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FAQs

General FAQ

When was Ash founded?

Ash was founded in 1994. Initially, Ash designed and manufactured a wide range of award-winning electronic magnifiers for the visually impaired.  In 2013, Ash decided to apply its innovation and design skills to digital vision and inspection for industry.  This is now our primary business focus. Please see our About Us page for more information.

Can I buy online?

Currently you cannot buy our products online. Please contact us to find your nearest technical sales representative or local distributor for more information.

Do you have a newsletter I can sign up to?

We aim to keep all of our customers up to date with new products and existing product information. To ensure you are always up to date: Join our Mailing List.

Can I see products at tradeshows?

Ash provide live product demonstrations at exhibitions for our complete product range. You are also welcome to bring along your own samples to be used in the live demonstration.

We attend a large number of events every year. You can find a complete list of our confirmed exhibitions on our Events Page.

How can I see one of your products being demonstrated?

There are a number of ways you can see a product being demonstrated:

  • Contact us to find your local distributor, who will be happy to demonstrate one of our products for you. This can be arranged at your place of work at a time which is convenient for you.
  • Request a demonstration at your place of work.
  • You can visit our Events Page which provides a complete list of exhibitions which we are exhibiting at around the world.
Do products come with warranty?

Yes, all products are provided with warranty. Warranty period is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. For more information on the terms and conditions of our warranty period, please see our full terms and conditions. If you did not purchase directly from Ash, it is possible that warranty terms and conditions may vary. In such instances, you will need to discuss warranty terms and conditions directly with your distributor.

Is it possible to purchase spare parts?

Yes, spare parts are available to order through your distributor. If you purchased directly from Ash, spare parts can be ordered by contacting us directly. You can phone us on +353 45 88221, or email us: sales@ashvison.com

I did not purchase my products directly from you. Will you still support my system?

We’re still more than happy to support you with your system. Contact us for more information regarding any maintenance or calibration you may require.

How can I become a distributor?

If you wish to become an Ash Channel Partner, please Contact Us to discuss distribution opportunities within your region.

In order to effectively deal with your enquiry, please complete and return the distributor evaluation form which can be found in the Distributor Opportunities portal.

Are there any new products being released?

Ash continue to invest in development and research and as such are always developing new innovations to satisfy market demands and market gaps. Listening to our customers helps us to relate real desires back to the design process. This results in creating products our customers want and need.

Omni 3: FAQ

Do I need a PC and software to capture images?

No, there is no requirement for a PC. The Omni 3 captures images direct to an internal storage memory (10GB), USB memory stick (up to 4 USB ports) and to a network or cloud server.

What format are images captured in?

The Omni 3 captures files in 24 bitmap file and Jpeg format at a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. This is saved to an internal image capture software. It can also be saved to a removable USB.

How does the Omni 3 save measurement files?

Omni stores proprietary measurement files in Vector format. The advantages of this are allowing the user to save their work at any point. The user can then choose to continue again from where they left off at their own convenience.

What is the port on the Omni 3 used for?

The Omni 3 can connect to a PC through the mini USB port. Omni files can now be transferred to a PC hard-drive. The HDMI to HDMI cable is provided with the Omni unit.

What monitor can be used with the Omni 3?

Ash recommends a monitor with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080p to achieve optimum image. Monitors can be purchased as an additional accessory with the Omni 3. Please contact Ash or your local distributor for details of our recommended monitors.

Please note: during initial set-up of your Omni unit, please select the monitor size that you will be using.

How is magnification calculated?

Magnification is a combination of both the objective lens used and also the monitor size. The Omni 3 displays the current magnification on-screen, which can be configured for different objective lenses and monitor screen sizes. Ash’s quoted magnifications are based on a 24″ monitor.

How long does it take to set-up the Omni 3?

Out of the box, the Omni 3 takes less than 10 minutes to set-up. Each order comes with an easy to follow User Manual and Quick Start Guide.

Do I need training before using the Omni 3?

No, you will not need extensive training to utilise the Omni 3’s full system features and apps. The Omni 3 has intuitive controls which make it easy to use from the start. Our Omni User Manual Guides are there for all of your queries, big or small. Please contact us if you require training help with installation and training.

How do I set-up the Omni 3 mouse?

All Omni units are supplied with a standard wireless mouse. Ensure the “on” switch is switched on and the battery cover tab has been removed from the mouse. Then simply plug the USB wireless dongle into any USB port on the Omni and your mouse is ready to use.

How do I set-up my Omni 3 keyboard?

All Omni 3 units are supplied with a standard wireless keyboard. Ensure the “on” switch is switched on and the battery cover tab has been removed from the keyboard. Then simply plug the USB wireless dongle into any USB port on the Omni 3, and your keyboard is ready to use.

What stands can I use with the Omni 3?

A stand is needed to mount the Omni 3. We offer four different options for the Omni 3:

  • The Track Stand (AI 100-037) features a dual focus block for fine and coarse height adjustment. Track height of 500mm allows easy viewing of small and large samples..
  • The Illuminated Track Stand (AI 100-036) features a dual focus block for fine and coarse focus and height adjustment with integrated LED base illumination with light intensity control.
  • The Dual Arm Boom Stand (AI 100-038) provides an extended reach over large inspection areas. It features a horizontal arm which provides smooth camera movement and a focus block which allows for focus and height adjustment. Weighted base for added stability. Bench clamp version also available.
  • The Articulated Arm Stand (AI 100-039) is a multi-point adjustable arm for inspecting over a large area. The articulated arm also features a focus block for focus and height adjustment. It is supplied with a bench clamp.

Please see our accessories page for more information.

Can I attach filters to the objective lens?

Yes. The objective lenses each have a standard 58mm thread to accept a range of filters (neutral density, colour, UV and polarisation).

What illumination options are available?

Omni 3 illumination accessories are highlighted below:

  • Controllable UV Ring Light(AI 801-421), providing optimum shadow-free illumination for a wide range of applications with no external power supply. This is particularly useful for the application of conformance coating of PCB’s.
  • Omni Diffused LED Dome Light (AI 100-045) provides light intensity control and reduces glare with no external power supply.
  • An integrated LED base illumination with light intensity control is also an option for the Track Stand (AI 100-036).
  • Polarised Ringlight & Analyser (AI 801-423) The Polarised Ringlight & Analyser aids the visual inspection of shiny or reflective parts. By simply rotating the Lens Polarising Filter (Analyser), the user can increase or decrease the amount of contrast in the image to highlight defects.
  • Substage Polarising Film (MR 801-835): The Sub-Stage Polarising Film is used in conjunction with the Polarised Lens Filter (Analyser). This accessory will aid the user to analyse surface or stress defects when inspecting transparent samples. The Sub-Stage Polarising Film aids visual inspection of transparent parts. By simply rotating the Polarised Lens Filter (Analyser), the user can increase visibility of surface defects.
  • Polarizing Lens (Analyzer) 58mm (AI 100-041): The Polarizing Filter helps manage reflections, or suppress glare and is extremely useful for inspecting transparent or reflective objects (when used in conjunction with polarized lighting). The rotational orientation of the filter is adjusted for the preferred effect. Available in both 52mm for Inspex HD and 58mm for Omni and Inspex 3.

The Omni 3 ships with a standard Quadrant Controllable Ring Light.

For more information on lighting accessories, please visit our lens and lighting accessories page.

What different lens options are available?

The Omni 3 has several different lens options to suit your application and requirements. The +5 Lens is shipped with the Omni 3 as standard. Additional lens options are as follows:

  • +10 Plan 1x Lens (AI 100-055): Plan objectives have a flat field of approximately 95% of the centre of the image. This flatter lens creates less lens distortion than when using a standard lens.
  • +25 Lens (AI 100-053): Achieve up to 662x magnification with this high powered lens. Inspect and measure at greater magnification levels than ever before.
  • +50 lens (AI 100-064): The +50 lens can only be used with the Inspex 3 for inspection purposes only. It can reach a maximum magnification is 662x optical and 1324x digital.
  • Ash 360⁰ Rotating Viewer (AI 801-422): Inspect objects with a full 360⁰ rotating view, allowing users to rapidly inspect samples from an oblique angle (28⁰ from vertical). Useful for inspecting electronic components, medical devices and metal cutting tools. The rotating viewer easily attaches to the standard Ash lens.

Inspex 3: FAQ

Do I need a PC to capture and store images?

No, there is no requirement for a PC. The Inspex 3 captures images direct to an internal storage memory (10GB), USB memory stick (up to 4 USB ports) and to a network or cloud server.

What format are images captured in?

The Inspex 3 captures files in 24 bitmap file and Jpeg format at a resolution of 1920 x 1080p. This is saved to an internal image capture software. It can also be saved to a removable USB.

What monitor is recommended for use with the Inspex 3?

Ash recommends a monitor with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080p to achieve optimum image. Monitors can be purchased as an additional accessory with the Inspex 3. Please contact Ash or your local distributor for details of our recommended monitors.

Please note: during initial set-up of your Inspex 3 unit, please select the monitor size that you will be using.

How is magnification calculated?

Magnification is a combination of both the objective lens used and also the monitor size. The Inspex 3 displays the current magnification on-screen, which can be configured for different objective lenses and monitor screen sizes. Ash’s quoted magnifications are based on a 24″ monitor.

How long does it take to set-up the Inspex 3?

Out of the box, the Inspex 3 takes less than 10 minutes to set-up. Each order comes with an easy to follow User Manual and Quick Start Guide.

Do I need training to use the Inspex 3?

No, you will not need extensive training to utilise the Inspex 3’s full system features and apps. The Inspex 3 has intuitive controls which make it easy to use from the start. Our Inspex 3 User Manual Guides are there for all of your queries, big or small. Please contact us if you require assistance with installation and training.

How do I set-up my Inspex 3 mouse?

All Inspex 3 units are supplied with a standard wireless mouse. Ensure the “on” switch is switched on and the battery cover tab has been removed from the mouse. Then simply plug the USB wireless dongle into any USB port on the Inspex 3 and your mouse is ready to use.

How do I set-up my Inspex 3 keyboard?

All Inspex 3 units are supplied with a standard wireless keyboard. Ensure the “on” switch is switched on and the battery cover tab has been removed from the keyboard. Then simply plug the USB wireless dongle into any USB port on the Inspex 3, and your keyboard is ready to use.

What stands options can I avail of with the Inspex 3?

A stand is needed to mount the Inspex 3. We offer four different options for the Inspex 3:

  • Track Stand (AI 100-037) features a dual focus block for fine and coarse height adjustment. Track height of 500mm allows easy viewing of small and large samples..
  • Illuminated Track Stand (AI 100-036) features a dual focus block for fine and coarse focus and height adjustment with integrated LED base illumination with light intensity control.
  • The Dual Arm Boom Stand (AI 100-038) provides an extended reach over large inspection areas. It features a horizontal arm which provides smooth camera movement and a focus block which allows for focus and height adjustment. Weighted base for added stability. Bench clamp version also available.
  • The Articulated Arm Stand (AI 100-039) is a multi-point adjustable arm for inspecting over a large area. The articulated arm also features a focus block for focus and height adjustment. It is supplied with a bench clamp.

Please see our accessories page for more information.

Can I attach filters to the objective lens?

Yes. The objective lenses each have a standard 58mm thread to accept a range of filters (neutral density, colour, UV and polarisation).

What illumination options are available?

Inspex 3 illumination accessories are highlighted below:

  • Controllable UV Ring Light(AI 801-421), providing optimum shadow-free illumination for a wide range of applications with no external power supply. This is particularly useful for the application of conformance coating of PCB’s.
  • Diffused LED Dome Light (AI 100-045) provides light intensity control and reduces glare with no external power supply.
  • An integrated LED base illumination with light intensity control is also an option for the Track Stand (AI 100-036).
  • Polarised Ringlight & Analyser (AI 801-423) The Polarised Ringlight & Analyser aids the visual inspection of shiny or reflective parts. By simply rotating the Lens Polarising Filter (Analyser), the user can increase or decrease the amount of contrast in the image to highlight defects.
  • Substage Polarising Film (MR 801-835): The Sub-Stage Polarising Film is used in conjunction with the Polarised Lens Filter (Analyser). This accessory will aid the user to analyse surface or stress defects when inspecting transparent samples. The Sub-Stage Polarising Film aids visual inspection of transparent parts. By simply rotating the Polarised Lens Filter (Analyser), the user can increase visibility of surface defects.
  • Polarizing Lens (Analyzer) 58mm (AI 100-041): The Polarizing Filter helps manage reflections, or suppress glare and is extremely useful for inspecting transparent or reflective objects (when used in conjunction with polarized lighting). The rotational orientation of the filter is adjusted for the preferred effect. Available in both 52mm for Inspex HD and 58mm for Omni and Inspex 3.

The Inspex 3 ships with a standard Quadrant Controllable Ring Light. For more information on lighting accessories, please visit our lens and lighting accessories page.

What different lens options are available?

The Inspex 3 has several different lens options to suit your application and requirements. The +5 Lens is shipped with the Inspex 3 as standard. Additional lens options are as follows:

  • +10 Plan 1x Lens (AI 100-055): Plan objectives have a flat field of approximately 95% of the centre of the image. This flatter lens creates less lens distortion than when using a standard lens.
  • +25 Lens (AI 100-053): Achieve up to 662x magnification with this high powered lens. Inspect and measure at greater magnification levels than ever before.
  • +50 lens (AI 100-064): The +50 lens can only be used with the Inspex 3 for inspection purposes only. It can reach a maximum magnification is 662x optical and 1324x digital.
  • Ash 360⁰ Rotating Viewer (AI 801-422): Inspect objects with a full 360⁰ rotating view, allowing users to rapidly inspect samples from an oblique angle (28⁰ from vertical). Useful for inspecting electronic components, medical devices and metal cutting tools. The rotating viewer easily attaches to the standard Ash lens.

Inspex HD: FAQ

Do I need a PC with software to capture images?

No. Inspex HD captures images direct to a USB memory stick so there is no need for a PC or external software.

What format are images captured in?

Images are captured to a USB 2.0 highspeed in 24 bitmap file at a resolution of 1920 x 1080p.

Is the Inspex HD USB port for connecting to a PC?

No. The USB port allows images to be captured direct to a USB memory stick, without the need for a PC.

What monitor is recommended for use with the Inspex HD?

Ash recommends that the customer uses a monitor with a minimum resolution of 1920 x 1080p to achieve optimum image.

Monitors can be purchased as an accessory for the Inspex HD 1080p. Please contact Ash or your local distributor for details of our recommended monitors.

How is magnification calculated?

Magnification is a combination of both the objective lens used and also the monitor size. Inspex displays the current magnification on-screen, which can be configured for different objective lenses and monitor screen sizes. Our quoted magnifications are based on a 24″ monitor.

How long does it take to set-up the Inspex HD?

Out of the box, Inspex HD takes under 10 minutes to set-up. Each system comes with an easy to follow User Manual and Quick Start Guide.

Do I need training to use the Inspex HD?

No. Expertly and intuitively designed controls make it easy to use from the start. Our Inspex HD User Manual Guides are there for all of your queries, big or small.

What stand options are available?

The Inspex HD 1080p Table is a portable unit which does not require an additional stand.

The Inspex Vesa 1080p requires a stand to mount the unit. There are two options available:

  • The Inspex HD Track Stand (AI 100-020, 019, 028) features a focus block that can travel the full length of the 500mm track for focus and camera height.
  • Inspex HD Uplight Track Stand Vesa & Vesa Short Flex Cam (AI 100-023). This standfeatures a focus block that can travel the full length of the 500mm track for focus and camera height adjustment with integrated LED base illumination with light intensity control.

There are varying measurements in base size depending on your needs. Please see specific dimensions on our Accessories page.

Can I attach filters to the objective lens?

Yes. The objective lenses each have a standard 52mm thread to accept a range of filters (neutral density, colour, UV and polarisation).

What illumination options are available?
  • Inspex accessories include a controllable 8-point LED ring light (AI 100-012), providing optimum shadow-free illumination for a wide range of applications.
  • Diffused LED Dome Light (AI 100-001) provides light intensity control and reduces glare.
  • Inspex HD Track Stand (AI 100-023) contains an integrated LED base illumination with light intensity control.
What lens is provided with the Inspex HD Vesa and Inspex HD Table?

The Inspex HD Table is provided with a +4 lens as standard.

The Inspex HD Vesa is provided with a +5 lens as standard.

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