Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System

Questions and Answers

M
Marvin MosesAug 16, 2025
What to do if a 'Data Overrun Has Occurred' message appears on my Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System Security Camera?
- A
  Alexa TateAug 16, 2025
  If you receive a 'Data Overrun Has Occurred' message while using your Princeton Instruments Security Camera, try the following: * Minimize the number of programs running in the background during data acquisition with WinX application software (WinView/32 or WinSpec/32). * Run data acquisition in Safe Mode. * Add memory. * Use binning. * Increase the exposure time. * Defragment the hard disk. * Update the Orange Micro USB 2 driver.
G
Gregory LopezAug 19, 2025
How to fix 'Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict' message on Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System?
- S
  Scott McdonaldAug 19, 2025
  To resolve a 'Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict' message on your Princeton Instruments Security Camera, follow these steps: 1. Check the CCD array size and then check the DMA buffer size. 2. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently 32 Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close the WinX application software. 3. Reboot your computer. 4. Restart the WinX application software and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see the message again, increase the DMA buffer size.
W
William BaxterAug 22, 2025
How to resolve a 'Program Error' message on Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System?
- K
  Kevin BuchananAug 22, 2025
  If you encounter a 'Program Error' message with your Princeton Instruments Security Camera, try these steps: 1. Reboot the WinX application software (WinView/32 or WinSpec/32). 2. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently 32 Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close the WinX application software. 3. Reboot your computer. 4. Restart the WinX application software and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see the message again, increase the DMA buffer size.
C
cassandra52Aug 26, 2025
What to do if the alarm sounds continuously on my Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System?
- B
  Barbara NicholsonAug 26, 2025
  If the alarm on your Princeton Instruments Security Camera sounds continuously: * Immediately reduce the light entering the camera. This can be done by switching MCP ON/OFF switch on the back of the PI-MAX to "OFF" until you lower the source illumination, by decreasing the lens aperture, or by completely blocking the light into the camera window with a lens cap or equivalent until the light level has be lowered. * If the alarm continues even with low illumination, switch the MCP ON/OFF to "OFF" and turn the ST-133 off. Then contact the factory: this may indicate intensifier damage or another situation that requires immediate attention.
D
david01Aug 28, 2025
Why temperature lock cannot be achieved on Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System?
- N
  Nicholas BakerAug 28, 2025
  A stable temperature lock on your Princeton Instruments Security Camera might not be achievable due to several reasons: * High ambient temperature. * Blocked airflow through the camera. * The camera fan is not running. * Coolant flow rate is too slow. * The connectors on the Detector-Controller cable need to be secured. * Operating at a temperature colder than the specified limit. In this case, power down and correct the operating conditions that caused the thermal overload.
S
Stephanie LevineAug 31, 2025
What to do if my Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System stops working?
- A
  Amanda ClarkAug 31, 2025
  If your Princeton Instruments Security Camera stops working, try the following steps: 1. Turn off all AC power. 2. Verify that all cables are securely fastened and that all locking screws are in place and all slide latches are in the latched position. 3. Check for a burned-out fuse in the Controller power module. For information about changing a fuse, see "Changing the ST-133 Line Voltage and Fuses" on page 168. 4. Correct any apparent problems and turn the system on. 5. If the system still does not respond, contact Customer Support.
A
ashley76Sep 3, 2025
How to fix 'Error Creating Controller' message on Princeton Instruments PI-MAX2 System Security Camera?
- S
  Stephanie FordSep 3, 2025
  To fix the 'Error Creating Controller' message on your Princeton Instruments Security Camera, close the WinX application software (WinView/32 or WinSpec/32), run RSConfig, make sure the ST-133 is on, reopen the WinX application software, and begin running the Hardware Wizard.
J
Judy GutierrezSep 6, 2025
What to do if the baseline signal suddenly changes on my Princeton Instruments Security Camera?
- A
  Aaron GonzalesSep 6, 2025
  If you observe a sudden change in the baseline signal on your Princeton Instruments Security Camera, and the temperature setting hasn't been altered, immediately turn off the system. Correct any excess humidity promptly, as it could cause permanent damage not covered by the Warranty. Have the unit serviced by Princeton Instruments or an authorized service facility of Princeton Instruments.
H
Hector OlsonSep 9, 2025
How to prevent data loss or serial violation on Princeton Instruments Security Camera?
- P
  Paul PorterSep 9, 2025
  To prevent data loss or serial violations while using your Princeton Instruments Security Camera, ensure that Power Saving features are disabled while you are running WinView/32 or WinSpec/32.
S
Shari RobinsonSep 12, 2025
What to do if an error occurs at computer powerup with Princeton Instruments Security Camera?
- T
  Tamara WhiteSep 12, 2025
  If an error occurs when powering up your computer with the Princeton Instruments Security Camera, turn off the computer, try a new address or interrupt, and reinstall the card.

Summary

Attention!

Safety Warnings

Critical safety information for intensified CCD detectors, including light exposure and alarm procedures.

Chapter 1 Introduction

PI-MAX System Components

Overview of standard hardware, software, and optional components for PI-MAX systems.

Safety Information

Details safety symbols used in the manual and general safety guidelines.

Chapter 2 Installation Overview

Installation Steps

Step-by-step guide for installing the PI-MAX system components.

Chapter 3 System Setup

Dangers and Warnings

Highlights critical safety information and potential hazards.

System Requirements

Verifying Controller Voltage Setting

Mounting the PI-MAX

Guidance on mounting the camera for imaging, spectroscopy, and microscopy.

Installing the Application Software

Steps for installing the WinX application software.

Setting up the Communication Interface

Details on setting up PCI or USB 2.0 interfaces.

Connecting Cables

Entering Default Camera Parameters

Instructions for configuring software parameters for camera systems.

Chapter 4 First Light

Required Equipment and Cables

Cable Connections

Turning on System and Setting Up Software

Configuring Software for Shutter Mode

Detailed setup for Shutter Mode operation within the software.

Initial Data Acquisition

Steps for performing the first data acquisition.

Chapter 5 General Operation Factors

Pre-Exposure Removal of Accumulated Charge

Temperature Control

Discusses cooling methods and performance for the CCD array.

Setting the Temperature

Background Subtraction

How to subtract dark charge patterns for improved signal quality.

Binned Readout (Hardware Binning)

Experiment Setup|Main

Specifies essential parameters like exposure time and intensifier settings.

Experiment Setup|Timing

Setting various experiment timing parameters.

Chapter 6 Shutter Mode Operation

Shutter Control

Timing Modes

Describes Free Run, External Sync, and Internal Sync timing modes.

External Sync

Chapter 7 Gated Operation with a PTG

500 Picosecond Gating Option

Procedure for Setting up and Performing a Single Shot Experiment

Step-by-step guide for performing a single shot experiment.

Chapter 8 Gated Operation with a DG535

Precautionary Measures

Safety warnings for intensified detectors and high light sources.

DG-535 and Gate Mode Overview

DG535 Gating Setup

Fast Gating

Demonstrates PI-MAX's fast gating performance with a DG535.

Chapter 9 Kinetics Operation

Shutter Mode and Kinetics

PTG Burst Mode

One Shot Experiments

Chapter 10 PI-MAX2 DIF Camera (Double Image Feature)

Introduction

Requirements

Lists prerequisites for DIF operation.

Interline CCD Operation

Timing Modes

Single Trigger Mode

Details the Single Trigger Mode for DIF operation.

Dual Trigger Mode

Details the Dual Trigger Mode for DIF operation.

Setup

Hardware and software setup for DIF operation.

Tips and Tricks

Provides advice for smoother experiment setup and troubleshooting for DIF.

Chapter 11 Tips and Tricks

Overexposure Protection

Safeguards against excessive light levels to prevent detector damage.

Signal Delay

Importance of precise timing for capturing transient signals.

Adjusting the Signal Delay

Guidance on adjusting delays for signal and gate coincidence.

Optimizing the Gate Width and Delay

Techniques for optimizing gate width and delay for signal events.

Temperature Lock

Intensifier Alarm

Chapter 12 Microscopy Applications

Mounting the Camera on the Microscope

Describes camera mounting designs and adapter types.

F-Mount

C-Mount

Xenon or Mercury Arc Lamp Precautions

Safety precautions when using Xenon or Hg arc lamps.

Focusing the Microscope

Chapter 13 TTL Control

TTL In

TTL Diagnostics Screen

Chapter 14 System Component Descriptions

ST-133 Controller

Description of the ST-133 controller's electronics and modular design.

Interface Card

Details PCI and USB 2.0 interface cards.

Pulser

Description of optional PTG and DG535 pulsers.

Cables

Application Software

Overview of WinView/32, WinSpec/32, and PVCAM software.

Chapter 15 Troubleshooting

Alarm Sounds Sporadically

Alarm Sounds Continuously

Camera Stops Working

Basic checks for hardware problems when the camera stops working.

Changing the ST-133 Line Voltage and Fuses

Procedure for changing voltage settings and fuses.

Controller Is Not Responding

Troubleshooting when the controller does not respond.

Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message

Troubleshooting data overrun messages related to hardware conflicts.

Data Overrun Has Occurred message

Actions to take when a data overrun message is displayed.

Error Creating Controller message

Troubleshooting 'Error Creating Controller' messages.

Error Occurs at Computer Powerup

Conflicts

Resolving PCI and ISA card address/interrupt conflicts.

Excessive Readout Noise

Removing;Installing a Plug-In Module

Procedure for safely removing and installing controller modules.

Serial violations have occurred. Check interface cable.

Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained

Appendix H Glossary

Kinetics Mode

MCP Bracket Pulsing

Enhances on/off ratio by adjusting MCP switching.