ramé-hart Technical Document

Technical Bulletin

Migration Notes for Moving to a New PC

If you have a legacy instrument from ramé-hart and you are moving to a replacement PC, here are some general tips and steps.

1. Backup all user data on the original PC (typically in the c:\DROPimage\Data folder and subfolders.

2. Uninstall the DROPimage software from the original PC in order to comply with licensing requirements.

3. Ensure that the new PC you will be using meets the requirements for both your camera and version and edition of DROPimage. If you're not sure, email your instrument serial number and your migration plan (including version of Windows on the new PC and instrument serial number) to us by contacting us and we can give you guidance specific to your setup.

4. First install the camera driver.

For F4, U1, U2, U3, and U4 Series cameras, you will need to run a file called Balser_pylon_xxx.exe which can be found on your installation media (CD or thumb drive).

For an F1 Series camera, you will need to install FOcontrol_Install_xxx.exe in order to install the camera driver. Note that the legacy FOcontrol driver will only work on Windows 7 32-bit and Windows XP.

5. Once the camera driver is installed, check to ensure that it appears properly in the Device Manager. See image below as an example. Note that for legacy FireWire cameras (e.g., F1 and F4), you will also need to see the FireWire adapter in the Device Manager. Typically, it will appear as an IEEE1394 adapter.

6. In the case of F4, U1, U2, U3, and U4 cameras, you will next want to check for live video using pylon Viewer (a utility application that installs automatically when you install the driver). To learn how to check for live video using pylon Viewer, watch this tutorial.

7. Once you have live video, go ahead and install your DROPimage software. The file will begin with "DROP..." on your install media (e.g., DROPAdvx.xxx_setup.exe)

8. When you start DROPimage the first time, a new System ID will be generated. Once you get to this point, contact us with the following information:
- Instrument Model Number and Serial Number
- Edition of DROPimage (e.g., Advanced, Pro, Standard, CA)
- Complete version number that appears on the screen with the System ID (e.g., 2.10.03, 3.24.10.00)
- The System ID (include ALL characters, must be eight characters long), or for newer versions, click on "Copy" and follow the instructions to send us the file that is generated
- Reason for request (e.g., moving to a new PC, reinstalling on original PC, etc.)

9. Once we receive your request and all required information, we will generate a new License (password) and email it back to you.

10. Enter the case-sensitive password which will unlock your software.

11. Check your software to ensure it's working properly. Then proceed with calibration.
- For DROPimage CA, watch this video.
- For DROPimage Pro (or Standard), watch this video.
- For DROPimage Advanced, watch this video.

12. If your instrument has any serial devices (e.g., Automated Dispensing System, Automated Tilting Base, Oscillator, Temperature Controller), you will need to install and configure a USB to Serial cable for each device. This video will walk you through the requisite steps. Note that the default COM values are as follows:

COM1 - Automated Dispensing System
COM2 - Automated Tilting Base
COM3 - Oscillator
COM4 - Temperature Controller

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If you require any additional technical assistance, please contact us with your instrument serial number and model number and provide detailed information on what you're trying to do (include version numbers) and how far along you are and where you're stuck.