Metrohm 746VA User Manual
CH-9101Herisau/Switzerland
Tel. ++41 71 353 85 85
Fax ++41 71 353 89 01
Internet www.metrohm.ch
E-Mail info@metrohm.ch
6.6016.103
Metrodata VA Database
2.0
8.746.8003 Instructions for Use
15.07.97 / dö
Contents
1 Introduction.................................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose of program.............................................................................1
1.2 Installation.............................................................................................1
Hardware requirements for the PC......................................................1
Full program and demo version ..........................................................2
Hardware Installation...........................................................................2
Software Installation ............................................................................2
Configure Windows 95 for VA Database .............................................3
Configuration of 746 VA Trace Analyzer..............................................3
Compatibility with 693 VA Processor...................................................4
Registration .........................................................................................4
Contents
1.3 Overview of program windows...........................................................4
1.4 Overview of file types ..........................................................................4
File types of 746 VA Trace Analyzer ....................................................4
File types of VA Database ...................................................................5
Export file types...................................................................................6
1.5 Context sensitive menus.....................................................................6
2 Main window ................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Main Window overview........................................................................7
2.2 Starting/closing the program..............................................................7
Starting the VA Database program .....................................................7
Closing the VA Database program......................................................8
2.3 Databases..............................................................................................8
Database organization ........................................................................8
Handling of databases........................................................................8
Import VA determinations....................................................................9
Backup database files.......................................................................10
VA Database 2.0
2.4 Printing of text and curves................................................................10
Document printing.............................................................................10
Document print preview ....................................................................10
Document page setup.......................................................................11
2.5 Export of text and curves..................................................................13
Copy text or curves to clipboard .......................................................13
Export of curves.................................................................................13
I
Contents
2.6 Display of curves................................................................................14
Display of substance and segment curves .......................................14
Display of overlay curves...................................................................15
Display of calibration curves .............................................................16
Appearance of curves .......................................................................17
Scaling of curve axes ........................................................................18
Zooming of curve windows ...............................................................19
2.7 Settings................................................................................................19
Sweep settings..................................................................................19
Calibration settings............................................................................20
Export settings...................................................................................21
Report generator settings..................................................................21
Templates settings ............................................................................22
Default locations settings ..................................................................23
Graphic settings ................................................................................24
Text report settings............................................................................24
Save settings.....................................................................................25
2.8 Windows and subwindows ...............................................................25
Opening of VA windows ....................................................................25
Arrangement of VA windows .............................................................26
Arrangement of subwindows.............................................................26
3 VA Database Table ..................................................................................27
3.1 VA Database Table overview............................................................27
3.2 Opening/closing of VA Database Table ..........................................27
Opening the VA Database Table.......................................................27
Closing the VA Database Table.........................................................27
3.3 Printing of tables ................................................................................28
Table printing.....................................................................................28
Table print preview ............................................................................28
Table page setup ..............................................................................28
3.4 Selection of determinations..............................................................30
3.5 Export from VA Table.........................................................................30
Export of table text from VA Table.....................................................30
Copy table text to clipboard ..............................................................31
Send determinations to VA Trace Analyzer from VA Table................31
Export of determination files from VA Table ......................................31
Export of measurement points from VA Table...................................31
3.6 View reports and curves from VA Table .........................................32
View text report from VA Table ..........................................................32
View substance curve from VA Table ................................................32
View calibration curve from VA Table ................................................32
View segment curve from VA Table...................................................32
II
VA Database 2.0
Contents
3.7 Options for VA Table display............................................................32
Filtering determinations for VA Table.................................................32
Sorting determinations for VA Table..................................................34
Defining visible fields for VA Table ....................................................35
3.8 Database fields overview ..................................................................37
Fields from page "MONITORING"......................................................37
Fields from page "RESULTS".............................................................38
4 VA Database Explorer ............................................................................41
4.1 VA Database Explorer overview.......................................................41
4.2 Opening/closing of VA Database Explorer.....................................41
Opening the VA Database Explorer...................................................41
Closing the VA Database Explorer ....................................................41
4.3 Explorer views ....................................................................................42
View selection....................................................................................42
View items .........................................................................................42
4.4 View reports and curves from VA Explorer....................................44
View text reports from VA Explorer ....................................................44
View substance curves from VA Explorer..........................................44
View calibration curves from VA Explorer..........................................45
View segment curves from VA Explorer.............................................45
4.5 Export from VA Explorer ...................................................................46
Send determinations to VA Trace Analyzer from VA Explorer ...........46
Export of determination files from VA Explorer..................................46
Export of measurement points from VA Explorer ..............................47
4.6 Options for VA Explorer display ......................................................47
Filtering determinations for VA Explorer ............................................47
Sorting determinations for VA Explorer..............................................47
5 VA Communication ..................................................................................49
5.1 VA Communication overview ...........................................................49
5.2 Opening/closing of VA Communication..........................................49
Opening the VA Communication window..........................................49
Closing the VA Communication window ...........................................49
VA Database 2.0
5.3 COM port configuration.....................................................................50
Opening/closing COM ports .............................................................50
Default directories .............................................................................51
COM port settings .............................................................................52
Automatic printing .............................................................................53
5.4 Data transfer........................................................................................54
Receiving data...................................................................................54
Sending data.....................................................................................54
Data transfer protocol........................................................................55
COM port reset..................................................................................55
III
Contents
6 VA Report Generator...............................................................................57
6.1 VA Report Generator overview.........................................................57
6.2 Opening/closing of VA Report Generator.......................................57
Opening the VA Report Generator ....................................................57
Closing the VA Report Generator ......................................................57
6.3 Templates............................................................................................58
Template functions............................................................................58
Handling of template files..................................................................58
Method associated templates...........................................................59
6.4 Design templates................................................................................59
Switch design mode on/off................................................................59
Defining template regions .................................................................59
Text labels .........................................................................................60
Text fields ..........................................................................................61
Curve fields........................................................................................64
6.5 Printing of custom reports................................................................66
Report printing...................................................................................66
Report print preview ..........................................................................66
Report page setup.............................................................................66
6.6 Export of custom reports ..................................................................68
Copy custom report to clipboard ......................................................68
7 How to ...? ...................................................................................................69
7.1 Installation and configuration...........................................................69
Connect the 746 VA Trace Analyzer..................................................69
7.2 Data transfer 746 ---> VA Database..................................................70
Send determinations to the database ...............................................70
Send determinations to the backup directory ...................................70
Send methods to the backup directory (binary and ASCII files) .......71
Send methods to the backup directory (only binary files).................71
Send sample tables to the backup directory.....................................72
Send rack definition files to the backup directory .............................72
7.3 Data transfer VA Database ---> 746..................................................73
Send determinations from the database
to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer ............................................................73
Send determination files from the backup
directory to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer..............................................73
Send method files from the backup directory
to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer ............................................................74
Send sample table files from the backup
directory to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer..............................................74
Send rack definition files from the backup
directory to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer..............................................75
IV
VA Database 2.0
Contents
7.4 Database Table ...................................................................................76
Add fields to the database table .......................................................76
Remove fields from the database table.............................................76
Change the position of the fields in the database table....................76
Change the width of the columns in the database table...................77
Filter the database content................................................................77
Disable filtering of the database content...........................................78
Sort the database content.................................................................79
Disable sorting of the database content ...........................................79
Print the database table ....................................................................79
Copy the database table text to clipboard ........................................80
Export the database table text...........................................................80
Export measurement points ..............................................................81
7.5 Text reports.........................................................................................81
Display text reports from VA Table ....................................................81
Display text reports from VA Explorer................................................81
Print the text report ............................................................................82
Copy the text report to clipboard.......................................................82
7.6 Curves..................................................................................................82
Display curves from VA Table ...........................................................82
Display curves from VA Explorer .......................................................83
Display overlay curves.......................................................................83
Remove curves from the overlay view...............................................84
Change the curve selection...............................................................84
Change the appearance of curves....................................................84
Zoom curves by mouse.....................................................................84
Print curves........................................................................................85
Copy curves to clipboard ..................................................................85
Export curves.....................................................................................85
7.7 Custom reports...................................................................................86
Create a new template ......................................................................86
Open an existing template ................................................................86
Save a template.................................................................................86
Design a template .............................................................................87
Change the report item properties ....................................................88
Define method associated templates................................................88
Use method associated templates....................................................89
Browse the database with VA Report Generator...............................89
Print a custom report.........................................................................89
Copy custom reports to clipboard ....................................................90
VA Database 2.0
V
Contents
8 Troubleshooting........................................................................................91
8.1 Data transfer: What to do if ..............................................................91
No data is received on the PC...........................................................91
The received data is not in the database ..........................................91
No data is received on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer ...........................91
Character buffer overrun or Invalid control check
sum message appears (error in log file) ...........................................92
Data is transferred to PC but not imported in
VA Database (error in log file) ...........................................................92
Data cannot be stored or the access is denied
on the specified device (error in log file) ...........................................92
8.2 Printing: What to do if .......................................................................92
Text reports are not printed completely.............................................92
Curves are missing in curve printing .................................................93
Curves in custom reports are missing in printing..............................93
Curve and axes lines are very thin.....................................................93
The automatic template load cannot be activated ............................94
The custom reports are not printed with the
currently loaded template..................................................................94
The automatic custom report printing is not working ........................94
Not all custom reports are printed with manual selection and
automatic template load enabled......................................................94
8.3 Display: What to do if ........................................................................94
No overlay curves are created...........................................................94
Curves in subwindows are not displayed..........................................95
Curves in custom reports are not displayed......................................95
8.4 Database: What to do if ....................................................................95
Background curves are missing........................................................95
Some replications of substances are missing...................................95
No calibration curves are available ...................................................95
Several determinations appear more than once in the database .....96
Filtering is not carried out correctly, e.g. for concentrations .............96
VA Database has become very slow in performance........................96
8.5 Export: What to do if .........................................................................96
Curves are not copied to clipboard correctly ....................................96
9 Appendix......................................................................................................97
9.1 Software license.................................................................................97
9.2 Ordering designations.......................................................................97
VI
10 Index ...........................................................................................................98
VA Database 2.0
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of program
VA Database 2.0 is a database tool for archiving and administration of determinations and methods of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
and the 693 VA Processor.
Up to four 746 VA Trace Analyzers can be connected to one PC.
All measurement data sent by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer is
stored in a database. This data can be sorted and filtered with
the help of different criteria. All curves and reports can be displayed and printed out. With the VA Report Generator it is possible to create format reports for single determinations and also table reports for a summary of sample series.
1 Introduction
VA Database 2.0 can also be used for saving determination and
method files on the PC. All other file types created by the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer like sample tables and rack definitions can also
be saved.
1.2 Installation
Hardware requirements for the PC
Computer Pentium with 133 MHz or higher
Operating system Windows 95 or Windows NT
Free space on hard disk 5 MB for program files
Working memory RAM Windows 95: 16 MB
50 MB recommended for data files
Windows NT: 32 MB
VA Database 2.0
RS232 Interfaces 1 for each 746 VA Trace Analyzer
Graphics resolution 640×480, better 1024×768 or more
Printer Any printer supported by
Windows 95/NT
1
1 Introduction
Full program and demo version
Hardware Installation
The 6.2145.030 Dongle is part of the standard equipment of the
6.6016.103 Full Program version and 6.6016.901 Update
version. Install this dongle into LPT port 1 or 2 (see Hardware In-
stallation).
The 6.6016.108 Demo version of VA Database contains only
the software without dongle. This version can be used for 100
days. After this 100 days you may continue to use the program
without the possibility to store determinations to a database. You
can upgrade your demo version at any time if you install a
6.2145.030 Dongle into the LPT port.
1. Connect the RS232 interface 1 or the RS232 interface 2 on
the rear side of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer or the 693 VA
Processor to one of the serial COM ports of your PC with the
6.2125.060 RS interface cable (often COM port 1 is already
used by a serial mouse). If the PC has only 9 pin connector,
the 6.2125.010 adapter cable (25 pin to 9 pin) has to be used
in addition.
2. If the PC has one LPT port, install the 6.2145.030 Dongle
into the LPT1 printer port and the printer cable into the
dongle.
3. If the PC has two LPT ports, install the printer cable into the
LPT1 port and the 6.2145.030 Dongle into the LPT2 printer
port.
Software Installation
Insert setup disk 1 into drive "A:", click on <Start> and Run. Enter
"A:\setup.exe". Follow the instructions given in the setup program.
The software package will be installed in the desired directory. In
addition to the program files, the following folders are installed:
Data Folder for storage of databases and filters,
Backup Folder for storage of backup files with an exam-
contains a demonstration database Demo.* for
first exercises and some example filtering criteria
files *.vaf
ple (Test747.*)
Templates Folder for storage of custom report files *.vat,
contains some example templates
2
VA Database 2.0
Configure Windows 95 for VA Database
It is recommended to install the COM port driver with FIFOBuffers. Proceed as follows:
1. <Start> → Settings → Control panel → System
2. In SYSTEM PROPERTIES window choose the tab Device Man-
ager.
3. In the tree expand Ports by clicking on + and mark COM1 or
COM2 depending to which port the 693/746 is connected.
4. Click on Properties, choose tab Port settings and click on
<Advanced>.
5. Change the settings as follows.
1 Introduction
6. Click on <OK> in each window.
Configuration of 746 VA Trace Analyzer
On page "VA TRACE ANALYZER" the following settings are recommended:
Baud rate 9600
Data bits 8
Stop bit 1
Parity none
Handshake HW Short
Receive Mode on
Printer Type none
Printer Width 1.0
Remote keyboard off
When the configuration of the interface has to be changed, it is
important to save the new parameter by pressing the softkey
<Save Ifc.par.> (F7) before leaving the page.
VA Database 2.0
Note: The COM port settings on both the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
and the PC have to be the same.
3
1 Introduction
Compatibility with 693 VA Processor
Registration
The compatibility of the VA Database 2.0 program with a 693 VA
Processor depends on the program version used:
• Program 5.693.0010
Not compatible with VA Database 2.0. Ask your local representative for a program upgrade.
• Program 5.693.0020, 5.693.0021, 5.693.0022
Not all functions of the VA Database 2.0 software are active.
From substance views only the first replication (VR = *0) is
available. Calibration curves are not available at all.
• Program 5.746.0100
Full compatibility with VA Database 2.0.
Please send us your 8.746.8017 Registration card as soon as
possible so we can register you as an official user. Only registered users will get updated program versions at a special price.
1.3 Overview of program windows
VA Database 2.0 consists of different windows whose functionality is linked together. The different windows are:
MAIN WINDOW Administration of databases,
Display of reports and curves
VA DATABASE TABLE Tabular view of database,
Sorting and filtering possibilities
VA DATABASE EXPLORER File manager view of database
VA COMMUNICATION Transfer of data between 746 VA
Trace Analyzer and PC
VA REPORT GENERATOR User definable reports
Not all of the existing windows have to be used at the same time.
Some of them can be closed.
1.4 Overview of file types
File types of 746 VA Trace Analyzer
The following file types are produced by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and the 693 VA Processor:
*.dtm Determination file (binary file)
Contains determination data and method.
Determination files can be sent from the 746 VA
4
VA Database 2.0
Trace Analyzer to the backup directory specified
in the VA Database program and vice versa.
The *.dtm file is stored automatically in the database if a determination is added to the database.
*.mth Method file (binary file)
Contains the method.
Method files can be sent from the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer to the backup directory specified in the
VA Database program and vice versa.
*.smp Sample data file (ASCII file)
Contains data of the sample data table.
Sample data files can be sent from the
"SAMPLES" page of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer to
the backup directory specified in the VA Database program and vice versa.
*.aut Rack data file (binary file)
Contains data for racks of 695 Autosampler.
Rack data files can be sent from the data card of
the 746 VA Trace Analyzer to the backup directory specified in the VA Database program and
vice versa.
1 Introduction
*.rpt Report file (ASCII file)
Contains all information about determination or
method in ASCII format.
By sending an actual determination report Report
ActDetm, the contents of the *.rpt file are stored
automatically in the database together with the
corresponding binary file *.dtm. Additionally, the
*.rpt file can be stored in the backup directory
specified in the VA Database program together
with the corresponding binary file *.dtm.
By sending an actual method report Report Act-
Meth, the *.rpt file is stored in the backup direc-
tory specified in the VA Database program together with the corresponding binary file *.mth.
File types of VA Database
The following file types are produced automatically by the VA
Database program when a new database is created:
*.vad Configuration file
Contains all current settings of the VA Database
program and its windows.
VA Database 2.0
*.db Database file
Paradox database file.
5
1 Introduction
*.mb Database file
Paradox database file with blob fields (curves,
binary determination file, etc.).
*.px Special database file
Special index file created automatically.
Note: These 4 files on the hard disk should never be renamed
with the Windows Explorer or another file manager tool. For this
purpose the function Save Database As... should be used.
The following file types are produced by the VA Database program when saving templates or filter definitions:
*.vat Database template
Template file for VA Report Generator.
*.vaf Filtering criteria file
Special file for storing defined filtering criteria
(see Filtering determinations, page 32).
Export file types
The following file types can be exported by the VA Database program:
*.txt ASCII text file
*.wmf Windows metafile
*.emf Enhanced Windows metafile
*.bmp Bitmap file
*.dat Measurement data file
ASCII text file format for export of database table
contents (see Export of table text, page 30).
Graphic file format for export of curve subwindows (see Export of curves, page 13).
Graphic file format for export of curve subwindows (see Export of curves, page 13).
Graphic file format for export of curve subwindows (see Export of curves, page 13).
Data file format for export of measurement points
(see Export of measurement points, page 31).
1.5 Context sensitive menus
Most of the menu functions of the program windows or subwindows are also accessible by clicking on the desired window or
item and pressing the right mouse button. The pop up windows
have different contents and functions depending on the selected
active window or item type.
6
VA Database 2.0
2 Main window
2.1 Main Window overview
The MAIN WINDOW is the center of the VA Database software.
From here the current working database is opened. In the window detailed information about the stored determinations
(reports, voltammograms, and calibration curves) can be displayed in subwindows. The content of the displayed subwindows
can be printed and exported. The other VA Database windows
are also opened from the MAIN WINDOW.
2 Main window
2.2 Starting/closing the program
Starting the VA Database program
Start the Program
Double-click the VA Database icon or the
VADB.EXE file to start the VA Database 2.0 pro-
gram. The WELCOME TO VA DATABASE window
appears. Select the desired option for creating a
new, open the last or open an existing database
and click <OK>.
VA Database 2.0
7
2 Main window
Note: If you start the program after dongle installation for the first
time, you are asked to restart Windows 95/NT to complete the
dongle installation.
Closing the VA Database program
2.3 Databases
Database organization
Each database consists of the 4 files *.vad, *.mb, *.db, *.px, which
are created automatically when a new database is created (see
also File types of VA Database, page 5). All changes in the database will be stored immediately to this 4 files on the hard disk.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Exit
Quit the VA Database 2.0 program. The current
database will be closed and saved (the same
function can be done by pressing the button
of the MAIN WINDOW).
Note: These four files on the hard disk should never be renamed
with the Windows Explorer or another file manager tool. For this
purpose the function Save Database As... should be used.
The current working database may be different from databases
opened in background for data transfer (see Data transfer, page
54).
Handling of databases
In order to handle measurement data sent by a 746 VA Trace
Analyzer these data must be stored in a database.
MAIN WINDOW / File / New Database
MAIN WINDOW / File / Open Database...
Create a new database. The CREATE NEW VA
DATABASE window appears where the name of
the database configuration file *.vad and its directory have to be entered. Then the new database will be opened.
Open an existing database. The OPEN VA DATA-
BASE window appears where the name of the
database configuration file *.vad and its directory
have to be selected.
8
VA Database 2.0
MAIN WINDOW / File / Save Database As...
Save the current database under a new name.
The SAVE VA DATABASE window appears where
the name of the database configuration file *.vad
and its directory have to be entered.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Close Database
Close the current database.
MAIN WINDOW / File / 1 … #
The list of the previous opened databases. When
an entry of the list is clicked on the corresponding database will be opened.
Import VA determinations
MAIN WINDOW / File / Import VA Determinations
Import determinations which had been transferred to the PC with the 6.6017.000 «VA Back
Up» program. In the appearing IMPORT VA DE-
TERMINATIONS window the list of existing *.rpt
files (ASCII reports) is shown.
2 Main window
VA Database 2.0
Select the file(s) which should be imported and
click the <Open> button.
Note: It is necessary that a Report ActDtm has been transferred
from the page "DOCUMENTATION" of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer
to the PC. Then two files with the same file name but with the two
extensions *.dtm and *.rpt respectively are present. If one of those
is missing the import will not be carried out. With the function
<Copy to><RSIfc.1> on the page "METHODS" or "DETERMINA-
TIONS" of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer only the binary file (*.dtm)
will be transferred.
9
2 Main window
Backup database files
Changes in the database will be stored immediately to the 4 database files *.vad, *.mb, *.db, *.px on the hard disk and can not be
canceled by an undo function. So if you want to return to a former
version of the database, this database must have been copied
before by means of the function Save Database As... under a new
name. This backup copy can then be opened again and stored
under the original name with Save Database As... .
Note: These 4 files on the hard disk should never be renamed
with the Windows Explorer or another file manager tool. For this
purpose the function Save Database As... should be used.
2.4 Printing of text and curves
Document printing
MAIN WINDOW / File / Print... (Ctrl+P)
Print the content of the selected subwindow. The
number of prints and the pages to be printed
can be selected in the appearing PRINT window
which depends on the selected printer.
Document print preview
MAIN WINDOW / File / Print Preview
The PRINT PREVIEW window appears. The content of the current window is shown in the appearance formatted for the desired printer. The
following functions are available by pressing the
corresponding buttons or selecting the menu
items in the PRINT PREVIEW window or in the
context sensitive menu:
10
First Page Go to first page
Previous Page Go to previous page
Next Page Go to next page
VA Database 2.0
Document page setup
MAIN WINDOW / File / Page Setup...
2 Main window
Last Page Go to last page
Print... see Document printing
Page Setup... see Document page setup
Close Close preview window
The format of the page to be printed can be
changed in the appearing PAGE SETUP window
which contains up to three tabs:
Page layout
The printer, the paper size, the page
margins, and the page orientation are
adjustable.
VA Database 2.0
Text properties (only for text windows)
Font, font style, font size and line spacing for text printing can be changed.
With Interline space set to Exactly, the
space can be adjusted exactly to the
desired point value.
11
2 Main window
Note: The selected settings is not saved permanently and reset
to the default values if a new text report is opened. These default
settings can be changed in the GENERAL PREFERENCES window
(see Text report settings, page 24).
Documentation (only for text windows)
The type of text report to be printed can
be specified. The formats of the text reports are identical to the formats available on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
Note: The selected Report type is not saved permanently and reset to All if a new text report is opened. This default setting can
be changed in the GENERAL PREFERENCES window (see Text re-
port settings, page 24).
12
VA Database 2.0
2.5 Export of text and curves
Copy text or curves to clipboard
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Copy (Ctrl+C)
Text report: Copy the selected text in the text
subwindow to the clipboard. If no text is selected, the whole content of the subwindow is
copied.
Curves: Copy substance, segment or calibration
curve to the clipboard.
Note: With VA Database under Windows 95, curves are copied to
the clipboard in square size. If you import the curves into other
programs from the clipboard, always resize the graphic window
to its initial aspect ratio, otherwise axes, labels, and texts are not
displayed correctly. Alternatively, export and import the curve in
the *.emf, *.wmf or *.bmp format where the aspect ratio is retained.
2 Main window
Export of curves
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Export as Metafile... (*.wmf)
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Export as Enhanced Metafile... (*.emf)
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Export as Bitmap... (*.bmp)
Note: Some programs (e.g. Microsoft Word 6 and 7) cannot im-
port of files in the *.emf format. In this case, export and import the
curve in the *.wmf or *.bmp format.
For exporting curves to graphic files it is recommended to use
the *.wmf or *.emf format for better resolution and the possibility to
rescale the graphics.
The content of the current curve subwindow will
be saved as a graphics file on the hard disk. The
destination directory and the file name have to
be entered in the appearing EXPORT window.
The graphics file can be imported into other programs like Microsoft Word or Excel.
VA Database 2.0
13
2 Main window
2.6 Display of curves
Display of substance and segment curves
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options...
The display of substance and segment curves
can be changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Curves:
VR Selection
Selection of curves to be displayed by means of
the two fields Var (Variation) and Rep (Replication). Selections have to be done in the same
way as in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
Note: With determinations recorded by the 693 VA Processor
(program version 5.693.0022 or older) only the replications "0“
(VR = *0) are available for display of substance curves.
List of curves
The list shows all existing curves. The not selected curves of the determination are marked
with "not visible“.
Line Pattern
Make line visible or not and change color.
Marker Pattern
Make measurement points visible or not and
change style and colors.
14
VA Database 2.0
Display of overlay curves
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options...
The display of substance or segment overlay
curves can be changed in the appearing OP-
TIONS window with the tab Curves:
2 Main window
List of curves
The list shows all overlay curves. Single curves
can be deleted with . New curves can
be added by drag and drop of curve symbols
from the VA DATABASE EXPLORER.
Line Pattern
Make line visible or not and change color.
Marker Pattern
Make measurement points visible or not and
change style and colors.
Remove selected curve.
VA Database 2.0
15
2 Main window
Display of calibration curves
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options...
The display of calibration curves (single or overlay curves) can be changed in the appearing
OPTIONS window with the tab Curves:
Note: With determinations recorded by the 693 VA Processor
(program version 5.693.0022 or older) no calibration curves can
be displayed.
List of curves
The list shows all overlay calibration curves. Single curves can be deleted with . New
curves can be added by drag and drop of curve
symbols from the VA DATABASE EXPLORER.
Pattern
Switch display of measured values, deviation
markers and calibration curve on/off, change line
colors.
Remove selected calibration curve from overlay
curves.
16
VA Database 2.0
Appearance of curves
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options...
2 Main window
The appearance of all types of curves can be
changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with
the tab Appearance:
Main Title
Subtitle
Y Axis
X Axis
The main title can be disabled, changed or set to
the default value (Auto).
The subtitle can be disabled, changed or set to
the default value (Auto).
Ticks, grids, labels, and axis lines can be enabled or disabled.
Ticks, grids, labels, and axis lines can be enabled or disabled.
VA Database 2.0
17
2 Main window
Scaling of curve axes
MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options...
The scaling of curve axes can be changed in the
appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Scale:
X Axis Scale
The start and end value of the x axis can be
changed manually. The default settings are
made according to the method of the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer. With Auto enabled the lower or
upper border of the whole segment will be used
for the display.
Y Axis Scale
The start and end value of the y axis can be
changed manually. The default settings are
made according to the method of the 746 VA
Trace Analyzer. With Auto enabled the y axis is
scaled automatically so that all measurement
points are visible. The potential range of the predefined substance scale may be exceeded.
Note: The stored numerical values are displayed with automatically calculated prefixes. Entries can also be done using prefixes
(m, u, n, p).
18
Invert orientation of y or x axis.
VA Database 2.0
Set start and end values back to the original
borders defined in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
This function is also available with the Set Default
Scale option of the context sensitive menu or by
pressing the <F8> key.
Zooming of curve windows
Zoom Curve regions can be enlarged by zooming the
desired section while pressing the left mouse
button.
Reset zoom The curve display is set back to the original bor-
ders defined in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer by
pressing the <F8> key or selecting the Set De-
fault Scale option of the context sensitive menu
opened by clicking the right mouse button.
2 Main window
2.7 Settings
Sweep settings
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window the default curve styles for substance and segment
curves can be defined with the Sweeps tab:
VA Database 2.0
19
2 Main window
Calibration settings
Active Sweep Pattern
Parameters for line and marker patterns of the
active (selected) substance or segment curve.
Default Sweep Pattern
Parameters for line and marker patterns of the
non-active substance or segment curves.
Line Pattern
Make line visible or not and change color.
Marker Pattern
Make measurement points visible or not and
change style and colors.
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window default
curve styles for substance and segment curves
can be defined with the Calibrations tab:
20
Default Calibration Pattern
Switch on/off display of measured values, deviation markers and calibration curve, change color.
VA Database 2.0
Export settings
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
2 Main window
In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window the default settings for text export can be defined with
the Export tab:
Data Delimiter
Definition of data delimiter: tab, space, semicolon, comma or other character (user-defined).
Report generator settings
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window the default settings for the report generator can be defined with the Report Generator tab:
VA Database 2.0
Selection of measurement unit, grid size, grid
display and snapping of items to grids.
21
2 Main window
Templates settings
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window method
associated templates can be defined with the
Templates tab:
List of methods with associated template
The list shows all methods with a defined associated report template. New methods are added
with and deleted with .
Method name
Name of the method used by the 746 VA Trace
Analyzer. Enter this name for a new entry.
Associated custom report template
Selection of a report template for the method.
For adding a new entry or changing an existing
entry, press the button and select the desired
template (*.vat file) in the SELECT CUSTOM RE-
PORT TEMPLATE window.
Update the list after changing the template.
Add a new entry to the list.
Delete an entry of the list.
22
VA Database 2.0
Default locations settings
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window default
directories for storage of files and templates can
be defined with the Default Locations tab:
2 Main window
VA Databases
Selection of the directory for storage of VA Database files (*.vad, *.db, *.mb, *.px), filter definition
files (*.vaf) and export files (*.txt, *.bmp, *.wmf,
*.emf, *.dat).
For adding a new entry or changing an existing
entry, press the button and select the desired
directory in the CHANGE DIRECTORY window.
Backup directory
Selection of the directory for storage of the *.rpt,
*.dtm, *.mth, *.smp and *.aut files sent by the 746
VA Trace Analyzer.
For adding a new entry or changing an existing
entry, press the button and select the desired
directory in the CHANGE DIRECTORY window.
Custom report templates
Selection of the directory for storage of custom
report template files (*.vat).
For adding a new entry or changing an existing
VA Database 2.0
entry, press the button and select the desired
directory in the CHANGE DIRECTORY window.
23
Loading...