Photometrics SenSys User manual

,
SenSys™
User Manual

SenSys
™
User Manual

© Copyright 1998 Photometrics Ltd.
3440 East Britannia Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85706
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without the written
permission of Photometrics Ltd.
Printed in the United States of America.
US Patents 5,594,520 and 5,393,931
Metachrome and PVCAM are registered trademarks of Photometrics Ltd.
CAMTEST, PPD, and SenSys are trademarks of Photometrics Ltd.
Nikon is a registered trademark of Nikon Corporation.
Other brand and product names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and
manufacturers.
The information in this publication is believed to be accurate as of the publication release date. However,
Photometrics Ltd. does not assume any responsibility for any consequences including any damages resulting
from the use thereof. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Revision of this
publication may be issued to incorporate such change.
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case
the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Camera System Warranty (excluding software)
Photometrics Ltd. warrants that its products are free of defects in material and workmanship.
The period over which Photometrics’ products are warranted is twelve (12) months from the date of shipment
listed on the packing slip shipped with the equipment. Photometrics will repair or replace the product if it is
found to be defective within the warranty period.
Photometrics must be notified in writing of the defect within the warranty period. The affected product should
be returned to Photometrics within thirty (30) days after discovery of such defect. Shipment should not be made
without prior authorization by Photometrics.
When products are returned to Photometrics for warranty service, the buyer shall prepay shipping charges to
Photometrics and Photometrics shall pay shipping charges to return the product to the buyer. The buyer shall
pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Photometrics from outside the U.S.A.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer,
buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, or improper site preparation or
maintenance.
Photometrics’ liability shall not exceed the cost of repair or replacement of the defective equipment.
This warranty becomes void if the user attempts to repair or modify the product without the written consent of
Photometrics. Except for removing the shutter cover, this warranty is voided if the user opens the camera head.
Metachrome
®
II Warranty
Photometrics Ltd. warrants that the Metachrome II coating will maintain 95% of initial quantum efficiency
without the need to pre-flash. This warranty is not affected by high UV exposure levels.
The period over which Metachrome II coating is warranted is twenty-four (24) months from the date of
shipment listed on the packing slip shipped with the equipment. Photometrics will recoat the CCD at no cost if
quantum efficiency drops below 95% of initial performance within the warranty period.
Photometrics must be notified in writing of the defect within the warranty period. The affected camera system
should be returned to Photometrics within thirty (30) days after discovery of such defect. Shipment should not
be made without prior authorization by Photometrics.
The buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Photometrics and Photometrics shall pay shipping charges to return
the product to the buyer for products returned to Photometrics for warranty service. The buyer shall pay all
shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Photometrics from outside the U.S.A.
This warranty does not apply if reduced quantum efficiency due to damage to the CCD or Metachrome II from
unauthorized modification or use of the camera system.
Photometrics’ liability shall not exceed the cost of repair or replacement of the defective equipment.
This warranty becomes void if the user attempts to repair or modify the product without the written consent of
Photometrics. This warranty is voided if the user opens the camera head.

SenSys Sealed Chamber Integrity Warranty
Photometrics Ltd. warrants the SenSys sealed chamber integrity for a period of twenty-four (24) months.
The warranty period is from the date of shipment listed on the packing slip shipped with the equipment.
Photometrics will repair or replace the camera system if it fails to maintain the sealed chamber integrity with
proper use within the warranty period.
Photometrics must be notified in writing of the defect within the warranty period. The affected camera system
should be returned to Photometrics within thirty (30) days after discovery of such defect. Shipment should not
be made without prior authorization by Photometrics.
The buyer shall prepay shipping charges to Photometrics and Photometrics shall pay shipping charges to return
the product to the buyer for products returned to Photometrics for warranty service. The buyer shall pay all
shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to Photometrics from outside the U.S.A.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer,
unauthorized modification or misuse, or improper site preparation or maintenance.
Photometrics’ liability shall not exceed the cost of repair or replacement of the defective equipment.
This warranty becomes void if the user attempts to repair or modify the product without the written consent of
Photometrics. This warranty is voided if the user opens the camera head.

Declaration of Conformity
Photometrics, Ltd. declares that the equipment described in this document is in conformance
with the requirements of the European Council Directives, listed below:
89/336/EEC EMC Directive
93/68/EEC EMC Directive
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive
ontheapproximationofthelawsofMemberStatesrelating to ElectromagneticCompatibilityand
Product Safety.
This declaration is based upon compliance of the product to the following standards:
EN 55022-A, CISPR 22 RF Emissions Control
EN 50082-1, IEC 801 Immunity to Electromagnetic Disturbances
EN 60950, IEC 950 Product Safety
Product Description: CCD Camera System
Model: SenSys Camera System
Authorized Signature Date 11/16/95
Wilhelm Pfanhauser
Photometrics, Ltd.
Sollner Str. 61
D-81479 München
Germany

Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Introduction
SenSys System Components ..................................................................................1
Standard Components.......................................................................................1
Optional System Hardware..............................................................................1
About this Manual...................................................................................................2
Environmental Requirements................................................................................2
Storage Requirements .............................................................................................2
Precautions................................................................................................................2
Repairs.......................................................................................................................3
Cleaning ....................................................................................................................3
Photometrics Customer Service.............................................................................3
Chapter 2. Hardware Installation
Connecting Mount Adapters, Tripod Mounts, and Other Instruments..........5
Connecting the AIA Cable......................................................................................5
Connecting the Power Brick...................................................................................6
Chapter 3. Configuration Options
Lens Mount Adapters .............................................................................................7
C-Mount Assembly............................................................................................8
F-Mount Assembly ............................................................................................9
Tripod Camera Stand............................................................................................10
Chapter 4. Component Descriptions
CCD..........................................................................................................................11
MPP....................................................................................................................11
Metachrome II...................................................................................................12
Certificate of Calibration.................................................................................12
Window...................................................................................................................12
CCD Chamber........................................................................................................12
Thermoelectric Cooler...........................................................................................12
Shutter .....................................................................................................................12
Electronics...............................................................................................................13
Input/Output Trigger Port ..................................................................................13
AIA Port ..................................................................................................................14
Power Port ..............................................................................................................14
Status Lights ...........................................................................................................14
Power Brick.............................................................................................................15
Mount Adapters.....................................................................................................16
C-Mount ............................................................................................................17
F-Mount.............................................................................................................17
Lenses ......................................................................................................................17
Tripod Camera Stand............................................................................................17

SenSys User Manual
Chapter 5. Troubleshooting
Green Light on Camera Does Not Illuminate....................................................19
Image is Fuzzy........................................................................................................19
Camera Does Not Respond to Light...................................................................19
Camera Shutter Needs Replacing..................................................................20
Camera Does Not Focus .......................................................................................22
Chapter 6. Specifications
Camera ....................................................................................................................23
F-Mount Camera....................................................................................................24
C-Mount Camera ...................................................................................................25
F-Mount Adapter...................................................................................................26
C-Mount Adapter ..................................................................................................27
Power Brick.............................................................................................................28
Input/Output Port Pinout....................................................................................29
Power Port Pinout..................................................................................................31
AIA Cable Pinout...................................................................................................32
CCD Orientation....................................................................................................33
CCD Specifications ................................................................................................34
KAF 0400 ...........................................................................................................34
KAF 1400 ...........................................................................................................35
KAF 1600 ...........................................................................................................36
Index .....................................................................................................................37

1
Chapter 1.
Introduction
SenSys ™ is an air-cooled camera system with the ability to acquire low-light
images by integrating (exposing) over long periods of time. The imager in the
camera is a scientific-grade charge-coupled device (CCD).
SenSys System
Components
All SenSys systems consist of standard hardware and software as well as the
appropriate interface hardware (discussed in the Software Guide ) for your
computer system. Some SenSys systems also include optional hardware.
Standard Components
Optional System Hardware
Power Brick
Host Connectivity
Kit Diskette
AIA Cable
Air-Cooled
Camera
Lenses Tripod

2
SenSys User Manual
About this Manual
The SenSys User Manual is divided into six chapters. It is suggested that you
read the entire manual before operating the camera to ensure proper usage. The
chapters that follow this introduction are
• Hardware Installation — Instructions for connecting the camera to
mount adapters, tripod mounts, and other instruments, as well as for
connecting it to the AIA cable and the power brick
• Configuration Options — Instructions for changing mount adapters,
lenses, and tripod stands
• Component Descriptions — Functional description of each component
• Troubleshooting — Answers to camera hardware problems
• Specifications — Specifications for each camera system component
Note: To install a new camera, begin with the Hardware Installation chapter in this
User Manual and then proceed to the Software Guide.
Environmental
Requirements
The SenSys camera system should be operated in a clean, dry environment. The
camera system requires that an easily accessible electrical outlet be available
near the equipment.
The camera system’s ambient operating temperature is 0˚C to 40˚C. The camera
can be operated in any orientation, therefore it can be used on a tripod camera
stand or mounted on a variety of instruments.
Storage
Requirements
Store the SenSys camera system in its original containers. To protect the system
from excessive heat, cold, and moisture, store at an ambient temperature
between -20˚C and 60˚C with a relative humidity of 0%–90% noncondensing.
Precautions
The CCD and other system electronics are extremely sensitive to electrostatic
discharge (ESD). To avoid permanently damaging the system, please observe
the following precautions:
• If you are using high-voltage equipment (such as an arc lamp) with
your camera system, be sure to turn the camera power on last and
power the camera off first .
• Always switch off and unplug the power supply before changing your
system configuration in any way.
• Usecautionwhentriggeringhigh-currentswitchingdevices(suchasan
arc lamp) near your system. The CCD can be permanently damaged by
transient voltage spikes. If electrically noisy devices are present, an
isolated, conditioned power line or dedicated isolation transformer is
highly recommended.
• Never connect or disconnect any cable while the camera system is
powered on. Reconnecting a charged cable may damage the CCD.
• Never impede airflow through the equipment by obstructing the air
vents.

Chapter 1. Introduction
3
Repairs
Repairs must be done by Photometrics. Should your system hardware need
repair, contact Photometrics Customer Service. Please save the original packing
materials so you can safely ship the camera system to another location or return
it for repairs if necessary.
Cleaning
Clean exterior surfaces of the camera system with a dry, lint-free cloth. To
remove stains, contact Photometrics Customer Service.
Photometrics
Customer Service
If you have any questions, contact Photometrics Customer Service. When you
call, please have your Photometrics job number or equipment serial numbers
available.
• Phone: [phone] between 7 am and 5 pm MST
• Fax: [phone]
• E-mail: [email protected]
• Mail: Photometrics Ltd.
3440 East Britannia Drive
Tucson, Arizona 85706
In Europe, you can reach Customer Service at:
• Phone: [phone] between 9 am and 5 pm
• Fax: [phone]
• Mail: Photometrics GmbH
Sollner Str. 61
D-81479 München, Germany
General information and answers to some customer service questions may be
found on our Web site:
http://www.photomet.com

4
SenSys User Manual

5
Chapter 2.
Hardware Installation
Hardware installation includes:
• Connecting the camera to mount adapters, tripod mounts, and other
instruments
• Connecting the camera to the AIA cable
• Connecting the camera to the power brick
Connecting Mount
Adapters, Tripod
Mounts, and Other
Instruments
The camera is shipped with a removable F- or C-mount adapter attached. If
applicable, change the mount adapter or attach a compatible lens. For
information on changing the mount adapter, installing a compatible lens, or
installing a standard tripod camera stand, see Chapter 3. Configuration Options .
A C-mount lens with optics that protrude a long distance into the camera may
interfere with the shutter blades. Specifications for calculating acceptable flange
focal distances are located on page 27.
If applicable, mount the camera on a compatible instrument or connect your
own trigger equipment to the 9-pin, female input/output (I/O) trigger port
located on the back of the camera. If you are using high-voltage equipment
(such as an arc lamp) with your camera system, be sure to turn the camera
power on last and power the camera off first . For trigger port pin-out
specifications, see page 29.
Connecting the
AIA Cable
• If your system’s AIA cable has a wide end and a narrow end, connect
the wide end of the cable to the camera’s AIA port (see the diagram on
page 14).
• If your system’s AIAcable has matching ends, connect either end of the
AIA cable to the camera’s AIAport (see the diagram on page 14).
Make sure to use theAIAcable that was shipped with your system. You will be
connecting the other end of the AIA cable to your interface hardware. For the
moment, simply leave the other end of the AIA cable unattached.
Instructions for installing interface hardware are provided in the Software Guide
that was shipped with your camera. Refer to the Software Guide after completing
the rest of this chapter.

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SenSys User Manual
Connecting the
Power Brick
The power brick is a switched supply that is shipped with a power supply cord.
Caution: Connecting or removing a live power cable to or from the SenSys camera can
damagethecamera'selectronic components. Donotattachor remove anycableswhile
the power brick is switched on (On = |, Off = 0) and plugged into an electrical outlet.
To connect the power brick to the camera:
Power Brick Cable with 9-pin,D Connector
1. Connectthepower brick cable's 9-pin, D connector to thepowerporton
the back of the camera (see the diagram on page 14). Secure by
tightening the connector screws. Do not extend this cable.
2. With the power brick switched off and the power cord unplugged from
anelectricaloutlet, connect the power cordtothe power brick (and later
to an electrical outlet).
Instructions for powering on and powering off the camera system are provided
in the Software Guide. When you turn on your camera later (after installing the
interface hardware), the red light on the camera illuminates immediately,
indicating that the camera has power. In 20-40 seconds, the green light
illuminates, indicating that the camera has reached operating temperature. See
Status Lights on page 14 of this User Manual for more information.
Power Brick Cable
Power
Cord
Power
Off (0)

7
Chapter 3.
Configuration Options
The SenSys hardware configuration options allow you to adapt your camera to
standard scientific instruments and lenses. Removable F-mount and C-mount
adapters, F-mount and C-mount lenses, and a tripod camera stand are available
through Photometrics.
Lens Mount
Adapters
SenSys cameras are shipped with a removable F-mount adapter or C-mount
adapter installed. The F-mount adapter allows the camera to be attached to
lenses and scientific instruments that are compatible with a Nikon
®
bayonet
mount. The C-mount adapter allows the camera to be attached to many video
camera lenses and C-mount-compatible scientific instruments. The F-mount
adapter is secured with two #6-32 socket set screws; the C-mount adapter is
secured with two #4-40 socket set screws.
SenSys Mount Options
F-Mount
Adapter
C-Mount
Adapter
F-Mount Lens
(optional)
C-Mount Lens
(optional)

8
SenSys User Manual
C-Mount Assembly The C-mount adapter is a standard threaded video mount with a standard
C-mount flange focal distance and additional travel distance to allow parfocal
adjustment with a variety of instruments. For specifications, see C-Mount
Adapter on page 27.
When the C-mount adapter is in place, a lens with optics that protrude a long
distance into the camera may interfere with the shutter blades. To calculate
appropriate measurements, refer to page 27.
C-mountAssembly
To install the C-mount adapter (if not pre-installed):
1. Using the .050” hex wrench provided, back out the set screws so they
do not interfere with threading the mount in place. There is no need to
remove the set screws.
2. Thread the C-mount adapter onto the lens or instrument adapter. Lock
in place using the .050” hex wrench provided.
3. Thread the C-mount adapter into the camera. (In certain cases, it may
be easier to thread the camera onto the C-mount adapter.)
To focus the camera:
1. If needed, back out the set screws until you can freely rotate the
C-mount adapter.
2. Using the instructions from your software program, bring your
software into focus loop mode. For instructions on using CAMTEST
™
to focus, see the Focusing the Camera section of the CAMTEST chapter in
the Software Guide .
3. Hold the camera so it does not rotate, then use the lens or instrument
adapter to adjust the C-mount adapter to the desired position.
4. Tighten the set screws until snug.
To remove the C-mount adapter:
1. Using the .050” hex wrench provided, back out the set screws until you
can freely rotate the mount.
2. Unscrew the mount from the camera.
C-Mount
Lens
C-Mount
Cap
C-Mount
Adapter

Chapter 3. Configuration Options
9
F-Mount Assembly The F-mount adapter is a standard Nikon bayonet mount with a standard
F-mount flange focal distance and additional travel distance to allow parfocal
adjustment with a variety of instruments. For specifications, see F-Mount
Adapter on page 26.
F-mountAssembly
To install the F-mount adapter (if not pre-installed):
1. Using the 1/16” hex wrench provided, back out the set screws so they
do not interfere with threading the mount in place. There is no need to
remove the set screws.
2. Thread the F-mount adapter onto the camera.
3. Insert the lens into the adapter and rotate it counterclockwise to lock. If
you don’t use a lens, simply attach your instrument’s F-mount adapter
to the camera or attach the camera to the instrument’s F-mount. (If your
instrument requires an F-mount adapter, contact your instrument
supplier.)
To focus the camera:
1. If needed, back out the set screws until you can freely rotate the
F-mount adapter.
2. Using the instructions from your software program, bring your
software into focus loop mode. For instructions on using CAMTEST
™
to focus, see the Focusing the Camera section of the CAMTEST chapter in
the Software Guide .
3. Hold the camera so it does not rotate, then rotate the F-mount adapter
to the desired position.
4. Tighten the set screws until snug.
To remove the F-mount adapter:
1. Using the 1/16” hex wrench provided, back out the set screws until you
can freely rotate the mount.
2. Unscrew the mount from the camera.
F-Mount
Adapter Lens
(optional) Lens
Cap

10
SenSys User Manual
Tripod Camera
Stand
The SenSys camera has four mounting holes that are tapped for a standard
tripod mounting bolt.
Camera withTripod Camera Stand
To mount the SenSys camera on a tripod camera stand:
1. Loosen the tripod mount locknut so that the maximum length of the
tripod mounting bolt is exposed.
2. Align the camera on the tripod mounting bolt, using one of the four
mounting holes on the camera body.
3. Thread the tripod mounting bolt into the camera body.
4. Tighten the locknut on the mount to secure the camera.
To remove the SenSys camera from a tripod mount:
1. Loosen the tripod mount locknut.
2. Unthread the tripod mounting bolt from the camera.
Tripod Mounts
on 4 sides
(0.25"-20 UNC-2B)

11
Chapter 4.
Component Descriptions
The SenSys camera consists of the camera body and the shutter cover. The
camera body houses the CCD, CCD cooling system, and camera electronics.All
of the components inside the camera body are sensitive electronic components
andarenotuseraccessible. Openingthecamerabodyvoidsthecamerawarranty .The
shutter, located behind the shutter cover, is a user-replaceable component.
SenSys Camera with F-mountAdapter and Nikon Lens
CCD
When you order a SenSys camera, you choose from a range of CCDs that differ
in size and grade. All SenSys CCDs are scientific-grade, grades with fewer
defects than commercial grades. Scientific-grade CCDs image with better
resolution, have low noise so they can detect weak signals, and are linear over
the dynamic range so you can accurately judge intensity differences between
objects.
MPP Some CCDs have the option of operating in Multi-Pinned Phase (MPP) mode.
MPP CCDs are built to have less thermally generated noise for a given exposure
time, a property useful when trying to detect weak signals.
Camera Body
Shutter Cover