PathCam Software & Camera Settings Basics Once proper permissions have been granted:
- Launch the PathCam STUDIO application (this opens by default when the software starts).
- Click the Acquire button in the top-left corner to open PathCam CAPTURE.
- If the camera feed defaults to a built-in monitor camera rather than the PathCam camera, navigate to Settings > Camera tab (on the right-hand panel), select PathCam HR2 from the dropdown (above the ‘Refresh Camera List’ button), and click Apply.
- If no cameras appear in the dropdown, click Refresh Camera List. If the camera still doesn’t appear, try exiting and reopening the software.
- Once PathCam HR2 is selected and you click Apply, this will ensure the correct camera is prioritized and remembered by the software.
If the camera is still not detected:
- Check Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices. Under “Other devices,” you should see “Canon EOS Rebel T7.” If it doesn’t appear, the USB media cable connection may be loose, or the camera’s power source may be interrupted.
- Power supply to the camera may be disrupted if another outlet on the grossing station has tripped a GFCI. It’s helpful to inspect all visible GFCI outlets and reset any that aren’t lit.
Windows Device Manager & Power Supply Notes:
- It is normal for the Canon EOS Rebel T7 to appear under Portable Devices (not under Cameras) in Windows Device Manager.
- No Canon drivers are required for the PathCam HR camera.
- Camera connectivity can also be confirmed in Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Other devices.
- As a last resort: If you continue to see the messages “No Camera Connection,” “Missing Camera,” or “Camera initialization failed”—even after verifying permissions, cable connections, and power—an onsite tech may need to check that the camera’s Auto Power Off setting is set to Disable. This setting is only accessible by opening the hood of the grossing station.
LIS Integration & Folder Setup:
- In non-LIS-integrated workflows, PathCam STUDIO allows you to select a network folder and enter a filename prefix (e.g., patient name/accession number).
- If your facility uses EPIC or a similar LIS, we’ve attached a guide that outlines how PathCam integrates directly with these systems. Even if you’re not using EPIC, the steps shown can help illustrate how to import images directly into a patient record.