Oxford Instruments ANDOR iXon Ultra 888 User manual

Unpack the Camera
Install Software (Solis or SDK)
2
3
1Prepare your Facility
iXon Ultra & Life 888 Quick Start Guide
Handle the camera and accessories with
care.
Use correct power supply and cables.
Observe anti-static precautions when
installing the camera.
Store between -25°C and 50°C.
Operate between 0°C and 30°C.
Ensure 100 mm clearance around camera
and power supply vents (Do not block vents
when operating on benchtop).
Refer to the cooling guidelines in Section
5 and the camera user manual for further
information.
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
iXon Ultra or Life 888
EMCCD Camera
(model as ordered)
USB 3.0
PCIe Card
Coolant Pipes
water cooled
models only
Mounting
Posts
USB 3.0 Cable Power Supply Country
Specic Power
Cord
Documentation
scan or visit:
andor.oxinst.com/
welcome
Software
(copy supplied)
C-mount cap
(including O-ring)
Multi I/O
Timing Cable
Anti-Static
Strap
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. AndorSDK2Setup-
<version>.exe.
1. Conrm the version of software (minimum is v2.1x).
2. Follow the on screen prompts.
3. Select the installation directory when prompted.
4. If prompted for camera type select iXon.
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.
Linux:
For detailed instructions on how to install the SDK drivers on Linux please refer the Andor SDK2 Manual, available at
andor.oxinst.com/downloads

Install the Camera Control (PCle) Card & Driver
Cooling Guidelines Troubleshoot
Connect the Camera and Switch on
MAN-09064
IX888SG 0721 R1
4 6
?
5
1. Unplug all cables from the rear of the computer. Open the PC enclosure to
gain access to the expansion slots.
2. Locate a suitable PCIe slot: use an x4 PCIe slot only. If you are unsure which
slot is correct, please consult the PC user manual.
3. Remove the ller bracket corresponding to the slot you intend to use.
4. Remove the USB 3.0 card from its protective ESD packaging and insert fully
into the expansion slot.
5. 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.
6. Replace the computer cover and secure with mounting screws if applicable.
7. Reconnect any accessories you were using previously.
• Attach the camera to lens or optical system using the
camera C-mount interface as required.
• Insert the 12 V DC power cable into the power connector
on the bottom plate of the camera, ensure the orientation is
correct. NEVER forcibly insert the connector.
• Connect the supplied USB 3.0 cable between the USB 3.0
connector on the camera and the corresponding slot on the
PC.
• If required, connect the I/O expander cable to the I/O 15
way D type connector.
• Switch the camera ON using the ON/OFF switch. You
should hear an audible conrmation (camera start-up tone).
• Turn ON the PC.
• Start your software.
• View and adjust the acquisition settings as required.
• Start acquiring data.
iXon Ultra & Life 888 Connections
Note: Only use the USB 3.0 cable supplied by Andor to ensure performance.
1. The iXon Ultra and Life 888 overclock the CCD-201 sensor which generates more heat from the sensor.
2. These models retain the cooling technology and the cooling performance of other iXons at lower readout
speeds (10 MHz and below ). At higher readout speeds it is necessary to set a higher cooled temperature: -55°C
is acceptable in most modes – refer to the user manual for model details.
3. At higher readout speeds (and shorter exposures) dark current is less important, so this higher CCD operating
temperature is expected to be an acceptable compromise.
If an unusual crop mode or operating regime is required please nd the camera’s temperature settling point before
starting the measurement.
1. Set max cooling -110°C.
2. Run the camera in intended mode for 20 minutes.
3. Note cooling temperature achieved.
4. Set a temperature 2-5°C warmer as the set point.
5. Run required measurement.
If the temperature control circuit unlocks during a measurement it will impact on measurement accuracy, in
particular EM gain calibration.
Unused filler brackets
Gently press the
card into the slot
PCIe
Slot
Secure the card
to the PC
USB 3.0
Connection
External
I/O
Power
Connector
On/O
Switch
USB
3.0
Camera
Link *
Install the USB 3.0 PCIe Card Driver manually (not required for Windows 10)
USB 3.0 PCIe card drivers must be installed manually for PCs running versions prior to Windows 10.
See Startech’s website: www.startech.com/downloads enter product code PEXUSB3S25 and hit Search. If a later
driver is available, download and install.
Disable Power Management for the “Renesas USB 3.0 Host Controller”:
1. Navigate to ‘Renesas USB 3.0 Host Controller’ properties menu in Device Manager (Control Panel>Device
Manager> Universal Serial Bus Controllers). Select the Advanced tab.
2. Check the Disable USB 3.0 power management functions checkbox.
* Ultra models only.
Note: Always ensure that the temperature of the liquid coolant circulated through the camera head
is above the dew point of the camera ambient. Use of coolant at or below the dew point will result in
permanent damage to the camera head, due to formation of condensation on internal components.
Camera start-up tone does not sound on start-up
• The camera start-up tone should be audible momentarily when the camera is switched to ON.
• If this does not occur, ensure that power is connected to the camera and the ON/OFF switch is set to ON.
Support Device not recognised when plugged into PC
• Choose another USB port.
Temperature Trip Alarm sounds (continuous tone)
Should the buzzer sound ensure the following:
Air Cooling
• Check that the air vents on the camera are not blocked and there is sucient clearance (100 mm) around the
camera.
• The ambient air temperature is not above 30ºC.
• The fan has not been deactivated (or the speed set too low) in software.
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
Ensure that the Camera ON/OFF switch is in the OFF position AND your PC is switched OFF.
Ensure your PC is powered o.
Ensure anti-static precautions and use the anti-static strap provided to prevent
potential damage ESD. Keep all screws safe.