MercuryiTC
©2014 Oxford Instruments Omicron NanoScience. All rights reserved.
Page 130
11.1.2 Gas-flow control using a motorised needle-valve
The auxiliary I/O board can control a motorised needle-valve, regulating the flow of cryogenic
fluid in a cryostat. There are two possible configurations:
• Automatic needle valve
The needle valve is fitted to the main cryostat and controls the flow between the cryogen
reservoir and a variable-temperature insert.
• Automatic gas flow siphon
The needle valve is fitted in an automated gas-flow siphon, linking the cryostat to a separate
cryogen storage-vessel.
The flow dynamics of these two arrangements are different.
See section 14.3 for a full description of gas-flow control.
11.2 Installing an auxiliary I/O board
11.2.1 Fitting the board
An auxiliary I/O board can be fitted in any expansion slot (except GPIB slot).
The procedure for fitting a daughter board has already been described in section 5.2.
11.2.2 Basic check of board operation
1 Power up the MercuryiTC. If fitted correctly, the iTC will detect the board and may request
permission to use it.
2 Put the iTC in Local mode by tapping the local/remote toggle button on the iTC Home page.
3 Tap Settings, scroll to and tap the Devices tab.
4 Scroll down the list of devices and find the level meter board. Also, scroll to the right to read
the firmware version.