Teledyne Princeton Instruments PI-MAX 3, System Manual

Page: 193 / 250

Chapter 16 Troubleshooting 193
16.5 Camera Stops Working
Problems with the host computer system or software may have side effects that appear
to be hardware problems. If you are sure the problem is in the camera system hardware,
begin with these simple checks:
1. Turn off all AC power.
2. Verify that all cables are securely fastened and that all locking screws are in place
and all slide latches are in the latched position.
3. Correct any apparent problems and turn the system on.
4. If the system still does not respond, contact Customer Support. Refer to
Contact
Information on page 248 for complete information.
16.6 Cooling Troubleshooting
This section provides information about troubleshooting cooling-related problems.
16.6.1 Temperature Lock Cannot be Achieved or Maintained
Possible causes for not being able to achieve or maintain lock could include:
• Ambient temperature greater than +20°C.
This condition affects TE cooled cameras. If ambient is greater than +20°C, you
will need to cool the camera environment or raise the set temperature.
• Airflow through the camera and/or circulator is obstructed.
The camera needs to have approximately two (2) inches (50 mm) clearance
around the vented covers. If there is an enclosure involved, the enclosure needs
to have unrestricted flow to an open environment. The camera vents its heat
out the side vents near the nose. The air intake is at the rear of the camera.
• A hose is kinked. Unkink the hose.
• Coolant level is low.
Add 50:50 mix of ethylene glycol and water. Refer to manufacturer's
instructions for adding coolant.
• There may be air in the hoses.
Remove air and add 50:50 mix of ethylene glycol and water. Refer to
manufacturer's instructions for removing excess air and adding coolant.
• Circulator pump is not working.
If you do not hear the pump running when the circulator is powered on, turn off
the circulator and contact the manufacturer's Customer Support.
• CoolCUBE
II
:
The circulator is higher than the camera. Reposition the circulator so that it is a
minimum of 6 inches (150 mm) below the camera. The vertical distance should
not exceed 10 feet (3 m). Typically, the camera is at table height and the
circulator is on the floor.
• The target array temperature is not appropriate for your camera and CCD array.
• The PI-MAX3's internal temperature may be too high, such as might occur if the
operating environment is particularly warm, if you are attempting to operate at
a temperature colder than the specified limit, or if you have turned off the fan
and are not circulating coolant through the camera. TE cameras are equipped
with a thermal-protection switch that shuts the cooler circuits down if the
internal temperature exceeds a preset limit. Typically, camera operation is
restored automatically in about ten minutes. Although the thermal-protection
switch will protect the camera, it is nevertheless advised to power down and
correct the operating conditions that caused the thermal-overload to occur.