VDC-200 Digital Camera FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Control of the camera or importing pictures from the camera are not options in the import dialog box.

2. Where can I get an AC power adapter or CompactFlash memory card for my VDC-200?

3. The batteries need replacing often.

4. What kinds of batteries should be used with the camera?

5. The camera powers off immediately after powering on or taking a picture.

6. How does the camera connect to the computer?

7. My system doesn't have a free serial port, or my serial port connection doesn't match the camera's cable. Can I use an adapter?

8. No image is captured when the shutter button is pressed.

9. Captured images are too dark, have colored streaks or are washed out.

10. Mouse or system locks up while transferring images.

1. Control of the camera or importing pictures from the camera are not options in the import dialog box.

Cause: The options for controlling the camera or importing an image cannot be selected in the import dialog box, but the COM port has been tested and is working with other devices.

Solution: The TWAIN driver needs to auto-detect the camera and the baud rate of the port.  Follow the steps below to run the auto-detect:

1. Make sure the supplied serial cable is connected from the RS-232 serial port to the Data port on the camera.
2. From the camera main window TWAIN interface, click on Camera.
3. Click on Settings.
4. Set the Baud rate to Auto.
5. Click the OK button. This will detect the camera, the corresponding baud rate and COM port number.
6. If the camera is still not detected, one of the following is happening:

1. The camera is not connected correctly.
2. The communications (a.k.a. COM) port is not configured properly.
3. The RS-232 port is not connected to the motherboard correctly.

2. Where can I get an AC power adapter or CompactFlash memory card for my VDC-200?

AC power adapters are available directly from Mustek. Call our Customer Service Department for prices, availability or to place an order.

CompactFlash memory cards are sold at many computer retailers who carry computer memory accessories. They will vary in price depending on the store, brand and card capacity. The VDC-200 can use cards up to 32 MB.

We have tested the following brands on our cameras: Kingston, Lexar, Sandisk, Simple Technology and Viking.

For more information on CompactFlash cards, click here.

3. The batteries need replacing often.

Cause: The batteries seem to go dead after a few uses of the camera, especially when the LCD screen or flash are used.

Solution: Like most high-end electronic devices, the VDC-200 has several features that can severely drain batteries. Use the following steps to help lengthen battery life.

1. Use the optional AC adapter whenever possible, especially when transferring images to the computer or during video playback. Click here for information on obtaining an adapter.
2. Use only fresh, high-drain alkaline or lithium batteries such as Duracell� Ultra, Energizer� Advanced Formula™ or Rayovac Maximum™. Rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are convenient, but they tend to drain faster than standard alkaline or lithium batteries.
3. Try not to mix fresh and old batteries.
4. Constant use of the LCD screen consumes a lot of power. When taking pictures, it is best to use the viewfinder instead of the LCD to line up and frame shots. Use the LCD just for reviewing pictures on Playback mode or selecting menu options.
5. The camera is very light sensitive and the flash is only needed in very dark situations. Since the flash also consumes a lot of power, it is best to use it only when necessary. Set the flash to OFF in the menu. Setting the flash to AUTO still charges the flash, even if it is not used.

4. What kinds of batteries should be used with the camera?

Since the VDC-200 is a high-end electronic device, it relies on a strong power source for best results. The best batteries to use are any kind of alkaline or lithium AA cells. Several manufacturers have lines of batteries specifically meant for high-end electronics such as Duracell� Ultra, Energizer� Advanced Formula™ and Rayovac Maximum™.

Rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are very convenient, but they tend to drain quickly in high-end devices. Since they are rechargeable, another set can be kept charged and ready when one set goes down, but they may not provide as much continuous use as advanced alkaline or lithium batteries.

Some functions, such as transferring images to the computer, playing images on a television or capturing real-time video work best with the optional AC adapter. For information on obtaining an adapter, click here.

5. The camera powers off immediately after powering on or taking a picture.

Cause: The batteries are nearly dead or the camera’s "Power Continue" option is off.

Solution: Replace the batteries with a fresh set of alkaline or lithium batteries. It is best not to mix old and new batteries together, so four fresh AA batteries should be used.

To conserve battery life, the camera has a "Power Continue" feature that is set to OFF by default. This feature automatically shuts off the camera after 90 seconds if it has not been used. To set the camera to continuous power, follow these steps:

1. Turn the camera on with the power button.
2. Turn the LCD screen on.
3. Press the Menu key.
4. Use the down arrow key to scroll through the options to the second set of options.
5. On the LCD screen, the green arrow should now point to POWER CONT.: OFF.
6. Press the Enter key to change the selection to POWER CONT.: ON. A green "P" will appear in the lower left corner of the LCD screen.

6. How does the camera connect to the computer?

The camera attaches via an RS-232 serial cable to a serial port. Most computers have one or two serial ports that can accommodate the camera connection.

Click on the image that most closely resembles your computer's port configuration.

Some computers have a single serial port with a 9-pin connector. Usually these systems have a PS/2 connection for attaching the mouse.
Many systems have two 9-pin serial connections. Sometimes one is used for the mouse, although some systems will still have a separate PS/2 connection for a mouse.
Another common configuration is a 9-pin serial connection alongside a 25-pin serial connection. Once again, the mouse may use one of these connections, or the system may include a PS/2 connection for the mouse.

7. My system doesn’t have a free serial port, or my serial port connection doesn’t match the camera’s cable. Can I use an adapter?

In some systems, there is only one serial port and it may be in use by the mouse. In these cases, the best options are:

1. Connect a second serial port to the computer's motherboard. This will depend on whether or not another serial port connection is available on the system’s motherboard. It would be best to consult the computer’s manual or manufacturer for further help.
2. If the system has a PS/2 mouse connection, it is possible to get an adapter from the 9-pin serial connection to the PS/2 connection. These can be found at most computer retailers.
   
3. If the system has a 9-pin serial port being used by the mouse alongside a 25-pin serial port, then the camera can be connected with a gender changer. Gender changers are available through most computer retailers. The changer needed to attach the camera would be a 9-pin male to 25-pin female. Once attached to the end of the camera serial cable, the cable can be attached to the second 25-pin serial port.
   

8. No image is captured when the shutter button is pressed.

Cause: The shutter is pressed, but no image is captured.

Solution: Check the following:

1. The camera is using fresh batteries, or an AC adapter.
2. The mode is set to Camera (green LED indicator) and not Playback (red LED indicator).
3. The camera’s memory may be full. Transfer or delete some images from the internal memory, or add a CompactFlash card for additional memory capacity. Click here for more information on CompactFlash cards.

9. Captured images are too dark, have colored streaks or are washed out.

Cause: The camera is set to an incorrect iris setting for the situation or the flash is being used too closely to a subject.

Solution: The camera has two iris options controlled by the switch on the front of the unit. The upper setting is iris setting F8.0 and reduces the amount of light in the image. This is best for close shots with plenty of light.

The second iris option is the lower setting on the switch and is F2.8. This allows more light in the image and is best for long range shots, images with backlighting or low-light shots.