Unfortunately the UV sensor chips I use for my light integrators are no longer manufactured. I have an alternative sensor, but changing to it would require a major firmware re-write which does not make sense because of the age of the LC5 microcontroller.
After looking at all of my options, I have decided to stop making the LC5 and replace it with a new device – the Light Counter LC6.
The LC6 will use the new sensor, of course, but it will also have a state of the art microprocessor, a better display and a completely new codebase. These changes allow me to implement some new features, including:
- Improved user interface
- Improved sensor calibration and sensor precision
- Improved handling of multiple sensor configurations
- Configurable power controllers, e.g. using one power controller to start the vacuum frame and another to switch on the lights a short time later; or using a power controller to switch on fans when the temperature rises above a threshold
- Improved exposure plans for multiple exposures
If you are already using an LC5 or older generation device, then I would love to hear from you about features or capabilities that you would like to see in the new LC6. Just reach out – you know where I am :-)
To ensure the LC6 is thoroughly tested, I plan to start a public beta program towards the end of this year or early 2024. If all goes well, then the LC6 will be available for sale during Q1 2024.
I am sorry for any inconvenience this causes.