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96 PI-MAX
®
4 System Manual Issue 4
6.2 Safety Precautions
When biased ON, intensified CCD cameras such as the PI-MAX4 can be permanently
damaged if continuously exposed to light levels exceeding twice the A/D saturation level. It
is
critical that a camera not be operated under lighting conditions which may damage the
intensifier.
Although intensified cameras operating in gated mode are less prone to damage from
background light, they are at significant risk of damage from high-intensity light sources
such as LASERs. High intensity sources can damage an intensifier before protection circuits
have time to respond. Spot damage may result without the protection circuits acting at all.
If a sustained alarm indication occurs when the controller is turned on, immediately turn the
I.I.T. switch on the back of the PI-MAX4 to the OFF position. Cover the camera’s window,
and only after the illumination level has been lowered to safe operating conditions can the
I.I.T. switch be turned ON.
6.2.1 Intensifier Mode
Within LightField, the intensifier is enabled/disabled on the Common Acquisition
Settings
expander:
• When the intensifier is enabled, the camera can be gated;
• When the intensifier is disabled, the photocathode is continuously biased OFF, and
the intenser is as safe as it can be.
NOTE:
In order for gating to occur, the I.I.T. switch on the back of the
PI-MAX4 must be in the ON position.
6.2.2 Alarms
NOTE:
It is normal for an alarm to sound briefly when the system is
initially turned on.
To reduce the risk of camera damage, the PI-MAX4 camera is equipped with an audible
alarm in the camera head, activated when the intensity of light falling on the image
intensifier exceeds a preset threshold. While the alarm is sounding, the photocathode is
disabled. Immediately toggle 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.
CAUTION!
!
Discontinue operation and contact the factory at once if
sporadic or continuous unwarranted alarms occur. They may
indicate intensifier damage or another situation that requires
immediate attention.