Compact Scientific Digital Cameras
Chapter 9: Maintenance
Page 30
ITN004586-D02
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
camera until you are ready to mount the camera to the optical system.
For an informative tutorial refer to the
“Handling and Cleaning Procedures for Optical Components”
. The
following guidelines, specific to TSI cameras, are meant to be used in conjunction with the procedures
described in the tutorial.
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.
Cooled Camera Precautions
Complete removal of the C-mount adapter and Ø1" protective window will expose the
hermetic chamber’s sealed
window and will likely cause debris to accumulate on its surface.
Extreme care should be taken to avoid
completely removing the Ø1" window
and exposing the chamber window unless absolutely necessary.
Scratches or other evidence of contact with the chamber window may void the warranty.
Cleaning the Ø1"
AR-Coated Protective Window
The Ø1" window is visible when the lens is removed, mounted inside the C-mount adapter.
•
What must I do before cleaning the AR-Coated Window?
Do not remove the window from the camera.
First, remove the lens, if one is installed, and carefully examine the window in a clean location under a
strong, direct light. Try to determine if the contaminants are a few dust particles, oily smudge (such as
fingerprints) or both.
•
What if the contamination is only a few dust particles?
Use a CLEAN, DRY (preferably brand-new), camel hair lens cleaning brush (such as those used by
photographers) to gently wipe the particles off the filter.
