X-Cite Exacte User manual

X-Cite®exacte User Guide

X-Cite® exacte User Guide
035-00283 Rev. 3
Made in Canada
Excelitas Canada Inc. 2016
All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a
retrieval system or translated into any language in any form by any means without the
prior written consent of Excelitas Canada Inc. Every effort has been made to ensure
information in this manual is accurate; however, information in this manual is subject to
change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the authors.
Excelitas Canada Inc.
2260 Argentia Road
Mississauga ON L5N 6H7 CANADA
Trademarks
X-Cite®, exacte, Intelli-Lamp®, and Closed-Loop Feedback are registered trademarks of
Excelitas Canada Inc. All rights reserved.
All other product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Table of Contents
1. X-Cite®exacte Message Reference.......................................................................1
2. Introduction............................................................................................................2
3. Safety......................................................................................................................3
3.1 Glossary of Symbols...........................................................................................3
3.2 Safety Precautions .............................................................................................4
4. Getting Started.......................................................................................................7
4.1 System Components..........................................................................................7
4.2 Front Panel.........................................................................................................8
4.3 Rear Panel.........................................................................................................9
5. Installation/Set-up................................................................................................10
5.1 Installing Lamp Module.....................................................................................10
5.2 Inserting/Removing Light Guide .......................................................................13
5.3 Tips to Prevent Premature Degradation of Light Guides...................................15
5.4 Installing the Collimating Adapter .....................................................................16
6. Operation..............................................................................................................18
6.1 Powering Up/Powering Down...........................................................................18
6.2 Quick Start: Illuminating a Specimen................................................................19
6.3 Front Panel Button Functions...........................................................................19
6.4 LED Indicators..................................................................................................20
6.5 Display Format Reference................................................................................20
6.6 Output Intensity Modes.....................................................................................21
6.7 Adjusting Light Output......................................................................................21
6.8 Viewing Accumulated Lamp Hours...................................................................22
6.9 Closed-Loop Feedback™ (CLF).......................................................................22
7. Calibration/Radiometry (optional).......................................................................24
7.1 X-Cite®exacte Power Reading using the XR2100 Power Meter or XR2000;....24
7.2 X-Cite®exacte Calibration using the XR2100 (or XR2000) & Light Guide.........25
7.3 Calibrating X-Cite®exacte with the Objective Plane Power Sensor, XP750......25
7.4 To Clear a Calibration.......................................................................................26
8. Warnings and Alarms..........................................................................................27
8.1 Clearing Alarms................................................................................................28
9. External Control...................................................................................................29
9.1 Graphical User Interface (GUI).........................................................................29
9.2 Installation:.......................................................................................................29
9.3 Graphical User Interface Panel.........................................................................30
9.4 Icons and Functions: ........................................................................................31
9.5 Logging Stability Data.......................................................................................33
9.6 Logging Events.................................................................................................33
9.7 Exporting Logged Data.....................................................................................33
9.8 Shutter Control via Foot pedal..........................................................................34
9.9 Shutter control via TTL.....................................................................................34
9.10 Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) .......................................................................35
10. Troubleshooting...................................................................................................36
10.1 Error Codes...................................................................................................36

10.2 Power Up Failure ..........................................................................................37
10.3 Lamp Strike Failure.......................................................................................37
10.4 Low Light Intensity ........................................................................................38
10.5 Shutter Failure...............................................................................................38
10.6 LED Display Failure ......................................................................................38
10.7 Cooling Fan Failure.......................................................................................38
11. Care and Maintenance.........................................................................................39
11.1 General.........................................................................................................39
11.2 Liquid Light Guides .......................................................................................40
11.3 Lamps...........................................................................................................43
11.4 Replacing the Lamp Module..........................................................................44
11.5 Air Vents & Filters .........................................................................................45
11.6 Replacing the Air Filter..................................................................................47
11.7 Replacing the External Fuses........................................................................47
12. Technical Specifications .....................................................................................48
12.1 Electrical .......................................................................................................48
12.2 Environmental...............................................................................................48
12.3 Lamp.............................................................................................................49
12.4 Light Guide....................................................................................................50
12.5 General.........................................................................................................50
13. Regulatory............................................................................................................51
13.1 Product Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility: .......................................51
13.2 China RoHS..................................................................................................52
14. Warranty...............................................................................................................53
15. Contact Information.............................................................................................54
15.1 Replacement Parts and Accessories.............................................................54

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1. X-Cite®exacte Message Reference
Display
Message
Definition
Description
XXX
Intensity Setting (%)
Displays the iris setting, which gives relative intensity as
percentage of the lamp’s maximum output
XX.XX
Power Setting (watts)
Displays the power setting, which gives absolute
intensity in terms of watts
uXXX
Power Setting (microwatts)
Displays the power setting, which gives absolute
intensity in terms of microwatts
X.XXX
or
XXX.X
Power Setting (milliwatts)
Displays the power setting, which gives absolute
intensity in terms of milliwatts
XXXX.
Lamp Hours
Displays the “hours of use” accumulated by the lamp
Flashing:
“XXXX”
Warming Up
The lamp is warming up. Warm up time is
approximately 4 minutes ref section 6.1
bulb
Lamp Error
Lamp installed incorrectly /
Lamp did not strike. See section 10.3
cool
Lamp is too hot to strike
The lamp will automatically strike when it has cooled to
the optimum striking temperature. See section 10.3
Alternating:
old / bulb
Old Lamp
The lamp has accumulated over 2500 hours. Lamp may
be near end of life.
Alternating:
end / bulb
New Lamp Required
The lamp has reached end of life. The lamp will not
strike.
LOC
Front Panel Locked
All front panel buttons have been locked to prevent
settings from being changed.
SFI
Shutter Failure
The shutter has failed to return to home position. Unit
should be restarted. If the error repeats, contact Tech
Support.
E1
Lamp temperature is too high
Check ventilation filters and outlets to ensure that no
blockage exists. Restart unit and if problem persists
replace lamp. If problem continues contact Tech
Support
E2
Internal communication failure
Restart unit, if problem persists contact Tech Support
E3
Iris failed to go to home position
Restart unit, if problem persists contact Tech Support
E4
Internal hardware failure
Restart unit, if problem persists contact Tech Support
E5
Failure to communicate with Intelli-
Lamp®
Check Intelli-Lamp®connection and restart unit. If
problem persists try another lamp, if problem still persist
contact Tech Support.
E6
Lamp self extinguished
Let system cool and restart lamp. If it goes out again,
replace lamp. If new lamp continues to self-extinguish,
contact Tech Support
E7
Internal system error
Restart unit, if problem persists contact Tech Support
See Section 10 for troubleshooting.

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2. Introduction
The X-Cite®exacte is a revolution in fluorescence microscopy illumination. Like the
previous X-Cite®illuminators, the X-Cite®exacte has the convenience of pre-aligned,
long-life Intelli-Lamps®, easy installation and compatibility will all major microscope
brands. With additional features such as Closed-Loop Feedback™, intensity adjustment
in 1% increments, a high speed internal shutter, and a calibrated output option which is
compatible with the X-Cite®Optical Power Measurement System, the X-Cite®exacte
reaches a new level of performance that makes it the ideal choice for quantitative,
comparative, and live cell imaging.
Excelitas Technologies Corp. is a global technology leader focused on delivering
innovative, customized solutions to meet the lighting, detection and other high-
performance technology needs of customers. X-Cite®, formerly of Lumen Dynamics
(which was acquired by Excelitas Technologies Corp. in November 2013) offers the Life
Science and Analytical Instrumentation market a broad range of innovative lamp and
LED fluorescence illumination and measurement solutions.
The X-Cite®exacte is a high quality product manufactured in accordance with ISO 9001,
CE marked and certified to UL, China RoHS and CSA standards.
We suggest that you read this manual to discover all its features, and how to use them.
Thank you for choosing X-Cite®!

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3. Safety
3.1 Glossary of Symbols
CAUTION - Risk of danger: consult accompanying documents
WARNING -Eye damage may result from directly viewing ultraviolet light –
protective eye shielding and clothing must be used at all times.
Input/Output Signals
Input Signal
CAUTION –Hot Surface

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3.2 Safety Precautions
The X-Cite®exacte is equipped with two safety sensors to protect the user from
accidental UV exposure. In addition, please observe the following precautions during
use. This series of cautions, warnings and dangers relate to the operation and
maintenance of the X-Cite®exacte. They are also presented throughout this User’s
Guide where necessary.
Warning
Eye damage may result from directly viewing the light produced by the lamp used
in this product. Always use protective eyewear and turn the lamp off before
removing cover.
Caution
Never look into the light emitting end of the light guide. The light could severely
damage the cornea and retina of the eye if the light is observed directly. Eye
shielding must be used at all times as well as clothing to protect exposed skin.
Warning
Always make sure the light guide is properly inserted into the X-Cite®exacte and
the microscope prior to turning on power to the unit. This will minimize the risk of
exposure to the UV light.
Caution!
To prevent damage/ degradation of the light guide, always allow adequate
clearance at the front of the X-Cite®exacte unit to prevent kinking or excessive
bending.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire or shock, always replace the fuses with the same type
and rating.
Warning
Disconnecting of main supply source is only possible by unplugging the power
cord.
Danger
This unit contains HIGH VOLTAGE components. It is recommended that ONLY
QUALIFIED TECHNICAL PERSONNEL perform any testing or repairs described in
this manual. Disconnect the AC power cord from the unit before opening the cover
of this unit. All cover screws must be replaced prior to applying power to the unit, or
safety of the unit will be impaired.

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Monitoring the unit during manual operation
The level of UV and visible energy supplied by the X-Cite®exacte is sufficient to
ignite flammable substances. During manual operation, the unit must be attended
at all times by a qualified operator. The unit must not be left unattended while
turned on. If an operator leaves the work area of the unit, the lamp power switch
must be turned off.
Monitoring the unit during Automated operation
The level of UV and visible energy supplied by the X-Cite®exacte is sufficient to
ignite flammable substances. Therefore, when the unit is operated unattended in
an automated environment, an alarm function must be provided by the user to
indicate a malfunction in the associated equipment used.
Warning
Hg –LAMP CONTAINS MERCURY, Manage in Accord with Disposal Laws,
see: www.lamprecycle.org or 1-800-668-8752
Danger: Exposure to Mercury represents a health hazard to humans.
When unpacking or installing the lamp, always wear protective clothing and a face
mask. Operate the lamp inside the X-Cite®exacte housing only. This prevents
direct viewing of the arc and in the case of lamp bursting, contains the lamp
particles. In the rare instance in which a lamp bursting occurs, and the mercury
content is released, the following safety precautions are recommended; all
personnel should be immediately evacuated from the area to prevent inhalation of
the mercury vapour. The area should be well ventilated for a minimum of 30
minutes. Prior to clean up ensure an ‘approved-for-mercury’ respirator mask and
non-porous gloves such as latex or rubber are used. After the lamp housing
elements have cooled, the mercury residue should be collected with the use of a
special absorbing agent available from laboratory equipment suppliers.
Listed below are examples of internet web sites for obtaining Mercury Spill Kits;
http://www.rosshealthcare.org/Mercon.spill.kits.htm
http://www.coleparmer.ca/catalog/product_index.asp?cls=43577
http://www.environmental-
expert.com/technology.aspx?idCategory=2054&word=mercury%20spill%20kits
http://www.alibaba.com/products/spill_kit/4.html
Warning
Should this X-Cite®exacte unit be used in a manner not specified by Excelitas
Technologies, the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

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Warning
The method in which lamps are disposed of must comply with local rules and
regulations for disposal of hazardous materials. Lamps may be returned to
Excelitas Technologies providing they are returned in their original packaging.
Excelitas Technologies will dispose of them in the appropriate manner.
Warning
This unit is designed for bench top use only! Always ensure that the unit is
operated on a hard, stable surface. This will prevent obstruction of the bottom
chassis ventilation openings. Any obstruction of these openings could result in a
possible over-heating condition. Do not attempt to remove or tamper with the
rubber feet located on the bottom of the unit.
Caution
The lamp module’s operational life can be significantly shortened if it is handled
incorrectly. Do not touch the bulb’s glass envelope or the inside surface of the
reflector. Skin oils can cause the lamp module to fail prematurely.
Caution
Prior to opening the unit and handling the lamp module, allow a minimum of 5
minutes for the lamp module to cool down completely.
Caution
Any electronic equipment connected to the X-Cite®exacte must comply with the
requirements of EN/IEC 60950.
Cleaning:
Clean the exterior of the unit with a slightly dampened cloth and simple water/
detergent solution only.

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4. Getting Started
4.1 System Components
Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. Ensure that all components are present.
Store the packing material for future use.
Box Contents:
1. X-Cite®exacte Illumination Unit………………………………………………………………….
2. Lamp Module, X-Cite®exacte…………………………………………………………………….
3. Microscope Adapter (if ordered)………………………………………………………………….
4. Liquid Light Guide (3mm x 1.5m or 3mm x 3.0m)………………………………………………
5. Power Cord, IEC (shielded and grounded)……………………………………………………...
6. Quick Start Guide, X-Cite®exacte (User Guide, Software and Driver downloads:
http://www.excelitas.com/Pages/Product/X-Cite-exacte.aspx)…………………………………....
7. Foot Pedal Switch Assembly……………………………………………………………………..
8. USB Cable (A-B type)……………………………………………………………………………..
9. Hex Key, 3mm (Lamp access cover)…………………………………………………………….
10. Safety Precautions Booklet……………………………………………………………………….
If your packaged unit is missing any of the above components,
call Excelitas Technologies at [phone]
or TOLL FREE 1-800-668-8752.
Any additional optional items purchased to customize the unit will also be present.
X-Cite®exacte Control Panel Software
Minimum Computer Specifications:
300+ MHz processor (Pentium or equivalent)
Windows 2000 SP4 or Windows XP SP2
128 MB of system memory (RAM)
5 MB available storage for software installation
20 MB (minimum) for data storage
SVGA 1024 x 768 resolution, 16 bit colour
One available USB 1.1 port

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4.2 Front Panel
Figure 1 Front Panel
POWER ON/OFF
SWITCH
LIGHT GUIDE
PORT
LIGHT GUIDE
STATUS LED
SHUTTER
STATUS LED
LAMP ‘ON’
STATUS LED
LED DISPLAY
SHUTTER
ACTIVATION
BUTTON
CLOSED-LOOP
FEEDBACK LED
POWER METER
CALIBRATION
PORT
MODE/UP/DOWN
ADJUST BUTTON
CALIBRATION
STATUS LED
MODE
INDICATOR
LED’S

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4.3 Rear Panel
Figure 2 Rear Panel
USB
CONNECTION
AC RECEPTACLE
AND FUSE
DRAWER
FOOT PEDAL
INPUT
TTL OUTPUT
FOR SHUTTER
SYNC
TTL INPUT FOR
SHUTTER

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5. Installation/Set-up
5.1 Installing Lamp Module
5.1.1 Be sure the AC POWER cord is disconnected from the unit.
5.1.2 Remove the screw from the lamp housing side panel using the 3mm hex tool
provided and remove the panel from the unit cover.
Figure 3 Side Panel
Tip: Clips for holding the hex tool on the X-Cite®exacte are conveniently located
underneath the system housing.
5.1.3 Carefully remove the lamp module from its container, holding only the ceramic
component and lamp rim.
5.1.4 As illustrated below, position the lamp facing towards the front of the unit with the
POWER leads facing towards you. The lamp should be aligned so that the
leading edge of the reflector (lamp rim) fits into the mounting groove on the lamp
holder assembly.
Caution! The lamp module’s operational life can be significantly shortened if
handled incorrectly. Be sure only to handle the ceramic surfaces and
the lamp rim. Do not touch the bulb’s glass envelope or the inside
surface of the reflector. Skin oils can cause the lamp module to fail
prematurely.
LAMP HOUSING
SIDE PANEL
Note: Review Section 2 –Safety Precautions before proceeding

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Figure 4 Lamp Housing
5.1.5 Make sure the middle of the lamp is in position to fit into the spring clamp. Slide
the lamp until it snaps into the spring clamp. The leading edge of the reflector
(lamp rim) should fit snugly into the lamp holder recess.
CERAMIC
COMPONENT
POWER
LEADS
LAMP RIM
LAMP HOLDER
SPRING CLAMP

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5.1.6 Locate the 4-pin Intelli-Lamp sensor connector at the rear of the lamp module
and connect it to its mate located on the top of the lamp-housing wall.
Tip: The Intelli-Lamp connector will only attach in the correct orientation. If you
are having difficulty attaching the connector, try rotating it by 180º.
Note: If the Intelli- Lamp connector is not installed correctly, the lamp will not
strike and the “bulb” message will display when POWER is turned on to
the unit.
Figure 5 Lamp connections
5.1.7 Locate power connector with two leads and connect it to its mate located on the
side of the lamp-housing wall.
POWER
CONNECTOR
INTELLI-LAMP
CONNECTOR
CENTER BAR
AND LEAD
WITHIN CUT-OUT

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5.1.8 Ensure the lamp anode cooling fin (bar) and lamp power lead, at the front of the
lamp, are centered within the lamp holder cut-out. Rotate the lamp as required.
5.1.9 Replace the lamp housing side panel and tighten the fastening screw.
Note: If the lamp housing panel is not secured completely the lamp will not strike
and the “bulb” message will display when power is turned on to the unit.
5.1.10 Replace the hex tool in the clips underneath the system for future use.
5.2 Inserting/Removing Light Guide
5.2.1 Ensure the power is not connected to the X-Cite®exacte unit.
5.2.2 Ensure that the protective end caps are removed from both the input and output
ends of the light guide prior to installation.
5.2.3 Remove plastic plug (if present) from the light guide port on the front panel of the
X-Cite®exacte.
5.2.4 Holding the light guide by the grey sleeve and strain relief portion only, insert the
light guide into the light guide port. Push the light guide in until it seats with a
second positive "click" (up to the “A” line printed on the grey ferrule).
Note: Never grip the light guide during installation or removal in a place other
than the reinforced strain relief portion of the light guide.
Warning This unit is designed for bench top use only! Always ensure that the
unit is operated on a hard, stable surface. This will prevent
obstruction of the bottom chassis ventilation openings. Any
obstruction of these openings could result in a possible over-heating
condition. Do not attempt to remove or tamper with the rubber feet
located on the bottom of the unit.

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Figure 6 Light Guide Position
Tip: When the light guide is fully inserted, the line on the light guide insertion
label will be right up against the light guide port. Also, the LED above the
light guide port will illuminate green when POWER is on to the unit. If the
light guide is not fully inserted the LED will illuminate red.
Note: The shutter will not open if the light guide is not fully inserted.
5.2.5 To remove the light guide, firmly grip the strain relief near the light guide retainer
and pull out firmly.
Note: The X-Cite®exacte is designed for use with a 3mm liquid light guide.
Excelitas Technologies can not guarantee the performance of the X-Cite®
exacte if using light guides other than those supplied by Excelitas
Technologies.
Note: The light guide has a minimum bend radius of 1.6 inches (40.0mm).
Bending or coiling the light guide tighter than this radius will result in
permanent damage to the light guide.
LIGHT GUIDE
INSERTION LINE
LIGHT GUIDE
INSERTION LINE
RED LIGHT GUIDE
STATUS LED
GREEN LIGHT GUIDE
STATUS LED

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5.3 Tips to Prevent Premature Degradation of Light Guides
5.3.1 Liquid light guides have a typical useful life of 2-3 years in the X-Cite®exacte
when installed and handled properly. The formation of bubbles is one of the
most common reasons for a light guide to degrade prematurely and result in a
sudden reduction in illumination intensity. Bubbles form without warning, usually
due to overheating and/or mechanical stress to the light guide. Below are some
simple tips to avoid overheating and stressing the light guide.
5.3.2 The light guide has a minimum bend radius of 1.6 inches (40.0mm). Bending or
coiling the light guide tighter than this radius will result in permanent damage to
the light guide.
5.3.3 Make sure the light guide is cooled properly during use, and prevent overheating:
a. Always fully insert the light guide in to the X-Cite®unit; this ensures contact
with a heat sink to conduct heat away from the light guide.
b. Never obstruct the air vents on the X-Cite®unit. Vents are located at the rear
and underside of the unit.
c. Do not remove the rubber feet on the X-Cite®unit or otherwise reduce/block
the space between the bottom of the unit and bench top. This may
compromise airflow through the unit.
d. Ensure that the air being used to ventilate the X-Cite®unit is approximately
“room temperature” (e.g. do not place the X-Cite®unit on top of another heat-
producing instrument).
e. If a heated environmental chamber is being used for live cell imaging, make
sure that the X-Cite®unit and the light guide are located outside of the
chamber.
5.3.4 Do not expose the light guide to extreme temperatures (above 35°C, below -5°C)
for extended periods of time during use, transport or storage; this may cause
degradation of the seals and allow air bubbles to form in the liquid.
5.3.5 Never kink, bend, crush, or stretch the light guide; this type of mechanical stress
may cause bubbles to form in the liquid and/or damage to the outer sheath
a. Always allow adequate clearance between the light guide port of the X-Cite®
unit and other objects to prevent excessive bending.
b. Place the X-Cite®unit close enough to the microscope so that there is some
slack in the light guide and no sharp bends.

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5.3.6 Never leave an endcap on the output end of the light guide when the other end is
connected to the X-Cite®unit; if the unit is turned on in this condition, the cap will
overheat, melt and/or permanently discolour the quartz end of the light guide.
5.3.7 While the X-Cite®unit is on but not in actual use (i.e. during sample preparation,
or between time lapse time points) close the iris/shutter on the X-Cite®; this
reduces unnecessary UV photon load on the liquid light guide. (Using only the
shutter/stop in the microscope itself protects the specimen, but energy is still
passing through the light guide.)
5.4 Installing the Collimating Adapter
5.4.1 Ensure that the power is off on the X-Cite®exacte unit.
5.4.2 The existing lamp housing must be removed from the microscope before the
collimating adapter can be mounted. Do not discard the existing mounting
hardware, since it will be used to secure the collimating adapter to the
microscope.
5.4.3 Remove the collimating adapter from its packaging.
Note: The collimating adapter has been set at the factory. No adjustments by the
customer are required; however some adapter models are outfitted with
centering set screws, for longer light path applications. Separate
instructions are included with these models.
5.4.4 Insert the flange portion of the collimating adapter into the lamp port of the
microscope. Using the existing hardware, tighten the screw(s) until the flange is
fully secured.
Note: The installation of the collimating adapter will vary with microscope
models.
5.4.5 Remove the protective cap from the output end of the light guide. Insert the light
guide into the input portion of the collimating adapter until it is flush with the
adjustable insert. Secure the light guide to the collimating adapter by tightening
the thumbscrew. Do not over tighten.
Note: The light guide has a minimum bend radius of 1.6 inches (40.0mm).
Bending or coiling the light guide tighter than this radius will result in
permanent damage to the light guide.