Princeton 4300 User Manual

PI-SCX System Manual

Version 2.E

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In Acquire mode, every frame of data collected can be automatically stored (the

completed dataset may include multiple frames with one or more accumulations).

This mode would ordinarily be selected during actual data collection. One limitation

of Acquire mode operation is that if data acquisition continues at too fast a rate for it

to be stored, data overflow will eventually occur. This could only happen in Fast

Mode operation.

The remainder of this chapter is organized to first talk about the system on/off sequences.

Then "First Light" procedures for imaging and spectroscopy applications follow: these

procedures provide step-by-step instruction on how to initially verify system operation.

The last three sections discuss factors that affect exposure, readout, and digitization of the

incoming signal. By understanding these factors and making adjustments to software

settings you can maximize signal-to-noise ratio. For information about synchronizing

data acquisition with external devices, please refer to Chapter 6, Advanced Topics.

System On/Off Sequences

If your system is configured for the USB 2.0 communication interface, you must follow

the system on/off sequences as stated below. These sequences ensure that communication

is established and maintained between the camera and the host computer:

The PI-SCX camera must be powered ON before WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 is

opened to ensure communication between the camera and the computer. If WinView

or WinSpec is opened and the PI-SCX is not powered ON, many of the functions will

be disabled and you will only be able to retrieve and examine previously acquired

and stored data. You must close WinView or WinSpec, power the camera ON, and

reopen WinView or WinSpec before you can set up experiments and acquire new

data.

WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 must be closed before powering the camera OFF. If you

power the camera OFF before closing WinView or WinSpec, the communication link

with the camera will be broken. You can operate the program in a playback mode

(i.e., examine previously acquired data) but will be unable to acquire new data until

you have closed WinView or WinSpec, powered the camera ON, and then re-opened

WinView or WinSpec.