Metrohm 757VA User Manual
CH-9101 Herisau/Switzerland
Internet www.metrohm.com
E-Mail info@metrohm.ch
757 VA Computrace
2.757.01X0
8.757.8023 Software Manual
31.08.2001 / dö
This manual was produced using RoboHelp® (eHelp Corporation).
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in Switzerland by Metrohm AG, CH-9101 Herisau 2001
Table of contents
Table of contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of program ............................................................................ 1
1.2 General information............................................................................. 2
Hardware requirements for the PC ................................................ 2
Demo version ................................................................................. 2
Registration .................................................................................... 2
1.3 Installation............................................................................................. 3
Installation of software and VA Computrace Interface .................. 3
Installation of software and add-on board..................................... 4
Software upgrade with add-on board............................................ 5
Installation of Dosimats.................................................................. 6
Installation of 813 Compact Autosamplers.................................... 6
Hardware settings for Dosimats .................................................... 7
Deinstallation.................................................................................. 8
1.4 Overview of program windows.......................................................... 9
1.5 Overview of file types........................................................................ 10
1.6 Context sensitive menus.................................................................. 10
......................................................................................
1
2 Main window
2.1 Main window overview...................................................................... 11
Main window elements ................................................................ 11
Main window menus .................................................................... 11
Main window icons....................................................................... 12
2.2 Starting/closing the program........................................................... 13
Starting the VA Computrace program ......................................... 13
Closing the VA Computrace program ......................................... 13
2.3 File menu............................................................................................. 14
Method files.................................................................................. 14
Determination files ....................................................................... 14
Signal files .................................................................................... 15
Printing of reports and curves...................................................... 16
Program exit ................................................................................. 16
2.4 Mode menu ......................................................................................... 16
Exploratory mode selection ......................................................... 16
Determination mode selection..................................................... 16
.................................................................................
11
757 VA Computrace – Software
I
Table of contents
2.5 Utility menu......................................................................................... 17
Computrace control selection...................................................... 17
Dosimat control selection ............................................................ 17
Film deposition selection ............................................................. 17
Cleaning procedure selection...................................................... 17
2.6 User menu ........................................................................................... 17
Login............................................................................................. 17
User rights .................................................................................... 18
User rights overview..................................................................... 20
2.7 Settings menu..................................................................................... 21
General settings ........................................................................... 21
Hardware settings ........................................................................ 22
Automation ................................................................................... 23
Save settings................................................................................ 24
2.8 Window menu..................................................................................... 25
Tiling of windows.......................................................................... 25
Opening and closing of program windows ................................. 25
Display settings for Main window ................................................ 26
3 General settings for exploratory and
determination mode
3.1 Electrodes ........................................................................................... 27
MME ............................................................................................. 27
DME.............................................................................................. 27
SMDE ........................................................................................... 28
HMDE ........................................................................................... 29
RDE/SSE ...................................................................................... 30
3.2 VA measurement modes................................................................... 31
DP – Differential Pulse.................................................................. 31
SqW – Square Wave .................................................................... 33
DC – Sampled Direct Current ...................................................... 35
NP – Normal Pulse (for "Exploratory" only) .................................. 37
CV – Cyclic Voltammetry.............................................................. 39
PSA – Potentiometric Stripping Analysis...................................... 41
AC – Alternating Current Voltammetry ......................................... 43
3.3 Potentiostat......................................................................................... 45
3.4 General operation sequence............................................................ 45
Overview of operation sequence ................................................. 45
Stirring .......................................................................................... 46
Purging ......................................................................................... 47
Conditioning of solid state electrodes ......................................... 47
Pretreatment................................................................................. 47
Stand-by potential ........................................................................ 48
..............................................................
27
II
757 VA Computrace – Software
Table of contents
3.5 Graphical settings.............................................................................. 49
Curve window elements............................................................... 49
Page properties............................................................................ 50
Axis properties ............................................................................. 51
Curve properties........................................................................... 53
Line properties ............................................................................. 54
4 Exploratory mode
4.1 Exploratory mode overview ............................................................. 55
Exploratory mode features........................................................... 55
Exploratory mode selection ......................................................... 55
Exploratory mode windows.......................................................... 55
4.2 Exploratory specification window .................................................. 56
Exploratory specification settings ................................................ 56
Load/save signals ........................................................................ 57
Transfer parameters and data ..................................................... 58
Performing exploratory measurements ....................................... 59
4.3 Exploratory curves ............................................................................ 60
Exploratory curves window .......................................................... 60
Load signal curves....................................................................... 60
Select signal curves ..................................................................... 61
Zooming ....................................................................................... 61
Auto scaling ................................................................................. 61
Swap axes.................................................................................... 61
Graphical properties for exploratory curves ................................ 61
Copy to clipboard ........................................................................ 62
Change labels .............................................................................. 62
Clear signal curves....................................................................... 62
Signal cursor ................................................................................ 63
Peak search ................................................................................. 63
Edit peak ...................................................................................... 67
Wave evaluation ........................................................................... 68
.....................................................................
55
4.4 Printing in exploratory mode........................................................... 70
757 VA Computrace – Software
III
Table of contents
5 Determination mode
5.1 Determination mode overview......................................................... 71
Determination mode features ...................................................... 71
Determination mode selection ..................................................... 71
Determination mode windows ..................................................... 71
5.2 Working method specifications....................................................... 72
Load/save methods ..................................................................... 72
Working method specifications window ...................................... 73
Determination............................................................................... 75
Voltammetric ................................................................................ 77
Substances .................................................................................. 78
Baseline........................................................................................ 81
Calculations.................................................................................. 82
Calculation.................................................................................... 83
Variable addition .......................................................................... 83
Concentrations of calibration solutions ....................................... 84
Documentation............................................................................. 85
Dosimats ...................................................................................... 87
5.3 Monitor................................................................................................. 88
Start determination....................................................................... 88
Stop/Hold determination.............................................................. 89
Monitor determination .................................................................. 89
Message windows during determination..................................... 90
Graphical properties for monitoring curves ................................. 93
Copy to clipboard......................................................................... 93
.............................................................
71
5.4 Determination curves........................................................................ 94
Load/save determinations............................................................ 94
Copy parameters to working method .......................................... 94
Determination curves window...................................................... 95
Edit determination method parameters ....................................... 96
Specifications............................................................................... 96
Determination............................................................................... 97
Voltammetric ................................................................................ 97
Substances .................................................................................. 98
Calculations.................................................................................. 98
Edit addition parameters.............................................................. 98
Edit baseline................................................................................. 98
Zooming ....................................................................................... 99
Auto scaling................................................................................ 100
Swap axis ................................................................................... 100
Show baselines .......................................................................... 100
Show unknown peaks ................................................................ 100
Graphical properties for determination curves .......................... 100
Graphical properties for calibration curves................................ 102
Copy/export graphics................................................................. 102
IV
757 VA Computrace – Software
Table of contents
5.5 Results............................................................................................... 103
Results window overview ........................................................... 103
Header........................................................................................ 104
Determination data..................................................................... 104
Sample data............................................................................... 104
Method data............................................................................... 105
Substance evaluation................................................................. 105
Peak evaluation.......................................................................... 105
Calibration data.......................................................................... 106
Solutions..................................................................................... 106
Final results ................................................................................ 107
Copy text to clipboard................................................................ 107
5.6 Sample table ..................................................................................... 108
Load/save sample table............................................................. 109
Edit sample table ....................................................................... 110
5.7 Printing in determination mode..................................................... 111
5.8 Data processing and evaluation.................................................... 113
Data transfer............................................................................... 113
Data acquisition ......................................................................... 113
Background compensation ....................................................... 114
Smoothing and differentiation.................................................... 114
Peak recognition ........................................................................ 115
Baseline calculation ................................................................... 116
Evaluation quantity calculation .................................................. 117
Content calculation .................................................................... 117
Dilution calculation..................................................................... 118
Standard addition calculation .................................................... 118
Rules for standard addition........................................................ 120
Calibration curve calculation...................................................... 121
Rules for calibration curves........................................................ 123
Formula calculation.................................................................... 124
757 VA Computrace – Software
V
Table of contents
6 Manual control
6.1 Computrace control......................................................................... 125
Computrace control selection.................................................... 125
Computrace control window...................................................... 125
6.2 Dosimat control................................................................................ 127
Dosimat control selection .......................................................... 127
Dosimat control window............................................................. 127
6.3 Film deposition................................................................................. 128
Film deposition selection ........................................................... 128
Film deposition window ............................................................. 128
6.4 Cleaning procedure ......................................................................... 130
Cleaning procedure selection.................................................... 130
Cleaning procedure window ...................................................... 130
........................................................................
125
7 How to ...?
7.1 Installation and program start ....................................................... 133
Install Dosimats for automatic addition ..................................... 133
Switch on the instruments and start program............................ 133
7.2 User rights......................................................................................... 134
Define a new user....................................................................... 134
Change user rights..................................................................... 134
7.3 Signals in exploratory mode.......................................................... 135
Load a signal curve.................................................................... 135
Save a signal curve .................................................................... 135
Save signal curves automatically............................................... 135
Record a signal curve ................................................................ 135
Evaluate signal peaks automatically.......................................... 136
Evaluate signal peaks manually................................................. 136
Evaluate signal waves................................................................ 137
Print signal curves and/or voltammetric parameters ................. 137
7.4 Methods in determination mode.................................................... 138
Load a method........................................................................... 138
Copy parameters from determination methods ........................ 138
Copy parameters from signal files ............................................. 138
Save the working method .......................................................... 138
Edit the working method ............................................................ 139
Modify methods for automatic background compensation ...... 139
....................................................................................
133
VI
757 VA Computrace – Software
Table of contents
7.5 Determinations................................................................................. 141
Load a determination................................................................. 141
Save a determination ................................................................. 141
Automatically save determinations ............................................ 141
Perform a determination ............................................................ 141
Perform a test determination with the Pb test method .............. 142
Perform determinations using the
813 Compact Autosampler........................................................ 143
Recalculate an existing determination....................................... 144
Print determination results and curves ...................................... 145
7.6 Standard addition technique.......................................................... 146
Use manual standard addition without solution exchange ....... 146
Use manual standard addition with solution exchange ............ 147
Use automatic standard addition .............................................. 148
7.7 Calibration curve technique........................................................... 150
Record calibration curve manually by adding
standard solution ....................................................................... 150
Record calibration curve manually with solution exchange ...... 151
Record calibration curve automatically...................................... 152
Measure a sample using a calibration curve............................. 153
7.8 Work with film electrodes............................................................... 155
Deposit a mercury film ............................................................... 155
Remove a mercury film .............................................................. 155
7.9 Diagnostic procedures.................................................................... 156
Check the purging ..................................................................... 156
Check the stirring ....................................................................... 156
Check the MME.......................................................................... 156
Perform a linearity test with the dummy cell .............................. 157
Perform a peak test with the dummy cell .................................. 158
Perform a GLP test..................................................................... 159
8 Troubleshooting
8.1 General procedure for error messages........................................ 161
8.2 Connection problems...................................................................... 161
Error message "Could not start the embedded system" ........... 161
Error message "Cannot reach the hardware" ............................ 161
8.3 Software problems .......................................................................... 162
Error message "No access to software" .................................... 162
Error message "The file 'ecousb.sys' is needed" ....................... 162
Wrong language in Help ............................................................ 162
......................................................................
161
8.4 Dosimat problems............................................................................ 162
757 VA Computrace – Software
Dosimat does not work .............................................................. 162
Irreproducible standard additions with 765 Dosimat................. 163
Wrong volume display with Dosimat ......................................... 163
VII
Table of contents
8.5 General rules for VA trace analysis.............................................. 164
Chemicals and equipment......................................................... 164
Electrolytes ................................................................................. 164
Standard solutions ..................................................................... 164
Samples ..................................................................................... 165
Blank values, contamination ...................................................... 165
Selection of VA Measurement mode ......................................... 166
8.6 Voltammetric problems................................................................... 167
Low background current or unstable baseline .......................... 167
Curves with high noise ............................................................... 168
Standard addition curves are not reproducible ......................... 169
Peak displacement..................................................................... 169
No peak found ........................................................................... 170
Peak is in the highest µA range ................................................. 170
Double peak............................................................................... 171
Standard addition peaks displaced........................................... 172
No addition................................................................................. 172
Spikes / signal jump in voltammogram ..................................... 172
Oxygen interference ................................................................... 173
Unsuitable bridging electrolyte in the reference electrode ........ 173
Overcharging of the working electrode...................................... 174
Disturbances at the HMDE through gas formation ................... 175
Complex formation..................................................................... 176
Peak on highly curved baseline ................................................. 177
Peak overlapping ....................................................................... 178
Calibration with chemically non-isoformal standards................ 179
Software license
Index
...........................................................................................................
............................................................................
181
183
VIII
757 VA Computrace – Software
1.1 Purpose of program
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of program
«VA Computrace 2.0» is the name of the control software for the
PC-controlled 757 VA Computrace System for voltammetric analysis. This system consists of the following parts:
1.757.0010 VA Computrace Stand with accessories
3.757.1300 Add-on Board for PC or
6.5326.000 VA Computrace Interface
6.2135.010 Connecting Cable
6.6032.100 VA Computrace Software 2.0
For a detailed description of the hardware components of the 757
VA Computrace System see the 757 Hardware Manual.
This 757 Software Manual describes the features and operation
procedures of the 757 VA Computrace Software which comprises
the clearly arranged user interface with a task bar that can be
clicked for control of the instrument, method development and
the recording and evaluation of the voltammograms.
Depending on the objective, the 757 VA Computrace Software
can be used in two different operating modes:
• The exploratory mode for qualitative analysis is suitable
for practice-oriented voltammetry training at universities,
technical colleges and in plants. It allows the user to apply
seven different VA measurement techniques and to compare
their results.
• The determination mode is used for quantitative analysis
of inorganic or organic substances. Calibration can be done
via standard addition or calibration curves. Signal evaluation
and concentration calculation are automatic. On completion
of the measurement, a report can be compiled to suit individual requirements and printed out. The most important methods for the determination of metals or other substances can
be called up directly. All curves appearing on the screen, i.e.
voltammograms and calibration curves plus the results can
be transferred to other Windows applications via the Windows
Clipboard. Data export in ASCII format is also possible.
757 VA Computrace – Software
1
1 Introduction
1.2 General information
Hardware requirements for the PC
Computer Pentium II with 233 MHz or higher
Operating system Windows™ 98 or Windows™ 2000 for
Free space on hard disk 10 MB for program files
Working memory RAM 64 MB for Windows™ 98
Graphics resolution 1024×768 or more
Interface 1 free ISA slot for add-on board or
operation with add-on board;
Windows™ 2000 for operation with VA
Computrace Interface (USB)
100 MB recommended for data files
128 MB for Windows™ 2000
1 free USB connection for VA Computrace Interface
Printer Any printer supported by operating
Note: Set the screen saver to "None" and deactivate any energy
saving features. Additionally, do not use several other programs
together with VA Computrace.
Demo version
If the 6.6032.100 VA Computrace Software 2.0 is installed on a PC
without installation of VA Computrace Stand and Add-on board or
VA Computrace Interface, this software can be used as a demo
version which is restricted to the recalculation of determination or
signal files.
Registration
system
2
Please send us your 8.757.1027 Registration card as soon as
possible. Only registered users will get updated program versions
at a special price.
757 VA Computrace – Software
1.3 Installation
1.3 Installation
Installation of software and VA Computrace Interface
1. Switch on PC and start operating system (Windows™ 2000)
without connection of the VA Computrace Interface via USB
cable.
2. Insert installation CD into CD drive.
3. If the autorun option for the CD drive is disabled, select
<Start>
and
tion CD and click on
. Browse for the
Run
<OK>
Setup.exe
file on the installa-
.
4. Click on "
program. Select the
" and follow the instructions given in the setup
757
VA Computrace Interface (USB)
option for
the interface type.
5. The software package will be installed in the desired directory
(the default directory is
Programs/Metrohm/757 VA Computrace
).
In addition to the program files, the following folders are installed:
Data
Folder for storage of new signal (
nation files (
Demo data
*.dth
).
) and determi-
*.sig
Folder containing signal and determination file examples. The subfolder
Practical Voltammetry
contains
all examples of the 8.757.5003 Metrohm Mono-
graph "Practical Voltammetry", which is available
from Metrohm on request.
Method
Hardware
Folder for storage of method files (
some basic examples in the
examples in the subfolders
plication Notes
and
Hardware Test
Method
Application Bulletin, Ap-
.
). You find
*.mth
folder and more
Folder for hardware control files and drivers.
757 VA Computrace – Software
6. Restart the PC.
7. Connect VA Computrace Interface to the 757 VA Computrace
using the 6.2135.010 cable and switch on 757 VA Computrace Stand.
8. Connect VA Computrace Interface to the 6.2158.000 Mains
Adapter connected to the mains.
9. Connect VA Computrace Interface to the PC using the
6.2151.020 USB cable. The PC detects a new USB device
and starts the setup wizard. Insert installation CD into CD
drive and follow the wizard instructions always selecting the
recommended default options.
10. Start the VA Computrace software.
3
1 Introduction
Installation of software and add-on board
1. Switch off PC and disconnect power cable from the power
socket.
2. Disconnect all other cables to computer peripherals (keyboard, display, printer, etc.).
3. Disassemble PC and install 3.757.1300 Add-on Board in a
free ISA slot (see instruction manual of the PC).
4. Reassemble PC.
5. Switch off 757 VA Computrace Stand.
6. Connect the built-in add-on board to the "PC Interface" socket
of the 757 VA Computrace Stand with the 6.2135.010 cable.
7. Switch on 757 VA Computrace Stand and PC and start operating system (Windows™ 98 or Windows™ 2000).
8. Insert installation CD into CD drive.
9. If the autorun option for the CD drive is disabled, select
<Start>
and
tion CD and click on
. Browse for the
Run
<OK>
Setup.exe
file on the installa-
.
10. Click on "
program. Select the
" and follow the instructions given in the setup
757
Add-on Board (3.757.1300)
option for the in-
terface type.
11. The software package will be installed in the desired directory
(the default directory is
Programs/Metrohm/757 VA Computrace
).
In addition to the program files, the following folders are installed:
Data
Folder for storage of new signal (
nation files (
Demo data
*.dth
).
) and determi-
*.sig
Folder containing signal and determination file examples. The subfolder
Practical Voltammetry
contains
all examples of the 8.757.5003 Metrohm Mono-
graph "Practical Voltammetry", which is available
from Metrohm on request.
Method
Folder for storage of method files (
some basic examples in the
examples in the subfolders
plication Notes
and
Hardware Test
Method
Application Bulletin, Ap-
.
). You find
*.mth
folder and more
4
Hardware
Folder for hardware control files and drivers.
12. Restart the PC.
13. Start the VA Computrace software.
757 VA Computrace – Software
1.3 Installation
Software upgrade with add-on board
If you want to upgrade from the 757 VA Computrace 1.0 software
to the 757 VA Computrace 2.0 software on a PC with add-on
board installed, proceed as follows:
1. Switch off 757 VA Computrace Stand.
2. Switch on PC and start operating system (Windows™ 98 or
Windows™ 2000).
3. Select
Software
<Start> / Settings / Control
icon.
panel and double-click the
4. Select 757 VA Computrace in the list and click on
<Add/remove>
to remove the VA Computrace 1.0 program. All
program files and icons are removed, all user-created method
and data files are retained in the
Data
and
Method
folder of the
program directory.
5. Restart the PC.
6. Insert installation CD into CD drive.
7. If the autorun option for the CD drive is disabled, select
<Start>
and
tion CD and click on
8. Click on "
757
program. Select the
. Browse for the
Run
<OK>
Setup.exe
.
file on the installa-
" and follow the instructions given in the setup
Add-on Board (3.757.1300)
option for the in-
terface type.
9. The software package will be installed in the desired directory
(the default directory is
Programs/Metrohm/757 VA Computrace
).
In addition to the program files, the following folders are installed:
Data
Folder for storage of new signal (
nation files (
Demo data
*.dth
).
) and determi-
*.sig
Folder containing signal and determination file examples. The subfolder
Practical Voltammetry
contains
all examples of the 8.757.5003 Metrohm Mono-
graph "Practical Voltammetry", which is available
from Metrohm on request.
Method
Hardware
Folder for storage of method files (
some basic examples in the
examples in the subfolders
plication Notes
and
Hardware Test
Method
Application Bulletin, Ap-
.
). You find
*.mth
folder and more
Folder for hardware control files and drivers.
10. If desired, copy all user-created method and data files of the
old program directory into the
Method
and
folders of the
Data
new program directory.
757 VA Computrace – Software
5
1 Introduction
Installation of Dosimats
11. Restart the PC.
12. Connect the built-in add-on board to the "PC Interface" socket
of the 757 VA Computrace Stand with the 6.2135.010 cable
and switch on 757 VA Computrace Stand.
13. Start the VA Computrace 2.0 software.
Up to five 665 or 765 Dosimats can be connected to the 757 VA
Computrace Stand. For the connection of 1 or 2 Dosimats, the
6.2141.080 Cable is used. Other cables for the connection of
more than 2 Dosimats are available from Metrohm on request
(e.g. 6.9921.170 for 5 Dosimats). For the connection of two Dosimats, proceed as follows:
1. Switch off the 757 VA Computrace Stand.
2. Switch off the Dosimats.
3. Connect the "A" socket of the first Dosimat to the "Remote"
socket of the 757 VA Computrace Stand with the 6.2141.080
cable by using the cable end "665-1".
4. Connect the "A" socket of the second Dosimat to the "Re-
mote" socket of the 757 VA Computrace Stand with the
6.2141.080 cable by using the cable end "665-2".
Note: If Dosimats are connected to the 757 VA Computrace
Stand, the instruments must always be switched on in the sequence Dosimats → 757 → PC.
Installation of 813 Compact Autosampler
It is possible to connect a 813 Compact Autosampler and a
731 Relay Box (for the operation of two 772 Pump Units) to the
757 VA Computrace Stand. Proceed as follows:
1. Connect 813 Compact Autosampler, 731 Relay Box and two
772 Pump Units to the 757 VA Computrace Stand using the
6.2141.150 cable (see 813 Instructions for Use).
6
2. Install the accessories on the 813 Compact Autosampler (see
813 Instructions for Use).
3. Connect 665 or 765 Dosimats to the 757 VA Computrace
Stand (see 813 Instructions for Use).
4. Set
Method 2
at the 813 Compact Autosampler (see 813 In-
structions for Use).
757 VA Computrace – Software
1.3 Installation
5. Make hardware settings for the 813 Compact Autosampler
(see Automation, section 2.7).
6. Make hardware settings for Dosimats (see Hardware settings
for Dosimats).
7. Define the addition or predose solution in the
DOSIMATS
win-
dow (see Dosimats, section 5.2).
Hardware settings for Dosimats
1. Switch on PC and start operating system 95.
2. Start the VA Computrace software by double-clicking the program icon or starting the
3. Login without entering
late only
4. Select
Hardware
.
MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Settings.
tab in the
GENERAL SETTINGS
ct757.exe
Name
and
file.
Password
window:
. Click on
Open the
Recalcu-
757 VA Computrace – Software
5. For each 665 or 765 Dosimat connected to the remote interface of the 757 VA Computrace Stand, check the
checkbox and enter the
on the Dosimat and the
Volume
Dose rate
of the exchange unit installed
of the Dosimat.
Dosimat no.
7
1 Introduction
Deinstallation
6. Close the VA Computrace software by clicking on or selecting
File / Exit
.
7. Switch on the Dosimats connected to the 757 VA Computrace
Stand.
8. Switch on 757 VA Computrace stand.
9. Restart the VA Computrace software.
Note: If Dosimats are connected to the 757 VA Computrace
Stand, the instruments must always be switched on in the sequence Dosimat → 757 → PC.
1. Select
<Start>
2. Double-click the
3. Select
757 VA Computrace
Select the
/
Settings / Control panel.
Software
icon.
in the list and click on
Remove
option and click on
<Next>
<Add/remove>
. All program
.
files and icons should be removed.
8
757 VA Computrace – Software
1.4 Overview of program windows
1.4 Overview of program windows
VA Computrace 2.0 consists of different windows whose functionality is linked together. The different windows are:
MAIN WINDOW
File administration, printing, mode selection, opening of other program
windows, utilities, login and user
rights, settings, window handling
EXPLORATORY SPECIFICATIONS
Method definition for exploratory
mode and curve evaluation
EXPLORATORY CURVES
WORKING METHOD SPECIFICATIONS
Display of exploratory mode curves
Definition of the working method for
determination mode
MONITOR
DETERMINATION CURVES
Start of determinations, live display
Display of determination and calibration curves, modification and recalculation of determinations
RESULTS
SAMPLE TABLE
Display of sample table (only available
Display of determination reports
if the
Use Autosampler
checked on the
GENERAL SETTINGS
option is
Automation
window).
tab of the
COMPUTRACE CONTROL
DOSIMAT CONTROL
FILM DEPOSITION
CLEANING PROCEDURE
Manual control of 757 VA Computrace
Stand
Manual control of 665 or 765 Dosimats connected to the remote interface
Manual control of Hg film deposition
on solid state electrodes
Manual control of cleaning procedures for solid state electrodes
757 VA Computrace – Software
9
1 Introduction
1.5 Overview of file types
The following file types are produced by the 757 VA Computrace
software:
*.dth
Determination file (binary file)
Contains determination data and method.
The
file is stored automatically in the
*.dth
Data
folder if the autosave option is enabled in the
GENERAL SETTINGS
Method file (binary file)
*.mth
window.
Contains the method.
Signal file (binary file)
*.sig
Contains exploratory data and exploratory
method. The
the
in the
Sample tabe file (binary file)
*.spt
folder if the autosave option is enabled
Data
GENERAL SETTINGS
file is stored automatically in
*.sig
window.
Contains sample tabel data.
Text file (ASCII file) for data export
*.txt
A
file is produced if measurement points of
*.txt
determination files or signal files are exported.
In the case of determination point export, this
data file contains a block of the used method parameters followed by the sweep blocks of X and
Y values each preceded by VR number and
number of measurement points.
In the case of signal points, this data file contains
a block of the used method parameters followed
by the sweep block of X and Y values preceded
by the number of measurement points.
The
files can be imported into spreadsheet
*.txt
programs like Microsoft Excel.
1.6 Context sensitive menus
Most of the menu functions of the program windows 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.
10
757 VA Computrace – Software
2.1 Main window overview
2 Main window
2.1 Main window overview
Main window elements
The
MAIN WINDOW
Its elements are the menu bar, the tool bar and the status bar indicating user, method and determination.
Menu bar
Tool bar
Status bar
Logged-in
user
Main window menus
Loading, saving and export of method, determi-
File
Switching between exploratory and determination
Mode
is the center of the VA Computrace software.
Method in
working memory
Determination in
working memory
Sample table in
working memory
nation and signal files; printing of reports and
curves
mode
Time
757 VA Computrace – Software
VA Computrace Stand control; Dosimat control;
Utility
film deposition and cleaning procedure for solid
state electrodes
Login, user rights entry and overview
User
Settings
General settings for saving, default directories,
add-on board, VA Computrace Interface and Dosimats
Window
Help
Tiling, opening and closing of program windows
Call context-sensitive Help and Help contents
11
2 Main window
Main window icons
It depends on the selected mode (exploratory or determination)
whether the following icons are displayed in the
MAIN WINDOW
or
not.
Exit the VA Computrace 2.0 program.
Print reports and curves.
Switch to exploratory mode.
Switch to determination mode.
Load default parameters for exploratory or determination
mode.
Load existing method or signal file.
Save method or signal file.
Load existing determination file.
Save determination file.
Manual control of 757 VA Computrace Stand.
Manual control of Dosimats connected to the 757 VA
Computrace Stand.
Open or close
PLORATORY SPECIFICATION
Open or close
Open or close
Open or close
Open or close
Open or close
WORKING METHOD SPECIFICATIONS
DETERMINATION CURVES
MONITOR
EXPLORATORY CURVES
RESULTS
SAMPLE TABLE
window.
window.
window for determinations.
window.
window for determinations.
window.
or
EX-
Start measurement.
Stop measurement.
Hold measurement.
Continue measurement.
Go to next step in operation sequence.
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757 VA Computrace – Software
2.2 Starting/closing the program
2.2 Starting/closing the program
Starting the VA Computrace program
Start the Program
Double-click the
Ct757.exe
gram. The
file to start the VA Computrace 2.0 pro-
VA COMPUTRACE LOGIN
pears.
757 VA Computrace
icon or the
window ap-
Enter
option
ments or
and
Name
Start measurements
Recalculate only
Password
and select the desired
for starting measure-
for recalculation.
Note: After software installation, the program can be started without entering
Name
and
Password
. For the definition of users, see
section 2.6.
Closing the VA Computrace program
MAIN WINDOW / File / Exit
Exit the VA Computrace 2.0 program.
The program is also quit by clicking on in the
upper right part of the
MAIN WINDOW
.
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13
2 Main window
2.3 File menu
Method files
Method files (
) contain all the specifications and parameters
*.mth
for running a determination. They can only be loaded or saved in
the determination mode.
MAIN WINDOW / File / New method (Ctrl+N)
Load a standard template with DP mode for creating a new method.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Load method (Ctrl+O)
Load an existing method file. Normally, method
files are stored in the
MAIN WINDOW / File / Save method (Ctrl+S)
Method
folder.
Save the current method loaded in the working
memory. If the method has been changed since
loading, the message
Overwrite?
appears. Click
The file already exists.
to overwrite the
Yes
method file or No to cancel saving.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Save method as ...
Save the current method loaded in the working
memory in a new file. Enter name and directory
for storage of the method file.
Determination files
Determination files (
specifications of the method used for the determination. They can
only be loaded or saved in the determination mode.
757 VA COMPUTRACE / File / Export method ...
Save the current method loaded in the working
memory into an ASCII file (extension
file contains all method parameters.
) contain the measurement data and the
*.dth
MAIN WINDOW / File / Load determination
Load an existing determination file. Normally, determination files are stored in the
MAIN WINDOW / File / Save determination
Data
Save the current determination loaded in the
working memory. If the determination has been
changed since loading, the message
ready exists. Overwrite?
appears. Click
overwrite the determination file or No to cancel
saving.
). This
*.txt
folder.
The file al-
Yes
to
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757 VA Computrace – Software
2.3 File menu
MAIN WINDOW / File / Save determination as ...
Save the current determination loaded in the
working memory in a new file. Enter name and directory for storage of the determination file.
Signal files
MAIN WINDOW / File / Export determination points
Save the measurement points of all sweeps of
the current determination loaded in the working
memory into a data file (extension
). This data
*.txt
file contains a block of the used method parameters followed by the sweep blocks of X and Y values each preceded by VR number and number
of measurement points. The data files can be
imported into spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.
757 VA COMPUTRACE / File / Export results ...
Save the results report of the current determination loaded in the working memory into an ASCII
file (extension
). This file can be imported into
*.txt
spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.
Signal files (
) contain the measurement data and specifi-
*.sig
cations of a signal recorded in the exploratory mode. They can
only be loaded or saved in this mode.
MAIN WINDOW / File / New parameters
Load default parameters for selected electrode
and measurement mode.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Load signal
Load an existing signal file. Normally, signal files
are stored in the
MAIN WINDOW / File / Save signal as ...
Data
folder.
Save the current signal loaded in the working
memory in a new file. Enter name and directory
for storage of the signal file.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Export signal points
Save the measurement points of the sweep of
the current signal loaded in the working memory
into a data file (extension
). This data file con-
*.txt
tains a block of the used method parameters followed by the sweep block of X and Y values preceded by the number of measurement points.
The data files can be imported into spreadsheet
programs like Microsoft Excel.
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15
2 Main window
Printing of reports and curves
Program exit
MAIN WINDOW / File / Print (Ctrl+P)
Print reports and/or curves. Depending on the
mode selection, a window appears for selection
of the items to be printed (see section 4.4 for exploratory mode and section 5.7 for determination
mode).
MAIN WINDOW / File / Printer setup
Selection of a printer and definition of paper size
and format.
MAIN WINDOW / File / Exit
Quit the VA Computrace 2.0 program.
The program is also quit by clicking on in the
upper right part of the
MAIN WINDOW
.
2.4 Mode menu
Exploratory mode selection
Determination mode selection
MAIN WINDOW / Mode / Exploratory
Switching to the exploratory mode for recording
and displaying of signals (see section 4).
MAIN WINDOW / Mode / Determination
Switching to the determination mode for recording and displaying of determinations (see
section 5).
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757 VA Computrace – Software
2.5 Utility menu
2.5 Utility menu
Computrace control selection
MAIN WINDOW / Utility / Computrace control
Start manual control of 757 VA Computrace
Stand (details see section 6.1).
Dosimat control selection
MAIN WINDOW / Utility / Dosimat control
Start manual control of 665 or 765 Dosimats
connected to the 757 VA Computrace Stand (details see section 6.2).
Film deposition selection
MAIN WINDOW / Utility / Film deposition
Start Hg film deposition for solid state electrodes
in the 757 VA Computrace Stand (details see
section 6.3).
Cleaning procedure selection
MAIN WINDOW / Utility / Cleaning procedure
Start cleaning procedure for solid state electrodes in the 757 VA Computrace Stand (details
see section 6.4).
2.6 User menu
Login
Enter the desired
MAIN WINDOW / User / Login
The
VA COMPUTRACE LOGIN
window appears.
Name
and
Password
to login as
a new user and click OK.
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2 Main window
User rights
The «VA Computrace» program has a security system based on a
list of user rights. For every user or user category, a password
and different access levels can be defined. We recommend to
make a new user list and enter passwords as a first action after
system installation.
MAIN WINDOW / User / User rights
User
The
USER RIGHTS
window appears.
List of all users. The user rights are displayed for
the selected and highlighted user. The following
users with blank passwords are defined as default examples:
Administrator
Access to all program parts and allowance to change the user rights.
Master
Access to all program parts, but no allowance to change the user rights.
Assistant
Limited access for loading and running
existing determination methods.
" "
Name
(empty)
same as
Administrator
Display of user name (read only). This name is
inserted in the
field of all reports and results
User
windows. For addition of a new user name click
the
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757 VA Computrace – Software
<New>
button.
2.6 User menu
Password
Change password for user. A " * " is displayed for
User rights
each character entered.
The different user rights options can be changed
for the selected user:
none
R
R/W
No access to this program part.
Permission to read in this program part.
Permission to read/write in this program
part.
Change allowance
Permission to edit the user rights.
Add a new user to the users list. The
window appears.
USER
ADD NEW
Name
[ 13 characters; ]
User name. This name is inserted in the
User
field
of all reports and results windows.
Password
Enter password for user. A " * " is displayed for
each character entered.
Remove a user from the users list.
Note: Make sure not to remove all users with the
option enabled, otherwise the
ance
USER RIGHTS
Change allow-
window cannot
be opened again and the program has to be reinstalled.
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19
2 Main window
Use default locations
Data folder
Method folder
User rights overview
MAIN WINDOW / User / Overview
Set default directories for
.
folder
Data folder
and
Method
User specific folder for determination and signal
files. Use
<Browse>
to change the folder.
User specific folder for method files. Use
<Browse>
to change the folder.
The
OVERVIEW
window displaying the list of all
users appears.
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757 VA Computrace – Software
Detailed user list with all user rights.
User list without user rights.
User list with small icons.
User list with large icons.
Help.
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