Starting point: new sample and new tip are loaded in the STM. Tip-sample distance is “large” (i.e. few millimeters). STM is in lowest position, inside the centering pin and 1K-shield-window is open.

1. Position and focus USB camera such that you can see clearly sample and tip (start software “ ” on Labview/T-control computer)
2. Femto preamp: check back sidde of RHK, switch to BNC. Start Labview VI: STM Conductance. Set correct gain.
3. RHK premp: check back side of RHK, switch towards D9.
4. Prepare RHK controller: XYZ offsets in the middle (5.0). Set initially: time constant ~0.2, gain ~0.3. Set appropriate bias and current set points.
5. Use gain as Z-piezo motor speed control. When the tip and sample gap is very large, set gain ≥ 0.5. Observe if the Z motor moves fast enough. Keep the motor approaching “fast” until the sample gets close enough that the tip-sample gap can't be seen anymore (either via the camera or by eye looking into the view port).
6. When the gap gets small enough (less than 1 mm), slow down the Z motor by decreasing the gain. Decrease the gain till it's very hard