FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

The pre-operation check/initialization involves checking the front door, checking the X-ray generator, and returning the stage to the origin point. Perform the pre-operation check/initialization according to the instructions displayed on screen.

WARNING: Check the glass pane of the front door for scratches and cracks.
  Any scratches or cracks in the glass pane may lead to X-ray leakage.
  If there are any scratches or cracks, immediately stop using the instrument and contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.
 

1. Open the front door and then close it securely.

  CAUTION: Gently open and close the front door.
    Since the front door is heavy, even if it is pushed just a little when opening or closing it, it will continue to move under its own inertia.

    Open and close the front door gently, taking care to avoid getting your hands or fingers caught.
    The front door is fitted with a door closer to regulate its speed when it is opening or closing. Take care not to get your hands or fingers caught in the door closer's arm or the front door.

  

  NOTE: Be sure to confirm that no sample is set on the stage. If a sample is set on the stage, a defective image may result during inspection after initialization.
    In addition, the sample will be exposed to unnecessary X-rays.

 

2. Click [OK].

  

  NOTE: Click [Cancel] to change to offline mode

 

3. Click [Start].

  

  The X-ray generator is checked and the stage is returned to the origin point.
  The time required for initialization is as follows.

  

  NOTE: If initialization is aborted due to an X-ray alarm, a message is displayed. Sample observation can be performed even after initialization is aborted; however, the unattained tube voltage output value is displayed in orange.

 

4. When initialization is complete, click [OK].

  

  This completes the pre-operation check/initialization.

  The stage moves to the sample change position and the front door is unlocked. The observation start window is displayed in the control software.

  

  CAUTION: When the stage is not in the position to change the sample, the front door is locked. Do NOT force the front door open.
    When the stage is not in the position to change the sample, the front door is locked using an electromagnetic locking mechanism. Forcibly opening the door while it is locked may damage the electromagnetic lock mechanism.

 

  NOTE: 

    • When the sequence function was used during the previous observation, the sequence start window is displayed.
      To display the observation start window and perform normal observation, click [Stop Sequence].

    • If the image is dark after performing the pre-operation check, follow the procedures described in "Adjusting the Beam Alignment" and "Adjusting the Filament Value".

      Click here for "(SMX-6010) Adjusting the Beam Alignment".

    • If images are defective after the pre-operation check, follow the procedure described in "Performing Flat Panel Detector Calibration".

 

« Offline Mode »
  If the instrument detects a problem or [Cancel] is clicked during the pre-operation check, the instrument enters offline mode.
  Sample observation cannot be performed in offline mode because the X-ray generator and stage cannot be operated. However, the following operations are available.
  • Viewing and transferring saved images
  • Viewing instrument information
  To restore the instrument to the normal state from offline mode, shut down the instrument and then restart it. If there is an abnormality, eliminate the cause of the abnormality before shutting down the instrument.