Sutter Instrument LAMBDA 10-B User manual

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email:[email protected]
LAMBDA 10®-B
Optical Filter Changer and
Smart Shutter®Control System
Operation Manual
Rev. 1.20Q (20230227)

LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
ii
Copyright © 2023 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.
LAMBDA 10 ® and SmartShutter®are registered trademarks of Sutter Instrument
Company.

LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
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DISCLAIMER
The LAMBDA 10-B is an optical filter switcher and shutter controller designed for the
specific use of changing filters into and out of an optical pathway and no other use is
recommended.
This instrument is designed for use in a laboratory environment. It is not intended, nor
should it be used in human experimentation or applied to humans in any way. This is not a
medical device.
Do not open or attempt to repair the instrument. Extreme heat and high voltages are present
and could cause injury.
Do not allow unauthorized and/or untrained operative to use this device.
Any misuse will be the sole responsibility of the user/owner and Sutter Instrument Company
assumes no implied or inferred liability for direct or consequential damages from this
instrument if it is operated or used in any way other than for which it is designed.
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Electrical
▪Operate the LAMBDA 10-B using 110-120 V AC, 60 Hz, or 220-240 V AC., 50 Hz line
voltage. This instrument is designed for connection to a standard laboratory power outlet
(Overvoltage Category II), and because it is a microprocessor-controlled device, it should
be accorded the same system wiring precautions as any 'computer type' system. A surge
protector and power regulator are recommended.
▪Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same type and rating:
If the serial number is equal to LB10IQ-1554 or greater, then the specified fuse is:
5 x 20 mm glass tube, Time Delay (IEC 60127-2, Sheet III)
T1.0A, 250V (219XA Series)
Use only Littelfuse 0219001.XAP (219XA Series)
If the serial number is below LB10IQ-1554, then the specified fuse is:
5 x 20 mm glass tube, Time Delay (IEC 60127-2, Sheet III)
T1.0A, 250V
Use only Bussmann GDC-1A; or Littelfuse 218 001
A spare fuse is in the power input module. Please refer to the fuse-replacement appendix
for more details on fuse ratings and for instructions on how to change the fuse.
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
▪Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the system to a
grounded outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect you from injury if an electrical
hazard occurs.

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LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
▪Do not disassemble the system. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
▪To prevent fire or shock hazard do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
Optical Radiation
This system is designed for use in conjunction with high-intensity light sources. Failure to
comply with any of the following precautions may result in injury to the users of this device
as well as those working in the general area near the device.
▪Never look into the optical pathway of the high intensity light sources typically used
with this instrument. Doing so can cause permanent eye damage.
▪The high-intensity light sources typically used with this instrument also produce a
significant amount of heat. Direct contact with the housing of those instruments can
cause serious burns.
▪The SmartShutter is Not a Safety Shutter: Sutter Instrument Co.’s SmartShutter is
not intended to be a ‘safety shutter.’ A safety shutter usually closes automatically in the
event of a power failure and is designed with the primary goal of ensuring that it will not
allow any unintended exposure. For laser safety applications, a shutter is normally
designed so that no single component failure allows an unintended exposure to the laser
beam. The SmartShutter is intended for use in the controlling of light in scientific and
industrial applications. The SmartShutter was designed for high performance and
durability, but without certain features that would be desirable in a safety shutter
application.
Electromagnetic Interference
To comply with FDA and CE electromagnetic immunity and interference standards; and to
reduce the electromagnetic coupling between this and other equipment in your lab always
use the type and length of interconnect cables provided with the unit for the interconnection
of one or more filter wheels and/or shutters, host computer via serial RS-232 or USB
interface, or other equipment via TTL connections (see the TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
appendix for more details).
Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.
◼This instrument is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree
I).
◼This unit is not designed for operation at altitudes above 2000 meters nor was it tested
for safety above 2000 meters.
◼DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE CABLES BETWEEN THE
CONTROLLER AND THE MECHANICAL UNITS WHILE POWER IS ON.
Please allow at least 20 seconds after turning the unit off before disconnecting the
mechanical units. Failure to do this may result in damage to the electronics.

LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
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◼Operate only in a location where there is a free flow of fresh air on all sides.
NEVER ALLOW THE FREE FLOW OF AIR TO BE RESTRICTED.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................... v
Electrical ..................................................................................................................................................v
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury..............................................................................v
Optical Radiation ...................................................................................................................................vi
Electromagnetic Interference...............................................................................................................vi
Operational .............................................................................................................................................vi
1. GENERAL INFORMATION ...........................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 How to use this Manual.............................................................................................................1
1.1.2 Technical Support......................................................................................................................1
1.2 General Description..........................................................................................................................1
1.3 Filter Wheel.......................................................................................................................................2
1.3.1 Mechanical Description .............................................................................................................2
1.3.1.1 Supported Filter Wheel and Shutter Configurations......................................................3
1.3.1.2 Filter Wheel and Shutter Configurations NOT Supported............................................4
1.3.2 Filter Wheels...............................................................................................................................4
1.3.2.1 Mechanical Description.......................................................................................................5
1.3.3 Filters...........................................................................................................................................5
1.3.4 Slide-in or Drop-in Filter Holders ............................................................................................5
1.3.4.1 Filter Wheel Adapters.........................................................................................................6
1.3.5 Shutters.......................................................................................................................................6
1.3.6 SmartShutter Mounts ...............................................................................................................6
1.3.7 Cables ..........................................................................................................................................7
1.3.8 Devices for TTL-Control of Shutters .......................................................................................7
1.4 Adapters.............................................................................................................................................7
1.5 SmartShutter ....................................................................................................................................7
1.5.1 Step Motor Based Shutter Advantages....................................................................................7
1.5.2 Modes...........................................................................................................................................9
1.5.3 Special Considerations...............................................................................................................9
1.5.3.1 Mounting..............................................................................................................................9
1.5.3.2 Opening and Closing Times .............................................................................................10
1.5.3.3 Repetition Rates and Duty Cycle.....................................................................................11
1.6 Controller.........................................................................................................................................11
1.6.1 Principles of Operation............................................................................................................11
1.6.2 Rear Panel Connectors............................................................................................................11
1.6.3 Front Panel Controls ...............................................................................................................13
1.6.3.1 Keypad................................................................................................................................13
1.6.3.2 Display ................................................................................................................................14
1.7 Functional Description...................................................................................................................14
1.7.1 Stepping Motor Operation ......................................................................................................14
2. INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................17
2.1 Unpacking........................................................................................................................................17
2.2 Pre-Installation Considerations ....................................................................................................18

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2.2.1 Vibrations..................................................................................................................................18
2.3 Installing the Filter Wheel.............................................................................................................19
2.4 Filter Wheel Assembly....................................................................................................................20
2.5 Loading Filters ................................................................................................................................21
2.5.1 Filter Orientation.....................................................................................................................21
2.5.2 Filter Cups and Filter Holders................................................................................................21
2.5.3 Installation of Filters into Filter Holders..............................................................................23
2.5.4 Installation of Filters into Filter Cups...................................................................................25
2.6 Filter Loading Tips .........................................................................................................................26
2.6.1 Selection of a Filter Position...................................................................................................26
2.6.2 Use of Blanking Discs ..............................................................................................................26
2.6.3 Neutral Density Filters............................................................................................................26
2.7 Shutter Options...............................................................................................................................27
2.8 Mounting a SmartShutter in a Lambda LS.................................................................................27
3. OPERATIONS ................................................................................................................................29
3.1 First Time Use ................................................................................................................................29
3.1.1 Line Power (Mains)..................................................................................................................29
3.2 Basic Operation...............................................................................................................................30
3.2.1 Initialization .............................................................................................................................30
3.3 Make It Go.......................................................................................................................................31
4. OPERATIONS: MANUAL CONTROL.........................................................................................33
4.1 Power up Sequence.........................................................................................................................33
4.2 Main Status Screen.........................................................................................................................33
4.2.1 Filter Wheel/Shutter Configuration.......................................................................................33
4.3 Dual-SmartShutter Configuration................................................................................................33
4.4 Placing LAMBDA 10-B into Local Mode......................................................................................34
4.5 Immediate Key Control of Attached Devices...............................................................................34
4.5.1 Filter Wheel and/or Shutter Configuration...........................................................................34
4.6 Main Menu (F1) ..............................................................................................................................34
4.6.1 TTL Shutter Control Menu (F1 1).........................................................................................35
4.6.1.1 Configuring TTL Shutter Control for Open on High (F1 1 1 1) ..................................35
4.6.1.2 Configuring TTL Shutter Control for Open on Low (F1 1 1 2) ...................................35
4.6.1.3 Configuring TTL Shutter Control for Toggling Open and Close on High (F1 1 1 3) 35
4.6.2 Test Mode Menu (F1 2) ...........................................................................................................35
4.6.2.1 Loop Test (F1 2 1) .............................................................................................................35
4.6.2.2 Speed Test (F1 2 2)............................................................................................................36
4.6.2.3 Shutter Test (F1 2 3).........................................................................................................36
4.6.2.4 Demo (F1 2 4).....................................................................................................................36
4.6.3 SmartShutter Mode Menu (F1 3)...........................................................................................36
4.6.3.1 Fast Mode (F1 3 1).............................................................................................................36
4.6.3.2 Soft Mode (F1 3 2) .............................................................................................................36
4.6.3.3 Neutral Density Mode (F1 3 3) ........................................................................................36
4.6.4 Configuration Menu (F1 4) .....................................................................................................36
4.6.4.1 Save Configuration (F1 4 1) .............................................................................................37
4.6.4.2 Restore Configuration (F1 4 2) ........................................................................................37
4.7 Selecting the Filter Position ..........................................................................................................37
4.8 Selecting the Filter Switching Speed............................................................................................37

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4.9 Selecting the Shutter Position (Open/Close) ...............................................................................38
4.10 Shutter Movement Errors: Causes and Solutions ...................................................................38
4.11 Error Detection and Recovery.....................................................................................................38
4.12 Movement Errors: Causes and Solutions..................................................................................39
4.13 Helpful Tips about Movement Errors........................................................................................40
4.14 Smart Shutter Movement Errors: Causes and Solutions ........................................................40
4.14.1 Movement Errors after Successive Moves ..........................................................................40
5. EXTERNAL COMMAND CONTROL OPERATIONS OVERVIEW..........................................43
5.1 Input Command Structure ............................................................................................................43
5.1.1 Commands Description ...........................................................................................................43
5.2 Filter Wheel Commands ................................................................................................................46
5.2.1 Filter Wheel Command Byte Encoding.................................................................................47
5.3 Shutter Commands.........................................................................................................................51
5.3.1 Open Shutter A ........................................................................................................................53
5.3.2 Open Shutter A Conditionally ................................................................................................53
5.3.3 Close Shutter A.........................................................................................................................53
5.3.4 Open Shutter B ........................................................................................................................53
5.3.5 Open Shutter B Conditionally ................................................................................................53
5.3.6 Close Shutter B.........................................................................................................................53
5.3.7 Fast-Mode Shutter...................................................................................................................53
5.3.8 Soft-Mode Shutter....................................................................................................................54
5.3.9 Neutral Density Mode Shutter...............................................................................................54
5.4 Special Commands..........................................................................................................................54
5.4.1 Status.........................................................................................................................................55
5.4.2 All Motors Power On ...............................................................................................................57
5.4.3 All Motors Power Off...............................................................................................................57
5.4.4 Transfer to On Line .................................................................................................................57
5.4.5 Transfer to Local......................................................................................................................57
5.4.6 Reset ..........................................................................................................................................57
5.4.7 Get Controller Type and Configuration ................................................................................57
5.5 Shutter Control without Remote Control Commands via the Dedicated TTL Line...............59
5.6 Remote Control Command Programming...................................................................................59
5.6.1 Preparing the Command Byte................................................................................................59
5.6.1.1 Encoding Filter Commands Into a Single Byte..............................................................59
5.6.1.2 Shutter or Special Commands .........................................................................................60
5.6.2 Command Transmission Protocol..........................................................................................60
5.6.2.1 Confirmation Command Echo .........................................................................................60
5.6.2.2 Command Completion Indicator .....................................................................................60
6. EXTERNAL SERIAL RS-232 INTERFACE CONTROL.............................................................61
6.1 Connecting to the Serial Port........................................................................................................61
6.2 Input Command Set and Protocol ................................................................................................62
7. EXTERNAL USB INTERFACE CONTROL................................................................................63
7.1 Installation Steps ............................................................................................................................64
7.2 Installing the LAMBDA 10-B as a USB Device on a Windows System using the Standard
Device Driver .........................................................................................................................................65
7.3 Installing the LAMBDA 10-B as a USB Device on a Windows System using CDM (Combined
Driver Model) Device Driver................................................................................................................67

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7.4 Installing the USB interface for non-Windows systems.............................................................68
7.5 Verifying USB Communication between Remote Computer and LAMBDA 10-B..................68
7.6 Uninstalling the USB Driver for the LAMBDA 10-B.................................................................69
7.7 Remote Commands and the USB Interface.................................................................................69
7.8 Command Sequence Formatting and Protocol: ..........................................................................70
7.8.1 Confirmation Command Echo................................................................................................70
7.8.2 Command Completion Indicator............................................................................................70
8. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: EXTERNAL LOGIC LEVEL (TTL) SHUTTER CONTROL
..............................................................................................................................................................71
8.1 Using the PC’s Parallel Port for Control .....................................................................................71
9. MAINTENANCE............................................................................................................................73
APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................................75
APPENDIX B. ACCESSORIES .........................................................................................................77
B.1. Filter Wheels..................................................................................................................................77
B.2. SmartShutter.................................................................................................................................78
APPENDIX C. FUSE REPLACEMENT...........................................................................................79
APPENDIX D. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................................81
APPENDIX E. LAMBDA 10-B REV C AND EARLIER VERSIONS..............................................85
APPENDIX F. EXTERNAL CONTROL COMMAND REFERENCE ............................................87
Manual Operation.................................................................................................................................87
Configuration.........................................................................................................................................87
External Control ...................................................................................................................................88
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Lambda series 25mm filter wheel (without shutter).......................................................... 3
Figure 1-2. Lambda series 25mm filter wheel housing (with 25mm shutter)..................................... 3
Figure 1-3. Lambda-series 25mm filter wheel housing with 25mm SmartShutter and 32mm filter
wheel housing with 35mm SmartShutter.............................................................................. 3
Figure 1-4. 25mm SmartShutter standalone and mounted on the housing of a 25mm filter wheel.8
Figure 1-5. 35mm SmartShutter standalone and mounted on the housing of a 32mm filter wheel.9
Figure 1-6. SmartShutter timing............................................................................................................10
Figure 1-7 Rear panel electrical connections......................................................................................... 12
Figure 1-8. LAMBDA 10-B front panel controls. ..................................................................................13
Figure 2-1. Schematic diagram of two possible experimental configurations. ..................................19
Figure 2-2. Filter wheel-mounting stand............................................................................................... 20
Figure 2-3. Filter wheel connection.......................................................................................................21
Figure 2-4. Filter holder components..................................................................................................... 22
Figure 2-5. Changing filters in the Slide-In Filter Holder. ..................................................................23

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Figure 2-6. Removing the retaining ring................................................................................................24
Figure 2-7. Assembly order of filter holder parts.................................................................................24
Figure 2-8. Filter ports (plug is removed from the loading port). ....................................................... 25
Figure 3-1. LAMBDA 10-B Cabinet (rear view).................................................................................... 29
Figure 3-2. Switch, fuse, and power connection................................................................................... 29
Figure 3-3. Power connection.................................................................................................................. 30
Figure 6-1. Serial port pin assignments. ...............................................................................................61
Figure 7-1. The USB cable device connector and device USB receptacle...........................................64
Figure 7-2. Host connector end of USB cable and USB host receptacle on remote computer. ....... 65
Figure 7-3. New USB device detected message box..............................................................................65
Figure 7-4. Digital Signature dialog box. ...............................................................................................66
Figure 7-5. Specifying location of driver files. .......................................................................................66
Figure 7-6. Browsing for the driver file needed..................................................................................... 67
Figure C-1. Power entry module and fuse holder................................................................................ 79
TABLE OF TABLES
Table 2-1. Maximum allowable filter thickness. ...................................................................................23
Table 4-1. Filter Switching Times (in milliseconds). ...........................................................................38
Table 5-1. Remote Control Command Categories................................................................................43
Table 5-2. External Commands. ............................................................................................................44
Table 5-3. Filter Command Structure................................................................................................... 47
Table 5-4. Codes for filter wheel configuration. ................................................................................... 48
Table 5-5. Shutter open/close commands..............................................................................................51
Table 5-6. SmartShutter Mode commands in the “Wheel/Shutter” configuration. ........................52
Table 5-7. SmartShutter Mode commands in the “Dual-SmartShutter” configuration................. 52
Table 5-8. Special command codes.........................................................................................................54
Table 5-9. “Get Status” command return data in a “Wheel & Shutter” configuration.................. 55
Table 5-10. “Get Status” command return data in a “Dual-SmartShutter” configuration.............56
Table 5-11. “Get Controller Type and Configuration” command return data in a wheel & shutter
configuration. .......................................................................................................................... 58
Table 5-12. “Get Controller Type and Configuration” command return data in a dual-
SmartShutter configuration..................................................................................................58
Table 6-1. Serial interface serial port settings....................................................................................... 62
Table 7-1. USB interface serial port settings.........................................................................................63

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Table 7-2. USB interface serial port settings (later firmware)............................................................ 63
Table 8-1. Commands for PC parallel port control of dedicated TTL line........................................71
Table D-1. Controller Cables.................................................................................................................. 83
Table F-1. Commands for PC parallel port control of dedicated TTL line......................................... 88
Table F-2. Serial and USB- interface serial port settings. ................................................................... 88
Table F-3. USB interface serial port settings (later firmware). ..........................................................88
Table F-4. Complete Command Reference. ..........................................................................................89
Table F-5. Filter Command Structure. .................................................................................................91
Table F-6. Codes for filter wheel configuration....................................................................................92
Table F-7. “Get Status” command return data in a “Wheel & Shutter” configuration..................95
Table F-8. “Get Status” command return data in a “Dual-SmartShutter” configuration..............96
Table F-9. “Get Controller Type and Configuration” command return data in a wheel & shutter
configuration. .......................................................................................................................... 97
Table F-10. Get Controller Type and Configuration” command return data in a dual-
SmartShutter configuration..................................................................................................97

LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
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1. GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Introduction
The LAMBDA 10-B is a filter wheel and shutter control system designed for the rapid change
and aperture control of wavelength and is comprised of two subsystems: 1) a controller, and
2) a combination of filter wheels and shutters that are placed in the optical pathway(s) of
your existing experimental setup. The controller is microprocessor-controlled with the
capability of delivering power and control signals to a filter wheel, and optionally to one to
two integrated shutters. Each integrated shutter may be a SmartShutter®or a conventional
shutter. Each of the -filter wheel/shutter combinations may also consist of a standalone filter
wheel and one or two standalone SmartShutters.
1.1.1 How to use this Manual
Installation of the filter wheel and filters is discussed in the FILTER WHEEL section,
SmartShutter installation is discussed in the SMARTSHUTTER section, and installation and
manual operation of the controller are discussed in the CONTROLLER section. This unit
supports a SmartShutter or a traditional shutter. Up to one filter wheel is also supported
with or without shutter, or up to two Smart Shutters (without a wheel). Finally, the remote
operation of the LAMBDA 10-B through its serial and USB ports is discussed in the
REMOTE-CONTROL sections.
1.1.2 Technical Support
Unlimited technical support is provided by Sutter Instrument Company at no charge to our
customers. Our technical support staff is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00
PM (Pacific Time) at [phone]. You may also E-mail your queries to [email protected].
1.2 General Description
The LAMBDA 10-B is a microprocessor controlled, high-speed filter wheel system designed
for microscopy and other applications that require rapid and accurate wavelength switching.
The LAMBDA 10-B controller can control either a single filter wheel with a high-speed
shutter or up to two standalone SmartShutters (without a filter wheel). The controller
features both USB and serial RS-232 input for remote control.
The controller is designed around an embedded microcontroller, which automatically
determines the equipment installed. The electronics for controlling a shutter are already
installed, even if you did not order that option. If you add a shutter later, there are no
additional electronics to buy, although you may need to configure the circuit board for the
size of shutter if you wish to install a UNIBLITZ shutter.
The controller can run up to one filter wheels (with or without a shutter) or up to two
SmartShutters (no filter wheel), all under remote control through a USB or serial input
using the same simple protocol as the previous Lambda 10- 2 controller with only minor
differences. The USB and the serial RS-232 interfaces use the exact same remote-control
command set. Some important considerations about using a combination of input sources
(e.g., the keypad and the Serial port) are discussed in the Remote-Control section of this
manual.

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The following instructions are meant to help you set up the LAMBDA 10-B and become
familiar with the manual mode of filter selection. Other sections of this manual contain
detailed discussions on the functionality of the controller, how filters are installed, and
setting up remote control communications.
The Lambda SmartShutter is a microprocessor controlled, high-speed shutter designed for
microscopy and other applications that require a shutter function. The LAMBDA 10-B
controller can control a single a single integrated or two standalone SmartShutters. Shutters
are commonly used to turn off a light source to prevent photo bleaching or other photo
damage. In addition, they may be used to select between multiple light sources or light paths,
such as transmitted light versus fluorescence excitation. SmartShutters can be placed into
one of several modes. These modes determine the way the actual shutter action works: Fast
Mode, Soft Mode, and Neutral Density Mode. Fast Mode provides for the fastest open/close
action of the shutter. Soft Mode is slightly slower than Fast Mode and provides for a
somewhat gradual open/close action, as well as being quieter. Neutral Density Mode allows
for the control of the aperture of the open state of the shutter –between 1 and 144
microsteps may be selected for the Neutral Density Mode. Neutral Density Mode also
provides for the control of light intensity without affecting the wavelength.
The primary use of the shutter is as an accessory to the Lambda 10 series of filter wheels, but
it is also used as a stand-alone piece for the transmitted light arm of inverted microscopes.
The electromechanical shutters actuated by solenoids have been used by most optical
manufacturers for decades and have some outstanding features. They act quickly, they can
be driven by simple electronics, and the package is quite thin. However, these units are prone
to frequent failures and usually cannot be repaired. There is effectively no warranty from the
manufacturer for the end user. Although they can produce short bursts of operation at 30
Hertz, they will overheat and fail quickly if this rate of opening is maintained. These shutters
also produce a good deal of vibration and audible noise.
1.3 Filter Wheel
1.3.1 Mechanical Description
The basic components of the filter wheel mechanical assembly are shown in following figures.
The only components that are to be removed by the user are the drop-in or slide-in filter
holders and the plug in the loading port. At no time should the user remove the cover plate
from the wheel housing.
1. 10-position wheel (removed from motor hub)
2. Installed filter cup
3. Wheel housing
4. Cover plate (removed from wheel housing
5. Stepper motor
6. Drop-in filter holder (Figure 1-1) or slide-in filter holder (Figure 1-2)
7. Mounting ears
8. Optical port
9. Loading port (plug installed)
10. Shutter housing

LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
3
Figure 1-1. Lambda series 25mm filter wheel (without shutter).
Figure 1-2. Lambda series 25mm filter wheel housing (with 25mm shutter).
Figure 1-3. Lambda-series 25mm filter wheel housing with 25mm SmartShutter and 32mm filter wheel housing
with 35mm SmartShutter.
1.3.1.1 Supported Filter Wheel and Shutter Configurations
The LAMBDA 10-B controller supports two basic filter wheel and/or shutter configurations:
1. Any combination of one filter wheel and one shutter:
One standalone filter wheel only (no shutter)
One standalone filter wheel and one standalone SmartShutter

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LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
One filter wheel with built-in shutter (SmartShutter or UNIBLITZ®
1
)
One standalone SmartShutter
2. Two standalone SmartShutters (no filter wheel)
Note that the operation of the LAMBDA 10-B, its manual-control menu structure, and
remote-control command structure (serial and USB), all change between the two basic
configurations listed previously.
1.3.1.2 Filter Wheel and Shutter Configurations NOT Supported
The following combinations of filter wheels and shutters are not supported by the LAMBDA
10-B.
•More than one filter wheel.
•One standalone filter wheel and more than one shutter.
•More than one Uniblitz shutter.
•One Uniblitz shutter and one SmartShutter.
•More than two standalone SmartShutters (no filter wheel)
1.3.2 Filter Wheels
When a LAMBDA 10-B Filter Wheel system is purchased, its configuration may include one
filter wheel, with or without a shutter. If the LAMBDA 10-B system is purchased with a 10-
position 25mm (1-inch) filter wheel, you may wish to exchange the filter wheel with a 10-
position 32mm or a 5-position 50mm filter wheel. If the filter wheel being replaced is a 10-
position 32mm filter wheel equipped with a 35mm shutter (UNIBLITZ® or SmartShutter),
then LAMBDA 10-B controller must be modified by Sutter Instrument Co. before said filter
wheel with shutter is connected. If the 32mm filter wheel is not equipped with a shutter, or if
installing a 50mm filter wheel, then no modification to the LAMBDA 10-B controller is
needed. Note that you must only use filter wheels manufactured by Sutter Instrument
Company. All filter wheel options are listed in the Sutter Instrument catalogue and in the
following list.
10-position, 25mm filter wheels:
LB10-NW (without shutter)
LB10-NWIQ (with 25mm SmartShutter)
LB10-NWS (with UNIBLITZ® shutter)
LB10-NWE (without shutter and set up for emission)
4-position, 25mm filter wheels:
LB10-WHS4 (without shutter)
LB10-WHS4IQ (with SmartShutter)
LB10-WHS4E (without shutter and set up for emission)
10-position 32mm filter wheels:
LB10-W32 (without shutter)
LB10-NW32IQ (with 35mm SmartShutter)
LB10-W32S (with 35mm UNIBLITZ® shutter)
5-position 50mm filter wheel:
LB10-W50 (without shutter).
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UNIBLITZ is a registered trademark of Vincent Associates.

LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
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Belt-driven 4-position 25mm filter wheel (special):
LB4-W (without shutter). Requires a LAMBDA 10-B circuit board only (no keyboard or
display), programmed with special firmware.
1.3.2.1 Mechanical Description
The basic components of the filter wheel mechanical assembly are shown in following figures.
The only components that are to be removed by the user are the drop-in or slide-in filter
holders and the plug in the loading port. At no time should the user remove the cover plate
from the wheel housing.
1. 10-position wheel (removed from motor hub)
2. Installed filter cup
3. Wheel housing
4. Cover plate (removed from wheel housing
5. Stepper motor
6. Drop-in filter holder (Figure 1-1) or slide-in filter holder (Figure 1-2)
7. Mounting ears
8. Optical port
9. Loading port (plug installed)
10. Shutter housing
1.3.3 Filters
The LAMBDA 10-B Controller can be used with a range of filter wheels. Most of these wheels
accept both 25 mm and 1-inch diameter filters. When larger filters are required, a wheel is
available that accepts 32 mm diameter filters.
Filter wheels designed for use with 1 inch or 25 mm filters will accept filters with a thickness
that does not exceed the following dimensions:
▪mm (0.18 in.) for Slide-in filter holders
•5.38 mm (0.21 in.) for Drop-in filter holders
•9 mm (0.35 in.) for Filter cups
Filter wheels designed for use with 32 mm filters will accept filters with a thickness that does
not exceed the following dimensions:
•9 mm (0.35 in.) for Filter cups
Instructions for installing filters into the filter wheel can be found in the FILTER WHEEL
chapter of this manual. Sutter Instrument Company does not supply filters but filters
conforming to the above specifications can be purchased from any filter manufacturer.
1.3.4 Slide-in or Drop-in Filter Holders
Many users prefer having extra Slide-in or Drop-in filter holders for more convenient
replacement of these “fixed” filters. Only use filter holders made by Sutter Instrument
Company in the LAMBDA 10-B Filter Wheel. Extra filter holders for one-inch wheels are
readily available from Sutter Instrument Company or their distributors and are listed as

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LAMBDA 10-B OPERATION MANUAL –REV. 1.20Q (20230227)
“SLIDE-IN” and “DROP-IN” in the Sutter catalogue. At this point there are no slide-in or
drop-in filter holders for 32 mm systems, although there is a fixed filter position for a heat-
blocking filter in most 32 mm microscope adapters offered by Sutter Instrument Company.
Slide-in and drop-in filter holders are not available for the 50 mm filter wheels.
1.3.4.1 Filter Wheel Adapters
Most microscopes, cameras, light sources and other optical instruments to which the
LAMBDA 10-B Filter Wheel may be interfaced will require some sort of adapter to link the
devices. Adapters for interfacing the Filter Wheel to most instruments are available from
Sutter Instrument Company or can be custom built by Sutter. Suitable adapters are
available from other sources, as well, but Sutter Instrument Company assumes no
responsibility for the performance, suitability and safety of adapters built by the user or
other manufacturers.
1.3.5 Shutters
If you purchase a LAMBDA 10-B Filter Wheel system without a shutter and later decide to
add one to the system, the Filter Wheel must be returned to the factory for the upgrade. The
current version of the LAMBDA 10-B Filter Wheel controller can support a retrofit with a
Smart Shutter or traditional shutter, without modification. The installation of a traditional
shutter may require the setting of a jumper to configure the driver circuit for the size of
shutter installed. You must only use shutters installed by Sutter Instrument Company --
contact Sutter Instrument Company or your distributor for details. All shutter options are
listed in the Sutter Instrument catalogue and in the following list.
•25mm Shutters
Uniblitz®shutter, as integrated in the housing of the LB10-NWS 10-position, 25mm filter
wheel.
Smart Shutter as integrated in the housing of the LB10-NWIQ (10-position, 25mm) filter
wheel.
IQ25-W Smart Shutter with housing to fit a Sutter Instrument 25mm filter wheel
IQ25-SA
2
Smart Shutter with stand-alone housing
IQ25-LS Smart Shutter with housing to fit inside a Lambda LS
IQ25-DG Smart Shutter with housing to fit inside a Lambda DG-4 or Lambda DG-5
•35mm Shutters
IQ35-W Smart Shutter with housing to fit filter wheel
IQ35-SA Smart Shutter with stand-alone housing
1.3.6 SmartShutter Mounts
An 8-32 screw-mount hole exists on the edge of the SmartShutter opposite the motor, into
which may be attached a mounting post of any desired length. When the SmartShutter is
mounted on a post using this screw-mount hole, the exact center of the shutter aperture is
precisely aligned with the vertical center of the post. Posts of various lengths are available
2
Wherevignetting is an issue, the 35mm SmartShutter (IQ35-SA) is recommended.