SA-9600
Surface Area
Software Manual
Version 4.0
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Introduction
The operation and data Presentation of the SA-9600 Surface Area analyzer is performed using a Microsoft Windows® based software package. The communications between the analyzer and the Personal Computer (PC) is performed using an RS-232 serial link.
As a Windows® software package the SA-9600 program utilizes the advantages of the graphical user interface, in order to provide an instrument that is easy to use. Users familiar with windows based software will also benefit from a shorter leaning curve as the software has a consistent user interface as other Windows® based software.
The software has built-in security and when security is activated all the menu items and buttons described in this manual may not be available based on the permissions assigned to the user.
About this Manual
This manual explains each of the functions available in the software. These functions either control the analyzer or handle data processed functions such as saving and retrieving information and data manipulation. This manual is written for a user who is familiar with computers and has knowledge of the various terminologies used, such as pull-down menus, dialog boxes etc. It is also assumed that the user is familiar with Microsoft Windows operating system and with standard functions such as saving and retrieving data in applications and performing file operations such as copying files. If the user is not familiar with these items please refer to the documentation provided with Windows software or consult a book specifically written for this purpose.
Computer Requirements
In order to run the SA-9600 software, an PC running Windows XP operating system is required. The following specifications are the minimum configuration required.
1.Computer running at 1 GHz or higher speed.
2.1 Gb of memory.
3.Hard disk drive with sufficient capacity to hold operating system, program files and data.
4.Monitor with a minimum resolution 1024 x 768
5.Mouse or similar pointing device.
6.Printer. (Color graphics printer is recommended)
7.Windows XP® operating system. (Must be installed on the computer prior to installation of the SA-9600 software.)
8.CD ROM Drive
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Installing Software:
1.Insert the software CD in the drive. After a few seconds the software should automatically start the installation program.
2.If the software does not automatically start, use Windows Explorer or using the “MY Computer” Icon locate your CD ROM drive. Then click on the “SETUP.EXE” icon to execute the installation software.
3.After a few seconds you will se the following screen.
4.Once the installation software starts up you will see the “Welcome” screen.
5.Click the ‘Next >‘ button to continue with the installation.
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6.The Installation program will then display information where the software will be located on your computer. At this time you have the option to change the location if necessary by pressing the ‘Browse’ button. Press ‘Next >’ to continue.
7.The Installation program will then display the name of the folder that will be created under the “start” button “All Programs”. (Default name is: ‘SA-9600’) You could change this name if necessary. To continue, press ‘Next >’ button.
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8.The software will then start copying the files from the CD to your hard drive. After all the files are copied you will see the completion screen. Press the ‘Finish’ button to exit the installation software. (Depending on your computer setup, a windows explorer window may pop up showing the software that was installed. If this is the case you may not see the completed screen as it will be hidden behind the explorer popup.)
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Connecting the Surface Area Analyzer to the Computer:
In order to communicate from a PC to the SA-9600 analyzer you would need to meet the following requirements:
1.Have a Desktop PC or Note Book computer with a Serial Port. HORIBA does not recommend the use of USB to serial converters as some of them do not work with our analyzers. If your computer does not have a serial port you can add one by installing a PCI serial card on a desktop PC or a PCMCIA serial card in a notebook. (This assumes that your desktop computer has an empty PCI slot or in the case of a notebook a empty PCMCIA slot. Some of the newer computers do not have such slots. If this is the case you will have to obtain a computer with the necessary slots.)
2.You will also need a serial cable. The serial cable on the PC side is usually a Female DB-9 connector. The analyzer side requires a Male DB-25 connector.
Installing and Configuring the Cable and Switch
1.Install the serial cable from the PC serial port to the analyzer. Note that the analyzer has two DB-25 connectors on the back of the unit. The serial port is the lower connector.
2.Once the cable is installed, power up the computer and analyzer. You will find two LED’s on the rear panel of the analyzer. The left LED should be flashing. This indicates that the analyzer is working properly. The LED on the right
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should be lit solid. If this LED is not lit change the position of slider switch next to the LED’s. If right LED does not stay lit, your have a hardware problem.
This may be due to one of the following reasons.
a.Bad serial cable.
b.Cable not plugged to a valid serial port on the computer.
c.Cable not plugged to correct port on the analyzer.
d.Defective hardware on the computer or analyzer.
If this is the case you will need to resolve the hardware issue by replacing the defective part or by plugging to a valid port.
3.Once the cable is installed, run the “System Administration” software module.
4.From the “File” menu select “Test Communications”
5.The software will then load the HORIBA serial test program and display another window as shown below.
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