Ocean Optics S2000 - Manual (Page 109)

Appendix F: External Triggering
Our S2000 and S1024DW Spectrometers, when used with
OOIBase32 Spectrometer Operating Software, provide four
methods of acquiring data. In the Normal Mode, Ocean Optics
spectrometers are “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 external events, three
other modes of acquiring data are available. Each mode
involves connecting an external triggering device to the
spectrometer and then applying an external trigger to the
spectrometer before the software receives the data. The length
of the integration time and the source for the integration clock depend upon the mode chosen. All other acquisition
parameters are set in the software. (These directions on external triggering are for use with OOIBase32.)
! !
In order for you to use one of the External Triggering options, 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 one of
the external triggering modes as it is described in these pages.
For each external trigger mode, Pin 3 of the J2 (D-SUB-15)
Accessory Connector supplies voltage to the spectrometer.
To operate in the Software Mode, the triggering device must
be connected to Pin 8 of the J2 (D-SUB-15) Accessory
Connector. To operate in the Synchronization Mode, the
triggering device must be connected to Pin 5 of the J2
(D-SUB-15) Accessory Connector. And to operate in the
Hardware Mode, the triggering device must be connected to
Pin 4 of the J2 (D-SUB-15) Accessory Connector.
J2 (D-SUB-15) Accessory Connector (female)
In this level-triggered 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 up to the trigger event is transferred
to the software. If you continuously apply triggers, such as by holding down the button on an external switch, this
mode is equivalent to operating in the Normal Mode.
In the Software Mode, you set the integration time in the software. (It is the only external triggering mode where the
integration time is set in the software.) All other acquisition parameters are set in the software as well. The source
for the integration clock comes from the A/D converter.
Use the Software Mode if you:
" are using a continuous illumination source, and the light intensity is constant before, during and after the trigger
" need to set the integration time in the software
To Use the Software Mode:
1. Supply a line from your triggering device to Pin 3 of the J2 Accessory Connector to provide the positive
voltage +5VDC to the spectrometer. (See figure above for pin location.) We do not advise using an outside
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External Software Trigger