This page describes the basic operation of the FlexHCD sample changer on ID23-2. For troubleshooting see here.

The FlexHCD

flexhcd-full_view.JPG

The FlexHCD (High Capacity Dewar) is a new sample changer robot that has replaced the old SC3s and is now installed on all ESRF MX beamlines, with a modified version on MASSIF-1. The dewar is organized in 8 Cells, each containing 3 slots for pucks.

On ID23-2, the sample changer is only compatible with Unipucks containing SPINE caps.

All other caps are explicitly forbidden!

spine_vs_crystalcap.png

For safety reasons the sample changer robot is interlocked with the doors of the experimental hutch. In case the interlock is broken any robot movement will be stopped immideately. Please make sure that any robot operation is finished and that the robot arm has reached its safe position before opening the doors on the PSS panel. 

How to identify if the robot is still moving:

  • EH camera: The screen mounted on the wall above the screens of the control computershows a camera image of the experimental hutch , if the robot is not fully visible it is possible to navigate by mouse.
  • MXCube: The "show SC details" button in MXCube turns from green to yellow during robot movements:

mxcube_robot_moving.png

  • PSS panel: a panel on the PSS ouside the experimental hutch is flashing during robot operation:

pss_robot_moving.png

FlexHCD - MXCuBE2

FlexHCD is completely operated from MXCuBE2 interface. By right click on the sample entry in the queue on the left side of the MXCube window samples can be loaded or unloaded, respectively. Further functionality is described in the troubleshooting section.

 

Basket Loading

The dewar can be accessed by a dedicated MXCube running on the screen on the left side of the experimental hutch, use the bluetooth keybord to navigate:

flex_control_PC.png

In case the flex MXCube is frozen it has to be closed and started again by clicking on the desktop icon:

flex_mxcube1.png

The dewar can be opened by clicking on the user port button (1) and the position can be selected by the numbered buttons below (2):

flex_mxcube2.png

To facilitate the loading procedure each position in the FlexHCD dewar has a guiding finger (1) to be aligned with the unipuck groove. Additionally, the puck alignment aids (2) help to put the puck in place correctly:

Screw the unipuck loading tool into the top part of the enclosure:

Unipuck_screw_loading_tool.jpg

Place the unipuck between the alignment aids and use the guide finger and the puck groove for correct positioning:

 

unipuck_loaded.png

Push down the metal rod on the unipuck loading tool to release the base:

Unipuck_step5.jpg