Atlas XENOTEST BETA LM Operating Manual

XENOTEST BETA LM

Operating manual

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

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ATLAS Operating mannual XENOTEST BETA LM

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XENOTEST BETA LM

Operating manual

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 4

Contents Page

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Warranty hints ................................................................................................................... 7

1.2 Safety hints ....................................................................................................................... 8

2. XENOTEST BETA features ..................................................................................................... 10

3. Setting up the unit .................................................................................................................. 11

3.1 Scope of delivery XENOTEST BETA LM ........................................................................ 11

3.2 Installation requirements ................................................................................................. 11

3.2.1 Laboratory ....................................................................................................................... 11

3.2.2 Room ventilation ............................................................................................................. 11

3.2.3 Electrical supply .............................................................................................................. 11

3.2.4 Space requirements ........................................................................................................ 12

4. Description of the unit ............................................................................................................ 14

4.1 Front panel of the unit ..................................................................................................... 14

4.1.1 Program control............................................................................................................... 15

4.1.2 Test chamber .................................................................................................................. 16

4.1.3 Water tank....................................................................................................................... 16

4.2 Right panel of the unit ..................................................................................................... 18

4.3 Upper side of the unit ...................................................................................................... 18

4.4 Left panel of the unit .......................................................................................................20

4.5 Rear panel....................................................................................................................... 20

4.6 Air circuits ....................................................................................................................... 22

5. Option and accessories of XENOTEST BETA ...................................................................... 23

5.1 Options............................................................................................................................ 23

5.1.1 Rain-, humidity function and sample cooling ................................................................... 23

5.1.2 Printer ............................................................................................................................. 24

5.1.3 Mains transformers ........................................................................................................27

5.1.4 Interface .......................................................................................................................... 27

5.2 Accessories..................................................................................................................... 28

5.2.1 Filter system ................................................................................................................... 28

5.2.2 Sample holders set standard .......................................................................................... 30

5.2.3 Special sample holder ..................................................................................................... 30

5.2.4 Exposure cards ............................................................................................................... 30

5.2.5 Cover plates .................................................................................................................... 30

5.2.6 XENOSENSIV sensor ..................................................................................................... 31

5.2.7 XENOSENSIV sensor support sheet .............................................................................. 31

5.2.8 Calibration adapter and end plug .................................................................................... 31

6. Start up .................................................................................................................................... 32

6.1 Fitting the filter to the lantern .......................................................................................... 32

6.2 Insertion of the XENOTEST light exposure system ........................................................ 32

6.2.1 Insertion of the lamps and the filter lantern..................................................................... 34

6.2.2 Exchange of lamps ......................................................................................................... 34

6.3 Water supply ................................................................................................................... 34

6.4 Insert the XENOSENSIV sensor ..................................................................................... 34

6.5 Calibration of the XENOSENSIV sensor ........................................................................ 36

6.6 Fitting of the end plug ..................................................................................................... 36

6.7 Sample back cooling ....................................................................................................... 36

ATLAS Operating mannual XENOTEST BETA LM

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Contents Page

7. Function................................................................................................................................... 37

7.1 Measuring and control sensor system ............................................................................ 37

7.1.1 Control of the irradiance .................................................................................................. 37

7.1.2 Control of the black standard temperature ...................................................................... 37

7.1.3 Control of the fan speed .................................................................................................. 37

7.1.4 Control of the test chamber temperature ........................................................................ 38

7.1.5 Control of the chamber humidity ..................................................................................... 38

7.2 Rain................................................................................................................................. 38

7.3 Sample back cooling ....................................................................................................... 38

7.4 Program control system ................................................................................................. 39

7.5 Temperature diagrams .................................................................................................... 39

8. Program example on XENOTEST BETA ................................................................................ 40

8.1 Task of the program ........................................................................................................ 40

8.2 Solving the program task ................................................................................................ 40

8.3 Program start .................................................................................................................. 44

8.4 Reading during program run ........................................................................................... 45

8.5 Data print out .................................................................................................................. 46

8.6 Change speed of blower during program operation......................................................... 47

8.7 Stop a running program .................................................................................................. 47

8.8 Trouble shooting .............................................................................................................. 48

9. Setting up tests ....................................................................................................................... 51

9.1 Equip sample holders...................................................................................................... 51

9.2 Select unit parameters .................................................................................................... 51

9.3 Test duration.................................................................................................................... 51

10. Care and cleaning ................................................................................................................... 52

10.1 Cleaning of quartz- and glass components ..................................................................... 52

10.2 Cleaning the test chamber .............................................................................................. 52

10.3 Cleaning the water tank .................................................................................................. 52

10.4 Changing air filter ............................................................................................................ 52

11. Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 53

12. List of options and accessories ............................................................................................ 53

12.1 Options............................................................................................................................ 53

12.2 Accessories..................................................................................................................... 54

13. Technical data ......................................................................................................................... 55

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 6

Fig. 1 Space requirements ........................................................................................................12

Fig. 2 Unit dimensions ............................................................................................................... 13

Fig. 3 Front side of equipment .................................................................................................. 14

Fig. 4 Program control ............................................................................................................... 15

Fig. 5 Water tank ....................................................................................................................... 16

Fig. 6 Test chamber .................................................................................................................. 17

Fig. 7 Main switch ..................................................................................................................... 18

Fig. 8 Right side of the unit ....................................................................................................... 19

Fig. 9 Left side of the unit.......................................................................................................... 21

Fig. 10 Ventilation scheme .......................................................................................................... 22

Fig. 11 Water circuits .................................................................................................................. 23

Fig. 12 Printer ............................................................................................................................. 24

Fig. 13 Printer parameter ............................................................................................................ 25

Fig. 14 Printer scheme................................................................................................................ 26

Fig. 15 Change of the paper roll.................................................................................................. 27

Fig. 16 Mains transformers ......................................................................................................... 27

Fig. 17 Pin designation RS232....................................................................................................27

Fig. 18 XENOCHROME filter system and path of radiation ........................................................ 28

Fig. 19 Spectral Distribution XENOCHROME 300 and CIE 85 ................................................... 29

Fig. 20 Spectral Distribution XENOCHROME 270 and 320 ........................................................ 29

Fig. 21 Sample holder set standard ............................................................................................ 30

Fig. 22 Cover plate ...................................................................................................................... 30

Fig. 23 XENOSENSIV sensor ..................................................................................................... 31

Fig. 24 XENOSENSIV sensor support sheet .............................................................................. 31

Fig. 25 Insertion of the XENOSENSIV exposure system ............................................................ 33

Fig. 26 Insertion of the XENOSENSIV sensor ............................................................................ 35

Fig. 27 Calibration adapter .......................................................................................................... 36

Fig. 28 End plug .......................................................................................................................... 36

Fig. 29 Sensor for test chamber temperature and rel. humidity .................................................. 37

Fig. 30 Humidity diagram ............................................................................................................ 38

Fig. 31 Temperature fields........................................................................................................... 39

List of graphics Page

ATLAS Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM

Page 7

1. Introduction

Dear BETA User!

The new XENOTEST BETA LM presents you with a state-of-the-art light exposure and weathering
equipment for obtaining vital information about the long term behaviour of your products when exposed
to the influences of weather, and solar radiation in particular, using the time acceleration effect. The
optimum conditions for an accelerated laboratory test are created by simulating the natural influencing
factors and simultaneously intensifying important parameters at sample level.

Important hints

The XENOTEST unit is planned for research, development and test laboratories. The safety of the per­sons, the environment and the materials used, depend essentially on the persons operating the equip­ment. Use the manual to instruct the operating personnel in the operation, function and care of the
XENOTEST BETA. Inform the operating staff about accident prevention regulations regularly.
Please read this operating manual extremely carefully before starting your system. This will enable you to
make full use of its features and will prevent possible damage.

1.1 Warranty hints

Handling and usage contrary to the regulations described in the operating manual lead to loss of warran­ty claim. The unit has been designed and manufactured with skill and care and was quality tested before
despatch. Inspections, maintenance and repair work may be carried out only by ATLAS or an authorized
customer service engineer, otherwise the safety of the system is not guaranteed.

Sign explanation:

ATTENTION!

ATTENTION! is used when the non-compliance with instructions may cause damage to the system.

DANGER!

DANGER! is used when the non-compliance with instructions may cause danger to the user.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE!

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE! is used when the non-compliance with instructions because of dangerous

voltage may cause danger to the user.

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 8

1.2 Safety hints

• Operating the system presupposes knowledge of this manual. The operating manual should be
kept close to the unit.

• For work at and with the unit the user needs instructions in his mother language based on the
operating manual (FRG: UVV VBG1 § 7 (2)).

• The XENOTEST BETA units shall only be used for the exposure and weathering of materials in
the intended areas of application .

• For the functioning of the water circuits and the humidity system the unit has to be leveled by its
height adjustable feet.

• Before starting the unit ensure that the necessary requirements for a failurefree operation of the
unit are given. Observe the installation requirements in chapter 2.2 of this manual as well as
valid national laws, regulations and guiding principles.

• Inflammable or explosive materials at temperatures below 150 °C must not be inserted into the
unit.

• Do not insert materials which despite their application as directed release toxical substances.

• Disconnect the system from the mains before carrying out any maintenance work, e.g. exchange
of lamps, cleaning, emptying the water tank (remove the safety contact plug).

• The lamp is switched off when the test chamber door is opened. The lamp must be re-ignited to
continue testing once the door has been closed again.

• The lamp is switched off when the casing lid on the upper side of the unit is opened. The lamp
must be re-ignited to continue testing once the casing lid has been closed again.

• Within the stipulated proof intervals, or at least once a year, the door safety switch and the
safety device of the upper casing lid have to be proved for their safety function.

• Within the stipulated proof intervals, or at least once a year, the temperature cut-offs of the
humidifier, lamp supply, heating system and the lamp exhaust air have to be proved for their
safety function.

• Within the stipulated proof intervals, however at least once a year, the water level indicator
switch of the water tank and the humidityfier have to be proved for their safety function.

• Within the stipulated proof intervals, or at least once a year, the carousel switch of the water
tank and the humidifier have to be proved for their safety function.

• Sample holders must be inserted carefully into the carousel. Incorrectly fitted sample holders
can work out of their mountings and cause damage.

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

Maintenance

ATLAS Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM

Page 9

• The cable of the lamp contact plugs are provided with numbers. It´s absolutely necessary to
ensure that the lamp contact plugs are connected to the corresponding lamps (fig. 25).

• Under extreme conditions, especially at high temperature exposures lamps, specimens,
specimen holders and sensors heat up considerably during the weathering tests. Protective
gloves must therefore be worn when removing them to prevent injury to your hands. This applies
in particular to high temperature tests.

• Because of exhaust air temperatures up to 120 °C max. the hoses of lamp and test chamber air
outlets must be of flexible and heat resistant material.

• The maximum length of the exhaust air hoses of lamp and test chamber including two 90° ben­dings is limited to 3 meters. With longer exhaust air hoses or more than two 90° bendings an
external blower is required.

• Overheating may occur if air inlets or outlets are obstructed. Please ensure that the necessary
space is available (fig. 1).

• The unit has to be switched off when carrying out any maintenance work. Turn the main switch to
position "0" and pull mains plug. Secure against reconnection to the mains.

• Inspections, maintenance and repair work may only be carried out by ATLAS or an authorised
customer service engineer, otherwise the safety and operation of the system is not guaranteed.

• Your XENOTEST BETA is developed by experienced designers and manufactured in
accordance with legislation on technical equipment and VDE Standard 0113/ 06.93.

The unit complies with the safety standards of:

• DIN VDE 0411 part 1 / 03.94
Measuring, Regulating, Controlling
Safety requirements for electric motor-operated measuring, regulating, controlling and
laboratory units.

• DIN VDE 0711 part 1 / 09.91
Lamps

• DIN VDE 0875 part 14 / 09.91
Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of electric motor­operated and thermal appliances for household and similar purposes, electric tools and similar
electric apparatus. (EN 55 014)

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

Maintenance

• DIN VDE 0871 part 11/09.87
Limits of radio disturbance and measuring methods for industrial, scientific and medical high­frequency apparatus (EN 55 011).

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 10

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaning

Test set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

2. XENOTEST BETA Features

The following table shows the physical data of the XENOTEST BETA .

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

Maintenance

Pos. Feature Data

1 Control system / Microprocessor • 10 prestructured programs

• 12 cycles per program

2 Integrated sensors:

• XENOSENSIV for irradiance and
black standard temperature

• Sensor for test chamber temperature
and rel. humidity

Wavelength range 300 - 400 nm
Surface temperature --> 130 °C

Ambient temperature --> 80 °C
10 - 95 %

3 Irradiation:

Filter

• XENOCHROME 270

• XENOCHROME 300

• XENOCHROME 320

Irradiance:

Wavelength range 300-400 nm
60 - 165 W/m²
45 - 120 W/m²
35 - 100 W/m²

4 Weathering surface • Sample holder dimensions 320 mm x 80 mm

• 16 sample holders

• Total surface approx.. 4000 cm²

5 Xenon lamps NXE 2200 3 lamps / life time min. 1500 hours (within irradiance

range)
6 Nominal rating of lamp 2200 VA / lamp with readjusting
7 Power consumption max. 12 kVA
8 Dimensions:

Width x Depth x Height 900 mm x 1200 mm x 1800 mm
9 Weight approx. 400 kg
10 Options:

External sensors

Printer

Interface

• XenoCal UV

• XenoCal Global

• Black standard temperature sensor

• White standard temperature sensor

Thermoprinter

RS232 / RS 485

11 Electrical connection 400 V ± 10 %, 50-60 Hz, (3/N/PE),

CEE (32A, 5pol.,6h)

12 Noise level < 75 db(A)

ATLAS Operating manual XENOTEST BETA

Page 11

3. Unit set-up

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function Maintenance

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

To ensure the functioning of the water circuit and

the humidification system, the apparatus
must be aligned by means of its height
adjustable feet.

3.1 Scope of delivery
XENOTEST BETA LM

The unit is supplied in a suitable shipping case.
Sensitive components such as:

1. Xenon lamps,

2. optical filter system,

3. sample holders and cover masks,

4. XENOSENSIV sensor,

5. outer cylinder,

are packed separately.

The scope of delivery includes (other fittings are
available when wished):

1. Control system with display and operating

keyboard,

2. 3 Xenon lamps (type NXE 2200),

3. Sensor to measure test chamber

temperature and rel. humidity,

4. XENOSENSIV sensor to measure the

irradiance in the UV range from 300­400 nm and the black standard tem­perature,

5. End plug for operation without

XENOSENSIV sensor,

6. Support sheet to fix the XENOSENSIV

sensor on to the sample holder,

7. XENOCHROME filter system consisting of

filter lantern with 11 special filters,

8. Outer cylinder made of quartz glass and

special UV glass (suprax),

9. 16 standard sample holders,

10. 16 masking sheets to fix unstable samples

on the sample holder,

11. Water tank,

12. Thermo printer

13. Interface RS232 / RS485

Technical documentation:
Operating manual, circuit diagrams, spare
parts list.

14.

3.2 Space requirements

3.2.1 Laboratory

To avoid contamination and to ensure reproducibi-

lity of the climatic conditions, we recom­mend to install the equipment in an air­conditioned and air-filtered (filter type EU4)
laboratory at 18°C - 25°C and a relative
air humidity of 50%.

3.2.2 Room ventilation

The XENOTEST BETA needs 200 m³/h air to cool

down the xenon lamps and 200 m³/h air to
cool down the test chamber. An amount
of 400 m3/h fresh air has to be supplied to
the laboratory via an air filter (filter type
EU4).

3.2.3 Electrical connection

The unit is designed for a mains supply of
400V ± 10%. Connection is ensured by
safety contact plug (3,N,PE), CEE (32,
5pol., 6h).

• For the electrical supply observe UVV
VGB 4.

• Mains conditions have to agree with the
data on the identity label .

• Observe VDE and technical connection
regulations of the energy supply compa­nies.

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 12

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options
and accessories

MaintenanceCare and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

Start-up

Figure 1: Space requirement

3.2.4 Space requirement (fig. 1)

Dimensions of XENOTEST BETA
(Width x depth x height):
900m x 1200mm x 1800mm.

For adequate cooling of the xenon lamps,
take care that the air inlets and outlets at
the top and back side of the equipment

are not obstructed. Allow for the necessary space
for operation, maintenance and repair of the
equipment.

ATLAS Operating manual XENOTEST BETA

Page 13

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options
and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

530

XENOTEST BETA LM

HERAEUS

Instruments

ø100

80

460

1180

585

610

860

ø200

470

2

2

0

6

8

5

1

1

1

0

1

6

2

0

1

0

0

3

4

5

1

0

6

0

320

460

5

9

0

Figure 2: Unit dimensions (in mm)

Maintenance

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 14

4. Description of the unit

1 Exhaust air socket
2 Program control system
3 Data and print key
4 The test chamber becomes

accessible by unlocking the door
and swinging it to the side

5 Access to ultra-pure water tank

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

6 Height adjustable feet
7 Test chamber door
8 Keyboard for program input
9 Key operated switch, START/STOP key
10 4-line LCD-display providing operator

guidance and data information

4.1 Front side of equipment (fig. 3)

Figure 3: Front side of equipment

Maintenance

XENOTEST BETA LM

10

9

8

7

65

4

3

2

1

ATLAS Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM

Page 15

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Maintenance

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

9 Green LED light comes on when

main switch is on

10 STOP key
11 Red LED flashes when the program is

interrupted with the STOP key or when
the system is defective. The red LED is
continuously on when certain limit values
are exceeded

12 Key to interrupt the rotation of the

specimen holder carousel during a running
program resp. to move the carousel when
a program is interrupted

4.1.1 Program control (fig. 4)

The control panel on the front side of the apparatus
controls and regulates the course of the input
weathering program. The program keyboard can be

locked during operation of the machine against
unauthorized access by means of a key-operated
switch.

Figure 4: Program control

1 4-line LCD display for user

guidance and data display
2 Data key for data display
3 Print key to print out the stored

program, parameter measurements

and system status from the printer
4 Program input keyboard
5 Enter key to confirm the input values
6 Escape key
7 Key-operated switch to allow locking

of the keyboard when the system is

running
8 START key

1

2

3

4

56

7

8

9

10

11

12

0

1

Start

Sto p

1

23

456

789

0

ESCAPE ENTER

DATA PRINT

Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM ATLAS

Page 16

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

To clean the test chamber the specimen carousel

(10) is disassembled. For this, the 4 securing
screws of the top and bottom carousel rack (11/

12) are removed and the racks are placed on the
test chamber bottom. Unscrew the 4 securing
screws (13) of the four carousel bows (14) and

remove the bows from the test chamber. Finally
remove the two air routing plates (15) from the

Figure 5: Water tank

3

1

2

4

5

test chamber.

4.1.3 Water tank (fig. 5)

The water tank is placed in the bottom part of the
apparatus and provides for the supply with ultra­pure water for the humidity and rain functions (see
fig. 11 water circuits).

1 Tank cover
2 Aperture for hose connections
3 Inlet socket
4 Outlet socket
5 Water level indicator

Water quality
The water quality must be of high-grade purity to

prevent deposits building up on the optical
filter system, the internal walls and the
samples. Deposits will alter the exposure
results. The use of ion exchange cartrid-

ges alone is not sufficient.
Regarding the water purity we refer to the mini­mum requirements of some important standards,
such as DIN 53387 „Light exposure and weathe­ring of plastics“:

1. Electrical conductivity: < 5 µS/cm

2. PH value: 6-8

3. Content of solid bodies < 1 ppm measured

as silicon dioxide

Maintenance

4.1.2 Test chamber (fig. 6)

The test chamber becomes accessible after un­locking the test chamber door and swinging it to
the side. It is equipped with a safety switch allo­wing to switch off the machine during a running
program.

This safety switch must be checked for its
perfect technical function within the deter­mined inspection intervals, or at least once
a year.

Are located in the centre of the test chamber the
selected outer cylinder (1) with the three xenon
lamps (2) and the filter lantern (3).
The 16 sample holders (4) are latched into the
two carousel racks (5) and during operation rota­ted around the lamps and the filter lantern.
Test chamber and xenon lamps are supplied by
separate air flows. A uniform air ventilation over the
specimen surface is achieved by an appropriate air­flow above and below the specimen carousel (fig.
10 ventilation scheme). At the bottom rear of the
test chamber two connection hoses are provided
which supply the two humidifiers with air. The ma­ximum chamber humdidity can be adjusted up to
95% r.h. depending on the preset temperature.
The rain bars (6) mounted in the test chamber
spray ulra-pure water in cyclical intervals and with­out any pressure from the water tank on to the spe-
cimens (7). The bars can be withdrawn from the
test chamber by pressing on the unlocking base

(8) at the bottom end of the rain bar. A so-called
XENOSENSIV sensor (9) is installed on a samp-

le holder by means of a special adapter to measu­re the irradiance in the range between 300-400nm
and the black standard temperature in the surface
temperature range up to 130°C. If no sensor is used
the end plug must be fitted.
A sensor is mounted in the upper rear part of the
test chamber which measures the test chamber
temperature and the relative humidity. The sensors
combined with the program control guarantee con­trol of constant setting values.

ATLAS Operating manual XENOTEST BETA LM

Page 17

Maintenance

Unit set-up

Unit description

List of options

and accessories

Start-up

Care and cleaningTest set-up

Program example on

XENOTEST BETA

XENOTEST BETA

Features

Safety hints

Function

Options and accessory
of the XENOTEST BETA

Figure 6: Test chamber

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Maintenance

10 Specimen carousel
11 Securing screws,

carousel rack bottom (4x)
12 Securing screws, carousel rack top (4x)
13 Securing screws carousel bow (4x)
14 Carousel bows (4x)
15 Air routing plates, bottom
16 Air routing plates, top
17 Door sealing of test chamber

1 Outer cylinder
2 Xenon lamps NXE 2200 (3x)
3 Filter lantern
4 Sample holder (16x)
5 Specimen carousel rack (2x)
6 Rain bar (3x)
7 Specimen
8 Unlocking base
9 XENOSENSIV sensor