Metrohm 840PC User Manual
PC Control / Touch Control
Manual
8.840.8003EN
CH-9101 Herisau/Switzerland
E-Mail info@metrohm.com
Internet www.metrohm.com
PC Control
Touch Control
Program version PC Control 5.0
Touch Control 5.840.0140
Manual
8.840.8003EN 05.2008 / jb
Teachware
Metrohm AG
CH-9101 Herisau
teachware@metrohm.com
This documentation is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Although all the information given in this documentation has been checked with great care,
errors cannot be entirely excluded. Should you notice any mistakes please send us your
comments using the address given above.
Contents
Table of contents
1 Introduction.......................................................... 1
1.1 Instrument description...................................................................................2
1.2 About the documentation ..............................................................................3
1.2.1 Symbols and conventions........................................................................3
2 Installation ........................................................... 5
2.1 Setting up the Touch Control ........................................................................5
2.1.1 Packaging.................................................................................................5
2.1.2 Checks......................................................................................................5
2.1.3 Location....................................................................................................5
2.2 Touch Control parts and controls .................................................................6
3 Operation.............................................................. 9
3.1 Operating principles: Touch Control ............................................................9
3.1.1 Switching Touch Control on and off.........................................................9
3.1.2 Setting the display contrast of the Touch Control .................................10
3.1.3 Operating the Touch Screen..................................................................10
3.1.4 Entering text and numbers using Touch Control ...................................11
3.2 Operating principles: PC Control............................................................... 13
3.2.1 Starting and stopping the PC Control software .....................................13
3.2.2 Operating the PC Control software ........................................................13
3.3 User interface and controls ........................................................................ 14
3.3.1 User interface of the Touch Control and PC Control .............................14
3.3.2 Controls of the Touch Control and PC Control......................................15
3.3.3 Online help .............................................................................................17
3.4 Program structure ....................................................................................... 18
3.5 Login ............................................................................................................ 19
3.6 Main dialog and structure of the dialog windows..................................... 21
3.7 System settings........................................................................................... 23
3.7.1 Selecting the dialog language ...............................................................23
3.7.2 Setting the date, time and time zone .....................................................23
3.7.3 System-specific dialog options..............................................................24
3.7.4 Routine dialog: disabling functions........................................................25
3.7.5 User administration ................................................................................26
3.7.6 Creating an identification card ...............................................................29
3.7.7 Editing login options...............................................................................30
3.7.8 Audit trail.................................................................................................34
3.7.9 Measured value display .........................................................................36
3.7.10 Acoustic signals .....................................................................................37
3.8 Titrants......................................................................................................... 38
3.8.1 Configuring a titrant in a new intelligent exchange or dosing unit ........39
3.8.2 Configuring a titrant in a new non-intelligent exchange or dosing unit .40
3.8.3 Editing titrant data ..................................................................................40
3.8.4 Titer determination options and data .....................................................41
3.8.5 Exchange unit and dosing unit ..............................................................44
PC Control / Touch Control I
Contents
3.8.6 Tubing parameters and parameters for the preparation procedure .....45
3.8.7 Rotating direction of the valve disk (Dosing unit only) ..........................48
3.8.8 Monitoring the GLP test .........................................................................49
3.8.9 Monitoring the working life .....................................................................49
3.9 Sensors........................................................................................................ 50
3.9.1 Configuring a new intelligent sensor......................................................51
3.9.2 Configuring a new non-intelligent sensor ..............................................51
3.9.3 Editing sensor data ................................................................................52
3.9.4 Calibration data (for pH and ISE electrodes only).................................52
3.9.5 Monitoring the calibration interval (for pH and ISE electrodes only).....53
3.9.6 Calibration data limits (for pH and ISE electrodes only) .......................54
3.9.7 Monitoring the working life .....................................................................54
3.10 Device manager........................................................................................... 55
3.10.1 Configuring a new device ......................................................................56
3.10.2 Editing device data ................................................................................56
3.10.3 PC Control and Touch Control...............................................................56
3.10.4 Titrando ..................................................................................................57
3.10.5 USB Sample Processor and Robotic Titrosampler ...............................58
3.10.6 Dosing Interface .....................................................................................68
3.10.7 Printer (Touch Control only) ...................................................................68
3.10.8 Balance ..................................................................................................69
3.10.9 Bluetooth devices...................................................................................71
3.10.10 RS-232/USB Box / Serial ports ..............................................................72
3.10.11 847 USB Lab Link (Touch Control only) ................................................72
3.10.12 PC/LIMS module ....................................................................................73
3.10.13 Send messages as e-mails ...................................................................74
3.10.14 PC keyboard (Touch Control only) ........................................................75
3.10.15 Barcode reader ......................................................................................76
3.11 File manager................................................................................................ 77
3.11.1 Copying files...........................................................................................81
3.11.2 File properties ........................................................................................81
3.11.3 Renaming a file ......................................................................................82
3.11.4 Saving a file ............................................................................................ 82
3.11.5 Card 1 and Card 2 .................................................................................83
3.11.6 Backup and restore................................................................................84
3.12 GLP manager............................................................................................... 87
3.12.1 Automatic system test............................................................................87
3.12.2 Test tools................................................................................................88
3.12.3 GLP tests for measurement and titration...............................................89
3.12.4 System validation ...................................................................................90
3.12.5 Service interval .......................................................................................91
3.12.6 Backup interval.......................................................................................91
3.13 Common variables ...................................................................................... 92
3.13.1 Editing common variables .....................................................................92
3.13.2 Properties of common variables............................................................94
3.13.3 Monitoring the validity ............................................................................95
3.14 Templates .................................................................................................... 96
3.14.1 Sample identification list ........................................................................96
3.14.2 Sample assignment table ......................................................................97
3.14.3 Custom results templates ......................................................................99
3.14.4 Input lines .............................................................................................100
II PC Control / Touch Control
Contents
3.14.5 Output lines ......................................................................................... 101
3.14.6 Custom calibration buffers .................................................................. 103
3.14.7 Report header...................................................................................... 104
3.14.8 Custom electrode type........................................................................ 105
3.15 Loading methods ...................................................................................... 107
3.15.1 Loading a method ............................................................................... 107
3.15.2 Creating a new method....................................................................... 108
3.16 Editing parameters.................................................................................... 113
3.16.1 Editing commands .............................................................................. 113
3.16.2 Insert command .................................................................................. 115
3.16.3 Method options ................................................................................... 116
3.16.4 Statistics .............................................................................................. 118
3.16.5 Direct parameters................................................................................ 118
3.16.6 Sample data ........................................................................................ 119
3.16.7 Start and stop options......................................................................... 121
3.16.8 Note ..................................................................................................... 122
3.16.9 Properties ............................................................................................ 123
3.16.10 Saving the determination automat. and sending a PC/LIMS report... 123
3.16.11 Save method ....................................................................................... 125
3.17 Control ...................................................................................................... 126
3.17.1 Statistics .............................................................................................. 126
3.17.2 Sample data silo.................................................................................. 127
3.17.3 Autostart .............................................................................................. 128
3.18 Results and more determination data ..................................................... 129
3.18.1 More determination data ..................................................................... 130
3.18.2 Messages ............................................................................................ 132
3.18.3 Local common variables ..................................................................... 133
3.18.4 Determination properties..................................................................... 133
3.18.5 Save determination.............................................................................. 136
3.18.6 Load determination data ..................................................................... 136
3.18.7 Curves.................................................................................................. 139
3.18.8 Recalculation and re-evaluation.......................................................... 140
3.18.9 Export (PC Control only)...................................................................... 142
3.19 Sample data............................................................................................... 143
3.19.1 Sample data input in the main dialog ................................................. 143
3.19.2 Sample data request in the determination sequence ........................ 144
3.19.3 Sample data silo.................................................................................. 145
3.19.4 Export of sample data ......................................................................... 151
3.20 Determination sequence........................................................................... 152
3.20.1 Carrying out a single determination .................................................... 152
3.20.2 Processing a sample series ................................................................ 153
3.20.3 Stopping determinations manually ..................................................... 154
3.20.4 Live display.......................................................................................... 154
3.20.5 Main dialog "live".................................................................................. 157
3.20.6 Live parameters................................................................................... 158
3.21 Statistics .................................................................................................... 160
3.21.1 Statistical information about the result................................................ 161
3.21.2 Delete statistics data ........................................................................... 162
3.21.3 Adding a determination to a statistics series...................................... 162
3.22 Result silo.................................................................................................. 163
PC Control / Touch Control III
Contents
3.22.1 Properties of the result silo ..................................................................164
3.22.2 Saving and loading the result silo........................................................166
3.23 Print……..................................................................................................... 167
3.23.1 Sending or saving a PC/LIMS report ...................................................174
3.23.2 Printing PDF reports.............................................................................175
3.24 Manual control........................................................................................... 176
3.24.1 Measure................................................................................................178
3.24.2 Dosing ..................................................................................................179
3.24.3 Stir ........................................................................................................184
3.24.4 Manual titration.....................................................................................185
3.24.5 Remote .................................................................................................186
3.24.6 USB Sample Processor .......................................................................187
4 Parameters ....................................................... 193
4.1 Titrations.................................................................................................... 193
4.1.1 Dynamic equivalence point titrations (DET) and monotonic equivalence
point titrations (MET)............................................................................197
4.1.2 Endpoint titrations (SET) ......................................................................206
4.1.3 Karl Fischer titrations (KFT)..................................................................212
4.1.4 STAT titrations (STAT) ..........................................................................216
4.1.5 Control device, sensor, dosing device and stirrer...............................223
4.1.6 Direct parameters.................................................................................226
4.2 Measurements (MEAS) ............................................................................. 227
4.3 Measurements (MEAS Cond) ................................................................... 230
4.4 Evaluation .................................................................................................. 231
4.4.1 Evaluation of fixed endpoints (EVAL FIX EP).......................................232
4.4.2 Evaluation of pK value and half neutralization potential
(EVAL pK/HNP) ....................................................................................233
4.4.3 Evaluation of minimum and maximum (EVAL MIN/MAX)....................234
4.4.4 Evaluation of break points (EVAL BREAK) ..........................................235
4.4.5 Rate evaluation (EVAL RATE) ..............................................................236
4.5 Calculations............................................................................................... 238
4.5.1 CALC command ..................................................................................238
4.5.2 CALC LIVE command ..........................................................................242
4.5.3 The formula editor ................................................................................243
4.5.4 Creating custom result templates........................................................246
4.5.5 Loading result templates .....................................................................246
4.5.6 Conversion table of the calculating formula for KF titrations ..............248
4.5.7 Calculable variables .............................................................................248
4.5.8 Result variables as parameters ...........................................................253
4.6 Reports ...................................................................................................... 254
4.7 Calibrating pH electrodes (CAL pH) and ISE (CAL Conc) ..................... 257
4.8 Calibrating conductivity measuring cells (CAL Cond) ........................... 263
4.9 Electrode test for pH electrodes (ELT) .................................................... 265
4.10 Dosing and liquid handling ...................................................................... 270
4.10.1 Dosing (ADD) .......................................................................................270
4.10.2 Liquid handling (LQH).......................................................................... 270
4.10.3 Preparing (PREP) and emptying (EMPTY) ..........................................272
4.10.4 Monitored dosing (DOS)......................................................................273
4.11 Communication ......................................................................................... 278
IV PC Control / Touch Control
Contents
4.11.1 Scanning lines (SCAN)........................................................................ 278
4.11.2 Setting lines (CTRL)............................................................................. 278
4.11.3 Receive data (SCAN RS)..................................................................... 279
4.11.4 Send data (CONTROL RS).................................................................. 279
4.12 Automation ................................................................................................ 280
4.12.1 Move (MOVE) ...................................................................................... 280
4.12.2 Lift (LIFT).............................................................................................. 281
4.12.3 Pump (PUMP)...................................................................................... 281
4.12.4 Rack reset (RACK) .............................................................................. 282
4.12.5 Sample variable (SAMPLE) ................................................................. 282
4.12.6 Subsequence (SUBSEQ) .................................................................... 282
4.13 Various commands ................................................................................... 285
4.13.1 Stirring (STIR) ...................................................................................... 285
4.13.2 Waiting (WAIT) ..................................................................................... 285
4.13.3 Requesting sample data and common variables (REQUEST) .......... 286
4.13.4 Acoustic signal (BEEP)........................................................................ 286
4.13.5 Signature (SIGN) ................................................................................. 286
4.13.6 End (END) ........................................................................................... 286
5 Troubleshooting – Maintenance ...................... 287
5.1 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................ 287
5.1.1 Editing methods .................................................................................. 287
5.1.2 Sample series...................................................................................... 287
5.1.3 Results, calculations and statistics ..................................................... 288
5.1.4 SET titrations........................................................................................ 289
5.1.5 KF titrations.......................................................................................... 290
5.1.6 STAT titrations ..................................................................................... 291
5.1.7 Sensor data ......................................................................................... 292
5.1.8 Print...................................................................................................... 292
5.1.9 Manual Operation................................................................................ 293
5.1.10 USB Sample Processor....................................................................... 293
5.1.11 File manager........................................................................................ 294
5.1.12 Miscellaneous...................................................................................... 294
5.2 Diagnosis................................................................................................... 295
5.2.1 LCD test............................................................................................... 295
5.2.2 Temperature monitoring (Temperature control) ................................. 295
5.2.3 Formatting a memory card (Format card) .......................................... 296
5.2.4 PCMCIA specification (PCMCIA power selection).............................. 296
5.2.5 Service ................................................................................................. 296
5.2.6 Touch screen test................................................................................ 296
5.2.7 Software update .................................................................................. 297
5.2.8 822 Curve Simulator............................................................................ 301
5.2.9 Remove PCMCIA card 1/2 .................................................................. 302
5.3 Maintenance .............................................................................................. 303
5.3.1 Changing the batteries (Touch Control only)...................................... 303
5.3.2 RAM initialization (RAM Init, Touch Control only)................................ 304
6 Appendix ........................................................... 305
6.1 Technical data ........................................................................................... 305
6.1.1 Touch screen....................................................................................... 305
6.1.2 Interfaces ............................................................................................. 305
6.1.3 Power supply....................................................................................... 305
PC Control / Touch Control V
Contents
6.1.4 Safety specifications ............................................................................305
6.1.5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) ..................................................306
6.1.6 Ambient temperature ...........................................................................306
6.1.7 Dimensions ..........................................................................................306
6.2 Remote box................................................................................................ 307
6.2.1 Pin occupancy of the remote connection at the Remote box .............307
6.2.2 Functions of the individual remote lines ..............................................308
6.3 RS-232/USB Box........................................................................................ 309
6.3.1 RS-232 parameters ..............................................................................309
6.3.2 RS-232 pin occupancy.........................................................................310
6.4 Stored buffer series for CAL pH............................................................... 311
6.5 Liquid handling – schematic process ...................................................... 316
6.5.1 Port definitions of the dosing unit ........................................................316
6.5.2 Pipetting equipment.............................................................................316
6.5.3 Pipetting sequences ............................................................................317
6.6 Titration and measuring modes in the Titrando system......................... 320
6.7 Import of Titrino methods (PC Control only)........................................... 321
6.8 Arithmetic algorithms in the Titrando ...................................................... 324
6.9 Standard equipment.................................................................................. 326
6.9.1 840 Touch Control................................................................................326
6.9.2 PC Control software with Dongle (6.6050.400) ...................................326
6.9.3 PC Control software, demo version (6.6050.405) ...............................326
6.10 Additional devices and optional accessories ......................................... 327
6.10.1 Miscellaneous accessories..................................................................327
6.10.2 Communication....................................................................................327
6.11 Warranty and conformity .......................................................................... 329
6.11.1 Warranty ...............................................................................................329
6.11.2 Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................330
6.11.3 Declaration of Conformity ....................................................................331
6.11.4 Quality Management Principles ...........................................................332
7 Index ................................................................. 333
VI PC Control / Touch Control
Contents
List of illustrations
Fig. 1.1: The Titrando system ...................................................................................................1
Fig. 2.1: Front view of the Touch Control.................................................................................. 6
Fig. 2.2: Rear view of the Touch Control .................................................................................. 7
Fig. 3.1: Different ways of navigation on the Touch Screen................................................... 10
Fig. 3.2: Touch Control user interface .................................................................................... 14
Fig. 3.3: PC Control user interface.......................................................................................... 14
Fig. 3.4: Online help, PC Control ............................................................................................ 17
Fig. 3.5: Program structure .....................................................................................................18
Fig. 3.6: Audit Trail .................................................................................................................. 35
Fig. 3.7: Dosing unit port occupancy and tubing connections .............................................. 45
Fig. 3.8: Exchange unit tubing connections ........................................................................... 46
Fig. 3.9: Data memory arrangement....................................................................................... 77
Fig. 3.10: PC Control: Folder structure for Card 1and Card 2 ............................................... 79
Fig. 3.11: Data transfer Backup/Restore ................................................................................ 84
Fig. 4.1: Reagent addition for DET ....................................................................................... 193
Fig. 4.2: Reagent addition for MET....................................................................................... 194
Fig. 4.3: Reagent addition for SET........................................................................................ 194
Fig. 4.4: Reagent addition for KFT........................................................................................ 195
Fig. 4.5: Reagent addition for STAT...................................................................................... 196
Fig. 4.6: Equivalence point recognition and numbering in windows ................................... 202
Fig. 4.7: Tubbs method for determining the equivalence point ........................................... 203
Fig. 4.8: Reagent addition during endpoint titrations with SET............................................ 207
Fig. 4.9: Control range size................................................................................................... 208
Fig. 4.10: Reagent addition and control range for STAT...................................................... 217
Fig. 4.11: Action "Exit method" or "Skip command".............................................................. 220
Fig. 4.12: Action "Hold" ......................................................................................................... 220
Fig. 4.13: Action "Wait" .......................................................................................................... 221
Fig. 4.14: Setting the stirring rate and speed ....................................................................... 225
Fig. 4.15: Determining the pK value from the titration curve ................................................ 233
Fig. 4.16: Evaluation of minimum and maximum ................................................................. 234
Fig. 4.17: Evaluating a breakpoint ........................................................................................ 236
Fig. 4.18: Definition of volume and dosing rate.................................................................... 273
Fig. 4.19: Definition of volume and dosing time................................................................... 274
Fig. 4.20: Definition of dosing rate and dosing time ............................................................ 274
Fig. 5.1: Changing the batteries for Touch Control .............................................................. 303
Fig. 6.1: View of the connections of the optional 6.2148.010 Remote box.......................... 307
Fig. 6.2: Pin occupancy at remote interface......................................................................... 307
Fig. 6.3: View of the connections of the optional RS-232/USB Box..................................... 309
Fig. 6.4: View of the RS-232 connections on the RS-232/USB Box..................................... 310
Fig. 6.5: Port occupancy of the Dosing unit ......................................................................... 316
PC Control / Touch Control VII
Contents
VIII PC Control / Touch Control
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
This manual gives you a comprehensive overview of the functions of the
Touch Control and the PC Control software for operating the Titrando
system. The Titrando system can either be operated with the Touch
Control with touch-sensitive screen as a stand-alone-system or with
the PC software PC Control. In this case the varied possibilities of a
computer can be utilized.
Figure 1.1 shows the versatility of the Titrando system. On the left a
Touch Control for operating a Titrando with external dosing devices is
shown. To the right you can see an automation system consisting of
USB Sample Processor, Titrando with internal dosing drive and Dosimat controlled by the PC Control software.
Fig. 1.1: The Titrando system
PC Control / Touch Control 1
1.1 Instrument description
1.1 Instrument description
There are two different ways of operating the Titrando system: with
Touch Control the operation is via a touch-sensitive screen. A computer with installed PC Control software is a version with several additional features which directly utilize the communications and storage facilities of a PC. The import of Titrino methods is only possible with the
PC Control software. Both programs have a context-sensitive online
help function.
The appearance and operation of the two versions are almost identical;
this means that if you work with Touch Control then you can also use
the PC Control software without any problems and vice-versa. Methods,
determinations, sample data silos, result silos and backups are 100 %
compatible.
This manual describes the operation of the Titrando system with both
the PC Control software and Touch Control. If the description applies to
only one of these versions then this is indicated in the text.
Further documents can be found on the installation CD of PC Control.
Visit the web page http://products.metrohm.com
always find the most recent documents ready for download as PDF
files.
as well. There you will
2 PC Control / Touch Control
1 Introduction
1.2 About the documentation
Attention!
Please read through this documentation carefully before putting the
instrument into operation. The documentation contains information
and warnings which have to be followed by the user in order to ensure
safe operation of the instrument.
1.2.1 Symbols and conventions
The following symbols and styles are used in this documentation:
9
User
[Next]
Numbers of the parts and controls
see illustrations in Section 2.2.
Instructions
carry out the instructions step by step.
Parameters, input values
Parameters and values for parameters, dialog title.
Menu, menu item
in the PC Control software.
Button
on the user interface.
Fixed key
on the Touch Control.
<Ctrl>
Key
on the computer keyboard.
Danger/Warning
This symbol indicates a possible risk of injury to the user and possible damage to the
instrument or its components.
Attention
This symbol indicates important information
that you should read before continuing.
Information
This symbol indicates additional information
and tips that may be particularly useful.
PC Control / Touch Control 3
1.2 About the documentation
4 PC Control / Touch Control
2 Installation
2 Installation
Connecting the Touch Control to the Titrando is described in the
manual for the Titrando as well as the setup of the titration system with
peripheral devices such as stirrers and dosing devices.
2.1 Setting up the Touch Control
2.1.1 Packaging
The Touch Control and its specially packed accessories are supplied in
very protective special packaging. Please store this packaging in a safe
place; it is the only way in which the safe transport of the instrument can
be guaranteed.
2.1.2 Checks
Immediately after receipt, check whether the shipment has arrived
complete and without damage by comparing it with the delivery note.
2.1.3 Location
The Touch Control has been designed for internal laboratory use and
should not be used in explosion-endangered locations.
Place the instrument on a suitable vibration-free laboratory bench,
protected as much as possible from corrosive atmospheres and
contact with chemicals.
Choose a location where the temperature is usually between +5 °C and
+40 °C. The instrument should be protected against excessive
variations in temperature and direct sunlight.
PC Control / Touch Control 5
2.2 Touch Control parts and controls
2.2 Touch Control parts and controls
1 Protective cover for card slots
Accommodates two PCMCIA or
CompactFlash memory cards.
2 “ON” LED
Lights up when instrument is switched
on.
3 Touch Screen display
4 Fixed key [Home]
Changes to main dialog.
5 Fixed key [Back]
Changes to previous dialog.
Fig. 2.1: Front view of the Touch Control
6 Fixed key [START]
Starts the current method.
7 Fixed key [STOP]
Stops the run.
8 Fixed key [Manual]
Opens the dialog for manual operation
of the titration system.
9 Fixed key [Print]
Opens the print dialog for manual
printout of a report.
10 Fixed key [Help]
Opens the context-sensitive help.
6 PC Control / Touch Control
2 Installation
Fig. 2.2: Rear view of the Touch Control
1 Protective cover for card slots
Must be closed during operation to
protect the electronics from splashes.
11 On/Off switch
Touch Control must be shut down
properly by switching it off before the
current supply is interrupted.
12 Card slot 2
Accommodates one PCMCIA or
CompactFlash memory card.
13 Card slot 1
Accommodates one PCMCIA or
CompactFlash memory card.
Contrast controller for display
14
15 Connection cable
for connecting the Touch Control to the
Titrando ("Controller" connection).
16 Type plate
With device number and serial number
PC Control / Touch Control 7
2.2 Touch Control parts and controls
8 PC Control / Touch Control
3 Operation
3 Operation
The most important points concerning the operation of the Touch
Control and PC Control are described in this section. As the
appearance of the operator interface and the functions are almost
identical, only the PC Control operator interface is shown. If individual
functions are only available in Touch Control or in the PC Control
software then this is indicated accordingly in the text.
The arrangement of the program and the operating concept are
identical for Touch Control and the PC Control software. In Touch
Control operation is carried out via a touch-sensitive screen (Touch
Screen), in PC Control the software is operated by using a mouse and
the PC keyboard. This results in several system-specific operating
possibilities.
3.1 Operating principles: Touch Control
3.1.1 Switching Touch Control on and off
A Touch Control which is properly connected to a Titrando is switched
on and off with ON/OFF switch 11 on the rear panel of the instrument.
Attention!
The Touch Control must be shut down properly by switching it off
with the ON/OFF switch on the rear panel of the instrument before the
current supply is interrupted. Otherwise there is the risk that data may
be lost. As power is provided to the Touch Control via the Titrando,
the Titrando must never be separated from the mains supply (e. g. by
switching it off via a multiple outlet strip) before the Touch Control has
been switched off. When the Touch Control is switched on all the
other peripheral devices (e. g. printer) must already be switched on.
We recommend the following procedure:
Connect all the instruments (Titrando and peripheral devices) to the
mains supply via a multiple outlet strip with mains switch.
When switching on first switch on the multiple outlet strip with the
Touch Control switched off. Then switch on the Touch Control.
When switching off proceed in the reverse order. First switch off
the Touch Control. Then switch off all the peripheral devices via the
multiple outlet strip switch.
PC Control / Touch Control 9
3.1 Operating principles: Touch Control
3.1.2 Setting the display contrast of the Touch Control
Knob 14 for setting the contrast of the Touch screen is located on the
rear panel of the instrument. Move it in one direction and hold it tight
when it reaches the stop in order to increase or reduce the contrast.
Use the fixed key [Help] in the main dialog to open the online help.
Set the contrast so that the scroll bar surface is light gray and the
margins to the left and below are dark gray (see Section
3.3.2).
3.1.3 Operating the Touch Screen
The whole screen surface is touch-sensitive. Just touch some of the
buttons on the screen to see how to operate the Touch screen. You can
always return to the main dialog by touching [Home].
In order to activate an element on the Touch Control user interface just
touch the screen with your fingertip, finger nail, the eraser of a pencil or
a stylus (special tool for operating Touch screens); see below:
Fig. 3.1: Different ways of navigation on the Touch Screen
10 PC Control / Touch Control
Attention!
Never touch the Touch screen with a pointed or sharp object such as
a ballpoint pen.
If you use the standard settings then touching an active operating
element creates a sound.
3 Operation
3.1.4 Entering text and numbers using Touch Control
Just touch an input field, e. g. User in the main dialog, to open the
Text editor.
In the text editor the name of the parameter is shown in front of the
input field.
Touch the required character. Apart from the capital letters which
first appear, there are also sets of characters with lower case letters,
numbers and mathematical signs as well as three blocks of special
characters. You can switch to the required set of characters with the
[a...z], [0...9] and [Special characters] buttons and
between the blocks of special characters with [More]. The
backspace button [⌫] deletes the character in front of the cursor.
[Delete entry] deletes the whole text. With the arrow buttons the
cursor can be positioned in the text.
Accept your entry with [OK] or [Back], or reject it with [Cancel].
In input fields for numerical values the number editor will open. The
required value is entered directly via the indicated keys. A stop is
automatically used as the decimal separator.
For example, touch the input field for the Stop volume in a titration
command.
PC Control / Touch Control 11
3.1 Operating principles: Touch Control
To the left of the block of numbers you can see the input range
together with its default value. If not only numbers but also special
values (e. g. off) can be entered for a parameter then the
corresponding buttons will be shown to the right of the block of
numbers. For many method parameters it is also possible to enter a
result which has previously been defined in the method sequence as a
value. The result variable can be selected under [R1] (see
Section 4.5.1).
Touch the required number or special value. The whole entry can be
deleted with [Delete entry].
Accept your entry with [OK] or [Back], or reject it with [Cancel].
To make the entry of texts and numbers easier you can also connect an
external PC keyboard with a USB connection to a Titrando system with
Touch Control (see Section
3.10.14).
12 PC Control / Touch Control
3 Operation
3.2 Operating principles: PC Control
3.2.1 Starting and stopping the PC Control software
A double-click on the PC Control icon, which is automatically copied
onto the Windows desktop during installation, starts the program.
Alternatively you can start the program in the menu
Start/Program Files/Metrohm/PC Control or execute the file
PcControl.exe under C:\Program Files\Metrohm\PC Control\bin
(installation with the default path) with a double-click. After the program
start the main dialog window opens (see Section
The program can be closed by either clicking on [×] (close) in the top
right-hand corner of the program window or by clicking on the menu
item Exit in the File menu. When the PC Control software is started
the program window cannot be closed.
3.2.2 Operating the PC Control software
The PC Control program is operated within the main dialog window in
exactly the same way as Touch Control. All the elements of this
program window as well as the fixed keys can be activated or selected
with a mouse-click.
3.3).
PC Control also has a menu bar via which the specific PC Control
functions can be selected.
In addition, the controls of the main dialog display can be accessed
and operated via the PC keyboard. A cursor is provided; this can be
moved from one item to the next by using the tab key. An item selected
in this way is activated by the space bar. Input fields can be edited
directly.
PC Control / Touch Control 13
3.3 User interface and controls
3.3 User interface and controls
3.3.1 User interface of the Touch Control and PC Control
In both cases the user interface consists of the dialog window itself
and the fixed keys.
Fig. 3.2: Touch Control user interface
Fig. 3.3: PC Control user interface
The PC Control program has an additional menu bar.
14 PC Control / Touch Control
3 Operation
3.3.2 Controls of the Touch Control and PC Control
Both the Touch Control and the PC Control software systems have
changing controls within the dialog window and fixed keys outside the
dialog window which are accessible at all times. The following table lists
the functions of all the controls:
Fixed keys
Touch Control PC Control Fixed key function
Opens the context-sensitive online help
function (see Section
Opens the print dialog for the manual
printout of the reports (see Section
3.3.3).
3.23).
Opens the dialog for the manual operation of
the titration system (see Section
the PC Control a separate dialog window is
3.24). With
opened.
Stops the determination sequence. The
command which is currently being
processed will be stopped immediately and
the results page will be shown (see
Section
3.20.3). The following commands
(e. g. calculations, REPORT commands) will
not be carried out.
Starts the current method; this will then be
processed (see Section
3.20).
Switches to main dialog.
Switches to previous dialog.
Note!
The settings made in a dialog window with PC Control will only be
stored when the dialog is exited with [Back] or [Home].
PC Control / Touch Control 15
3.3 User interface and controls
Dialog elements
Touch Control PC Control Fixed key function
Active buttons are indicated by a frame.
Inactive buttons are shown in gray.
Tip or click on a checkbox to activate it.
Use the scroll bar in order to navigate
quickly through lists or longer text displays.
To move up and down in the list push the
scroll bar up and down with your finger or
with the left-hand mouse key pressed down.
The selection list can be recognized by the
arrow to the right of the text. In an open list
the element currently selected is shown with
a background bar. Select the required
element in the list with the finger or mouse.
This entry will then be transferred directly to
the input field.
If the input field and arrow are separated by
a line then this means that you can also
make your own entries. In the Touch Control
you can open the text editor by touching the
input field. In PC Control you can click
directly on the input field and enter
text/numbers. The selection list is opened
with the arrow.
In the list the selected line is indicated by a
light blue bar. You should first mark the line
to be selected and then activate the button
for the function you want to apply to the
selected element.
16 PC Control / Touch Control
3 Operation
3.3.3 Online help
This manual is chiefly intended to describe the procedure for
configuring the system, carrying out a determination and evaluating and
storing the data. For further details about the individual parameters,
e. g. input ranges, you should use the context-sensitive online help,
which will rapidly provide you with the information you require at any
point.
In Touch Control you can open the online help with the [Help] fixed
key. In the PC Control software the online help is opened with the
<F1> key on the computer keyboard or started by clicking on the
menu item Show help in the Help menu. If you also activate the item
Follow-me help in this menu then the help window will be updated
each time that the dialog is changed.
Fig. 3.4: Online help, PC Control
The following markings apply to the online help for Touch Control and
PC Control:
Blue text Parameters and buttons which are explained.
Violet text Input values for the parameters.
[Value] Default value for a parameter.
PC Control / Touch Control 17
3.4 Program structure
3.4 Program structure
The program structure is arranged so that the most important functions
can be accessed with only a few clicks or touches on the buttons.
Functions which are not often used in routine operation, such as
changing the system settings or editing individual parameters in a
method, can be found in lower dialog levels. In order to provide an
overview of the structure of the program we have summarized the most
important functions in the following diagram:
Main dialog
Fixed keys
├ System settings
├ Titrants
├ Sensors
├ Device manager
├ File manager
├ GLP manager
├ Common variables
├ Templates
└ Diagnosis
├ New method
├ Internal memory
├ Card 1
└ Card 2
├ Statistics
├ Sample data silo
├ Autostart
├ Sample number
└ Logout
├ Save method
├ Method options
├ Insert command
├ Delete command
└ Edit command
├ Result silo
├ Statistics
├ Recalculate
├ Curve
└ More data
├ Measure
├ Dosing
├ Stir
├ Manual titration
├ Remote
└ Sample Processor
├
Date and time
├ Language
├ User administration
└ Dialog options
├
Statistics
├ Save automatically
├ Send PC/LIMS report
├ Method note
├ Start/Stop options
└ Sample data
├
Load / Save
└ Properties
Fig. 3.5: Program structure
18 PC Control / Touch Control
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