Equipment shutdown policy
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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Hi all, Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current position for only 2 months). 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to show up. 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down (gas and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long standing, "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule in the facility. 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and this way the equipment is not left on overnight). Questions: A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers except for end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power saving. Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only way to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. Best, Avi Avi Jacob, Ph.D. Head of Light Microscopy The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy |
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As a general rule we don't shut down computers. We just turn off scanheads and lasers. Lasers have a finite life and don't take long to start up (less time than fiddling about finding the right specimen). Mercury lamps, if you still use them, do require some consultation with the following user, since once they are off they shouldn't be switched on until cold. But on the other hand if one gets left on all night you're wasting an expensive chunk of its life.
Guy -----Original Message----- From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Avi Jacob Sent: Tuesday, 20 May 2014 3:48 PM To: [hidden email] Subject: Equipment shutdown policy ***** To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Hi all, Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current position for only 2 months). 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to show up. 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down (gas and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long standing, "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule in the facility. 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and this way the equipment is not left on overnight). Questions: A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers except for end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power saving. Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only way to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. Best, Avi Avi Jacob, Ph.D. Head of Light Microscopy The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy |
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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** As for computers make sure they are set to go into low power mode after a period of idleness. That is not the same as power down but does save power. Also since you mention that they are slow keep in mind that Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft. One trick some of my customers use for mercury lamps that should also work for lasers is to put them on a mechanical lamp timer. Set the timer to turn the critical subsystems off 30 min or so after your typical user leaves for the day. Then in the morning you just have to reset the switch on the timer to ON and turn your equipment on again. If the user the previous night has shutdown properly, no harm no fowl. But if they forgot you've saved a lamp. If a user is working late they just have to be there to keep the system on. Chris Tully, M.S., Image Analysis Expert t 240.475.9753 f 419.831.0527 | [hidden email] Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos. > On May 20, 2014, at 3:33 AM, Guy Cox <[hidden email]> wrote: > > As a general rule we don't shut down computers. We just turn off scanheads and lasers. Lasers have a finite life and don't take long to start up (less time than fiddling about finding the right specimen). Mercury lamps, if you still use them, do require some consultation with the following user, since once they are off they shouldn't be switched on until cold. But on the other hand if one gets left on all night you're wasting an expensive chunk of its life. > > Guy > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Avi Jacob > Sent: Tuesday, 20 May 2014 3:48 PM > To: [hidden email] > Subject: Equipment shutdown policy > > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Hi all, > Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > > Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current > position for only 2 months). > 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you > (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to show > up. > 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down (gas > and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long standing, > "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule in > the facility. > 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, > including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and this > way the equipment is not left on overnight). > > Questions: > A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty > window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. > (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers except for > end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power saving. > Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only way > to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > > Best, > Avi > > Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > Head of Light Microscopy > The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy |
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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** On 5/20/2014 3:57 AM, Chris Tully wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > As for computers make sure they are set to go into low power mode after a period of idleness. That is not the same as power down but does save power. Also since you mention that they are slow keep in mind that Windows XP is no longer supported by Microsoft. This can cause problems if you're running long experiments and the computer powers down the USB or PCIe or something else that is needed to communicate with the microscope hardware. We generally turn off all power saving on our PCs because we've had problems with it causing loss of communication with the microscope hardware. For lasers and lamps and many of our systems we have a policy to shutdown the system if no one is scheduled within the next 30 minutes. We use power strips with remote switches (available from McMaster-Carr) to make it easy to shutdown the system with a single switch. We leave computers on all the time. For some of our super-resolution systems we also leave all the microscope hardware, aside from lasers and lamps, on all the time. This maximizes temperature stability and helps reduce thermal drift of the specimen somewhat. Kurt > > One trick some of my customers use for mercury lamps that should also work for lasers is to put them on a mechanical lamp timer. Set the timer to turn the critical subsystems off 30 min or so after your typical user leaves for the day. Then in the morning you just have to reset the switch on the timer to ON and turn your equipment on again. If the user the previous night has shutdown properly, no harm no fowl. But if they forgot you've saved a lamp. If a user is working late they just have to be there to keep the system on. > > Chris Tully, M.S., Image Analysis Expert > t 240.475.9753 f 419.831.0527 | [hidden email] > > Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos. > >> On May 20, 2014, at 3:33 AM, Guy Cox <[hidden email]> wrote: >> >> As a general rule we don't shut down computers. We just turn off scanheads and lasers. Lasers have a finite life and don't take long to start up (less time than fiddling about finding the right specimen). Mercury lamps, if you still use them, do require some consultation with the following user, since once they are off they shouldn't be switched on until cold. But on the other hand if one gets left on all night you're wasting an expensive chunk of its life. >> >> Guy >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Avi Jacob >> Sent: Tuesday, 20 May 2014 3:48 PM >> To: [hidden email] >> Subject: Equipment shutdown policy >> >> ***** >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. >> ***** >> >> Hi all, >> Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. >> >> Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current >> position for only 2 months). >> 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you >> (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to show >> up. >> 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down (gas >> and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long standing, >> "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule in >> the facility. >> 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, >> including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and this >> way the equipment is not left on overnight). >> >> Questions: >> A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty >> window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. >> (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). >> B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers except for >> end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power saving. >> Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only way >> to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. >> C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? >> D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. >> >> Best, >> Avi >> >> Avi Jacob, Ph.D. >> Head of Light Microscopy >> The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences >> Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel >> http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > -- Kurt Thorn Director, Nikon Imaging Center http://nic.ucsf.edu/blog/ |
 
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George McNamara |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy
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In reply to this post by Avi Jacob
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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Hi Avi, The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i managed confocals in Miami: LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica sales and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 and Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight was better. Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find the money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth Center, Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED Driver, you can check out http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter Instruments. On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can find the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/Laser-Care-td591323.html Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm Re: Laser Care (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), HeNe 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off Friday night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments during the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four different laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector (ChD in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of the condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture open so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights off, room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers have a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while I get bizarre glitches in single frames images. Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted light detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a Chroma plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open pinhole, focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), and found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked extremely well. I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a bunch of other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount of dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown extremely good stability in the ChD tests. If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years I used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar (but not every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our building. George p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this was a 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's may have been part of their issues). On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Hi all, > Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > > Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current > position for only 2 months). > 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you > (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to show > up. > 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down (gas > and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long standing, > "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule in > the facility. > 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, > including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and this > way the equipment is not left on overnight). > > Questions: > A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty > window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. > (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers except for > end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power saving. > Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only way > to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > > Best, > Avi > > Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > Head of Light Microscopy > The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > > -- George McNamara, Ph.D. Single Cells Analyst L.J.N. Cooper Lab University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX 77054 Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ |
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Zac Arrac Atelaz |
Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Two cents more: One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, or Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off for 1 hour before re starting it. With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old lasers on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being unstable and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20°C range. The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to work) is not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that controls any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable during the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you can rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. Best regards Gabriel OH > Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 > From: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy > To: [hidden email] > > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Hi Avi, > > The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i managed > confocals in Miami: > LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 > LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) > Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica sales > and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 and > Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight was > better. > > Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find the > money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth Center, > Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED Driver, > you can check out > http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 > to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter Instruments. > On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can find > the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. > > One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, > http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/Laser-Care-td591323.html > > > Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm > > > Re: Laser Care > > > > > (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) > > I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), HeNe > 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off Friday > night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments during > the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. > > Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four different > laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector (ChD > in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of the > condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture open > so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) > adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights off, > room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers have > a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while I get > bizarre glitches in single frames images. > > Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted light > detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a Chroma > plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open pinhole, > focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), and > found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked extremely > well. > > I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer > cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a bunch of > other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount of > dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown extremely > good stability in the ChD tests. > > If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years I > used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar (but not > every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our building. > > George > p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this was a > 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's may > have been part of their issues). > > > > On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: > > ***** > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > > ***** > > > > Hi all, > > Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > > > > Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current > > position for only 2 months). > > 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you > > (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to show > > up. > > 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down (gas > > and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long standing, > > "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule in > > the facility. > > 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, > > including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and this > > way the equipment is not left on overnight). > > > > Questions: > > A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty > > window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. > > (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > > B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers except for > > end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power saving. > > Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only way > > to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > > C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > > D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > > > > Best, > > Avi > > > > Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > > Head of Light Microscopy > > The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > > Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > > http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > > > > > > > -- > > > > George McNamara, Ph.D. > Single Cells Analyst > L.J.N. Cooper Lab > University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > Houston, TX 77054 > Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ |
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Craig Brideau |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like Thorlabs' Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, you just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, then the device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I didn't realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. Craig On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz <[hidden email]>wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Two cents more: > > One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, or > Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off for 1 > hour before re starting it. > > With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old lasers > on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being unstable > and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20°C range. > > The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to work) is > not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that controls > any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable during > the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you can > rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. > > Best regards > > Gabriel OH > > > Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 > > From: [hidden email] > > Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy > > To: [hidden email] > > > > ***** > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > ***** > > > > Hi Avi, > > > > The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i managed > > confocals in Miami: > > LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 > > LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) > > Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica sales > > and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 and > > Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight was > > better. > > > > Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find the > > money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth Center, > > Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED Driver, > > you can check out > > http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 > > to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter Instruments. > > On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can find > > the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. > > > > One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, > > > http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/Laser-Care-td591323.html > > > > > > Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm > > > > > > Re: Laser Care > > > > > > > > > > (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) > > > > I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), HeNe > > 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off Friday > > night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments during > > the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. > > > > Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four different > > laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector (ChD > > in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of the > > condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture open > > so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) > > adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights off, > > room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers have > > a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while I get > > bizarre glitches in single frames images. > > > > Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted light > > detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a Chroma > > plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open pinhole, > > focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), and > > found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked extremely > > well. > > > > I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer > > cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a bunch of > > other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount of > > dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown extremely > > good stability in the ChD tests. > > > > If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years I > > used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar (but not > > every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our building. > > > > George > > p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this was a > > 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's may > > have been part of their issues). > > > > > > > > On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: > > > ***** > > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > > ***** > > > > > > Hi all, > > > Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > > > > > > Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current > > > position for only 2 months). > > > 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you > > > (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to > show > > > up. > > > 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down > (gas > > > and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long > standing, > > > "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule > in > > > the facility. > > > 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, > > > including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and > this > > > way the equipment is not left on overnight). > > > > > > Questions: > > > A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty > > > window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. > > > (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > > > B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers > except for > > > end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power > saving. > > > Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only > way > > > to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > > > C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > > > D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > > > > > > Best, > > > Avi > > > > > > Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > > > Head of Light Microscopy > > > The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > > > Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > > > http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > George McNamara, Ph.D. > > Single Cells Analyst > > L.J.N. Cooper Lab > > University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > > Houston, TX 77054 > > Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > |
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Arvydas Matiukas |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Very useful discussion. However, I would like to add that the single policy may not be optimal for everybody. One needs to consider what is more important: laser stability or lifetime. If average laser usage is only a fraction of the day (month, year) then it is not possible to optimize both parameters. If follow George's "lasers on 7/24" policy then gas lasers will last only 7-12 months (still OK if covered by service contract). For my Core that is on smaller campus and laser usage below 1500 hrs/year more efficient is "on upon request" policy combined with reasonable (~1hr) laser warm-up/cool down time as suggested by Gabriel. This allows keep lasers running for 5-7 years and save money not keeping the service contract. BTW, Craig's suggestion on external power stabilizer maybe very useful for cutting laser warmup time. Best regards, Arvydas Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D. Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core SUNY Upstate Medical University >>> Craig Brideau <[hidden email]> 5/21/2014 5:40 PM >>> ***** To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like Thorlabs' Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, you just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, then the device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I didn't realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. Craig On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz <[hidden email]>wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Two cents more: > > One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, or > Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off for 1 > hour before re starting it. > > With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old lasers > on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being unstable > and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20*C range. > > The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to work) is > not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that controls > any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable during > the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you can > rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. > > Best regards > > Gabriel OH > > > Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 > > From: [hidden email] > > Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy > > To: [hidden email] > > > > ***** > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > ***** > > > > Hi Avi, > > > > The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i > > confocals in Miami: > > LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 > > LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) > > Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica sales > > and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 and > > Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight was > > better. > > > > Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find the > > money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth Center, > > Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED Driver, > > you can check out > > http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 > > to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter Instruments. > > On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can find > > the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. > > > > One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, > > > http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/Laser-Care-td591323.html > > > > > > Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm > > > > > > Re: Laser Care > > > > > > > > > > (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) > > > > I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), > > 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off Friday > > night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments during > > the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. > > > > Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four different > > laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector (ChD > > in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of the > > condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture open > > so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) > > adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights off, > > room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers have > > a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while I get > > bizarre glitches in single frames images. > > > > Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted light > > detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a Chroma > > plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open pinhole, > > focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), and > > found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked extremely > > well. > > > > I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer > > cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a bunch of > > other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount of > > dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown extremely > > good stability in the ChD tests. > > > > If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years I > > used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar (but not > > every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our building. > > > > George > > p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this was a > > 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's may > > have been part of their issues). > > > > > > > > On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: > > > ***** > > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > > ***** > > > > > > Hi all, > > > Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > > > > > > Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my current > > > position for only 2 months). > > > 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone after you > > > (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their intent to > show > > > up. > > > 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut down > (gas > > > and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long > standing, > > > "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" rule > in > > > the facility. > > > 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down completely, > > > including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show and > this > > > way the equipment is not left on overnight). > > > > > > Questions: > > > A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min empty > > > window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours straight. > > > (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > > > B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers > except for > > > end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging power > saving. > > > Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the only > way > > > to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > > > C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > > > D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > > > > > > Best, > > > Avi > > > > > > Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > > > Head of Light Microscopy > > > The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > > > Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > > > http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > > > > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > George McNamara, Ph.D. > > Single Cells Analyst > > L.J.N. Cooper Lab > > University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > > Houston, TX 77054 > > Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > |
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George McNamara |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** The lifetime of the lasers on commercial confocal microscopes are all over the place. In September 2009 the new LSM710 in Miami had its 561 nm solid state laser die four months after installation (covered by Zeiss warranty). I don't recall its replacement ever having a problem through March 2013. 365/24/7. Power supplies: The LSM710 came with a big UPS. As did the LSM510 (circa 2003). We bought APC or Tripp Lite UPS's for the Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 (one or both Leica's required a special power feed from the wall - more paperwork but worth protecting). On 5/21/2014 5:47 PM, Arvydas Matiukas wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Very useful discussion. However, I would like to add that > the single policy may not be optimal for everybody. One > needs to consider what is more important: laser stability > or lifetime. If average laser usage is only a fraction of > the day (month, year) then it is not possible to optimize both > parameters. > If follow George's "lasers on 7/24" policy then gas lasers will last > only 7-12 months > (still OK if covered by service contract). For my Core that is on > smaller campus and laser usage below 1500 hrs/year more efficient > is "on upon request" policy combined with reasonable (~1hr) laser > warm-up/cool down time as suggested by Gabriel. This allows > keep lasers running for 5-7 years and save money not keeping > the service contract. BTW, Craig's suggestion on external power > stabilizer maybe very useful for cutting laser warmup time. > > Best regards, > Arvydas > > > > Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D. > Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core > SUNY Upstate Medical University > >>>> Craig Brideau<[hidden email]> 5/21/2014 5:40 PM>>> >>>> > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > ***** > > If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like > Thorlabs' > Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that > maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, > you > just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, then > the > device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I > didn't > realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most > lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing > seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. > > Craig > > > On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz > <[hidden email]>wrote: > > >> ***** >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >> > posting. > >> ***** >> >> Two cents more: >> >> One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, >> > or > >> Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off >> > for 1 > >> hour before re starting it. >> >> With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old >> > lasers > >> on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being >> > unstable > >> and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20*C range. >> >> The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to >> > work) is > >> not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that >> > controls > >> any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable >> > during > >> the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you >> > can > >> rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. >> >> Best regards >> >> Gabriel OH >> >> >>> Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 >>> From: [hidden email] >>> Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy >>> To: [hidden email] >>> >>> ***** >>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>> >> posting. >> >>> ***** >>> >>> Hi Avi, >>> >>> The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i >>> > managed > >>> confocals in Miami: >>> LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 >>> LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) >>> Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica >>> > sales > >>> and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 >>> > and > >>> Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight >>> > was > >>> better. >>> >>> Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find >>> > the > >>> money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth >>> > Center, > >>> Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED >>> > Driver, > >>> you can check out >>> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 >>> to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter >>> > Instruments. > >>> On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can >>> > find > >>> the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. >>> >>> One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, >>> >>> >> > http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/Laser-Care-td591323.html > >>> >>> Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm >>> >>> >>> Re: Laser Care >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) >>> >>> I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), >>> > HeNe > >>> 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off >>> > Friday > >>> night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments >>> > during > >>> the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. >>> >>> Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four >>> > different > >>> laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector >>> > (ChD > >>> in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of >>> > the > >>> condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture >>> > open > >>> so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) >>> adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights >>> > off, > >>> room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers >>> > have > >>> a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while >>> > I get > >>> bizarre glitches in single frames images. >>> >>> Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted >>> > light > >>> detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a >>> > Chroma > >>> plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open >>> > pinhole, > >>> focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), >>> > and > >>> found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked >>> > extremely > >>> well. >>> >>> I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer >>> cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a >>> > bunch of > >>> other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount >>> > of > >>> dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown >>> > extremely > >>> good stability in the ChD tests. >>> >>> If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years >>> > I > >>> used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar >>> > (but not > >>> every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our >>> > building. > >>> George >>> p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this >>> > was a > >>> 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's >>> > may > >>> have been part of their issues). >>> >>> >>> >>> On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: >>> >>>> ***** >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go >>>> > to: > >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>> >> posting. >> >>>> ***** >>>> >>>> Hi all, >>>> Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. >>>> >>>> Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my >>>> > current > >>>> position for only 2 months). >>>> 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone >>>> > after you > >>>> (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their >>>> > intent to > >> show >> >>>> up. >>>> 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut >>>> > down > >> (gas >> >>>> and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long >>>> >> standing, >> >>>> "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" >>>> > rule > >> in >> >>>> the facility. >>>> 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down >>>> > completely, > >>>> including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show >>>> > and > >> this >> >>>> way the equipment is not left on overnight). >>>> >>>> Questions: >>>> A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min >>>> > empty > >>>> window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours >>>> > straight. > >>>> (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). >>>> B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers >>>> >> except for >> >>>> end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging >>>> > power > >> saving. >> >>>> Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the >>>> > only > >> way >> >>>> to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. >>>> C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? >>>> D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. >>>> >>>> Best, >>>> Avi >>>> >>>> Avi Jacob, Ph.D. >>>> Head of Light Microscopy >>>> The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences >>>> Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel >>>> http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> -- >>> >>> >>> >>> George McNamara, Ph.D. >>> Single Cells Analyst >>> L.J.N. Cooper Lab >>> University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center >>> Houston, TX 77054 >>> Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ >>> >> > -- George McNamara, Ph.D. Single Cells Analyst L.J.N. Cooper Lab University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Houston, TX 77054 Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ |
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Craig Brideau |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** I second George's comments on the UPSs. Unless your electrical supply is super clean you can get spikes and sags in the line voltage that stress the equipment. A UPS filters all this out and ensures your lasers are fed with a constant voltage from the wall. This is easier on the laser drive electronics. I have UPSs on all my systems. One point though is that you will have to replace the lead-acid batteries in them once every four or five years, regardless of their usage. For simplicity one big UPS is easier to deal with than many smaller ones. The standard battery is a 7Ah 12v, and larger UPSs just use multiples of this battery, while the smaller ones only use a single battery. They go for $25 to $50 depending on supplier, so they are not that expensive to replace. On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 10:04 PM, George McNamara <[hidden email] > wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > The lifetime of the lasers on commercial confocal microscopes are all over > the place. In September 2009 the new LSM710 in Miami had its 561 nm solid > state laser die four months after installation (covered by Zeiss warranty). > I don't recall its replacement ever having a problem through March 2013. > 365/24/7. > > Power supplies: The LSM710 came with a big UPS. As did the LSM510 (circa > 2003). We bought APC or Tripp Lite UPS's for the Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 (one > or both Leica's required a special power feed from the wall - more > paperwork but worth protecting). > > > > On 5/21/2014 5:47 PM, Arvydas Matiukas wrote: > >> ***** >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. >> ***** >> >> Very useful discussion. However, I would like to add that >> the single policy may not be optimal for everybody. One >> needs to consider what is more important: laser stability >> or lifetime. If average laser usage is only a fraction of >> the day (month, year) then it is not possible to optimize both >> parameters. >> If follow George's "lasers on 7/24" policy then gas lasers will last >> only 7-12 months >> (still OK if covered by service contract). For my Core that is on >> smaller campus and laser usage below 1500 hrs/year more efficient >> is "on upon request" policy combined with reasonable (~1hr) laser >> warm-up/cool down time as suggested by Gabriel. This allows >> keep lasers running for 5-7 years and save money not keeping >> the service contract. BTW, Craig's suggestion on external power >> stabilizer maybe very useful for cutting laser warmup time. >> >> Best regards, >> Arvydas >> >> >> >> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D. >> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core >> SUNY Upstate Medical University >> >> >>> Craig Brideau<[hidden email]> 5/21/2014 5:40 PM>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> ***** >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >> posting. >> ***** >> >> If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like >> Thorlabs' >> Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that >> maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, >> you >> just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, then >> the >> device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I >> didn't >> realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most >> lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing >> seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. >> >> Craig >> >> >> On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz >> <[hidden email]>wrote: >> >> >> >>> ***** >>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>> >>> >> posting. >> >> >>> ***** >>> >>> Two cents more: >>> >>> One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, >>> >>> >> or >> >> >>> Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off >>> >>> >> for 1 >> >> >>> hour before re starting it. >>> >>> With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old >>> >>> >> lasers >> >> >>> on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being >>> >>> >> unstable >> >> >>> and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20*C range. >>> >>> The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to >>> >>> >> work) is >> >> >>> not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that >>> >>> >> controls >> >> >>> any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable >>> >>> >> during >> >> >>> the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you >>> >>> >> can >> >> >>> rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. >>> >>> Best regards >>> >>> Gabriel OH >>> >>> >>> >>>> Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 >>>> From: [hidden email] >>>> Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy >>>> To: [hidden email] >>>> >>>> ***** >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>> >>>> >>> posting. >>> >>> >>>> ***** >>>> >>>> Hi Avi, >>>> >>>> The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i >>>> >>>> >>> managed >> >> >>> confocals in Miami: >>>> LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 >>>> LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) >>>> Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica >>>> >>>> >>> sales >> >> >>> and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 >>>> >>>> >>> and >> >> >>> Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight >>>> >>>> >>> was >> >> >>> better. >>>> >>>> Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find >>>> >>>> >>> the >> >> >>> money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth >>>> >>>> >>> Center, >> >> >>> Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED >>>> >>>> >>> Driver, >> >> >>> you can check out >>>> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 >>>> to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter >>>> >>>> >>> Instruments. >> >> >>> On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can >>>> >>>> >>> find >> >> >>> the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. >>>> >>>> One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/ >> Laser-Care-td591323.html >> >> >>> >>>> Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm >>>> >>>> >>>> Re: Laser Care >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) >>>> >>>> I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), >>>> >>>> >>> HeNe >> >> >>> 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off >>>> >>>> >>> Friday >> >> >>> night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments >>>> >>>> >>> during >> >> >>> the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. >>>> >>>> Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four >>>> >>>> >>> different >> >> >>> laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector >>>> >>>> >>> (ChD >> >> >>> in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of >>>> >>>> >>> the >> >> >>> condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture >>>> >>>> >>> open >> >> >>> so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) >>>> adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights >>>> >>>> >>> off, >> >> >>> room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers >>>> >>>> >>> have >> >> >>> a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while >>>> >>>> >>> I get >> >> >>> bizarre glitches in single frames images. >>>> >>>> Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted >>>> >>>> >>> light >> >> >>> detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a >>>> >>>> >>> Chroma >> >> >>> plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open >>>> >>>> >>> pinhole, >> >> >>> focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), >>>> >>>> >>> and >> >> >>> found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked >>>> >>>> >>> extremely >> >> >>> well. >>>> >>>> I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer >>>> cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a >>>> >>>> >>> bunch of >> >> >>> other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount >>>> >>>> >>> of >> >> >>> dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown >>>> >>>> >>> extremely >> >> >>> good stability in the ChD tests. >>>> >>>> If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years >>>> >>>> >>> I >> >> >>> used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar >>>> >>>> >>> (but not >> >> >>> every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our >>>> >>>> >>> building. >> >> >>> George >>>> p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this >>>> >>>> >>> was a >> >> >>> 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's >>>> >>>> >>> may >> >> >>> have been part of their issues). >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: >>>> >>>> >>>>> ***** >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go >>>>> >>>>> >>>> to: >> >> >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>>> >>>>> >>>> posting. >>> >>> >>>> ***** >>>>> >>>>> Hi all, >>>>> Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. >>>>> >>>>> Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my >>>>> >>>>> >>>> current >> >> >>> position for only 2 months). >>>>> 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone >>>>> >>>>> >>>> after you >> >> >>> (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their >>>>> >>>>> >>>> intent to >> >> >>> show >>> >>> >>>> up. >>>>> 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut >>>>> >>>>> >>>> down >> >> >>> (gas >>> >>> >>>> and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long >>>>> >>>>> >>>> standing, >>> >>> >>>> "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" >>>>> >>>>> >>>> rule >> >> >>> in >>> >>> >>>> the facility. >>>>> 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down >>>>> >>>>> >>>> completely, >> >> >>> including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show >>>>> >>>>> >>>> and >> >> >>> this >>> >>> >>>> way the equipment is not left on overnight). >>>>> >>>>> Questions: >>>>> A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min >>>>> >>>>> >>>> empty >> >> >>> window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours >>>>> >>>>> >>>> straight. >> >> >>> (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). >>>>> B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers >>>>> >>>>> >>>> except for >>> >>> >>>> end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging >>>>> >>>>> >>>> power >> >> >>> saving. >>> >>> >>>> Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the >>>>> >>>>> >>>> only >> >> >>> way >>> >>> >>>> to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. >>>>> C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? >>>>> D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. >>>>> >>>>> Best, >>>>> Avi >>>>> >>>>> Avi Jacob, Ph.D. >>>>> Head of Light Microscopy >>>>> The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences >>>>> Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel >>>>> http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> George McNamara, Ph.D. >>>> Single Cells Analyst >>>> L.J.N. Cooper Lab >>>> University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center >>>> Houston, TX 77054 >>>> Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >> >> > > > -- > > > > George McNamara, Ph.D. > Single Cells Analyst > L.J.N. Cooper Lab > University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > Houston, TX 77054 > Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > |
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Zac Arrac Atelaz |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Hello again: A bit more about UPS devices, usually they enter about 20 to 50ms after power interruptions, but but but if you have a Building back up system, the thing can get messy, as that system will also start about the same delay time, so that would create peaks, or on and off moments as one back up enters, and quits, almost simultaneously, this is something that is basically there to stay, but just consider that possibility, I have seen that happen before. Best Regards Gabriel OH > Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 10:39:11 -0600 > From: [hidden email] > Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers > To: [hidden email] > > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > I second George's comments on the UPSs. Unless your electrical supply is > super clean you can get spikes and sags in the line voltage that stress the > equipment. A UPS filters all this out and ensures your lasers are fed with > a constant voltage from the wall. This is easier on the laser drive > electronics. I have UPSs on all my systems. One point though is that you > will have to replace the lead-acid batteries in them once every four or > five years, regardless of their usage. For simplicity one big UPS is easier > to deal with than many smaller ones. The standard battery is a 7Ah 12v, and > larger UPSs just use multiples of this battery, while the smaller ones only > use a single battery. They go for $25 to $50 depending on supplier, so they > are not that expensive to replace. > > > On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 10:04 PM, George McNamara <[hidden email] > > wrote: > > > ***** > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > > ***** > > > > The lifetime of the lasers on commercial confocal microscopes are all over > > the place. In September 2009 the new LSM710 in Miami had its 561 nm solid > > state laser die four months after installation (covered by Zeiss warranty). > > I don't recall its replacement ever having a problem through March 2013. > > 365/24/7. > > > > Power supplies: The LSM710 came with a big UPS. As did the LSM510 (circa > > 2003). We bought APC or Tripp Lite UPS's for the Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 (one > > or both Leica's required a special power feed from the wall - more > > paperwork but worth protecting). > > > > > > > > On 5/21/2014 5:47 PM, Arvydas Matiukas wrote: > > > >> ***** > >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > >> ***** > >> > >> Very useful discussion. However, I would like to add that > >> the single policy may not be optimal for everybody. One > >> needs to consider what is more important: laser stability > >> or lifetime. If average laser usage is only a fraction of > >> the day (month, year) then it is not possible to optimize both > >> parameters. > >> If follow George's "lasers on 7/24" policy then gas lasers will last > >> only 7-12 months > >> (still OK if covered by service contract). For my Core that is on > >> smaller campus and laser usage below 1500 hrs/year more efficient > >> is "on upon request" policy combined with reasonable (~1hr) laser > >> warm-up/cool down time as suggested by Gabriel. This allows > >> keep lasers running for 5-7 years and save money not keeping > >> the service contract. BTW, Craig's suggestion on external power > >> stabilizer maybe very useful for cutting laser warmup time. > >> > >> Best regards, > >> Arvydas > >> > >> > >> > >> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D. > >> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core > >> SUNY Upstate Medical University > >> > >> > >>> Craig Brideau<[hidden email]> 5/21/2014 5:40 PM>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> ***** > >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > >> posting. > >> ***** > >> > >> If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like > >> Thorlabs' > >> Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that > >> maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, > >> you > >> just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, then > >> the > >> device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I > >> didn't > >> realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most > >> lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing > >> seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. > >> > >> Craig > >> > >> > >> On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz > >> <[hidden email]>wrote: > >> > >> > >> > >>> ***** > >>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > >>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > >>> > >>> > >> posting. > >> > >> > >>> ***** > >>> > >>> Two cents more: > >>> > >>> One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, > >>> > >>> > >> or > >> > >> > >>> Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off > >>> > >>> > >> for 1 > >> > >> > >>> hour before re starting it. > >>> > >>> With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old > >>> > >>> > >> lasers > >> > >> > >>> on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being > >>> > >>> > >> unstable > >> > >> > >>> and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20*C range. > >>> > >>> The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to > >>> > >>> > >> work) is > >> > >> > >>> not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that > >>> > >>> > >> controls > >> > >> > >>> any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable > >>> > >>> > >> during > >> > >> > >>> the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you > >>> > >>> > >> can > >> > >> > >>> rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. > >>> > >>> Best regards > >>> > >>> Gabriel OH > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>>> Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 > >>>> From: [hidden email] > >>>> Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy > >>>> To: [hidden email] > >>>> > >>>> ***** > >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > >>>> > >>>> > >>> posting. > >>> > >>> > >>>> ***** > >>>> > >>>> Hi Avi, > >>>> > >>>> The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i > >>>> > >>>> > >>> managed > >> > >> > >>> confocals in Miami: > >>>> LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 > >>>> LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) > >>>> Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica > >>>> > >>>> > >>> sales > >> > >> > >>> and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 > >>>> > >>>> > >>> and > >> > >> > >>> Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight > >>>> > >>>> > >>> was > >> > >> > >>> better. > >>>> > >>>> Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find > >>>> > >>>> > >>> the > >> > >> > >>> money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth > >>>> > >>>> > >>> Center, > >> > >> > >>> Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED > >>>> > >>>> > >>> Driver, > >> > >> > >>> you can check out > >>>> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 > >>>> to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter > >>>> > >>>> > >>> Instruments. > >> > >> > >>> On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can > >>>> > >>>> > >>> find > >> > >> > >>> the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. > >>>> > >>>> One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >> http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/ > >> Laser-Care-td591323.html > >> > >> > >>> > >>>> Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> Re: Laser Care > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) > >>>> > >>>> I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), > >>>> > >>>> > >>> HeNe > >> > >> > >>> 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off > >>>> > >>>> > >>> Friday > >> > >> > >>> night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments > >>>> > >>>> > >>> during > >> > >> > >>> the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. > >>>> > >>>> Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four > >>>> > >>>> > >>> different > >> > >> > >>> laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector > >>>> > >>>> > >>> (ChD > >> > >> > >>> in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of > >>>> > >>>> > >>> the > >> > >> > >>> condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture > >>>> > >>>> > >>> open > >> > >> > >>> so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) > >>>> adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights > >>>> > >>>> > >>> off, > >> > >> > >>> room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers > >>>> > >>>> > >>> have > >> > >> > >>> a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while > >>>> > >>>> > >>> I get > >> > >> > >>> bizarre glitches in single frames images. > >>>> > >>>> Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted > >>>> > >>>> > >>> light > >> > >> > >>> detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a > >>>> > >>>> > >>> Chroma > >> > >> > >>> plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open > >>>> > >>>> > >>> pinhole, > >> > >> > >>> focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), > >>>> > >>>> > >>> and > >> > >> > >>> found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked > >>>> > >>>> > >>> extremely > >> > >> > >>> well. > >>>> > >>>> I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer > >>>> cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a > >>>> > >>>> > >>> bunch of > >> > >> > >>> other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount > >>>> > >>>> > >>> of > >> > >> > >>> dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown > >>>> > >>>> > >>> extremely > >> > >> > >>> good stability in the ChD tests. > >>>> > >>>> If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years > >>>> > >>>> > >>> I > >> > >> > >>> used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar > >>>> > >>>> > >>> (but not > >> > >> > >>> every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our > >>>> > >>>> > >>> building. > >> > >> > >>> George > >>>> p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this > >>>> > >>>> > >>> was a > >> > >> > >>> 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's > >>>> > >>>> > >>> may > >> > >> > >>> have been part of their issues). > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: > >>>> > >>>> > >>>>> ***** > >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> to: > >> > >> > >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> posting. > >>> > >>> > >>>> ***** > >>>>> > >>>>> Hi all, > >>>>> Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > >>>>> > >>>>> Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> current > >> > >> > >>> position for only 2 months). > >>>>> 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> after you > >> > >> > >>> (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> intent to > >> > >> > >>> show > >>> > >>> > >>>> up. > >>>>> 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> down > >> > >> > >>> (gas > >>> > >>> > >>>> and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> standing, > >>> > >>> > >>>> "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> rule > >> > >> > >>> in > >>> > >>> > >>>> the facility. > >>>>> 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> completely, > >> > >> > >>> including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> and > >> > >> > >>> this > >>> > >>> > >>>> way the equipment is not left on overnight). > >>>>> > >>>>> Questions: > >>>>> A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> empty > >> > >> > >>> window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> straight. > >> > >> > >>> (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > >>>>> B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> except for > >>> > >>> > >>>> end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> power > >> > >> > >>> saving. > >>> > >>> > >>>> Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> only > >> > >> > >>> way > >>> > >>> > >>>> to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > >>>>> C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > >>>>> D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > >>>>> > >>>>> Best, > >>>>> Avi > >>>>> > >>>>> Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > >>>>> Head of Light Microscopy > >>>>> The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > >>>>> Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > >>>>> http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>>> > >>>> > >>>> -- > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> > >>>> George McNamara, Ph.D. > >>>> Single Cells Analyst > >>>> L.J.N. Cooper Lab > >>>> University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > >>>> Houston, TX 77054 > >>>> Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > >>>> > >>>> > >>> > >>> > >> > >> > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > George McNamara, Ph.D. > > Single Cells Analyst > > L.J.N. Cooper Lab > > University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > > Houston, TX 77054 > > Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > > |
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Craig Brideau |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** A relay connected to the UPS that switches the wall current back on with a slight delay might solve that problem. Craig Brideau On 2014-05-22 10:26 PM, "Zac Arrac Atelaz" <[hidden email]> wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > Hello again: > > A bit more about UPS devices, usually they enter about 20 to 50ms after > power interruptions, but but but if you have a Building back up system, the > thing can get messy, as that system will also start about the same delay > time, so that would create peaks, or on and off moments as one back up > enters, and quits, almost simultaneously, this is something that is > basically there to stay, but just consider that possibility, I have seen > that happen before. > > Best Regards > > Gabriel OH > > > Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 10:39:11 -0600 > > From: [hidden email] > > Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers > > To: [hidden email] > > > > ***** > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > ***** > > > > I second George's comments on the UPSs. Unless your electrical supply is > > super clean you can get spikes and sags in the line voltage that stress > the > > equipment. A UPS filters all this out and ensures your lasers are fed > with > > a constant voltage from the wall. This is easier on the laser drive > > electronics. I have UPSs on all my systems. One point though is that you > > will have to replace the lead-acid batteries in them once every four or > > five years, regardless of their usage. For simplicity one big UPS is > easier > > to deal with than many smaller ones. The standard battery is a 7Ah 12v, > and > > larger UPSs just use multiples of this battery, while the smaller ones > only > > use a single battery. They go for $25 to $50 depending on supplier, so > they > > are not that expensive to replace. > > > > > > On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 10:04 PM, George McNamara < > [hidden email] > > > wrote: > > > > > ***** > > > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > > ***** > > > > > > The lifetime of the lasers on commercial confocal microscopes are all > over > > > the place. In September 2009 the new LSM710 in Miami had its 561 nm > solid > > > state laser die four months after installation (covered by Zeiss > warranty). > > > I don't recall its replacement ever having a problem through March > 2013. > > > 365/24/7. > > > > > > Power supplies: The LSM710 came with a big UPS. As did the LSM510 > (circa > > > 2003). We bought APC or Tripp Lite UPS's for the Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 > (one > > > or both Leica's required a special power feed from the wall - more > > > paperwork but worth protecting). > > > > > > > > > > > > On 5/21/2014 5:47 PM, Arvydas Matiukas wrote: > > > > > >> ***** > > >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > posting. > > >> ***** > > >> > > >> Very useful discussion. However, I would like to add that > > >> the single policy may not be optimal for everybody. One > > >> needs to consider what is more important: laser stability > > >> or lifetime. If average laser usage is only a fraction of > > >> the day (month, year) then it is not possible to optimize both > > >> parameters. > > >> If follow George's "lasers on 7/24" policy then gas lasers will last > > >> only 7-12 months > > >> (still OK if covered by service contract). For my Core that is on > > >> smaller campus and laser usage below 1500 hrs/year more efficient > > >> is "on upon request" policy combined with reasonable (~1hr) laser > > >> warm-up/cool down time as suggested by Gabriel. This allows > > >> keep lasers running for 5-7 years and save money not keeping > > >> the service contract. BTW, Craig's suggestion on external power > > >> stabilizer maybe very useful for cutting laser warmup time. > > >> > > >> Best regards, > > >> Arvydas > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D. > > >> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core > > >> SUNY Upstate Medical University > > >> > > >> > > >>> Craig Brideau<[hidden email]> 5/21/2014 5:40 PM>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> ***** > > >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > > >> posting. > > >> ***** > > >> > > >> If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like > > >> Thorlabs' > > >> Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that > > >> maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, > > >> you > > >> just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, > then > > >> the > > >> device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I > > >> didn't > > >> realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most > > >> lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing > > >> seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. > > >> > > >> Craig > > >> > > >> > > >> On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz > > >> <[hidden email]>wrote: > > >> > > >> > > >> > > >>> ***** > > >>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > >>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > > >>> > > >>> > > >> posting. > > >> > > >> > > >>> ***** > > >>> > > >>> Two cents more: > > >>> > > >>> One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, > > >>> > > >>> > > >> or > > >> > > >> > > >>> Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off > > >>> > > >>> > > >> for 1 > > >> > > >> > > >>> hour before re starting it. > > >>> > > >>> With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old > > >>> > > >>> > > >> lasers > > >> > > >> > > >>> on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being > > >>> > > >>> > > >> unstable > > >> > > >> > > >>> and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20*C range. > > >>> > > >>> The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to > > >>> > > >>> > > >> work) is > > >> > > >> > > >>> not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that > > >>> > > >>> > > >> controls > > >> > > >> > > >>> any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable > > >>> > > >>> > > >> during > > >> > > >> > > >>> the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you > > >>> > > >>> > > >> can > > >> > > >> > > >>> rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. > > >>> > > >>> Best regards > > >>> > > >>> Gabriel OH > > >>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 > > >>>> From: [hidden email] > > >>>> Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy > > >>>> To: [hidden email] > > >>>> > > >>>> ***** > > >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > > >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> posting. > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> ***** > > >>>> > > >>>> Hi Avi, > > >>>> > > >>>> The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> managed > > >> > > >> > > >>> confocals in Miami: > > >>>> LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 > > >>>> LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) > > >>>> Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> sales > > >> > > >> > > >>> and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> and > > >> > > >> > > >>> Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> was > > >> > > >> > > >>> better. > > >>>> > > >>>> Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> the > > >> > > >> > > >>> money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> Center, > > >> > > >> > > >>> Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> Driver, > > >> > > >> > > >>> you can check out > > >>>> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 > > >>>> to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> Instruments. > > >> > > >> > > >>> On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> find > > >> > > >> > > >>> the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. > > >>>> > > >>>> One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >> http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/ > > >> Laser-Care-td591323.html > > >> > > >> > > >>> > > >>>> Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> Re: Laser Care > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) > > >>>> > > >>>> I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> HeNe > > >> > > >> > > >>> 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> Friday > > >> > > >> > > >>> night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> during > > >> > > >> > > >>> the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. > > >>>> > > >>>> Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> different > > >> > > >> > > >>> laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> (ChD > > >> > > >> > > >>> in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> the > > >> > > >> > > >>> condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> open > > >> > > >> > > >>> so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) > > >>>> adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> off, > > >> > > >> > > >>> room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> have > > >> > > >> > > >>> a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> I get > > >> > > >> > > >>> bizarre glitches in single frames images. > > >>>> > > >>>> Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> light > > >> > > >> > > >>> detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> Chroma > > >> > > >> > > >>> plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> pinhole, > > >> > > >> > > >>> focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> and > > >> > > >> > > >>> found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> extremely > > >> > > >> > > >>> well. > > >>>> > > >>>> I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer > > >>>> cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> bunch of > > >> > > >> > > >>> other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> of > > >> > > >> > > >>> dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> extremely > > >> > > >> > > >>> good stability in the ChD tests. > > >>>> > > >>>> If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> I > > >> > > >> > > >>> used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> (but not > > >> > > >> > > >>> every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> building. > > >> > > >> > > >>> George > > >>>> p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> was a > > >> > > >> > > >>> 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> may > > >> > > >> > > >>> have been part of their issues). > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>>> ***** > > >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> to: > > >> > > >> > > >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > > >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> posting. > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> ***** > > >>>>> > > >>>>> Hi all, > > >>>>> Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. > > >>>>> > > >>>>> Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> current > > >> > > >> > > >>> position for only 2 months). > > >>>>> 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> after you > > >> > > >> > > >>> (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> intent to > > >> > > >> > > >>> show > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> up. > > >>>>> 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> down > > >> > > >> > > >>> (gas > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> standing, > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> rule > > >> > > >> > > >>> in > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> the facility. > > >>>>> 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> completely, > > >> > > >> > > >>> including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> and > > >> > > >> > > >>> this > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> way the equipment is not left on overnight). > > >>>>> > > >>>>> Questions: > > >>>>> A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> empty > > >> > > >> > > >>> window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> straight. > > >> > > >> > > >>> (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). > > >>>>> B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> except for > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> power > > >> > > >> > > >>> saving. > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> only > > >> > > >> > > >>> way > > >>> > > >>> > > >>>> to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. > > >>>>> C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? > > >>>>> D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. > > >>>>> > > >>>>> Best, > > >>>>> Avi > > >>>>> > > >>>>> Avi Jacob, Ph.D. > > >>>>> Head of Light Microscopy > > >>>>> The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences > > >>>>> Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel > > >>>>> http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> -- > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>>> George McNamara, Ph.D. > > >>>> Single Cells Analyst > > >>>> L.J.N. Cooper Lab > > >>>> University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > > >>>> Houston, TX 77054 > > >>>> Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > > >>>> > > >>>> > > >>> > > >>> > > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > > -- > > > > > > > > > > > > George McNamara, Ph.D. > > > Single Cells Analyst > > > L.J.N. Cooper Lab > > > University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center > > > Houston, TX 77054 > > > Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ > > > > |
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DamirSudar |
Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers
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*****
To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. ***** Actually, if you use an online UPS (always converts the incoming line to DC, backed-up by the battery and then back to AC), this switching issue does not come into play. There is no interruption at all when the line power goes down. See: http://4upsbattery.com/ups_types.htm for some more detail. I have all my high-end microscopes on APC SmartUPS RT units which are online units (no commercial interest, just a user). - Damir On 5/23/2014 7:40 AM, Craig Brideau wrote: > ***** > To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: > http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy > Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. > ***** > > A relay connected to the UPS that switches the wall current back on with a > slight delay might solve that problem. > > Craig Brideau > On 2014-05-22 10:26 PM, "Zac Arrac Atelaz" <[hidden email]> wrote: > >> ***** >> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your posting. >> ***** >> >> Hello again: >> >> A bit more about UPS devices, usually they enter about 20 to 50ms after >> power interruptions, but but but if you have a Building back up system, the >> thing can get messy, as that system will also start about the same delay >> time, so that would create peaks, or on and off moments as one back up >> enters, and quits, almost simultaneously, this is something that is >> basically there to stay, but just consider that possibility, I have seen >> that happen before. >> >> Best Regards >> >> Gabriel OH >> >>> Date: Thu, 22 May 2014 10:39:11 -0600 >>> From: [hidden email] >>> Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy Argon and HeNe lasers >>> To: [hidden email] >>> >>> ***** >>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >> posting. >>> ***** >>> >>> I second George's comments on the UPSs. Unless your electrical supply is >>> super clean you can get spikes and sags in the line voltage that stress >> the >>> equipment. A UPS filters all this out and ensures your lasers are fed >> with >>> a constant voltage from the wall. This is easier on the laser drive >>> electronics. I have UPSs on all my systems. One point though is that you >>> will have to replace the lead-acid batteries in them once every four or >>> five years, regardless of their usage. For simplicity one big UPS is >> easier >>> to deal with than many smaller ones. The standard battery is a 7Ah 12v, >> and >>> larger UPSs just use multiples of this battery, while the smaller ones >> only >>> use a single battery. They go for $25 to $50 depending on supplier, so >> they >>> are not that expensive to replace. >>> >>> >>> On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 10:04 PM, George McNamara < >> [hidden email] >>>> wrote: >>>> ***** >>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >> posting. >>>> ***** >>>> >>>> The lifetime of the lasers on commercial confocal microscopes are all >> over >>>> the place. In September 2009 the new LSM710 in Miami had its 561 nm >> solid >>>> state laser die four months after installation (covered by Zeiss >> warranty). >>>> I don't recall its replacement ever having a problem through March >> 2013. >>>> 365/24/7. >>>> >>>> Power supplies: The LSM710 came with a big UPS. As did the LSM510 >> (circa >>>> 2003). We bought APC or Tripp Lite UPS's for the Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 >> (one >>>> or both Leica's required a special power feed from the wall - more >>>> paperwork but worth protecting). >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> On 5/21/2014 5:47 PM, Arvydas Matiukas wrote: >>>> >>>>> ***** >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >> posting. >>>>> ***** >>>>> >>>>> Very useful discussion. However, I would like to add that >>>>> the single policy may not be optimal for everybody. One >>>>> needs to consider what is more important: laser stability >>>>> or lifetime. If average laser usage is only a fraction of >>>>> the day (month, year) then it is not possible to optimize both >>>>> parameters. >>>>> If follow George's "lasers on 7/24" policy then gas lasers will last >>>>> only 7-12 months >>>>> (still OK if covered by service contract). For my Core that is on >>>>> smaller campus and laser usage below 1500 hrs/year more efficient >>>>> is "on upon request" policy combined with reasonable (~1hr) laser >>>>> warm-up/cool down time as suggested by Gabriel. This allows >>>>> keep lasers running for 5-7 years and save money not keeping >>>>> the service contract. BTW, Craig's suggestion on external power >>>>> stabilizer maybe very useful for cutting laser warmup time. >>>>> >>>>> Best regards, >>>>> Arvydas >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Arvydas Matiukas, Ph.D. >>>>> Director of Confocal&Two-Photon Core >>>>> SUNY Upstate Medical University >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> Craig Brideau<[hidden email]> 5/21/2014 5:40 PM>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> ***** >>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>>> posting. >>>>> ***** >>>>> >>>>> If you want to stabilize a medium-low power laser something like >>>>> Thorlabs' >>>>> Noise Eater seems interesting. It's got an internal feedback loop that >>>>> maintains a constant power. It is completely self contained as well, >>>>> you >>>>> just stick it in the beam, turn a knob to adjust the target power, >> then >>>>> the >>>>> device holds that power despite any fluctuations in the laser. I >>>>> didn't >>>>> realize such a thing was on the market until recently, and while most >>>>> lasers are fairly stable after they've had time to warm up, this thing >>>>> seems like it could save you some time on cold starts. >>>>> >>>>> Craig >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On Wed, May 21, 2014 at 7:57 AM, Zac Arrac Atelaz >>>>> <[hidden email]>wrote: >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> ***** >>>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> posting. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> ***** >>>>>> >>>>>> Two cents more: >>>>>> >>>>>> One general recomendation is: if you turn on your Argon, HeNe lasers, >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> or >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> Hg lamp, leave them on 1 hour before turning off, and let them off >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> for 1 >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> hour before re starting it. >>>>>> >>>>>> With that procedure I have an Olympus FV1000 that has 7 years old >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> lasers >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> on it, and the Hg Lamps reach easily 1000 hours use before being >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> unstable >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> and replaced, also the room temp is always in the 18-20*C range. >>>>>> >>>>>> The stabilization time (that useless 30 min before being able to >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> work) is >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> not required for the FV1000 because it has a feedback system that >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> controls >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> any minor laser unstability and keeps the amount of photons stable >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> during >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> the acquisition process, in such a manner that any minor change you >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> can >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> rest assure that it belongs to your sample, not your laser. >>>>>> >>>>>> Best regards >>>>>> >>>>>> Gabriel OH >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> Date: Tue, 20 May 2014 19:28:24 -0500 >>>>>>> From: [hidden email] >>>>>>> Subject: Re: Equipment shutdown policy >>>>>>> To: [hidden email] >>>>>>> >>>>>>> ***** >>>>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go to: >>>>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> posting. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> ***** >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Hi Avi, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> The subject has been covered ad nauseum on the listserv. When i >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> managed >>>>> >>>>>> confocals in Miami: >>>>>>> LSM510 ... left lasers on 24/7 >>>>>>> LSM710 ... left lasers on 24/7 (usually ran great for months) >>>>>>> Leica SP5 and MP/SP5 ... originally left on 24/7, then our Leica >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> sales >>>>> >>>>>> and support dudes (Charles H and John Z) convinced me for the SP5 >>>>>>> >>>>>> and >>>>> >>>>>> Mp/SP5 that having the users switch the lasers to standby overnight >>>>>>> >>>>>> was >>>>> >>>>>> better. >>>>>>> Hg arc lamps and metal halide (whose primary metal is Hg): find >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> the >>>>> >>>>>> money to replace them with LED lamps. Richard Cole (Wadworth >>>>>>> >>>>>> Center, >>>>> >>>>>> Albany) told me he switched to ThorLabs LED illuminator and LED >>>>>>> >>>>>> Driver, >>>>> >>>>>> you can check out >>>>>>> http://www.thorlabs.com/newgrouppage9.cfm?objectgroup_id=2615 >>>>>>> to start with. See also Lumen Dynamics, Lumencor, Sutter >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> Instruments. >>>>> >>>>>> On a confocal scope the epi-illumination us just so the user can >>>>>>> >>>>>> find >>>>> >>>>>> the specimen, so an inexpensive illuminator is fine. >>>>>>> One part of the 'ad nauseum' from a thread, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> http://confocal-microscopy-list.588098.n2.nabble.com/ >>>>> Laser-Care-td591323.html >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>>> Jan 08, 2008; 9:27pm >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Re: Laser Care >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> (edited from original to eliminate distraction of an UV laser) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I turn my Zeiss LSM 510's Argon visible (~6.1 Amp, ~60% output), >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> HeNe >>>>> >>>>>> 543 and HeNe 633 on Monday morning, and usually turn them off >>>>>>> >>>>>> Friday >>>>> >>>>>> night. If a user tells me they plan to come in for experiments >>>>>>> >>>>>> during >>>>> >>>>>> the weekend, I leave the lasers on all weekend. >>>>>>> Early morning and overnight I run a timelapse 1 fpm, four >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> different >>>>> >>>>>> laser lines sequential scanning, to the transmitted light detector >>>>>>> >>>>>> (ChD >>>>> >>>>>> in Zeiss jargon). 10x lens, no specimen, 1.0 OD filter on top of >>>>>>> >>>>>> the >>>>> >>>>>> condenser unit (inverted scope), transmitted light field aperture >>>>>>> >>>>>> open >>>>> >>>>>> so it is inside the field of view and condenser (and/or objective) >>>>>>> adjusted so the aperture is in focus, overhead fluorescent lights >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> off, >>>>> >>>>>> room door open to a larger lab space, room ~20 C. The Argon lasers >>>>>>> >>>>>> have >>>>> >>>>>> a several hour roller coaster ride after power up. Once in a while >>>>>>> >>>>>> I get >>>>> >>>>>> bizarre glitches in single frames images. >>>>>>> Zeiss confocal people used to complain that using the transmitted >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> light >>>>> >>>>>> detector was not relevant for the fluorescence channels. I put a >>>>>>> >>>>>> Chroma >>>>> >>>>>> plastic slide on the scope, did both ChD and fluorescence (open >>>>>>> >>>>>> pinhole, >>>>> >>>>>> focused into the plastic to hopefully minimize focus drift issues), >>>>>>> >>>>>> and >>>>> >>>>>> found the transmitted light intensity and fluorescence tracked >>>>>>> >>>>>> extremely >>>>> >>>>>> well. >>>>>>> I had a Zeiss service visit last week. The field service engineer >>>>>>> cleaned the dust trap under the electronics box (and tweaked a >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> bunch of >>>>> >>>>>> other things, so no promises that was the source, though the amount >>>>>>> >>>>>> of >>>>> >>>>>> dust removed was impressive) and since then the unit has shown >>>>>>> >>>>>> extremely >>>>> >>>>>> good stability in the ChD tests. >>>>>>> If Leica ever delivers stable software (they didn't in the 4 years >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> I >>>>> >>>>>> used their LCS software from 2001-2005), I will do some similar >>>>>>> >>>>>> (but not >>>>> >>>>>> every night) overnight tests on the new SP5 and MP/SP5 in our >>>>>>> >>>>>> building. >>>>> >>>>>> George >>>>>>> p.s. I do have a service contract on the LSM 510. (reminder: this >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> was a >>>>> >>>>>> 2008 post ... Leica LAS AF eventually was adequate, their HP PC's >>>>>>> >>>>>> may >>>>> >>>>>> have been part of their issues). >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 5/20/2014 12:47 AM, Avi Jacob wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> ***** >>>>>>>> To join, leave or search the confocal microscopy listserv, go >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> to: >>>>> >>>>>> http://lists.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wa?A0=confocalmicroscopy >>>>>>>> Post images on http://www.imgur.com and include the link in your >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> posting. >>>>>> >>>>>>> ***** >>>>>>>> Hi all, >>>>>>>> Question regarding your equipment shutdown policy. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Right now, we have the following rules (inherited - I am in my >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> current >>>>> >>>>>> position for only 2 months). >>>>>>>> 1. After use of microscope, check to see if there is someone >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> after you >>>>> >>>>>> (through the booking program) and call him to confirm their >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> intent to >>>>> >>>>>> show >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> up. >>>>>>>> 2. If the person is supposed to come only 30-60 min later, shut >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> down >>>>> >>>>>> (gas >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> and diode) lasers and leave everything else on. This is a long >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> standing, >>>>>> >>>>>>> "common knowledge that this is the way it is supposed to be done" >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> rule >>>>> >>>>>> in >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> the facility. >>>>>>>> 3. If next next scheduled time is hours away, shut down >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> completely, >>>>> >>>>>> including computers. (Because sometimes THAT person does not show >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> and >>>>> >>>>>> this >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> way the equipment is not left on overnight). >>>>>>>> Questions: >>>>>>>> A. How important is it, really, to shut down lasers for 30-60 min >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> empty >>>>> >>>>>> window? Frequently, there are people on it for many hours >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> straight. >>>>> >>>>>> (Besides because of the infernal racket of the argon laser). >>>>>>>> B. IMHO, there is certainly no reason to shut down the computers >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> except for >>>>>> >>>>>>> end of day. This right? Caveat 1: University is encouraging >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> power >>>>> >>>>>> saving. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> Caveat 2: On my admittedly old systems, restart is sometimes the >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> only >>>>> >>>>>> way >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>>> to get things working, so maybe just shut down anyway. >>>>>>>> C. What really is a good cut off time for complete shutdown? >>>>>>>> D. Other ideas and policy is welcome. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Best, >>>>>>>> Avi >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Avi Jacob, Ph.D. >>>>>>>> Head of Light Microscopy >>>>>>>> The Mina& Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences >>>>>>>> Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel >>>>>>>> http://tinyurl.com/BIU-Microscopy >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> -- >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> George McNamara, Ph.D. >>>>>>> Single Cells Analyst >>>>>>> L.J.N. Cooper Lab >>>>>>> University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center >>>>>>> Houston, TX 77054 >>>>>>> Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> George McNamara, Ph.D. >>>> Single Cells Analyst >>>> L.J.N. Cooper Lab >>>> University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center >>>> Houston, TX 77054 >>>> Tattletales http://works.bepress.com/gmcnamara/26/ >>>> -- Damir Sudar - Staff Scientist and Deputy for Technology Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory / Life Sciences Division One Cyclotron Road, MS 977, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA T: 510/486-5346 - F: 510/486-5586 - E: [hidden email] WWW: http://www.lbl.gov/lifesciences/labs/sudar_lab.html |
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