Oxford Instruments Andor Balor User manual

Unpack the Camera
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1Prepare your Facility Install SDK3 and CoaXPress Drivers
Balor Quick Start Guide
Handle the camera and accessories with
care.
Use correct power supply and cables.
Observe anti-static precautions when
installing the controller card and camera.
Store between -10°C and 50°C.
Operate between -30°C and 30°C.
Ensure 100 mm clearance around camera
and power supply vents (Do not block vents
when operating on benchtop).
Liquid chiller unit must be attached and
running (ensure liquid is owing) before
powering on the camera (Liquid Cooled Only
variant).
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. Refer to the user manual for further information
Camera Essentials Cables
Balor Camera
Anti-Static
Strap
CoaXPress
Card
(with ext. trigger
input)
Coolant Pipes
(hose inserts)
CoaXPress
Cable
2x Country
Specic Power
Cord
Power Supply
1 x 15 V (Camera)
1 x 24 V (Cooler)
Documentation
scan or visit:
andor.oxinst.com/
welcome
Software
(copy supplied)
Trigger Cable
1 x BNC to D-type
Trigger Cable
1 x BNC to SMB
Linux:
For detailed instructions on how to install the SDK3 and CoaXPress drivers on Linux please refer to Section 1.5.2 in
the Andor Software Development Kit Manual, available at andor.oxinst.com/downloads
You must have administrator access on your PC to perform this installation.
These instructions cover installation of both Andor Solis and Andor SDK if ordered. A copy of the software is provided
within the camera box. Additionally, the latest software les are available to download on request, please sign in or
create an account at andor.oxinst.com/downloads
Windows: Switch on the PC, run the setup exe from the supplied copy or the downloaded le: e.g. AndorSDK3Setup-
<version>.exe
1. Conrm the version of software (minimum is v3.14.x).
2. Follow the on screen prompts.
3. Select the installation directory when prompted.
4. If prompted for camera type select Balor.
5. On the nal window click on “Install”. Continue to follow the on screen prompts.
6. To complete the installation, when prompted select “Yes, restart the computer now” and click on the nish button.

MAN-13190
BALQS 0621 R1
Install the CoaXPress (PCIe) Card
Troubleshoot
4Connect the Camera and Switch it on 6
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Camera Cooling Guidelines
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1. Unplug all cables from the rear of the computer.
2. Open the PC enclosure to gain access to the expansion slots.
3. Locate a suitable PCIe slot:
• use a minimum of x8 PCIe 2.0 slot, if you are unsure which slot is
correct, please consult the PC user manual.
4. Remove the ller bracket corresponding to the slot you intend to use.
5. Remove the CoaXPress card carefully from its protective ESD packaging
and insert the card connector fully into the expansion slot.
6. Ensure the card’s mounting bracket is ush with any other mounting or ller
brackets to either side of it, then secure the controller card in place.
7. Replace the computer cover and secure with mounting screws if applicable.
8. Reconnect any accessories you were using previously.
Install the CoaXPress (PCIe) Card
Ensure your PC is powered o. Ensure anti-static precautions using anti-static
strap provided. Keep all screws safe.
1. Connect the cooling system (if using liquid cooling):
• The cooling system must be connected via its 2 coolant pipes and running before the camera is switched on.
• Ensure that the camera is operating within the environmental conditions stated in the hardware guide.
2. Insert the 15V DC power cable (aligning the RED dots) into the power connector at the rear of the camera until
you hear a click. To remove, pull the connector metal sleeve back. Never forcibly insert or remove connector.
3. Now repeat step 2 for the 24 V DC Camera cooler power cable.
4. Connect the CXP cable between the CoaXPress card and the camera.
5. If using an external trigger source, connect trigger cable to SMB connector
on the mounting bracket of the CoaXPress card or directly to the camera
if using the D-type connector.
6. Turn ON the PC.
7. Switch the camera ON using the ON/OFF switch You should hear an
audible conrmation, i.e a long beep followed ~40 seconds later by the
sequence of a short beep then two short beeps. The beeps may not be
audible in a noisy environment.
8. Please note that you should not start your application until the camera
is fully initialized. Note this could take 40 s from when the camera is
switched ON. Launch your camera control software.
9. Check the acquisition settings and adjust as required.
10. Note that camera system temperature may take up to 10 minutes to stabilize, conrm the temperature status in
the software. Start acquiring data.
Camera buzzer does not sound on start-up
• The camera buzzer should be audible momentarily (as a long beep) when the camera is switched to ON. Note
that camera buzzer volume is low.
• If this does not occur, ensure that power is connected to the camera and the ON/OFF switch is set to ON.
Camera buzzer does not beep two times to indicate the software has initialized
• Note that camera buzzer volume is low.
Camera temperature has not stabilized
• Check the temperature status in the software.
• If using water cooling check the water chiller is functioning correctly, otherwise check air vents are clear.
• The system may take up to 10 minutes for temperature to stabilize.
Camera is not recognized by PC
• Ensure camera is switched to ON (the camera must be powered up before the software is started).
• Check that the camera cables are securely and correctly connected between the camera head and the
CoaXPress card on the PC.
• Check that the CoaXPress card and drivers have been installed properly. Green lights should illuminate on the
CoaXPress card.
Please see the Hardware Guide for further information on Troubleshooting.
Online access to technical documentation and software downloads is available at:
andor.oxinst.com/downloads
Please refer to the Balor Hardware Guide for mounting instructions. Ensure that the power to
the camera and PC is switched OFF.
Notes:
• Andor does not support any other CoaXPress frame grabber than that provided with the system.
• Ensure sleep mode functions of the PC are deactivated.
Unused filler brackets
Gently press the
card into the slot
x8 PCIe
2.0 Slot
CoaXPress
Connection
Secure the card
to the PC Camera
Power Input
CXP
connection
I/O 15 pin D-type
Power
Switch
Camera cooler
Power Input
When Liquid Cooling:
Before operation, the camera must be connected via its 2 coolant pipes to a re-circulating cooler or other
liquid cooling system. Always use coolant that is above the dew point of the ambient environment to prevent
condensation from occurring. Refer to the Hardware Guide for dew point information.
• Coolant temperature: We typically advise use of coolant temperature up to 16oC. However, to ensure non-
condensing conditions in humid environments higher temperatures may be necessary.
• Recommended coolant: water or water/glycol mix depending on the ambient environmental temperature
during operation.
• Ensure that all liquid coolant has been expelled from the camera after operation if it is to be stored.
When air cooling (Flexi model only):
• Ensure that ventilation slots are not obstructed when in air cooled mode.
IRIG-B
Checking & Setting BIOS options (for PCs not supplied by Andor)
Enter the BIOS menu when starting PC. For Dell workstations, press F12 at start-up and select System Setup in the
One Time Boot Menu. For Dell workstations 3 options in the Performance menu of the BIOS need to be checked/
set:
• C-States Control – Disable C-States.
• Intel Speed-step – Disable Speed-step.
• Memory Node Interleaving – Set from NUMA to SMP. Note: This option is only available on larger workstations
with 2 physical processors and may have a dierent name- ensure that NUMA is disabled.
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