Controlling Schott Backlight with Macro

Discuss macros to control the hardware functions of your ZEISS microscope
Post Reply
user-6319
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am

Controlling Schott Backlight with Macro

Post by user-6319 »

Hi,

Is it possible to control the Schott VisiLED 1500 backlight using the Zen Macro Environment? The backlight itself is computer-controllable via software provided by Schott. In addition, they mention that they provide the DDL file (pg. 56 of manual). If it is possible to control it in the Macro, what command(s) should we use?

Thank you!

https://www.us.schott.com/d/lightingima ... nt2018.pdf

QinQin
user-6319
Posts: 5
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am

Post by user-6319 »

Hi Terry,

Yes, of course. It is the Multiple Controller MC 1500 for VisiLED listed on the Zeiss website:
https://www.micro-shop.zeiss.com/index. ... 5-9000-000

The software suggested by Schott sounds like it's their own software, but they also include a DDL file, which can be "integrated into user-own software". The controller is connected to the computer via a RS232 or USB. From pg. 56 of the manual:

The MC 1500 controller can receive control commands from a PC. Computers with operating systems XP/Vista/Win7 can be used.
The computer is connected to the connection (13) of the controller using a RS232 cable. The MC 1500 can also be connected to a PC’s USB interface using a USB 1.1-to-RS232 converter (accessory) – with full USB functionality.
The CD-ROM supplied contains demonstration software for controlling the MC 1500, a DDL file for integrating the controller steering into user-own software and information on controlling the MC 1500 via a hyper terminal. The demo soft- ware allows to comfortably control all functions of the MC 1500.


We currently have a non-automated backlight (MC 750) in our AxioZoom.V16. We would like to upgrade it to the computer controlled MC 1500 in order to control it using the Zen Macro Environment during timelapses.

Thank you,
QinQin
Karen Harris
Posts: 1
Joined: Tue Nov 14, 2023 4:41 am
Contact:

Re: Controlling Schott Backlight with Macro

Post by Karen Harris »

Key aspects are identifying the backlight's interface capabilities and choosing compatible hardware/software for communication. The macro setup maps physical controls to backlight command functions. Proper protocol implementation is critical.
Kathy Barrera
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Jul 11, 2023 11:14 am

Re: Controlling Schott Backlight with Macro

Post by Kathy Barrera »

Identifying the interface capabilities of the lighting and selecting compatible hardware/software for connection are critical.
Wynona Miravalle
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Jan 19, 2024 4:43 am
Contact:

Re: Controlling Schott Backlight with Macro

Post by Wynona Miravalle »

Controlling the Schott VisiLED 1500 backlight using the Zen Macro Environment would depend on the specific commands and protocols supported by the backlight control software provided by Schott. If they mention providing a DDL file (Dynamic Data Linking), it's possible that this file contains information about the commands and communication protocol for controlling the backlight.
Rhys Faulkner
Posts: 2
Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2023 11:40 pm

Re: Controlling Schott Backlight with Macro

Post by Rhys Faulkner »

Hi,

Yes, it is possible to control the Schott VisiLED 1500 backlight through the Zen Macro Environment, especially if Schott provides software for computer control and mentions the availability of a DDL (Dynamic Link Library) file in the manual. The DDL file is essential as it contains the functions and commands necessary to control the backlight from external applications or environments.

In the Zen Macro Environment, you can use the provided DDL file to extend the capabilities of the macros you write. This typically involves calling functions from the DDL file directly in your macro script. To do this, you would first need to ensure that the DDL file is accessible to the Zen Macro Environment, usually by placing it in a directory that the environment can read or by specifying its path in your macro script.

While the specific commands to control the VisiLED 1500 would depend on the functions defined within the DDL file provided by Schott, the general approach to using these commands in a Zen Macro would involve:

Loading the DDL File: Use a command or method in the Zen Macro Environment to load the DDL file. This step is crucial for accessing the functions within the DDL.

Calling Functions: Once the DDL is loaded, you can call its functions directly in your macro script. The function names, parameters, and their usage should be documented in the manual or the DDL documentation provided by Schott.

For example, if there's a function in the DDL named SetBacklightIntensity that takes an intensity level as a parameter, your macro command might look something like this (note that this is a hypothetical example and the actual implementation might differ):

zenmacro
Copy code
LoadDLL("path_to_ddl_file");
SetBacklightIntensity(75); // Sets backlight intensity to 75%
It's important to refer to the Zen Macro Environment documentation for the exact syntax and methods available for loading and interacting with DDL files. Additionally, consulting the Schott manual or their technical support for the specific functions and usage examples of the DDL file would provide the most accurate guidance.

If you encounter any difficulties or if the manual does not provide enough information on how to integrate the DDL within the Zen Macro Environment, I recommend reaching out to Schott's customer support. They might offer detailed instructions or examples on how to achieve this integration.

Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope this response is helpful to you!

Best regards.
Post Reply