There are only two significant things to consider when installing LCW#1 in the OPM2000, OPM2000A, OPM2000R, or OPM2001: [1] over-tightening and [2] stand-offs.
When attaching the LCW to the transceiver’s mounting block, don’t over-torque or over-tighten the four (4) hold down screws. We always recommend “finger tight plus a skosh” (meaning finger tight plus just a tad (smidgen) more). The stack-up is normally in this order: aperture plate – stand-off – o’ring – backing plate (large holed) – LCW – top plate (small hole) – o’ring – screw head. An alternate stack-up can be in this order: aperture plate – stand-off – LCW – top plate (small hole) – o’ring – screw head.
The stand-offs are a factory modification and VERY important to the life span of the LCW. By putting the LCW 3/4″ away from the aperature plate, the beam has a chance to disperse and thus more of the actual LCW active surface area is utilized. This helps prevent “burning” the center out of the LCW (see picture). This is very critical in the OPM2001 as its high intensity beam from the 20 watt halogen lamp will cure the filler material and damage the LC event sites.
Stand-offs promote stability too because more liquid crystal event sites are being utilized if the beam is allowed to spread; as the LCW ages, LC sites tend to lock either open or closed, so if the beam is relying on 1000 events sites instead of 1,000,000 event sites, it will ‘seem” to become unstable sooner as event sites fail due to normal aging.
Parts:
LCW#1: 40F0050R02
LCW holding screws: 4-40 socket head, black anodized screws typically
Stand-offs: 4-40, 3/4″, aluminum, hex barrel, male-female
(LC stands for liquid crystal)