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36 PIXIS System Manual Version 2.C
The remainder of this chapter provides "First Light" procedures (these provide step-by-
step instruction on how to initially verify system operation) and discusses factors that
affect exposure, readout, and digitization of the incoming signal. By understanding the
exposure, readout, and digitization factors and making adjustments to software settings
you can maximize signal-to-noise ratio. For information about synchronizing data
acquisition with external devices, please refer to Chapter 6, Advanced Topics.
System On/Off Sequences
For WinView/32 and WinSpec/32, the following on/off sequences must be followed to
establish and maintain the communication link between the camera and the host
computer:
1. The PIXIS camera must be powered ON before the WinX application is opened to
ensure communication between the camera and the computer. If the WinX
application is opened and the PIXIS is not powered ON, many of the functions will
be disabled and you will only be able to retrieve and examine previously acquired
and stored data. You must close the WinX application, power the camera ON, and
reopen the application before you can set up experiments and acquire new data.
2. The WinX application must be closed before powering the camera OFF. If you
power the camera OFF before closing the application, the communication link with
the camera will be broken. You can operate the program in a playback mode (i.e.,
examine previously acquired data) but will be unable to acquire new data until you
have closed the application, powered the camera ON, and then re-opened the
application.
WinX First Light Instructions
Imaging
This section provides step-by-step instructions for acquiring an imaging measurement for
the first time. The intent of this procedure is to help you gain basic familiarity with the
operation of your system and to show that it is functioning properly. Once basic familiarity
has been established, then operation with other operating configurations, ones with more
complex timing modes, can be performed.
Assumptions
The following procedure assumes that
1. You have already set up your system in accordance with the instructions in
Chapter 4.
2. You have read the previous sections of this chapter.
3. You are familiar with the application software.
4. The system is being operated in imaging mode.
5. The target is a sharp image, text, or a drawing that can be used to verify that the
camera is "seeing" and can be used to maximize focus.