Oxford Instruments Andor Apogee Alta User manual

Apogee Alta Quick Start Guide
Unpacking your Camera and Accessories
2
Installing the Camera Acquisition Software
You must have administrator access on your PC to perform this installation.
• We recommend you install your camera acquisition software e.g. Windows SDK for Apogee, Micro-Manager or
MaxIm DL before setting up your Apogee camera.
• Please see the Windows SDK for Apogee, Micro-Manager or MaxIm DL installation guides for specic instructions
related to installation of this software.
• Apogee cameras are supported by MaxIm DL version 3.21 and beyond.
• Apogee Camera Control Demo software is for demo and test purposes only. Available for download from andor.com.
If you are using different camera control software, please refer to the software installation information supplied with the
software.
3
For more information visit: andor.com/software/software_support/
Please turn over
12 V Alta Power
Supply
Apogee
Integration Starter
Kit CD
Country Specic
Power Cord
USB 2.0 Cable
Apogee Alta CCD
Camera
Refer to the user manual for further information.
Optional ItemsStandard Items
Optional items are supplied as
specied at the time of ordering:
Items include:
• Lens Adapters
• Telescope Adapter
• USB Extender
• Filter Wheel
• Temperature compensated focuser
Camera
Lens Adapter Filter Wheel
Preparing your Facility
Handle the camera and accessories with care.
Apogee Alta weighs approx 1.9 kg [4 lb 2 oz].
Observe anti-static precautions when
installing the controller card and camera.
Ensure 100 mm clearance around camera
and power supply vents (Do not block
vents when operating on benchtop).
Operation of the camera close to intense
pulsed sources (e.g. plasma and X-ray
sources) may compromise performance.
Keep dry, <70% humidity non-condensing
Use correct power supply and cables.
Operate between 0°C and 40°C. Refer to User
guide for further information regarding ambient
temperature, cooling performance and dew point.
Store between -25°C and 50°C.
1

Mounting the Camera
4
5
1. Insert the 12V DC power cable into the power connector on the
Connections panel of the camera.
2. Connect the supplied USB cable between the USB connector
on the camera and the corresponding slot on the PC
3. Optional: An 8-pin Mini DIN connection enables various
hardware signals to be controlled by the device. If this is
required, connect the I/O Connection cable to the I/O 8
mini DIN type connector (refer to the user guide for further
information).
4. Turn power to the camera ON.
5. Turn ON the PC.
6. Start your software.
7. Start acquiring data.
Troubleshooting
Camera LEDS do not light
• The LEDs should ash on startup, if this does not occur, ensure that the power cables are connected and the
power is turned on.
Cannot nd camera when using ApogeeCameraInfo
• The ApogeeCameraInfo search process takes approximately 10 seconds to complete. In extremely rare
circumstances, the camera may take longer than 10 seconds to respond.
• If the rst attempt to nd the camera fails, try a second time. If the second attempt fails, the “Broadcast
Address” eld may be incorrect. Verify the correct broadcast address and try again.
Connecting your Camera and Switching it on
6
MAN-06734
MAN-09693
ALTASG 0816 R1
For additional troubleshooting information please refer to the user manual on the CD provided and for
technical information about the Apogee Alta go to:
www.andor.com/scientic-cameras/apogee-camera-range/alta-ccd-series
Connections
?
Install the Camera Drivers
WARNING:
• Do not connect your Apogee camera to a PC before installing the drivers. If you do and the “Add New Hardware
Wizard” appears, please select the Cancel button.
• Never connect or disconnect the camera from the PC during operation.
1. Make sure your Windows user account has administrator privileges.
2. Double click on the setupApogeeSoftware.
3. Follow the steps in the Installation Wizard.
4. Click Finish.
5. The drivers for your Apogee camera are now installed on your PC (A notication should be displayed in the bottom
right corner of your PC screen).
The Alta can be connected to a telescope, lens or other equipment using a wide range of plate-lens adapters
and other accessories. An outline is shown below. Refer to your user guide and contact your customer support
representative for further information if required.
1. Ensure the camera control software (e.g Maxim DL) and
drivers have been installed.
2. Attach the camera mounting adapter (or lter wheel) to the
camera face plate using the supplied mounting screws.
3. Attach the camera and mounting assembly to the telescope
or lens.
4. Now connect the power and signal connections.
Mounting the Camera
WARNING:
• Do not connect your Apogee camera to a PC before installing the drivers. If you do and the “Add New Hardware
Wizard” appears, please select the Cancel button.
• Never connect or disconnect the camera from the PC during operation.
Above: Filter Wheel attached to an Alta-
ready for attachment of the required lens
adapter.
Above: Example of some common
adapter types that enable connection
of the Alta camera to a wide range of
equipment.
Power
USB to PC
To Camera I/O port