LI-COR LI-3100C User manual

LI-3100C
Area Meter
Instruction Manual

LI-3100C Area Meter
Instruction Manual
LI-COR Biosciences
4647 Superior Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68504
Phone: [phone]
Toll free: 800-447-3576 (U.S. and Canada)
[email protected]
Regional Offices
LI-COR Biosciences GmbH
Siemensstraße 25A
61352 Bad Homburg
Germany
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]
LI-COR Biosciences UK Ltd.
St. John’s Innovation Centre
Cowley Road
Cambridge
CB4 0WS
United Kingdom
Phone: [phone]
[email protected]
LI-COR Distributor Network:
www.licor.com/envdistributors

NOTICE
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
LI-COR makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. LI-COR shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incid-
ental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this
document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without prior written consent of LI-COR,
inc.
Printing History:
Copyright 2004-2021, LI-COR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Number: 984-07704
1st Printing June, 2004
Updated September, 2021; removed information about old operating systems; minor reordering of sections
Created on: Monday, November 15, 2021
New editions of this manual will incorporate all material since the previous editions. Update packages may be used
between editions which contain replacement and additional pages to be merged into the manual by the user. The manual
printing date indicates its current edition. The printing date changes when a new edition is printed. (Minor corrections
and updates which are incorporated at reprint do not cause the date to change).
CE Marking:
This product is a CE-marked product. For conformity information, contact LI-COR Support at [email protected]. Out-
side of the U.S., contact your local sales office or distributor.
ii

iii
Contents
Section 1. General information
Instrument function 1-1
Operational features 1-1
Section 2. Preparations
Rear housing removal 2-1
Transparent belt tension adjustment 2-1
Fluorescent tube installation 2-3
Voltage selector operation and characteristics 2-5
Section 3. Operation
Instrument activation 3-1
Display response 3-1
Belt tension and tracking adjustment 3-2
Calibration 3-2
Some history 3-2
Calibration procedure 3-3
Pressing roller adjustment 3-4
Section 4. Changing measurement resolution
Changing from 1.0 mm² to 0.1 mm² resolution 4-1
Changing from 0.1 mm² to 1.0 mm² resolution 4-3
Section 5. Using the Windows® interface software
Installing the software 5-1
Connecting the LI-3100C to a computer 5-1
Software basics 5-3
Creating a log file 5-4
Missed data packets 5-6
Importing a data file to a spreadsheet 5-7
Using the LI-3000A readout 5-7

Section 6. Troubleshooting
Continuous spurious data accumulation 6-1
Belts not tracking properly 6-2
Fluorescent tube fails to illuminate 6-2
Excessive data variability 6-2
Miscellaneous malfunctions 6-3
Laboratory conditions 6-3
Section 7. Maintenance
Changing the fluorescent tube 7-1
Changing the transparent belts 7-1
Alternative belt removal technique 7-3
Replacing the transparent belts 7-3
Cleaning the transparent belts 7-4
Cleaning the mirror or camera lens 7-4
Cleaning the interior of the camera 7-4
Cleaning the motor and belt drive system 7-4
Section 8. Removing the upper belt assembly
Appendix A. Specifications
Appendix B. Warranty
iv

Section 1.
General information
The LI-3100C Area Meter precisly measures area (length and width) of objects in bio-
logical, industrial, and other applications.
Instrument function
Samples are placed between the guides on the lower transparent belt and allowed to
pass through the instrument. As items travel under the 15 watt fluorescent light
source, the object is reflected by a system of three mirrors to a solid state scanning
camera within the rear housing.
Width is sensed by the scanning camera. Length information is provided by the cur-
rent frequency as related to the belt velocity. Area integration is accomplished by
components of the main printed circuit board mounted on the instrument rear plate
(Figure 2-1 on page2-2).
Data are presented on the light emitting diode (LED) display. Decimal location on
the display is changed to suit the 1.0 or 0.1 mm2resolution requirement (Changing
measurement resolution on page4-1). Alternatively, data can be collected, displayed,
and stored using a PC (see Using the Windows® interface software on page5-1).
Operational features
The LI-3100C features interchangeable 1.0 mm2and 0.1 mm2resolution capability
that is furnished with a single 28 mm camera lens. A 25 cm wide sample guide is
provided for both 1.0 mm2and 0.1 mm2resolution configurations.
The upper belt assembly can be removed for operations hindered by the upper belt.
Sample thickness can then be increased to 2.5 cm (see Removing the upper belt
assembly on page8-1).
1-1LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Section 1. General information
1-2 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Section 2.
Preparations
The following procedures must be performed before using the LI-3000C for the first
time:
lTighten the transparent belts
lInstall the 15 watt fluorescent tube
lRemove the lens cover
lSet the voltage selector at the proper position and check to see if the correct fuse
is installed
Each of these procedures is discussed below.
Rear housing removal
The rear housing must be removed in order to adjust the belt tension and to install
the fluorescent tube. Using the 5/32" (4 mm) hexagonal key provided, remove the
four retaining screws (one at each end, one at the center front edge on top, and one
at the center bottom edge at the rear). Lift the housing from the instrument.
Transparent belt tension adjustment
Perform the following steps to tighten the transparent belts.
1Loosen the large knurled knobs located on each sliding pulley bearing block.
Rear sliding bearing blocks are visible in Figure 2-1 on the next page. Front sliding
bearing blocks are visible in Figure 2-2 on page2-3.
2Coarse adjustment is performed by simultaneously sliding both bearing blocks for one pulley.
2-1LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Section 2. Preparations
The knurled knobs can be tightened sufficiently by rotating them with the thumb
and index finger while holding tension on the bearing block with the remaining fin-
gers of the same hand.
3Fine adjustments are performed by twisting the block adjustment screw to push the sliding bear-
ing block.
The knurled knobs located on the pulley bearing blocks must be loosened to allow
block movement.
Figure 2-1. Area Meter with rear housing removed. (A) Main printed circuit board, (B) rear
sliding bearing blocks, (C) decimal selector switch set for 1.0 mm2or 0.1 mm2operation
(inset), (D) 28 mm lens, (E) screws on the outer camera pressure rail, (F) slide this window
to the left to inspect the voltage selector, (G) upper drive pulley gear.
2-2 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Fluorescent tube installation
Note that the fluorescent tube may be enclosed inside the rear cover of the LI-3100C
during shipping. Remove the rear cover to unpack and install the fluorescent tube.
Figure 2-2. Area Meter in 0.1 mm2resolution configuration. (A) front sliding bearing
blocks, (B) "Lamp Start" switch, (C) "Zero" button, (D) sample guides, (E) screws to be
removed in order to detach the front panel.
1Remove the rear tube connector housing by loosening the two recessed mounting screws (Figure
2-3 on the next page).
2Hold the new tube vertically and gently tap it to cause any internal debris to collect at one end.
Internal debris can cause spurious counting.
3Slide the tube into the exposed hole in the instrument rear plate. Rotate the tube as needed until it
seats in the front connector. Twist the tube slightly until it snaps into place. You may need to twist
in either direction, depending on the tube's initial position in the front connector.
4Mount the rear connector housing over the exposed tube end.
5Gently twist the connector while holding the tube at the back edge of the upper belt. The rotation
should be about 1/4 turn.
Section 2. Preparations
2-3Fluorescent tube installation

Section 2. Preparations
Figure 2-3. Area meter with fluorescent tube connector housing removed. (A) fluorescent
tube connector housing. (B) fluorescent tube with exposed pins.
2-4 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Voltage selector operation and characteristics
The voltage selector is located in the power connector module (Figure 2-1 on
page2-2). The selector is inspected for proper voltage by sliding the clear plastic win-
dow to a position over the power connector. The visible number on the small prin-
ted circuit board located under the fuse indicates the selected voltage as follows:
lEither 100 or 120 V for 105-126 VAC operation.
lEither 220 or 240 V for 210-252 VAC operation.
Notice that the visible number is not the actual operating voltage. The instrument
will not function on 100 VAC.
The voltage selector is changed by sliding the circuit board outward from its mount
and repositioning it so that a different number is visible as appropriate to the avail-
able voltage.
The frequency usually changes from 60 to 50 Hz when the voltage is shifted from
120 to 240 VAC. This will change the instrument calibration approximately 0.5%.
An instrument calibration should be performed after changing the voltage.
At locations with fluctuating main current frequency, calibration should be checked
often during operation.
The proper fuse selection is:
l105-126 V, use 1 amp fuse.
l210-252 V, use 1/2 amp fuse.
Section 2. Preparations
2-5Voltage selector operation and characteristics

Section 2. Preparations
2-6 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Section 3.
Operation
Instrument activation
After reading and performing the procedures in Preparations on page2-1, the fol-
lowing steps should be taken to activate the instrument:
lConnect the supplied power cord to the power input connector at the rear of the
instrument. A grounded three prong wall connector is required for electrical ser-
vice.
lMove the "ON/OFF" switch to "ON".
lPress the "Lamp Start" button (Figure 2-2 on page2-3) firmly and release after
holding for approximately 2 seconds. If the fluorescent tube does not illuminate,
repeat the procedure.
lPress the Zero button to clear the display (Figure 2-2 on page2-3).
Display response
The display will rapidly accumulate numbers when the "ON/OFF" switch is placed
in the "ON" position. This accumulation will continue until the fluorescent tube is
activated. If numbers continue to accumulate, refer to Troubleshooting on page6-1
for possible remedies.
Data accumulation may continue to occur if the fluorescent tube output is not suf-
ficient, such as initial starting in extremely cold conditions. Excessively low line
voltage is also a cause for continued rapid spurious counting.
3-1LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Section 3. Operation
Belt tension and tracking adjustment
Belt tracking is adjusted by moving the sliding pulley bearing blocks (Figure 2-2 on
page2-3). The belts likely will not maintain alignment without some adjustment. If
a belt progresses toward one end of a pulley, then tighten that side of the belt. Fine
adjustments are performed by twisting the block adjustment screw to push the slid-
ing bearing block. The knurled knobs located on the pulley bearing blocks must be
loosened to allow block movement.
Calibration
General guidelines on the need to calibrate follow.
lAfter installing a new lamp (let it run for several hours first).
lAfter replacing extremely worn or cloudy belts.
lWhen a large change in ambient operating temperature occurs.
lAs a result of obvious misadjustment.
Caution: Improper adjustment can seriously decrease the accuracy of finely
detailed samples.
Some history
Two calibration discs were included with LI-3100 Area Meters so that users could
make minor adjustments of area readout, using the CAL screw on the instrument
front panel. The smaller disc was used with the high resolution option, as the larger
disc would not fit between the 7.5 cm sample guides used for 0.1 mm2resolution.
The calibration method involved repeatedly measuring the appropriate disc until the
average error was less than 0.5 percent for high resolution, or 1 percent for low res-
olution.
Due to the optical characteristics of the lamp and lens, the discs read higher in the
center of the measurement zone than nearer the sample guides, when the LI-3100
was configured for low resolution (1 mm2). However, samples that have a very high
ratio of edge to area (i.e., conifer needles, small irregular leaves, roots, etc.) exhibited
the opposite effect. In addition, incorrect calibration resulted in larger errors with
these samples.
3-2 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

The LI-3100C now uses the entire 25 cm measurement width for high resolution
(0.1 mm2) mode, so it is important to compensate for the above-mentioned edge
effect for the calibration procedure. While round discs like those previously used are
simple to manufacture with a precise area, this shape has the least amount of edge
(in this case circumference) compared to its area.
As a result, large changes could be made to the calibration adjustment with little
effect on the resulting readout. A large adjustment that makes the average reading
appear closer to the area of the round disc could now increase the errors in samples
with a high ratio of edge to area.
To address this issue, LI-COR is providing a new 10 cm2calibration plate with a
higher edge to area ratio. The user will find that the calibration adjustment is very
sensitive to small changes with this new calibration standard. This “edge-intensive”
standard is run through the area meter in a number of positions along the meas-
urement width, after which the round calibration discs are run through in a similar
fashion; the round discs should still produce results within the basic accuracy spe-
cifications. Thus, the user can view the response of the instrument to the different
extremes of sample geometry, and is assured of a better calibration. In addition, for
exacting measurements, the user can see which area of the measurement zone yields
the highest precision and accuracy.
Calibration procedure
1Start the lamp and allow it to warm up for 5 minutes or more. Make sure that the camera position
and lens settings match the marks indicated for 0.1 mm2resolution (see Changing measurement
resolution on page4-1). If transparent belt flaws, or debris on the belt is causing spurious counts
on the display, you may need to clean or replace the belt, as necessary.
2Run the edge-intensive standard through the area meter at least 10 times, and average the read-
ings. Repeat over all of the areas of the sample width area. For example, use 5 zones from front to
back, and repeat to total 10 readings. If the error exceeds 2%, carefully turn the CAL screw a small
amount, clockwise to increase, or counterclockwise to decrease. Avoid changing the adjustment
too much. It is better to perform several trials, as normal sampling statistics will cause each trial to
vary slightly.
3As a confirmation, perform the same 10 measurements with the 10 cm2round calibration disc. The
errors should remain within the specified limits. It is not necessary to turn the CAL screw until the
errors are zero; turning the screw more than a few degrees can actually increase errors in meas-
urement accuracy.
Section 3. Operation
3-3Calibration procedure

Section 3. Operation
Pressing roller adjustment
Curled leaves are effectively flattened and held rigidly between the transparent belts
for more accurate measurements by use of the adjustable pressing roller. This is
nearly essential for small grasses, legumes and aquatic plants.
In Figure 3-1 below, the front panel is removed to show mechanical details. The
retracted position is for use with thick leaves. The fully raised position for use with
the thinnest leaf types is shown in Figure 3-2 on the facing page.
To raise the pressing roller, the lower belt tension must be released to prevent
stretching. To do this, simply loosen the knurled knobs on both sides of the sliding
bearing blocks for the lower belt. Then loosen the knurled knobs on both sides of
the pressing roller and raise to the desired position. After tightening the pressing
roller, refer to Transparent belt tension adjustment on page2-1 to adjust the lower belt
to its proper tension and alignment.
Figure 3-1. Adjustable press roller in the retracted position.
3-4 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual

Figure 3-2. Press roller in position for use with thin leaves.
Section 3. Operation
3-5Pressing roller adjustment

Section 3. Operation
3-6 LI-3100C Area Meter Manual