88 PIXIS System Manual Version 2.C
Gradual Deterioration of Cooling Capability
While unlikely with the PIXIS camera (guaranteed permanent vacuum for the life of the
camera), if you see a gradual deterioration of the cooling capability, there may be a
gradual deterioration of the camera’s vacuum. This can affect temperature performance
such that it may be impossible to achieve temperature lock at the lowest temperatures. In
the kind of applications for which cooled CCD cameras are so well suited, it is highly
desirable to maintain the system’s lowest temperature performance because lower
temperatures result in lower thermal noise and better the signal-to-noise ratio. Contact the
factory to make arrangements for returning the camera to the support facility.
Data Loss or Serial Violation
You may experience either or both of these conditions if the host computer has been set
up with Power Saving features enabled. This is particularly true for power saving with
regard to the hard drive. Make sure that Power Saving features are disabled while you are
running the WinX application.
Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict message
Figure 52. Data Overrun Due to Hardware Conflict dialog
If this dialog appears when you try to acquire a test image, acquire data, or run in focus
mode, check the CCD array size and then check the DMA buffer size. A large array (for
example, a 2048x2048 array), requires a larger DMA buffer larger setting than that for a
smaller array (for example, a 512x512 array).
To change the DMA buffer setting:
1. Note the array size (on the Setup|Hardware|Controller/CCD tab or the
Acquisition|Experiment Setup|Main tab Full Chip dimensions).
2. Open Setup|Environment|Environment dialog.
3. Increase the DMA buffer size to a minimum of 32 Mb (64 Mb if it is currently
32 Mb or 128 Mb if it is currently 64 Mb), click on OK, and close the WinX
application.
4. Reboot your computer.
5. Restart the WinX application and begin acquiring data or focusing. If you see
the message again, increase the DMA buffer size.