VEGA Laser Power/Energy Meter
VEGA Laser Power/Energy Meter
VEGA Laser Power/Energy Meter

Vega

7Z01560
Color Screen Handheld Laser Power & Energy Meter
 
Description: 
  • Compatible with all standard Ophir Thermopile, BeamTrack, Pyroelectric and Photodiode sensors
  • Brilliant color large size TFT 320x240 display
  • Clear screen color for work with laser safety goggles
  • Illuminated keys for working in the dark
  • Both digital and analog needle display
  • USB and RS232 output to PC with Statistics package
  • Select between English and Japanese interfaces
  • Analog output
  • Soft keys and menu driven functions with on line help
  • Log every data point at up to 4000Hz with pyroelectric sensors
  • Non-volatile data storage up to 250,000 points
  • Laser tuning screen and power log
  • 2 position kickstand
  • System Integrator Tools included: LabVIEW VIs, COM Object Interface
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Specification

Datasheet
Meter Comparison Chart
Drawing
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • Yes
  • 1V,2V,5V,10V
  • RS232, USB
  • No
  • N/A
  • 30Hz
  • N/A
  • 2000Hz
  • N/A
  • 250K
  • Yes for USB
  • Yes
  • CE, UKCA, China RoHS
Need help finding the right sensor? Try our Sensor Finder

FAQ

I have multiple sensors. Do I need a specific meter for each sensor or can I use one meter for all of my sensors?

With Ophir's Smart Head technology sensors can be interchanged between different meters easily. The calibration and setting information is stored in the sensors Smart Head connector so it moves with the sensor to the new meter. It is recommended that you power off your Nova meter before removing the sensor, but the new Nova II and Vega meters detect that a sensor has been removed or attached and will power cycle themselves when doing this.

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How does an energy meter measure above the maximum frequency at which it can record every pulse?

The energy meters will then sample at close to its maximum frequency. For instance measuring 10 KHz with a PD10 Sensor and Nova II where the maximum frequency for every pulse on the Nova II is 4 KHz: in this case, the Nova II will pick out pulses at a rate of close to 4 KHz and sample them, i.e. the Nova II will record 40% of the pulses.

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What is the Ophir meter zeroing and when should it be performed?

In all Ophir instruments, all adjustments, including zeroing internal circuits, are done from the software. This ensures simple and accurate realignment. The zeroing process helps eliminate internal biases in the unit which could affect accuracy of measurements. It is recommended to re-zero the instrument every 2 months for best performance. Specific instructions for doing this are found in the relevant User Manual for each instrument.

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Can I use a third party sensor with the Ophir power/energy meters?

No, only Ophir power/energy sensors with the Smart Head connection will work with the Ophir power/energy meters.

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Can I upgrade my Nova-II or Vega software by myself or do I have to send it in to an Ophir distributor?

The Power and Energy Meter's software can be upgraded by the customer using Ophir's StarLab PC application available for download from the Ophir website.

1. Attach the Power and Energy Meters to your PC with the USB cable provided with the Power and Energy Meters.

2. Go to the bottom of the StarLab page and download the firmware for your Power and Energy Meters

3. Run the StarLab application

4. Select your Power and Energy Meters device and press Diagnostics

5. Select your meter and press the Upgrade button

6. Follow all the on-screen instructions to successfully reprogram the display.

 

These instructions, including screen captures, can be found at https://www.ophiropt.com/laser-measurement-instruments/laser-power-energy-meters/software/upgrade-firmware

 

If the field-upgrade process fails (example, unplug of the USB cable during the upgrade), the Power and Energy Meters will not function properly. Therefore, when turning on the Power and Energy Meters the user gets a blank screen. Note: The Power and Energy Meters can still communicate with the PC. Try to reinstall the Power and Energy Meters software as described above.

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I’ve upgraded to the latest version of StarLab and my meter no longer is supported. What happened?

Whenever we release a new version of StarLab we add support or deal with various other meter-specific issues. This may necessitate upgrading the meter firmware to the latest release. This release is included in the StarLab package and simply enter the Field Upgrade dialog in order to upgrade your meter to be up to date.

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Do I need to recalibrate my instrument? How often must it be recalibrated?

Unless otherwise indicated, Ophir sensors and meters should be recalibrated within 18 months after initial purchase, and then once a year after that.

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How do I use the Analog Output of a meter to get a reading of power? And how accurate is it?

The analog output of the meter - using the mating connector provided – gives a voltage signal proportional to the actual reading (it is in fact just a D/A translation of what is being displayed), so it represents a fully calibrated reading. The full scale value is a function of the meter being used and the power range it is on. With the StarBright, Vega and Nova II, for example, the user can select full scale analog output voltage ranges of 1v, 2v, 5v or 10v, and the 100% level of the chosen power scale is scaled to the full scale voltage. For example: if you choose 5V full scale analog voltage range, and your sensor is set to a 50W full scale power range, then you will have 5V = 50W or 0.1 V/W. It will vary according to the chosen power range and chosen full scale voltage range. The electrical accuracy is stated in the specification (see the User manual) as ±0.2% (of reading) ±0.3% of full scale volts (in addition to the calibration accuracy of the sensor’s reading itself).

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How often should I zero my power meter?

For the best accuracy and repeatability, each Ophir meter should be zeroed with no sensor connected periodically. It would not hurt to zero the meter each time it is used, but we recommend to zero the meter at least once a month. See your meter User Guide for the zeroing procedure particular to your meter. To view or download a copy of the meter User Guides, follow this link: https://www.ophiropt.com/laser-measurement-instruments/laser-power-energy-meters/services/manuals.

 

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Why wasn’t the firmware upgraded to the latest version when the meter was sent in for recalibration?

Our recalibration process is to not automatically upgrade the firmware in meters when they are sent in for recalibration, unless specifically requested to upgrade it. The reason for this is that we support many companies, such as medical companies, that have equipment validation processes that don’t allow changing the firmware version from the currently validated version. If you do want the latest firmware version installed, we will do that at no additional charge (for meters which are upgraded electronically) if it is specifically requested on the RMA request checklist form. For older meters (such as the Nova) that are upgraded through changing the EEPROM, a nominal fee is added, if firmware upgrade is requested. Note; upgrading the firmware does not affect the calibration.

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Can I buy a universal power adapter/charger for my Ophir display?

Yes. We now offer a switching universal power adapter/charger for the Ophir displays. It is part number 7E05029.

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My meter seems to be charging normally, but it lasts for less than an hour on battery power. Does the battery need to be replaced?

Yes, the battery needs to be replaced. A new battery should last 8 hours per charge. We recommend that you send the meter back for battery replacement and recalibration. User battery replacement is possible. For battery part numbers and ordering information, go to https://www.ophiropt.com/laser--measurement/spare-parts.

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Why doesn’t the StarLab software recognize the Nova II or Vega meter when a RS232 to USB adapter cable is used with the supplied RS232 cable for an interface?

Unfortunately the interface described above is not sufficient to establish the correct communication protocol for the computer USB to interface to the Nova II or Vega meter. The original USB cable (one is provided with each Nova II and Vega meter) is required for the StarLab software to communicate OK. The USB cable is P/N 7E01205 and is available to order.

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What is Ophir Statement of Volatility of Memory for Vega

See attached

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  • PC Software & Drivers

    This section describes various ways to interface the Ophir meter to your PC as well as the software options available.


     

  • StarLab

    The StarLab application together with an Ophir meter turns your PC or laptop into a full-fledged laser power/energy meter. Supports most Ophir laser power/energy sensors. Up to 8 sensors can be displayed at once on one PC. By using the Ophir COM Object, you can control the device from your own application. Supports the Ariel, Centauri, StarBright, StarLite, Juno, Juno+, Juno-RS, Nova II, Vega, Pulsar-1/2/4, Quasar, EA-1 and IPM sensor devices.

  • StarCom

    The StarCom application together with the Ophir meters that utilize the RS232 protocol turns your PC or laptop into a full-fledged Ophir laser power/energy meter. StarCom supports all major Ophir sensors. Supports the Nova, LaserStar, Nova-II, and Vega meters.

  • LabVIEW

    Library supplied for a complete measurement interface with most of our USB speaking devices (Centauri, StarBright, StarLite, Juno, Juno+, Nova-II, Pulsar, Vega). Makes use of our new COM object.

     

  • Nova and VEGA power metersFirmware - Vega / Nova II

    Embedded Software for Vega & Nova II Laser Power / Energy Meters

    Latest Vega, Nova-II firmware (version 2.55)

    Use StarLab to upgrade the firmware of your device.
    Press Here for step-by-step instructions.

System Integrators

Besides their use as stand-alone, fully featured laser power/energy meters, Ophir devices are easily incorporated into larger end-user applications. This allows system integrators to leverage Ophir’s excellence in measurement capabilities with legacy analysis packages.
 
RS232
RS232 communication is the simplest to integrate into your OEM application. Integrated Development Environments (IDE’s) such as Microsoft Visual Studio provide functions and methods for accessing the PC’s com port.
 
The following is all that you need to get your RS232 applications up and running

  • User Commands contains an alphabetical listing and detailed description of all commands available with the Juno, Juno+, Juno-RS, Pulsar, Centauri, Nova-II, Vega, StarLite, and StarBright devices.
  • Nova II / Vega RS232 cable (P/N 7E01206) for use with the Nova-II and Vega devices (included with the Nova II / Vega).

USB
Ophir provides a common interface for communication and control of all of our USB speaking devices. OphirLMMeasurement is a COM Object that is included as part of the StarLab installation (StarLab 2.10 and higher) that allows the system integrator to take control of the Juno, Juno+, Nova-II, Pulsar, Vega, Centauri, StarBright and StarLite devices; integrating them into his in-house measurement and analysis package.
 

System Integrators will need the following components:

  • OphirLMMeasurement COM Object.pdf lists and describes the methods and events available for configuring, controlling and uploading measurements from Ophir devices.
  • OphirLMMeasurement.dll. COM object component developed and supplied by Ophir for communication with the Juno, Juno+, Nova-II, Pulsar, Vega, Centauri, StarBright and StarLite devices. The COM object is registered when the application is installed.
  • OphirLMMeasurement COM Object.pdf describes how to register it on another PC where the Ophir application has not been installed.
  • Nֺova II / Vega USB cable (P/N 7E01205) for use with the Nova-II and Vega devices (included with the Nova II / Vega).
  • Ophir provides example projects of COM Object clients in VC#, VB.NET and LabVIEW. These are found in the Automation Examples subdirectory of our StarLab PC Application.
  • For direct control of the device, refer to User Commands.

Videos

Easy Setup of an Ophir Power Meter and Sensor Easy Setup of an Ophir Power Meter and Sensor
How to see an analog representation of laser power/energy on a scope How to see an analog representation of laser power/energy on a scope How to see an analog representation of laser power/energy on a scope

Do you sometimes need to see an analog representation of your laser power/ energy on a scope, in parallel to measuring it with a meter? This video will show you how to do that.

Setting Your Laser Power Meter To a Custom Wavelength Setting Your Laser Power Meter To a Custom Wavelength Setting Your Laser Power Meter To a Custom Wavelength

Learn how to set the correct wavelength for your measurement, even when the wavelength you need is not one of the default wavelengths offered by the meter.

Clarifications: Range selection, measurement duration Clarifications: Range selection, measurement duration Clarifications: Range selection, measurement duration

Sometimes, even experienced users of laser measurement equipment come across some issues that, although basic, need to be clarified. This video reviews 2 such issues.

See how easy it is to setup an Ophir power meter and sensor to measure your laser's power and energy.

More videos are available on our video page

Tutorials

Tutorials and Articles

Ophir Power/Energy Meter Calibration Procedure and Traceability/Error Analysis

This document discusses the interpretation and basis for stated measurement accuracy of Ophir Laser Power/Energy meters.
1. General Discussion
2. Combination of Errors and Total Error
3. Analysis of Power and Energy Calibration Errors
4. Detailed Analysis of Power and Energy Calibration Errors

 Read more...

Installing LabVIEW support for Ophir Power Meters and PC Interfaces

In order for LabVIEW to work with an Ophir power meter or PC interface, first *install the StarLab PC application. Read more...

Don’t damage your Ophir power meter by using the wrong power supply

Ophir power meters use a 12 VDC power supply that supplies 500 mA. This power supply is reverse voltage to most US products, meaning the outside connection is positive (+) and the inside is negative (-). When connecting a power supply to the Ophir power meter, make sure that the power supply is a 12 VDC 500 mA power supply and that the center is positive (+). Some of the newer Ophir power meters like the Vega and Quasar are dual voltage compatible meaning it does not matter if the power supply is center positive or center negative. It still needs to be 12 VDC and 500 mA, but it can be either a center positive or center negative. It is highly recommended that the original power supply included with the equipment be used and if it is missing that Ophir be contacted for a replacement supply. Read more...

How do I know what range, or scale, to set my power/energy meter to? And what happens if I go over range?

Each given range represents one level of gain of an internal amplifier. The electronics, as always, have a limited Dynamic Range. If the measured signal is too low, in other words near the bottom of the range, then it may be lost in the noise and the reading will be inaccurate and noisy. If it’s too high – there may be saturation issues. To give an instrument a usefully wide dynamic range, multiple scales or ranges are used. Switching from range to range can be automatic (“Autorange”), or manual. Autoranging simply starts automatically at the least sensitive range and works its way down the ranges, sampling the signal as it goes, till it finds a range at which the signal is properly detected. Note, by the way, that only in POWER mode is Autoranging available. If we are working in Single Shot Energy mode, there is no Autoranging – simply because when we are measuring a single pulse, the instrument has no opportunity to work its way down the ranges as in Power mode.

 Read more...

Deming Must Be Wrong

By Gary Wagner, General Manager (U.S.), Ophir Photonics Read more...

Laser Measurements in Materials Processing: How and When They Absolutely, Positively Must Be Made

19th century British physicist and engineer William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, was the first to say, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it.” When applying this principle to improving laser-based processes, there are a variety of parameters that must be measured. Given the continuously rising power of laser systems in material processing, the requirements for measurement systems are more challenging than ever. Which technologies are available to measure high-power lasers? How often should they be measured? What measurements should be tracked? When this data is collected, what should be done with it? Read more...

5 Situations Where Laser Performance Measurement is Necessary

Measuring the performance of a laser has possible for a number of years and is accomplished with a variety of techniques. These electronic laser measurement solutions give the laser user more relevant, time-based data that shows trends in laser performance rather than single data points. While these solutions have provided laser users with the ability to present data in a simple and easy to understand manner, the application of the data still seems to be unclear to many laser users. Read more...

Power and Energy Meters: From Sensors to PC

From the time of its invention, more than 30 years ago, the laser power meter was generally comprised of two parts: a measurement sensor and a display meter. It was always considered better to have such an arrangement with a cable connecting the two because of the hazardous nature of the laser beam. As the display of the results is separated from the measurement sensor, so are the eyes of the operator separated from the laser beam. Read more...

Accessories

Customers that purchase the above items also consider the following items. Ophir-Spiricon meters and sensors include a standard manufacturers warranty for one year. Add a one year Extended Warranty to your meter or sensor, which includes one recalibration.
  • Carrying Case

    Carrying Case

    1J02079

    Carrying case 38x30x11cm. For laser power / energy meter and up to three sensors

  • Replacement battery pack

    Battery Pack for Nova II, Vega and Quasar

    7E14007

    Replacement battery pack for Nova II, Vega and Quasar

  • N Polarity Power Supply/Charger

    N Polarity Power Supply/Charger

    7E05029

    Power Supply/Charger for Centauri, Vega, Nova II, LaserStar, Nova, EA-1, Pulsar, Quasar, 6K-W, 120K-W and fan cooled sensors (1 unit supplied with these products)

  • Standard Analog Output Connector

    General Purpose I/O Connector

    7E02008

    Used as analog output plug for Centauri, StarBright, StarLite, Vega, Nova II, Nova, and Juno+ (1 unit supplied with these products).
    For Centauri Only – 2 additional units are supplied to be used for external trigger and TTL output.

  • Extended Warranty for Power Meter

    XWAR-METER

    Ophir-Spiricon meters and sensors include a standard manufacturers warranty for one year. Add a one year Extended Warranty to your meter or sensor, which includes one recalibration. More info

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