Scientific Grade Digital Video Camera
Chapter 9: Maintenance
ITN000089-D02, Rev H
Page 40
Chapter 9
Maintenance
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the camera. Removing the rear cover of the camera without
expressed authorization from TSI will void the camera warranty.
TSI scientific grade cameras are manufactured in a clean environment. Before shipping, each camera is tested to
assure that it meets stringent specifications for cleanliness and quality.
9.1.
Cleaning Guidelines
Frequent lens changes, especially without careful attention to contaminants, can allow debris to accumulate on
the infra-red blocking filter and lens surfaces. Therefore, TSI provides the following guidelines for cleaning those
components.
To minimize the need to clean the optical surfaces, do not remove the protective lens mount cap shipped with the
1500M camera until you are ready to mount the camera to the optical system.
For an informative tutorial on “Handling and Cleaning Procedures for Optical Components” visit:
http://www.thorlabs.us/tutorials.cfm?tabID=26066
. The following guidelines, specific to TSI cameras, are
meant to be used in conjunction with the procedures described in the tutorial.
9.1.1. Cleaning the Lens of Optical Assembly
Please follow the lens manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. TSI is not responsible for any damage
caused to a lens or optical assembly caused by customer cleaning or misuse.
To ensure optimum image quality with any TSI camera, do not remove the protective lens-mount cap until ready
to mount the camera on the application. If the camera is removed from the application, immediately replace the
cap. Doing so will keep dust and other contaminants from accumulating on the optical surfaces. In addition,
please note the following model-specific guidelines.
9.1.2. Standard (Non-Cooled) Camera Precautions
While the lens mounting ring and locking flange allow the user some lens back-focus adjustment, complete
removal of the ring will expose the CCD faceplate and will likely cause debris to accumulate on its surface.
Extreme care should be taken to avoid completely removing the lens mounting ring and exposing the
CCD faceplate unless absolutely necessary. Fingerprints or other evidence of contact with the CCD
faceplate may void the warranty.
9.1.3. TE-Cooled Camera Precautions
The TSI Thermoelectrically-cooled cameras contain the CCD in a sealed, gas-filled chamber having an anti-
reflective glass window.
Do not, under any circumstances, loosen or remove the inner glass window from a
cooled camera
. Doing so will void the warranty. If it is suspected that the seal has been broken or if the window
breaks, call your local Thorlabs office or distributor. Do not apply power to the camera. Moisture will have been
introduced into the chamber, and cooling in the presence of moisture will cause condensation and frost on the
CCD, which can damage the entire cooling unit and/or CCD.