Andor Technology iXon3 Series - SECTION 1 (Continued); Working with Electronics; Condensation; Dew Point Graph

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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