Montana Instruments Cryostation Operating and maintenance manual

4000-DOC001
Installation Procedure
Cryostation
CryoCore | CryoAdvance-50 | CryoAdvance-100
Version: 1.0
October 2021
www.montanainstruments.com
[e-mail]

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Specifications and product information listed in this document are accurate at the time of publishing for
a standard system. Options, custom designs, and other modifications may cause slight differences.
Future design changes to the system, including software updates, may change.
© Montana Instruments® Corporation, All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means,
including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written
permission of Montana Instruments.
Montana Instruments, CryoCore, CryoAdvance, and Cryostation are trademarks of Montana Instruments
Corporation. Other brand names used are the property of their respective owners.

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Table of Contents
Section 1 - Preface ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1 Conventions Used in this Manual...............................................................................................................................5
1.1.1 Abbreviations................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.1.2 International System of Units (SI) Symbols.......................................................................................................................6
1.1.3 System of Imperial Units Symbols........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1.4 Explanation of Safety Warnings.............................................................................................................................................6
1.1.5 Graphical Symbols ...................................................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 General Hazard & Safety Information.......................................................................................................................7
1.3 Technical Support Information .................................................................................................................................10
1.3.1 Warranty & Repairs ..................................................................................................................................................................10
1.3.2 Accessories & Replacement Parts.......................................................................................................................................10
1.3.3 Contact Details ...........................................................................................................................................................................10
Section 2 - System Installation & Handling ..........................................................................................................12
2.1 Shipping Weights & Dimensions..............................................................................................................................12
2.2 Packaging Contents .....................................................................................................................................................12
2.3 Component Placement and Layout Plan ................................................................................................................14
2.4 Unpacking the Components......................................................................................................................................15
2.4.1 Unpacking the Compressor...................................................................................................................................................16
2.4.2 Unpacking the Cryostation....................................................................................................................................................16
2.4.3 Unpacking the Control Units ................................................................................................................................................17
2.5 Installing the Cryostation ...........................................................................................................................................18
2.5.1 Mounting the Cryostation to the Optical Table............................................................................................................18
2.5.2 Removing the Shipping Supports.......................................................................................................................................19
2.6 Connecting System Cables and Power....................................................................................................................21
2.7 Initializing the Cryostation........................................................................................................................................ 29

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Section 1 - Preface
WARNING
Read all instructions before using this product
All users must read and understand this manual and all other safety instructions before using the
equipment. Retain these instructions for future reference.
This manual is intended for users of the Montana Instruments products and systems described herein.
Users include anyone who may physically interact with the system or peripheral equipment, including
installing, setting up, or configuring the system or anyone who may operate system components via
operating panels, the supplied user interface, or remote interfaces.
This manual may be used by facilities personnel for determining infrastructure requirements in the
room or building where the equipment will be installed.
This manual should be referenced by authorized service personnel for important safety and hazard
information and other product restrictions.
1.1 Conventions Used in this Manual
The following style conventions are used in this document:
•A vertical bar ( | )
oIndicates alternative selections. The bar may be used in place of “and” or “or.”
•Alphanumeric List (1., 2., 3…| a., b., c…)
oIndicates instructions or actions which should be completed in a specific ordered
sequence.
•Bulleted List (•| ◦ | -)
oIndicates instructions, commands, or additional information about an action.
oMay alternatively be used for unordered lists of materials or additional reference notes.
•Courier Font
oIndicates a label or indicator on a physical product or part.
oIndicates a system output, such as a display reading.
oMay also be used for URLs, file paths, file names, scripting language, prompts, or syntax.
1.1.1 Abbreviations
The following abbreviations may be used:
•ACM: Ancillary Control Module
•CAN: Controller Area Network
•DMM: Digital Multimeter

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•HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface
•MI: Montana Instruments
•PCB: Printed Circuit Board
•TCM: Temperature Control Module
•UI: User Interface
•UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply
•USB: Universal Serial Bus
•VNC: Virtual Network Computing
1.1.2 International System of Units (SI) Symbols
•C: Celsius
•cm: Centimeter
•K: Kelvin
•kg: Kilogram
•m: Meter
•mK: Millikelvin
•MPa: Megapascal
•mTorr: Millitorr
•mW: Milliwatt
•s: Second
1.1.3 System of Imperial Units Symbols
•ft, ‘ : Foot
•in, “ : Inch
1.1.4 Explanation of Safety Warnings
Safety and hazard information includes terms, symbols, warnings, and instructions used in this manual
or on the equipment to alert users to precautions in the care, use, and handling of the system. The
following hazard levels and information are considered:

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DANGER
Serious personal injury
Imminent hazards which, if not avoided, will result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Serious personal injury
Potential hazards which, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Possible personal injury
Potential hazards which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Command or Product Safety Notice
Potential hazards which, if not avoided, could result in product damage.
» NOTE
Points of particular interest for more efficient or convenient equipment operation; additional
information or explanation.
1.1.5 Graphical Symbols
The following symbols may be used in diagrams, supporting text, and on physical parts:
Hazard Alert: General Warning
Hazard Alert: High Voltage
Hazard Alert: Laser Radiation
HDMI port
CAN bus module
USB port
1.2 General Hazard & Safety Information
The following descriptions are of general hazards and unsafe practices that may result in product
damage, severe injury, or death.
•The products, parts, and components in this manual are to be serviced by authorized Montana
Instruments service representatives only. Failure to do so will void the warranty and may
damage the product and/or create a safety hazard.
•Only use all components provided for the intended purpose described herein.
•If the equipment or any component is used or modified in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

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The following hazards may be typical for this product:
WARNING
Risk of injury when lifting or moving system components
System components, including standalone equipment and installed assemblies, may be heavy.
•Use caution when lifting or moving equipment or assemblies. Ensure proper lifting principles are
used to avoid injury.
•Equipment or assemblies >20 kg should always be lifted by two or more people or with a suitable
lifting device.
Risk of injury due to sharp edges
•The interior of the enclosure contains sheet metal parts that may have sharp edges.
•When working inside the enclosure (authorized service personnel only), exercise caution to avoid
getting cut by these edges.
WARNING
High voltage: danger of electric shock
Electric shocks and burns from capacitor discharge or power circuits could lead to serious injury or
death.
•Before turning on any power supply, the ground prong of the power cord plug must be properly
connected to the ground connector of the wall outlet. The wall outlet must have a third prong or
must be properly connected to an adapter that complies with these safety requirements.
•Only use replacement power cords or power plugs with the same polarity and power rating as
that of the original ones. Do NOT use inadequately rated cables.
•If the equipment or the wall outlet is damaged, the protective grounding could be disconnected.
•Do NOT use damaged equipment until its safety has been verified by authorized personnel.
•Do NOT disconnect or tamper with the operation of the protective earth terminal inside or
outside the apparatus.
•Before accessing the enclosure or when otherwise servicing the unit (authorized service personnel
only), completely power down the system and unplug the power cable.
•If power must be applied to diagnose issues or otherwise, a grounding strap must be applied to
the arm interfacing internal components.
NOTICE
Only clean exterior surfaces with acceptable fluids
•Only use deionized water, glass cleaner, or isopropyl alcohol to clean the exterior surfaces of any
enclosure. Do NOT use any volatile chemicals other than isopropyl alcohol.
•Apply fluid to a clean, lint-free cloth and wipe the surface with a cloth. Do NOT apply fluid
directly to any surfaces or enclosures.

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WARNING
Risk of serious injury due to hazards associated with cryocooling
All personnel working with the system must be aware of the potential hazards associated with
cryocooling.
•Personnel working with the system should be trained in emergency measures that may be
required in the event of an accident.
Risk of suffocation due to potential asphyxiates.
Nitrogen (N2) and Helium (He) are potential asphyxiates if released into an enclosed area with poor
ventilation. A decrease in air oxygen content can be caused by leaks.
•Ensure that proper tubing is used and good connections are made at each connection point to
prevent the release of these gases.
Risk of explosion due to high pressure if the system is not allowed to vent properly.
•Never bolt or otherwise fasten the lid of the sample chamber closed. The lid acts as a safety
pressure release in the event of high-pressure accumulation in the Cryostation.
Risk of cold contact burns.
•Parts of this system are very cold and may cause severe burns to the skin.
•Allow components to warm up to room temperature before touching. If contact occurs, consult a
physician immediately.
NOTICE
Take care when moving the Cryostation
•Do NOT tilt the Cryostation more than 45 degrees. Inverting the Cryostation will cause damage.
•The Cryostation and sample chamber are a single unit. The attached sample chamber must be
supported at all times. Do NOT lift the Cryostation by the sample chamber.
•Do NOT lift the Cryostation by the cryocooler tube or the top of the main body enclosure.
•The Cryostation ships with red locking plugs and a shipping support to prevent damage to
sensitive components. Do NOT remove these until after the unit has been attached to the table.
Take care when moving the compressor
•Do NOT tilt the compressor. Doing so may damage the unit.
•The compressor is on casters for moving. Ensure casters are locked before operating.
Risk of product damage due to improper use

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•Never disconnect the vacuum hose while the temperature of any stage of the Cryostation is
below 285 K.
•Never open the case or vent valves when the temperature of any stage is below 285 K.
•Only use dry nitrogen gas with the Cryostation. Do NOT substitute other gases for system
venting.
•Avoid using any material in the sample chamber that may outgas or otherwise contaminate the
optical windows and Cryostation surfaces.
•When manually operating heaters, monitor the Stage 1 and Stage 2 temperatures to ensure these
temperatures do NOT rise above 350 K. Temperatures above 350 K may damage critical
components within the system.
Peripheral cards must not exceed 600 W to avoid product damage
•The system control unit can supply a maximum power of 600 W across all installed peripheral
cards. Ensure the cumulative power of all installed peripheral cards (maximum power rating of all
cards added together) does not exceed 600 W.
Transportation and installation
•When not in a rack unit, the enclosure should not be stacked on any other equipment nor should
other equipment be placed on it.
•Allow 8 cm minimum clearance from any ventilated face (sides, front) and 20 cm clearance in the
rear for cables and hoses.
•Do NOT move the unit while operational. Remove all cables prior to moving. Lift the enclosure by
using both handles on the front face.
1.3 Technical Support Information
Any technical questions or issues with the system that cannot be resolved with the information in this
manual should be referred to an authorized Montana Instruments service representative.
1.3.1 Warranty & Repairs
If the system or parts need to be returned to the Montana Instruments factory or an authorized service
center for repair or service, contact an authorized service representative for a return merchandise
authorization (RMA) number and instructions on returning the unit.
For a copy of the Limited Warranty Agreement, visit:
https://www.montanainstruments.com/support/warranty-information
1.3.2 Accessories & Replacement Parts
Only use cables, hoses, accessories, and parts provided or approved by the manufacturer. Follow all
instructions for proper installation or replacement.
•To order spare or replacement parts, please contact your local service representative.
•To order new accessories or options, or for more information on other Montana Instruments
products and technologies, please contact your local sales representative.
1.3.3 Contact Details
For a complete list of sales and service centers visit: www.montanainstruments.com/Contact

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North American Authorized Service
•M-F 8:30am-5pm MST | Call: +1.406.551.2796
•Email: [e-mail]
North American Sales
•M-F 8:30am-5pm MST | Call: +1.406.551.2796
•Email: [e-mail]
International Sales & Authorized Service
•Visit https://www.montanainstruments.com/contact for contact information for your local
representative.

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Section 2 - System Installation & Handling
2.1 Shipping Weights & Dimensions
The system will arrive on 3 pallets. The typical weights and dimensions of the standard system, as
packed, are listed in the table below.
Pallet 1
Pallet 2
Pallet 3
Components
Compressor
System Control Unit
Vacuum Control Unit
Cryostat
Pallet
Dimensions (L x
W x H)
27 in x 23 in x 30 in
(68.5 cm x 58.4 cm x 76.2
cm)
40 in x 48 in x 38 in
(102 cm x 122 cm x 97
cm)
40 in x 48 in x 38 in
(102 cm x 122 cm x 97
cm)
Weight
~180 lbs (82 kg)
~120 lbs (54 kg)
~140 lbs (63 kg)
WARNING
Use extreme caution when handling the shipment
Refer to the appropriate system user manual for important instructions regarding the safe handling
of system components.
2.2 Packaging Contents
The system will arrive on 2-4 pallets, depending on the options purchased. Depending on the
configuration, the items below may differ. Additional purchased options may be pre-integrated in the
sample chamber or packaged separately. Refer to the shipment packing list for more details.
Compressor Box –Pallet 1
•Helium Compressor
•Helium Hoses (2): SUPPLY & RETURN
•Vacuum Hose
System Control Box –Pallet 2
•System Control Unit with pre-installed peripheral cards (depending on the configuration
ordered)
Vacuum Control Box –Pallet 2
•Vacuum Control Unit
Cryostation Box –Pallet 3
•Cryostation and Sample Chamber (single unit) with pre-installed options (depending on the
configuration ordered)
Accessory Box –Pallet 3
•User Interface Touchscreen Display

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Cables & Hoses
CryoAdvance
•C19 Power cord for the Compressor
•2x C13 System Control and Vacuum Control Units
•6-socket to 6-pin circular M-F connector cable: Compressor to Cryocooler Head
•DSUB9 F-F serial cable: System Control to Compressor CAN communication
•DSUB25 M-M cable: ACM to Vacuum Control
•DSUB37 F –M(F?): TCM to Cryostation control
•USB & HDMI cables: for the User Interface Touchscreen Display
•Ethernet network cable
CryoCore
•Main Power Cords (2): System Control Unit and Vacuum Control Unit (C13)
•4-socket to 4-pin circular M-F connector cable: Compressor to Cryocooler Head
•DSUB25 M-M cable: ACM to Vacuum Control
•DSUB37 M –M: TCM to Cryostation control
•USB & HDMI cables: for the User Interface Touchscreen Display
Accessory Kit
Accessory
CryoAdvance
CryoCore
Tweezers & pick tool
Included
Allen keys (3): M1.5, 2.0 & 4.0
Included
Apiezon® N-grease: for cryogenic thermal connections only
Included
Included
Apiezon® L-grease: for lubricating O-rings only
Included
GE Varnish Adhesive (VGE): for wires or samples within 4 K
space
Included
Kapton® Tape: for wire insulation
Included
Unwaxed Dental Floss: for wire management
Included
KF-25 to VCO adapter: for vacuum leak testing
Included
Spare VCO O-rings
Included
Fischer Connector Strip: for custom connections
Included
Assortment of spare screws
Included
Window tool: for removing vacuum window retaining rings
Included
Included
Helium purge adaptor and recharge adaptor
Included
Included
Compressor water hose connectors: barb to compression
fitting
Included
Coax SMP extraction tool
Included
Included
Additional custom components (if purchased)
Included

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2.3 Component Placement and Layout Plan
Before unpacking the system, it is recommended to pre-plan the placement of components in the lab
space. Component dimensions are outlined in the System User Manual for reach product model which
can be found on the Montana Instruments product documentation webpage.
•The Cryostation (including the sample chamber) must be mounted to an optical table. The main
housing can typically be oriented at either 45° or 90° to the hole pattern in the optical table.
Allow 60 cm clearance in the back of the unit for the helium and vacuum hoses.
•The compressor must remain upright and sit on the floor. Allow 100 cm clearance in the back of
the unit for helium hoses and air cooling.
•The system control unit (4U) and vacuum control unit (6U) can be rack-mounted in a standard
19” rack unit (sold separately) or placed on a nearby shelf. Allow 8 cm clearance on the front,
sides, and rear.
•The user interface touchscreen can be placed on any nearby work surface.
Please consider the allowable distance between components, as outlined in the cable diagram below.
The helium hoses between the Cryostation and compressor require a minimum bend radius of 9 in. (23
cm) for the standard 30 ft. hoses, with a 4 in. (10 cm) straight section at each end (Fig. 1).
Component placement and layout.

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Cryostation connections overview
2.4 Unpacking the Components
If an installation was ordered, we recommend leaving the system packed until a service representative
arrives.
NOTICE
Inspect shipment upon receipt
Before unpacking the system, please note the condition of the
boxes, shock watch sensors, and tilt watch sensors. The boxes
should be intact and strapped to the pallets. If there is any
visible damage or if the sensors have been tripped, contact an
authorized service representative immediately and do NOT
proceed with unpacking.
Shock watch
Tilt watch
Retain equipment packaging for future use
We recommend saving the original equipment packaging (foam, box, and pallets). The packaging is
specially designed to support and stabilize the equipment and will be required if the unit needs to be
transported in the future. Some components must be packed upright on a pallet to avoid damage.

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2.4.1 Unpacking the Compressor
Locate the compressor pallet.
1. Cut the bands securing the box to the pallet.
2. Carefully remove the box surrounding the unit. Lift directly up and over the surrounding foam.
3. Remove the top piece of foam to locate the hoses. Remove the hoses and set them aside.
a. If you ordered long or oversized hoses, they will be in a separate box.
4. Using two people, lift the compressor off the pallet and gently set it on the floor. Take care not
to tilt the compressor.
5. The compressor has casters for moving it. Remove the plastic wrap and roll the unit to its
desired location.
Compressor on pallet
Step 2: Removing compressor
box
Step 3: Locating vacuum and
helium hoses
Step 4: Compressor on
floor
2.4.2 Unpacking the Cryostation
Locate the Cryostation box.
1. Remove the box wrap and cut the bands securing the box to the pallet. Carefully lift the box off
the pallet and set it on a nearby surface.
2. Open the side of the box and slide out the Cryostation and foam onto an adjacent surface.
3. Liftoff the top piece of foam.
4. Reach under the unit and grasp the main structure below the baseplate and sample chamber.
Supporting the system at the front and back, carefully lift the system out of the foam and onto
the table, taking care not to tilt more than 45°. A second person can assist with this step.
5. Carefully remove the plastic wrap around the main body and sample chamber. Leave the
window covers in place.
6. Gently slide the unit to the desired location on the optical table.

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Step 2: Sliding out the Cryostation
Step 4: Support and lift the unit out of the
foam
Step 4: Carry handle on the baseplate
2.4.3 Unpacking the Control Units
Locate the control unit boxes.
1. Remove the box wrap and cut the bands securing the box to the pallet. Carefully lift the box off
the pallet and set it on the floor or a nearby surface.
2. Open the top of the box and remove the top piece of foam.
3. Reach inside and grasp the underside of the unit. Lift the unit up and out of the box. Keeping
the unit in the same orientation, set onto an adjacent surface.
4. Carefully remove the plastic wrap around the enclosure.
5. Move the unit to the desired location.

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2.5 Installing the Cryostation
2.5.1 Mounting the Cryostation to the Optical Table
The Cryostation can be mounted at either 45° or 90° to the hole pattern in an imperial or metric optical
table. When aligning the system, make sure you can still reach and access the sample chamber.
1. Remove the exterior side covers surrounding the cryocooler. First, pop the side panel directly
out to the side, then slide it forward to remove it. Remove the covers on both sides.
2. Adjust the cryostat so the mounting holes around the sample chamber are directly aligned with
holes in the optical table.
The baseplate contains four additional mounting locations, two on either side of the black vertical
cryocooler cylinder, and two at the back of the unit. These locations each have a slotted disk for fine
adjustment.
3. Turn the slotted disks at each remaining baseplate location until a table hole is aligned with the
slot.
4. Starting at the front of the sample chamber, insert a short hex screw in each mounting location.
Start by loosely starting each screw, turning just enough to hold the screw in place. Minor
positioning adjustments may still be required.
5. After placing a screw at each location, tighten all screws securely, moving front to back.
Removing side covers
CryoCore &
CryoAdvance-
50: seven
mounting
locations
CryoAdvance-100:
nine mounting
locations
Tightening screws
On some models, the operational cable may be shipped disconnected:
6. Locate the MDR26 cable coming out of the front of the Cryostation tower (next to the black
vertical cryocooler cylinder).
7. Connect the cable to the lower MDR26 connector on the base side panel of the sample chamber
at the location labeled: OPERATIONAL

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2.5.2 Removing the Shipping Supports
Once the Cryostation is secured to the table, the shipping supports can be removed. These should be
removed for optimal performance.
1. Locate the red C-spacers on either side of the connection point between the sample chamber
and cryocooler (two total). Unscrew the M3 screws.
2. Remove the red caps then pull out the red tab.
C-spacer locations
C-Spacer cap and tab
» NOTE
If it is difficult to remove the C-spacer. Remove both caps first. Follow the steps below to remove
the cryocooler shipping support. Gently lift the black cylinder surrounding the cryocooler and pull on
the red tabs to remove it.
Removing the final shipping support requires removing the side covers of the cooling tower assembly.
3. Locate the red shipping support brackets (two pieces, shown red). Using a 5mm Allen key,
remove the M6 x 14mm screws on the top of each bracket (shown yellow). Store these screws
and washers in the accessory kit.
Bracket bolted in the lower position (for shipping)
Bracket locked in an upward position (for operation)
4. On the side of the shipping support, locate the two M5 screws holding the bracket in place
(shown orange). Using a 4mm Allen key, loosen these screws but do not remove them.

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5. Slide the shipping bracket (red) up so it is no longer touching the silver tri-flange. Holding it in
place, re-tighten the two M5 screws (orange) to secure it in this unlocked position.
6. Repeat steps 4-5 on the other shipping support.
7. Replace the exterior side covers. Insert the front tab (sample chamber side) and rotate and snap
the cover back into place.
NOTICE
Keep the C-spacers, shipping supports, and screws. These should be reattached and locked in place
any time the Cryostation needs to be moved in the future.