Chapter 1 Introduction 21
Grounding and Safety
The ST-133 is of Class I category as defined in IEC Publication 348 (Safety
Requirements for Electronic Measuring Apparatus). It is designed for indoor operation
only. Before turning on the controller, the ground prong of the powercord plug must be
properly connected to the ground connector of the wall outlet. The wall outlet must have
a third prong, or must be properly connected to an adapter that complies with these safety
requirements.
If the equipment is damaged, the protective grounding could be disconnected. Do not use
damaged equipment until its safety has been verified by authorized personnel.
Disconnecting the protective earth terminal, inside or outside the apparatus, or any
tampering with its operation is also prohibited.
Inspect the supplied powercord. If it is not compatible with the power socket, replace the
cord with one that has suitable connectors on both ends.
Replacement powercords or power plugs must have the same polarity as that of the
original ones to avoid hazard due to electrical shock.
Intensifier Modes and Safety
The Experiment Setup Main screen in WinX applications (WinView/32 and
WinSpec/32) allows you to select one of three intensifier modes: Shutter Mode, Gate
Mode or Safe Mode. In Shutter Mode operation, the photocathode is biased on
continuously during the exposure time and the room illumination must be subdued to
prevent an overload alarm from occurring. In Gate Mode, the photocathode is biased on
only for the time that each gate pulse is applied. As a result, the tolerance to room light is
higher in gated operation, but the risk of damaging overload from intense light sources
such as lasers remains. In fact, intense light sources in gated experiments can cause spot
damage that would be undetected by the alarm circuit. In Safe Mode, the photocathode
is continuously biased OFF and the intensifier is as safe as it can be.
Audible Alarm
To reduce the risk of camera damage, the PI-MAX camera is equipped with an audible
alarm in the camera head, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image
intensifier exceeds a preset threshold. While the alarm is sounding, the photocathode is
disabled. Immediately switch the MCP On/Off switch on the back of the PI-MAX to the
OFF position. Cover the detector window and only switch the MCP On/Off switch to
ON after the illumination level has been lowered. If the alarm sounds continuously even
when the illumination level is adequately low, shut the system down and contact the
factory for guidance.
Note: It is normal for the alarm to sound briefly when the system is turned on.
Discontinue operation and contact the factory at once if sporadic or continuous
unwarranted alarms occur. They may indicate intensifier damage or another situation that
requires immediate attention.
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