Lumencor SOLA User manual

SOLA and SOLA FISH
Light Engine®
Instruction Manual
Lumencor, Inc. Document Number 57-10027 www.lumencor.com

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Regulatory Models
Lumencor utilizes regulatory model names for all certified and CE marked products. The regulatory model names
are traceable to all regulatory documentation, third party reports and certifications.
“Regulatory Model: Sola” is used as a representative model for all certified and CE marked Sola Products.
“Regulatory Models: Sola FISH” is used as a representative model for all certified and CE marked Sola FISH
Products.
Emissions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of EMC directive 2014/30/EU. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a com-
mercial 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.
Safety Certifications
TUV SUD America, CB Certification (IEC 61010-1:2010)
TUV SUD America, NRTLus Certification (UL 61010-1:2012-05)
TUV SUD America, cNRTL Certification (CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 61010-1:2012)
TUV SUD America, EN Certification (EN 61010-1:2010)
CE Marking
Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU)
EMC Directive (2014/30/EU)
RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU+2015/863/EU)
REACH Regulation (EC) No. (1907/2006/EC)
EU Declarations of Conformity can be found at http://lumencor.com/company/regulatory-compliance/
If you wish to discard electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), please contact your dealer or supplier for further
information.
For disposal in countries outside of the European Union: This symbol is only valid in the European Union (EU). If you
wish to discard this product, please contact you local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of
disposal.
Lumencor, Inc.
14940 NW Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006
T 503.213.4269
www.lumencor.com
Document Number 57-10027
Revision A
110420
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !1

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Table of Contents
1. Introduction!
2. Precautions and Warnings!
3. Installation and Operating Instructions!
4. Spectral Output!
5. Product Specifications!
6. Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting!
7. Customer Support!
8. Warranty!
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !2

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1. Introduction
Lumencor’s SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines are designed for laboratory use by bioanalytical researchers and/or
developers of life science instrumentation. SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines generate white light output by
combining the outputs of 4, 5 or 6 solid state light sources. The resulting output spectral distributions are shown in
Section 4 of this manual. The light engine output is directed into a liquid light guide connected to the light output
port on the front panel. The distal end of the liquid light guide is typically connected to a collimating adapter
attached to an optical instrument such as a fluorescence microscope. The on/off status and intensity of the white
light output is electronically controlled via serial commands from a USB-connected computer workstation or a
control pod accessory (part number 83-10007). On/off status can also be controlled manually via a button located
on the front panel or a foot switch accessory (part number 29-10045) that plugs into the 3.5 mm connector on the
rear panel. This manual covers SOLA, SOLA FISH, SOLA V-nIR, and SOLA U-nIR light engine models, which are
defined in the table below.
2. Precautions and Warnings {Précautions et mises en garde}
A few simple practices will ensure trouble-free operation for the life of the light engine.
Les quelques règles simples suivantes permettront d’assurer un fonctionnement fiable pendant toute la durée de
service de la source lumineuse.
Safety Instructions:
Please read and follow all safety instructions provided BEFORE using your new SOLA or SOLA FISH light engine.
Failure to comply with the safety instructions may result in fire, electrical shock, or personal injury and may damage
or impair protection provided by equipment. Please save all safety instructions.
Instructions de sécurité:
Veiller à lire et à respecter toutes les instructions de sécurité fournies AVANT d’utiliser le nouveau SOLA ou SOLA
FISH. Afin d’écarter les risques d’incendie, de décharge électrique, de blessure corporelle et de possibles dom-
mages ou défaillance de la protection offerte par l’appareil. Conserver toutes les instructions de sécurité.
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !3

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Safety Definitions {Définitions relatives à la sécurité}:
"Warning: Statements identify conditions or practices that could result in personal injury.
"Avertissement:déclarations qui identifient des situations ou des pratiques susceptibles d’entraîner
"des blessures corporelles.
Caution: Statements identify conditions or practices that could result in damage to your equipment.
Attention:déclarations qui identifient des situations ou des pratiques susceptibles d’endommager le matériel.
Safety Items {Mesures de sécurité}:
Warning: DO NOT use an unapproved power supply. The Lumencor-supplied external power supply is
recommended for use with the SOLA and SOLA FISH light engine. Alternative 24 V DC power supplies may be used
provided that the current is limited to 5.0 A max. Also, it is imperative that the alternative power supply has output
over-current protection, as the power input of the SOLA and SOLA FISH is not fused. The equipment is required to
be supplied by a properly approved/certified DC power source meeting the minimum electrical ratings of the
product. Connect the AC power cord to a receptacle with a protective safety (earth) ground terminal.
Avertissement!: NE PAS utiliser une alimentation électrique non homologuée. Il est conseillé d’utiliser
l’alimentation électrique externe fournie par Lumencor avec la source lumineuse SOLA and SOLA FISH. Il est
possible d’utiliser une autre alimentation électrique continue 24#V à condition que l’intensité soit limitée à 5,0#A
maximum. En outre, il est impératif qu’elle présente une protection de sortie contre les surintensités, car l’entrée
d’alimentation du SOLA and SOLA FISH ne comporte pas de fusible. L'équipement doit être fourni par un / certifié
DC réunion de source d'alimentation correctement approuvé les ratings électriques minimales du produit. Brancher
le cordon électrique sur une prise de courant protégée par une borne de terre.
Warning: DO NOT look into the output of the light engine. The brightness of this light source is higher than
most commercial lighting fixtures and must be coupled directly into a microscope or other bioanalytjcal instrument.
Avertissement: NE PAS regarde directement la sortie de la source lumineuse. L’intensité lumineuse de cette
source est supérieure à celle de la majorité des appareils d’éclairage disponibles dans le commerce et doit être
couplé directement à un microscope ou à un autre instrument bioanalytique.
Warning: DO NOT turn on the light unless the output end of the light guide is safely!directed!into an en-
closed optical path. "DO NOT point the light output directly onto any flammable or burn-susceptible material."
This includes all animal or vegetable tissues, plastics, fabrics, paper and liquids.!
Avertissement: NE PAS allumer la lumière sans l'extrémité de sortie du guide de lumière dirigée en toute
sécurité dans un chemin optique fermé. NE PAS pointer la sortie de lumière directement sur un matériau
susceptible d'être inflammable ou susceptible de brûler. Cela comprend tous les tissus, les plastiques, les tissus, le
papier et les liquides animaux ou végétaux.!
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !4

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RISK GROUP 3
Warning: Possibly hazardous optical radiation emitted from this product. Do not look at operating lamp. Eye injury
may result.
Warning: Infrared (IR) emitted from this product. Do not look at operating lamp.#Avoid eye exposure. Use
appropriate shielding or eye protection.
Warning: UV emitted from this product. Avoid eye and skin exposure to unshielded product.
GROUPE DE RISQUE 3
Avertissement: Rayonnement optique peut-être dangereux émis par ce produit. Ne regardez pas la lampe
d'exploitation. Une blessure oculaire peut entraîner.
Avertissement: Infrarouge (IR) émise par ce produit. Ne regardez pas la lampe d’exploitation.
Avertissement: UV émis par ce produit. Évitez les yeux et la peau exposition au produit non blindé.
Caution: DO NOT open the unit. There are no serviceable parts inside and opening the light engine enclosure will
void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Attention: NE PAS ouvrir l’appareil. Il ne contient aucune pièce réparable et l’ouverture de son boîtier a pour effet
d’annuler la garantie.
Caution: DO NOT set liquids on the light engine. Spilled liquids may damage your light engine.
Attention: NE PAS placer de liquide sur la source lumineuse. Les liquides renversés peuvent endommager la
source lumineuse.
Caution: DO NOT drop the light engine. It contains glass optical components that could be damaged or
misaligned by the shock produced by a drop onto a hard surface.
Attention: NE PAS laisser tomber la source lumineuse. Elle contient des composants optiques en verre sus-
ceptibles d’être endommagés ou désalignés par le choc résultant d’une chute sur une surface dure.
DISCLAIMER: Lumencor shall not be liable for injury to the user or damage to the product resulting from
the SOLA or SOLA FISH light engine being used in a way for which it was not intended and in complete
disregard for all posted safety precautions and warnings.
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !5

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AVIS DE NON-RESPONSABILITÉ: Lumencor décline toute responsabilité pour les blessures corporelles
ou les dommages au produit résultant d’une utilisation du SOLA ou SOLA FISH autre que celle prévue et
du mépris total de toutes les mesures de sécurité et mises en garde affichées.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Contents!
SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines ship with the following list of standard items:
1. SOLA or SOLA FISH light engine configured with an output adapter
for coupling to a 3 mm diameter liquid light guide.
2. A 24 V /5 A DC power supply (Lumencor part number 27-10001).
3. A region-specific 6 ft AC power cord for the power supply (see
adjacent table).
4. A 6 ft USB A (M) to USB (B) M cable (29-10058) for serial
connection to a light engine control pod or host computer.
5. 3 mm liquid Light guide (Lumencor part number 10-10084).
The model name and unique 4- or 5- digit serial number of the light engine are marked on a label affixed to the back
panel (Figure 1). SOLA U–nIR light engines are identified by a UV marking on the rear panel (Figure 1). Performance
specifications for individual light engines are listed on the certificate of conformance included with the shipping
documents e-mailed to the customer. It is important to retain the certificate of conformance for reference. In the
event that the light engine is sold or transferred,
the certificate of conformance should be conveyed
to the new owner.
3.2 Installation
When setting up the SOLA or SOLA FISH light
engine for use, be sure to place the unit on a hard
surface and avoid blocking or restricting airflow at
the air intake (front panel) and exhaust port (rear
panel, Figure 1). Restricting the airflow will cause
the unit to operate at elevated temperatures and
may result in decreased product life and/or
premature failure.
Position the unit in an orientation that allows
unrestricted access to the DC power connector at
the back of the light engine. In an emergency, you
may need to disconnect power to the unit quickly.
The push button toggle switch in the bottom right
corner of the front panel turns electrical power to
the unit on and off. This master power switch
button has a green inlay which is illuminated when
power to the light engine is ON. Refer to Figure 1 for
the rear panel locations of the input DC power
connection, the foot pedal connection and the
electronic shutter control input. Note that the foot pedal is an on/off toggle switch. Its on/off status cannot be
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !6
AC Power Cords
Region
Part Number
North America
29-10002
Europe
29-10005
United Kingdom
29-10004
Israel
29-10008
Australia/New Zealand
29-10024
Figure 1. Model and serial number identification label on
the SOLA U-nIR light engine rear panel.

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determined from its position. Before connecting the foot
pedal, make sure the master electrical power switch is in the
OFF position to avoid unintentional initiation of light output.
After connecting the foot pedal, and with the light guide
output safely directed into an enclosed optical path (e.g.
microscope input collimator or a beam dump), turn the
master power switch ON to begin operation.
The SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines have a safety
interlock for the light guide that prevents light output unless
a liquid light guide is fully inserted into the light guide port.
Before operating the unit, make sure the 3 mm diameter
liquid light guide is properly installed in the light guide port
(Figure 2). The set screw should be loosened using a 2 mm
hex wrench so the light guide slides all the way into the
receptacle without obstruction. Once the light guide is fully
inserted, lightly tighten the set screw to hold it in place and
prevent inadvertent disconnection. Prior to turning light
output on, be sure the distal end of the light guide is safely
directed into an enclosed optical path (e.g. microscope
input collimator or a beam dump). Do not bend the light
guide beyond its specified minimum bending radius
(40 mm or 1.6 inches). Extreme bending of the light guide may cause permanent deformation, resulting in
decreased light transmission. In the event that the light guide is retracted from the output port during operation, light
output will cease immediately. To restart light output: 1) turn the master electrical power switch off, 2) fully insert
and secure the light guide in the output port (Figure 2), 3) turn the master electrical power switch back on, and then
4) activate light output using the front panel light output control button, foot pedal or serial control device (control
pod or computer workstation). Take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others from the high
intensity light when turning on the unit.
3.3 Operation Using Light Engine Control Pod
1. Connect the USB A port of the light engine control
pod accessory (Figure 3) to the USB B port on the
SOLA or SOLA FISH (Figure 1) using the USB A-to-
USB B cable (29-10058) [1]. For pass-through
control from a computer workstation, connect the
USB B port of the control pod to a USB A port on
the host computer.
2. The manual light output control button in the top
right corner of the front panel (above the light output
port) should be in the OFF position. This is
necessary to avoid manual override of serial on/off
commands from the pod.
3. Press and hold the right button on the pod until a
menu of light engines appears. Turn the rotary dial to
select “SOLA” from the menu. Press the right button
again to return to the main (0–100 analog intensity) display screen.
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !7
Figure 2. 3 mm diameter liquid light guide inserted
in front panel light output port.
Figure 3. USB connectors on the rear of
the light engine control pod.

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4. Before turning the light output on, be sure the output end of the light guide is safely directed into an
enclosed optical path (e.g. microscope input collimator or a beam dump).
5. Press the right button to turn the light output on. Illumination of the circular inlay in the manual light output
control button on the SOLA or SOLA FISH front panel (top right) indicates active light output. Adjust the
output intensity using the rotary dial [3,4]. Press the right button again to turn the light output off [2].
6. Press and hold the left button to view a digital rendition of the intensity setting [5]. Press the right button
to return to the main display screen.
7. Serial commands sent from a host computer to the USB B port of the control pod will automatically switch
the pod from local to pass-through mode, indicated by the message “PC pass through mode active”
shown on the pod display screen. Local command mode is disabled as long as pass-through mode
remains active.
8. To quit pass-through mode and return to local command mode, press the right button on the pod twice.
9. Further details of control pod operation are provided in a downloadable instruction sheet.
Notes
[1] This connection supplies electrical power to the pod from the SOLA or SOLA FISH. The pod will turn on
when the connection is made.
[2] There is no warm-up time; the light engine output stabilizes less than 1 second after the light output is
switched on. Light output can be switched off during intervals when it is not required for active viewing or data
collection. After light output is switched off, the cooling fan will continue to run for 5 minutes, after which it will
automatically stop until light output is turned back on.
[3] Output intensity can be set from 0–100% in 1% increments. The recommended range for normal
operation is 5–100 %.
[4] Dialing intensity to zero automatically issues an OFF command to the light engine. Press the right button
to turn the light output on again.
[5] The current intensity settings are internally stored. When the pod is powered down, the settings are
retained and will be restored at the next restart.
3.4 Operation Using Computer Workstation
1. Although the following instructions specify Lumencor’s SOLA GUI, operations using third-party image
acquisition control software providing co-ordinated operation of the light engine with cameras and other
peripherals are generally similar.
2. Operation and installation of the SOLA GUI requires a computer running the Windows operating system
with a free USB port.
3. Download the zip file for the SOLA GUI INSTALLER from https://lumencor.com/resources/control-
software/.
4. Unzip the file and run setup.exe to install the SOLA GUI.
5. Connect the USB A-to-USB B cable between the computer and the USB B port on the SOLA (Figure 1).
6. Successful installation is indicated by the appearance of “USB Serial Port (COM #)” under the “Ports (COM
&LPT)” tab in the Windows Device Manager. If the virtual COM port (VCP) is not registered by the
operating system, download and install the VCP driver from https://lumencor.com/resources/
documentation-software/.
7. Connect the DC power supply to the SOLA.
8. Check that the liquid light guide is fully inserted and locked in the front panel receptacle (Figure 2) and that
the output end is safely directed into an enclosed optical path (e.g. microscope input collimator or a beam
dump).
9. Press the master power button on the front panel (lower right). The power button will illuminate green
when on.
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10. The manual light output control button in the top right corner of the front panel (above the light output port)
should be in the OFF position. This is necessary to avoid manual override of serial on/off commands from
the computer.
11. Run the GUI by going to the Program Menu and selecting LLE SOLA SE-2 Controller.
12. In the COM pulldown menu (GUI window, upper left), select COM # assigned to USB-Serial port.
13. Press the “INIT” button in the GUI
14. The computer should now have control of the SOLA or SOLA FISH. In the GUI window, the ON-OFF
button below the intensity slider turns light output on or off. Illumination of the circular inlay in the manual
light output control button on the SOLA or SOLA FISH front panel (top right) indicates active light output.
The graduated slider in the GUI window controls the source output intensity [1,2].
15. There is no warm-up time; the light engine output stabilizes less than 1 second after the light output is
switched on. Light output can be switched off during intervals when it is not required for active viewing or
data collection. After light output is switched off, the cooling fan will continue to run for 5 minutes, after
which it will automatically stop until light output is turned back on.
Notes
[1] Output intensity can be set from 0–100%. The recommended range for normal operation is 5–100 %.
[2] Setting the intensity slider to zero is not functionally equivalent to turning light output off using the ON-OFF
button. In this condition, the fan will continue to run as the light sources are still energized, even though their output
may not be detectable.
3.5 Using the Electronic Shutter Function
The SOLA and SOLA FISH light engine output can be selectively enabled and disabled using TTL levels applied to
the BNC connector marked “shutter in” on the rear panel (Figure 1). A > 3.3 V “high” signal applied to the BNC
connector will enable white light output, while a <1.5 V signal will disable it. The SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines
can support an on/off switching rate up to approximately 1 kHz. Note that DC control levels applied to the shutter in
connector are not TTL source triggers. Light output must first be turned on using the front panel light output switch,
foot pedal or a serial control device (control pod or computer workstation; Sections 3.3, 3.4). The output intensity
remains under the control of the serial device.
3.6 Manual/Foot Pedal Operation!
SOLA or SOLA FISH light engine output can be turned on or off using the manual light output switch on the front
panel or using the foot pedal toggle switch accessory (part number 29-10045). Do not intermix the operation of
these switches or light output on/off commands from serial control devices (control pod or computer workstation).
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !9

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4. Spectral Output
Typical output spectral distributions of SOLA, SOLA FISH, SOLA V-nIR, and SOLA U-nIR light engines are shown
below (Figure 4).
5. Product Specifications
SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines must be operated and stored within the environmental conditions specified in
the table on page 11. Performance specifications for individual light engines are listed on the certificate of
conformance included with the shipping documents e-mailed to the customer. It is important to retain the certificate
of conformance for reference. In the event that the light engine is sold or transferred, the certificate of conformance
should be conveyed to the new owner. Certificates of conformance are also recorded in Lumencor’s manufacturing
database and copies can be requested by e-mail to [e-mail]. The request message must
include the 4- or 5- digit serial number of the light engine as displayed on the rear panel (Figure 1).
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !10
Figure 4. SOLA, SOLA FISH, SOLA V-nIR, and SOLA U-nIR light engine spectral output distributions.

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6. Routine Maintenance and Troubleshooting
No routine maintenance is required. There are no user-replaceable components or sub-assemblies in SOLA or
SOLA FISH light engines. Opening the light engine enclosure will void the manufacturer’s warranty. In the event that
the light engine fails to perform in accordance with the specifications listed on the certificate of conformance, review
the troubleshooting procedures on page 12. If the problem remains unresolved, please contact Lumencor Technical
Support for assistance, as directed in Section 7.
Specification
Detail
Temperature
Operating
32 to 95° F (0 to 35° C)
Non-operating
-4 to 158° F (-20 to 70° C)
Humidity
Operating and non-operating
0 to 80% relative humidity, non-condensing
Altitude
Operating
0 to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)
Non-operating
0 to 45,000 feet (13,176 meters)
Dimensions (WxLxH)
12.5 cm x 26.3 cm x 16.3 cm (4.90 in x 10.4 in x 6.40 in)
Weight
8.0 lb / 3.6 kg
Input Power Requirements
24 V DC / 5.0 A, 120 W maximum, power supply included
Power consumption
90 W (light output on at 100%); 3 W (light output off, fan on)
Warm-up Period
1 s
Electronic Shutter
On/Off rate up to 1 kHz
Protection
IP Rating of X0
Sound Level
Sound Level at 1 m < 10 db(A)
Connections
3.5 mm foot switch (optional accessory), USB B for serial connection to
controller pod or host computer, BNC connector for TTL electronic shutter
control.
Warranty
24 months parts and labor
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !11

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7. Customer Support!
For technical support of SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines, please contact Lumencor by phone at 503.213.4269
or via e-mail at [e-mail]. Please be prepared to provide the 4- or 5-digit serial number of the
light engine (see Figure 1), a description of the problems encountered and information on the usage context (e.g.
what microscope and what control software is being used). This information will help to determine whether the
problems can be resolved in situ by adjustments to the system configuration, or whether a fault has developed in the
light engine that requires its return to Lumencor’s facility in Beaverton, Oregon for evaluation and, if necessary, repair.
Any light engine return to Lumencor for service or repair must have a material authorization (RMA) number. To
obtain a RMA number, submit the online request form at http://lumencor.com/support/lumencor-rma-request-form.
It is the customer’s responsibility to properly package and safely ship products to Lumencor. Instructions for
shipping will be provided in the e-mail giving notification of the RMA number.
8. Warranty
SOLA and SOLA FISH light engines come with a 24 month warranty, starting on the original date of shipment from
Lumencor. Light Engines qualifying for warranty service must be verifiably delivering performance that is
substantially at variance with the levels documented in the certificate of conformance. The light engine must also
have been used and maintained under operating conditions consistent with the specifications given in Section 5,
and observing all the Precautions and Warnings notified in Section 2. This warranty does not extend to light engines
that have been subject to misuse, accident, tampering or improper installation. Accessories including (but not
limited to) liquid light guides, optical fibers, collimators, cables and control consoles are not covered by the
warranties attached to light engines. Please fill out and submit the online warranty registration form. This will
facilitate provision of warranty service should it be required.
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Troubleshooting
Problem
Check the following
Green inlay does not light up
when the master power button
(front panel, lower right) is in the
ON position
Check that the liquid light guide is fully inserted in the front panel
receptacle and is secured by the set screw.
Light engine does not respond to
light on/offcommands from the
control pod or PC
Check that the manual light output control button in the top right corner
of the front panel (above the light output port) is in the OFF position.
Unusually weak fluorescence
signals across all detection
channels
Weak fluorescence in all detection channels (DAPI, FITC, TRITC, Cy5 etc)
is likely to be due to poor light transmission by the liquid light guide, the
collimating adaptor or another distal component of the microscope
optical path and not to abnormally low light output from the SOLA or
SOLA FISH light engine.
Unusually weak fluorescence
signals in a single detection
channel (e.g. DAPI)
Check that the filter cube in the microscope is compatible with the output
spectrum of the SOLA or SOLA FISH model that you are using. If no
filter compatibility problem is found, then contact Lumencor Technical
Support as directed in Section 7.
SOLA and SOLA FISH Light Engine Instruction Manual" !12