MTB: Installation and upgrade

Context

Micro Toolbox (MTB) is needed for MBF Bioscience software to communicate with and control Zeiss microscopes and accessories. It's important to use the appropriate version of MTB with your specific version of Stereo Investigator software (see below).

There are a few different ways to install MTB; the instructions provided here are designed to be both effective and relatively easy to follow. Depending on your familiarity with software installation and configuration, upgrading MTB may seem challenging. If you are unable to install the appropriate version of MTB or your system is not working properly after installing MTB, MBF BioscienceTechnical Services staff is prepared to help—get in touch in you need assistance.

MTB installation instructions

You must be logged into your computer as an administrator in order to complete this.

  1. Download the MTB2011-RDK_2-17-0-15x64.exe installer from the Third Party Software section of the MBF Bioscience Download Center.

    Depending on the browser software that you are using, you may need to dismiss warning messages and/or click Keep/Keep anyway in order to download the installer.

  2. Run MTB2011-RDK_2-17-0-15x64.exe.

    • You will be warned that this file is from an untrusted publisher; click More info, then Run anyway

    • Choose the default settings for the Setup Type in the installation process.

  3. After installation, open MTB from the new MTBConfig - 2.17.0.15 shortcut on your desktop and select AutoConfiguration in the left panel. In the right (main) panel, choose the following:
    1. Under Search on, check the box corresponding to how your computer communicates with your microscope (we recommend USB communication if possible).
    2. Uncheck Show selection dialog for non-detectable components.
    3. Click Start AutoConfiguration.
  4. Once the autoconfiguration is complete, save your changes, and close MTB.
  5. Right-click the shortcut to Stereo Investigator on your desktop and click Open file location.
  6. In the folder that appears, right-click RegisterZsEvnts.bat and select Run As Administrator. The next time you start the program, Stereo Investigator should detect the new version of MTB.

If you need assistance, please contact our Technical Services team.

Zen compatibility

It is possible to use Stereo Investigator and Zen on the same system.

However, creating a Windows restore point is a critical first step before installing Zen in case something goes wrong during the installation and configuration process. We also recommend that you create a Windows Restore Point and alert our team when you plan to update Zen in the future. By scheduling a check-up with MBF Bioscience Technical Services in advance, we can prevent system downtime in the case the Zen software update disrupts communication between your microscope and Stereo Investigator.

There are a few things to keep in mind with this configuration, depending on the MTB version you are using for each program:

  • You may have to create separate MTB configurations for Zen and Stereo Investigator.
  • Each time you switch between Stereo Investigator and Zen:
    1. Open MTB.
    2. Right-click the desired configuration.
    3. Select Set Active Configuration.
  • If you have a Z encoder that doesn't connect to your stage controller (e.g., MBF QSB-D or an IK-220): You can use a shared configuration and set up the XY stage in Stereo Investigator as an MTB Controlled XY stage (for more information, contact support).
  • You may want to run a newer version of MTB for use with Zen, while maintaining an older version that is required for Stereo Investigator. We provide a utility for this; see instructions for running the registerMTB.bat utility below.
  • Install and configure MTB for Zen first, then install and configure MTB for Stereo Investigator.

    If the MTB version for Stereo Investigator is already installed: You can install the version of MTB to be used with Zen, then uninstall and reinstall the Stereo Investigator version or simply install both versions and run the registerMTB.bat utility as described below.

  • If Stereo Investigator communicates with an LEP stage (such as a MAC5000 or MAC6000) via MTB: Set the stage baud rate to 19200.

    If you're switching from a 9600-stage baud rate (the default in our software), you need to make a change in the stage controller hardware (contact https://www.mbfbioscience.com/welcome-technical-services for assistance with this process).

MTB and Stereo Investigator software version compatibility

Each version of MBF Bioscience software uses a specific version of MTB. Make sure that you have the correct version of MTB installed. If you still get a message that you have the wrong MTB version installed, and the detected MTB version is newer than the version listed below for your software, run the registerMTB.bat utility as described below.

Note that some microscopes are only supported in newer versions of MTB.

  • Stereo Investigator v. 2021.1.1 and newer: MTB 2.17.0.15
  • Stereo Investigator v. 11.10 - 2020.2.4: MTB2011 2.7.0.4
  • Stereo Investigator v. 10.55 - 11.09: MTB2011 2.1.0.8
  • Stereo Investigator v. 10.50 - 10.54: MBT2011 2.0.0.12
  • Stereo Investigator v. 10.40 - 10.42.1: MTB2004 1.8.1.5
  • Stereo Investigator v. 10.00 - 10.31: MTB2004 1.8.1.1
  • Stereo Investigator v. 9.04 - 9.14.5: MTB2004 1.7.0.2
  • Stereo Investigator v. 8.27 - 9.03.2: MTB2004 1.6.0.5
  • Stereo Investigator v. 8.26 - 8.26.3: MTB2004 1.5.0.7
  • Stereo Investigator v. 8.21 - 8.25: MTB2004 1.4.0.12
  • Stereo Investigator v. 7.51.2 - 8.20: MTB2004 1.3.1.6
  • Stereo Investigator v. 7.00 - 7.51.1: MTB2004 1.2.0.9
  • Stereo Investigator v. 6.55.2 and previous: MTB2004 1.1.0.7

Note that MBF Bioscience software versions that include a year (e.g., version 2021.1.1) are newer than versions designated with numbers that do not include a year.

Running the registerMTB.bat utility

If the wrong MTB version is detected by Stereo Investigator software and you are sure that the correct MTB version is already installed on your computer, run the registerMTB.bat utility. A message will be displayed that says the wrong MTB version is installed, and the detected MTB version is newer than the version shown in the compatibility list above.

  • The registerMTB.bat utility is included with Stereo Investigator software version 2020.1.1 and newer; contact support if you need a copy for use with older versions.

  • The utility allows you to keep a newer version of MTB for use with ZEN, while enabling Stereo Investigator software to detect the version it needs.

  1. Right click the Stereo Investigator shortcut on your desktop and choose Open File Location.
  2. In the Windows Explorer window that appears, right click the file called registerMTB.bat and choose Run As Administrator.
    Note: to register a specific version of MTB, this file can be edited in Notepad. Change the line that says set registerVersion 2.17.0.15 to reflect the correct version.
  3. When asked to continue, type y and press enter.
  4. Wait for the program to detect and register the correct MTB version, then press any key to close the utility.
    Note: If an error is displayed that says "Unable to find appropriate MTB version. Please install MTB 2.17.0.15 to fix this.", install MTB 2.17.0.15 following the instructions at the top of this help topic.
  5. Run Stereo Investigator software and make sure that it can connect to the microscope.