FAQ

How do I choose the right product?

How do I decide what kind of microscope I need?

We can suggest how to figure out which features you need here.

How do I choose a MiScope?

See the comparison chart here.

What should I get for imaging reflective metal surfaces?

See the MiScope Megapixel 2 information here.

Which camera should I get?

See the comparison chart here.

Which Videolink should I get?

See the comparison chart here.

Which Video Toolbox software should I get?
See the comparison chart right here 

 

 

What is the compatibility of Zarbeco products?

Which Zarbeco products are compatible with Mac computers?

See the comparison chart here.

Is my MiScope compatible with Windows 10?

See the information here.

How can I use my MiScope with an Android phone or tablet?

Follow the instructions here.

 

FAQs about using Zarbeco products

How do I measure with Video Toolbox software?

In the software, look under the help file and there is a section on measurement and calibration. For accurate measurements you will need to calibrate your microscope first. Here is a manual to calibrate using a ruler or and here is a manual to calibrate using a reticle or MGrid. If you get the Miscope MP2, we also have a patented CaliWedge with Wedge reader software which allows you to calibrate, generate onscreen magnification, and generate calibration reports all with the press of one button. You can read more about it under our MiScope accessories: CaliWedge. The measurement tools will allow you to change measurement units.

How do I capture images or movies?

Follow the steps linked here.

How do I set my manual exposure for the MiScope Megapixel 2 if I don’t want the default lighting settings?

Follow the instructions here.

What are the wavelength options for MiScope-MP2?

We have standard wavelengths that we’ve selected to work best on a wide range of objects, and we stock a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to infrared. Please contact Zarbeco if you have specific needs.

Do I need drivers for my MiScope MP2?

No. (Make sure you have MISC-MP2; you will still a sticker on the back of the Miscope that says “MISC-MP2).

Do I need drivers for my USB Videolink?

Yes, they are available for download here.

Can I use your software with a camera I bought somewhere else?

You will need to purchase our software with a dongle key so you can use the software on any computer that the dongle key is plugged into. Your camera must be “DirectShow” which means it will work with Windows Software such as Video Toolbox, Video Toolbox PRO, and Video Toolbox Premier.

What do I need to use/install focuslock?

For Focuslock to work properly you first need to consider what instrument you are using it with. Do you have it with a microscope set up or is it with one of our MiScopes? It needs to be on a stable base microscope (like our ZDM microscopes) to work properly because there can't be lateral shift in order for the composite images to be saved with a blur-free image.

 

Troubleshooting

The LEDs do not turn on

Check your USB cord, the input into your microscope should have the black side facing up and you should feel the cable snap into the connector when it is completely in. If your Miscope has a switch, make sure that the switch is in the “On” position.

The LEDs turn on but there is no picture

Check that the computer can see the device. You can do this by: Opening the Device Manager (Start Menu -> Control Panel -> Device Manager) If your computer can see the MiScope, there will be an icon that says “Imaging Devices”. Click on that icon and it should have USBPCCamera underneath, this is your MiScope. If your computer did not see the device, you can try plugging into a different USB port.

Error Message: No video device connected.

Is your videolink cable plugged into the camera and the computer?

Did you install the drivers properly? Click on: System control -> hardware -> device manager -> imaging devices, and then look for + sign and press it.  Videolink should be listed as USB2861 or USB 2821 video device.

To correctly install the drivers, click the videolink drivers: (link) open the folder called video drivers. Make sure the videolink cable is not connected to the computer (this is very important!!!)

Run the setup program which will give you an option to repair, modify or remove. Select “remove” Then run the setup program which will run the program again. After the setup program is finished running, you can plug the videolink cable into the computer and follow the “new hardware found” wizard instructions.

 

Alternatively, check to see if your video input/source is selected correctly.

Open Video Toolbox (Start Menu -> Programs -> Zarbeco -> Video Toolbox)

To configure the program to your needs select the Settings Button to open the Settings window.

Your input should be “USB 2861 Video” or “USB 2821 Video” if you are using a Zarbeco USB Videolink 2.0 model 2b, you will find this in the Video Device menu

If you still don’t see an image, check the video source. The source for most video cameras is Composite or S-video.  

  1. Composite video is connected with a round 2-pin connector
  2. S-video is connected with a 4-pin connector

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What is your privacy policy? It is available here.

What are your standard terms and conditions? They are available here

How do I get Zarbeco technical support? Contact us with the following email form.

Where can I ask more questions about Zarbeco products? Contact us with the following email form.