# \[Sticky Post\] How to Use OpenUC2 Boxes with the HIK Camera and UC2-ESP Firmware

**URL:** <https://openuc2.discourse.group/t/sticky-post-how-to-use-openuc2-boxes-with-the-hik-camera-and-uc2-esp-firmware/97>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [March 6, 2025, 9:57pm UTC](https://openuc2.discourse.group/t/sticky-post-how-to-use-openuc2-boxes-with-the-hik-camera-and-uc2-esp-firmware/97 "2025-03-06T21:57:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![benedictdied](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@benedictdied](https://openuc2.discourse.group/u/benedictdied)\
**Post date:** [March 6, 2025, 9:57pm UTC](https://openuc2.discourse.group/t/sticky-post-how-to-use-openuc2-boxes-with-the-hik-camera-and-uc2-esp-firmware/97/1 "2025-03-06T21:57:48Z")

</div>

Welcome to the OpenUC2 community! If you’re setting up your OpenUC2 box with the HIK camera and UC2-ESP firmware, this guide will help you get started. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments so others can learn from our shared experiences!

## More information and photos also in our wiki: [https://openuc2.github.io/docs/Toolboxes/DiscoveryFluorescence/LED\_Fluoresence\_microscope](https://openuc2.github.io/docs/Toolboxes/DiscoveryFluorescence/LED_Fluoresence_microscope)

### 1. **Setting Up Your Hardware**

#### Required Components:

- OpenUC2 box with compatible hardware
- HIK camera (e.g., Daheng HIK)
- Raspberry Pi (if applicable)
- UC2-ESP firmware running on an ESP32
- Motorized XYZ stage (if included in your setup)
- Power supply and necessary cables

#### Steps:

1. **Assemble the microscope setup** according to your OpenUC2 documentation.
2. **Connect the HIK camera** to your system via USB.
3. **Ensure the ESP32 is flashed** with the UC2-ESP firmware and connected to your network.
4. **Power up the system** and check connectivity.

* * *

### 2. **Installing and Testing the Camera**

To test your camera and verify that it’s working correctly, follow the guides below:

- **MVS Software for Windows/Linux/Mac:**  
[Guide to installing the MVS app](https://openuc2.github.io/docs/Toolboxes/DiscoveryInterferometer/SoftwareTutorial/#install-mvs-app-for-camera-utilization)
- **Web-serial UI for ESP32 communication:**  
[Connecting to the Web Interface](https://openuc2.github.io/docs/Toolboxes/DiscoveryFluorescence/LED_Fluoresence_microscope#23-connecting-to-the-web-interface)

Once installed, you should be able to preview your camera feed and control basic parameters.

* * *

### 3. **Connecting to UC2-ESP Firmware**

For controlling your microscope via the UC2-ESP firmware, follow these steps:

1. **Access the Web Interface:**
  - Connect to the ESP32’s WiFi or network.
  - Open the serial UI in your browser to control the motorized stage and illumination.

2. **Verify Communication:**
  - Test motor movement.
  - Adjust focus and illumination settings.
  - Confirm connectivity with your imaging software.

* * *

### 4. **Using ImSwitch for Advanced Control** _(Experimental!)_

We are working to make this process more robust and user-friendly. Planned improvements include:

- **Creating an Access Point** for easier WiFi connection.
- **Setting up an mDNS domain** to simplify network access.
- **Improving frontend integration** for seamless control.

For now, you can manually test it via:  
[ImSwitch Demo Interface](https://imswitch.openuc2.com/imswitch/index.html)

* * *

### 5. **Troubleshooting & Community Support**

If you run into any issues, please post your questions in our forum: [OpenUC2 Forum](https://openuc2.discourse.group). Your experiences help improve our documentation and support others in the community!

All the best and happy experimenting!

**— The OpenUC2 Team**