This procedure outlines the steps necessary to install and align the ASI Heidenhain linear encoder, and uses the Zeiss Axiovert 100 as its example microscope. The linear encoder mounts to the front of the microscope's objective turret mechanism via an encoder clamp. The linear encoder has a plunger that depresses into the encoder as the focusing position is moved. The plunger tip will either mate with a plunger stop on an ASI automated XY stage or the microscope's original stage. The linear encoder installation consists of two parts:
- Installing the Encoder Clamp
- Installing and Aligning the Encoder
The procedure requires a 5/64" and 3/32" Allen wrench; both supplied with the unit.
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| Figure 1: Linear encoder mounted on Axiovert |
Figure 2: Set screw to secure the encoder clamp |
Step #1. Installing the Encoder Clamp:
Locate the encoder clamp and position it across the objective turret mechanism of the microscope as shown in Figure 1. The large slotted hole in the encoder clamp should go on the left side of the microscope, and the silver press-bar should go on the right side as shown. Position the encoder clamp so that the left corner of the objective turret mechanism mates with the "notch" formed by the encoder clamp. Press the encoder clamp against the objective turret mechanism and use the 5/64" Allen wrench to tighten the set screw located on the opposite side of the silver press-bar (see Figure # 2). This will cause the sliver press-bar to press against the microscope, and will hold the encoder clamp securely in place.
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| Figure 3: Plunger Mating with Stage |
Figure 4: Checking Travel of Encoder's Plunger |
Step #2. Installing and Aligning the Linear Encoder :
Locate the Heidenhain encoder and the 3/32" allen wrench. Use the Allen wrench to insure that the screw on the side of the encoder clamp is loose. Bring the objective up to its upper-most position. Slide the encoder into the large hole on the encoder clamp, and position it so that the ball on the end of the encoder's plunger mates with the bottom of the existing stage as shown in Figure 3.
Rotate the encoder so that it follows the contour of the left rear side of the microscope as shown in Figure 4. Slide the encoder up until there is about 1 to 2 millimeters worth of upward travel left on the encoder plunger's range as shown in Figure 4. Secure the encoder in place by tightening the clamp screw with the 3/32" Allen wrench.
Please note that the encoder has a total travel of 12 mm, and that it should be positioned to allow the most convenient travel distance for the stage. In most instances, the downward movement of the objective has the longest travel distance. In these applications, the above installation procedure will provide the optimal travel range. However, this may vary slightly depending on the application and objectives in-use. Since the Axiovert only has about 10mm of object travel, the above procedure should work in nearly every application.
WARNING:
Please do not move the stage outside of the linear encoder's range without first disengaging the drive, selecting the rotary encoder, or removing power from the controller. Failure to do so could result in a runaway condition. There is a firmware safety feature within the MS-2000 that will limit the runaway time to 0.5 seconds. After this period, the drive will attempt to return to the last known encoder position. If this distance is small, the drive may find the encoder safely. However, if the distance is large, or movement commands away from the encoder are still being given, a limited runaway condition can occur. Since the Axiovert only has about 10mm of object travel, this is usually not a problem.
