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How can we help you?

Below you can find the TAGARNO FAQ, providing answers to a series of frequently asked questions about TAGARNO digital camera microscopes.

TAGARNO ZIP
TAGARNO ZAP
TAGARNO TREND
TAGARNO PRESTIGE
General
Accessories
Measurement app
Speck counter app
Color analyzer app
DXF overlay app
Focus stacking app
Image comparison app
Particle analyzer app
PNG reference app
Ruler app
Tricinoscope app
Watermark
Verification lines
Why is there no image displayed on the monitor?

Check if cables are inserted correctly into the monitor and that the monitor is set to the right video source

Do not use any adaptors. If you need to change the plug type, only use digital cabels, e.g. HDMI to DVI or HDMI to DISPLAY PORT

Check if there is a light in the green on/off button. If not check if the power supply is connected properly

Why is the image out of focus, when I change the zoom level?

Each lens have a different focus distance / lens to object distance. E.g. the lens to object distance for a Lens +4 is 250mm.

See focus distance for other lenses here

Does the system feature FULL HD?

Even though many systems claim to be able to run in FULL HD, it is exclusively equiptment, such as TAGARNO ZIP, which is designed to display in 1080p that generates true FULL HD.

FULL HD (Full High Definition) is a high picture quality displayed on a MONITOR – FULL HD is 1080p.

The P in 1080p refers to the number of vertical lines displayed on the screen. You get an equally sharper image, if you have a higher number of lines. P stands for Progressive scan – that the screen uses to display images. Progressive scans quickly displays images due to the complete refreshment of the screen with every fram, which creates fast movements to be displayed in razor sharp details.

 

How do I create image documentation?

To use the full potential of TAGARNO ZIP, we recommend using the build-in Windows Camera App (third-party software) for saving and sharing imaging and live video recording when using Windows Operating Systems.

 

Why is there no image and the monitor is saying ``out of range``?

This means that the monitor does not support the selected video format. Follow this procedure to change back to factory setting 1080P60.

1. Turn the microscope off
2. Press and hold the center button down while turning the power on
3. Keep holding the center button down for 25 seconds
4. Release the center button and turn the power off
5. Turn the power back on and the microscope is set to factory setting 1080P60

Is it okay to connect the mini HDMI cable to a PC?

Please do not connect the mini HDMI cable to a PC. Please also remember to not use force when inserting the cable plugs

In which order should I connect the cables to the microscope?

First, connect HDMI cable and USB 3.0 cable.

Then connect the control box, power supply and ESD – Electro Static Discharge.

Please see the user manual section 6 – connecting for further explanation.

 

How does the control box work?

Watch from 00:10 to see the control box in action:

 

Why is there no image displayed on the monitor?

Check if cables are inserted correctly into the monitor and that the monitor is set to the right video source

Do not use any adaptors. If you need to change the plug type, only use digital cabels, e.g. HDMI to DVI or HDMI to DISPLAY PORT

Check if there is a light in the green on/off button. If not check if the power supply is connected properly

Why is the image is out of focus, when I change the zoom?

Each lens have a different focus distance / lens to object distance. E.g. the lens to object distance for a Lens +4 is 250mm.

See focus distance for other lenses here

Does the system feature FULL HD?

Even though many systems claim to be able to run in FULL HD, it is exclusively equiptment, such as TAGARNO ZAP, which is designed to display in 1080p that generates true FULL HD.

FULL HD (Full High Definition) is a high picture quality displayed on a MONITOR – FULL HD is 1080p.

The P in 1080p refers to the number of vertical lines displayed on the screen. You get an equally sharper image, if you have a higher number of lines. P stands for Progressive scan – that the screen uses to display images. Progressive scans quickly displays images due to the complete refreshment of the screen with every fram, which creates fast movements to be displayed in razor sharp details.

Why is the laser pointer not centered when zooming?

The laser pointer, is thought as a target finder, this means that you dont need the center precision to localize your desired object.

How do I create image documentation?

To use the full potential of TAGARNO ZAP, we recommend using the Windows Camera App (third-party software) for saving and sharing imaging and live video recording when using Windows Operating Systems.

Why is there no image and the monitor is saying ``out of range``?

The monitor does not support the selected video format. Follow this procedure to change back to factory setting 1080P60.

1. Turn the microscope off
2. Press and hold the center button down while turning the power on
3. Keep holding the center button down for 25 seconds
4. Release the center button and turn the power off
5. Turn the power back on and the microscope is set to factory setting 1080P60

Is it okay to connect the mini HDMI cable to a PC?

Please do not connect the mini HDMI cable to a PC. Please also remember to not use force when inserting the cable plugs

In which order should I connect the cables to the microscope?

First, connect HDMI cable and USB 3.0 cable.

Then connect the control box, power supply and ESD – Electro Static Discharge.

Please see the user manual section 6 – connecting for further explanation.

How does the control options work?

Watch from 00:03 to see the control box and camera head controls in action:

 

Why is the laser pointer not centered when zooming?

The laser pointer, is thought as a target finder, this means that you dont need the center precision to localize your desired object.

How do I use the Ethernet connector?

Store images directly to your microscope and share the content of the microscopes internal storage directly from a computer via the activated LAN connection.

Can I use a hard drive to save pictures?

It is possible to connect an external hard drive to the USB 2.0. The TAGARNO microscopes does not have sufficient power to source the external hard drive. A secondary power source must be provided.

A smartphone USB charger can be used as external USB power source, as long as it can provide sufficient current. Consult the technical data for the external hard drive to see how much current (Amps) it uses during operation.

NB: The external hard drive must be FAT32 formatted.

 

tagarno power_to_hard_drive

How to get access to internally stored pictures?

The TAGARNO TREND system need to be connected to a local network. Make sure that File share mode is activated in the Setup menu.

Access files with Windows operation system:
• Open the File Explorer and type: \\tagarno-snxxxxx

Access files with macOS operation system:
• Open the Connect to server window and type: smb://tagarno-snxxxxx/
• Press connect

In both cases a window will appear and you can type:

• User name: \public (Windows) or public (MAC)
• Password: pub1234

Double click the images folder and you will be able to save, view, copy, move and rename images.

Why doesn´t the system recognize the USB memory stick?

The USB stick need to be FAT32 formatted.

How do I use the Ethernet connector?

Store images directly to your microscope and share the content of the microscopes internal storage directly from a computer via the activated LAN connection.

Can I use a hard drive to save pictures?

It is possible to connect an external hard drive to the USB 2.0

The TAGARNO FHD microscopes does not have sufficient power to source the external hard drive. A secondary power source must be provided.

A smartphone USB charger can be used as external USB power source, as long as it can provide sufficient current. Consult the technical data for the external hard drive to see how much current (Amps) it uses during operation.

NB: The external hard drive must be FAT32 formatted.
tagarno power_to_hard_drive

How to get access to internally stored pictures?

The TAGARNO FHD microscope system need to be connected to a local network.

Make sure that FILE SHARE MODE is activated in the SETUP MENU

Access files with Windows operation system:
• Open the File Explorer and type: \\tagarno-snxxxxx

Access files with macOS operation system:
• Open the Connect to server window and type: smb://tagarno-snxxxxx/
• Press connect

In both cases a window will appear and you can type:
• User name: \public (Windows) or public (MAC)
• Password: pub1234

Double click the images folder and you will be able to save, view, copy, move and rename images.

Why doesn´t the system recognize the USB memory stick?

The USB stick need to be FAT32 formatted.

What is the difference between optical and digital zoom?

Digital zoom: Digital zoom enlarges the image area at the center of the frame by enlarging the pixels. This, of course, affects the resolution of the image
Optical zoom: Optical zoom uses optics to bring the object closer. This produces images of higher quality and does not affect the resolution of the image

If you use a combination of optical and digital zoom e.g. 10x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom. To calculate the area of optical magnification, you simply take the maximum magnification and divide it by two. Examples:

LENS +10: max mag = 100x, so 100/2 = 50x optical magnification (the rest up to 100 is digital)
LENS +5: max mag = 50x, so 50/2 = 25x optical magnification (the rest up to 50x is digital)
LENS +4: max mag = 40x, so 40/2 = 20x optical magniciation (the rest up to 40x is digital)

To see the difference between optical and digital zoom, try this out:
Compare the image quality when magnifying 50x with a LENS +10 (click to open image) versus magnifying 50x with a LENS +5 (click to open image). You will see that you get a better image quality with the LENS +10 because it has optical magnification all the way to 50x.

What is the difference between zoom and magnification?

The zoom value is the given camera position, this value will always be the same no matter LENS and MONITOR connected

The magnification value is a number calculated based on your zoom position, lens type and your monitor size.
Eg. Monitor width / (overview with max zoom / Lens no.) => 478mm / (45,3mm / +4) = 42,2x (magnification on 21,5” monitor)

What is Field of view (FOV)?

FOV or Field Of View, is the area you can see underneath the camera. FOV depends on zoom value and type of LensNS

What is FULL HD (FHD)?

FULL HD (Full High Definition) is a high picture quality displayed on a MONITOR – FULL HD is 1080p.

The P in 1080p refers to the number of vertical lines displayed on the screen. You get an equally sharper image, if you have a higher number of lines. P stands for Progressive scan – that the screen uses to display images. Progressive scans quickly displays images due to the complete refreshment of the screen with every fram, which creates fast movements to be displayed in razor sharp details.

Even though many systems claim to be able to run in FULL HD, it is exclusively equiptment, such as TAGARNOs FHD magnification systems TAGARNO FHD ZAP and TAGARNO FHD ZIP, which is designed to display in 1080p that generates true FULL HD.

Do you need a magnification system with a high magnification level?

When you need to see small details very clearly, a system with a high magnification level and live imaging at 60fps provides you with superb image quality – at high magnification levels.

TAGARNO PRESTIGE provides you with magnification levels up to 510x.

Why do you need a magnification system with backlight?

A magnification solution with backlight enables you to clearly see objects through high intensity illumination. A backlight features an integrated source of illumination, which provides you with a magnification solution containing both direct light and backlight. Both light sources can be turned on with a single click. In addition you can adjust the intensity of the backlight gradually, to suit your specific needs.

You can get a separate backlight BACKLIGHT KIT  to create a perfect back light.

How is a calibration performed correct?

To perform accurate measurements, you need to make a new calibration or recall a previous calibration.

Different lenses require different procedures, so please follow the appropriate procedure for the mounted lens.

  • When buying the measurement application, you receive calibration sheets from D to I for Dot grid calibration and a ruler for linear calibration.
  • Calibration sheets A, B and C are available at: tagarno.com/download-calibration-sheets-abc

The calibration sheets provided can be used with lenses up to +10.
Use the custom Dot grid or linear calibration methods for lenses +25 and higher.

See manual for the Measurement app for further description

 

Why is it necessary to calibrate before performing a measurement?

To measure length, diameter, angle, area and more as accurate as possible from the Measurement app, it is crucial that a calibration is either performed or recalled before performing the actual measurement.

Should I use a keyboard and mouse or the control box?

To use the Measurement application, the mouse and keyboard must be connected as described under the section called Connection in the product manual.

Is it necessary to perform a new calibration each time?

To perform accurate measurements, you need to make a new calibration or recall a previous calibration.

Different lenses require different procedures, so please follow the appropriate procedure for the mounted lens as described i the Measurement application manual.

The application will store and recall a calibration, so that you do not have to recalibrate every time the software has been closed. To choose a saved calibration, select it in the Recall dropdown menu in the top menu bar.

Which values does a calibration save?

When performing a calibration, four current values are locked and saved in the application:
• Zoom level
• Focus height
• Close-up lens
• Scaling factor

Which calibration methods are available?

You can choose between performing a dot grid or a linear calibration.

Dot grid calibration: Advanced calibration is done automatically by placing a predefined dot grid calibration sheet under the camera and taking a picture.
While running the calibration, the software will automatically compensate for lens curve distortion and non-linearity and carry out calculations with a precision of sub-pixels.

Linear calibration: This is a calibration method where you use a reference line and state the line length. The measurement accuracy depends the user’s diligence when drawing the reference line. Please note that linear calibration does not compensate for lens curve distortion.

 

My calibration is failing - what is wrong?

If the calibration sheet is placed incorrectly, the calibration will fail.

If the Result says FAIL, switch to Live view to zoom in and adjust the position of the markers to adjust the position of the calibration sheet and recalibrate by pressing Run calibration again.

I want to readjust a calibration - what should I be aware of?

When you readjust a calibration, the camera focus locks. This means that you might have to readjust the physical distance between the camera and the object you are looking at (focus height) to display the image sharply.

Do I need to use the same close up lens when recalling a calibration?

When recalling a calibration, it is important that you use the same close up lens as during the initial calibration. Only calibrations with the chosen lens will be available in the drop down menu.

Does the app have function shortcuts and tool tips?

Function key shortcuts (F1-F10) have been assigned to the drawing and annotation functions. The tool tip shows the assigned function key.

See assigned shortcuts at each function in the Measurement app user manual.

When you mouseover a menu point, a text box will show tool tips.

Where can I find the user manual?

Go to the User manual page to find the Measurement app manual.

Where do I find the user manual?

Go to the User manual page to find the Speck counter app user manual.

Which equipment is needed together with the app?

Equipment needed:

  • TAGARNO TREND microscope
  • Ring light white
  • Basic or Advanced control box (external lighting)
  • Optical diffusor filter
  • Fresnel lens
  • Light eliminator
  • White balance calibration card
  • TAGARNO Color calibration card
How should the light settings be set?

Set the light settings on the ring light to intensity 100% using the the preferred control box.

What would be the best way to prepare the sample?

Once the sample has been leveled out so that the content of the sample is alligned parellel to the lens surface, place it on a flat surface.

What should I do if too many irregularities are being identified?

If too many irregularities are being counted/identified, you can adjust the slider to the left, which will then reduce the number of irregularities which is being identified in the image.

What does the red and blue circles respectively mark?

When running an analysis, the lighter type of speck will be marked with a red circle and the darker type will be marked with a blue circle.

How can I refine the results?

Set the Color tone filter slider to refine the result you get, after having set the lightness filter.

How do I ensure correct calibration of the L*a*b* color values?

To ensure correct calculation of L*a*b* color values of a sample, a Color calibration must be performed before selecting the Measure color feature.

NB! Make sure that the target on the White balance calibration card is not in the highlighted square during the first step of the Color calibration.

Select the Measure color feature to include L*a*b* color values in the analysis results.

NB! Changing magnification levels after selecting the Measure color feature will automatically uncheck the feature and the box will turn yellow to make you aware of this. Perform a new Color calibration if you want to measure color values at the current magnification level.

What need does the Color analyzer app cover?

The Color Analyzer enables you to objectively analyze/validate the color of a sample directly on a TAGARNO digital microscope.

Which microscope models can use this app?

To get the best results, we recommend using this application with the TAGARNO TREND.

This allows you to attach the right accessories and rightfully adjust the settings.

Which equipment is needed to get the best results using the app?

Equipment needed:

  • Ring light white
  • Basic or Advanced control box (external lighting)
  • White balance calibration card
  • White balance calibration card fixture
  • Sample drawer
  • Sample drawer positioner
  • Light eliminator

This enables the app to run objective and reproducable analyses.
The microscope light settings are automatically set to auto exposure.

Why is it necessary to use a light eliminator?

Using the Light eliminator will eliminate any external light and prevent it from interfering with the analysis result.

How do I assemble the ring light and light eliminator?
Should I use a keyboard with mouse or the control box for navigation?

You should mainly use a keyboard and mouse to control the app.

However, you are able to use either the keyboard or control box to choose the preferred magnification level.

Can I perform white balance calibrations right after turning the system on?

It is recommendéd to leave the microscope turned on for 30 minutes before performing a white balance calibration.

A white balance calibration is made each time the camera is turned on to adjust to the given light conditions.

A white balance calibration must also be made every time the light conditions change.

The colors are not true to life. How do I correct it?

If the Sample drawer with calibration card and White balance calibration card fixture is not inserted into the camera field of view when the unit is turned on, the white balance will be incorrect and it will be necessary to perform the white balance adjustment proces again.

What is the correct way to store the White balance calibration card?

Once the White balance calibration has been performed, place the White balance calibration card into its UV protection sleeve.

Storing it in the sleeve will prolong the life expectancy of the White balance calibration card.

What does the yellow exclamation point on the “Run analysis” button mean?

You will not be able to run the analysis, if the button contains a yellow exclamation point.

Perform a white balance calibration before trying again.

Why does nothing happen when I click the Run analysis button?

You will not be able to run the analysis, if the button contains a yellow exclamation point.

Perform a white balance calibration before trying again.

What do the color indicators displayed on the graph mean?

All identified color values within the defined color range are displayed on a graph.

  • Values within pass limits are displayed as green
  • Values close to or within fail limits are displayed as yellow
  • Values outside of the fail limit range are displayed as red

Further questions?

If you are having trouble finding answers to your questions, you are always welcome to contact your local TAGARNO distributor or TAGARNO Support at [email protected]