Dark image in microscope camera

[bos]

We purchased a new microscope some X years ago. In the deal we also got a microscope camera, but this camera turned out to give a very dark image. Manufacturer said "upgrade firmware" which we did, same error. We conjured the warranty and got a new camera, same error. Then we got fed up and ditched the idea of having a camera, because the microscope itself was top-notch.

However, now the need for a camera has arisen anew so I'm trying to figure out the root cause of the problem.

Photo of what the microscope is targeting.

Photo into the ocular.

Photo of the screen with the camera software.

I disassembled the optics to see if there was a protective tape (or whatever) covering the lenses and mirrors, but there was nothing there. Everything is squeaky clean and there is nothing that can obstruct the light, so I have no clue why the light goes away.

Anyone here with knowledge of optics and can pinpoint the root cause of this annoying problem?

[bos]

If I skip the USB-connection and use HDMI output instead, and light the PCB with a strong flashlight, the screen shows this.

Better (which might indicate bad Windows driver), but still crap.

[bos]

If I exaggerate, and go all-in with a halogen spotlight very close to the PCB, then the brightness is perfect on the screen.

[einstein9]

looks like not enough light issue (look for the one with dimmer option for adjust the light based on requirement)

we use something similar to those links below,

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006054233764.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.17.718bb06fb06f0g&algo_pvid=bf6bd008-bbb1-40d1-9d0b-3e27711de5aa&algo_exp_id=bf6bd008-bbb1-40d1-9d0b-3e27711de5aa-8&pdp_npi=4%40dis%21KWD%219.689%215.363%21%21%21217.74%21120.53%21%40212a70c017302766773793102e45e8%2112000035516621869%21sea%21KW%21954881067%21X&curPageLogUid=YFI3tLNeTmd3&utparam-url=scene%3Asearch%7Cquery_from%3A


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007 ... 00940747_1

[bos]

We got the same ringlight as in your first link (variable light intensity). The photos are taken with the ringlight set to max. Gives good illumination in oculars, but not in camera.

[einstein9]

then most probably the Cam. issue not good enough

[bos]

That's what I first thought, but even with a brand new camera (which we got by warranty from the manufacturer) the problem still persists. I have a hard time imaging that two brand new cameras would have the same problem. It's way too much of a coincidense for that, especially since a friend of mine bought the same microscope / camera / ringlight from the same manufacturer just a month before me. The only difference of our setups is that his ringlight is model MIC-209 (30-40k lux) and mine is HY-144B (unknown lux, cant find datasheet). His setup gives proper light through the camera.

[Lardman]

Crap camera and crap lighting.

I've never much liked the ring lights unless you've working with at least a 0.5x barlow the gooseneck ones are much more useful.

Don't believe a word of the claims about the cameras either, you'll need a decent after market one with a decent sensor, Do you have a trinocular or binocular scope? Most of the youtubers put the kit they use in on the vide, find one that matches your setup https://pldaniels.com/tools for example.

[HaQue]

Have you tried other camera software? many microscopes will be able to use other software

[HaQue]

Have you tried other camera software? many microscopes will be able to use other software

[bos]

That I haven't done. Somehow it struck me that a branded camera needs to use a branded software to use it.

I will try some other software and see how it goes.

[fzabkar]

Compare the number of LEDs and the power rating of the two lights/adaptors. That should give you a reference point.

Like you say, no useful specs:

https://www.hayear.com/?product/84

The funny thing is that the model is "HY-144B", but the label in the photos reads "MIC-209".

[Lardman]

Have you checked the white balance and exposure? I can see my camera adjusting to compensate when I crank up the led brightness.

FWIW this is what Im getting from a cheap eakins camera, a 0.35x adapter and the windows camera app. LEDs are on about 50% with white balance and exposure set to auto.

Attachments

[HaQue]

What is the camera itself? And where is it mounted?