Sutter Instrument Lambda 421 User manual

One Digital Drive
Novato, CA 94949
Voice: 415-883-0128 Web: www.sutter.com
Fax: [phone] Email: [e-mail]
Lambda 421
Ultra-High-Speed Optical Beam Combined
4-Channel Wavelength Switching
LED Light Source System
(With Lambda DG-4 External
Control Compatibility)
Operation Manual
Rev. 1.00n ((20170623)

II
Copyright © 2017 Sutter Instrument Company. All Rights Reserved.

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LAMBDA 421 OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 1.00N (20170623)
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DISCLAIMER
The Lambda 421 is a ultra-high-speed wavelength switching multi-LED-based beam
combined illumination or light source device. The purpose of the system is to be an
illuminator for microscopes. 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.
Unless otherwise indicated in this manual or by Sutter Instrument Technical Support for
reconfiguration, do not open or attempt to repair the instrument.
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 421 using 110 – 240 VAC., 50-60 Hz line voltage. This instrument is
designed for use in a laboratory environment that has low electrical noise and mechanical
vibration. Surge suppression is recommended at all times.
Fuse Replacement: Replace only with the same type and rating:
4 Amp, 125V, 5 x 20mm, Time Delay fuse (EIC 60127-2)
(Example: Bussmann GMC-4A)
A spare fuse is located in the power input module.
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury
Always use the grounded power supply cord set provided to connect the system’s
power adapter to a grounded/earthed outlet (3-prong). This is required to protect you
from injury in the event that an electrical hazard occurs.
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.
Electromagnetic Interference
To comply with FDA and CE/EU 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 its components (see the Technical Specifications appendix for more details).
Operational
Failure to comply with any of the following precautions may damage this device.

LAMBDA 421 OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 1.00N (20170623)
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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.
This instrument is designed for operation in a laboratory environment (Pollution Degree
I) that is free from mechanical vibrations, electrical noise and transients.
DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE LQUID LIGHT GUIDE BETWEEN
THE LAMBDA 421 AND MICROSCOPE ADAPTER (OR THE ADAPTER FROM THE
MICROSCOPE) WHILE POWER IS ON.
Operate this instrument only according to the instructions included in this manual.
Do not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument.
Do not operate this instrument near flammable materials. The use of any hazardous
materials with this instrument is not recommended and, if undertaken, is done so at the
users’ own risk.
Do not operate if there is any obvious damage to any part of the instrument.
Avoiding Physical Injury while Powered up and Emitting Light
INFRARED AND ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION: Possible infrared and ultraviolet
radiation generated by this lamp can cause significant skin burns and eye damage.
Other
Retain the original packaging for future transport of the instrument.
Sutter Instrument reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.
This device is intended only for research purposes.
WARNING
DO NOT LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE OUTPUT OF THE LIGHT
APERTURE OF THE OPTICAL BEAM COMBINER MOUNTED
ON THE CONTROLLER, THE CONNECTED LIQUID LIGHT
GUIDE, OR THE ATTACHED MICROSCOPE ADAPTER! Always
direct the output of the light aperture into the microscope using the
appropriate adapters, directed away from anyone’s eyes, and not
directed toward any reflective surface.

LAMBDA 421 OPERATION MANUAL – REV. 1.00N (20170623)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISCLAIMER .........................................................................................................................................iii
SAFETY WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................................iii
Electrical .................................................................................................................................................iii
Avoiding Electrical Shock and Fire-related Injury.............................................................................iii
Electromagnetic Interference ...............................................................................................................iii
Operational .............................................................................................................................................iii
Avoiding Physical Injury while Powered up and Emitting Light .....................................................iv
Other .......................................................................................................................................................iv
1. INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................1
1.1.1 How to Use this Manual............................................................................................................ 1
1.1.2 Technical Support ......................................................................................................................1
1.2 General Description..........................................................................................................................2
2. INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Unpacking..........................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Installation Instructions ..................................................................................................................5
3. OPERATIONS.....................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Controls..............................................................................................................................................7
3.1.1 Power Switch ..............................................................................................................................7
3.1.2 Light Source Channel Control Switch (ON/OFF/TTL) .........................................................7
3.1.3 Internal/External Control Switch (INT. / EXT.) ....................................................................7
3.1.4 Dimness/Intensity Control Knob (0-11) ..................................................................................7
3.2 Indicators ...........................................................................................................................................8
3.2.1 Power Light ................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Connectors .........................................................................................................................................8
3.3.1 Light Beam Combiner Output..................................................................................................8
3.3.2 STROBE BNC Connector .........................................................................................................8
3.3.3 DAC BNC Connector .................................................................................................................8
3.3.4 SHUTTER BNC Connector......................................................................................................8
3.3.5 USB Device Interface Connector..............................................................................................8
3.3.6 SERIAL Interface Connector....................................................................................................8
3.3.7 PARALLEL Interface Connector .............................................................................................8
3.4 Operation ...........................................................................................................................................8
3.5 Understanding the Basic Operation of the Lambda 421..............................................................9
3.6 Manual control ..................................................................................................................................9
3.7 Control via the DG-4 Interface......................................................................................................10
4. MAINTENANCE...............................................................................................................................13
4.1 Routine Maintenance .....................................................................................................................13
5. CHANGING LED MODULES .........................................................................................................15
5.1 Making Maximum Current Adjustments Based on LED Module Power Specification..........15
5.2 Adjustment Procedure for Switching between a 5A LED to 1A or 2A: ....................................16
5.3 Adjustment Procedure for Switching between a 1A or 2A to 5A: .............................................17

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APPENDIX A. LIMITED WARRANTY..............................................................................................19
APPENDIX B. FUSE REPLACEMENT.............................................................................................21
APPENDIX C. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................23
APPENDIX D. EXTERNAL-CONTROL COMMAND REFERENCE.............................................25
INDEX ....................................................................................................................................................33
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1-1. Lambda 421 indicators, controls, and connectors............................................................... 2
Figure 1-2. Stages of pass-through and reflection from each input light source................................. 3
Figure 1-3. Lambda 421 combined output based on the pass-through and reflection of each input
light source. ............................................................................................................................... 3
Figure 3-1. Locations of individual indicators, controls, and connectors on the Lambda 421
controller.................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3-2. Rear panel of the Lambda 421............................................................................................. 11
Figure 5-1. Power entry module and fuse location on the rear panel of the Lambda 421 controller.21

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction
The Lambda 421 is an illumination system designed for the rapid change of wavelength
derived from up to four light sources of different wavelengths combined into a single beam.
The system comprises of three subsystems: controller, Optical Beam Combiner (ODC), up to
four LED light sources, and power supply. All four subsystems are conveniently housed in
and on one cabinet. For the most part, this manual is organized around those subsystems to
provide you with ready access to information, as you need it.
1.1.1 How to Use this Manual
This manual is organized in a manner that is best suited for the typical manner in which the
reader would learn about the system, and then install, operate, and maintain it. Prior to the
table of contents of this manual is a disclaimer and a series of cautionary and warning notes
– it is important that these be read first. This first chapter provides an overall description of
the system, leaving more in-depth technical information towards the end of the chapter. The
next chapter describes how to install the system, followed by one or more chapters that
provide operation instructions, and ending with a chapter on maintenance. Following the
final chapter are several appendices that provide supplemental information. The installation
chapter covers everything related to installation, from unpacking the equipment as received,
through to ensuring correct installation and operation. The operation chapters cover the two
basic types of user interaction with the system: Manual (local) control and external computer
control. Please take the time to read these instructions to assure the safe and proper use of
this instrument.
1.1.2 Technical Support
Sutter Instrument Company at no charge provides unlimited technical support 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 [e-mail].
Furthermore, as this manual is currently under construction, if there are any areas that you
feel should be covered in detail we would like to hear from you.

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1.2 General Description
CAPABLE OF COMBINING ANY LIGHT SOURCE
ANY SUITABLE WAVELENGTH (LED OR EXTERNAL FILTERED LIGHT SOURCE)
CAN BE PLACED IN ANY OF 4 POSITIONS WITHOUT CONCERN FOR THE ORDER
SELECTION AND BEAM REFLECTION USING SEMROCK-STR FILTERS
Figure 1-1. Lambda 421 indicators, controls, and connectors.
The Lambda 421 beam combiner is a new, patented, concept for combining separate light
sources with different spectra into a single common output beam. Each separate light source
is collimated before entering the optical path through a bandpass filter. The filters for each
light source also function as mirrors that reflect the collimated beams from the previous light
sources. In the diagram below the optical paths are outlined for each position including the
reflections that occur:
Traditionally, combining more than two light sources required the use of a dichroic ladder.
Dichroic mirrors, which switch from transmission to reflection at one point in the spectrum,
allow the combining of separate light sources, provided that those sources do not have
overlapping wavelengths. The downside of this approach is that light sources cannot be easily
changed.
Dichroic ladders also demand careful attention to the order in which the light sources are
introduced into the optical path, to avoid having the light blocked by the next dichroic in line.
Typically, additional bandpass filters must be added in front of each light source before the
dichroic, to select the desired range of wavelengths for each source. Each filter and dichroic
used in the ladder decreases the total light output of the system.