Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

1. Basic Understanding of Equipment

1.1 Key Technical Specifications

Parameters	Note
Inner Wall Coating	The primary raw material is BaSO₄ (barium sulfate), which meets the requirements of standards such as CIE Pub. No. 84 (1989) and IES-LM-79.
Spectral Reflectance	450 nm–800 nm: ρ(λ) ≥ 0.96; 380 nm–450 nm: ρ(λ) ≥ 0.92
Temperature Control Range	Temperature range: 25°C–55°C (reference ambient temperature: 25°C)
Dimensions	IS-1.5MT (Φ1.5 m), IS-1.75MT (Φ1.75 m), IS-2.0MT (Φ2.0 m); Note: Larger sizes are available upon request.

1.2 Equipment Configuration Verification

1.2.1 Unpacking

When unpacking the device, handle it gently to avoid scratching the outer casing with sharp tools. After unpacking, first inspect the exterior of the device to ensure that the sphere is closed and that there are no visible deformations or dents. If you notice any abnormalities with the device or its accessories, please contact us immediately.

1.2.2 Main Unit and Accessories

Main Unit: 1 IS-MT Series Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere.

Accessories, see Figure 1.

Number	Note
①	Base, including an E27 lamp holder
②	Strip Light Fixture

1.2.3 Downloading Electronic Documents

We have already sent the download links for the electronic user manual, warranty card, and other documents via email at the time of shipment. Please download them as soon as possible. If you have not received the email, please contact us to request the download links again.

2. Precautions for Use

2.1 Electrical Safety

Before connecting the power cord, verify that the supply voltage is AC 220 V ±10% and the frequency is 50 Hz/60 Hz. The equipment must be grounded for protection, with a grounding resistance of ≤4 Ω. Under no circumstances should the protective grounding wire be removed or disconnected, as doing so poses a risk of electric shock.

2.2 Key Contraindications Before the Procedure

2.2.1 Contraindications for Coating Protection

Do not allow any materials—including bare hands, cloths, or paper towels—to come into contact with the inner wall coating; do not allow liquids, oil, or dust to enter the ball;

Once the coating is extensively contaminated, it is virtually impossible to restore; do not attempt to wipe or polish it yourself.

2.2.2 Operational Contraindications for Personnel

Clean white cotton gloves must be worn when working inside the sphere; tools that are dusty or greasy must not be brought into the sphere; and it is strictly prohibited to forcefully manipulate the sphere’s opening and closing mechanisms, connectors, or internal wiring.

2.3 Code of Conduct During Operations

2.3.1 Internal Operating Procedures

Handle samples with care when installing or removing them; do not touch the inner wall of the sphere. Samples must be securely fastened to prevent them from falling and damaging the coating. When connecting wires, touch only the insulation and do not pull on the wire core.

2.3.2 Test Environment Specifications

Use in a dust-free, vibration-free environment; place on a sturdy, level surface to prevent movement or shaking;

Avoid direct sunlight; ambient temperature: 25±2°C, humidity ≤70% RH.

2.3.3 Ventilation Opening Management Standards

There are three vents inside the Integrating Sphere: a cold air inlet, a hot air inlet, and an outlet. These must be kept clear; they must not be covered or blocked;

Air conditioning vents must remain unobstructed; do not cover or block them.

3. Introduction to The Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

3.1 Left-front view

See Figure 2.

Number	Note
①	Touchscreen for setting the temperature, starting tests, etc.
②	Cross-shaped laser switch, used to activate the cross-shaped laser inside the Integrating Sphere to help position the light exactly at the center of the Integrating Sphere
③	Door latch
④	Door handle: After unlocking the latch, use the handle to open the right half of the Integrating Sphere.
⑤	Power cord, for connecting the Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere to a suitable power source
⑥	Power Switch
⑦	Junction box: Connections for the Standard Light Source/sample lamp power cord (POWER) and sensing cable (SENSE)
⑧	Optical Fiber Interfaces for Constant-Temperature Bulb Temperature Sensors and Photometric Probes

3.2 Rear-Left View

See Figure 3.

Number	Note
①	Air conditioning vent
②	Air Conditioner Drain Outlet
③	Connecting the Auxiliary Lamp Power Cord

3.3 Inside The Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

3.3.1 Left Hemisphere

See Figure 4.

Number	Note
①	Cross-Line Laser
②	Hot Air Inlet
③	Cold Air Inlet
④	Air outlet
⑤	Shield, used to prevent direct light from the light source from hitting the Optical Fiber and the photometric probe
⑥	Temperature Sensor Probe
⑦⑧	Mounting holes for the stage; the stage can be mounted on the top or bottom of the Integrating Sphere to meet different testing requirements

3.3.2 Right Hemisphere

See Figure 5, which shows the Auxiliary Lamp fixture used to mount the Auxiliary Lamp.

4. Assembly and Wiring of The Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

4.1 Turning On The Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

Refer to Section 3.1, connect the Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere to a suitable power source, and turn it on.

4.2 Mounting and Connecting the Stage

4.2.1 Preparations

To facilitate transport, the stage and strip light fixture are secured inside the Integrating Sphere. Remove the panel marked in Figure 6 to reveal the stage and strip light fixture secured inside.

After installing the stage and connecting its cables as described in Section 4.2, and after adjusting the crosshair laser as described in Section 4.4.1, reinstall this panel.

4.2.2 Mount Installation

The stage can be mounted either on top of the Integrating Sphere or on the bottom. Here, we use the example of mounting the stage on the bottom, as shown in Figure 7.

Number	Note
①	Loosen the mounting screws
②	Then remove the spacer, and you can install the stage.

Feed the four-core cable for the stage through the bottom cable opening, as shown in Figure 8.

Then tighten the mounting screws to secure the stage.

4.2.3 Four-Conductor Cable Connection for the Stage

As shown in Figure 9, simply connect the four-wire cable from the stage to the four wires provided inside the junction box, matching them one-to-one by color.

Both the junction box (Fig. 10) and the stage (Fig. 11) are equipped with red and black POWER and SENSE terminals. The terminals on both ends correspond one-to-one; simply connect them according to the cable colors.

Figure 10 Figure 11

4.3 Installation of Linear Light Fixtures

When you need to test linear lights, such as LED tubes, you can use a linear light fixture to secure the tube, as shown in Figure 12.

Note: When the strip light fixture is not in use, it can be removed and stored properly.

4.4 Cross-Line Laser

4.4.1 Cross-Laser Calibration

Refer to Section 3.1 to turn on the crosshair laser.

The direction of the cross-hair laser may shift or become misaligned during shipping. Please use a tape measure to confirm the center position of the Integrating Sphere, and then follow the instructions in Figure 13.

Once the crosshair laser is properly adjusted, you can reinstall the panel you removed.

4.4.2 Uses of Cross-Line Lasers

The crosshair laser is used to assist with light installation. Turn on the crosshair laser during installation to ensure that the light-emitting surface of the installed light is positioned exactly at the center of the Integrating Sphere. Turn off the crosshair laser during testing.

5. Hardware Operation of The Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

5.1 Connecting Spectrometer Accessories

Refer to Section 3.1 to connect the spectrometer accessories—such as Optical Fibers, photometric probes, and temperature probes—to the corresponding dedicated ports on the Integrating Sphere.

5.2 Installation and Connection of Sample Luminaires

5.2.1 Bulb Lamps and Strip Lights

For incandescent bulbs, the mount includes an E27 socket. Incandescent bulbs can be installed directly into the E27 socket or connected to it using an adapter; no additional wiring is required inside the Integrating Sphere.

For strip lights, refer to Section 4.3 and use strip light fixtures.

5.2.2 Other Lighting Fixtures

For other types of lights, simply place them on the mounting plate and secure them using the M6 screw holes provided to prevent them from slipping off.

5.2.3 Confirmation of the Installation Location of the Light-Emitting Surface

The stage is height-adjustable. Please refer to Section 4.4.2 and use the cross-hair laser to verify that the sample’s light-emitting surface is positioned exactly at the center of the Integrating Sphere. After adjusting the height, ensure that the screws are securely tightened to prevent the stage from suddenly falling; see Figure 14.

5.2.4 Connecting the Sample Power Cord

Simply connect the sample power cable to the two terminals labeled “POWER” on the stage. The two red terminals and two black terminals labeled “POWER” and “SENSE” on the stage are already internally shorted, so there is no need to connect the wires to the “SENSE” terminals on the stage separately.

5.3 Connecting the External Power Cable and Sampling Cable

The four terminals on the front of the Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere junction box are used to connect to your other devices. The two POWER terminals connect to the sample power supply wires, and the two SENSE terminals connect to the voltage sampling wires.

5.4 Using the Auxiliary Lamp Fixture

Please install the Auxiliary Lamp into the MR16 lamp holder on the fixture, as shown in Figure 15.

The Auxiliary Lamp clamp comes with two pre-installed power cables. When using the Auxiliary Lamp, connect it using an extension cord to a power source that meets the specified requirements.

6. Touchscreen Operation of The Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere

6.1 Introduction to the Program Interface

See Figure 16.

Number	Note
①	Current Temperature Setting
②	The current actual temperature inside the Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere
③	Self-adjusting switch: If you typically conduct tests using only one specific test temperature, you can turn this switch on to improve temperature control accuracy. Note: Turning this switch on or off has only a minor effect on temperature control.
④	The temperature curve shows time on the horizontal axis and temperature on the vertical axis; the red line represents the actual temperature, and the green line represents the setpoint temperature.
⑤	Temperature Settings: The left column lists commonly used preset temperature points; press the selection button on the right to enable the corresponding temperature. You can also manually adjust the preset temperature values on the left.
⑥	Switch Between Chinese and English
⑦	Power button. Green indicates that the temperature control function is on, which brings the temperature inside the Integrating Sphere to the set temperature and maintains a constant temperature; red indicates that the temperature control function is off.

6.2 Heating and Cooling Procedures

Constant Temperature Integrating Sphere is primarily used for high-temperature testing. It heats up relatively quickly, typically reaching the set temperature and stabilizing within about 10 to 20 minutes.

The entire interior of the device housing is lined with insulation to prevent heat loss from the interior of the Integrating Sphere. In other words, when the Integrating Sphere is at a high temperature, both chambers inside the device—the Integrating Sphere itself and the space between the Integrating Sphere and the outer housing—are at a high temperature.

When you have just completed a high-temperature test and need to allow the internal temperature to cool down to room temperature (25°C), the cooling rate will be relatively slow if you rely solely on the equipment’s temperature control program. If necessary, you can open the Integrating Sphere directly to assist with cooling.

7. End-of-use procedure

7.1 Integrating Sphere Operation

You can allow the unit to cool down naturally using the temperature control program, or turn on the Integrating Sphere to accelerate heat dissipation. Once the temperature inside the sphere has returned to room temperature, if no further testing is required, you may turn off the main power to the device.

Once the temperature inside the Integrating Sphere has returned to room temperature, promptly remove the sample and wiring from inside the Integrating Sphere. Do not leave any unrelated accessories inside the Integrating Sphere.

7.2 Close The Integrating Sphere promptly

When the Integrating Sphere is not in use, be sure to keep it closed to prevent dust from entering.

8. Daily Maintenance and Care of Equipment

8.1 Routine Internal Dust Cleaning

Frequency: At least once a week; Tools: Cold-air hair dryer (do not use hot air); Method: Gently blow away dust from inside the ball; do not allow any objects to come into contact with the coating.

8.2 Items for Periodic Inspection

8.2.1 Structural and Opening/Closing Inspection

Each month, check the opening and closing handles and hinges; if any are loose, tighten the screws. Check that the gap where the two halves meet is even and that no light leaks through.

8.2.2 Inspection of the Inner Wall Coating

Inspect the interior coating monthly to ensure there is no peeling, yellowing, darkening, or staining.

8.3 Guidelines for Long-Term Storage

Storage Conditions: Dry, protected from light, dust-free, temperature 0–40°C, relative humidity ≤70% RH; ensure the sphere is completely closed and covered with a dust cover; perform a thorough cleaning and inspection before storage.

8.4 Calibration Interval Requirements

To ensure the measurement accuracy and operational reliability of the equipment, it is recommended that it be sent periodically to a qualified third-party metrology laboratory for calibration. The recommended calibration interval is 12 months. Users may determine the specific calibration interval based on frequency of use, environmental conditions, and quality system requirements.

9. Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions	Procedure
Abnormal Heating and Cooling Function of the Integrating Sphere	There may be issues with the program’s backend parameters during transmission. Please contact us so we can check and adjust them.
Small areas of the coating on the inner wall of the Integrating Sphere have peeled off	If the sample luminaire is accidentally dropped, causing a small area of the coating on the interior wall of the Integrating Sphere to peel off, please contact us to obtain the coating needed for repair.
Extensive peeling of the coating on the inner wall of the Integrating Sphere	If the inner wall coating has peeled off over a large area due to frequent bumps or drops of the fixture, and the coating cannot be repaired, please purchase a new Integrating Sphere.
The coating on the inner wall of the Integrating Sphere has darkened and yellowed over a large area.	If the device is left uncovered for an extended period, dust is not cleaned off promptly, or it is used in harsh environments—such as those with excessive temperature or humidity, or direct sunlight—resulting in extensive yellowing of the inner wall coating that cannot be repaired, please purchase a new Integrating Sphere.