Oxford Instruments Andor iKon-XL Flexi Quick Start Manual Download Page 2

Ensure your PC is powered off.  Ensure anti-static precautions using the 
anti-static strap provided. Keep all screws safe.

1.  Unplug all cables from the rear of the computer.

2.  Open the PC enclosure to gain access to the expansion slots.

3.  Locate a suitable PCIe slot for either 

fibre optic

 or 

USB 3.0

 cards: 

x4, x8 x16 

PCIe recommended. Note that x1 slots may be shared with other devices resulting 
in reduced system performance. If you are unsure which slot is correct, please 
consult the PC user manual.

4.  Remove the filler bracket corresponding to the slot you intend to use.

5.  Remove the PCIe card carefully from its protective ESD packaging and insert 

the card connector fully into the expansion slot.

6.  Ensure the card’s mounting bracket is flush with any other mounting or filler 

brackets to either side of it, then secure the controller card in place.

7.  Fit the computer cover and any accessories that you were using previously.

Installing the Fibre Optic Adapter or USB 3.0 Card

4

Camera Cooling Guidelines

5

1. Attach the camera control cable between the camera and the CCU-500 

camera controller. 

Use only the supplied cable

 - 

each CCU-500 is 

configured specifically for use with the supplied cable. Also ensure the 

power cable is fully inserted into the camera power socket.

2. Connect by either:

•  Fibre optic 

- connect the cable between the camera and the PC’s 

fibre optic adapter port.

•  USB 3.0

 - connect the cable between the camera’s USB 3.0 port and 

a USB 3.0 port on the PC.

3. Switch the power supply on using the on/off switch at the rear of the 

camera controller (You should hear a long beep from the CCU-500). 

This is followed by a long beep, followed by two short beeps to indicate 

the camera has configured successfully.

4. Now turn on the PC.

Note: If this is the first time the camera has been connected, please 

install the fibre optic or USB 3.0 card drivers.

5. Start your software.
6. Check the acquisition settings and adjust as required.
7. Start acquiring data.

Troubleshooting

Camera start-up tone does not sound on start-up

•  The camera start-up tone (a long beep, followed by two short beeps) should be audible momentarily when the camera 

is powered up.

•  If this does not occur, ensure that the camera is connected to the CCU-500.

Support Device not recognised when plugged into PC

•  Check that the card and driver(s) have been installed correctly ( (Devices and printers) in Windows, Control Panel. The 

camera will show under the Devices list. (see also Section 4 for installation procedure).

Water cooled models: Temperature Trip Alarm sounds (continuous tone)

Should the buzzer sound ensure the following:

•  Check that the cooling system is operating correctly.

•  Always use water that is above the dew point of the ambient environment to prevent condensation from occurring.

Lights not showing on CCU-500

•  A button (see Section 6) enables lights to be on for diagnostic purposes or switched off for low-light applications- check if 

this is activated.

Connecting your Camera and Switching it on

6

MAN-13127

iKonXLQS 1019 R1

For additional technical information about the iKon-XL series go to: 

andor.com/scientific-cameras

Please check 

MyAndor

 for the latest iKon-XL manuals: 

my.andor.com/login.aspx

Installing the Fibre Optic or USB 3.0 Card Drivers

1.  Install the supplied drivers to ensure that the latest supported drivers are used.
2.  Fibre optic adapter card drivers need to be installed before the PC is connected to the camera. These are not part 

of the Solis/SDK installation and need to be installed manually from the supplied software disc (

Refer to the iKon-

XL Hardware Guide Section 3.10 to 3.12 for further information - this is available from the 

Product Manuals CD

 or 

MyAndor

).

3.  Once the drivers are installed, the fibre optic adapter card should be detected automatically.

?

Unused filler brackets

Gently press the
card into the slot

PCIe
Slot

Secure the card to the PC

Fibre Optic or 

USB 3.0

Connection

Air Cooling

•  Ensure 100 mm clearance around vents.
•  For best cooling performance ensure the camera is operating within the environmental conditions stated in the 

Technical Specifications of the iKon-XL Hardware Guide.

Liquid Cooling

•  The iKon-XL must be connected, via its 2 coolant pipes before operation, to a re-circulating cooler or other liquid 

cooling system.

•  Always use coolant that is above the dew point of the ambient environment to prevent condensation from 

occurring.

•  To achieve -75

o

C [-80

o

C] cooling:

•  Coolant temperature: should be no greater than 16

o

C [10

o

C].

•  Recommended coolant: water or water/glycol mix depending on the ambient environmental temperature 

during operation.

•  Ensure that all liquid coolant has been expelled from the camera after operation if it is to be stored or shipped.

•  Ensure that the iKon-XL is powered on and connected to the PC via the fibre optic cable or USB 3.0 before the 

PC is switched on.

•  Ensure that all cables have adequate strain relief/support, especially the fibre optic connection.
•  Remote power down is activated by applying 5 volt @ 10mA to remote BNC at front of the CCU-500.

iKon-XL Rear Panel

Camera Control 
Cable Input

Disable Power Management for the USB 3.0 Host Controller

It is recommended that power management should be disabled to ensure optimum camera response and performance.

Note you will need administrator access to perform these steps

1.  Navigate to ‘

USB 3.0 Host Controller

’ properties menu in 

Device Manager

 (Control Panel>Device Manager> 

Universal Serial Bus Controllers). 

2.  Select the 

Advanced

 tab.

3.  Check the 

Disable USB 3.0 power management functions 

checkbox.

Please refer to the iKon-XL Hardware Guide for mounting instructions
Ensure that the power to the camera and PC is switched OFF.

Coolant 
Connections

I

2

C

USB 3.0

Fibre Optic

IRIG-B

TTL/Logic

Camera Control 

Cable output

CCU-500 Front Panel

Display 

Diagnostics

button

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