Filter
Top Products
Chapter 1 Introduction 25
1.4.3 High Intensity Light Damage
WARNING!
When biased ON, intensified CCD cameras, such as the PI-MAX
®
4
can be irreparably damaged if continuously exposed to light levels
higher than twice the A/D saturation level. Therefore, it is
critical
that conditions
not be created which could result in damage to the
intensifier. Although intensified cameras are less prone to damage
from
background light when operated in gated mode, they are at
significant risk to damage from high-intensity light sources such as
a laser. High-intensity sources can damage the intensifier before
protection circuits have time to respond, or even cause spot damage
without the protection circuits acting at all. If a sustained alarm
indication occurs when the camera is turned on, immediately switch
the
I.I.T. switch on the back of the PI-MAX4 to the OFF position.
Cover the camera window and only switch the
I.I.T. switch to ON
after the illumination level has been lowered.
If the alarm sounds continuously even when the illumination level is adequately low, shut
the system down and contact the factory for guidance.
1.5 Precautions
To prevent permanently damaging the system, please observe the following precautions:
• Always switch off and unplug the PI-MAX4 power supply before changing your
system configuration in any way.
• Whenever you turn the PI-MAX4 power supply OFF, be sure to leave it OFF for at
least 30 seconds before switching it back ON. If you switch it ON too soon, a fault
logic state is established that causes the overload alarm to sound continuously.
• The CCD array is very sensitive to static electricity. Touching the CCD can destroy
it. Operations requiring contact with the device can only be performed at the
factory.
• Never operate the camera cooled without proper evacuation or backfill. This could
damage the CCD! Do not open the purge valve.
• Never connect or disconnect any cable while the PI-MAX4 system is powered on.
Reconnecting a charged cable may damage the CCD.
• Never prevent the free flow of air through the equipment by blocking the air vents.