Monarch Instrument Nova Strobe DB Plus - Manual (Page 4)

1.0 OVERVIEW
All descriptions in this manual apply to both the battery powered strobe and AC mains powered
strobe except where noted.
The Nova-Strobe is a sophisticated instrument with many features, yet remains simple to operate.
Use only the features required for your application. The Strobe’s internal microprocessor and
digital encoder knob ensures precise settings and measurement. Each Strobe comes with a NIST
Traceable Certificate of Calibration.
The Strobe stores and recalls six user programmable flash rate settings and the last used settings in
non-volatile memory so that the Strobe “remembers” all the settings when the power is turned off.
1.1 Direct Digital Synthesis
“Direct Digital Synthesis” is the method by which the Strobe’s internal microprocessor generates
all the signals required to set internal flash rates. In analog stroboscopes, these values are
adjusted using a single or multiple turn potentiometer (knob), which generally lack sensitivity
and tend to drift with time. It is very difficult to set absolute values on analog stroboscopes.
The digital strobe synthesizes all signals digitally, in small, very precise steps. These signals are
derived from a stable crystal oscillator. There is no user calibration or adjustment required to
ensure an accurate reading. In the internal flash mode, these steps are as small as 0.1 flashes
per minute. Thus absolute values may be dialed in very easily and accurately. The Strobe’s
adjustment knob is actually a digital encoder that is connected directly to the microprocessor.
This knob has 36 definite steps or clicks per revolution allowing very definite adjustment and
can be turned continuously. This is equivalent to having a 100 turn potentiometer in an analog
unit. Of course you are not expected to turn this knob that many times to get from the slowest
flash rate to the fastest flash rate.
1.2 Display Panel
The display panel consists of a backlighted liquid crystal display with six alphanumeric digits
which indicate modes, flash rates, etc. (see Figure 1). Below the six digits are five small
chevrons (!) which indicate the present mode or value displayed, and are described below:
EXT. External Mode active
TACH Tachometer Mode
active (strobe won’t
flash)
ALT Indicates second
function of each
button and knob will
be used
FPS/HZ Flashes Per Second
is on the display
FPM/RPM Flashes Per Minute is
on the display
The EXT. chevron is on whenever the
strobe is in the external mode which is
when the unit has an external signal
plugged into the external input jack. The
TACH chevron is on whenever the
tachometer only (no flashing) mode is
Figure 1 Back Panel
1 10
8.0 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES
C-4040 Set of mating 1/8 inch (3.5mm) male phone plugs for external input / output
CA-4044-6 6 foot (1.8M) input / output cable, 1/8 inch (3.5mm) male phone plug to male
BNC connector
CA-4045-6 6 foot (1.8M) input / output cable, 1/8 inch (3.5mm) male phone plug to 1/8
inch (3.5mm) male phone plug for daisy chaining strobes together
CC-7 Latching carrying case for Strobe with provision for accessories
L-1903 Digital Stroboscope replacement lamp
R-115 Recharger 115 Vac 50/60 Hz (3 hour) for battery operated Nova-Strobes
R-230 Same as above except 230 Vac 50/60 Hz
ROS-5P Remote Optical Sensor with 8 foot (2.5M) cable for triggering strobe
T-5 Reflective tape. 5 foot (1.5M) roll
MT-190P Magnetic Sensor with 8 foot (2.5M) cable for triggering strobe
IRS-5P Infrared Sensor for use without reflective target at 0.5 inch (12mm) gap with
8 foot (2.5M) cable for triggering strobe
SPC-1 Splash proof Protective Cover for Battery Powered Strobe