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CHAPTER 6:
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Model CRX-6.5K Probe Station
6.3.4 Image System
Troubleshooting
Establishing a high quality sample image can be difficult the first time the probe
station is set up or after it has been reconfigured if the proper setup is not followed.
The electrical, mechanical and optical components of the vision system must all be
working together properly for the vision system to perform as expected. This section
will help identify which part of the vision system is causing the undesirable symptom
so it can be remedied.
6.3.4.1 No Image
If there is no image on the monitor at all, the problem is likely electrical. It is
important to remember that the camera, light source and monitor are independent
components and have separate power supplies and power switches.
D
Remove lens cover if present
D
Verify the camera, light source and monitor are all powered and turned on
D
Turn the light source to 50% output
D
Verify that the s-video cable between the camera and monitor is plugged in
D
Verify the monitor source is set to the s-video input
If the problem is not identified with these steps, press the
Set
(setup) button on the
camera. If the setup menu appears on the monitor, the problem is likely in the optics
rather than the electronics. The following sections may help identify the problems
with image system optics.
6.3.4.2 Insufficient Sample Illumination
Typically no more than 50% to 70% of the maximum light source setting is required
to properly illuminate the sample. If a higher output is required or the sample
remains too dark at 100% output, the light source may be out of alignment. To verify
proper alignment, do the following:
D
Turn off the light source and allow it to cool
D
Remove the fiber optic bundle from the light source
D
Remove any dust on the end of the fiber optic bundle
D
Check that the bulb is centered in the opening
If the bulb is out of alignment, refer to the light source manual for further
information.
Do not lower or raise the microscope trying to improve illumination. This will bring the
sample out of the focal range of the microscope.
6.3.4.3 Poor Image Quality
Troubleshooting poor image quality can be challenging because the symptoms of a
variety of problems are very similar. The next four sections cover a variety of image
quality issues. The first three (section 6.3.4.4 to section 6.3.4.6) are more likely to
cause a blurred image that appears to have good color and contrast but does not
focus sharply. The causes listed in these sections are relatively easy to diagnose and
should be checked first. Low contrast images are explained in section 6.3.4.7. This
problem is the most difficult to diagnose and is often related to the sample surface
and the light source chosen for the system.
6.3.4.4 Fog on the Viewport
Fog normally indicates that the viewport window needs to be cleaned with an
appropriate anti-fog solution; see section 6.2.4. In severe cases, persistent fogging
can indicate poor chamber vacuum; see section 6.3.1. When checking for fog, also
check for smudges on the microscope lens or on any of the viewports and clean as
needed (section 6.2.4).
