Ocean Optics Breakout Box User Manual

Breakout Box

Installation and Operation Instructions

Description

The Ocean Optics Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT) is a passive module that separates the signals
from their 30-pin port to an array of standard connectors and headers, enabling easy access to a variety
of features found in Ocean Optics’ HR2000+, HR4000, USB4000 (with USB-ADP-BB adapter), and
QE65000 Spectrometers. In addition to the accessory connector, the breakout box features a circuit
board based on a neutral breadboard pattern that allows custom circuitry to be prototyped on the board
itself.

The Breakout Box allows multiple interfaces to the spectrometer, such as the following:

• DB-15 light sources

• RS-232 interface

• GPIO

• External triggering

• Analog Input/Output

Note

The Breakout Box is compatible with HR4000 Spectrometers with Revision B or
greater. HR4000 Spectrometers with serial numbers beginning with HR4A are not
compatible with the HR4000 Breakout Box.

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HR4-BREAKOUT Installation and Operation Instructions

Parts Included

The Ocean Optics HR4000 Breakout Box ships with the following items:

• Breakout Box (HR4-BREAKOUT)

• Breakout Box Accessory Cable (HR4000-CBL-BB) - A 1-foot, 30-pin ribbon cable that

connects the spectrometer to the breakout box.

Connecting the Breakout Box

► Procedure

Follow the steps below to connect the breakout box to the spectrometer:

1. Connect the accessory cable to the 30-pin connector on the front of the breakout box. The

HR4000-CBL-BB cable is polarized so that only fits in the breakout box and spectrometer
connectors one way.

Breakout Box (Front View)

2. Connect the other end of the cable to the spectrometer.

30-Pin Connector

Spectrometer Connection

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HR4-BREAKOUT Installation and Operation Instructions

Note

If you are connecting the Breakout Box to the USB4000 Spectrometer, you must first
install the USB-ADP-BB adapter on the spectrometer as shown:

3. Connect the desired device to the appropriate pins on the Breakout Box’s circuit board (see

Circuit Board Connectors Pinout Information).

Supplying Power to the Breakout Box

The Breakout Box can be powered by

• The spectrometer via its USB port, or

• A separate 5V power supply (ADC-USB-SER). This power supply and serial cable must be

purchased separately. If you are wiring custom circuitry on the Breakout Box, you must use
the 5V power supply.

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