Prior Motorised Focus Drives for Zeiss Microscopes
Price available on request — please contact us for a quote
Prior Scientific Microscope Automation
Motorised Focus Drives for Zeiss Microscopes
Motorised fine-focus solutions for selected Zeiss upright and inverted microscopes. Configurations include the PS3H122R bolt-on focus drive and dedicated drives for selected Axioskop and Axiovert systems.
Configured for the exact Zeiss microscope
The appropriate focus drive depends on the microscope model and focus mechanism. Auckland Scientific will confirm whether the system requires the PS3H122R and H2779 adapter or a dedicated Zeiss focus-drive configuration.
Product overview
Prior Scientific provides motorised-focus solutions for selected current and earlier-generation Zeiss microscopes. These systems automate the microscope’s fine-focus mechanism and can support automated Z-stacking, extended-focus imaging, repeatable Z positioning and compatible autofocus workflows.
For Zeiss Axio Imager 1 and Axio Imager 2 microscopes, the PS3H122R offers a straightforward bolt-on upgrade using a microscope-specific H2779 adapter. The unit clamps to the microscope focus control and assumes control of the fine-focus mechanism.
Prior identifies dedicated focus-drive configurations for the Zeiss Axioskop 40 and Axiovert 200. These should not be substituted with the standard PS3H122R configuration without confirmation.
Available Zeiss focus-drive options
| Zeiss microscopes | Focus-drive configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zeiss Axio Imager 1 and Axio Imager 2 | PS3H122R with H2779 adapter | Bolt-on motorised fine-focus configuration. |
| Zeiss Axioskop 40 | PS3H122X40 | Dedicated Prior focus-drive configuration for the Axioskop 40. |
| Zeiss Axiovert 200 | PS3H122X200 | Dedicated Prior focus-drive configuration for the Axiovert 200. |
PS3H122R bolt-on focus drive
The PS3H122R is a 200-step motorised focus drive designed to retain the step resolution of the microscope’s existing manual fine-focus mechanism.
Installation does not normally require the microscope body to be inverted or dismantled. The drive is fitted using the appropriate microscope adapter and positioned to operate the fine-focus mechanism.
Typical applications
- Automated Z-stacking
- Extended-depth-of-field imaging
- Automated fluorescence microscopy
- Automated slide scanning
- Pathology imaging
- Repeatable fine-focus positioning
- Metrology and materials inspection
- Compatible image-based autofocus workflows
- Custom imaging and analysis systems
Complete system configuration
The final motorised-focus system may include:
- PS3H122R or dedicated Zeiss focus drive
- Zeiss microscope-specific adapter
- OptiScan or ProScan controller
- Optional Z-axis joystick
- Required connecting cable and power supply
- Compatible Prior motorised XY stage where required
- Software configuration and commissioning where included
Controller options
| Control requirement | Typical controller approach |
|---|---|
| Motorised focus only | Suitable single-axis OptiScan control configuration |
| Motorised XY stage and focus | OptiScan III or ProScan III multi-axis controller |
| Encoded stage or expanded automation | Appropriate ProScan III configuration |
Software control and integration
Prior motorised-focus mechanisms are controlled through the appropriate OptiScan III or ProScan III controller. The controller provides the connection between the focus drive and compatible imaging or custom software.
Python and custom software integration
Prior provides an SDK for integrating ProScan III and OptiScan III controllers into third-party and custom software.
Prior SDK 2.0 includes a standard C/C++ DLL and programming examples for Python, C#, C++ and MATLAB.
This allows a suitably experienced developer to create Python-based focus-control routines. Bespoke programming is not included unless expressly stated in the quotation.
Third-party software
Prior’s microscope-components software compatibility chart identifies support for Prior focus mechanisms through suitable Prior controllers with:
Technical downloads
Prior provides a dedicated PS3H122R datasheet but does not currently publish a Zeiss automation guide equivalent to its Nikon and Evident/Olympus guides.
Specialist support from Auckland Scientific
More than a product quotation
Auckland Scientific brings more than 21 years of microscopy industry experience to the selection and supply of microscope automation equipment.
We can assess the microscope, identify the correct focus-drive configuration, select the controller and help integrate the equipment with a motorised stage and imaging workflow.
Information required for quotation
- Exact Zeiss microscope model and variant
- Microscope serial number where available
- Photographs of both focus controls and the microscope frame
- Current stage and focus configuration
- Existing motorised stage and controller, if applicable
- Required imaging or automation workflow
- Whether XY-stage control is also required
- Existing imaging software and version
Discuss your Zeiss focus-automation requirements
Auckland Scientific can identify the appropriate Prior focus drive, microscope adapter and controller for your Zeiss microscope.
Installation, commissioning, training, application support and ongoing service can also be discussed as part of your project.
Request a consultation and quotationMicroscope, motorised XY stage, controller, computer and other equipment are not included unless expressly stated in the quotation. Product availability, part numbers, specifications and compatibility are subject to confirmation before ordering. Zeiss product names are used solely to identify compatible microscope platforms.