Prior Scientific OptiScan III Microscope Controllers
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Prior Scientific OptiScan III Microscope Controllers
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Prior Scientific Microscope Automation
OptiScan III Microscope Controllers
Compact, cost-effective controllers for Prior motorised XY stages, microscope focus mechanisms and selected ancillary devices.
Supplied as part of a configured automation system
The appropriate OptiScan controller depends on the motorised stage, focus mechanism, encoder requirements, TTL triggering, software platform and required cables. Auckland Scientific will confirm the complete configuration and provide a system-specific quotation.
Product overview
Prior Scientific OptiScan III controllers provide a reliable and cost-effective way to automate routine microscopy and imaging applications. They can be configured to control compatible motorised XY stages, microscope focus mechanisms and selected ancillary devices.
The standard ES11 is a compact three-axis controller designed principally for control of a motorised XY stage and a motorised Z-axis focus mechanism. Plug-and-play recognition of compatible Prior components helps simplify system configuration and installation.
OptiScan III is particularly suitable for routine laboratory microscopy, digital imaging, automated inspection, slide scanning and OEM systems where a compact controller and straightforward software integration are required.
Three-axis control
Control compatible motorised X and Y stage movement together with a motorised Z-axis focus mechanism.
Plug-and-play setup
Automatic recognition of compatible Prior components helps simplify installation and configuration.
Computer control
USB and RS232 communications support connection to compatible imaging and automation software.
Compact integration
Well suited to benchtop microscope systems, routine imaging workstations and compact OEM instruments.
Available controller configurations
The OptiScan controller family includes configurations for standard stage and focus control, TTL-enabled applications and specialised Z-axis or ancillary-device control.
| Model | Device control | Communications | TTL capability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES11 | Stepper-motor XY stage and Z focus | 1 × USB-B and 2 × RS232 | Not included | Routine motorised XY and Z microscopy |
| ES11TTL | Stepper-motor XY stage and Z focus | 1 × USB-B and 2 × RS232 | 1 TTL output | XY and Z control with external triggering |
| ES12ZETTL | One Z-axis, filter wheel or other supported ancillary device, with or without encoding | 2 × USB-C | 10 TTL inputs and 5 TTL outputs | Specialist Z-axis, encoded or triggered applications |
Important configuration differences
ES11 and ES11TTL are three-axis controllers intended principally for compatible stepper-motor XY stages and motorised focus mechanisms.
ES12ZETTL is not a direct replacement for the ES11. It is intended for one supported Z-axis, filter wheel or other ancillary device and offers encoder and expanded TTL capabilities.
Prior advises customers to contact them regarding software compatibility for ES12ZETTL. Auckland Scientific will therefore confirm the software and communications requirements before quotation.
ES11 controller specifications
| Controlled axes | X, Y and Z |
|---|---|
| Motor compatibility | Compatible Prior stepper-motor devices |
| Computer communications | USB and RS232C |
| RS232 communication rates | 9600, 19200 or 38400 baud |
| RS232 format | 8-bit word, 1 stop bit, no parity and no handshake |
| Power supply | Universal external power supply |
| Power input | 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, maximum 1.6 A |
| Intelligent Scanning Technology | Not included with OptiScan controllers |
Final performance, travel range, resolution, speed and repeatability are determined by the connected stage or focus mechanism rather than by the controller alone.
Software compatibility
Prior identifies the ES11 OptiScan III controller as compatible with a range of commercial microscopy and image-analysis software platforms, including:
- Nikon NIS-Elements
- Evident/Olympus cellSens Dimension
- Evident/Olympus PRECiV
- Evident/Olympus Stream Motion
- µManager
- Inscoper
- VisiView
Compatibility can depend on the software edition, installed device support, operating system, controller firmware and required hardware functions. The exact software configuration should be confirmed before ordering.
Python and custom software integration
OptiScan III can be incorporated into custom automation applications using Prior’s software development resources and controller command interface.
Prior’s SDK 2.0 uses a C/C++ DLL and includes programming examples for Python, C#, C++ and MATLAB. Developers may also use supported ASCII commands through the controller’s USB or RS232 connection.
Python support should therefore be understood as an integration and development option rather than a standalone ready-to-use Python application. The proposed computer, operating system, interface and software functions should be reviewed before quotation.
Typical system configurations
| Application | Typical controlled hardware | Suggested controller family |
|---|---|---|
| Motorised sample positioning | OptiScan XY stage | ES11 |
| XY positioning and Z-stacking | XY stage and PS3H122R focus mechanism | ES11 |
| Triggered imaging | XY stage, Z focus and external trigger connection | ES11TTL, subject to trigger requirements |
| Specialist encoded or ancillary control | One supported Z-axis, filter wheel or ancillary device | ES12ZETTL, subject to confirmation |
Controllers, accessories and cables
Depending on the system, the following components may also be required:
| Part number | Accessory | Application |
|---|---|---|
| ES12ADTTL | OptiScan TTL converter board | Converts a 15-way D-type TTL connection to 15 SMB connections; requires a compatible base controller |
| CS200XY | XY joystick | Manual control of compatible motorised XY stages |
| CS200Z | Z joystick | Manual control of compatible motorised focus mechanisms |
| H248 | OptiScan stage cable | 3 m cable for connecting compatible OptiScan stepper-motor XY stages to OptiScan III |
| H398 | ProScan-stage interface cable | For connecting selected ProScan stepper-motor XY stages to OptiScan III |
| H276 | RS232 cable | 2 m null-modem communication cable with straight D-type connector |
| H407 | Power supply | External power supply for OptiScan III controllers |
| W751 | UK power lead | 2 m UK mains lead |
Please note: stages, focus mechanisms, joysticks, power supplies, power leads, communication cables and stage cables are not necessarily included with the controller. The complete bill of materials will be confirmed in your quotation.
Typical applications
- Routine motorised microscopy
- Automated sample positioning
- Z-stacking and extended-focus imaging
- Digital slide scanning
- Time-lapse microscopy
- Automated image acquisition
- Industrial inspection and measurement
- OEM and custom microscope systems
Product literature and downloads
Download the available technical literature below. These documents support system selection but do not replace a complete hardware and software compatibility check.
Supported by Auckland Scientific
Auckland Scientific brings more than 21 years of experience in microscopy sales, imaging applications and scientific instrumentation. We work with customers to understand the microscope, samples, imaging method and automation objectives before recommending a system.
Our service can include:
- Pre-purchase consultation and application review
- Microscope and component compatibility checks
- Controller, stage and focus-mechanism selection
- Cable and accessory configuration
- Installation and commissioning
- User and operator training
- Software and workflow guidance
- Ongoing technical and service support
Request a quotation
To help us specify the correct controller and accessories, please provide:
- Your microscope manufacturer and model
- The model or part number of the motorised stage
- Whether motorised Z-axis focus control is required
- Whether the hardware has positional encoders
- Any TTL triggering requirements
- The imaging or automation software you intend to use
- Any required joystick, installation, training or custom integration
Auckland Scientific will review the information and provide a quotation covering the controller, cables, power supply, joystick and any additional automation components required.
Specifications and compatibility information may change. Final controller suitability, software compatibility and the complete bill of materials will be confirmed at quotation stage.