Metrohm 757VA User Manual

0 (0)

CH-9101 Herisau/Switzerland

Internet www.metrohm.com

E-Mail info@metrohm.ch

2.757.01X0

757 VA Computrace

8.757.8023 Software Manual

31.08.2001 / dö

This manual was produced using RoboHelp® (eHelp Corporation).

Printed in Switzerland by Metrohm AG, CH-9101 Herisau 2001

Table of contents
1 Introduction ......................................................................................		1
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

2 Main window.................................................................................		11
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
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..............................................................		27
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
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.....................................................................		55
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
4.4 Printing in exploratory mode ...........................................................		70

757 VA Computrace – Software

III

Table of contents
5 Determination mode.............................................................		71
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
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

Table of contents
6 Manual control........................................................................		125
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

7	How to ...? ....................................................................................	133
	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
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......................................................................		161
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
8.4	Dosimat problems............................................................................	162
	Dosimat does not work ..............................................................	162
	Irreproducible standard additions with 765 Dosimat.................	163
	Wrong volume display with Dosimat .........................................	163
757 VA Computrace – Software		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 A 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............................................................................

181

Index ...........................................................................................................

183

VIII	757 VA Computrace – Software

1.1 Purpose of program

1 Introduction

1.1Purpose 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 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

operation with add-on board;

Windows™ 2000 for operation with VA

Computrace Interface (USB)

Free space on hard disk

10 MB for program files

100 MB recommended for data files

Working memory RAM

64 MB for Windows™ 98

128 MB for Windows™ 2000

Graphics resolution

1024×768 or more

Interface

1 free ISA slot for add-on board or

1 free USB connection for VA Com-

putrace Interface

Printer

Any printer supported by operating

system

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

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.

2	757 VA Computrace – Software

1.3 Installation

1.3Installation

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 Run. Browse for the Setup.exe file on the installation CD and click on <OK>.

4.Click on "757" and follow the instructions given in the setup program. Select the 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 (*.sig) and determination files (*.dth).

Demo data

Folder containing signal and determination file examples. The subfolder Practical Voltammetry contains all examples of the 8.757.5003 Metrohm Monograph "Practical Voltammetry", which is available from Metrohm on request.

Method

Folder for storage of method files (*.mth). You find some basic examples in the Method folder and more examples in the subfolders Application Bulletin, Ap-

plication Notes and Hardware Test.

Hardware

Folder for hardware control files and drivers.

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.

757 VA Computrace – Software

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 Run. Browse for the Setup.exe file on the installation CD and click on <OK>.

10.Click on "757" and follow the instructions given in the setup program. Select the Add-on Board (3.757.1300) option for the interface 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 (*.sig) and determination files (*.dth).

Demo data

Method

Folder for storage of method files (*.mth). You find some basic examples in the Method folder and more examples in the subfolders Application Bulletin, Ap-

plication Notes and Hardware Test.

Hardware

Folder for hardware control files and drivers.

12.Restart the PC.

13.Start the VA Computrace software.

4	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 <Start> / Settings / Control panel and double-click the

Software icon.

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 Run. Browse for the Setup.exe file on the installation CD and click on <OK>.

8.Click on "757" and follow the instructions given in the setup program. Select the Add-on Board (3.757.1300) option for the interface 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 (*.sig) and determination files (*.dth).

Demo data

Method

Folder for storage of method files (*.mth). You find some basic examples in the Method folder and more examples in the subfolders Application Bulletin, Ap-

plication Notes and Hardware Test.

Hardware

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 Data folders of the new program directory.

757 VA Computrace – Software

1 Introduction

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.

Installation of Dosimats

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 "Remote" 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).

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 Instructions for Use).

6	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 window (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 ct757.exe file.

3.Login without entering Name and Password. Click on Recalcu-

late only.

4. Select MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Settings. Open the Hardware tab in the GENERAL SETTINGS window:

5.For each 665 or 765 Dosimat connected to the remote interface of the 757 VA Computrace Stand, check the Dosimat no. checkbox and enter the Volume of the exchange unit installed on the Dosimat and the Dose rate of the Dosimat.

757 VA Computrace – Software

1 Introduction

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.

Deinstallation

1.Select <Start> / Settings / Control panel.

2.Double-click the Software icon.

3.Select 757 VA Computrace in the list and click on <Add/remove>. Select the Remove option and click on <Next>. All program files and icons should be removed.

8	757 VA Computrace – Software

1.4 Overview of program windows

1.4Overview 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 se-
	lection, 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	Display of exploratory mode curves
WORKING METHOD SPECIFICATIONS
	Definition of the working method for
	determination mode
MONITOR	Start of determinations, live display
DETERMINATION CURVES	Display of determination and calibra-
	tion curves, modification and recalcu-
	lation of determinations
RESULTS	Display of determination reports
SAMPLE TABLE	Display of sample table (only available
	if the Use Autosampler option is
	checked on the Automation tab of the
	GENERAL SETTINGS window).
COMPUTRACE CONTROL	Manual control of 757 VA Computrace
	Stand
DOSIMAT CONTROL	Manual control of 665 or 765 Dosi-
	mats connected to the remote inter-
	face
FILM DEPOSITION	Manual control of Hg film deposition
	on solid state electrodes
CLEANING PROCEDURE	Manual control of cleaning proce-
	dures for solid state electrodes

757 VA Computrace – Software

1 Introduction

1.5Overview 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 *.dth file is stored automatically in the Data
	folder if the autosave option is enabled in the
	GENERAL SETTINGS window.
*.mth	Method file (binary file)
	Contains the method.
*.sig	Signal file (binary file)
	Contains exploratory data and exploratory
	method. The *.sig file is stored automatically in
	the Data folder if the autosave option is enabled
	in the GENERAL SETTINGS window.
*.spt	Sample tabe file (binary file)
	Contains sample tabel data.
*.txt	Text file (ASCII file) for data export
	A *.txt file is produced if measurement points of
	determination files or signal files are exported.
	In the case of determination point export, this
	data file contains a block of the used method pa-
	rameters 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 *.txt files can be imported into spreadsheet
	programs like Microsoft Excel.

1.6Context 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

2.1Main window overview

Main window elements

The MAIN WINDOW is the center of the VA Computrace software. 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	Method in	Determination in	Sample table in Time
user	working memory	working memory	working memory

Main window menus
File	Loading, saving and export of method, determi-
	nation and signal files; printing of reports and
	curves
Mode	Switching between exploratory and determination
	mode
Utility	VA Computrace Stand control; Dosimat control;
	film deposition and cleaning procedure for solid
	state electrodes
User	Login, user rights entry and overview
Settings	General settings for saving, default directories,
	add-on board, VA Computrace Interface and Do-
	simats
Window	Tiling, opening and closing of program windows
Help	Call context-sensitive Help and Help contents

757 VA Computrace – Software		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 WORKING METHOD SPECIFICATIONS or EX-
	PLORATORY SPECIFICATION window.
	Open or close DETERMINATION CURVES window.
	Open or close MONITOR window for determinations.
	Open or close EXPLORATORY CURVES window.
	Open or close RESULTS window for determinations.
	Open or close SAMPLE TABLE window.
	Start measurement.
	Stop measurement.
	Hold measurement.
	Continue measurement.
	Go to next step in operation sequence.

12	757 VA Computrace – Software

Enter Name and

757 VA Computrace

2.2 Starting/closing the program

2.2Starting/closing the program

Starting the VA Computrace program

Start the Program

Double-click the icon or the Ct757.exe file to start the VA Computrace 2.0 program. The VA COMPUTRACE LOGIN window appears.

Password and select the desired option Start measurements for starting measurements or Recalculate only 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.

757 VA Computrace – Software		13

2 Main window

2.3File menu

Method files

Method files (*.mth) contain all the specifications and parameters 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 Method folder.

MAIN WINDOW / File / Save method (Ctrl+S)

Save the current method loaded in the working memory. If the method has been changed since loading, the message The file already exists. Overwrite? appears. Click Yes to overwrite the 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.

757 VA COMPUTRACE / File / Export method ...

Save the current method loaded in the working memory into an ASCII file (extension *.txt). This file contains all method parameters.

Determination files

Determination files (*.dth) contain the measurement data and the specifications of the method used for the determination. They can only be loaded or saved in the determination mode.

MAIN WINDOW / File / Load determination

Load an existing determination file. Normally, determination files are stored in the Data folder.

MAIN WINDOW / File / Save determination

	Save the current determination loaded in the
	working memory. If the determination has been
	changed since loading, the message The file al-
	ready exists. Overwrite? appears. Click Yes to
	overwrite the determination file or No to cancel
	saving.

14	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.

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 *.txt). 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. 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 *.txt). This file can be imported into spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.

Signal files

Signal files (*.sig) contain the measurement data and specifications 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 Data folder.

MAIN WINDOW / File / Save signal as ...

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 *.txt). 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 data files can be imported into spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.

757 VA Computrace – Software

2 Main window

Printing of reports and curves

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.

Program exit

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.

2.4Mode menu

Exploratory mode selection

MAIN WINDOW / Mode / Exploratory

Switching to the exploratory mode for recording and displaying of signals (see section 4).

Determination mode selection

MAIN WINDOW / Mode / Determination

Switching to the determination mode for recording and displaying of determinations (see section 5).

16	757 VA Computrace – Software

2.5 Utility menu

2.5Utility 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).

2.6User menu

Login

MAIN WINDOW / User / Login

The VA COMPUTRACE LOGIN window appears.

	Enter the desired Name and Password to login as
	a new user and click OK.

757 VA Computrace – Software		17

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

The USER RIGHTS window appears.

User

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.

" " (empty)

same as Administrator

Name

Display of user name (read only). This name is inserted in the User field of all reports and results windows. For addition of a new user name click

	the <New> button.

18	757 VA Computrace – Software

Change allow- window cannot

2.6 User menu

Password

Change password for user. A " * " is displayed for each character entered.

User rights

The different user rights options can be changed for the selected user:

none No access to this program part.

R Permission to read in this program part.

R/W 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 ADD NEW

USER window appears.

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 ance option enabled, otherwise the USER RIGHTS

be opened again and the program has to be reinstalled.

757 VA Computrace – Software

2 Main window

Use default locations

Set default directories for Data folder and Method folder.

Data folder

User specific folder for determination and signal files. Use <Browse> to change the folder.

Method folder

User specific folder for method files. Use <Browse> to change the folder.

User rights overview

MAIN WINDOW / User / Overview

The OVERVIEW window displaying the list of all users appears.

Detailed user list with all user rights.

User list without user rights.

User list with small icons.

User list with large icons.

Help.

20	757 VA Computrace – Software

+ 168 hidden pages

Metrohm 757VA User Manual

Table of contents

1.1 Purpose of program

1 Introduction

General information

Hardware requirements for the PC

Demo version

Registration

1.3 Installation

Installation of software and VA Computrace Interface

Installation of software and add-on board

Software upgrade with add-on board

Installation of Dosimats

Installation of 813 Compact Autosampler

Hardware settings for Dosimats

Deinstallation

1.4 Overview of program windows

1.5Overview of file types

1.6Context sensitive menus

2.1 Main window overview

2 Main window

Main window elements

Main window menus

Main window icons

2.2 Starting/closing the program

Starting the VA Computrace program

Closing the VA Computrace program

2.3File menu

Method files

Determination files

Signal files

Printing of reports and curves

Program exit

2.4Mode menu

Exploratory mode selection

Determination mode selection

2.5 Utility menu

Computrace control selection

Dosimat control selection

Film deposition selection

Cleaning procedure selection

2.6User menu

Login

User rights

User rights overview