User manual

About This
Manual
The CoolSNAP User Manual is divided into five chapters. It is suggested that
you read the entire manual before operating the camera in order to ensure
proper use. The chapters that follow this introduction are
• System Installation — Instructions for connecting your CoolSNAP
camera to your computer via the CoolSNAP PCI card.
• Operating Features — Discusses CoolSNAP features such as
antiblooming, trigger modes, and (for the CoolSNAP
HQ
) the dual-
speed ADC.
• Troubleshooting — Provides answers to camera system problems.
• Basic Specifications — Provides specifications for CoolSNAP system
components.
Note: Unless otherwise noted, the CoolSNAP
fx
and the CoolSNAP
HQ
cameras are
referred to by the name "CoolSNAP".
Precautions
The CCD and other system electronics are extremely sensitive to electrostatic
discharge (ESD). To avoid permanently damaging the system, please observe
the following precautions:
• If you are using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with
your camera system, be sure to turn the camera power on last and
power the camera off first.
• Never connect or disconnect any cable while the camera system is
powered on.
• Although you should switch off the camera’s power supply before
disconnecting any camera system cable, you do not need to power off
your computer to detach the cables.
• Use caution when triggering high-current switching devices (such as
an arc lamp) near your system. The CCD can be permanently damaged
by transient voltage spikes. If electrically noisy devices are present, an
isolated, conditioned power line or dedicated isolation transformer is
highly recommended.
• Always leave one inch of space around the camera’s external cooling
fins for air flow.
• Never open the camera. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the
CoolSNAP camera. Opening the camera voids the warranty.
• Use only the PCI card, cables, and power supply designated for this
camera system. Using non-CoolSNAP
fx
/CoolSNAP
HQ
cables, PCI
cards, or power supplies may result in permanent damage to your
system.
• Do not use a C-mount lens that has optics that extend behind the
flange of the lens.
2 CoolSNAP
fx
/CoolSNAP
HQ
User Manual