Quantum 9412, 9112 A User Manual
1 INTRODUCTION
This manual is designed to help you quickly and easily learn to use your Quantum Composers
Model 9412/9412A pulse generator. Rather than the usual array of knobs and switches, the
9412/9412A uses a menu-driven user interface with "on-line" he lp -- once you learn the basics
of operating your 9412/9412A, you may never need to refer to this manual again.
The 9412/9412A has some unique features that are designed exclusively for use as a laser
trigger signal generator, but can also be used as a general purpose pulse generator. Because
it employs a flexible microprocessor -controlled architecture, the 9412/9412A can be customized to fit your exact requirements -- contact Quantum Composers for details.
Technical Support
For questions or comments about operating the 9412/9412A, contact Quantum Composers via
one of the following methods:
P Phone - (406) 582-0227
P Fax / Modem - (406) 582-0237
P Email/Internet - www.quantumcomposers.com
Parts List
The following parts are included with the 9412/9412A -- contact Quantum Composers if any
parts are missing:
P 9412/9412A Pulse Generator
P AC Power Cord
P User's Manual
P Quick Reference Card
Warranty
In addition to a 30-day money back guarantee, the 9412/9412A has a one -year limited warranty from the date of delivery. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship.
Quantum Composers will repair or replace any defective unit. Contact us for information on
obtaining warranty service.
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Custom Modifications
The 9412/9412A is microprocessor -controlled and employs a flexible and expandable userinterface. New features and operating modes often can be added, without hardware modif ications, by merely modifying the software contained inside the 9412/9412A. Most modifications can be made for a very modest charge -- conta ct Quantum Composers for details.
Safety Issues
Normal use of test equipment exposes you to a certain amount of danger from electrical
shock because testing must be performed where exposed voltage is present. An electrical
shock causing 10 milliamps of current to pass through the heart will stop most human heartbeats. Voltage as low as 35 VDC or RMS AC should be considered dangerous and hazardous
since it can produce a lethal current under certain conditions. Higher voltages pose an even
greater threat be cause such voltage can more easily produce a lethal current. Your normal
work habits should include all accepted practices that will prevent contact with exposed high
voltage, and that will steer current away from your heart in case of accidental contact with a
high voltage. You will significantly reduce the risk factor if you know and observe the fol lowing safety precautions:
1. Do not expose high voltage needlessly. Remove housings and covers only when necessary.
Turn off equipment while making test conne ctions in high-voltage circuits. Discharge high-voltage
capacitors after removing power.
2. If possible, familiarize yourself with the equipment being tested and the location of its high voltage points. However, remember that high voltage may appear at unexpected points in defective
equipment.
3. Use an insulated floor material or a large, insulated floor mat to stand on, and an insulated work
surface on which to place equipment. Make certain such surfaces are not damp or wet.
4. Use the time -proven "one hand in the pocket" technique while handling an instrument probe.
Be particularly careful to avoid contacting a nearby metal object that could provide a good ground
return path.
5. When testing AC powered equipment, remember that AC line voltage is usually present on
some power input circuits, such as the on-off switch, fuses, power transformer etc., any time the
equipment is connected to an AC outlet, even if the equipment is turned off.
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6. Never work alone. Someone should always be nearby to render aid if necessary. Training in
CPR first aid is highly recommended.
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Item Button
1 CONTROLS AND CONNECT ORS
This chapter explains the function of each control and connector on the 9412/9412A.
Front Panel
The front panel contains the most frequently used controls and connectors.
Display
The 9412/9412A features a backlit liquid crystal display, which displays menu selections and
settings. The left half of the display shows the current menu selection, while the right half
shows the current setting of the item associated with that menu.
Control Buttons
Toggles between the various items in a menu.
Menu Button
Toggles between the various sets of menus.
Up Button
Increments a number or increments the selection for the current item.
Down Button
Decrements a number or increments the selection for the current item.
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Left Button (help)
For numeric items, this button is used to select which digit in a numeric entry is selected for
editing. For other items or when the left most digit is already selected for numeric items,
pressing and holding this button down displays a brief description of the current item.
Right Button (range)
For numeric items, this button is used to select which digit in a numeric entry is selected for
editing. For other items or when the right most digit is already selected for numeric items,
pressing and holding this button down displays the range and units for the current item.
Stop Button
Disables output of pulses on all channels.
Run Button
Enables output of pulses.
Back Panel
QC Connectors
There are three (3) QC connectors on the rear of the 9412/9412A, 2 outputs and 1 input.
T1
Channel 1 output -- a general-purpose pulse output, with programmable delay, pulse width, and
pulse polarity. The maximum output voltage is adjustable and varies from 20 Volts opencircuit to 10 Volts when driving a 50 Ohm load. The maximum voltage is adjusted by a pote ntiometer located on the back of the 9412/9412A.
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T2
Channel 2 output -- designed specifically for use as a solid -state laser Q-switch trigger and
has all the capabilities of the other output channels, including several special modes which affect only the output of Channel 2.
Ext/Gate
External Trigger or Gate signal input -- used as either an external signal to trigger the generation of pulses or as a gate signal to enable and disable the outputs.
Output Voltage Adjustment
The maximum output voltage of all output channels is adjusted by turning the potentiometer labeled VOUT. Turn clockwise to increase the voltage, counter-clockwise to decrease the volt-
age. The maximum voltage possible is 20 Volts into a high-impedance load or 10 Volts into a
50 Ohm load.
Serial Port
This is a 9-pin D-sub connector for the RS232 interface that comes standard with the
9412/9412A. It is pinned to be directly connected to a standard IBM-PC serial port -- use a
straight-through cable (not a null modem cable) to connect to a PC.
AC Input
A standard IEC instrument-type cord should be used. The 9412/9412A is supplied with a
power cord that fit s the type of socket used in your country.
Before plugging in, please make sure that the voltage selection switch is set
to the proper setting for your country (either 110V or 220V).
Line Voltage Selection
This switch is used to select the voltage level used in your country -- make sure that it is on
the proper setting or the 9412/9412A could be damaged.
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