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iXon 3

Introduction

1.3.8 - Working with electronics

ThecomputerequipmentthatistobeusedtooperatetheiXon3shouldbettedwithappropriatesurge/EMI/RFI

protection on all power lines. Dedicated power lines or line isolation may be required for some extremely noisy sites.

Appropriate static control procedures should be used during the installation of the system. Attention should be given

to grounding. All cables should be fastened securely into place in order to provide a reliable connection and to prevent

accidental disconnection.

The power supply to the computer system should be switched off when changing connections between the computer

and the camera. The computer manufacturer’s safety precautions should be followed when installing the PCI Controller

Card into the computer.

The circuits used in the camera head and the PCI controller card are extremely sensitive to static electricity and radiated

electromagneticeldsandthereforetheyshouldnotbeused(orstoredcloseto)EMI/RFIgenerators,electrostaticeld

generators, electromagnetic or radioactive devices, or other similar sources of high energy elds. Types of equipment

that can cause problems include Arc welders, Plasma sources, Pulsed-discharge optical sources, Radio frequency

generators and X-ray instruments.

1.3.9 - Condensation

You may see condensation on the outside of the camera body if the temperature of the cooling water is too low or if the

waterowistoogreat.Therstsignsofcondensationwillusuallybevisiblearoundtheconnectorswherethewater

tubes are attached. In such circumstances switch off the system and wipe the camera with a soft, dry cloth. It is likely

there will already be condensation on the cooling block and cooling ns inside the camera. Please also carry out the

following actions:

• Setthecameraasidetodryforseveralhoursbeforeyouattemptre-use

• Beforere-useblowdrygasthroughthecoolingslitsonthesideofthecameratoremoveanyresidualmoisture

• Usewarmerwaterorreducetheowofwaterwhenyoustartusingthedeviceagain

1.3.10 - Dew Point graph

The graph in gure 7 below plots the relationship between Relative Humidity and Dew Point at varying ambient

temperature. This can be used to calculate the minimum temperature the cooling water should be set to.

For example, when using an iXon3 897, you will

need10ºCcoolingwatertoguaranteeperformance

downto-100ºC.Intherelativelydryatmosphereof

anair-conditionedlab,coolingwaterat10ºCshould

not present any problems.

However, in humid conditions (such as exist in

some parts of the world) condensation may occur,

resulting in damage to the head. In such conditions

youwillhavetousewarmerwater(20ºCoreven

higher if it is very humid). The minimum CCD

temperature would then be limited to a higher value.

Figure 7: Dew point graph

Andor Technology iXon3 Series User Manual

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