Gentec-EO PRONTO-50 Series User manual

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 i

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 ii
WARRANTY
First Year Warranty
The Gentec-EO thermal power detectors carrya one-year warranty (from date of shipment) against material and/or
workmanship defects when used under normal operating conditions. The warranty does not cover recalibration,
or damages related to misuse.
Gentec-EO will repair or replace at our option any PRONTO which proves to be defective during the warranty
period; except in the case of product misuse.
Any unauthorized alteration or repair of the product is also not covered by the warranty.
The manufacturer is not liable for consequential damages of any kind.
In the case of a malfunction, contact your local Gentec-EO distributor or the nearest Gentec-EO office to obtain a
return authorization number. Return the material to the appropriate address below.
Contacting Gentec Electro-Optics Inc.
To help us answer your calls more efficiently please have the model number of the detector you are using ready
before calling Customer Support.
Gentec Electro-Optics, Inc.
445, St-Jean-Baptiste, Suite 160
Québec, QC
Canada, G2E 5N7
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Website: gentec-eo.com
Lifetime Warranty
Gentec-EO will guarantee any PRONTO detector for its lifetime, as long as it has been returned for recalibration
annually, from the shipment date. This warranty includes parts and labor for all routine repairs including normal
wear under normal operating conditions.
Gentec-EO will inspect and repair the detector during the annual recalibration. Repairs at other times will be at
Gentec-EO’s option.
The cost of annual recalibration, or consequential damages from using the detector, is not included.
The onlycondition is that the detector must not have been subject to unauthorized service or damaged bymisuse.
Misuse would include, but is not limited to: laser exposure outside Gentec-EO’s published specifications, physical
damage due to improper handling, and exposure to hostile environments. Hostile environments would include, but
are not limited to: excessive temperature, vibration, humidity, or surface contaminants; exposure to flame, solvents
or water; and connection to improper electrical voltage.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 iii
SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use the PRONTO if the device or the detector looks damaged, or if you suspect that the PRONTO is not
operating properly.
The user must wait for a while before handling these detectors after power is applied. Surfaces of the detector get
very hot and there is a risk of injury if they are not allowed to cool down.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Caution: Changes or modifications not expressly approved in writing by Gentec-EO Inc. may void the user’s
authority to operate this equipment.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANTY.............................................................................................................................2
SAFETY INFORMATION .........................................................................................................3
TABLE OF CONTENTS...........................................................................................................4
1. PRONTO-50-W5 and PRONTO-250/250-PLUS Portable Laser Probes ......................2
1.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................2
1.2. Warnings and Disclaimer ...........................................................................................................................2
1.3. Specifications.............................................................................................................................................3
1.4. Minimum Beam Diameter (Damage Threshold) ........................................................................................5
1.5. Mechanical Description..............................................................................................................................6
2. Operating Instructions ..................................................................................................7
2.1. User Interface.............................................................................................................................................7
2.2. Turning the Device ON and OFF ...............................................................................................................7
2.3. Changing the SETTINGS...........................................................................................................................7
2.3.1. Opening and Closing the SETTINGS Menu.......................................................................................7
2.3.2. Settings Icons......................................................................................................................................8
2.3.3. Changing the ORIENTATION of the Screen ......................................................................................8
2.3.4. Changing the BRIGHTNESS of the Screen........................................................................................8
2.3.5. Adjusting the CORRECTION FACTOR..............................................................................................8
2.3.6. Getting Information ABOUT the Device..............................................................................................9
2.4. Changing the WAVELENGTH....................................................................................................................9
2.5. Making a Measurement (ssp mode only)................................................................................................ 10
2.6. Acquiring, Transferring and Deleting Data.............................................................................................. 11
2.6.1. Acquiring Data ................................................................................................................................. 11
2.6.2. Transferring Data............................................................................................................................. 11
2.6.3. Deleting Data ................................................................................................................................... 11
3. Operating Instructions (PRONTO-250-PLUS Only)...................................................12
3.1.1. ZEROING (CWP mode only)........................................................................................................... 12
3.1.2. Setting the SCALE (CWP & SSE modes only)................................................................................ 12
3.1.3. Setting the TRIGGER LEVEL (SSE mode only).............................................................................. 12
3.2. Making a Measurement........................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.1. SSP Mode........................................................................................................................................ 13
3.2.2. CWP mode....................................................................................................................................... 13
3.2.3. SSE mode........................................................................................................................................ 14
4. Safety Instructions.......................................................................................................15
4.1. General.................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.2. Damage to the Optical Absorber Material............................................................................................... 15
4.3. Not Exceeding the Maximum Sensor Temperature................................................................................ 15
4.4. How to Properly Handle the Device........................................................................................................ 16
5. USB Communication...................................................................................................17
5.1. Description .............................................................................................................................................. 17
5.2. Setting up communication to the PRONTO............................................................................................ 17
5.2.1. Verify the COM Port......................................................................................................................... 17
5.2.2. Connect the PRONTO..................................................................................................................... 17
5.2.3. To Echo Commands........................................................................................................................ 18
5.2.4. Test the Connection......................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.5. To Add a Character Delay ............................................................................................................... 18
5.2.6. HyperTerminal Settings Shortcut..................................................................................................... 18
5.3. Serial Command Format......................................................................................................................... 18
5.3.1. Serial Protocol Rules ....................................................................................................................... 18

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 v
5.3.2. Text Mode Rules.............................................................................................................................. 18
5.4. List of Serial Commands for the PRONTO (Summary) .......................................................................... 19
5.5. Detailed Description of the Serial Commands for PRONTO (Complete)................................................ 20
5.5.1. Display ............................................................................................................................................. 20
5.5.2. Data Acquisition............................................................................................................................... 24
5.5.3. Setup................................................................................................................................................ 26
5.5.4. Control.............................................................................................................................................. 27
5.5.5. Instrument and Detector Information............................................................................................... 32
5.5.6. Error Messages................................................................................................................................ 36
6. USB Driver Installation................................................................................................37
7. Maintenance.................................................................................................................37
7.1. Free Firmware Upgrade.......................................................................................................................... 37
8. Declaration of Conformity...........................................................................................38
Appendix A: WEEE Directive...............................................................................................39
Appendix B: Installing the PRONTODataTransfer Software .............................................40
Appendix C: Updating the PRONTO Firmware...................................................................42

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 2
1. PRONTO-50-W5 AND PRONTO-250/250-PLUS PORTABLE LASER PROBES
1.1. INTRODUCTION
The PRONTO-50-W5 and PRONTO-250 Portable Laser Probes from Gentec-EO are pocket-size power and
energy meters with built-in display. The PRONTO-50-W5 and PRONTO-250 give accurate measurement of laser
power up to 50 W and 250 W in only 5 seconds. In addition to the regular Single Shot Power (SSP) mode, The
PRONTO-250-PLUS features 2 additional measurement modes: in Continuous Power (CWP) mode, the device
measures power continuously up 8 W while in Single Shot Energy Mode (SSE), it measures the energy of
individual pulses. The high power surface absorber sensors are designed to be used at high average power
densities. PRONTO detectors can be supplied with an optional stand and/or power supply.
If the desired wavelength is outside the calibrated spectral range, you can use the “Correction Factor”function to
adjust the displayed measures.
Call your nearest Gentec-EO distributor to repair and/or to recalibrate the PRONTO. To find the nearest Gentec-
EO office or distributor in your country, refer to p. II, Contacting Gentec Electro-Optics Inc.
1.2. WARNINGS AND DISCLAIMER
Laser power detection is completely automatic. There is no need for an external timer.
Warnings
WHEN HOT APPEARS ON THE SCREEN, REMOVE THE DEVICE
FROM THE BEAM IMMEDIATELY TO AVOID DAMAGING THE
SENSOR.
Be careful not to exceed the maximum levels and densities
stated in the specifications.
The handle on the PRONTO is for carrying purposes only. The user must
not hold the PRONTO during measurements. Extreme caution must be
taken during laser power measurements.
In no event shall Gentec-EO or any of its affiliates be liable for any indirect, special, incidental or consequential
injury to persons or damage to property caused by the use of any of our products, by purchasing from Gentec-
EO or any of its affiliates, you hereby indicate that you understand and agree to the following:
Disclaimer
I am fully responsible for the safe application and use of this detector and
agreed to such by completing the sales process.
I will not use a laser device without wearing approved laser safety goggles
designed for such purpose.
I am aware and responsible of safely dealing with any back reflections.
I will not use the detector in violation of any local, state or federal law, and
I understand that it is my responsibility to know and abide by those laws
relating to the ownership and use of the detector in my jurisdiction.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 3
1.3. SPECIFICATIONS
These products all have a calibration at 1064 nm (YAG) and they also have a traceable wavelength correction to
complete the calibrated spectral range. The PRONTO-250/250-PLUS have an additional calibration at 10.6 µm
(CO2). The PRONTO-250-PLUS units also have an additional calibration for SSE mode.
The following specifications are based on a one-year calibration cycle, an operating temperature of 15 to 28ºC
(59 to 82ºF) and a relative humidity not exceeding 80%. Monitors must be stored in an environment between 10oC
to 60oC (50 to 140oF) and a relative humidity not exceeding 90%.
PRONTO-250
PRONTO-250-
PLUS
PRONTO-50-W5
Sensor & Calibration
Aperture
19 mm Ø
Spectral Range
0.19 - 20 µm
0.19 - 10 µm
Calibrated Spectral Range1
0.248 - 2.5 µm and 10.6 µm
0.248 - 2.5 µm
Programmed Spectral Range2
0.193 - 10.6 µm
0.193 - 2.5 µm
Power Range (in SSP mode)
0.5 - 250 W
0.5 - 50 W
Noise Level
10 mW
4 mW
Response Time (in SSP mode)
5 s
Measurement Accuracy
± 3 %
Damage Thresholds & Laser Limits
Maximum Average Power Density
1064 nm, 10 W, CW
10.6 µm, 10 W, CW
45 kW/cm2
14 kW/cm2
100 kW/cm2
Maximum Number of Readings and
Exposure Time Before Probe Must Be
Cooled
(for 25°C starting temp. see section 4.3 for
more information)
Power
Max # Readings / Max Exposure Time
8 W
25 W
50 W
125 W
250 W
∞∞
10 60 sec
5 30 sec
2 12 sec
1 6 sec
∞∞
10 60 sec
5 30 sec
- -
- -
Maximum Device Temperature at
Maximum Power
65°C
Pulsed Laser Damage Thresholds :
Maximum Energy Density
1064 nm, 360 µs, 5 Hz
1064 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz
532 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz
266 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz
9 J/cm2
1.0 J/cm2
0.6 J/cm2
0.3 J/cm2
100 J/cm2
1.1 J/cm2
1.1 J/cm2
0.7 J/cm2
Pulsed Laser Damage Thresholds :
Peak Power Density
1064 nm, 360 µs, 5 Hz
1064 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz
532 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz
266 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz
25 kW/cm2
143 MW/cm2
86 MW/cm2
43 MW/cm2
667 kW/cm2
157 MW/cm2
157 MW/cm2
27 MW/cm2
Minimum Frequency for Pulsed Lasers
15 Hz
1
Pronto-50-W5 standard units are calibrated at one wavelengths (1064nm) and have a NIST-traceable
wavelength correction factor to cover the complete calibrated spectral range.
Pronto-250 standard units are calibrated at two wavelengths (1064nm and 10.6µm) and have a NIST-traceable
wavelength correction factor to cover the complete calibrated spectral range.
In addition to the standard Pronto-250 calibrations, the Pronto-250-PLUS standard units are also calibrated for
SSE measurements.
2
Available wavelengths in the user interface.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 4
Physical Characteristics
Dimensions
59W x 181L x 17D mm
Weight
210 g
Mounting Holes (for post)
2 x 8-32
Operating Conditions
Ambient temperature: 15-28°C
Maximum relative humidity: 80%
Storage Conditions
Ambient temperature: 10-60°C
Maximum relative humidity: 90%
Battery Type
USB rechargeable Li-ion
Battery Life
17 hours or 4200 measurements (with brightness set at 25%)
Charge time: 7.5 hours when totally empty
Maximum Battery Cycle Count
(Number of charge cycles before the
battery loses its efficiency)
Approximatively 500 full charges (0-100%)
User Interface
Interface
Touchscreen
Display
Color LCD 28 X 35 mm (128 x 160 pixels)
Data Acquisition and Transfer
Maximum of 50 000 measurements
Screen Personalization
4 screen orientations and 4 brightness levels
Saved Settings
Screen Orientation, Screen Brightness, Wavelength
and Correction Factor
Display Numerical Resolution
4 digits
PRONTO-250-PLUS
CWP Mode
Power Range in CWP mode
0.01 - 8 W
Noise Level in CWP mode
10 mW
(Excluding possible offset and used with an opto-mechanical stand)
Typical Rise Time in CWP mode (0-95%)
1.5 s
Maximum Device Temperature at
Maximum Power (in CWP mode)
55°C
Accuracy in CWP mode
± 2.5 %
SSE Mode
Energy Range in SSE mode (>1 ns)
0.06 - 25J up to 150J for pulse >1ms
Noise Level in SSE mode
60 mJ
Trigger Level
0.1 - 99.9 % (Default level is 2%)
Minimum Repetition Period
4 s
Maximum Pulse Width
88 ms
Typical Rise Time in SSE mode (0-100%)
0.26 s
Accuracy in SSE mode
± 5 %
Specifications are subject to change without notice

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 5
1.4. MINIMUM BEAM DIAMETER (DAMAGE THRESHOLD)
The following graphic shows the diameter corresponding to the damage threshold for a Gaussian beam profile.
The “minimum 1/e² beam diameter” is calculated to obtain a peak intensity 50% lower than the damage threshold
and should be considered as the “safe” minimum diameter.
Figure 1 Minimum Beam Size for PRONTO-250-PLUS absorber at 1064 nm in CWP mode
Figure 2 Minimum Beam Size for PRONTO-250 and PRONTO-250-PLUS absorber at 1064 nm in SSP mode

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 6
1.5. MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION
Figure 3 PRONTO mechanics
Absorber
The laser must be centered on the absorber when making a measurement.
Mounting Holes
There are 2 8-32 mounting holes to fit the device on a post for a safe use during the
measurements.
Touch Screen Display and Controls
The touch screen interface controls the device.
On/Off/Settings Button
This button is used to power the device on (press when the device is off) and off (press and
hold for 3 seconds when the device is on). It is also used to access the Settings menu (press
when the device is on).
USB Port
The Mini-B USB2.0 port is used to transfer data from the device to a PC and to charge the
battery.
Overheating Indicator
The central part of the yellow sticker on the rear face turns to black when the temperature of
the device exceeds 65 °C (150 °F). This indicates that the detector was probably damaged due
to overheating. In this case, contact your local Gentec-EO representative.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 7
2. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2.1. USER INTERFACE
(a) PRONTO-50/250 (b) PRONTO-250-PLUS
Figure 4 User Interface
Device State
The top portion of the display shows the battery level and selected wavelength.
In the PRONTO-250-PLUS, the top portion also indicates the measurement mode. Its default
mode is SSP, which works like the PRONTO-50/250.
Measured Value
The central part of the display shows the last measured value.
In the PRONTO-250-PLUS, this section also serves as a button to access the scales menu in
CWP and SSE modes.
Temperature
The thermometer icon shows the head temperature.
If the thermometer is red and the screen displays HOT, block the laser IMMEDIATELY
and let the instrument cool down.
Controls
The first button at the bottom of the display is specific to the measurement mode. The second
button (Save) is for data acquisition, and the third button (Wavelength) opens the Wavelength
menu.
2.2. TURNING THE DEVICE ON AND OFF
Turn ON: Press the On/Off/Settings button
Turn OFF: Press and Hold the On/Off/Settings button for 3 seconds
Tip
The device will automatically turn off after 5 minutes of inactivity, except if
data is being acquired. When the device is plugged into a PC via the USB
cable, it will power on and stay on until it is manually turned off or unplugged.
2.3. CHANGING THE SETTINGS
2.3.1.Opening and Closing the SETTINGS Menu
When the device is on, short-press the On/Off/Settings button to access the menu. Pressing the button
again will close it and save whatever settings have been changed.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 8
2.3.2.Settings Icons
The following icons are presented in the Settings menu. The measurement mode options are only available with
the PRONTO-250-PLUS, since PRONTO-250 and PRONTO-50-W5 always works in Single-Shot Power mode.
ICON
NAME
DESCRIPTION
Screen Orientation
Indicates the Screen Orientation (4 options)
Press → Toggles to the next orientation
Brightness
Indicates the screen’s Brightness level (4 options)
Press → Toggles to the next brightness level
Correction Factor
Press → Opens the Correction Factor (User Calibration)
menu
About
Press → Opens the About menu
FOR PRONTO-250-PLUS ONLY
More
Press → Switches to the secondary menu
Single Shot Power
Continuous Power
Single Shot Energy
Press → Goes to Single Shot Power Mode
Press → Goes to Continuous Power Mode
Press → Goes to Single Shot Energy Mode
2.3.3.Changing the ORIENTATION of the Screen
There are 4 possible screen orientations: Up, Down, Left and Right. The button displays the current orientation,
for example Up: . To change the orientation, simply press the button and the next choice will appear. The
changes will be saved once you exit the Settings menu.
2.3.4.Changing the BRIGHTNESS of the Screen
There are 4 possible brightness levels: 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%. The button displays the current brightness,
for example 75%: . To change the brightness, simply press the button and the next choice will appear. The
changes will be saved once you exit the Settings menu.
2.3.5.Adjusting the CORRECTION FACTOR
It is possible to adjust the calibration of the device. You can do so by applying a Correction Factor to the
measurements. To access the Correction Factor menu, simply press the CAL button . The number
displayed is the multiplication factor that will be applied to the measurements. A factor of 1.000 keeps the
calibration unchanged. You can enter any number between 0.500 and 2.500.
The 4 digits of the correction factor are changed individually. For example, if the Correction Factor is 1.000 and
you want to change it to 1.200, just press the first 0 (make sure it turns blue, like this ) and then increment
it twice with the Up button.

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 9
Initial Setting
Select the Digit
Change the Digit
using the Up Button
The last measured value
(145.3 W) is displayed between
the Up/Down buttons
The selected digit turns blue
The adjusted power value
(174.4 W) is displayed between
the Up/Down buttons
Once the value is entered, press the On/Off/Settings button to exit the menu and automatically save your new
settings.
2.3.6.Getting Information ABOUT the Device
Relevant information about the device are stored in the About menu . This information can be useful when
returning the device for repairs or recalibration. These include, the Model Name, the Serial Number, the
Firmware Version and the Last Calibration Date.
Figure 5 The About menu shows information about the device
Press the On/Off/Settings button to exit the menu and go back to the measurement screen.
2.4. CHANGING THE WAVELENGTH
Before making a measurement, it is important that you adjust the calibration of the device to the wavelength of
the source to be measured. To do so, press the Wavelength button to display a list of presets.
Figure 6 The 6 wavelength buttons can be customized by the user
There are 6 presets in the wavelength menu. The values can be set to any wavelength defined by the programmed
spectral range. To change a value, press it until the screen changes to the Set Wavelength menu. Each digit is
changed individually by selecting it and pressing the Up/Down arrows. For example, if you want to change 10.6
μm to 532 nm, you need to do the following:
1. Select the units. Make sure they turn blue and use the Up or Down button to
change them to nm
2. Select the 1st number. Make sure it turns blue and use the Down button to
reduce it to 0
1060nm
10.60μm

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 10
3. Select the 2nd number. Make sure it turns blue and use the Up button to
increase it to 5
4. Select the 3rd number. Make sure it turns blue and use the Down button to
reduce it to 3
5. Select the 4th number. Make sure it turns blue and use the Down button to
reduce it to 2
6. You’re done!
Once the desired value is entered, press the On/Off/Settings button to exit the menu and automatically save your
new settings.
2.5. MAKING A MEASUREMENT (SSP MODE ONLY)
Once all the settings are adjusted, you are readyto make a measurement. Just follow the step-by-step instructions
below.
Tip
We recommend placing the device on an optical stand or on a horizontal
surface when making a measurement.
Be careful to conform to all the recommended specifications for beam size,
placement and laser power.
1. Turn the device ON.
2. Press the PLAY button, a sequence of dots will appear. This indicates that the
device is waiting for a laser beam to trigger the measurement.
NOTE: At any time during the measurement sequence, you can press the STOP
button. The device will stop the measurement process and go back to its initial state
(displaying the last measured value).
3. Place the device in the laser beam path, with the laser beam centered on the absorber.
4. As soon as the device detects a laser beam, it will automatically start the 5 seconds
countdown for the measurement. Leave the device in the beam path for the entire
countdown period, which will be indicated on the screen.
0532nm
0530nm
0560nm
0060nm

Pronto-50-W5 and Pronto-250/250-PLUS User Manual Revision 5.0 11
5. Once the countdown is finished, the measurement will appear. You can remove the device
from the beam path.
6. The reading will stay onthe display until the next measurement, even if you turn the device
off and on again.
7. To make a new measurement, go back to Step 2.
2.6. ACQUIRING, TRANSFERRING AND DELETING DATA
2.6.1.Acquiring Data
You can store the measurements done by the device simply by pressing the Save button . When pressed,
the button turns white to indicate that data is being stored in the internal memory of the device. Once
activated, the data acquisition will stay active until stopped. To stop the data acquisition, press the Save button
again and it will revert to its original state .
2.6.2.Transferring Data
To retrieve the data, you must connect the PRONTO to your computer with a USB cable and use the
PRONTODataTransfer software . You can download our latest version of the software in the Downloads
section of our website (https://gentec-eo.com/downloads). The data will be uploaded on your computer in a text
format, which you can save to a known location on your computer and then open in your preferred analysis
software.
Warning
Once data has been transferred to a computer, it is deleted from the
internal memory of the device.
Complete installation and data transfer instructions can be found in Appendix B: Installing the
PRONTODataTransfer Software.
2.6.3.Deleting Data
To delete data from the internal memory, you must hold the Save button approximatively 3 seconds. A text
will appear and ask Erase all data. Hit the YES button than click OK.

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3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (PRONTO-250-PLUS ONLY)
3.1.1.ZEROING (CWP mode only)
1. Block off any laser radiation to the detector.
2. To set the zero, wait until the reading has stabilized. The power read by the device when
no laser beam is incident on the sensor may not be exactly zero if the device is not
thermally stabilized. Wait until the reading without laser power is stable for several
minutes. Half an hour warm-up is recommended for measuring low powers precisely.
3. Press the ZERO button .While the device is busy, the control buttons are inactive.
4. When the process is complete, the device returns to the measurement screen and you
are now ready to make an accurate measurement.
When the offset is applied to the measurement, the Zero button is white . The offset stays active until the
Zero button is pressed again or until the PRONTO is turned off.
3.1.2.Setting the SCALE (CWP & SSE modes only)
To access the Range menu, you must press on the measured value (the central part of the touchscreen) for
approximately3 seconds. The Up/Down arrows scroll through the available ranges and AUTO, which is the default,
automatic range setting.
Figure 7 In the Range menu, use the Up and Down buttons to set the
manual range or to go back to the default “Auto” range setting.
Once the desired value is entered, press the On/Off/Settings button to exit the menu and automatically save your
new settings.
3.1.3.Setting the TRIGGER LEVEL (SSE mode only)
In SSE mode, it is possible to control the trigger level. To access the Trigger Level menu, simply press the
Trigger Level button at the bottom of the measurement screen. Accepted values are between 0.1% and
99.9%. The default value is 2.0%.
The 3 digits of the trigger level are changed individually. For example, if the Trigger Level is 2.0% and you want
to change it to 5.0%, just press the 2 (make sure it turns blue) and then increment it three times with the Up button.

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Initial Setting
Select the Digit
Change the Digit using the Arrows
The default value is 2.0%
The selected digit turns blue
The adjusted level is saved
automatically when exiting this screen
Once the desired value is entered, press the On/Off/Settings button to exit the menu and automatically save your
new settings.
3.2. MAKING A MEASUREMENT
Once all the settings are adjusted and the desired measurement mode is selected, you are ready to make a
measurement. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Tip
We recommend placing the device on an optical stand or on a horizontal
surface when making a measurement.
Be careful to conform to all the recommended specifications for beam size,
placement and laser power.
3.2.1.SSP Mode
Instructions for this mode are detailed in Section 2.5.
3.2.2.CWP mode
1. Turn the device ON.
2. The PRONTO displays a warning (8W maximum), press OK.
3. For maximum accuracy, adjust the reading to zero before making measurements (see
Section 3.1.1). For low power measurements, the sensor must be protected from
ambient light and temperature fluctuations.
4. Place the device in the laser beam path, with the laser beam centered on the absorber.
5. The device will automatically display and update the power value.

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3.2.3.SSE mode
1. Turn the device ON.
2. Place the device in the laser beam path, with the laser beam centered on the absorber.
3. As soon as the device detects a laser pulse, it will automatically measure its energy.
4. The TRIGGER LEVEL button turns gray every time a pulse is detected.
5. For accurate results, do not touch the screen while taking measurements and conform to
the specifications for laser pulse width and repetition rate.

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4. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
4.1. GENERAL
To ensure a long lifetime of accurate measurements, the PRONTO power probe should be maintained within the
following ambient conditions:
Storage environment temperature: 10 to 60°C, RH < 90%
Operating environment temperature: 15 to 28ºC, RH < 80%.
It is possible to store and operate your PRONTO power probe beyond this range. For any specific requirements,
please contact your local Gentec-EO representative.
For the most accurate measurements, center the beam on the sensor. Ideally, the beam diameter should be the
same as the one used during calibration. The beam diameter at calibration corresponds to >98% of the encircled
power centered on 50% of the sensor’s surface area. This complies with the International Electrotechnical
Commission standard #1040: "Power and Energy Measuring Detector […]". Refer to the calibration certificate for
the exact beam diameter used during calibration.
4.2. DAMAGE TO THE OPTICAL ABSORBER MATERIAL
Damage to the optical absorber material is usually caused by exceeding the manufacturer's specified maximum
incident Average Power Density. Refer to the specifications table.
The PRONTO-250-PLUS series can measure up to 250W. The beam diameter should always be as large as
possible to avoid damaging the absorber. We recommend using a beam size diameter that covers 70% to
80% of the sensor’s aperture. For the PRONTO, this corresponds to a diameter of 16-17 mm.
In any case, the beam’s incident area should not be less than 10% of the detector’s area. Please contact Gentec-
EO to make measurements with smaller beams.
The damage threshold decreases with the laser power. Refer to the graphic in Figure 2 for the diameter
corresponding to the damage threshold for a Gaussian beam profile. The “minimum 1/e² beam diameter” is
calculated to obtain a peak intensity 50% lower than the damage threshold and should be considered as the “safe”
minimum diameter. If there are “hot spots” in the beam profile, they must be considered in the calculation of the
peak intensity.
Damage may also be caused if you use a detector with a contaminated absorber surface. Slight discoloration of
the coating may occur, but this does not affect the calibration.
4.3. NOT EXCEEDING THE MAXIMUM SENSOR TEMPERATURE
The PRONTO has a built-in thermometer to monitor the sensor’s temperature. In order to avoid
damaging the sensor, its temperature must not exceed the maximum allowable absorber temperature
as in the specification. For temperatures of 25⁰C or lower, the thermometer’s bulb will be filled as shown
in the picture at the right of this text. When making a measurement, the sensor’s temperature will
gradually rise and the thermometer icon will fill up too.
If the temperature of the sensor gets close to the acceptable limit, the screen will display
the mention HOT in bold red letters, the thermometer icon will be red and all functions will
be disabled.
If this screen appears, it is essential that you remove the device from the laser beam
path and allow it sufficient time to cool before attempting another measurement.
In addition to the built-in thermometer, the PRONTO has a yellow temperature sticker on its rear face. The central
part of the sticker turns to black when the temperature of the device exceeds 65 °C (150 °F). This indicates that
the detector was probably damaged due to overheating. In this case, contact your local Gentec-EO representative.

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4.4. HOW TO PROPERLY HANDLE THE DEVICE
Laser radiation can heat the device very quickly. The entire body of the device can get hot, especially at higher
powers. In addition to the standard safety precautions that should be taken when working with laser radiation, we
recommend placing the device on an optical stand when making a measurement. For this use, the device is
equipped with 2 mounting holes with an 8-32 thread (see Figure 3).
Figure 8 Recommended setup when making a measurement: install the device on an
optical stand before placing it in the laser beam path.
Gentec-EO offers a compatible stand for the PRONTO, you can contact your local Gentec-EO representative for
the exact model.
It is also possible to place the PRONTO on a horizontal surface and illuminate the sensor from above. The back
of the device is flat so it will stay stable when placed on a horizontal surface.
Figure 9 Recommended setup when making a measurement: install the device flat
on a horizontal surface and illuminate from above.