Princeton Instruments PhotonMAX System, Manual, Page: 23 / 98

Chapter 4 System Setup 23
Host Computer
Note:
Computers and operating systems all undergo frequent revision. The following
information is only intended to give an approximate indication of the computer
requirements. Please contact the factory to determine your specific needs.
•
Windows ® 2000, or Windows ® XP or later operating system
•
1 GHz Pentium ® 4 (or greater)
•
512 MB RAM (or greater)
•
CD-ROM drive
•
At least one unused PCI card slot
•
Super VGA monitor and graphics card supporting at least 65535 colors with at
least 128 Mbyte of memory. Memory requirement is dependent on desired
display resolution.
•
Hard disk with a minimum of 80 Mbytes available. A complete installation of the
program files takes about 17 Mbytes and the remainder is required for data
storage, depending on the number and size of images/spectra collected. Disk
level compression programs are not recommended. Drive speed of 10,000 RPM
recommended.
•
Mouse or other pointing device.
Note:
The above requirements are the minimum for operating a PhotonMAX camera. A
faster computer with larger memory (RAM) will greatly enhance the software
performance during live mode operations.
Attaching a Lens to a C- Mount Adapter
Overexposure protection:
Cameras that are exposed to room light or other
continuous light sources will quickly become saturated. Set the lens to the smallest
aperture (highest f-number) and cover the lens with a lens cap to prevent overexposure.
PhotonMAX cameras for imaging applications incorporate an integral C-mount adapter.
Other mounts may be available. Consult the factory for specific information relating to
your needs
. See page 94 for Information on accessing the Princeton Instruments
Customer Support Dept.
Mounting the Lens
C-mount lenses simply screw into the front of these cameras. Tighten the lens by hand only.
Notes:
1. C-mount cameras are shipped with a dust cover lens installed. Although this lens is
capable of providing surprisingly good images, its throughput is low and the image
quality is not as good as can be obtained with a high-quality camera lens. Users
should replace the dust-cover lens with their own high-quality laboratory lens before
making measurements.
2. If the CCD is cooled to low temperatures (below -50°C), exposure to ambient light
will over-saturate it. This may increase dark charge significantly. If the camera
remains saturated after all light sources are removed, you may have to bring the
camera back to room temperature to restore dark charge to its original level.
3. Saturation is not harmful to a non-intensified camera.
Caution