Update 8-22-02

The transmitted light PMT has been replaced and is now working fine.

Update 8-05-02

The Kr laser is working and the fan on the Ar laser has been replaced. We are still waiting for a replacement part to fix the transmitted light PMT.

Update 7-18-02

The UV laser is working. The problem was a blown fuse in the water chiller. It has been fixed.

Update 7-17-02

The UV laser is not working properly. A message has been left at Leica.

Update 7-11-02

The transmitted light PMT is not working. Leica has been informed and I expect to be fixed next time they come out to fix the Kr laser, which unfortunately I still do not have a date for.

Update 5-15-02

The Krypton laser is down. Date of repair is not known at this time. Ar, UV, & HeNe lasers are working normally.
For more service history click | here |

If you have not already, please consult with a support person prior to using this system for the first time since these changes have been made.

The software operating system has been updated to NT 4 System 12/18/97.

• This changes the interface and some of the functions users are used to using on the older NT 3.51 OS. However, the look is similar to Win95 so the change should not be too traumatic.
• The NT 4 change was needed to accommodate the new CD ROM backup media we are recording for the UNIX and Mac OS systems. Now all CD ROM media recorded using the Romeo file name convention will work on all of the BioImaging computer systems.

The system now has a second hard drive (drive D) that users need to use to store data. The path is the same as in C, but the location is on the D drive. There are two directories in the default drive of C that remind users to save to this second drive.

No data is to be stored on the system. The off-line NT system is up and running and has multiple methods of archiving data. Please more you data to one or more of these media.

• Zip disks (100MB)
• CD ROM, write once (600MB)
• Magneto-optical disks, read/write/erasable (600MB)

The Leica software has been updated as of 12/30/97. Some changes have been made and a few of these changes are listed below.

• The Panel Box has more control. Once you change a menu item the dial is set (you do not have to click on "initialize" to set the panel) therefore the initialize option has been removed. They have added an auto PMT and an auto Offset option. You need to consult with the Keck staff about their use. You can now change the control option for the last knob on the control box.
• The Pinhole value is reflected in a different manner. The size of the pinhole is set to the "optimum" setting based upon lens selection. The value is set at 1.00 (the old software displayed the pinhole value in um). A user can still change the pinhole size beyond the 1.0 value (thus reducing resolution, but increasing signal). You can also decrease the pinhole size to increase resolution, but is of little advantage for values of .8 or lower.

Service History of Instrument

Update 7-5-00

The Kr laser has been replaced and aligned. The Ar laser is working properly but is dim. It will be replaced within the next few weeks.

Update 05-26-2000

Krypton laser is exhibiting horizontal black lines that are not due to vibration.  Sometimes this can be corrected by shutting down the software and restart the computer.  Be sure to turn the electronics.

Service has been contacted, but a date has not been set for a service call.

Update 02-19-2000

All visible lasers were tuned. Argon appears to be fine. We will be watching it to see if it holds.

Update 02-18-2000

Argon laser is weak. This could be due to mis-alignment, or the laser. Service is trying to get out either the 18th or 21st of this month. If it is an alignment issue the system should be back to 100% at that time. If it is a laser issue, it be two weeks until it can be replaced.

Update 02-03-2000

He/Ne laser power supply replaced. All systems running.

Update 02-02-2000

He/Ne laser is down. Service has been called and will be out to replace the laser on 2-3-2000.

Update 01-28-2000

He/Ne laser is down. Service has been called. System can be used except for He/Ne Laser.

Update 01-20-2000

Z-stage controller has been replaced and all systems seem to be back to normal.

Update 01-12-2000

Service has been out and still needs another board that will have to come from Germany. The next tentative service date is for Wednesday 1-19-2000.

Update 01-07-2000

Z stage control boards on order and should be here early next week. Leica support technician (Klaus) is scheduled to work on the system Wednesday and Thursday (01-12/13-2000).

Update 12-21-99

Z stage control is not working. This makes the scope unusable. Leica has been contacted, but no date for service has been set.

Update 11-19-99

Leica Service was out and could not find the problem associated with the Argon laser. Currently it is running and users should use it if needed.

Z-wide has been set.

The upright objectives have been set to be parfocal.

We continue to investigate the SCSI errors that happen intermittently.

Update 10-28-99

The argon laser is down. All other lasers are working and the system is running. Service has been contacted. When we have an estimate on the repair date, we will post new information.

Update 6-24-99

New hard drive installed, system rebuilt and all is running. System is running well.

Update 6-18-99

Leica system is running. We are still experiencing software crashes. We are investigating them and will provide an update when we have more information.

Update 6-2-99

Leica system is down. Due to scan head problems. Leica service was called last week, but cannot get a technician out until June 15. If there is any change to this date it will be posted and an email sent out to the Leica user group.

UV Laser Update 12-04-98

Laser aligned and running great. Reminder to all UV laser users, the normal laser range is between 1 to 3 turns of the power knob.

UV Laser Update 11-16-98

After running some tests, it appears the UV laser is out of alignment. We have contacted Leica and will post the service date when we have one confirmed.

Kr Laser Update 10-14-98

Don't anyone hold their breath, but all three lasers are BACK ON LINE. Let's hope we are out of the woods for the lasers.

Kr Laser Update 10-12-98

Leica service will be out Wednesday 10-14-98 to replace the Kr laser.

Kr Laser Update 10-08-98

I have been contacted by Leica support. They estimate the Kr laser will be installed early next week. There is no clear date or time at this point. Users of the Leica should be aware that times next week are subject to change. When the service group can install the new laser we will have to bump any users from the scope.

When I have an actual date and time I will add that information to the status page.

UV Status Report Updated 09-24-98

The good news and the bad news...

To begin, the support folks were out and installed the UV laser and we are back on line.

The bad news is the Kr laser died the same day we installed the new UV laser. I do not have an estimated repair date at this time. I have impressed Leica support that we cannot wait weeks for the Kr to be replaced. As soon as I have some firm dates, I will update this page.