Ocean Optics CHEM2000 - Manual (Page 20)

2: Using OOIChem Software
Enable Strobe
This function allows you to enable or disable the triggering of external strobes through the spectrometer.
You would only select Spectrometer | Strobe Enable from the menu if you were operating an external
strobe source. The Maxwell system does not include a strobe light source. However, the light source that
comes with the Maxwell can be turned off and on through the software and this function.
Trigger Mode
With OOIChem Operating Software, you have two methods of acquiring data. In the No External
Trigger Mode (or Normal Mode), the spectrometer is “free running.” That is, the spectrometer is
continuously scanning, acquiring, and transferring data to your computer, according to parameters set in
the software. In this mode, however, there is no way to synchronize the scanning, acquiring and
transferring of data with an external event.
To synchronize data acquisition with an external event, the External Software Trigger Mode is
available. It involves connecting an external triggering device
2
to the spectrometer and then applying an
external trigger to the spectrometer before the software receives the data. In this mode, the spectrometer is
“free running,” just as it is in the Normal Mode. The spectrometer is continually scanning and collecting
data. With each trigger, the data collected during the integration period is transferred to the software. All
acquisition parameters, such as the integration period, are still set in the software. You should use this
mode if you are using a continuous light source and its intensity is constant before, during and after the
trigger.
Note
To use the External Software Triggering option, it is imperative that you know the
specifications and limitations of your triggering device. The design of your triggering
device may prevent you from using the external software triggering mode as it is
described here.
► Procedure
PRELIMINARY DRAFT 105-00000-CHM-02-0405
To use the External Software Trigger Mode:
1. Supply a line from your triggering device to Pin 3 of the
J2 Accessory Connector on the spectrometer to provide
the positive voltage +5VDC to the spectrometer. (See
figure for pin location.) We do not advise using an
outside source to supply the voltage, as it is based on a
referenced ground and your reference may be different
from ours. Using Pin 3 to supply voltage ensures that the
J2 (D-SUB-15) Accessory Connector (female)
spectrometer will receive the appropriate voltage for the trigger event.
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