Grant Labwise User Manual

Labwise

Operating Manual

Grant Instruments, based near Cambridge, England, is an independent, privately owned
company, founded in 1951 by Peter Ward and Cecil Chapman.

Grant is a world leader in the manufacture and design of equipment for sample preparation,
scientific analysis, data acquisition and data analysis providing solutions to the global
scientific and industrial markets.

The company has a worldwide reputation for paying the highest attention to quality, reliability,
service and support. The company works strictly to all legal and regulatory requirements and
pays particular attention to the safety testing of products.

The company operates an ISO 9001:2000 quality management system, regulated by the
British Standards Institute.

Beyond compliance to the standard, Grant Instruments is committed to continually improving
in everything we do; with particular emphasis on understanding what matters to our
customers and suppliers, and designing our systems and work to meet their needs.

If you have any feedback on Grant‟s products or services we would like to hear from you.
Please send all feedback to:

Quality Manager
Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd
Shepreth
Cambridgeshire
SG8 6GB
England

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

May 2012 Page 2 30853(1)

Grant Software License Agreement

This is a legal Agreement between you, the user, and Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd.
By opening the software package(s) you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.
If you do not agree to these terms please return all disks, manuals and packaging for a full
refund.

Use

The Software is the property of Grant and is protected by copyright. You may use one copy
of the software on only one computer at a time. If you have multiple licenses for the
software, you may use as many copies at any time as you have licenses. "Use" means
loaded in temporary memory or permanent storage on the computer. Installation on a
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license for each computer to which the software is distributed. If users will exceed the
number of licenses, you must have a reasonable process to assure that the number of
persons using the software concurrently does not exceed the number of licenses.

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All intellectual property rights in the Software and user documentation are owned by Grant or
its suppliers and are protected by United Kingdom copyright laws, other applicable copyright
laws and international treaty provisions. Grant retains all rights not expressly granted.

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Except for a back-up or archival copy of the Software (for your use only), you may not copy
the Software. In addition, you may not sell, transfer, loan, rent, lease, modify or alter the
Software or any portion thereof, without the written consent of Grant.

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Grant warrants that the Software will substantially conform to the applicable user
documentation. Grant also warrants that the software disks supplied by Grant on which the
Software is distributed and the user documentation are free from defects in materials and
workmanship. Grant will replace defective software disks or user documentation at no
charge, provided you return the item with dated proof of payment to Grant within 90 days of
the date of delivery. If Grant is unable to replace defective media or user documentation,
Grant will refund the amount you paid for the Software. These are your sole remedies for
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Except as specifically provided herein, Grant makes no warranty or representation, either
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The warranty and remedies set forth herein are exclusive and in lieu of all others, oral or
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make any modification or addition to this warranty, save that nothing in this clause or
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Limitation of liability

Because software is inherently complex and may not be completely free of errors, you are
advised to verify your work and to make back-up copies of it. In no event will Grant be liable
for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising out of the use or
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Termination

This license will terminate automatically if you fail to comply with the terms of this Agreement,
or if you destroy the Software diskettes and the back-up copy.

30853(1) Page 3 May 2012

General

The above terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Grant with regard to the
Software. If any provision of this agreement is invalid or unenforceable under applicable law,
it is to that extent deemed omitted and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and
effect.

This agreement is covered by the law of England and both parties accept the jurisdiction of
the courts of England. The export of this product is governed by US and UK export
regulations.

Copyright

Labwise is the copyright of Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Limited.

The Labwise software is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under the copyright laws,
neither the documentation nor the software may be copied, photocopied, reproduced,
translated, or reproduced on any electronic medium or machine readable form, in whole or
part, without the prior written consent of Grant Instruments except in the manner described in
the operating instructions. Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Limited shall have no liability for
the DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL damage or cost incurred due
to the use of the software.

The Labwise manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws the
documentation may not be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, or reproduced on
any electronic medium or machine readable form, in whole or part, without the prior written
consent of Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Limited.

All trademarks are the property of their respective registered holders.

Note: Due to our policy of continuous improvements of our products, we reserve the right to
modify Labwise at any time. If a feature mentioned in this manual is not found in your
version, an update may be available, please contact Grant Instruments or your local
distributor.

May 2012 Page 4 30853(1)

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction 6

2.0 Installation & connection 6

2.1. Minimum system requirements 6

2.2. Unpacking 6

2.3. Installation 6

2.4. Connecting to an Optima 7

2.5. Disconnecting an Optima 7

2.6. Installing Optima USB drivers (Windows XP) 8

2.7. Installing Optima USB drivers (Windows Vista/7) 9

3.0 Main control window 10

3.1. Overview 10

3.2. Real time graph 10

3.3. Optima status information 10

3.4. Running presets or programs 11

3.5. Bath setup 12

3.5.1. On timer completion 12

3.5.2. Presets 12

3.5.3. Alarms 12

3.6. Logging setup 13

3.7. COM setup 13

4.0 Programs 14

4.1. Overview 14

4.2. Program editor window 14

4.3. Creating a new program 15

4.3.1. Creating program segments 15

4.3.2. Setting program alarms 17

4.3.3. Uploading a program to the Optima 17

4.4. Edit a program 18

4.4.1. Edit a program previously saved to disk 18

4.4.2. Edit a program installed in the Optima 18

4.5. Deleting a program installed in the Optima 19

5.0 Creating reports 20

5.1. Creating a report 20

6.0 Calibration (GR150 & GP200 only) 21

6.1. Performing a single point calibration 21

7.0 Technical Support 22

30853(1) Page 5 May 2012

1.0 Introduction

Labwise is a PC software application that provides configuration and remote control of
OptimaTM immersion thermostats. This manual outlines the main functions and settings of
Labwise version 2.0 that is suitable for use with GR150, GP200, TX150 & TXF200 models.

Labwise offers RS232 connection for the GR150 and GP200 models. The TX150 and
TXF200 can be connected either via RS232 or via USB.

Labwise provides the following features:

 Set temperature adjustment
 Pump speed adjustment
 Configuration of alarms
 Configuration of presets
 Configuration of controlled temperature programs
 Data logging
 Reports

Labwise is supplied on a USB flash drive.

2.0 Installation & connection

2.1. Minimum system requirements

The following list defines the minimum system requirements for the Labwise PC:

 Microsoft Windows XP, Vista (32/64bit) or Windows 7 (32/64bit)
 Pentium III/Celeron 866 MHz or equivalent
 RAM 256MB
 Screen with min resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels
 340 MB free hard disk space
 RS232 serial or USB port

2.2. Unpacking

Standard equipment includes:

 Labwise software on USB flash drive
 RS232 communication lead
 USB communication lead
 Operating manual
 Software installation guide

2.3. Installation

For detailed installation instructions please see the supplied „Labwise Installation Guide‟
supplement.

Before starting the installation:

 Ensure the user installing the software has administrator rights to the PC
 Ensure any current Grant applications are closed
 Uninstall Labwise Vsn 1 (if installed)

May 2012 Page 6 30853(1)

Use the following process for installing the software:

1. Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on the PC.

The drivers for the USB flash drive should automatically install. Follow any on screen
instructions if required.

2. Open the USB flash drive directory and run setup.exe.

The software installer will launch. Follow the installation wizard instructions.

Labwise will be installed and added to the programs menu and a shortcut will be added to
the desktop.

2.4. Connecting to an Optima

The Optima should be connected to the PC either using a RS232 (all models) or a USB
(TX150 and TXF200 models only) cable.

1. Connect an Optima immersion thermostat to a free port on the PC.
Drivers will need to be installed the first time an Optima is connected to a PC via USB

(see 2.5 below)

2. Launch the Labwise application.

Labwise will check the last used COM port and connect to the Optima if available. If no
Optima is automatically detected then the following dialog box is displayed with all
available COM ports shown. Choose the correct COM port from the list and click “Try

Again” to connect. If you are still unable to connect then it may be that the USB drivers

are not correctly installed (see section 2.6 for further details)

When successfully connected, the main control window will be displayed and show the
Optima settings including temperature and pump speed in real time. The graph will show the
temperature from when the Optima was connected.

2.5. Disconnecting an Optima

An Optima SHOULD NOT be disconnected when communications are established as
damage could occur to PC or the Optima. If you wish to disconnect, first switch off
the Optima and then remove the communication cable.

30853(1) Page 7 May 2012

2.6. Installing Optima USB drivers (Windows XP)

The Labwise installation process must be completed prior to attempting to install the USB
drivers.

Drivers should be installed automatically the first time an Optima is connected via USB to a
PC. If this does not happen then the drivers can be installed manually using the following
method (Windows XP).

1. Connect a TX150 or TXF200 to a free USB port on the PC.
The Found New Hardware wizard should start

2. Select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced) and click Next.

3. Select Include this location in the search and browse to
“C:\Labwise\CDM20814_WHQL_Certified”. Click Next.

4. The driver will install. Click Finish to complete. The Optima should now be ready to use.

May 2012 Page 8 30853(1)

2.7. Installing Optima USB drivers (Windows Vista/7)

The Labwise installation process must be completed prior to attempting to install the USB
drivers.

Drivers should be installed automatically the first time an Optima is connected via USB to a
PC. If this does not happen then the drivers can be installed manually using the following
method.

1. Connect a TX150 or TXF200 to a free USB port on the PC.

The Found New Hardware wizard should start

2. Select Browse my computer for driver software.

3. Browse to “C:\Labwise\CDM20814_WHQL_Certified”. Click Next.

4. The driver will install. Click Finish to complete. The Optima should now be ready to use.

30853(1) Page 9 May 2012

3.0 Main control window

3.1. Overview

Labwise opens the main control window at start up. This window shows real time information
when an Optima is connected.

3.2. Real time graph

The real time graph plots set temperature (green line) and measured temperature (black
line). If a high alarm (red line) or a low alarm (blue line) are configured then these will also
be displayed as dashed lines. The graph will update continuously.

Horizontal (time axis) and vertical (temperature range) scrollbars are provided next to the
real time graph. The scrollbars provide dynamic rescaling of the time and temperature axes
to allow zooming in and out to show the data more clearly.

3.3. Optima status information

The numerical values of the set temperature, measured temperature (either by the internal or
the external probe) and pump speed are continuously displayed. Set temperature can be
changed by updating the value and pressing tab to confirm. The pump speed can be
changed using the drop down menu (GP200 and TXF200 only).

In normal operation the timer corresponds to the Optima timer. The control buttons allow the
timer to be controlled via Labwise. If a program is running then the timer changes to show
the current segment number and the current segment time remaining.

May 2012 Page 10 30853(1)

There are four checkbox indicator/controls:

 Relay 1
 Relay 2 (only enabled for the GP200)
 Logging
 External probe

The relay checkboxes are for indication only and show the state of the relays. The logging
and external probe checkboxes are controls and can be used to switch the associate feature
on or off. The indicators are red if the feature is switched off and green when switched on.

When the logging checkbox is clicked the indicator changes to green. The default settings
open a dialog box and prompt for a log filename. Other log filenames and the default
directory can be configured – see section 3.6. After confirming the log filename, a prompt
will appear to allow comments to be added to the log file. Logging only starts when both of
the log filename and comments have been confirmed. Data is recorded as a tab separated
values (.tsv) in the defined log directory. Logging can be stopped at any time by toggling the
logging checkbox back to red.

The Optima can allow control via an external temperature probe. These are available from
Grant Instruments or your local distributor. The external probe can be activated using the
“External Probe” checkbox. If a probe is not present or faulty then an appropriate error
message will be displayed. The default operation uses the internal temperature probe.

The temperature alarms box indicates when any high or low temperature alarm limit is
exceeded. The box should be green in normal operation. If an alarm is detected then the
box will turn red and a short alarm message will be shown. See section 3.5.3 for configuring
alarms.

3.4. Running presets or programs

Presets and programs can be run using the drop down option boxes on the main control
window.

Note that both presets and programs will start as soon as they are selected from the
drop down menu.

A preset consists of a set temperature and pump speed (TXF200 only) that can be
configured for convenience. Selecting a preset from the drop down menu will cause the set
temperature and pump speed to be updated immediately to the preset values.

To move away from a preset temperature and pump speed, select “User defined” from the

drop down menu or manually change the set temperature or pump speed.

A list of the programs stored in the connected Optima is shown on the programs drop down
menu. Selecting a program from the drop down menu will cause it to start immediately.
When a program starts the timer changes to show information about the segment. On the
completion of a program, the Optima will either return to the original temperature, hold at the
final temperature or repeat depending on the program definition.

To stop a program and return to the normal operating mode, select “Isothermal” from the
drop down menu.

30853(1) Page 11 May 2012

3.5. Bath setup

The key settings on the Optima can be changed by selecting Bath from the Setup option on
the main control window menu.

3.5.1. On timer completion

This section allows the timer period to be set and defines the behaviour when the countdown
timer reaches zero. This behaviour is only applicable to the GR150 and GP200 models.

3.5.2. Presets

This section allows the set temperature and pump speed to be configured for the three
presets. Pump speed configuration is only available with the TXF200 model.

3.5.3. Alarms

This section allows alarms to be set during normal operation. A high and/or low alarm can
be set up. There are three types of alarm:

 Disabled – No alarm
 Fixed – Alarm triggered at a fixed temperature
 Deviation – Alarm triggered when the deviation from the set temperature is exceeded

The alarm temperature defines either a fixed temperature or a deviation temperature
depending on the alarm type. The checkboxes define the actions taken if an alarm is
triggered. The Buzzer and Relay 1 can be switched on and latched if a persistent alarm is
required. Relay 2 is only available with a GP200. Alarm Hold Off specifies the time before
the alarm actions are retriggered once an alarm has been acknowledged. Alarms can be
acknowledged by clicking on the temperature alarms box. The TX150/TXF200 user manual
has further information on the implementation and behaviour of the alarms.

May 2012 Page 12 30853(1)

3.6. Logging setup

The data logging settings can be changed by selecting Logging from the Setup option on
the main control window menu. The log file directory and logging interval are user
configurable.

There are three options for the log file name configuration depending on test requirements:

 Prompt the for a filename when the logging is started
 Generate a log file name automatically based on a date and time
 Generate a log file name based on a user defined prefix and an incremental number

3.7. COM setup

The COM port assigned to the Optima can be changed by selecting COM from the Setup
option on the main control window menu.

This option can be used to configure the COM port:

 If an Optima is connected after Labwise is launched
 If the comms cable is moved to a different port
 If moving between different Optima units connected to the PC

It is possible to have multiple Optima units connected to a PC BUT Labwise is only
able to monitor one device at a time.

30853(1) Page 13 May 2012

4.0 Programs

4.1. Overview

A program allows the temperature and pump speed of the Optima to be controlled with time.
A program includes a global set of configurable alarms and a series of segments that are
executed in order. An unlimited number of programs can be created and saved on the PC
even if an Optima is not connected. However, the number and length of programs that can
be stored on the Optima is dependent on the model:

 GR150 – One program with upto 30 segments
 GP200 – Five programs each with upto 30 segments
 TX150 – One program with upto 30 segments
 TXF200 – 10 programs each with upto 100 segments

Segments are defined by a duration and a target temperature. These values can be used to
create “ramp”, “dwell” and “step” segments. Cooling “ramps” can be programmed but the
Optima must be used with a suitable refrigeration system to ensure the temperature can be
followed accurately.

4.2. Program editor window

The Program editor window allows programs to be created, saved and edited. It also allows
programs to be uploaded to the Optima and downloaded from the Optima. The Program
editor can be launched by selecting Programs from the main control window menu.

Labwise automatically detects the Optima model if one is connected. If an Optima is not
connected then the model you wish to create a program for should be selected.

May 2012 Page 14 30853(1)

4.3. Creating a new program

A new program can be created by selecting New from the File option on the program window
menu. A single segment program of duration 10s and set temperature of 0C is created. The
program parameters are all set to the default values.

4.3.1. Creating program segments

Programs are constructed from a sequence of segments. Segments can be conveniently
added or deleted using the buttons in the segment info box. It is also possible to insert and
delete segments using the segment menu option.

The currently selected segment is indicated in the Segment Info box. The segment flashes
in the graphical display and indicates the Target Temp and the Duration of the segment.

A segment has the following configurable parameters. Some of the parameters are
explained further below:

 Target temperature
 Duration
 Extension
 Pump speed (GP200 & TXF200 only)
 Loop to and repeats
 Relay 1 state
 Relay 2 state (GP200 only)

4.3.1.1. Segment duration

The duration is the time between the start of the segment and the start of the next segment.
The duration can be entered in seconds (e.g. 600 =10 mins), or in the form 10:00 minutes or
1:10:00 hours by highlighting the existing entry and overtyping a new value using a colon as
separator.

The Target Temp and Duration may be approximately set by positioning the cursor on the
trace over the temperature value for the segment and left-clicking and dragging the segment
end point to a new position using the mouse.

30853(1) Page 15 May 2012

4.3.1.2. Extension

The Extension is a time period in addition to the Duration. A segment with an Extension
period set will remain active (e.g. heating) until the temperature is achieved OR the
Extension period ends. This is useful if the controller cannot reach the Target Temp within
the Duration period. The program enters a hold mode until the Target Temp is reached
when the program will then proceed with the next segment. If the Target Temp is still not
reached after the Extension period then the program will proceed as if the Target Temp has
been reached. The Extension time is entered in the same way as for Duration.

4.3.1.3. Relay operation

If relay operation is required, e.g. for switching a cooler on/off, select Relay 1 and/or Relay 2
(GP200 only). The relay output is via the connectors on the back of the control unit. Relay
operation may be set individually for each program segment.

4.3.1.4. Loops

A selected segment or group of segments may be repeated within the program using the

Loop To function. The final segment of the sequence to be repeated should be selected, the
Loop To value then set to be the segment number that forms the first segment of the loop.

The Loop Repeats set the number of times the loop should be repeated. A loop is identified
on the programming screen as a green arc linking the selected program segments. The
number of loop repeats is also indicated on the arc. Nested loops are possible but should be
programmed and tested to ensure the temperature changes as expected.

May 2012 Page 16 30853(1)

4.3.2. Setting program alarms

Program alarms are used only when a program is running. They are global program
parameters and affect all segments. There are three types of alarm:

 Disabled – No alarm
 Fixed – Alarm triggered at a fixed temperature
 Deviation – Alarm triggered when the deviation from the set temperature is exceeded

The alarm temperature defines either a fixed temperature or a deviation temperature
depending on the alarm type. The checkboxes define the actions taken if an alarm is
triggered. The Buzzer and Relay 1 can be switched on and latched if a persistent alarm is
required. Relay 2 is only available with a GP200. Alarm Hold Off specifies the time before
the alarm actions are retriggered once an alarm has been acknowledged. Alarms can be
acknowledged by clicking on the temperature alarms box. The TX150/TXF200 user manual
has further information on the implementation and behaviour of the alarms. The On

Program Completion defines the behaviour after a program ends.

4.3.3. Uploading a program to the Optima

When a program has been created on the PC it must be saved and uploaded to the Optima
before it can be run. Use the following method to upload the program:

1. Select File, Save from the program editor window.

2. Assign a file name to the program in the file save dialog box. The program will be
identified in the controller by the first 11 characters of the file name.

3. Select Bath, Send Program to Bath and select the program slot that the program is to
be stored in the controller. If all slots are full it is necessary to delete a program from the
controller before the new program can be uploaded.

30853(1) Page 17 May 2012

4.4. Edit a program

4.4.1. Edit a program previously saved to disk

Programs that had been saved to the PC can be opened and edited if required. Select File,
Open and select a file for editing. Editing a program uses the same procedures as described

for creating a new program. Use File, Save to save the edited program file specifying a
different file name if required.

Note: Editing a program is always done on the PC. If changes are made to a program
then they will need to be uploaded back to the Optima to take effect.

4.4.2. Edit a program installed in the Optima

A program that is stored in the Optima can be edited on the PC. Use the following method to
download and edit the program:

1. Select Bath, Fetch Program From Bath and select the program slot that holds the
program you wish to download.

The program will be shown in the program editor window. Editing a program uses the same
procedures as described for creating a new program. Use File, Save to save the edited
program file specifying a different file name if required.

May 2012 Page 18 30853(1)

4.5. Deleting a program installed in the Optima

A program that is stored in the Optima can be deleted to free up a slot for a different
program.

Note: Deleting a program from the Optima is permanent and cannot be retrieved. If the
program may be needed in the future it should be saved to the PC before deletion.

30853(1) Page 19 May 2012

5.0 Creating reports

5.1. Creating a report

The Reports option allows data logs to be viewed and printed if required. The default
directory for log files is C:\Labwise\log.

1. Select Reports from the main control window menu

A file browsing dialog box will appear.

2. Browse to the log file and click Open

The log file data will be displayed on the graph

The Diary button can be used to show or hide any text comments that were added when the
log file was started or stopped. The Autoscale and Time Axis buttons allow the graph data
to be presented in the most convenient form for printing.

May 2012 Page 20 30853(1)

6.0 Calibration (GR150 & GP200 only)

6.1. Performing a single point calibration

A single point calibration can be performed using Labwise. This feature is only available with
the GR150 and GP200. A temperature offset can be applied such that the temperature
displayed by the Optima can be aligned with that taken by an independent temperature
probe.

1. Select Calibration from the main control window menu

The following dialog box will appear.

2. Adjust the ºC Offset such that the Corrected Temp ºC matches the independent
temperature probe reading.

The Current Temp is the temperature measured by the Optima. The Corrected Temp
will be the indicated temperature if the offset is applied.

3. Click the Accept button to apply the offset.

30853(1) Page 21 May 2012

7.0 Technical Support

Service Address: Grant Instruments (Cambridge) Ltd
29 Station Road
Shepreth
Cambridgeshire
SG8 6GB
England

Telephone: (+44) (0) 1763 260811
Fax: (+44) (0) 1763 262410
Email: [e-mail]
[e-mail]
Internet: http://www.grantinstruments.com

May 2012 Page 22 30853(1)

Grant Instruments
(Cambridge) Ltd

Shepreth
Cambridgeshire
SG8 6GB
England

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
www.grantinstruments.com

Printed in England – Labwise /30853 /V1 /DMN B22 /May 2012