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My system is making strange noises?
I need help with my controller.
I need help with my filter wheel.
I need help with my Shutter.
I need help with my stage.
I need help with my NanoScanZ.
I need help with my Lumen.

My System is making strange noises?

There are three main reasons why a system can make a noise.

1. The noise is normal, most motors will make some noise, this is in the form of a whirring sound as they move and in some cases a crack or high pitched tone.

a. The Noise is generated by the combination of the drive electronics and the type of motor on the equipment.

b. We offer a range of drive modules (drive electronics) which can be matched to offer the quietest motor.

c. If you wish to change your drive modules to make your equipment quieter, please use identify your drive chips and contact tech support. to discuss your options.

 

2. The noise has become louder and your system is no longer performing correctly.

a. This is likely to be the motor stalling, i.e., failing to move due to resistance.

i. Check for any obstructions, such as screws, shards from glass slides, or metal shaving which may be impeding the movement of the equipment.

ii. For Filter wheel see Filter wheel alignment.

iii. For OptiScan stage see Transit realignment.

iv. Should the controller of the system not have standard acceleration and speed settings, please reset the controller to original settings. Re-setting your controller.

 

3. The noise is different from normal (or other axis) and my equipment does not always perform correctly.

a. This is most likely to be a faulty drive module.

i. Please follow the drive module investigation instructions to identify the faulty module.

ii. Report this to tech support.

 

 

I need help with My Controller.

1. I can’t communicate with my controller.

a. I don’t know my COM port number.

b. I can’t connect via RS232. (For H129, H128, controllers or older versions see option c)

i. Use the VBDemo program supplied on the CD or available by download. Connect using RS232 direct from the computer to the RS232-1 port, typing the number of the port (usually 1 or 2) when requested. If the VBDemo fails to connect, report your findings to techsupport. (If it connects check the port setting on the program you are using).

c. I can’t connect via USB.

i. USB to RS232 adaptors are available for older controllers, you can find these in most computer hardware stores.

ii. Install the USB Cypress drivers for USB connection, Install instructions. The com port will be displayed in “Ports” in the “device manager” of the “control panel” in windows.

d. HyperTerminal.

i. HyperTerminal can be found in Start>Programs>Accessories>Communications.

ii. Use How to connect to HyperTerminal to setup the configuration correctly.

iii. A Prior Connection terminal is available for customer use.

iv. RS232 command sets for the different controllers are available here; H126, H126 four axis, H127, H128, H128 (H152KB), H129, H130, ES9, ES10.

(Check your model number on the serial label under your controller).

e. Demo Program.

i. VBDemo is a free software demo program. Click above to download help files on how to use the two programs.

 

2. The Controller has stopped working.

a. Green LED’s flashing on the front of the controller.

i. The Green “Power” and “Running” LED’s on the front of the controllers indicate the status of the power supply. Green flashing light indicate a problem with the power supply. Complete Drive module investigation, as a faulty drive module can cause this problem. If this is unsuccessful contact tech support with the relevant information.

b. All lights extinguished.

i. Similar to “a” above; Complete Drive module investigation, as a faulty drive module can cause this problem. If this is unsuccessful contact tech support with the relevant information.

c. LED’s illuminated no response from software.

i. Check communications with VBDemo (Prior test software) or via HyperTerminal. How to use HyperTerminal and VBDemo.

ii. Check system functions with Joystick, if stage functions with Joystick but not with software, reset controller resetting your controller. Contact tech support if this does not solve the problem.

iii. System does not correctly respond to Joystick, contact Tech support.

d. LED’s illuminated but no response from Joystick.

i. Check communications with VBDemo (Prior test software) or via HyperTerminal. How to use HyperTerminal and VBDemo.

ii. Stage functions with software but not with Joystick, power off system, inspect joystick connection for damage, if no damage firmly insert Joystick plug into socket test system. Contact tech support if no damage located, or reinsertion of Joystick does not solve problem.

iii. System does not function, contact tech support.

e. LED’s illuminated no response at all.

i. Check communications with VBDemo (Prior test software) or via HyperTerminal. How to use HyperTerminal and VBDemo.

ii. Stage functions with software but not with Joystick, power off system, inspect joystick connection for damage, if no damage firmly insert Joystick plug into socket test system. Contact tech support if no damage located, or reinsertion of Joystick does not solve problem.

iii. System does not function, contact tech support.

 

3. I need to upgrade my controller.

a. Next generation controller

i. Upgrading from a H129 to H130 and ES9 to ES10 can be done with no modifications to accessories.

ii. Upgrading from a H126, H127, H128 systems to H130 in most cases will require a minor addition to allow the H30 plug and play system to function correctly. Contact tech support with your serial and model numbers.

iii. Upgrading to PCI2 can be done form H129 and H130 directly.

iv. Upgrading to PCI2 from H126, H127, H128 system will require a minor addition to allow the H30 plug and play system to function correctly. Contact tech support with you serial and model numbers.

b. Add stage, focus or 4th axis.

i. The Basic H129 or H130 controllers can be easily upgraded in the field to add stage focus and 4th axis. Contact tech support for parts and instructions.

ii. H126, H127, H128 controllers can not be upgraded.

c. Add filter wheels or shutter controls

i. Controllers must be returned to Prior for this upgrade.

ii. If one filter wheel is present a second can be added in the field. Contact tech support for parts and instructions.

d. Add trigger board

i. Controllers must be returned to Prior for this upgrade.

e. Add encoders

i. Controllers must be returned to Prior for this upgrade.

 

 

I need help with my filter wheel.

1. My Filter wheel is loosing position so that filters are not concentric.

a. The drive wheel may be slipping, use filter wheel adjustment.

b. The drive module may be faulty. Use drive module investigation to exchange the filter module with another. Report your findings to tech suppot. Tech Support will provide further information.

2. My Filter wheel is not responding properly.

a. The drive module may be faulty. Use drive module investigation to change the filter module with another. Report your findings to tech suppot. Tech Support will provide further information.

 

 

 

I need help with my Shutter

1. My shutter is not opening and closing properly.

a. Contact your local representative or tech support and return for repair.

 

 

 

I need help with my stage

1. My stage does not move under software control

a. Check communications with VBDemo (Prior test software) or via HyperTerminal. How to use HyperTerminal and VBDemo.

b. Check system functions with Joystick, if stage functions with Joystick but not with software, reset controller <resetting your controller> . Contact tech support if this does not solve the problem.

c. System does not correctly respond to Joystick moves, contact Tech support.

 

2. My stage does not move under Joystick control.

a. Check communications with VBDemo (Prior test software) or via HyperTerminal. How to use HyperTerminal and VBDemo.

b. Stage functions with software but not with the Joystick, power off system, inspect joystick connection for damage, if no damage firmly insert Joystick plug into socket test system. Contact tech support if no damage located, or reinsertion of Joystick does not solve problem.

c. System does not function, contact tech support.

 

3. My stage makes whining noise and does not move to the correct position.

a. This is likely to be the motor stalling, i.e., failing to move due to resistance.

i. Check for any obstructions, such as screws, shards of glass slide, or metal shaving which may be impeding the movement of the equipment.

ii. For OptiScan stage see Transit realignment

iii. Should the controller of the system not have standard acceleration and speed settings, please reset the controller to original settings. Re-setting your controller

4. My stage makes a grinding noise when it moves.

a. Check for any obstructions, such as screws, shards of glass slide, or metal shaving which may be impeding the movement of the equipment.

5. My stage axis makes different noises and one is not performing correctly.

a. This is most likely to be a faulty drive module.

i. Please follow the drive module investigation instructions to identify the faulty module.

ii. Report this to tech support.

6. I don’t have the right holder insert for my samples.

a. Look on the configurator to see which sample holders are available for your stage and microscope configuration.

b. If the sample holder you require is not there, contact tech support.

7. I want to change the microscope my stage is fitted to.

a. Stages for Upright microscopes can be changed between microscopes.

b. Older stages need to be returned to prior for a base plate change.

c. Newer stages (with a detachable ring underneath) can be changed easily in the field. Contact your local sales rep (or tech support). Report the model and serial number of the stage.

d. H117 and ES107 inverted stages cannot be transferred between different makes of microscopes.

8. I need to change the limits on my stage.

a. Most modern stages have adjustable limits, these are protected by the drive covers. Use limit changing to change the limits on your stage. Contact tech support if your stage is not in the document.

 

 

I need help with my NanoScanZ

1. I cannot connect via software.

a. Check communications with VBDemo (Prior test software) or via HyperTerminal. How to use HyperTerminal and VBDemo.

b. See USB and RS232 connection problem above in this document.

c. The VBDdemo program will autodetect the presence of the connected NanoScanZ, select “Peizo” from the menu bar and a control window will appear.

d. If VBDemo connection is successful check the connection setting in the third party software.

2. I need help connecting via a DAQ (0-10V) board.

a. Switch off the system, connect the BNC connector from the DAQ (0-10V) board to “input”. Set the output of the DAQ (0-10V) board to 0V. Switch on the NanoScanZ, the display now shows the output of the DAQ (0-10V) board. Changing the voltage output will move the NanoScanZ stage.

3. How do I use the Prior software.

a. See VBdemo.

 

4. How do I daisy chain the system with ProScan?

a. Connect the RS232 (USB) from the controlling computer to RS232-1 (or USB) on the ProScan and then RS232-2 on the ProScan to the NanoScanZ. The VBDemo will automatically detect the NanoScanZ. (Any command prefixed with a > sign will be forwarded by the ProScan to the NanoScanZ responses will be prefixed by >).

 

5. Which microscopes can I use it on?

a. See NanoScanZ configurator.

I need help with my Lumen

1. How do I install the bulb.

a. See Bulb install.

 

2. How often should I change the Light guide.

a. It is recommended the light guide is changed every 3-4 years depending on use, however light guide can sometime be repaired if they are placed in a refrigerator at 5-6°C for 24 hours.

 

3. How do I tune the adaptor to my microscope.

a. See Lumen Adaptors.

 

4. How do I move my lumen onto a new microscope.

a. A range of adaptors are available to fit most manufacturers microscopes, contact tech support or your local supplier for further details.

 

5. What do I need to control a Lumen 200Pro.

a. The minimum system required to control a Lumen200 Pro is a two filter wheel system, (either ProScan, OptiScan or PCI2).

b. If you already use one filter wheel in your ProScan controller you can use the 4th axis to control the Lumen200 Pro.