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Summary of Contents for Norland Connect-Chek CC6000
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AUTOMATED NON CONTACT INTERFEROMETER SYSTEM CC 6000 MANUAL NCC V 7.2 FOR WINDOWS 7, 8, AND 10 NORLAND PRODUCTS INC. CRANBURY, NJ 08512...
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NORLAND PRODUCTS INC 2540 Route 130 Cranbury, NJ 08512 TEL. 609-395-1966, FAX 609-395-9006 NCC RELEASE NOTES Changes for NCC v7.2: • Streamlined and automated SQL Server database portion of software installation. • Scan Report modified to accomodate longer text in all Company Information fields.
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• Polish Angle and Keying Error pass-fail criteria now display and are used during scan pass-fail determination when Connector Type of APC has been selected for the scan. • Scan date and time in the currently-used program Excel spreadsheet are now stored in correct format regardless of the computer operating system’s Regional Settings.
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Changes for NCC v6.00: • Program completely redesigned in order to provide support for Microsoft Windows 7 operating system. • Most of the previous version functionality was retained, with the exception of the following: • Data export now goes directlty into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet format (previously went to a Comman-delimited text file which could then be saved as an Excel spreadsheet at User’s discretion).
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• A new filter has been added to the criteria selection which allows a user to specify reporting only the most recent scan per Connector ID if multiple scans for the same Connector IDs exists in the scan results database. •...
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An Auto Adjust feature has been added to the Video Control menu for automatic optimization of illumination. • Reports can be generated with or without Norland Logo on the top left corner using the check option in the Report Generate Dialog. •...
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• The Fiber height Pass/Fail checking has been repaired so that it now properly uses the IEC or Telcordia curve (allowable fiber recess vs ROC) when the user has selected the IEC or Telcordia criteria (See Setup tab section in Chapter 6 in the manual).
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• The Report Generate dialog now shows the correct dates when activated, even if NCC has remained running more than 24 hours. • NCC no longer crashes if attempt made to delete first entry in “Add New Reference” dialog when there are more than one entry in list. •...
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-0.026”. If temporary label is affixed, please remove the label and use the markings listed. • Modification made so that deletion of all Reference Tool configurations is now safely and correctly handled. • Software now installs and runs properly on a computer with an operating system whose Regional Settings have been configured to use a comma as the Decimal Symbol in a floating-point number representation (as opposed to the standard decimal point notation in the US).
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CC 6000 USER MANUAL NCC V 7.2 FOR WINDOWS 7, 8, AND 10 Norland Products, INC. 2540 Route 130, Suite 100 Cranbury, NJ 08512 Tel: (609) 395-1966 Fax: (609) 395-9006 Web Address: http://www.norlandproducts.com Email: techsupport@norlandproducts.com...
CC 6000 is unlike any other system on the market today and now allows interferometric connector analysis to be affordable to all users. ® This manual provides detailed information of the Norland Connect-Chek CC 6000 with the latest NCC software versions, as well as detailed procedures of calibration and measuring processes.
HOW IT WORKS Norland Products has taken the knowledge gained from over 20 years of interferometric measuring experience to produce the first low cost, automated, non- ® contact interferometer for fiber optics. The Norland Connect-Chek CC 6000 automatically and precisely measures radius of curvature, apex offset of polish, and fiber undercut or protrusion on any PC or APC single fiber connector.
An offset calibration is easy using either a Norland Products reference ferrule or leveling connector. With the reference ferrule, for which the angular offset from the center of rotation is known, one need only type in its marked numbers into the Calibration Tab of the software, take one measurement, and the system is calibrated.
In unison with all the Novel Features that Norland has to offer, it can be assured that measurement results are accurate, repeatable, and reproducible.
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APC Locking V Groove Mount. Leveling Connector–The Leveling Connector is a device designed by and made for Norland Products having particular geometry characteristics that guarantee an accurate offset calibration process for PC-polish connectors (NOTE: This calibration is not applicable to APC type).
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VIBRATION ISSUES Background: Because of their precise nature, interferometric measurements are sensitive to vibration. Vibration can occur from rotating machinery, nearby traffic, acoustic noise and a variety of other sources. Touching the instrument or the surfaces on which it sits during measurements can also affect the measurements. Instrument placement considerations: The instrument should be placed on a solid support away from obvious sources of vibration (e.g.
QUICK START QUICK START If you are already familiar with the Norland Interferometer or you just can’t wait to start, go through the following steps to measure a connector: I. System Preparation. (See page 28.) II. Start the NCC Software.
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QUICK START • Click the Video Adjust menu option to activate it(See page 53.). 3. Modify Set-Up parameters Click the [Scan Options Tab (See page 69.)] and configure the Scan Settings section to control the data during the measurement process according to the connector being tested. Alternately, load a previously-saved scan configuration using the Load Settings button in the main program toolbar 4.
NOTE: If your Norland system arrives in very cold weather, allow the boxes to warm to room temperature before opening them. Exposing a cold unit to a warm room causes condensation that could damage the system.
SYSTEM SET-UP Your Norland Interferometer System is fully ready to operate. No programming or extensive application software experience is necessary. All functions are self-contained and immediate. The following section will help you get your system up and running. After all items have been carefully unpacked and laid out on an uncluttered sturdy table near a grounded power outlet, following the procedure below: 1.
1024 x 768 Pixels Resolution • Microsoft Excel 2007 or higher installed I. Install Norland NCC Software 1. If the CC 6000 is currently connected to the computer via a USB cable, disconnect the CC 6000 USB plug from the computer.
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Server Express installation sets its Authentication Mode to Mixed Mode (SQL Server and Windows authentication), and sets the System Administrator password to “Norland”. Also, the local Administrator account on the target computer is specified as SQL Server administrator, and the database InstanceName/InstanceID is “NPISQLEXPRESS”.
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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 5. Click the [Next] button for the following three windows that appear...
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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 6. Click the [Install] button when “Ready to Install the Program” appears, and the [Next] button when the “Database Server” window is displayed, accepting all defaults shown. (NOTE: See section 7.2 (SCAN OPTIONS TAB/Save-Data-toDatabase section) of this User Manual if locating the NCC database at a remote location is desired.) 7.
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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 8. Though the following “Self-Registration Error” message may appear in some form, it is safe to ignore and click its [OK] button to continue. NOTE: The three windows shown in the figure above will appear simultaneously on the desktop screen when Video Drivers installation begins. First, click the “Windows Security”...
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Which final picture appears among those shown below depends on which type of video system the CC6000 contains (i.e.; “Norland CC60XX”, “Lumenera 2.0 Camera”, or “Sentech Camera”). I. Install the Hardware (note - these instructions assume first time for CC6000 plug-in): 1.
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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION the bottom right of the computer screen when the computer detects the USB insertion. 3. If one clicks on this “Found New Hardware” bubble, the following screen can be seen. 4. Ultimately, one of three possible screens (not shown below is the third “Sentech”...
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76.) III. If software Uninstallation is desired: Norland Software 1. Go to the Control Panel, Click Add/Remove Programs. Choose the Norland CC6000 Software and click Remove to uninstall the software (NOTE: video drivers for the CC000 will remain installed).
If the interferometer needs to be repacked for moving or shipping, it is very important that it is packed as it was received. Follow the Shipping Kit Instructions. NOTE: Norland Products strongly recommends that the original shipping containers be saved for future transportation needs.
User Configuration, section User Properties. • Default user name: Administrator • Password: Norland. (NOTE: Password is case sensitive). To create more users see User Configuration.(See page 49.) 4. The Main Screen will appear when the program is activated. Menu Bar...
FILE MENU Select “Login as another user” to login as a different user (with different privileges) into NCC without closing the application. Exit Select Exit from File menu to close the program.
TOOLS MENU TOOLS MENU The Tools menu contains a set of functions that allow the User to determine how the NCC program will operate. These include adding or modifying existing Users, creating or changing Pass-Fail criteria for scans, defining calibration tools, and clearing out data in the program database to make room for new data.
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TOOLS MENU HOW TO ADD A CRITERIA • Click the Add New button. • In the upper portion of the dialog, find and click on the name of the new criteria. • In the lower portion of the dialog, enter values for this new criteria as needed. •...
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TOOLS MENU Reference Tools Add & Edit (Tools\Reference Tools Add_Edit): When selected, the following configuration dialog will open. This dialog allows the User to view, add new, or change existing Reference Tool definitions. These definitions can be chosen later for use in a Reference Tool calibration (via the Calibration/Reference Tool tab).
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TOOLS MENU • Click the Delete button and then click the Close button. HOW TO DISCARD ANY CHANGES MADE IN THE DIALOG • Click the Cancel button and then click YES in the warning message that appears. User Configuration (Tools\User Configuration): Selecting the User Configuration option in the Tools menu shows the list of NCC users, with the current one highlighted at left and its characteristics shown on the right (its “properties”).
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Developer Level Users: Have complete freedom to modify features in the software. This level of user is normally reserved for factory purposes and requires a separate password to select (please contact Norland Products). • Administrator Level Users: These users are able to access most functions in NCC, including calibration capabilities and program configurations.
CAMERA MENU CAMERA MENU Video Source: Selecting the Video Source option in the Camera menu allows the user to change or view current video source properties. This feature is only available to Developer level of users. Image Properties - values set by NCC program.: Image Properties 2 - these values should be changed User...
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CAMERA MENU Show BAT (Brightness Adjustment Tool) BAT tool provides assistance to the user when illumination adjustment is needed. BAT can be invoked manually, but will also be automatically invoked if a problem with the image coming from the camera is detected at the start of NCC. Selecting the Show BAT option in the Camera menu launches the Brightness Adjustment Tool which assists the user to manually adjust illumination for optimal scanning.
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NoChange: If the status reads ‘No Change’, the illumination level is optimal, so no adjustment is required. • Danger: If the status reads ‘Danger’, please contact Norland Products service department. Video Adjust: This tool is used to adjust the illumination automatically. Choose Video Adjust from Camera menu.
When its About option has been selected, a display of the Software version as well as Norland Products company information will be shown. Also, if the User has loaded a program configuration from a previously saved Settings file, that filename will be listed.
TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS TOOLBAR: The NCC Toolbar contains buttons (tools) for activating the most commonly used functions. The proceeding sections describe each of these tools in more detail. Load-Settings Tool The Load Settings tool allows for configuring the NCC program completely from a previously-saved program configuration file.
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TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS The Save Settings tool allows for saving the current setup (configuration) of the NCC program to a file for later use. The location and name of the file is determined by the user at time of saving. They are automatically given the extension of “.NSF”. A successful configuration save will be indicated by the appearance of the following message...
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TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS file’s contents can be viewed or edited even if Save Data to Database (also in the Save/ Print Settings subtab) is presently turned OFF.. Report Tool The Report tool allows for printing of quantitative results, images, and setup parameters of connectors measured.
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TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS reports will be generated. For more information on report output to screen and printer (See page 63.), or for file export (See page 63.). Company Information Navigation Tools Scan selection Preview Print Export Description OF DIALOG: Company Information: All the fields in this section can only be changed if user enters Edit mode by clicking the navigation tools Edit Record button.
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TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS Last Record: Pressing this button will bring you to the last choice of saved Company Information. Insert Record: Pressing this button will allow entry of a new record of Company Information anywhere among the current set. Press Save Changes button after all information has been entered in order to save the information.
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“through” box. When ready to generate reports, click Preview, Print or Export buttons. Include Norland Logo: Check this option to make Norland Logo visible at top left corner of the Report. Include Operator ID: Check this option to make Operator ID visible at the bottom...
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TOOLBAR FUNCTIONS of the dialog and accept default settings. To print a subset; first note page number(s) in the preview for desired report(s) and then click the print button, select those pages, and proceed with printing. As usual, multiple copies of the chosen reports can also be selected at this time, as well as which printer to use.
IMAGE TABS Live View Tab : Displays the live image of the connector being measured. When correctly focused, the live image shows the fringe pattern that represents specific heights across the surface. The fiber should be completely inside the green circle. If the fiber is not within the green circle, please conduct an Offset Calibration (See page 76.)
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illustrates the measured fiber height. The size of the 3D view matches the Region of Interest defined by the user in the Tools/Measurement Regions dialog. How to Rotate 3D: To rotate the 3D view in X direction (horizontal), first click on its window and then use the left/right arrows keys on the keyboard.
RESULTS TAB RESULTS TAB Results displays quantitative measurement results of the end face geometry. These results will be shown in Value or Scale format depending on current selection for Display Mode in the Scan Settings subtab of the Scan Options tab. An overall scan status label shows Pass/green Fail/red depending...
SCAN OPTIONS TAB SCAN OPTIONS TAB The Scan Options tab contains two subtabs for configuring the NCC program operation. These are the Scan Settings and the Save/Print Settings subtabs, described in more detail below. The full collection of settings in these tabs can be saved as a single configuration file using the Save Settings tool on the NCC toolbar.
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SCAN OPTIONS TAB • Pass/Fail Criteria: This section contains the current list of scan Criteria for selection along with a display of the settings in the chosen criteria. At the completion of a successful scan, the quantitative results are compared against the Pass/Fail Criteria selected.
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SCAN OPTIONS TAB • Fiber Diameter: Specifies the fiber diameter in microns of the connector being tested - 126 microns is the default setting (This number actually represents the average diameter between the fiber O.D. and ferrule I.D). Enter the fiber diameter of the connector being measured to insure accurate measurements.
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SCAN OPTIONS TAB • Show Regions: Select this option to show the measurement areas (dashed circles in illustration below) as overlays on the Live View after scan completion. REGION OF INTEREST (ROI): Specifies the diameter in microns of a circular window from the center of the fiber to the outer most ring in the figure above.
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SCAN OPTIONS TAB Live Image without overlaid regions. • Conn ID Control: • Auto Increase: Connector ID will increment after every scan. • Auto Clear: Connector ID will be cleared after every scan completion to force the user to enter new Connector ID at the start of the scan. Save/Print Settings Tab •...
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• Program Default Database: The default databases used by NCC are of Microsoft SQL Server type. One is named ‘Norland.mdf’ and holds measurement information. The other is named ‘Users.mdf’ and holds User Login information. Both are created locally at time of NCC installation (typically in the “C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL...
CALIBRATION TAB CALIBRATION TAB The Calibration Tab contains all needed calibration features to assure microscope measures accurately. Some features are hidden and can only be used by administrator level users. All Calibrations should be done the microscope’s Mode switch (on its back panel) set to position 1 (See page 86.).
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Leveling Connector tab: The Leveling Connector method of Offset Calibration uses a special calibration artifact developed by and available from Norland Products. The calibration process involves insertion of the artifact into a CC6000 mount of same ferrule diameter and then measuring it at eight different rotational positions (ideally approximately 45 degree difference between each position).
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The Magnification Calibration Procedure is not shown in the manual. If for any reason a calibration is called for by Norland Products, a procedure will be sent. If there is a need to confirm the system is in calibration, the Norland Products NIST-Traceable standard can be purchased and measured in the same way as for a connector.
REFERENCE TOOL CALIBRATION REFERENCE TOOL CALIBRATION STEP 1 • Obtain the following: • PC or APC Reference Tool (2.50mm or 1.25mm depending on the mount being used)* • Computer and Monitor powered up with NCC software running. • CC 6000 Microscope •...
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REFERENCE TOOL CALIBRATION STEP 4 • Click the Calibration Tab and choose its Reference Tools subtab. STEP 5 • Select a previously saved Reference Tool ID from the drop down menu. When a reference tool choice is selected, its corresponding Offset X and Y values will appear beneath the selection box.
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REFERENCE TOOL CALIBRATION STEP 7 • After the calibration is complete, the calculated apex-offset correction factors are displayed in the area marked by the box in the figure shown. A “calibration complete” message will also appear. • NOTE: In the Live View, after completion, the green circle should match up perfectly with the outer edge of the Reference Tool...
LEVELING CONNECTOR CALIBRATION LEVELING CONNECTOR CALIBRATION STEP 9 • Obtain the following: • Norland Products Leveling Tool (2.50mm or 1.25mm depending on the mount being used)* • Computer and Monitor powered up with NCC software running. • CC 6000 Microscope •...
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LEVELING CONNECTOR CALIBRATION STEP 12 • Click the Calibration Tab and choose its Leveling Connector subtab. STEP 13 • Adjust the focus knob to maximize the fringe pattern (i.e. greatest contrast between black and white fringes). • Press the “Step <>” button. •...
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LEVELING CONNECTOR CALIBRATION STEP 15 • After the calibration is complete, the calculated apex-offset correction factors are displayed in the area marked by the box in the figure shown. A “calibration complete” message will appear, and the Live View will show a red circle fit to the set of 8 apex spots detected for each step.
C H A P T E R 8 MEASUREMENT The CC 6000 is a fully automated, non-contact, interferometric microscope system designed to measure the end face geometry of fiber optic single fiber connectors. The system measures the radius of curvature, eccentricity of polish (also known as apex offset), and the fiber height for fiber optic connectors.
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CONNECTOR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE 6. Clean connector properly to assure accurate measurements during the scanning process. It is important to clean any residue from polishing that may have collected on the ferrule/fiber. 7. Insert the connector properly into the mount to assure accurate measurements during the scanning process.
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8.1 A CONNECTOR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE STEP 1 • Obtain the following: • Computer and Monitor powered up with NCC software running. • CC 6000 Microscope • Mount • PC - Specific to the ferrule size of the connectors being measured. •...
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8.1 A CONNECTOR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE STEP 3 • Choose Scan Configuration • Two ways to do this: • Click Scan Options/Scan Settings subtab and select options appropriate to the connector being measured and mount being used: • Load a previously saved Settings Configuration using the toolbar Load Settings tool.
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8.1 A CONNECTOR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE STEP 6 • Make sure the mount is in the unlocked position by pushing the locking lever up. • Clean the connector. • Insert the connector into the mount until it is fully inserted. • Lock the connector into place by pushing the locking lever down.
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8.1 A CONNECTOR MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE STEP 9 • Remove the connector. • Repeat STEP 6 STEP 9 to measure the rest of the connectors.
DATA INTERPRETATION DATA INTERPRETATION The CC 6000 and the NCC Software uses Tilted Phase Data Collection. Using Tilt Phase technology, the connector is held at a constant tilted angle for measurements, which allows for fringes to cross the ferrule and fiber surfaces. With the fringe pattern generated, all information needed for data calculation is displayed in the Live Image.
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DATA INTERPRETATION 1. RADIUS of CURVATURE (mm) - Displays the radius of curvature (ROC) determined by the curvature of the fringes located within the fiber diameter. 2. OFFSET (microns) - Displays the apex offset. The apex offset is defined as the distance from the vertex (high point) of the ferrule sphere to the center of the fiber.
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DATA INTERPRETATION Measurement Regions (when “Show Regions” option selected in Scan Settings subtab) • Innermost of three concentric blue circles = Averaging Diameter • Middle of three concentric blue circles = Extraction Diameter • Outermost of three concentric blue circles = Fitting Diameter 3.
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DATA INTERPRETATION The IEC uses different formula depending on the ferrule diameter, and is a function of both Radius of Curvature and Apex Offset 1. For the Ferrule diameter 1.25mm the following shows the relationship. (-0.795) U = 1798 * ROC - ROC * 10 +√...
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DATA INTERPRETATION (-0.795) U = 1998 * ROC - ROC * 10 +√ (ROC * 10 - AO ) * 10 - 60 where U is Fiber Undercut, ROC is Radius of Curvature and AO is Apex Offset 3. APC ANGLE (°) Displays the angle of polish calculated using the calibrated Y Offset.
INTERFEROMETRY BASICS INTERFEROMETRY BASICS Light wave interference occurs when two or more waves of the same frequency or wavelength combine to form a single wave whose amplitude is the sum of the amplitudes of the combined waves. Constructive and Destructive interference is the most striking examples of light wave interference.
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INTERFEROMETRY BASICS light being used and can thus show a surface contour of the connector end face, very similar to the concept of Contour maps which are used to show the different elevations of a land surface.
Place the unit and accessories into the appropriate cutout in the foam. Place the Hard Case into the box that it was originally sent with, obtain an RMA # and send back to Norland as indicated in Step 12. STEP 1 •...
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SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS STEP 4 • Place the CC 6000 unit in the supplied plastic bag. Secure with tape. STEP 5 • Place the CC 6000 unit into the smaller box as shown. STEP 6 • Place the accessories into the box as shown.
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SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS STEP 7 • Tape the box closed. STEP 8 • There are three sizes (small, medium, and large) of rectangular foam inserts (2 of each size). • In the larger box, place the medium and large sizes into the box as shown. •...
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• Send back to: Norland Products, Inc. 2540 Rt. 130 Suite 100 Cranbury, NJ 08512 • Returns without a RMA number on the outside of the box will be refused. Please contact Norland Products for a RMA number...
CC6000 NCC application, and subsequent inability to perform measurements. In the event this error message is encountered, Norland Products suggests the following steps to be taken to achieve correct operation of your CC6000 system.
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INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Manager list (rather than under Imaging Devices). The Device manager can be accessed as follows... a• Click START at lower left of the Windows desktop, right-click on My computer and then left-click the Properties option. In the System Properties display, click the Hardware tab and then click the Device Manager button.
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INSTALLATION PROBLEMS Right click on the device listed under “Imaging devices” in the Device Manager display and select “Update Driver option.
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INSTALLATION PROBLEMS II. In the Hardware Update Wizard display that appears, choose the “No, not this time” option and click NEXT. III. In the next displayed form, select “Install from a list or specific location” option and click NEXT.
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INSTALLATION PROBLEMS IV. In the next form, select “Don’t search. “and click NEXT. V. You should now be presented with the correct Norland Products device as an option for installation. Click on that device name and click NEXT. Click “Finish” when the opportunity arises.
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