Prior Scientific ProScan III Multi-Axis Microscope Controllers
£0.00
Sale price
£0.00
Regular price
Skip to product information
Contact Us
Prior Scientific ProScan III Multi-Axis Microscope Controllers
Price available on request — please contact us for a quote
Prior Scientific Advanced Microscope Automation
ProScan III Multi-Axis Microscope Controllers
Modular controllers for precision motorised stages, focus mechanisms, filter wheels, shutters, encoders and advanced microscopy automation.
Configured and supplied by quotation
ProScan III is a modular controller platform. The correct configuration depends on the stage motor type, positional encoders, Z-axis mechanism, filter wheels, shutters, TTL triggering, software platform and future expansion requirements. Auckland Scientific will confirm the complete system before quotation.
Product overview
Prior Scientific ProScan III provides advanced multi-axis control for automated microscopy and imaging systems. The modular controller family can operate compatible motorised XY stages, Z-axis focus mechanisms, filter wheels, shutters, encoders and selected OEM devices.
ProScan III is the controller platform used with Prior’s Intelligent Scanning Technology, or IST. When an appropriate ProScan stage and controller are combined, IST optimises stage movement for fast, smooth and accurate sample positioning.
The system can be operated from Prior CS200 joysticks, compatible third-party microscopy software or custom software using USB, RS232 and Prior’s software-development resources.
Modular multi-axis control
Configure control for stages, focus mechanisms, filter wheels, shutters and other supported devices.
Intelligent Scanning Technology
Compatible ProScan stages benefit from Prior’s patented IST motion-control technology.
Stepper and linear motors
Dedicated configurations are available for compatible stepper-motor and linear-motor stages.
Programmable triggering
TTL inputs and outputs support integration with cameras and other external imaging devices.
Stepper-motor controller configurations
| Model | XY and Z control | Encoder support | Ancillary devices | Typical application |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V31XYZ | Stepper-motor XY and Z | No | No dedicated ancillary axes | Standard automated XY positioning and focusing |
| V31XYZE | Stepper-motor XY and Z | XYZ encoder support | No dedicated ancillary axes | Encoded positioning and enhanced positional feedback |
| V31XYZF | Stepper-motor XY and Z | No | Three filter-wheel or ancillary axes and three shutter axes | Multi-device imaging and fluorescence automation |
| V31XYZEF | Stepper-motor XY and Z | XYZ encoder support | Three filter-wheel or ancillary axes and three shutter axes | Advanced encoded, multi-device automation |
| V31F | Not included | No | Three filter-wheel or ancillary axes and three shutter axes | Standalone filter-wheel and shutter control |
Linear-motor controller configurations
Linear-motor stages require a dedicated VLD-series controller. A standard V31 stepper-motor controller must not be assumed to be compatible with a linear-motor stage.
| Model | Stage control | Encoder support | Additional capability |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLD31XYZG | Linear-motor XY stage and Z-axis | XYZ encoder support | Standard linear-motor stage configuration |
| VLD31XYZFG | Linear-motor XY stage and Z-axis | XYZ encoder support | Three filter-wheel or ancillary axes and three shutter axes |
| VLD31XYZTG | Linear-motor XY stage and Z-axis | XYZ encoder support | One trigger output derived from the X, Y or Z encoder |
Connectivity and triggering
| Computer communications | 1 × USB-B and 2 × RS232 |
|---|---|
| Standard programmable TTL | 4 TTL inputs and 4 TTL outputs |
| Auxiliary connection | +5 V and ground |
| Joystick control | Compatible with Prior CS200-series joysticks |
| Operating-system support | Windows, Linux and macOS, subject to software and driver requirements |
Intelligent Scanning Technology
Prior’s patented Intelligent Scanning Technology helps optimise the motion of compatible ProScan stages. Rather than relying on a single fixed movement profile, IST is designed to improve stage performance across different travel distances and operating conditions.
This can provide smoother positioning, faster scanning and improved performance in applications such as slide scanning, image stitching, multiwell-plate imaging and automated inspection.
IST performance depends on using a compatible ProScan stage and ProScan controller. It is not available with every Prior stage or controller combination.
Software compatibility
Prior identifies ProScan III as compatible with numerous commercial and open microscopy software platforms, including:
- Nikon NIS-Elements – appropriate package or device support required
- Evident/Olympus cellSens – appropriate edition or modules required
- Evident/Olympus PRECiV – appropriate edition or modules required
- µManager
- Inscoper
- VisiView
Software compatibility can depend on the controller configuration, connected hardware, operating system, controller firmware and installed software modules. Final compatibility will be checked before quotation.
Python and custom software integration
ProScan III can be controlled from custom automation applications using Prior’s software development kit and controller command interface.
Prior’s SDK 2.0 is based on a C/C++ DLL and includes programming examples for Python, C#, C++ and MATLAB. Supported ASCII commands may also be issued through the USB or RS232 connection.
Python support is therefore an integration and development option rather than a standalone Python application. Operating-system support and the proposed control functions should be checked before specifying a custom system.
Expansion and add-on controllers
| Part number | Description | Important information |
|---|---|---|
| V31ADF | Three filter-wheel or ancillary-device axes and three shutter-device axes | Requires a compatible base controller |
| VLD31T | One trigger output from an X, Y or Z encoder | Requires a compatible base controller |
| V31LDC | Add-on control for standalone Prior LED illumination units | Requires a compatible ProScan III system |
Joysticks, cables and accessories
| Part number | Accessory | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CS200XY | XY joystick with programmable button | Manual control of compatible motorised XY stages |
| CS200Z | Z joystick with programmable button | Manual control of compatible motorised focus mechanisms |
| H247 | Straight ProScan stage cable | 3 m stage-to-controller cable |
| H247LA | Left-angled ProScan stage cable | 3 m stage-to-controller cable |
| H247RA | Right-angled ProScan stage cable | 3 m stage-to-controller cable |
| H276 | RS232 null-modem cable | 2 m computer communication cable |
| HF300 | Filter-wheel cable | 2 m connection between a compatible Prior filter wheel and controller |
| Configuration dependent | Power lead and additional device cables | Specified according to the complete system and installation location |
Please note: stages, focus mechanisms, joysticks, cables, filter wheels, shutters and add-on control boxes are not necessarily included with the base controller. All required components will be identified in the quotation.
Typical applications
- Automated slide scanning and image stitching
- Z-stacking and extended-focus imaging
- Multiwell-plate imaging
- Fluorescence microscopy automation
- Time-lapse microscopy
- High-throughput image acquisition
- Industrial inspection and measurement
- OEM and custom instrument integration
Product literature and downloads
Download the available product and compatibility information below.
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 workflow 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
- Encoder, trigger and ancillary-device 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 ProScan III configuration, please provide:
- Your microscope manufacturer and model
- The motorised stage model or required travel range
- Whether the stage uses stepper or linear motors
- Whether positional encoders are fitted
- The required motorised Z-axis mechanism
- Any filter wheels, shutters or other controlled devices
- TTL triggering and camera-synchronisation requirements
- The imaging or automation software you intend to use
- Installation, training or custom-integration requirements
Auckland Scientific will review the proposed system and provide a quotation covering the controller, add-on modules, joysticks, cables and associated automation components.
Specifications, software support and product configurations may change. Final controller suitability and the complete bill of materials will be confirmed at quotation stage.