Tray, slide loading; iSaCS
For technicians and partly for sales managers!
This description handles the functionality, instructions and
adjustments to install and to check the tray loader and slide insert unit for Pannoramic
MIDI MODULAR TYPE scanners.
- The
description is derived from the equivalent description of the Pannoramic
MIDI scanner.
Setup and
adjustment procedures
Play video: “Tray and slide loading”;
“Remove tray”
For safety regulations
regarding human health and scanner functionality please refer to: Precautions
Unit mounting
The entire tray and slide loader unit is mounted by 4
bolts to the scanner plate; see also: “Dismount
and mount the tray- and slide loader unit”.
Tray unit
The tray holder and leader hold the tray and together
with the tray tightener and the conveyor unit a slippage free movement of the
tray is realized.
Slide loader unit
If the appropriate slide bay of the tray stays in the
slide insert position, the slide loader, driven by the slide loader motor via a
spindle moves the slide from the slide bay into the specimen holder and return,
from the specimen holder into the slide bay of the tray during a slide removal
action. During slide movements, the support plate is moved upward and supports the
slide from beneath.
The tray loader unit is used to hold and transport the
tray in the tray leader. The tray itself contains 10 slide bays and is always
inserted or removed from the right side of the scanner. Because the slide is
not fixed in the slide bay, the slide guide rail ensures that the slide has the
proper position in the slide bay before slide loading. The movement of the tray
is realized with a stepper motor.
The slide sensor checks the slide bay before the bay
of the slide to be inserted. If there is no slide present, then this position
will be excluded from the slide loading process.
The slide loader moves the slide from the bay position of the tray
into the specimen holder during slide insert action or in opposite direction,
from the specimen holder to the bay position of the tray during a slide remove
action by using a stepper motor driven mechanics. To ensure, that the slide
does not falling down during a slide insert or remove action, the support plate
supports the slide from beneath.
Exchange of the tray- and slide loader unit is
necessary:
- If one of
the stepper motors or its electronics is faulty.
- If the
shape of any part is deformed or a part is broken.
- If the
tray loader or slide loader unit has any fault and you are unable to fix it.
Please refer first to the chapter “Before you start to replace units”!
Requirements
- Service program for slide
scanners (SlideScannerService.exe) with actual license file
- Slide
scanner and Slide scanner Viewer software (SlideScanner.exe, SlideScanner
Viewer.exe) with dongle or actual license files
- 0.9, 1.5,
2.5, 3 and
- Hardware
and construction knowledge of Panoramic
scanners
Attention: Do
not mix the versions of SlideScanner.exe and SlideScannerService.exe! Always
use these programs with the same version number. Otherwise the
SlideScannerService.exe program could produce unwanted results and
SlideScanner.exe does not work correctly or even freeze!
The tray has 10 slide bays, so it can
contain up to 12 slides and is inserted with the position 1 from the right side
of the tray leader. The slides are not fixed in the slide bay, so they might fall
down, if the tray is not handled horizontally.
From beneath, the
tray has a dovetail to leading it in the tray leader; and the correspondent
part to the Maltese conveyor pin of the conveyor dial, to allow a tray movement
from slide bay to slide bay. If the 12th position is reached, the
tray must be moved backward to the insert and eject position, to allow the
remove or exchange of the tray.
The permanent
magnet is used to activate the tray sensor if a tray is present in the tray
leader. This magnet defines together with its sensor, the tray’s insert and
eject position, in this position the tray can be inserted and exchanged.
The slide bays
and conveyor mechanics of the tray should be kept clean and dry. The tray does
not need adjustment.
In the iSaCS, the rear of the first slide
bay is removed, so the slide mover uses this position to give-over or to
take-over the slide from the tray.
·
The
shape of the slide bay 1 is modified in relation to the tray of the modular
The allowed slide dimensions are:
Length: 75.00 to
Width: 25.00 to
Thickness: 00.95 to
Since January
- If the
first character of the serial number is an “S” the tool
is used to check the slide dimensions of the scanners “SCS”, “SCAN, “
- If the
first character of the serial number is a “P” the tool
is used to check the slide dimensions of the scanner “P250”; the slide
thickness is then 1.20mm.
·
Please check the slide dimensions
before filling the tray!
The tray is always inserted from or
removed to the right side of the scanner; on the left side of the tray leader a
bumper is situated to ensure, that the tray can not be inserted from or removed
to the left side. The reason for this is technical nature, the implementation
and construction of the tray loader mechanics. On the longer edges of the tray
leader dovetail rails are realized. This solution guarantees the proper
position of the tray and the slide bays. The tray tightener ensures a slippage
free convey and holding of the tray.
·
The
tray leader and the tray tightener should be kept clean and dry; they do not
need adjustment.
·
Check
the tray tightener for easy movement! Paraffin residues and small glass shards
may prevent the mechanics from working properly!
Because the slides are not fixed in the slide bay of the
tray, the slide guide rail pushes the slides into the slide bay during tray
movement. Together with the slide sensor arm the proper position of the slide
in the slide bay is defined.
·
The
slide sensor arm pushes the slide against the slide guide rail during sensing
the presence of the slide and defines so the Y-position for slide insertion
also.
The tray
insertion guide (it realizes a limit in height) allows the insertion of the
tray only, if the dovetail of the tray is well connected to its opposite part
of the tray leader. If the dovetail does not fitting correctly, the allowed
height of the tray will be overstepped and so, insertion of the tray into the
scanner is inhibited. This protection is used on both sides and avoids so
damaging of internal mechanical parts.
The tray sensor recognizes the presence of
a tray in its insert or remove position. This sensor is attached by the
presence of the magnet in the tray. The sensor is connected to the electronics with
the cable HAG-2.
The sensor does
not need maintenance, but its position is adjusted. See also “Setup
and adjustment procedures”.
“Sensors and
sensor states“ and “Hall
sensors”
The slide sensor fulfills two tasks; it
senses the presence of the slide mechanically, one position before the slide
insert position and so it helps to bring the slide into the correct X- and
Y-position for the slide insert procedure also.
1. The slide sensor senses the presence of a
slide in the slide bay of the tray. The slide is sensed in the position before
the slide’s insert position, so the software knows that the next slide bay
contains a slide or not. The slide is assumed as present if the magnet does not attach the sensor, in other words, the magnet is moved away from the sensor
if a slide is present. If the sensor is attached by the magnet, no slide is
present, the slide bay is empty. The sensor is connected to the electronics
with the cable HAG-1.
The sensor does not need maintenance, but its position is adjusted. See
also “Setup and adjustment procedures”.
“Sensors and
sensor states“ and “Hall
sensors”
2. 
The slide sensor pushes the slide against
the slide guide rail, so the position of the inner edge of the slide (the
Y-position) for the slide loading operation is found. Because the movement of
the tray is not finished if the slide is released by the slide sensor, this is
only the nominal position, the real position might differ some tenth
millimeter.
3. The slide sensor together with the slide
guide rail holds the slide on the shorter edges in its position; and if the
tray moves the sensed slide bay to the slide insert position (the tray moves
from the right to the left), the slide will stay in its position until the
right-hand edge of the slide bay touches the slide and moves it to the slide
insert position (so the X-position of the slide is found). Because the movement
of the tray is not finished if the slide is released by the slide sensor, this
is only the nominal position, the real position might differ some tenth millimeter.
If the tray is moved backward and any previous slide should be loaded,
the tray moves 1 slide bay position more backward as required and then a
forward movement follows; so the nominal X- and Y-position of the slide will be
found and the slide will be sensed also before slide insertion.
Principle
of support plate and slide loader spreading
If the conveyor dial is in the Home1,2
position (or a multiple number of -19 200 steps), the actuating rod does not
pull the ex-center, the “Rod
·
The
real slide movement is done, if the conveyor dial stays in Home1,2 or a multiple
number of 19 200steps.
If the conveyor dial is in the position of
-1920 motor steps (the tenth number of motor steps of a conveyor dial
revolution) or anywhere else on this part of the perimeter, the actuating rod
is pulling the ex-center and this is spreading the “Rod
The drive of the conveyor unit and the
slide loader unit is realized with stepper motors, and these are driven in
micro stepping mode. One revolution of rotor axle is divided into 3200 steps.
The forward direction of the motor’s axle is counter clockwise, CCW.
· The address of the Slide loader motor is 08.
· The address of the Tray conveyor motor is 07.
· The parts and units of the stepper motors need neither maintenance nor mechanical adjustments.
“Stepper motor”, “Addresses” and “Cabling of
addressable units”
The tray conveyor (transport) unit is
designed to move the first slide bay from the tray insert position to the slide
insert position, slide positions forward or backward as desired and to eject
the tray. The principle of the movement is the Maltese cross, it transforms
rotation into steps. Furthermore, the form fit mechanism moves the slide loader
and the support plate upward or downward as needed for the appropriate slide
insert or remove action or other, possible movements.
All the movements are software controlled, via
the number of steps, done by the stepper
motor. The stepper motor gets its information via the cable STG-5.
If the manual
scan method is used, the tray positions and actions are reached via software
buttons.
If the automatic
scan method is used, the tray is inserted manually and, if the scan operation
of the actual slide is finished, the next bay position is selected automatically.
If a slide is present, the slide will be inserted into the specimen holder, if
not, the tray is automatically moved to the next slide bay, until the presence
of a slide is detected.
The tray
transport unit is driven by a stepper motor via a gear. One revolution of the
conveyor dial is done in exact 19200 motor steps (6 revolutions of the motor’s
rotor). With the help of the Maltese conveyor pin and the tray stabilizer, the
tray is moved safely from slide bay to slide bay. Within one revolution of the
conveyor dial, the next or previous slide bay is reached.
The mechanics, driven by the form fit
mechanism is so constructed, that the support plate and the slide loader moves
always in opposite directions. If the bearing pin stays more away from the
center of the conveyor dial (-1920 steps), the slide loader stays upward and
the support plate downward; this happens, if the X-Y-stage is moved and also,
if the tray is moved (any position of the perimeter, shown in green).
If the slide is
moved, the slide loader stays down and is able to touch the slide by the inner
or outer finger as required for the actual action; meanwhile the support plate
stays up and touches the slide from beneath, the conveyor dial stays in the
Home1,2 position (or a multiple number of -19 200 steps).
If a slide insert
or remove action is in progress, but there is no connection with the slide (the
slide loader moves backward after slide insertion or the slide loader moves
forward before removing the slide) the conveyor dial is moved by -1920 steps
from its home position; in this position the slide loader is up and the support
plate is down, but the tray is not attached yet by the Maltese conveyor pin, so
the tray is not moved yet.
Slide loader and support plate mechanics
The slide loader
mechanics is used to move the slide loader from its Home position; this
position is over the tray, to the specimen holder, to insert a slide. This
mechanics is driven by a stepper motor
and the information via the cable STG-6.
The transport
spindle is connected directly to the axle of the stepper motor.
The mounting of
the support plate is realized with an axle bearing, so the support plate
becomes moveable with the help of the “Rod
The same mounting
solution is used for the slide loader movement, but its bearing and leading
axle is longer. If the slide loader is driven by the transport spindle via the
transport nut, the entire slide loader moves on this axle from its Home
position to the specimen holder and back, to the position over the tray.
The entire slide loader can be lifted up, (for all
movements, except slide movements) and can be lowered down (for slide
movements) with the help of the “Rod
The slide loader
mechanics should be kept clean. The slide loader mechanics adjustment is reduced
to the adjustment of the slide loader and support plate spreading mechanism;
see also the chapter “Setup and adjustment procedures”.
Setup and
adjustment procedures
- If the slide loader needs to be
lifted up manually, please touch the mechanical mounting of the “Rod
- Never lift up the slide loader on the
slide loader side, because the mechanics could be bend or deformed!
- If the slide loader mechanics is deformed,
the slides can not be inserted or removed safely!
·
Never execute the commands Home1,2 for the tray
loader with inserted tray!
If a tray is
inserted and the commands Home1,2 has to be executed for the tray loader,
remove the tray first by moving the tray backward with the service program and
the button +19200 steps or by powering off the power supply and turning the
tray loader gear wheel by hand (from beneath). If the tray is fully removed
from the tray leader, the command Home2 for the tray loader stepper motor can
be executed safely.
- To take always care on the focus
pin, set the focus position to
+800 steps if the X-Y stage should be moved with the service program!
This way, the focus pin is as far as possible away from the specimen holder;
otherwise, the focus pin will be battered during X-Y-stage movements, even if
collision with the specimen holder occurs. A well battered focus pin ensures
trouble during focusing of many samples!
Set the focus motor to +800 or +2400 steps:
Set the tray loader motor
to the position -1920 steps, so the slide loader and the support plate is
spread and does not collide with the X-Y-stage while it is moving!
Move the X-Y stage by at least 25 000 steps in +X-direction! This way,
the slide tightener is not connected with the release plate and the focus pin
movement can take effect. Set the focus position; then set the X-stage to any
desired position.
- Please
use always a protective
eye wear if the slide loading test is in progress and
you are looking closely at the loading procedure! It may happen that a
slide can fly in peaces during the process, even if the adjustment is
incorrect!
General techniques
A.
All the
movements of the X-Y-stage, tray- and slide loader and the focus unit are done
by using the service program, except explicitly specified otherwise.
B.
All
the parameter values to be actualized are found in the file MicroscopeConfiguretion.ini sections [HardwareLimits], [SlideLoading] and
[MagazineLoader]. Use always
an accuracy of 100 steps, except explicitly specified otherwise!
C.
Negative step numbers or values are
starting with a minus (-) sign in the *.ini files!
D.
The
focus position should never be set in the specimen holder’s X-Home1,2 and
Y-Home1,2 position, because the action has no effect (if the focus pin moves
downward) or the focus pin (8:1 divider) may be strained (if the focus pin
moves upward)! Instead go forward to +25 000 steps in +X-direction to
disconnect the specimen holder from the release plate; set the focus position
and move the specimen holder back by X=-25 000 steps if necessary.
E.
Do not hesitate to remove the turret
unit or turret plate (if the scanner will be used without the fluorescence
option) during the adjustment procedure is done, even if a full adjustment
should be done; so it is easier to reach certain places.
F.
Remove the entire tray- and slide
loader unit if brightfield illumination adjustments and adjustments of the
optical path are done; otherwise certain places can not be reached.
Adjustments
are done in the following sequence
1.
Check the physical limits of
the tray loader
2.
Adjust
the home position of the conveyor dial and tray loader motor
3.
Adjust
the length of the actuating rod
4.
Adjust
the tray sensor position.
5.
Adjust
the slide sensor position.
6.
Define
the value of the parameter MidiFeederArmMin,
MidiFeederArmMax
7.
Define
the value of the parameter MidiSlideFeederArmTrayMovingPosition
8.
Adjust
the height of the slide loader.
9.
Adjust
the height of the support plate.
9a. Check or adjust the slide bay position.
10. Define the value of the parameters “InsertSlidePositionX” and “InsertSlidePositionY1”
11. Adjust the position of the release plate.
12. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”
13. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition”
14. Define the value of the parameter MidiXPositionToFixTheSlide
15. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnLoadingStartPosition”
16. Define the value of the parameters “RemoveSlidePositionX1” and “RemoveSlidePositionY”
1. Check the physical
limits of the tray loader
These are predefined values and should be checked or set
only; adjustments are not required.
The parameter “MidiTrayMoverMin” is set to 0 and the parameter “MidiTrayMoverMax”
is set to 233 000.
2. Adjust the
home position of conveyor dial
and tray loader motor
a. 
Set the stepper motor of the conveyor unit
to Home1,2 position, without a tray inserted!
b. Adjust the conveyor dial position in
relation to the motor gear wheel by loosening the mounting bolts of the motor
(found from beneath) and disconnect the cogs of the gear wheels. Adjust the
position of the gearwheels to each other so, that the ball bearing is in the
smallest elongation; nearest to the center of the conveyor dial. Rotate always
the conveyor dial, never the motor axle!
c. After the mounting bolts are tightened, check
the engagement and connection between rotor- and gear wheel!
d. Set the tray motor position to Home1,2
again and check the entire adjustment.
e. Repeat the adjustment from step “a” if
necessary.
3. Adjust the length of the actuating rod
Adjust the length of the actuating rod by
screwing the rod strainer with the
4. Adjust the tray sensor position
This adjustment
assumes, that the correct slide bay position for the slide load operation is
found; see also “Check or adjust
the slide bay position”.
The goal of this
adjustment is, to set the tray insert position so, that the sensor is checked
if the tray is fully inserted and it can be loaded safely.
If the sensor
position is wrong, the inserted tray will not be recognized or, if the tray is
recognized, and the tray is too far from the conveyor dial, the Maltese pin can
not engage the appropriate tray mechanics.
a. Set the conveyor dial to Home1,2 position.
b. Insert the tray until it stops.
c. Move the hall sensor of the tray “HAG-2”
away from its action position and then carefully toward to the action position
until the service program shows
even the active state of the sensor and tighten the mounting bolt.
Check
the correct position
Move the tray carefully backward until the tray sensor
is inactive and by carefully inserting the tray again, stop the movement if the
sensor goes even active.
Now rotate the conveyor dial with the cog wheel and
the motor cable disconnected. The Maltese pin should engage the appropriate
part of the tray smoothly and safely. The gap between conveyor dial and tray
should be less than
·
The
gap can be checked if the tray is pushed from the acting position of the sensor
(the sensor shows even the active state) toward the conveyor dial; this
movement length should be less then 2mm. please repeat this check more times.
5. Adjust the slide sensor
position
Adjust the sensor position without slide
in the sensed slide bay!
The sensor state
should show the empty slide bay safely.
a. If an adjustment is needed, modify the Hall sensor position of the
slide sensor “HAG-1”,
see also the paragraphs “The tray sensor” and “The slide sensor” above.
b. The sensor position is correct if the
presence or not presence of the shortest possible slide is clearly detected.
Check this behavior with the service
program and by moving the sensor arm manually also.
6.
Define the values of the parameters “MidiFeederArmMin” and “MidiFeederArmMax”
These parameters
are defining the limit positions of the slide loader.
Find
the negative limit for the slide loader mechanics (“MidiFeederArmMin”)
a.
Set
the slide loader motor to Home1,2.
b.
Go
forward to the slide loader motor position -1200 steps.
c.
Go
backward +1200 steps.
d.
Press
Home1 (only). There should be not more then +-2 steps difference to Home1. If
there are more steps lost, decrease the actual absolute number of steps by 100
and repeat from step “a”. In the steps “b” and “c” use the actual absolute
number of steps!
e.
If
there are not more then 2 steps difference to Home1, increase the number of
steps by 100 and repeat from step “a”. In the steps “b” and “c” use the actual
absolute number of steps!
f.
The
negative limit is found correctly if the motor movement has no steps lost and
the actual absolute number of steps, increased by 100 would produce lost steps.
The found negative limit can differ by more 100 steps from unit to unit. The
reason is the tolerance of the components.
g.
Update the value of the parameter “MidiFeederArmMin” with
the found number of the actual steps (negative signed step numbers are starting
with a minus (-) sign!) in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini”
section [HardwareLimits] and save the file.
Find the positive limit of the slide
loader mechanics (“MidiFeederArmMax”)
The value of the parameter “MidiFeederArmMax” is always set to 91 000 steps.
Check the found limits by moving the slide loader without slide and using the number of steps, used as parameter value in the file “MicroscopeConfiguration.ini” section [HardwareLimits]. Lost steps must not occur.
7. Define the value of
the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmTrayMovingPosition”
This parameter value defines the position
for the slide loader if the tray is moved and the distance between slide loader
inner and outer finger to the short edges of the slide in motor steps. Define
this value by moving the slide loader motor and lowered down slide loader so,
that the distance between slide loader finger and slide is nearly equal on both
sides of the largest possible slide. Update the parameter value with the found,
new value and save the file.
8. Adjust the height of the slide loader
The height of the
slide loader is adjusted well, if a very small gap exists between the slide
loader fingers and the tray surface (about
Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done
in the focus position +800 steps and the slide remove procedure is always
done in the focus position +2400 steps.
Check
the gap
a.
Set
the X-Y-stage to the X and Y Home1,2 positions and load an empty tray.
b.
Set the focus motor
to the position +800 steps; see also above “Precautions” and “To set the focus
position”
c.
Move
the slide loader to the position +20 000 steps.
d.
Check
the gap between slide bay surface and the claws of the outer finger. The gap
should be less then
e.
If
the surface of the slide bay is touched or the gap is too much, the height of
the slide loader has to bee adjusted.
f.
Next
we send the slide loader forward again by 40 000 - 60 000 steps until the outer
finger is nearest to the specimen holder but still over the tray. There should
be nearly the same gap size as before.
· If the gap is not equal on both sides of
the slide bay, the slide loader mechanics may be deformed.
g.
Set
the focus motor to the position +2400 steps.
h.
Insert
the slide loader without a slide into the specimen holder and check the gap
between outer finger and specimen holder surface. There should be a gap of
·
Check
the correct mounting position (Seat and Shoulder) of the
entire tray- and slide loader unit, if there is no gap or the gap is too much!
Height
of the slide loader
Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is always done in
the focus position +800 steps and the slide remove procedure is always
done in the focus position +2400 steps.
j.
Set
the X-Y-stage to the X and Y Home1,2 positions and load an empty tray.
k.
Move
the slide loader to the position +20 000 steps.
l.
Insert
the 1.5 hex-key wrench for the ex-center of the slide loader adjustment hole
(see Height adjustment 2) and loosen the slide loader’s mounting bolt with a
0.9 hex-key wrench (see Height adjustment 1).
m.
By
rotating the ex-center with the 1.5 hex key wrench the slide loader moves
upward or downward respectively (see height adjustment 2).
n.
Adjust
the height of the slide loader so, that the gap between the lower part of the
slide loader to the surface of the tray’s slide bay is about
o.
Check
the gap between slide loader and the tray’s slide bay surface as described
above in this chapter “To check the gap”.
p.
Check
the gap between outer finger and the surface of the specimen holder if the focus position
is 2400 steps (if the slide remove procedure is in progress). There should be a
gap of
q.
Check the movement of the ball bearing. If
the slide loader will be moved upward, the ball bearing must rotate! If the
ball bearing of the slide loader does not rotate, find the correct position by
rotating the ex-center into the opposite position and repeat the entire
adjustment.
·
Move
the “Rod
9. Adjust the height of the support plate
The adjustment sequence is done similar to
the adjustment procedure of the slide loader.
- Please keep in mind that the slide insert procedure is
always done in the focus position +800 steps and the slide remove procedure
is always done in the focus position +2400 steps.
a. Load a tray with a slide in the first
slide bay.
b. Set the focus motor
to the position +800 steps; see also above “Precautions” and “To set the focus
position”
c. Set the specimen holder to the slide
insert position in X-and Y-direction.
d. Move the slide 45 000 steps toward the
specimen holder until the front of the slide is above the support plate.
e. Insert the 1.5 hex-key wrench for the
ex-center of the support plate adjustment hole (Height adjustment 2) and loosen
the support plates mounting bolt with a 0.9 hex-key wrench (Height adjustment
1).
f.
By
rotating the ex-center with the 1.5 hex key wrench the support plate moves
upward or downward respectively.
g. Adjust the height of the support plate so,
that the slide is even touched from beneath; tighten the mounting bolt.
h. The reached position is correct, if the
reflection on the slide slightly moves.
i.
This
slide should be fully unloaded then moved toward the specimen holder again by
80 000 steps. The slide should not collide with the edge of the support plate
and should fit inside the specimen holder the 3 slide studs without hitting
them.
j.
Check the movement of the ball bearing. If
the support plate will be moved downward, the ball bearing must rotate! If the
ball bearing of the support plate does not rotate, find the correct position by
rotating the ex-center into the opposite position and repeat the entire
adjustment.
·
Move
the “Rod
Check the surface
quality of the slide studs.
When the slide is
loaded by hand it should be slightly pushed against the slide studs leading
surface so that it can be judged if the slide collides with a lump on the slide
leading part of the slide studs. If this occurs the stud should be replaced or
grinded by a qualified service technician.
Check the surface
quality, the functionality of the slide stud and the safe holding of the slide.
If the slide tightener holds the slide correctly, the slide must not be
moveable easily. The slide tightener is checked by moving it toward and away
from the slide gently. The movement should be easily and the spring has to be
firm enough. Push the slide tightener
always only sideward, never down- or upward because the specimen holder or
parallelogram could be bend.
9a. Check and adjust the slide bay position
To ensure a proper slide loading
procedure, the right-hand edge of the slide bay has to be in the same plane as the
right-hand slide leader. If the slide is moved toward the specimen holder on
the right-hand edge of the slide bay, the slide leader has to be touched, but
hitting of the slide leader should not be felt.
·
Check
this behavior in all slide bay positions of both trays.
·
The
conveyor unit position can be moved or adjusted only in a very small range.
·
If
the conveyor unit position was modified, check the correct movement of the try
and the tray sensor position again, see also “Adjust the tray
sensor position”!
Adjust the slide bay
position
a.
Fill
a tray with slides without cut corners in each slide bay.
b.
Insert
the tray and check the plane of the slide leader in relation to the right-hand side
wall in the slide bay position 1.
c.
If
necessary, loosen the conveyor unit mounting and bring the entire conveyor unit
into the proper position and tighten its mounting.
d.
Remove
the tray with the service program and insert the tray again; check the easy and
correct movement of the tray.
e.
Check
the plane in the slide bay positions 1, 6 and 12.
f.
If
the slide hits the slide leader or there is no contact between slide and slide
leader repeat from step “b”; find the optimum.
g.
If
the plane in the trays slide bay positions 1, 6 and 12 is correct, check the
plane in all slide bay positions and check the other tray also.
10. Define the value of the parameter “InsertSlidePositionX” and
“InsertSlidePositionY1”
This parameter defines the X-Y stage position
for the slide loading procedure. This can be set by moving the X-stage in the
negative direction from Home1,2 by 100 steps. The adjustment is correct if the
slide can be inserted smoothly, and no collision occurs between the inner right
slide corner and the slide studs during slide insertion.
a.
Set
the focus position to 800 steps.
b.
Set
the X-Y-stage to X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.
c.
Set
slide loader to Home1,2.
d.
Set
tray loader to Home1,2; without inserted tray!
e.
Insert
the slide of the maximal width in the first slide bay.
f.
Insert
the tray.
g.
Set
the tray motor -1920 steps forward to lift up the slide loader.
h.
Insert
the slide by hand so, that the slide leader and the inner slide stud are
touched at the same time.
i.
Set
the tray motor +1920 steps backward to lift up the support plate.
j.
By
moving the slide manually toward the bumper edge and return, the position of
the slide studs in relation to the slide leader can be checked.
k.
Adjust
the X-position of the X-Y-stage so, that both slide studs and the slide leader
are in the same plane.
l.
Add
to the found absolute value 100 steps (=0.1 mm) and update the value of the
parameter “InsertSlidePositionX”
and save the file. The
value is often found in the range of -300 to -800 steps.
m.
The
value of the parameter ”InsertSlidePositionY1” is always =0.
n.
Check
the correctness of the adjustment during the slide insert procedure.
11. Adjust the position of the
release plate
The release plate ensures the correct
disconnection between slide studs and slide for the slide insert and slide
remove procedure. In the slide insert position X and Y the release plate is
connected with the slide tightener and this is moved away from the slide.
a.
Insert
the slide of the maximal allowed width into the tray.
b.
Insert
the tray.
c.
Set
the tray motor -1920 steps forward to lift up the slide loader.
d.
Set
the X-Y-stage to X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.
e.
Set
the X-Y-stage to the insert position X by using the value of the parameter ”InsertSlidePositionX”.
f.
Insert
the slide manually.
g.
Set
the tray motor +1920 steps backward to lift up the support plate.
h.
Loosen
the release plate.
i.
Move
the release plate to the left until a gap of nominal
j.
Tighten
the release plate.
k.
The
slide should be moveable between the slide studs but should not fall down if
the support plate is moved downward.
l.
Check
the correctness of the adjustment during the slide’s insert procedure; and with
the smallest slide also.
12. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”
With this start position
the slide loader outer finger should be in plane with the slide bay outer edge
of the tray. This adjustment ensures that the slide can be safely touched on
its outer edge during slide insertion.
a.
Insert
a tray.
b.
Set
the slide loader motor to Home1,2.
c.
By
modifying the slide loader position, adjust the position of the claws (by
moving the slide loader with the motor) of the slide loader outer finger so,
that the inner edge of the claws are in plane with the inner edge of the slide
bay.
d.
Subtract
from the found value 100 steps and update the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”
and save the file.
e.
Check
this adjustment during the slide insert procedure also.
13. Define the value of
the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition”
This value defines the gap between the
inner slide edge and the bumper of the specimen holder. For this adjustment the
longest possible slide of
a. Insert a tray with the longest possible
slide.
b. Set the slide loader to the slide loading start position by using the
value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”.
c. Set the X-Y-stage to the slide insert X and Y-positions; use the values InsertSlidePositionX” and “InsertSlidePositionY1” as defined previously.
d.
Insert the slide with the
slide loader by using the value of 85 000 steps.
e. Increase or decrease the slide loader
position by 100 steps until the gap of nominal
f.
Update
the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition” with the found value and save the file.
“MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnloadingEndPosition” This value is usually set to 0. There are
only special cases when this is a negative number.
14. Define the value of the parameter “MidiXPositionToFixTheSlide”
Find the X-position of the specimen holder with the widest slide inserted,
where the slide tightener is fully released by the release plate and the slide
is tightened.
a.
Insert
the slide of maximal allowed width into the tray.
b.
Insert
the tray with the slide in slide loading position.
c.
Set the
tray motor -1920 steps forward to lift up the slide loader.
d.
Set
the X-Y-stage to X-Home1,2 and Y-Home1,2.
e.
Set
the X-Y-stage to the insert position X by using the value of the parameter ”InsertSlidePositionX”.
f.
Set
the tray motor +1920 steps backward to lowering down the slide loader.
g.
Insert the slide with the
slide loader by using the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition”.
h.
Set the slide loader to the
slide loading start position with the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingStartPosition”.
i.
Set the tray loader motor to
actual position -1920 steps.
j.
Set the X- and Y-motor to
Home1,2.
k. Increase the X-position of the specimen holder until the slide tightener
is even released by the release plate; an accuracy of 100 steps is enough.
l.
Increase
the found value by 100 steps and update the value of the parameter “MidiXPositionToFixTheSlide” with the found value and save the file.
15. Define the value of the parameter “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnLoadingStartPosition”
“MidiSlideFeederArmSlideUnLoadingStartPosition” = “MidiSlideFeederArmSlideLoadingEndPosition”–
500 steps.
16.
Define the value of the parameter “RemoveSlidePositionX1” and
“RemoveSlidePositionY”
“RemoveSlidePositionX1”
= ”InsertSlidePositionX” +
200 steps
The slide should
be away from the slide leader by 0.1mm to ensure a resistance free slide
unloading procedure.
The value of the
parameter “RemoveSlidePositionY”
is always =0.
The test should
run three times (3 times the full tray). Load a tray with slides of different
kind, including the shortest, longest, smallest widest and thinnest possible
slide and slides without cut corners and start the slide loading test. The
position of the slide in relation to the slide bay should be at the left, at
the right and in the middle position also.
Watch for correct
loading of all the slides, without sound of mechanical jamming and the slides
must not collide with any parts of the slide or tray loader unit or the
specimen holder.
· Please, do not forget to use protective eye wear while
looking!
a.
Check
the position of the support plate in relation to the slide inner edge.
b.
Check
the position of the slide studs in relation to the slide inner right corner
during insertion.
c.
Check
the slide inner edge in relation to the bumper edge of the specimen holder after
the slide is fully inserted.
d.
Check
the following adjustments during the slide load and remove procedure and the
tray movements: 7, 8n, 8o, 12.
e.
Check the slide position in the slide
studs
The slide studs should hold the slide
always in the proper position. If the slide is not fixed properly, the height
of the support plate has to be adjusted again (adjustment 9); or the release
plate opens the slide studs too much and the smallest allowed slide may be
inserted slant (adjustment 11).
·
Check
these adjustments with the smallest and widest allowed slide size.
Fix the
actuating rod strainer position
After the short slide loading test passed
correctly, the thread of the rod strainer should be secured in the adjusted position
with LOCTIDE 242 glue. For this it is the best to use a toothpick or a needle
(that can be cleaned after use); drop glue onto the thread on the left and on
the right side of the nut.
Important
Please wait about 30 minutes until the glue dry up; otherwise, if the
tests are directly continued, the position of the rod strainer might be altered
and a wrong position will be fixed!!
If the tray is brand new and is loaded
first time, abrade residues may occur after finishing the short test.
Mechanical tolerances are so reduced and the stabilizer fits the opposite part
on the tray correctly. Remove abrade with a brush from the tray and the tray
loader! Protect optical surfaces first, even if a canned air blower should be
used.
Abrade should
decrease as much as the tray loader procedure runs. The mechanical tolerances
of the tray in relation to the tray loader mechanics are so reduced.
Important
Take care of the objective! Protect the objective and other optical surfaces
in the surrounding before you blowing away abrade; otherwise, may be you have
to clean the optics (preview and illumination mirror, condenser).
Watch video: “Tray and slide loading”;
“Remove tray”
After the short
test passed correctly, the loading procedure should be tested for a longer period
with both trays fully loaded with slides of different kind, including the
shortest, longest, smallest, widest and thinnest possible slide. The slide
position in the slide bay should be at the left, at the right and the middle
position also. Each tray is usually tested for a time period of at least 1.5
hour. If there is a slide jam or any problem experienced, check and adjust the
appropriate values, do necessary adjustments and run the tests again.
Dismount and mount the tray- and slide loader unit
Remove the tray- and slide loader unit
With the
SlideScannerService.exe program and the Low Level Service option move the
X-Y-stage to the position X=27000 steps and Y=27000 steps. This way the
tray loader unit and X-Y-stage are mechanical disconnected from each other
and during dismounting the tray unit, the X-Y-stage slide holding
mechanics will not be bend or damaged.
- Remove
the connector for the tray sensor HAG-2 and the slide sensor HAG-1.
- Remove the
connector of the tray loader motor STG-5 and the slide loader motor STG-6
(not shown).
Remove the preview
illumination connector BGG-2.
USB- and
DC-controller cabling; summary
Loosen the bolt pairs on
both sides of the tray loader unit, hold the tray loader unit with one
hand, meanwhile remove the screws and then remove the entire unit
frontward.
Attention!
The tray loader unit can fall down. Hold on to it while the screws
are taken out!
Mount the tray- and slide loader unit
Important
Before you mount the tray
loader unit all optical adjustments should be done correctly as these adjustments
will be difficult or impossible to make after mounting the tray loader unit.
1.
Make sure that the X-Y-Stage is moved
to the position X=27000 steps and Y=27000 steps. This way the tray loader unit
and X-Y-stage are mechanical disconnected from each other and during
dismounting the tray unit, the X-Y-stage slide holding mechanics will not be
bend or damaged.
2.
Bring
the tray loader unit in position and drive in the right hand mounting bolts
first.
3.
Drive in the left hand mounting bolts
next.
4.
Tighten all four mounting bolts; on the
right side, fit the shoulder with the seat.
5.
Reconnect the cables of tray loader stepper
motor (STG-5), slide loader motor STG-6 (not shown) and the sensors HAG-1 and
HAG-2.
6.
Connect the preview illumination
(backlight) BGG-2.
USB- and DC-controller cabling; summary
7.
Do the adjustments, checks and tests
described above as necessary.
If the same tray and slide loader
unit is mounted again, no adjustments are needed.
If the tray- and slide loader
unit was exchanged, all adjustments should be checked and test sequences should
be executed.