ID is set to 1 and that this is saved as the default for the camera SYSTEM Cd EF a RS 485 PELCO D BAUDRATE 9600 TITLE OFF LANGUAGE ENGLISH M EXIT RETURN 4 Micro EX User Manual Page 72 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Appendix E Accessories for the Micro EX Upscaler Digital View Finder 8 Monitor 12 and 15 Monitor 2 C mount adapter Micro EX User Manual Page 7
18. even Color Day or Black and White Night a blue menu selection indicator in color You can adjust the color images with the The AUTO option is also available but it settings inside the COLOR MENU and its adjustments really don t have a role in astro imaging Micro EX User Manual Page 53 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 NIGHT This setting will now display the images in Black and White When in NIGHT Mode you also have the ability to set the BURST to either ON or OFF find ON is easier to read the menus but on bright objects you may get some flare as the camera pushes the values AUTO DAY amp NIGHT MODE DAY GHT 160 NIGHT PDAY 120 1 DELAY TIME EXIT RETURN 4 This allows the Micro EX to determine if it should go into DAY or NIGHT Mode depending upon the image This Mode does allow you some settings to adjust such as how long it should wait before shifting modes and what are the intensity trigger points it should use to determine if it should shift from DAY to NIGHT Micro EX User Manual Page 54 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Day gt Night The value ranges from 0 to 255 day mode switches to the night mode when the light condition reaches to the value you select Night gt Day The value ranges from 0 to 255 night mode switches to the day mode when the light condition reaches to the value you select Since the Micr
19. go into the ENHANCE Menu and match the selections on the image to the left You may want to experiment with the GAMMA value to produce an image that is bright enough for your equipment Finally EXIT the ENHANCE menu and choose the EXIT Icon Using the buttons select SAVE EXIT from the EXIT menu and e PS press the CENTRE button The camera will now save these settings as the default for R the next time you use it After the camera has saved these settings it will then close the ICON Menu IT I TIALIZE4 TURNS Micro EX User Manual Page 13 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 If you select the EXIT rather than the SAVE EXIT the ICON menu will shut down but the Micro EX will reset itself to the last saved settings These settings are just a starting point for your observations and you can adjust the settings to match both your equipment and seeing conditions The next step in your learning should be to read the OSD MENU Chapter in this manual to get an understanding what the settings do and how they react to each other This will save you hours of frustration when you are just adjusting the setting to try to improve your image If you do not press any of the buttons on the Micro EX for about 3 minutes the ICON menu will turn off and the camera will return to the last SAVED settings Micro EX User Manual Page 14 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 3 Operating the Micro EX The MallinCa
20. of the MallinCam Micro EX users before me have borrowed their ideas and even some of their documents and have placed them in the manual so that we have everything is in one place Special thanks to Jack Huerkamp for all the preliminary work he has done with this camera So thank you for your purchase and let the adventure begin Micro EX User Manual Page 2 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 The Contents of the Micro EX Package Depending upon the Micro EX Model purchased the contents may vary but all Micro EX Deluxe cameras include the following standard equipment MallinCam Micro EX Deluxe Package Micro EX camera body C mount to 1 25 eyepiece adapter AC power supply 25 feet video power cable BNC to RCA adapter VV VV WV Micro EX Optional Cables gt 2m RS 485 cable assembly These attachments will provide you with the ability to connect the Micro EX Video camera to your telescope power it using to a 120V AC power source and displaying your image on any device that accepts analog video via a composite connection The optional cables will allow you to control the Micro EX either through your computer See the Appendix for a list of other accessories available for the Micro EX MallinCam Micro EX with Wired Remote Package This version on the Micro EX has all controls and outputs on the back of the camera disabled Power BNC Auto IRIS and 5 buttons Connection to 12V power BNC composite video and control of
21. some strain on the USB port Therefore use a small 6 USB cable extender and plug the extender into the USB port for and plug the MCV into the other end of the extender Step 1 Open the Package When you open the package you will find gt 1 CD gt 1User s Manual MCV 1 1e Do not inset this into USB port until instructed e Take the instruction booklet and the mini CD and place them on the table If your computer cannot handle a mini CD you cannot physically lock the CD into the centre hole of the CD drive then you can down load the software by following the next step e Goto the MallincamUSA website and download the latest drivers for the MCV device http www mallincamusa com Files MVC 1 20Software 20CD zi This file is in a zip format so you will need to unzip the file You should see 5 folders and about 4 other files inside the unzipped folder Micro EX User Manual Page 65 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Step 2 Insert the MCV 1 or MCV 1e Remember the USB port you choose for the MCV you will always use this USB port for the MCV e The Windows will find new hardware and will attempt to load drivers It will most likely fail on one driver Don t worry that is why you have the driver installation software e Either insert the CD or run the program autorun exe in the folder of the file you downloaded e When you see the green USB 2 0 HD HV Grabber screen CLICK on the option Install Drivers
22. the cable will use e Match the Com port on Stephane s Micro EX e Connect and use Zengineering s USB Direct to Micro Cable Using a USB to RS232 Adapter Most of us already have a USB to RS232 Adapter so this connection path will be the one you may end up using so detailed instructions are provided Micro EX User Manual Page 68 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 The USB to RS232 Adapter To control the camera through the Micro EX RS485 Port you will require a way to communicate through a USB Port on your computer This is done through a RS232 Adapter Cable The ideal USB to RS232 Adapter is usually computer specific and sometimes Operating system specific When you purchase a USB to RS232 adapter purchase a brand name one that specifically states that it is 10076 compatible with your operating system There are some cheap prolific chip set knock offs that are incompatible with updated drivers Error 10 failure to load drivers MallinCam users have had no issue with USB to RS232 Adapters with the FTDI chipset On the Macintosh excellent results with adapters from Tripplite formerly Keyspan lOGear FTDI and TrendNet since these manufactures provide up to date drivers compatible with most versions of Mac OS X Step 1 Installing the USB to 5232 Adapter Windows 7 8 Specific Most USB to RS232 Adapters come with a CD that contains the driver for the adapter recommend using that CD as a last resort
23. to stack 3 images and that DPC is OFF All of these features are located in the ENHANCE ICON MENU Step 14 Using the LEFT or RIGHT Button select the ENHANCE ICON and press the CENTRE Button to display the ENHANCE Menu Now using the Button set GAMMA to 1 0 3D DRN 3 and DPC to OFF When satisfied move to the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN to the ICON MENU MONITOR EXIT RETURN Micro EX User Manual Page 32 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 You should now have some starting settings to image your dim Deep Sky Object You will see noise in your image if you start pushing the Micro EX too much Play with your settings to provide the best image possible You must save these settings by going to the EXIT ICON and choosing SAVE EXIT The screen will jump a bit while the Micro EX saves your settings then the Menu system will shut down MI If you do not perform then if the is left alone for about 3 minutes the Onscreen Menu will shut down and the camera will revert all of its settings to the last time a SAVE EXIT was performed Micro EX User Manual Page 33 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Controlling Micro EX by Computer Requirements Computer with video display software such as AMCAP Software to Control Micro EX such as Stephane Lalonde s Micro EX MControlMicro software USB Video capture adapter such as
24. 0 3 0 45 0 6 and 1 0 The smaller the value the brighter the image will GAMMA appear on your screen Therefore 0 3 will e 3D DNR provide the brightest image and 1 0 will MONITOR provide the darkest image Choose the e DPC value of GAMMA that produces the best image for your monitor Micro EX User Manual Page 58 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 3D DNR eB 64 MONITOR LCD DPC OFF EXIT RETURN 4 3D DNR is a feature that allows the Micro EX to internally stack up to 5 images You select the slider from O to 5 to choose the number of images to stack Note you must have a mount that is both aligned well and accurately tracking to get a benefit of this feature Also note that the camera does not align or register stars it simply stacks them To use this feature set AGC located in the EXPOSURE Menu to LOW setting the AGC to OFF disables the 3D DNR feature MONITOR ENHANCE SE GRE m DPC EXIT RETURN 4 Micro EX User Manual Page 59 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 This feature allows to select the type of display device you are using either a CRT old style monitor with a Cathode Ray Tube or a LCD computer HD TV style monitor DPC MONITOR EXIT RETURN4 The DPC Dead Pixel Cancellation feature when activated will try to eliminate or reduce any hot or warm pixels that appear on the scr
25. 1second exposure X256 4 2 second exposure X512 8 4 second exposure X1024 17 second exposure Micro EX User Manual Page 49 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 BRIGHTNESS EXPOSURE E EXPOSURE NORMAL 1 SENSE UP OFF F ELECTR J This feature allows you to adjust the Brightness of the image The sliding bar allows you set the brightness value from a low of 0 to a high of 99 The default brightness value is set to 40 EXIT There also is an EXIT ICON that allows you to turn OFF the Menu System EXPOSURE s ORDERUD SENSE UP OFF AGC EXIT INITIALIZESH RETURNS OFF LENS ELECTR BRIGHTNESS 40 All ICON MENU sections will provide EXIT Closes the Menu system an EXIT option With the EXIT feature without saving any changes also providing you 3 choices lomo Setting you may lave adjusted SAVE EXIT Saves the changes closes the Menu System INITIALIZE Will reset the Micro EX to factory defaults This fill e RETURN to previous menu e EXIT SAVE EXIT require you to set all appropriate setting back you your preferences Micro EX User Manual Page 50 Micro EX User Manual COLOR SE The COLOR Menu allows you to adjust the color of your mage assuming you have set DAY amp NIGHT to DAY which activates color on the Micro EX The Color Menu provides you 4 options for y
26. 3 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Appendix F First Aid for the Micro EX The Image from the Micro EX is jumping all over the place Diagnosis The camera is not getting a proper video signal Cure Check to make sure that the video cable is snuggly connected from the Micro EX to the Computer The Software Does not Control the Micro EX Diagnosis The computer communication settings do not match that of the Micro EX Cure Ensure that the correct connections are made between the Micro EX and the computer Make sure that both the computer and the Micro EX are communication at 9600 Baud Make sure that both the computer and the Software are using the identical com Port number Make sure that the Micro EX is set to COMM ID 1 and that this is the default by issuing a SAVE EXIT from the Micro EX On Screen Display When my Video Software connect to my Mallincam through my 1 adapter only see a Blue screen Diagnosis The MCV 1 or other adapters can have multiple video input connections For example the MCV 1 has both composite and S video The cause of this symptom is that MallinCam is looking at one of those input ports while the camera is sending the image through the other Your Video Display software then just gives a Blue screen to say that see nothing at the MCV 1 source Cure Set the video to use the Composite port on the x2828 MCV video driver Note Miloslick Splitcam AmCap can change the port
27. Button select the SHARPNESS choice and adjust your preference using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons When satisfied move to the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN to the ICON MENU OFF RETURN Micro EX User Manual Page 22 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 We will now ensure that the GAMMA is set to 1 again your choice and that 3D DNR is set to 0 and that DPC is OFF All of these features are located in the ENHANCE ICON MENU Using the LEFT or RIGHT Button select the ENHANCE ICON and press the CENTRE Button to display the ENHANCE Menu Now using the Button set GAMMA to 1 0 3D DRN 0 and DPC to OFF When satisfied move to the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN to the ICON MENU Step 14 You should now have the starting settings to image the Moon You must save these settings by going to the EXIT ICON and choosing SAVE EXIT The screen will jump a bit while the Micro EX saves your settings then the Menu system will shut down If you do not perform then if the is left alone for about 3 minutes the Onscreen Menu will shut down and the camera will revert all of its settings to the last time a SAVE EXIT was performed Micro EX User Manual Page 23 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 A Bright Star or Bright Deep Sky Object Extended Exposure Now that you have success with imaging the Moon or bright p
28. DRATE is set to 9600 and then DO A SAVE EXIT to make this the default SYSTEM RS 485 PELCO D BAUDRATE M M TITLE LANGUAGE SYNC EXIT RETURN 4 Micro EX User Manual Page 36 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 On Stephane s software select the COM port number so that it matches the Serial Adapter COM number assigned by the computer _ste02 Step 3 Click on Connect start the Software Controlling the Micro EX You can now click on the software buttons and the Micro EX will react as if you press on the buttons at the back of the Camera Note If you click on the Picture of the Micro EX camera the software will pop Up a color scheme for you use e o JENSEN T Shortcut snapshots 2 A Define Custom Colors gt gt B do yer VLC media ProfileExplo milo 118 LN EE Micro EX User Manual Page 37 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Connecting to Night Skies Network NSN Introduction found that when first started connecting to NSN things started happening too fast for me to keep track of everything at once So pre planning was the most the most crucial step for me found that by doing test runs in the comfort of my house allowed me to develop my techniques that work for the equipment and software that use Below are the results
29. HT Day color Night bw Auto Auto Sharpness Sharpness SDbDNN COMMENTS COMMENTS Micro EX User Manual Page 78 lt 9 de gt C O C CONDITIONS Aperture FL blll Barlow Filter Used Off AGC Off E Medium igh opeed Brghtness Day color Night bw Auto Shapnes S3DDNR O COMMENTS 6 2014 OBJECT DATE CONDITIONS TELESCOPE Barlow EXPOSURE Nomal WDR HLI Off Low Medium Hiah opeed COLOR RGB ManalR B DAY amp NIGHT Day color Night bw Auto EFFECT Mirror Off Hor Vert Rotate ENHANCE 0 3 0 45 0 6 1 0 Gamma 3D DNR CRT LCD Off Auto COMMENTS Micro EX User Manual Page 79 Appendix Notes
30. SURE zara a EXPOSURE NORMAL WT d LENS ELECTR 1 BRIGHTNESS EXIT 40 RETURN 4 This Setting allows you to adjust the exposure of the Micro EX to a maximum of 17 seconds by utilizing the HIGH value of the AGC setting This setting is not recommended for astronomical viewing since it will produce an intense amp glow The Micro EX provides an alternate setting LENS to adjust the exposure with minimal amp glow Set SENSE UP to OFF Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 EXPOSURE HLI LEVEL RETURN4 This mode is ideal for viewing the Sun You can adjust the LEVEL from O to 40 to produce a chronograph that will obscure the Solar Disk and thus enhance any visible prominences EXPOSURE CE as i EXPOSURE NORMAL ELECTR i BRIGHTNESS 40 EXIT RETURN X2 1 32 second exposure X4 1 16 second exposure X8 1 8 second exposure X16 1 4 second exposure X32 1 2 second exposure X64 1 second exposure X128 2 1second exposure X256 4 2 second exposure X512 8 4 second exposure X1024 17 second exposure Page 47 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 AGC When AGC is set to HIGH you may notice back ground noise as well as warm pixels showing up NORMAL 1 OFF ELECTR 40 EXPOSURE Damea a EXPOSURE NORMAL 1 RETURN SENSE UP OFF LENS ELECTR 1 BRIGHTNESS 40 EXIT RETURN AGC or Auto Gain C
31. The Moon Fixed Exposure You have the telescope set up with if covered and the Micro EX attached to the eyepiece holder the video cables are attached to a monitor and power is connected to everything You are feeling a bit of apprehension and excitement after all you have invested in an amazing scientific tool So take a deep breath and let s have some fun Step 1 With your telescope and Micro EX connected and powered up if you have the Micro EX set to Extended or Stacked as the default would initially leave the lens cap on the telescope Using your finder scope point your telescope at the Moon it s hard to miss The Moon is always the best object to look at when learning how to use a new imaging device Micro EX User Manual Page 18 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 The recommended starting settings for imaging the Moon are displayed below The instructions will walk you through setting these values into the Micro EX EXPOSURE ICON EXPOSURE o WDR o WDR MODE ON o WDR LEVEL start at 10 gt SENSE UP OFF gt AGC OFF gt LENS o ELECTRIC o SPEED start at 1 10000 gt BRIGHTNESS start at 40 COLOR ICON gt COLOR RGB ATW auto DAY amp NIGHT ICON gt NIGHT for black and white or DAY if you like color EFFEC ICON gt SHARPNESS 20 ENHANCE ICON gt GAMMA 1 gt 3D DNR 0 gt DPC OFF So we will adjust the Micro EX to match these settings Remember these settings are just a starting
32. ame Rate From its Pull Down Menu usually leave it at 15 fps but have used 30 fps at times Again trial and error for your system CLICK on the green OK symbol to accept these settings That s it you are done If everything is working well and the Window s gods are in a good mood you should be broadcasting whatever object the MICRO EX is capturing You should now enter another Message and SEND it out to indicate what system you are using and what object you are viewing There is a time delay on what you say if you have you microphone activated and do on your computer as compared to what others see and hear on the NSN broadcast You will freeze and don t mean like what Chris does when he broadcasts in winter till 3am mean from time to time your NSN connection will freeze for no apparent reason It happens to us all When this happens you can simply terminate the Web browser program Ctrl Alt Del Then restart your browser and Log back into NSN This usual is a very quick process But sometime we all have to Micro EX User Manual Page 43 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 restart our computer this takes longer for we need to power down hardware and software and reactivate everything before login back in Don t worry the NSN viewers sense what is happening and will keep the conversations going while waiting for you to come back on Don t be afraid to ask for advice by typing in on the Video chat wi
33. and steps that use to broadcast on NSN feel free to follow them and or made modification as you deem as necessary Computer real estate will be your nemesis So depending upon the size of the monitor laptop then number of screens that you are using then number of software programs that using are simultaneously are using will dictate how you will manage your windows will describe how have organized my windows under a variety of situations 1 computer 1 computer with 2 monitors which software packages am using and what am I trying to do this session Remember it s all about having fun and time and patience are your best friends not to mention all the guys and gals and the Yahoo MallinCam site http tech groups vahoo com group mallincam messages One of the most important decisions you will need to make with broadcasting the image of the MICRO EX is what Video capture software are you going to use Some simple suggestions You can have NSN grab the image directly off your Video Capture Device MCV but I find it more convenient to either use a Video Capture Software such as AMCAP or SMARTCAP to display my image and then capture my screen by using Splitcam Manycam or WebCamMax Even better Splitcam Manycam or WebCamMax can both display and pass along the image to NSN without the need of a Video Capture Software All three have about the same features some of these have versions that will cost you but all h
34. as Windows Operating system Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 8 1 usually goes a fine job in automatically downloading the latest drivers for your adapter Insert you USB to RS232 Adapter into a free USB Port on your computer Windows will beep to recognize that an adapter has been inserted into a USB Port After few seconds the following message singular to one below should appear on the bottom right of your Windows screen E Winter ihe i Installing device driver software Click here for status 10 06 AM i 9 Micro EX User Manual Page 69 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 The little green shade will move around the icon that the Installing device driver software message is pointing to while the driver is being installed may take about a minute Once completed the following pop up message should appear name of driver may be different depending upon which USB to RS232 adapter you are using WinterOly Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port 5 gt X Device driver software installed successfully 10 06 AM 29 03 2014 The driver has been successfully downloaded and installed Make note of both the Port that you have used for your USB to RS232 Adapter you should always use the same Port and what COM value Windows has assigned for this adapter 5 in image above As a fast check to ensure everything is setup correctly go into the Device Manager on Windo
35. ave a version that is free reduced functions advertisements etc My current program of choice is Splitcam I can live with the Advertisements but it has some amazing extras such as the ability to change Video Input from Svideo to composite a must if you use MallinCam s MCV device with a variety of cameras Plug in the MICRO EX camera into a USB Port MCV on your computer his Always use the same port for your connected devices even mark on my laptop which USB port is for which device even use a specific USB port for my Video input devices MCV MICRO EX Dazzle and a specific port for by 45232 5485 devices For example if you only have 2 ports then 1 port is for video input MCV and the other port is for RS485 control Micro EX User Manual Page 38 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 b b Step 2 Step3 gt Start Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax Size the Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax window so that you will have room for your Browser to open If you have a dual monitor system you can slide Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax window to the second monitor Have Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax Choose your Video Driver as the Source Once connected you should have the image of what the Micro EX is looking at inside the Window of the software If you are using a third party Video Display Software then have Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax choose Desktop Capture as
36. camera are accomplished through the controls at the end of the 2m cable gt camera body C mount to 1 25 eyepiece adapter AC power supply 25 feet video power cable gt BNC to RCA adapter Micro EX User Manual Page 3 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Micro EX Micro EX Wired 1 25 Eyepiece adapter BNC to RCA adapter Micro EX User Manual Page 4 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 The Camera Just the Facts MallinCam Micro EX Camera is a video camera that provides near Real Time images of brighter Deep Sky Objects Planetary Lunar and Solar This instrument contains the following specifications sony ICX672AKA EXview HAD II plastic ccd CCD Pixels 976 H by 494 V effective 5 0 um x 7 4 um Pixel size Fix Shutter 1 60 1 100 1 120 1 250 1 500 1 1000 1 2000 1 4000 1 10000 Extended Shutter 1 32s 1 165 1 8 1 45 1 25 15 2 15 4 25 8 45 175 Stacking Mode Up to 85 s Gamma Selection 0 30 0 45 0 6 1 0 White Balance Automatic White Balance Control ADR Auto Trace White Balance Control ATW Digital Zoom Communication RR485 7 Operating 30 C to 50 4 F to 1229F Power Supply 12 1V DC at 1A Weight 5 0 Ounces 141 grams Micro EX User Manual Page 5 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 The Camera its Anatomy Micro EX camera 15 4 5 x 2 x 2 and weighs in at about 5 0 ounces 141 g
37. choice of the MCV 1 Just go into the Video Tab and in the Drop Down list choose Video Input Inside this drop down will be the choice of input ports Micro EX User Manual Page 74 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 My MallinCam is frozen or the commands do not seem to be working correctly the camera is acting strangely Diagnosis Somehow the MallinCam internals have become corrupted power surge static cosmic ray and all we need to do is reset everything back to factory settings Cure The first thing you should do is turn off MallinCam for about 30 seconds then power it up as you normally would this fixes about 95 of the issues If this didn t help you can reset the MallincCam Micro EX to its Initial Factor Settings by following this sequence e Press the Center Button so the Menu appears e Select the EXIT Option e Now Select the INITIALIZE option and press the Centre Button Micro EX User Manual Page 5 6 2014 Appendix Suggested ltem Specific Settings Micro EX User Manual Fantastic work from Jim SkyGazer gt 0 20 9seuiu 03 J abueyD 4 32 4 9T 03 dn 5 4 2 104 pebueu JON 5 4 2 104 pebueu JON 4 gt 40 sy 2 0 UOI3284402 JOY ojne 40 Q2 1 82 2815 lt 0 jep O T 1ubuq 0 pabueu 03 J0N pasn JON
38. ctly you should see the following image with EXPOSURE Highlighted The screen will still be dancing and the Highlighted Exposure symbol may be blue and the other symbols hard to read but you will have the Micro Ex menu system displayed on your screen Note If you have a Micro EX Wired then the buttons at the back of the camera are disabled you need to use the Remote at the end of the 2m cable to control menu on Micro EX User Manual Page 11 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 With The EXPOSURE selection highlighted icon is brighter or blue EXPOSURE press the Centre button on the back Wee go tt of the camera to display the ist gt exposure settings Match the settings BRIGHTNESS 40 EXIT RETURN 4 on the right by using the UP and DOWN buttons to move from option to option and the LEFT and RIGHT buttons to change it The highlighted option will indicate what you can adjust with the arrow keys buttons The arrow key choices will appear after the option s current vale For example in the last image the EXPOSURE setting says NORMAL and it has DOWN arrow and a RIGHT arrow after it This indicates you can change the EXPOSURE settings by either pressing the CENTRE button which indicates there is a sub menu in that setting that you can access by hitting the CENTRE button or the RIGHT button which changes the value of current feature For our example on EXPOSURE if NORMAL was se
39. e back of the camera The Composite Signal is obtained by connecting the included MallinCam Video Cable to the Yellow connect on the end of the 2m cable to the Composite Video In Port on your monitor since in most monitors the Composite Video In connector is a RCA style provides a BNC to RCA adapter to facilitated that connection Power The Micro EX or Micro EX Wired requires 12V power either from an AC to DC converter or 12V DC power supply Just connect power adapter into to Power In port on the back of the Micro EX or into the RED Power In connecter on the end of the 2m cable on the Micro EX Wired Micro EX User Manual Page 8 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Connecting the Micro EX to your Computer for Video Requirements Computer with video display software such as AMCAP USB Video capture adapter such as MallincCam Mallincam dual power video coble Micro EX AC to DC power adapter Micro EX camera VVVV V Software Requirements You will need any software package that can display an image from your video capture device Some suggestions are AMCAP e SharoCap SplitCam ManyCam e WebCamMax Each software has its pros and cons depending upon what you require the software do Using SplitCam ManyCam or WebCamMax will make it easier to broadcast your images on Night Skies Network see section Connecting the Night Skies Network NSN if that will be a direc
40. e made The first is called Amp Glow and the second are Warm Pixels CCD s operate using the property of silicon to convert light to electrons but this also operates in reverse silicon circuits can emit light when operating At the corner of the CCD array is a high gain amplifier that converts electrons to a voltage that can be measured by the A D converter During the exposure this amplifier can emit enough light that it can be seen as a green glow in the corner of the frame in long exposures this is Amp Glow EX EXPOSURE SENSE U POSURE P ELECTR 1 40 TA Ti LENS BRI GHTNESS EXIT he other effect called Warm Pixels appear as green or purple or even blue dots on your image too small to be mistaken for stars CCD Sensors collect Micro EX User Manual Page 16 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 photons in microscopic wells called pixels CCD s do their magic by assigning electric charges to these photons These charges are read as analog voltages These voltages are sampled and quantized to make them into digital values These digital values go through much more digital processing before we get to see them Leakage currents are electric charges which leak into sensor wells These excess electric charges increase the voltage at the well pixel and make it look brighter than it should Manufacturing variations will cause some pixels to have much more leakage current than others spec
41. e stacking NTSC Your purchase will provide you with years of discovery and adventure as you view record share and broadcast the wonders of the Night Sky The Micro EX captures images that range from brighter Deep Sky Objects to local Solar System favorites and it does this in near Real Time You will discover that this camera can be used in urban skies where light pollution normally prevents you from viewing images the sky to rural locations where you can pull out even those faintest celestial wonders this camera can doit all rear section of the camera has five push buttons for easy access to the menu A RED pilot light is included to prevent loss of night vision of the user Light weight all aluminum construction this camera is ideal for a Video CCD Finder System or for a beginner to get their first experience into the world of live video CCD observation The camera body is available for purchase separately or as a package with additional accessories such as C mount to 1 25 adapter video power cable and AC power supply Micro EX has a video output port Composite which can be connected fo either a monitor or a computer with video in capabilities MallinCam has available all the necessary adapters to allow Micro EX to connect to your equipment The Micro EX also has the ability be controlled from a Windows computer via an optional RS 485 cable assembly This manual is in the way the work
42. een To enable this feature set DPC to AUTO To dis able this feature set DPC to OFF SYSTEM SYSTEM RS 485 PELCO D BAUDRATE TITLE LANGUAGE SYNC EXIT would match the above settings then save them as the default Micro EX User Manual Page 60 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 EXIT SAVE EXITI INITIALIZES This Exit feature provides 3 options for you to Exit the On Screen Menu e Exit revert back all changes made in the Menu system and closes the On Screen Menu e SAVE EXIT tis option will save all the changes you have made and will make you re your default for the Micro Ex Then it will close the On Screen Menu INITIALIZE this will revert the Micro Ex to the original factory defaults use this as a last measure Micro EX User Manual Page 6 Micro EX User Manual Appendix B On Screen Display OSD MAP EXPOSURE SENSE UP EXPOSURE LENS BRIGHTNESS COLOR WB MODE MODE BURST DAVEMIGUT DAY amp NIGHT NIGHT amp DAY DELAY TIME CDS START CDS END EFFECT MIRROR SHARPNESS MOTION DET ALARM MODE SENSI TIVTY AREA SELECT MOTION DET e MODE START END OUTPUT TIME AUTO ZOOM MASK SELECT MODE BRIVACY COLOR e LEFT RIGHT BOTTON MOVE GAMMA 3D DNR
43. he CENTRE Button return to EXPOSURE MENU Use the DOWN Button to select the BRIGHTNESS feature and adjust this to your preferences using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons 40 is always a good place to start While on the EXPOSURE MENU select the EXIT choice at the bottom of the menu and press the CENTRE Button to close the EXPOSURE MENU and Return to the ICON MENU Using the RIGHT Button select the DAY amp NIGHT ICON and press the CENTRE Button display its menu amp NI GHT 20 GREDTA Micro EX User Manual Page 31 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Step 11 With the MODE choice selected use the RIGHT or LEFT Button to select either DAY Now use the DOWN Button to select the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button RETURN to the ICON MENU We will now set the sharpness value like to start at 10 but you can adjust this any value that best suits your system The SHARPNESS feature is located in the EFFECT ICON Menu System Step 12 Using the LEFT or RIGHT Button select the EFFECT ICON and press the CENTRE Button to display the EFFECT Menu Now using the DOWN Button select the SHARPNESS choice and adjust your preference using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons When satisfied move to the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button to RETURN fo the ICON MENU F iam FERNE OFF RETURN4 We will now ensure that the GAMMA is set to 1 again your choice and that 3D is set to 3
44. ifically as the CCD warms up Even a few of these few pixels may permanently leak these pixels are known as Hot Pixels The Micro EX has an internal feature DPC that you can activate that will help eliminate most of the Warm Pixels Since this is a property of the physics of the design of the CCD chip there is no way to stop this from occurring on long exposures What we can do though is minimize both the amp glow and warm pixel production gt Keep the exposures as short as possible and use a low AGC value The Micro EX has a feature in the ENHANCE Menu called DPC Dead Pixel Cancelation that will electronically try to remove Warm Hot Pixels when it is activated Micro EX User Manual Page 17 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Controlling the Micro EX by Hand You can control the Micro EX manually in two ways 1 Pushing the buttons on the back of the Micro EX by using your fingers 2 Using the Micro EX Wired version which allows you to control those buttons but without actually touching thus jiggling the Micro EX These instructions will guide you in using the Micro EX and obtaining an image using each of the 3 Methods of Imaging Remember that you may need adjust your particular settings to obtain the best image Once you get the hang of changing the settings it will be worth your time to peruse the Chapter Understanding the Micro EX Settings to get a deeper comprehension how the adjustments affect your image
45. ight corner of the NSN video display window to disable the microphone Observatory Step 9 Set a message for the NSN observers It is a good idea to display a message above the NSN display window so that the other NSN views understand what you are doing When initially setting up which usually takes longer when you are learning usually type the message Setting Up the Camera then CLICK on the SEND button to have it displayed When you are us and running and everything is working as it should you will change the message to indicate what telescope mount and camera you are using For that is the most frequently asked question from the NSN viewers Step A Select the Camera Now is the time to activate the camera or in our case have NSN driver point to our Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax output or the Video Adapter Driver is you are not using Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax RIGHT CLICK inside the NSN Video window to bring up a Settings Window Micro EX User Manual Page 4 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 RIGHT CLICK TOGET THE FLASH PLAYER SETTINGS aT UU LL 5 de HIS Live Streaming v2 75 Broadcast Developed by VideoWhisper com Print Embed Channel ob HTML Code CLICK on the Settings choice and you will be presented with the Adobe Flash Player Settings Window Adobe Flash Player Settings Privacy i Allow www nightskiesnetwork com to access your ca
46. ill all of the cables connected the back of the Micro EX gets a little busy Using MControlMicro Software to control the Micro EX This assumes you have connected the Micro EX to your Serial or USB to Serial port on your computer and you know the COMM number assigned it and are ready to control the Micro EX from the computer rather than the buttons on the back of the Micro EX You have set the COMM ID from the SYSTEM Menu on the Micro EX to 1 as the default Installing Visit www Mallincam net and select Stephane Lalonde s Mallincam Control software for Micro EX from the Software Downloads of the Support Tab and download the software This is a RAR fie so you will need some free software that will un compress the files A great free piece of software is WinRAR Micro EX User Manual Page 35 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Decompress Stephane s software using your RAR software of choice You will now have a file folder named mcontrolmicro Inside this folder is MControlMicro the software to control the Micro Ex Place this folder in a location that is easy to find Starting Micro EX Software Sten 1 Double Click on the file MControlMicro Accept any security warnings that may appear in your operating system Stephane s software will open up a window on the computer screen You need to prepare the Micro EX so that it can be controlled by Stephane s software Ensure that in the COMM ID is set to 1 BAU
47. ix Appendix A On Screen Display OSD Menu MENU This is the main menu for the Micro EX It is from here that you select which setting you would like to adjust Menu selections include EXPOSURE COLOR DAY amp NIGHT EFFECT MOTION PRIVACY ENHANCE SYSTEM and EXIT EXPOSURE MAIN This setting is used to adjust all aspects of the exposure Settings include EXPOSURE TYPE SENSE UP AGC LENS and BRIGHTNESS It is in this Menu that you will make most of your changes EXPOSURE EXPOSURE You will use this mode for most of your viewing It doesn t provide you any options to make adjustments RETURNS Micro EX User Manual Page 45 Micro EX User Manual This control offers you 4 exposure modes NORMAL BLC WDR and HLI 6 2014 BLC Black Light Compensation EXPOSURE BLC MODE RETURNS This Exposure Mode is usually not used in astronomical imaging BLC does offer the user adjustment Mode settings of 0 1 2 and 4 WDR White Dynamic Range EXPOSURE WDR MODE WDR LEVEL RETURN4 This mode provides you with an opportunity enhance objects with large dynamic range such as the Moon When the WDR MODE 1 set to AUTO you can manually adjust the WDR LEVEL to bring out the best of the displayed image When WDR is set to ON the Micro EX fixes the value HLI Highlight Micro EX User Manual Page 46 Micro EX User Manual SENSE UP EXPO
48. lanets now is the time to jump to the next level Bright Stars or Bright Deep Sky Objects You have the telescope set up with it covered just in case Micro EX was left in the Stacking Mode and the Micro EX attached to the eyepiece holder the video cables are attached to your monitor and power is connected to everything You are feeling a bit more confident with the equipment and using the buttons to select the setting options on the Micro EX Time for some more fun recommended starting settings for imaging bright Deep Sky Objects are displayed below The instructions will walk you through setting these values into the Micro EX EXPOSURE ICON EXPOSURE NORMAL gt SENSE UP OFF gt AGC OFF gt LENS o ELECTRIC o SPEED X128 this is about 2 1 seconds gt BRIGHTNESS start at 40 COLOR ICON gt COLOR RGB ATW auto DAY amp NIGHT ICON gt DAY EFFEC ICON gt SHARPNESS 20 ENHANCE ICON gt GAMMA 1 gt 3D DNR 0 gt DPC OFF Micro EX User Manual Page 24 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 So we will adjust the Micro EX to match these settings Remember these settings just a starting point you may need to tweak them for your telescope set up Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 With your Telescope still covered Press the Centre Button on the back of the Micro EX or the Centre Button on the Remote Wired Keypad lt ICON MENU screen will appear on your monitors
49. lected then pressing the RIGHT button will change its value to BLC but now you will see that there is also a LEFT arrow option available to use This way you can use the LEFT button to go back to the NORMAL setting or press the RIGHT button to go to the next value If you pressed the CENTRE button when NORMAL was selected the second menu will appear but in this example just giving you the option to RETURN to the previous menu Now we want to set the SPEED to AUTO this is just a simple setting rather than playing with exposures The SPEED setting is inside the LENS LENS setting Select LENS with the UP or DOWN TT Buttons Press the CENTRE Button fo select it E and you will be presented with the LENS Menu Using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons change the speed to AUTO or if you want to experiment any other value of your choice that matches your current seeing When set select the RETURN option with the CENTRE Button to go back to the EXPOSURE Menu Micro EX User Manual Page 12 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Using the DOWN button select the EXIT option and press the CENTRE button to close the EXPOSURE settings the screen will now just have the ICONS Using the RIGHT button select the DAY amp NIGHT ICON and press the CENTRE button to accept it In the MODE RETURN option select DAY Now move fo EXIT and press the CENTRE button to close the DAY amp NIGHT screen Now would remove the Lens Cap from my telescope and
50. m Micro EX is an imaging camera whose capabilities are in the hands of the user As you will discover when you become more confident with the camera that your images will be the result of the combination both artistic prowess and scientific skill Both of these attributes will become enhanced as your journey progresses and suggestions and advice from fellow explorers sharpen your skils and enrich your adventure One of the first pieces of advice we can offer you is That every telescope system is different the variety of optical sizes and attached accessories combined with the ever changing seeing conditions makes it impossible to determine the precise setting for the Micro EX to use with your telescope setup What we can do is provide suggestions that will get you started in the right direction We recommend that you experiment and tweak the settings that we offer to see what works best for you Patience will be your best friend as you learn what the Micro EX can do and what you can adjust Do not be afraid to visit Night Skies Network or the Mallincam Group on Yahoo and ask questions Imaging Methods The Micro EX provides three techniques of exposure control Fixed Extended and Stacked Fixed This technique allows you to set short exposure time from 1 60 of a second to 1 100000 of a second This method of exposure allows the Micro EX to image daytime objects such as the Sun as well as bright nighttime objects such as the Moon and some
51. mera and micophone Allow OQ Deny L Remember m gt CLICK on the Camera Icon and you will be presented with a pull down menu to select your camera NA Adobe Flash Settings Camera a ManyCam Virtual Webcam m mug CLICK on CLOSE to Continue NSN will remember what camera you chose from the last visit So usually you only have to go through this process whenever you want to change what camera device you would like the NSN flash driver to use Choose your Camera Settings We will now select the settings for our camera We have the option of changing The Bandwidth Picture Resolution Framerate and even the microphone rate when you Micro EX User Manual Page 42 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 are ready The changes will not be activated until you CLICK on the Green OK symbol in the window LEFT CLICK inside the NSN video Window to bring up the Settings Window 6 Manylam Virtual Webcam Bandwidth n LL Resolution Framerate e Microphone Realtek High Definition OK gt Use the sliders for Band Width and Picture values usually have both of my sliders way on the right Over time you will find the sweet spot for your system Select your Resolution from the Pull Down Menu Start at 800x600 and move up from there Play with these to see what settings the NSN viewers say is the best Select your Fr
52. ndow as we are all learning and are willing to assist whenever we can When ready try activating the microphone click on the microphone symbol Other will let you know if they can hear you or if there is noise Remember there are settings for the microphone in the camera settings window have become hooked on With dual monitor system have Splitcam grab Video device USB 2828x Device directly Splitcam can adjust brightness contrast etc can also call up the USB 2828x Device control panel located in File Video settings which gives you some more control of the MCV s image output or by using the Options Tab thus allowing you to change the brightness contrast sharpness over and above what the Micro EX camera does Since place Splitcam on its own monitor the second monitor can make it full screen to see all the detail while my fist monitor has the NSN connection screen with its preview and chat window When you are finished with your session you simply say your good nights to the crowd of NSN viewers to let them know that your session is ending CLICK on the red STOP button on your NSN Window and NSN will shut down your channel and you can power down your system and call it an evening It won t force the NSN viewers off the channel and some viewers will continue chatting long after you have gone to bed 10 Micro EX User Manual Page 44 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 4 Append
53. nstall C OMe Cll y osten ama Eee Sud atia ena 70 M 72 Appendix E Accessories for the Micro EX c ee eee eese ee ee eene eene 73 Appendix First Aid for the Micro EX 44 cere e eee 74 The Image from the Micro EX is jumping all over the place 11 10 050 0 74 The Software Does not Control the Micro EX 99 74 When I have my Video Software connect to my Mallincam through my 1 adapter I only see a RCM Lc T 74 My MallinCam is frozen or the commands do not seem to be working correctly the camera is acting SR RM NET er 75 Appendix G Suggested Item Specific Settings 76 PAPO GIGI Fe NOES EE 80 Micro EX User Manual Page Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 1 Introduction Welcome to the world imaging with the MallinCam Micro EX a hand crafted Colour Astronomical Video CCD Cameras with a 1 3 inch 960H EXview HAD II CCD sensor allowing a choice of a variable shutter with exposures from 1 100000 of a second to 17 seconds In camera image averaging of up to 85 seconds are possible when set to 5 fram
54. o EX doesn t have a CDS a photocell sensor the CDS START and CDS END options are disabled EFFECT MIRROR eana The Mirror feature provides you with 4 2 10 settings RETURN 4 OFF e HOR e VERT e ROTATE This feature effects how the image is presented on the screen It provides two OFF Image options for your to adjust MIRROR SHARPNESS The MIRROR option allows you to rotate or flip the screen image either horizontally or vertically The SHARPNESS option allows to make the image softer low value or sharper Image is in its normal orientation Micro EX User Manual Page 55 Micro EX User Manual high value Note that a high SHARPNESS value can even sharpen the noise and thus bring out artifacts and halos around brighter stars A good value to start with is 20 but experiment with this feature to find the best value that balances the detail of the image with the artifacts produced The SHARPNESS option ranges from 0 to 49 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 HOR Image EFFECT rra SHARPNESS 10 EXIT RETURN Notice how the image is flipped about the Vertical Axis VER Image EFFECT CSUS SHARPNESS D 10 EXIT RETURN Notice how the image is flipped about the Horizontal Axis ROTATE Image EFFECT 5 5 EXIT 10 Notice how the image is both flipped about the Horiz
55. o install most common being that there already is an old incompatible driver already in the system or Windows could not locate the driver for you particular USB to RS232 Adapter Check to see if you already have a driver installed and remove it if necessary from your system With the USB to RS232 Adapter still inserted in a USB Port From the Control Panel go into the Device Manager and click on the Ports COM amp LPT arrow x3 Device Manager e File Action View egal BH gt MASTER Away Mode Devices Computer Disk drives Display adapters eia DVD CD ROM drives 95 Human Interface Devices IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers Mice and other pointing devices Portable Devices 4 2 Ports COM amp LPT 797 Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port Right Click on the driver name Prolific USB to Serial Com Port Com4 in my image above and Choose Uninstall when Pop up List appears Let Windows do its uninstall thing and when completed remove the USB to RS232 Adapter from the Port Download and install latest driver specifically for your Device or use the installation CD that came with the Adapter Now visit the site of the USB RS232 Adapter you own and download the latest driver and follow the installation instructions from the site If you are using the CD follow the instruction that came with the Adapter Final step in either the
56. ontal Axis and the Vertical Axis Page 56 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 MOTION satt RETURN4 This feature Motion Detect is not used in astro imaging It may be fun to see how the alarm and auto zoom may work when looking at stellar objects Nothing to lose someone may actually find an application for this feature PRIVACY Settings for the X and Y values for the first of the two Masks required for a cross bar zm 2210 RETURN4 This feature allows you to create masks on the screen of various colors but it takes a while to create masks that can be useful The Left panel will give the mask settings that will create a simple cross hair on the screen Experimenting with the values may produce a better cross bar than the one created below Micro EX User Manual Page 5 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Settings for the X and Y values for the second of the two Mask The masks have both an X and Y value that can be accessed by simply pressing the Centre Button when on the TOP LEFT RIGHT or BOTTOM option This will toggle the X values and the Y values ENHANCE 30 DNR e 0 MONITOR LCD OFF EXIT 1 0 3D DNR 3 MONITOR EXIT RETURN 4 This feature allows you ENHANCE the image by the use of 4 different options The GAMMA feature gives you 4 values to select
57. ontrol instructs the Micro EX how much amplifier gain you would like to apply to the signal coming out of the CCD chip it is equivalent to cranking up the ISO setting on your photographic camera AGC has 4 settings e OFF e LOW e MEDIUM e HIGH For Normal viewing of objects set AGC to OFF If you need to have the Micro EX perform on camera stacking 30 DNR then set AGC to LOW Micro EX User Manual Page 48 Micro EX User Manual LENS BEGBEEDUE EXPOSURE os SENSE UP AGC BRIGHTNESS EXIT ES 40 RETURN 4 LENS option provides a way of setting SPEED values exposure times on the Micro EX It provides two options e Electric e DClris Since Rock has converted the Auto Iris Port to a 5485 Port you will never you re the DC Iris setting The ELECTRIC setting will allow you to adjust your exposure time May 6 2014 The ELECTRIC setting Menu will provide access to the SPEED exposure settings for the Micro EX RETURN4 The available SPEED settings are AUTO makes best guess 1 100000 second exposure 1 10000 second exposure 1 4000 second exposure 1 2000 second exposure 1 1000 second exposure 1 500 second exposure 1 250 second exposure 1 120 second exposure 1 100 second exposure 1 60 second exposure X2 1 32 second exposure X4 1 16 second exposure X8 1 8 second exposure X16 1 4 second exposure X32 1 2 second exposure X64 1 second exposure X128 2
58. ot my camera After you have checked all of the obvious Power to the Micro EX Software is pointing to the correct input device on the remember it has 2 connection types RCA and SVIDEO e Down load the updated MCV 1 or MCV 1e driver from the Mallincam Software Links Site have put a copy here on my own site of the latest driver called BDA UAC WHQL 082311 Setup rar My file location http sdrv ms Lb3wV3 Note this is a RAR file and you will need a free RAR extractor program to unzip this file A good free RAR extractor is called 7 Zip Micro EX User Manual Page 6 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Appendix D Installing 5485 Communications 5485 Communications There are two ways to connect your computer to the Mallincam Micro EX The first way is through a USB direct to MallinCam Micro EX cable and the second way is through a connection path USB RS232 Serial Adapter gt RS232 RS485 plug Micro EX 5485 cable Either technique works well and the method of choice depends upon your preference For more information visit either The Mallincam Website www Mallincam net or the Zengineering Website www http zengineering us USB Direct to Mallincam Micro EX cable This may be the easiest way to communicate between the Micro EX and your computer e Install the drivers that came with the product e Plugin the cable e Visit the Device Manager in Windows to check what Com Port
59. ou to set e AWC e ATW e MANUAL e PUSH Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 COLOR ana B TETA EXIT RETURN4 AWC Auto White Compensation LOR Ca imis EXIT RETURN4 When activated the AWC function detects white in the captured image and adjusts the color white balance accordingly You will be able to adjust the R Y Gain Red Tint or the B Y Gain Blue Tint ATW Auto Trace White Balance Page 51 Micro EX User Manual 6 201 A specific form of AWC ATW continually tracks and adjusts the white balance making it suitable for use in cameras in which the image content and lighting are subject to changes You will be able to adjust the R Y Gain Red Tint or the B Y Gain Blue Tint MANUAL This mode allows you to adjust the RED and BLUE Saturation levels in your image You will notice the Color Balance changing when you adjust the RED and BLUE Options PUSH EXIT RETURN4 9 COLOR Ju ons Once pressed this lets the Micro EX measure the current Color Balance and adjusts it to what it believes is the best values Micro EX User Manual Page 52 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Before activating PUSH DAY amp NIGHT DAY DAY amp NI GHT AY amp NI GHT 82 GQEEZES RETURN 4 The DAY amp NIGHT feature allows the camera to present the images in either This setting displays the images and
60. planets 1 60 1 100 1 120 1 250 1 500 1 1000 1 2000 1 4000 1 10000 1 100000 of a second When using Fixed you can either leave the EXPOSURE settings in the Micro EX in the NORMAL exposure mode for daytime objects or even bright planets or for objects such the Moon or Sun set the exposure mode to either WDR for the Moon or WLI for the Sun You can also adjust the brightness with the BRIGHTNESS control Micro EX User Manual Page 15 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Extended This mode allows you to do longer exposures from 1 32 to 17 seconds in fixed steps This mode allows you to image those fainter planets along with bright stars But since the Micro Ex has no cooling pushing the exposure can introduce noise X2 1 325 X4 1 16s X8 1 85 X16 1 45 X32 1 25 X64 1s X128 2 1s X256 4 25 X512 8 4s X1024 17s Stacking This mode allows you perform longer exposures all the way up to 85 seconds Unlike the Fixed or the Extended Mode the Micro EX needs to have AGC set to LOW You will then have the option of telling the Micro EX by the 3D DNR setting how many images you would like stacked to a maximum of 5 Therefore setting exposure to X1024 or 17 seconds and when 3D DNR is set to 5 we will then see an image with 5x17s or 85 seconds worth of exposure Amp Glow and Warm Pixels When you are using the Micro EX in Extended or Stacking Mode two optical effects will occur due to the way CCD chips ar
61. point you may need to tweak them for your telescope set up Micro EX User Manual Page 19 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Step 2 With your Telescope still covered Press the Centre Button on the back of the Micro EX or the Centre Button on the Remote Wired Keypad The lt ICON MENU screen will appear on your monitors screen a Step 3 With EXPOSURE ICON selected Press the Centre Button to display the EXPOSURE MENU SENSE UP LENS BRIGHTNESS EXIT Step 4 With the EXPOSURE Mode selected it may say NORMAL Press the RIGHT Button enough times to set it to WDR Press the CENTRE Button to display the WDR Menu EXPOSURE WDR MODE WDR LEVEL 10 Micro EX User Manual Page 20 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Press the DOWN Button to move to WDR MODE Press RIGHT Button to change its setting to ON Press the DOWN Button move to WDR LEVEL Press LEFT or RIGHT Button set to 10 EXPOSURE WOR MODE WOR LEWEL 10 Press the DOWN Button move to RETURN Press CENTRE Button to return to EXPOSURE MENU Step 5 Using the DOWN Button select SENSE UP then using the LEFT or RIGHT Button ensure its setting is OFF Step 6 Using the DOWN Button select AGC then using the LEFT or RIGHT Button ensure its setting is OFF Step 7 From the EXPOSURE MENU use the DOWN Button to select LENS option then press the
62. rams Micro EX User Manual Page Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 2 Making Connections The Camera Connection Diagram Micro EX VIDEO OUT UN o Enter Ke 6 UpAmow 8 LeftArw 9 RightArow Connecting Micro EX to Monitor The Micro EX provides a Video Out Ports that allow the video signal to be distributed to Video monitors This Video Out Port provides standard Composite video out by the BNC connector on the back of the Micro EX 1 on the above Connection Diagram Composite The Composite Signal is obtained by connecting the included MallinCam Video Cable from the back of the Micro EX to the Composite Video In Port on your monitor since in most monitors the Composite Video In connector is a RCA style MallinCam provides a BNC to RCA adapter to facilitated that connection To connect just align the two little openings on the BNC cable male with the two notches on the Micro EX s BNC female connector push and twist so the notches slide into place This locks the cable to the Micro EX By ah gt Micro EX User Manual Page Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Micro EX Wired Remote Just an in the Micro EX The Micro EX Wired provides a video connection to an external monitor or computer The Micro EX Wired s active composite video output is located on the end of the 2m cable extending from th
63. screen zar au With EXPOSURE ICON selected Press the Centre Button to display the EXPOSURE MENU SENSE UP AGC LENS BRIGHTNESS EXIT With the EXPOSURE Mode selected Press the RIGHT Button enough times to set it to NORMAL Using the DOWN Button select SENSE UP then using the LEFT or RIGHT Button ensure its setting is OFF Using the DOWN Button select AGC then using the LEFT or RIGHT Button ensure its setting is OFF Micro EX User Manual Page 25 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Step 6 Step 7 Step 8 Step 9 Step 10 Step 11 From the EXPOSURE MENU use the DOWN Button to select LENS option then press the CENTRE Button display the LENS MENU Using the RIGHT Button select the speed value x128 Then move to the RETURN selection and press the CENTRE Button to return to EXPOSURE MENU Use the DOWN Button to select the BRIGHTNESS feature and adjust this to your preferences using the LEFT or RIGHT Buttons 40 is always a good place to start While on the EXPOSURE MENU select the EXIT choice at the bottom of the menu and press the CENTRE Button to close the EXPOSURE MENU and Return to the ICON MENU Using the RIGHT Button select the DAY amp NIGHT ICON and press the CENTRE Button display its menu RETURN4 With the MODE choice selected use the RIGHT or LEFT Button to select either DAY Now use the DOWN Button to select the EXIT choice and press the CENTRE Button RETURN to the
64. the source to find out why MyFreeCams is the BEST webcam site for models and studios SplitC Adjust the Resolution and frames second fps value on Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax _ 4 This will be trial and error it all depends upon resolution bandwidth and what over members on NSN experience from your broadcasted image You will end up adjusting both on the Manycam Splitcam WebcamMax side as well and on the NSN side to get the best image For me start at 800x600 and NSN at 800x600 Start your Web Browser of Choice You may have to play with a number of Browsers to see which one works well with your particular computer setup have had success with 3 browsers Chrome Internet Explorer and Maxthon My current favourite browser to use for NSN broadcast is Chrome Micro EX User Manual Page 39 Micro EX User Manual May 6 2014 Step 6 Have your Web Brower go to the location http www nightskiesnetwork com Locate and click on the BROADCASTERS AND MEMBERS SIGN IN button The next Login screen will ask you to enter your username and password You will next be presented with the 2 screen for Night Skies network Click on the Login selection on the upper right hand side of the screen Broadcasting Live Now Give NSN 1 if you like us Site Rules Site Instructi ja NIGHT SKIES NETWORK OBSERVING WITH TELESCOPES E LIKE NEVER BEFORE WELCOME TO THE CHANNEL LINE UP OF NSN NIGHT
65. tion you are thinking of taking Hardware Requirements gt USB Video Capture Device such as 5 MCV This device will allow the output from the Micro EX composite to be captured and displayed by the software see Installing the MCV in Appendix Micro EX User Manual Page 9 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 Attaching the Video Cable to Micro EX Now you attach the Composite cable from the back of the Micro EX to the USB Video Capture Device MCV that you are using see Appendix D Installing the to capture the video signal from the Micro EX o gt HE AN i NET rgo n Now all we need to do is start the video display software of your choice to display the image Remember what ever software choice you made to display the image from the Micro Ex it will have an option that allows you to choose the Video Capture Adapter s driver x2828 for MCV Once you chosen the driver you should now see an image of what the Micro EX is capturing Attaching the Video Cable to Micro EX Wired Version Now you attach the Composite cable from the end of the Micro EX Wired s 2m cable Yellow BNC to the USB Video Capture Device MCV that you are using see Appendix D Installing the MCV to capture the video signal from the Micro EX D LS a my SC WES 1 gt gt _ gt 7 5 40 gt 47 72
66. ws and ensure that your adapter has the same settings as below COM Port number may be different Sires File Action View Help gs Ell 4 x MASTER i Away Mode Devices i 2 18 15 b Computer gt a Disk drives li Display adapters b 8 DVD CD ROM drives b Human Interface Devices gt IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers pcm Keyboards b Mice and other pointing devices Modems Monitors b E Network adapters b Portable Devices 42 Ports COM amp LPT Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port b Processors amp Sound video and game controllers lt gt Storage controllers gt System devices Universal Serial Bus controllers b Ga Western Digital NAS WSD Print Provider Oh Driver did not install correctly Sometimes the Window s gods are having a bad day and they decide to take it out on you Don t Panic If you check the Ports COM amp LPT or Other devices list Micro EX User Manual Page 70 Micro EX User Manual 6 2014 item in the Device Manger from the Control Panel you may see a yellow warning beside the Adapter this indicates the current driver is incompatible 42 Ports COM amp LPT 4 jb Other devices m 22222 Communications Port COMI 1 USB Serial Controller _ a Prolific USB to Serial Comm Port COM3 Ports COM amp LPT There could be many reasons for the driver not t

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