Princeton Instruments PhotonMAX System, Manual, Page: 30 / 98

30 PhotonMAX System Manual Version 1.B
to be stored, data overflow will eventually occur. This could only happen in Fast
Mode operation.
The remainder of this chapter provides "First Light" procedures (these provide step-by-
step instruction on how to initially verify system operation) and discusses factors that
affect exposure, readout, and digitization of the incoming signal. By understanding the
exposure, readout, and digitization 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 .
First Light (Imaging)
This section provides step-by-step instructions for acquiring an imaging measurement for
the first time. The intent of this procedure is to help you gain basic familiarity with the
operation of your system and to show that it is functioning properly. Once basic familiarity
has been established, then operation with other operating configurations, ones with more
complex timing modes, can be performed.
Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in the
previous chapters.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in imaging mode.
5. The target is a sharp image, text, or a drawing that can be used to verify that the
camera is "seeing" and can be used to maximize focus.
Getting Started
1. Mount a test target in front of the camera.
2. Power ON the camera (the power switch is on the back of the camera).
Note:
The camera must be turned on before WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 is
opened, and WinView/32 or WinSpec/32 must be closed before the camera is
turned off.
3. Turn on the computer power.
4. Start the application software.
5. Block light from the lens.