Halma Ocean Optics Red Tide USB650 User manual

Red Tide
USB650 Fiber Optic Spectrometer
Installation and Operation Manual
For Product: USB650
Document: 170-00000-RT-02-201603

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www.oceanoptics.com
Copyright © 2009 Ocean Optics, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from Ocean Optics, Inc.
Trademarks
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respective owners.
Limit of Liability
Every effort has been made to make this manual as complete and as accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. The
information provided is on an “as is” basis. Ocean Optics, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity
with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this manual.
Ocean Optics, Inc.
830 Douglas Ave.
Dunedin, FL 34698
USA
Manufacturing & Logistics
4301 Metric Dr.
Winter Park, FL 32792
USA
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Germany

170-00000-RT-02-201603 i
Table of Contents
About This Manual.........................................................................................................iii
Document Purpose and Intended Audience..............................................................................iii
What’s New in this Document ...................................................................................................iii
Document Summary..................................................................................................................iii
Product-Related Documentation ...............................................................................................iii
Upgrades.......................................................................................................................iv
Chapter 1: Introduction ......................................................................1
Product Overview..........................................................................................................1
Features........................................................................................................................2
System Requirements ...................................................................................................2
EEPROM Utilization ..................................................................................................................2
About SpectraSuite....................................................................................................................3
Sampling System Overview.......................................................................................................3
How Sampling Works............................................................................................................3
Modular Light Sources and Sampling Accessories ..............................................................3
Shipment Components..................................................................................................4
Additional Equipment Needed .......................................................................................4
Other Accessories Available..........................................................................................5
Chapter 2: Installing the Red Tide.....................................................7
Overview .......................................................................................................................7
Red Tide Installation......................................................................................................7
Connect Spectroscopic Accessories..............................................................................8
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting...............................................................9
Overview .......................................................................................................................9
Red Tide Connected to Computer Prior to SpectraSuite Installation..............................9
Windows Operating Systems ....................................................................................................9
Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Manager ...........................................9
Remove Improperly Installed Files........................................................................................10
Mac Operating Systems............................................................................................................10
Linux Operating Systems ..........................................................................................................11

Table of Contents
ii 170-00000-RT-02-201603
Appendix B: Specifications ................................................................13
Overview .......................................................................................................................13
How the Red Tide Works...............................................................................................13
Red Tide Components Table.....................................................................................................14
Red Tide Specifications.................................................................................................15
CCD Detector Specifications.....................................................................................................15
Red Tide Spectrometer .............................................................................................................15
10-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout ..............................................................................17
10-Pin Accessory Connector Pinout Diagram...........................................................................17
10-Pin Accessory Connector –Pin Definitions and Descriptions..............................................18
Index...................................................................................................19

170-00000-RT-02-201603 iii
About This Manual
Document Purpose and Intended Audience
This document provides the users of Red Tide Spectrometers with instructions for setting up and
performing experiments with their spectrometer.
What’s New in this Document
This version of the Red Tide USB650 Fiber Optic Spectrometer Installation and Operation Manual
removes references to RS232 pins.
Document Summary
Chapter
Description
Chapter 1: Introduction
Contains descriptive information about the Red Tide
Spectrometer and how sampling works. It also provides a list
of system requirements, interface options, and shipment
components.
Chapter 2: Installing the Red Tide
Provides installation instructions.
Chapter 3: Troubleshooting
Contains recommended steps to isolate and correct common
problems.
Appendix A: Specifications
Contains technical specifications and connector pinouts for the
Red Tide Spectrometer.
Product-Related Documentation
You can access documentation for Ocean Optics products by visiting our website at
http://www.oceanoptics.com. Select Technical → Operating Instructions, then choose the appropriate
document from the available drop-down lists. Or, use the Search by Model Number field at the bottom
of the web page.
Detailed instructions for SpectraSuite Spectrometer Operating Software are located at:
http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/SpectraSuite.pdf.
Detailed instructions for the Pasco Xplorer GLX are located at:
ftp://ftp.pasco.com/manuals/English/PS/PS-2002/012-08950F/012-08950F.pdf.
Engineering-level documentation is located on our website at Technical → Engineering Docs.

About This Manual
iv 170-00000-RT-02-201603
You can also access operating instructions for Ocean Optics products from the Software and Technical
Resources CD that ships with the product.
Upgrades
Occasionally, you may find that you need Ocean Optics to make a change or an upgrade to your system.
To facilitate these changes, you must first contact Customer Support and obtain a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Please contact Ocean Optics for specific instructions when returning a
product.

170-00000-RT-02-201603 1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Product Overview
The Ocean Optics Red Tide Spectrometer is a preconfigured, off-the-shelf spectrometer where all of the
optical bench options such as grating, and entrance slit size are already selected. The red Tide can be used
with various Ocean optics spectrometer accessories, light sources and sampling optics to create
application-specific systems for various absorbance, reflection and emission applications.
The Red Tide is low-cost and has a small footprint, making it ideal as a general purpose instrument for
budget-conscious teaching and research labs. It has a wavelength range of 350–1000 nm and uses a
detector with 650 active pixels; that’s 650 data points in one full spectrum, or one data point per
nanometer.
Data programmed into a memory chip on each Red Tide includes wavelength calibration coefficients,
linearity coefficients, and the serial number unique to each spectrometer. Our spectrometer operating
software simply reads these values from the spectrometer —a feature that enables hot swapping of
spectrometers among computers.
The Red Tide Spectrometer connects to a computer via the USB port. When connected through a USB 2.0
or 1.1, the spectrometer draws power from the host computer, eliminating the need for an external power
supply. The Red Tide also interfaces to Pasco’s Xplorer GLX, a unique combination of datalogger and lab
analysis tool that eliminates the need for a computer.
The Red Tide, like all USB devices, can be controlled by our SpectraSuite software, a completely
modular, Java-based spectroscopy software platform that operates on Windows, Macintosh and Linux
operating systems.
Ocean Optics Red Tide Fiber Optic Spectrometer

1: Introduction
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Features
Sony ILX511 linear silicon CCD array detector
Responsive from 350 to 1000 nm
Sensitivity of up to 75 photons/count at 400 nm
An optical resolution of ~2.0 (FWHM)
Integration times from 3 ms to 65 seconds (15 seconds typical maximum)
Embedded microcontroller allows programmatic control of all operating parameters
EEPROM storage for
Wavelength Calibration Coefficients
Linearity Correction Coefficients
Other configuration parameters
Low power consumption of only 450 mW
12 bit, 1MHz A/D Converter
2 programmable strobe signals
24-pin connector for interfacing to external products
Programmable for Standalone Operation
CE Certification
System Requirements
You can use the Red Tide’s USB connectivity with any computer that meets the following requirements:
Operating system is one of the following:
Windows –98/Me/2000/XP
Apple Macintosh –OS X version 10.0 or later
Linux –Red Hat 9 or later, Fedora (any version), Debian 3.1 (Sarge), and SUSE (9.0 or
later)
Ocean Optics’SpectraSuite software application installed and configured for use with the Red
Tide.
EEPROM Utilization
An EEPROM memory chip in each Red Tide contains wavelength calibration coefficients, linearity
coefficients, and a serial number unique to each individual spectrometer. The SpectraSuite software
application reads these values directly from the spectrometer, enabling the ability to “hot-swap”
spectrometers between computers without entering the spectrometer coefficients manually on each
computer.

1: Introduction
170-00000-RT-02-201603 3
About SpectraSuite
SpectraSuite is the latest generation of operating software for all Ocean Optics spectrometers. It is a
completely modular, Java-based spectroscopy software platform that operates on Windows, Macintosh
and Linux operating systems. The software can control any Ocean Optics USB spectrometer and device,
as well as any other manufacturer’s USB instrumentation using the appropriate drivers.
SpectraSuite is a user-customizable, advanced acquisition and display program that provides a real-time
interface to a variety of signal-processing functions. With SpectraSuite, you have the ability to perform
spectroscopic measurements (such as absorbance, reflectance, and emission), control all system
parameters, collect and display data in real time, and perform reference monitoring and time acquisition
experiments. Consult the SpectraSuite manual for hardware requirements when using SpectraSuite (see
Product-Related Documentation).
Sampling System Overview
How Sampling Works
Ocean Optics components function in a sampling system as follows:
1. The user stores reference and dark measurements to correct for instrument response variables.
2. The light from the light source transmits through an optical fiber to the sample.
3. The light interacts with the sample.
4. Another optical fiber collects and transmits the result of the interaction to the spectrometer.
5. The spectrometer measures the amount of light and transforms the data collected by the
spectrometer into digital information.
6. The spectrometer passes the sample information to SpectraSuite.
7. SpectraSuite compares the sample to the reference measurement and displays processed spectral
information.
Modular Light Sources and Sampling Accessories
Ocean Optics offers a complete line of spectroscopic accessories for use with the Red Tide. Most of our
spectroscopic accessories have SMA connectors for application flexibility. Accordingly, changing the
sampling system components is as easy as unscrewing a connector and replacing an accessory. Available
accessories include the following:
USB-ISS-UV-VIS Integrated Sampling System for Cuvettes (200–1100 nm)
USB-ISS-VIS Integrated Sampling System for Cuvettes (390–900 nm)
USB-LS-450 Pulsed Blue LED Module
USB-DT Deuterium Tungsten Light Source (200–2000 nm)

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Shipment Components
The following information and documentation ships with the Red Tide Spectrometer:
Packing List
The packing list is inside a plastic bag attached to the outside of the shipment box (the invoice
arrives separately). It lists all items in the order, including customized components in the
spectrometer (such as the grating, detector collection lens, and slit). The packing list also includes
the shipping and billing addresses, as well as any items on back order.
USB Cable (USB-CBL-1)
Use this cable to connect your spectrometer to a computer running on a Windows, Mac or Linux
operating system.
Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet
Each spectrometer is shipped with a Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet that contains information
unique to your spectrometer. SpectraSuite Operating Software reads this calibration data from
your spectrometer when it interfaces to a computer via the USB port.
Note
Please save the Wavelength Calibration Data Sheet for future reference.
Software and Technical Resources CD
Each order ships with the Ocean Optics Software and Resources CD. This disc contains software,
operating instructions, and product information for all Ocean Optics software, spectrometers, and
spectroscopic accessories. You need Adobe Acrobat Reader version 6.0 or higher to view these
files. Ocean Optics includes the Adobe Acrobat Reader on the Software and Technical Resources
CD.
Ocean Optics software requires a password during the installation process. You can locate
passwords for the other software applications on the back of the Software and Technical
Resources CD package.
Additional Equipment Needed
SpectraSuite Operating Software
SpectraSuite is the only spectrometer operating software that works with the Red Tide. See About
SpectraSuite for more information. The Red Tide can also be used with the Pasco Xplorer GLX.

1: Introduction
170-00000-RT-02-201603 5
Other Accessories Available
Visit us at www.OceanOptics.com for a complete list of products available for all of your spectroscopy
needs.
Fibers
Light Sources
Integrated Sampling Systems
Cuvettes
Filter Holders
Lithium Ion Battery Pack

1: Introduction
6 170-00000-RT-02-201603

170-00000-RT-02-201603 7
Chapter 2
Installing the Red Tide
Overview
You must install the SpectraSuite software application prior to connecting the Red Tide Spectrometer to
the computer. The SpectraSuite software installation installs the drivers required for Red Tide installation.
If you do not install SpectraSuite first, the system will not properly recognize the Red Tide.
If you have already connected the Red Tide to a computer running on a Windows platform prior to
installing SpectraSuite, consult Chapter 3: Troubleshooting for information on correcting a corrupt Red
Tide installation.
Red Tide Installation
Note
The USB port on a computer can power up to five Red Tide spectrometer channels.
Systems with more than five channels require a powered USB hub.
►Procedure
Follow the steps below to connect the Red Tide to a computer via the USB port:
1. Install SpectraSuite on the destination computer. See the SpectraSuite Spectrometer Operating
Software Installation and Operation Manual (see Product-Related Documentation).
2. Locate the USB cable (USB-CBL-1) provided with the Red Tide.
3. Insert the square end of the cable into the side of the Red Tide.
4. Insert the rectangular end of the cable into the USB port of the computer.

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If you installed SpectraSuite prior to connecting the Red Tide, the SpectraSuite installs the Red Tide
drivers. If the drivers do not successfully install (or if you connected the Red Tide to the computer before
installing SpectraSuite), consult Chapter 3: Troubleshooting.
If you have followed the previous steps and started SpectraSuite, the spectrometer is already acquiring
data. Even with no light in the spectrometer, there should be a dynamic trace displayed in the bottom of
the graph. If you allow light into the spectrometer, the graph trace should rise with increasing light
intensity. This means the software and hardware are correctly installed.
Note the spectrometer(s) that you have installed are listed in the Data Sources pane of your SpectraSuite
software.
Once you install the software and hardware, and establish your sampling system, you are ready to take
measurements.
Connect Spectroscopic Accessories
To find operating instructions for Red Tide-compatible products (such as light sources, sampling
chambers, and probes), consult the Software and Technical Resources CD or the Ocean Optics website at
http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/operatinginstructions.asp.

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Chapter 3
Troubleshooting
Overview
The following sections contain information on troubleshooting issues you may encounter when using the
Red Tide Spectrometer.
Red Tide Connected to Computer Prior to
SpectraSuite Installation
Windows Operating Systems
If you connected your Ocean Optics Red Tide device to the computer prior to installing your Ocean
Optics software application on a Windows platform, you may encounter installation issues that you must
correct before your Ocean Optics device will operate properly.
Follow the applicable steps below to remove the incorrectly installed device, device driver, and
installation files.
Note
If these procedures do not correct your device driver problem, you must obtain the
Correcting Device Driver Issues document from the Ocean Optics website:
http://www.oceanoptics.com/technical/engineering/correctingdevicedriverissues.pdf.
Remove the Unknown Device from Windows Device Manager
►Procedure
1. Open Windows Device Manager. Consult the Windows operating instructions for your computer
for directions, if needed.
2. Locate the Other Devices option and expand the Other Devices selection by clicking on the "+"
sign to the immediate left.

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Note
Improperly installed USB devices can also appear under the Universal Serial Bus
Controller option. Be sure to check this location if you cannot locate the unknown device.
3. Locate the unknown device (marked with a large question mark). Right-click on the Unknown
Device listing and select the Uninstall or Remove option.
4. Click the OK button to continue. A warning box appears confirming the removal of the Unknown
Device. Click the OK button to confirm the device removal.
5. Disconnect the Red Tide from your computer.
6. Locate the section in this chapter that is appropriate to your operating system and perform the
steps in the following Remove Improperly Installed Files section.
Remove Improperly Installed Files
►Procedure
1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Windows | INF directory.
Note
If the INF directory is not visible, you must disable the Hide System Files and Folders
and Hide File Extensions for Known File Types options in Windows Folder Options.
Access Windows Folder Options from Windows Explorer, under the Tools | Folder
Options menu selection.
3. Delete the OOI_USB.INF in the INF directory. If your computer is running either the Windows
2000 or XP operating system, you must also delete the OOI_USB.PNF file in the INF directory.
4. Navigate to the Windows | System32 | Drivers directory.
5. Delete the EZUSB.SYS file.
6. Reinstall your Ocean Optics application and reboot the system when prompted.
7. Plug in the USB device.
The system is now able to locate and install the correct drivers for the USB device.
Mac Operating Systems
Since there are no device files for the Red Tide Spectrometer in a Mac operating system, you should not
encounter any problems if you installed the spectrometer before the SpectraSuite software.

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Linux Operating Systems
For Linux operating systems, all you need to do is install the SpectraSuite software, then unplug and
replug in the spectrometer. Technically, the driver files for Linux simply give nonprivileged users
permission to use newly connected hardware. There isn’t any long-term harm to plugging in the device
before installing the software.

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170-00000-RT-02-201603 13
Appendix A
Specifications
Overview
This appendix contains information on spectrometer operation, specifications, and system compatibility.
It also includes accessory connector pinout diagrams and pin-specific information.
How the Red Tide Works
Below is a diagram of how light moves through the optical bench of an Red Tide Spectrometer. The
optical bench has no moving parts that can wear or break; all the components are fixed in place at the time
of manufacture. Items with an asterisk (*) are user-specified.
Red Tide Spectrometer with Components
See Red Tide Components Table on the following page for an explanation of the function of each
numbered component in the Red Tide Spectrometer in this diagram.

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Red Tide Components Table
Ocean Optics permanently secures all components in the Red Tide at the time of manufacture. Only
Ocean Optics technicians can replace interchangeable components, where noted.
Item
Name
Description
1
SMA 905
Connector
Secures the input fiber to the spectrometer. Light from the input fiber enters the
optical bench through this connector.
2
Slit
A dark piece of material containing a rectangular aperture, which is mounted directly
behind the SMA Connector. The size of the aperture (from 5 µm to 200 µm)
regulates the amount of light that enters the optical bench and controls spectral
resolution.
You can also use the Red Tide without a Slit. In this configuration, the diameter of
the fiber connected to the Red Tide determines the size of the entrance aperture.
Only Ocean Optics technicians can change the Slit.
3
Filter
Restricts optical radiation to pre-determined wavelength regions. Light passes
through the Filter before entering the optical bench. Both bandpass and longpass
filters are available to restrict radiation to certain wavelength regions.
Only Ocean Optics technicians can change the Filter.
4
Collimating
Mirror
Focuses light entering the optical bench towards the Grating of the spectrometer.
Specify standard or SAG+.
Light enters the spectrometer, passes through the SMA Connector, Slit, and Filter,
and then reflects off the Collimating Mirror onto the Grating.
5
Grating
Diffracts light from the Collimating Mirror and directs the diffracted light onto the
Focusing Mirror.
Only Ocean Optics technicians can change the Grating.
6
Focusing
Mirror
Receives light reflected from the Grating and focuses first-order spectra onto the
detector plane.
7
L4 Detector
Collection
Lens
An optional component that attaches to the Detector to increase light-collection
efficiency. It focuses light from a tall slit onto the shorter Detector elements.
The L4 Detector Collection Lens should be used with large diameter slits or in
applications with low light levels. It also improves efficiency by reducing the effects
of stray light.
Only Ocean Optics technicians can add or remove the L4 Detection Collection Lens.
8
Detector
(UV or VIS)
Collects the light received from the Focusing Mirror or L4 Detector Collection Lens
and converts the optical signal to a digital signal. Each pixel on the Detector
responds to the wavelength of light that strikes it, creating a digital response. The
spectrometer then transmits the digital signal to the SpectraSuite application.