4 TTL Modulation
In addition to basic CW mode operation, the DC20 accepts an external low-active TTL signal via
the BNC jack
(3) to modulate the LED current.
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There is no mode switch - just apply the TTL signal and switch on the SOLIS. As long as the TTL
input is open or High, the SOLIS is enabled and supplied with the current that is set by the rotary
knob. A TTL Low level disables the SOLIS.
The maximum modulation frequency is actively limited to 1 kHz: If the applied TTL modulation
frequency is higher than 1 kHz, the microcontroller of the DC20 limits the modulation frequency and
the SOLIS will be modulated at 1 kHz.
5 Maintenance and Service
Protect the DC20 from adverse weather conditions. The DC20 is not water resistant.
Attention
To avoid damage to the instrument, do not expose it to spray, liquids or solvents!
The unit does not need a regular maintenance by the user. It does not contain any modules and/or
components that could be repaired by the user himself. If a malfunction occurs, please contact
Thorlabs GmbH for return instructions.
Do not remove covers!
6 Troubleshooting
In addition to indicating normal operating conditions (continuous yellow or green), the status
LED
can also indicate error messages:
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Red continuous with SOLIS connected - DC20 hardware error
u
Please contact Thorlabs for return instructions.
Red blinking - SOLIS EEPROM issue
u
Check SOLIS for proper connection
u
If the error persists, please contact Thorlabs.
Green blinking - the DC20 current is out of specification, no risk of damage to the
LED.
u
Switch the LED off and on again - the error should disappear.
u
If this error persists, please contact Thorlabs for return instructions.
Red-green blinking - the DC20 current is significantly out of specification; the LED
might be at risk.
u
Do not operate the DC20 any more.
u
Please contact Thorlabs for return instructions.
Red-yellow blinking - the SOLIS LED was switched off due to overheating.
u
Wait for the LED to cool down.
u
After the temperature is back to the allowed range, the status LED changes to
yellow-green blinking.
Yellow-green blinking - SOLIS was too hot, but cooled down, and the temperature is
back to the allowed range.
u
Push the LED ON/OFF button. The DC20 returns to the READY state (yellow).
u
Now, the LED can be switched on and off as usual.
© 2018 Thorlabs GmbH
4 TTL Modulation
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