Zeiss Auto Focus Operating Manual
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Zeiss Auto Focus Operating Manual

Zeiss Auto Focus Operating Manual

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Summary of Contents for Zeiss Auto Focus

  • Page 3 References to products of other manufacturers are provided for information only. They are not intended to express approval or recommendation for use of such products. Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH will not assume any liability as to the performance or the use of such products.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Setting focus reference values ..................31 MAINTENANCE, REPLACEMENT OF FUSES AND SERVICE ......... 32 Maintenance ........................ 32 Replacement of fuses in the fc12 Auto Focus controller ..........32 Troubleshooting ......................33 Error messages and typical background situations ............34 425131-7044-001...
  • Page 5 CONTENTS Auto Focus equipment Carl Zeiss Other fault events ......................35 Service ......................... 36 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ..................37 INDEX ......................... 38 06/2013 425131-7044-001...
  • Page 6 TFT display, options in the Auto Focus tab ................27 Fig. 14 Display forms of the status icons for Auto Focus on the TFT display in On / Standby status (left and central) and visualization of error messages............28 Fig.

  • Page 7: Introduction

    NOTE This symbol designates information that should be closely followed. STANDBY The Auto Focus should not be used in any other way than as described in this operating manual. The microscope manual should also be consulted where appropriate. 06/2013 425131-7044-001...
  • Page 8 Class 3B IR radiation, invisible LED radiation while the sensor module is open. Do not expose eyes to IR radiation. The Auto Focus sensor module does not include any special facilities providing protection from samples with a corrosive, potentially infectious, toxic, radioactive or other health-damaging effect.
  • Page 9 Switching the Auto Focus controller to the "Off" position will only turn off the internal computer. The mains voltage of the controller or the Auto Focus sensor will not be disconnected. To interrupt the mains supply, the main power plug must be pulled.

  • Page 10: Warning And Information Labels

    Only Zeiss Customer Service personnel or specifically authorized representatives are allowed to handle repair work. In the event of a malfunction, contact the Carl Zeiss Microscopy Service in Germany (see page 36) or the responsible Carl Zeiss service agency.

  • Page 11: Product Description

    Manufacturer’s name: Auto Focus The Auto Focus is designed for use with the Axio Imager 2 and Axio Imager Vario stands with motorized focus. The left camera deflection port serves as the point of coupling. Auto Focus allows the focal plane to be found automatically and quickly on the sample surfaces and to be maintained when moving the samples along the X or Y axis, or to be adjusted in line with the surface structure.

  • Page 12: General View Of Components

    • camera deflection (side port) left, motorized (425104-0000-000) or successor The following firmware and software versions (or newer versions) are needed to operate the Auto Focus on the Axio Imager 2 and Axio Imager Vario 2 stands: − Axio Imager 2: 4.051, 4.551 −...

  • Page 13: Compatible Objectives For Use With Auto Focus

    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Auto Focus equipment Compatible Objectives for use with Auto Focus Carl Zeiss Compatible Objectives for use with Auto Focus Series Objective Item number EC Epiplan EC Epiplan 5x/0.13 H W0.8 442020-9901-000 EC Epiplan 5x/0.13 H M27 422030-9901-000 EC Epiplan 5x/0.13 H M27 422030-9902-000 EC Epiplan 5x/0.13 HD M27...
  • Page 14 PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Carl Zeiss Compatible Objectives for use with Auto Focus Auto Focus equipment Series Objective Item number EC Epiplan- EC Epiplan-Neofluar 1.25x/0.03 M27 422310-9900-000 Neofluar EC Epiplan-Neofluar 2.5x/0.06 M27 422320-9900-000 EC Epiplan-Neofluar 2.5x/0.06 HD M27 422320-9960-000 EC Epiplan-Neofluar 2.5x/0.06 HD M27 422322-9960-000 EC Epiplan-Neofluar 2.5x/0.06 M27...

  • Page 15: Selectable Stages

    Objective magnification, primary capture range, maximum precision and minimum object size The precision of the focus position of the Auto Focus varies depending on the type of objective, the objective magnification and the optical characteristics of the sample. The positioning accuracy and the speed of the Auto Focus vary depending on the type of objective, the objective magnification, the optical characteristics of the sample and the work mode (see section 4.2 on...

  • Page 16: Functionality

    Auto Focus equipment Functionality The structured light generated by an LED in the sensor module of the Auto Focus is deflected through the objective onto the sample and reflected from its surface. The Auto Focus automatically seeks the maximum of the reflection signal, thereby bringing the surface of the sample into sharp focus.

  • Page 17: Technical Data

    PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Auto Focus equipment Technical data Carl Zeiss Technical data 2.7.1 Dimensions and weight Dimensions Sensor module (length x width x height) ............ 130 mm x 105 mm x 116 mm Controller (length x width x height) ............220 mm x 250 mm x 158 mm Weight Sensor module ........................

  • Page 18: Operating Data

    Internal LED ................IRED 850 nm / max. 950 mW / LED class 3B conforming to DIN EN 60825-1:2003 Auto Focus ............... Free group conforming to DIN EN 62471:2009 fc12 focus controller Type of operation site ..................... Closed room facilities Protection class ............................

  • Page 19: Installation

    An Axio Imager 2 / Axio Imager Vario stand with motorized Z-axis drive / focusing objective turret is required in order to operate Auto Focus. Retrofitting to existing older Axio Imager 2 or Axio Imager Vario stands must be carried out by a Carl Zeiss customer service employee. Axio Imager 2 stands without motorized Z-axis drive and all Axio Imager Vario stands without focusing objective turret cannot be equipped with Auto Focus.

  • Page 20: Fig. 6 Auto Focus Sensor Module

    • Convert the standard camera deflection left port with the Auto Focus installation set (425131-9030-000) or successor. • Fasten the Auto Focus to the left side camera deflection. Control cable connection • Connect the Auto Focus to the controller. To do...

  • Page 21: Camera Deflection

    Insert damping filter For some Auto Focus applications it is also necessary to insert a BG 39 or BG 40, d = 23.5 mm IR damping filter into the camera adapter. The damping filters are included with the Auto Focus.

  • Page 22: Operation

    OPERATION The Auto Focus can be set up and activated via the software interface of the Axio Imager 2 / Axio Imager Vario with the aid of the TFT and / or by imaging software, e.g. AxioVision Version 4.9.1 or higher.

  • Page 23: Setting Up Auto Focus

    Setting up Auto Focus The Auto Focus settings can be displayed and changed using the Options button. It is important to follow the instructions for setting up the Auto Focus given in section 4.8 on page 31, Setting focus reference values.

  • Page 24: Fig. 12 Tft Display, Microscope / Xyz / Auto Focus / Options / Period

    • Cancel Period: The Period function is used to set the Auto Focus period, i.e. the interval between two auto focus cycles. The time currently set between two auto focus cycles is shown in the Period field. • To change the period, press the Period button.
  • Page 25 Work / Load by AF: Selecting this option supports the Auto Focus Work / Load run; see also section 4.7 on page 30. Selecting this option may result in collisions between the samples and the objectives. For this reason it is important to follow the instructions given in section 4.7 on page 30.
  • Page 26 Diffuse Lithium ion rechargeable batteries Partially reflective / Diffuse Table 3 Samples and recommended sample surface settings for Auto Focus Save: Saves the current settings and closes the Options window. Cancel: Rejects the current settings and closes the Options window.

  • Page 27: Auto Focus Operation Via The Tft Display

    • Press Home / Microscope and then XYZ on the TFT display. • Select the Auto Focus tab. The current operating mode of the Auto Focus is shown in the Auto Focus (Fig. 13) tab - where it can also be changed.

  • Page 28: Activate / Deactivate Auto Focus

    • Use the focus drive of the microscope to move the speciment into the capture range of the objective and operate the Auto Focus once or continuously. For this puropse press the Home / Microscope button on the TFT display. Then press XYZ and select the Auto Focus tab.

  • Page 29: Auto Focus In "On" And "Once" Status

    It is also possible to change the period of the Auto Focus during the Working phase. Auto Focus uses an LED with a wavelength of 850 nm. The LED is only active when the Auto Focus is actually working (Working status). The LED is turned off within a period (Working 'xx' s status) or in Standby status.

  • Page 30: Set Load Position

    After a sample change, the Work run is triggered if respectively Auto Focus is switched on and the Work / Load by AF option is activated. Here the focus position is constantly checked by the Auto Focus to see whether the surface of the sample is already within the capture range of the objective.

  • Page 31: Setting Focus Reference Values

    • It is also possible to calibrate the Auto Focus using the parfocality / parcentricity correction from the TFT display on the microscope. The values thus obtained are also saved in the special user list at the end of the correction and upon a subsequent restart of the Auto Focus controller.

  • Page 32: Maintenance, Replacement Of Fuses And Service

    Before cleaning, switch off the microscope and the fc12 Auto Focus controller and disconnect the external power unit 232-2 and the Auto Focus controller from the power supply. The controller and the Auto Focus sensor should only be cleaned with a slightly moist cloth (not dripping wet). No moisture should enter the devices.

  • Page 33: Troubleshooting

    • Is the beam splitter of the camera deflection in the beam path? • Is the correct camera deflection installed? • Are the cables of the Auto Focus under mechanical strain? Check the cables and ensure that they are free from strain.

  • Page 34: Error Messages And Typical Background Situations

    − Empty objective turret position. Check configuration Objective" currently in position. − No approved objective configured for the Auto Focus. "timeout" The Auto Focus could − − The distance between the Check the positioning of the not find the focal plane.

  • Page 35: Other Fault Events

    • I can see a distinct grid and a bright, luminescent area in the live image − The Auto Focus signal (wavelength 850 nm) is not being blocked. This problem can be resolved by inserting the IR barrier filter (BG 39 or BG 40) in front of the camera.

  • Page 36: Service

    Service Work requiring intervention into optical or mechanical motion components inside the device or work on the power supply may not be performed by anyone other than Zeiss Customer Service experts or specially authorized technicians. To request service, please contact your regional representative office or: For additional information, contact us in the Internet at: micro@zeiss.de...

  • Page 37: Intellectual Property

    INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Auto Focus equipment Carl Zeiss INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY The products, device parts and procedures described in this manual are protected by patent law. 06/2013 425131-7044-001...

  • Page 38: Index

    INDEX Carl Zeiss Auto Focus equipment INDEX Page Copyright ............................. 3 Dimensions ............................17 Error messages ............................34 General view of components .......................12 Installation ............................19 Instrument care ...........................32 Notes regarding operational safety......................7 Operation ............................22 Product description ..........................11 Service ..............................36 Technical data .............................17 Troubleshooting ..........................33...

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