«IC Net 2.3» is the name of the data acquisition and control
software for PC-controlled ion chromatographic systems consisting of Metrohm and Bischoff instruments. The current version is a
true 32-bit application. It was designed specially to operate under Windows 2000, Windows XP ans Windows Vista and uses all
its benefits.
The «IC Net 2.3» program can be used to create systems for recording and evaluating chromatograms. Time programs can also
be created in which a large number of instrument functions can
be triggered for each program step. It is also possible to use programmable signals to control external instruments.
The operating software meets all the requirements you could
place today on a modern integration software: single or multipoint calibration, internal or external standard, selectable algorithms for non-linear calibration, various integration modes with integration parameters and integration events, different methods for
peak recognition, peak editor, free scaling, superimposing several chromatograms, use of sample tables and batch reprocessing; a powerful and GLP-conform report generator with output interfaces for monitor, printer and external databases.
The «IC Net 2.3» software can be configured and used in order
to comply with the Electronic Records and Signatures Rule,
known as 21 CFR Part 11, established by the U.S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA). For this purpose, the program contains password protection, user administration, electronic signatures, audit trail and administration of methods and results in databases. To use the 21 CFR Part 11 features of «IC Net 2.3» the
operating system Windows 2000 or Windows XP with NTFS file
system is required.
IC Net 2.3
1
1 Introduction
1.2 What’s new in «IC Net 2.3 SR5»?
New Operating system
With Service Release 5 operation of IC Net 2.3 under Windows
Vista is possible.
IC Net 2.3 SR5 operating under Windows Vista does not comply to 21 CFR Part 11!
Autodatabase cannot be used with Windows Vista.
2
IC Net 2.3
1.3 Information about the software manual
1.3 Information about the software manual
This 8.102.0001Software Manual provides a comprehensive
overview of the operation of the «IC Net» program. The manual is
organized as follows:
Section 1 Introduction
Installation
Section 2 Fundamentals of the operation
Program elements and features
Section 3 Software settings
Fonts, security system, global settings
Section 4 Systems
Creation of new systems, interfaces and devices,
determinations
Section 5 Interfaces
Installation, control and parameter settings of interfaces
Section 6 Devices
Installation, control and parameter settings of devices
Software license, declaration of conformity, ordering
designations, index
To find the required information, you will find it an advantage to
use either the Table of contents or the Index at the back.
This Software Manual describes only the installation and operation of Metrohm instruments. For details concerning the Bischoff instruments, please refer to the on-line help in the program
and to the Bischoff instruction manuals.
IC Net 2.3
Additional publications about ion chromatographic analyses are
available on request free of charge from your Metrohm agency.
The 8.792.5003 Metrohm Monograph «Practical Ion Chroma-tography» provides an introduction to the theoretical fundamen-
tals and general information on separating columns and sample
pretreatment.
3
1 Introduction
The 8.732.2013 IC Applications Collection contains all the
Application Notes on the subject of ion chromatography and
can be updated at any time by downloading the latest applications from the Internet under «www.metrohm.com». Last, but not
least, you will find detailed information on the separating columns
available from Metrohm and on special IC applications in the relevant "Application Bulletins".
1.4 Notation and pictograms
The following notations are used in this software manual:
Range
SYSTEM STATE
<OK>
[ Ctrl ] Key
Menu item, parameter or entry value
Program window
Button
Danger/Warning
This symbol indicates a possible risk of death
or injury to the user and possible damage to
the instrument or its components by
electricity.
Danger/Warning
This symbol indicates a possible risk of death
or injury to the user and possible damage to
the instrument or its components.
Caution
This symbol marks important information.
First read the associated directions before
you continue.
4
Comment
This symbol marks additional information and
tips.
IC Net 2.3
1.5 Installation
1.5 Installation
1.5.1 Hardware requirements for the PC
Computer Pentium III with 450 MHz or higher
Operating system Windows® 2000, Windows® XP und
Windows® Vista
Free space on hard disk 15 MB for program files
50 MB recommended for data files
Working memory RAM 128 MB for Windows® 2000
256 MB for Windows® XP
1024 MB for Windows® Vista
Graphics resolution 800×600, better 1024×768 or more
Printer Any printer supported by the operat-
ing system
1.5.2 Software Installation
To use the 21 CFR Part 11 features of «ICNet 2.3» the operating
system Windows 2000 or Windows XP with NTFS file system is
required.
If you want to update from IC Net 2.2 to IC Net 2.3, proceed as
described in section 1.5.3.
Insert installation CD into CD drive. Select <Start> and Run. Find
the file
setup.exe on the CD and click on <OK>. Click on IC Net in
the selection menu and follow the setup program instructions.
IC Net 2.3
5
1 Introduction
To change from an IC Net installation (without 21 CFR part 11
features) to an IC Net Compliant (with 21 CFR part 11 features)
installation (and back) you have to remove the previous installation! Pay attention to the corresponding dialog in the setup program.
The two software packages «IC Net 2.3» and «Autodatabase
1.0» will be installed in the desired directory. Icons are created in
the program folder, in the startup folder, and on the desktop.
Under Windows Vista IC Net will be installed without 21 CFR
part 11 features and without Autodatabase.
In addition to the program files of the «IC Net» program, the following folders are installed:
Accounts Folder for user data, access is closed.
Data Folder for storage of chromatogram files (*.chw)
and batch reprocessing files (
*.bar) with several
examples.
6
Devices Folder for storage of device files.(*.dev).
Flog Folder for Audit Trail files, access is closed.
Log Folder for storage of exception files (*.exc), His-
tory files (
Methods Folder for storage of data acquisition method
*.hst) und Log files (*.log).
files (*.mtw) and sample queue files (*.que) with
several examples.
IC Net 2.3
1.5 Installation
Reports Folder for storage of report files (*) and graphic
files (*.wmf).
Services Folder for user administration.
Systems Folder for storage of system files (*.smt).
For Windows Vista a special update is required to display the
online help of IC Net.
For licensing reasons you have to download the update file from
the Microsoft web page. On the installation CD in the folder
"Vista Update for HLP help" you find the link "Download WinHelp.url" to the corresponding Microsoft web page.
Download the file you need and save it.
Proceed as follows to install the update:
1. Shut down IC Net, if it is running.
2. Execute the update file (with double-click) and follow the instructions given in the setup program.
1.5.3 Software update
For software update from IC Net 2.2 to IC Net 2.3, proceed as follows:
1. Switch on PC and start operating system.
2. If you want to save chromatograms, methods and system files
created by IC Net 2.2, backup the folders
Systems in another directory on the hard disk.
3. If you want to save data created by Autodatabase 1.0, backup
the folders
other directory on the hard disk.
4. Deinstall the IC Net 2.2 software by selecting
/ Control panel
Metrohm IC Net 2.2 in the list and clicking on <Add/remove>. All
program files and icons should be removed.
Data, Methods, and
Filters, Report templates, and User database in an-
<Start> / Settings
, double-clicking the Software icon, selecting
IC Net 2.3
5. Delete the folder IC Net 2.2 in the program folder.
6. Install the IC Net 2.3 software (see section 1.5.2).
7. Copy the IC Net 2.2 backup files of the folders Data, Methods,
and Systems into the folders ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data, ..\IC Net
2.3\IC Net\Methods
, and ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Systems.
7
1 Introduction
8. Copy the Autodatabase backup files of the folders Filters, Re-
port templates
2.3\Autodatabase\Filters
plates
, and ..\IC Net 2.3\Autodatabase\User database.
, and User database into the folders ..\IC Net
, ..\IC Net 2.3\Autodatabase\Report tem-
The folder ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data is protected against unauthorized access and manipulation, if the 21 CFR Part 11 compliance is enabled. To copy the chromatograms from the backup
Data folder into the ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data folder start IC Net 2.3
and open the Chromatogram open window (see section 8.2.1),
select the backup Data folder, mark the chromatograms and
copy them into the ..\IC Net 2.3\IC Net\Data folder.
If you replace IC Net 2.3 with a newer service release, the IN-
STALLSHIELD WIZARD
and click
Next>. The new version is installed over the old one.
window appears. Choose the option Repair
1.5.4 Software deinstallation
Select <Start> / Settings / Control panel. Double-click the Software
icon. Select Metrohm IC Net 2.3 in the list and click on
<Add/remove>. All program files and icons should be removed.
1.5.5 Demo version
If the «IC Net Software 2.3» is installed on a PC without installation of IC system components, this software can be used as a
demo version which is restricted to the display and recalculation of already recorded chromatograms.
1.5.6 Registration
Please send us your 8.110.8207 Registration card as soon as
possible. Only registered users will get updated program versions
at a special price.
8
IC Net 2.3
2.1 Starting/closing the program
2 Fundamentals of the operation
2.1 Starting/closing the program
2.1.1 Start the «IC Net» program
Start the program
Double-click this icon or the ICNet.exe file to start the «IC Net 2.3»
program. The
IC Net login window appears:
Enter your User name and your Password and click on
After software installation at the first start of the software, the
User
window opens (see section 3.2.1)and a user with Adminis-
trator
access level is created. It is recommended to create users as a first action after the installation. For the definition of users, see section 3.2.
2.1.2 Close the «IC Net» program
IC NET / File / Exit (Alt+F4)
Exit the «IC Net 2.3» program.
The program is also quit by clicking on in the upper right part
of the main window.
<Log In>.
Add
IC Net 2.3
9
2 Fundamentals of the operation
2.2 Glossary
Batch reprocessing
Batch reprocessing is understood to be the subsequent reprocessing of a series of chromatograms which have been loaded in
a batch reprocessing queue. During reprocessing with a selected
method the settings for calibration, integration, passport, appearance and report can be altered at will (for details, see section 10).
Calibration
Calibration is used to describe the method of determining the relationship between the peak height or peak area found for one
component and its concentration in the sample. The result of the
calibration is a calibration function (calibration curve), which
shows the relationship between the amount of sample and the
evaluated quantity.
The determination of the calibration function with reference solutions can be carried out as a one-point or as a multiple-point calibration. The calibration method which is mainly used in ion
chromatography is the external standard calibration (absolute
calibration); calibration with an internal standard (relative calibration) or tabulated calibration are also possible (for details,
see section 7.5).
Chromatogram
A chromatogram is a graphic plot of the elution curve (signal vs.
time) recorded following a chromatographic separation on a
separating column.
Chromatograms are stored as chromatogram files (*.chw) in the
Data directory. As well as the measuring data the chromatogram
files also contain the method parameters and system settings
which have been used for data recording, data processing and
remote control (for details, see section 8).
Determination
In order to carry out a determination a suitable system must be
selected for the separating problem. The result of the determination is a chromatogram, in which the measuring data and results
of the determination are stored (for details, see section 8).
Device
The «IC Net» program supports remote control for Metrohm and
Bischoff instruments. Each instrument within a system is a de-vice. Devices are stored as device files (*.dev) in the Devices directory. All Metrohm devices start with Me*.dev and all Bischoff
devices start with Bi*.dev (for details, see section 6).
10
Integration
Integration is to be understood as being the method for determining the peak area and peak height with the aid of approximate
baselines. The integration algorithm included in the program is in-
IC Net 2.3
2.2 Glossary
fluenced by the integration parameters and the optionally programmable integration events which are defined in the method.
In addition, the integration can be manually corrected later with
the aid of the peak editor (see section 8.4), for details see sec-tion 7.
Interface
The «IC Net» program supports remote control for interfaces
available from Metrohm and Bischoff. Interfaces generally convert
analog signals to digital form, which can be handled by the computer. Interfaces are stored as device files (*.dev) in the Devices directory. All Metrohm interfaces and Metrohm devices start
with Me*.dev; all Bischoffinterfaces and Bischoff devices start
with Bi*.dev (for details, see section 5).
Method
A method contains all information necessary for data acquisition, integration, peak evaluation and quantification. It can
be considered as the chromatogram template, i.e. chromatogram
without raw data. Methods are stored as method files (*.mtw) in
the Methods directory.
Each system is linked to a method. This method is called proc-essing method and is opened automatically at the start of a new
determination (for details, see section 7).
Sample queue
A sample queue is used for the automated processing of series
of samples, particularly in combination with a sample changer (for
details, see section 9).
System
The combination of Metrohm and Bischoff devices connected to
an interface is called a system. The system includes all the settings of the devices, their time program, the data acquisition parameters and the processing method which have been optimized
for the specific separating column and the determination to be
carried out with it. A system is used to start single determinations
or determinations with the help of a sample queue.
Systems are stored as system files (
tory (for details, see section 4).
Workplace
The workplace contains all interfaces and systems connected to
the PC COM. The icons of all these active interfaces and systems
are shown on the toolbar. They can also be displayed in the
place
window opened by selecting the Options / Devices setup
menu item.
*.smt) in the Systems direc-
Work-
IC Net 2.3
11
2 Fundamentals of the operation
2.3 Overview of program windows
«IC Net 2.3» consists of different windows whose functionality is
linked together. The different windows are:
IC NET Main program window with menus for file
administration, printing, method modification, options, login and user rights, window
handling.
CHROMATOGRAM Chromatogram window for graphic plot of
running or recorded chromatograms.
SYSTEM System window for control of interfaces and
devices.
SYSTEM STATE System state window for status messages.
WATCH WINDOW Watch window for live display of instrument
values.
QUEUE EDITOR Queue editor window for edition of sample
2.4 Main window elements
The elements of the IC NET main window are the menu bar, the
toolbar and the status bar, indicating prompts and logged-in user.
Menu bar
Toolbar
queue tables and batch reprocessing tables.
12
Status bar
Logged-in userPrompts, information
IC Net 2.3
2.5 Icons of the main window
2.5 Icons of the main window
The following icons are displayed in the IC NET main window:
Open chromatogram
Save chromatogram
Open last batch reprocessing file
Make report
Print preview
Send chromatograms to Autodatabase
Print chromatogram
Passport
Method setup
Integration
Components
Cascade all opened chromatogram windows
Vertical tiling of open chromatogram windows
Horizontal tiling of open chromatogram windows
Appearance
Enable/disable peak editor mode. If the Peak editor
mode is enabled, the peak editor icons appear.
View all
Help
Lock system
IC Net 2.3
762 IC Interface
762 IC Interface
771 Compact Interface
Connected system
Global timer
13
2 Fundamentals of the operation
2.6 Overview of file types
The following file types are produced by the «IC Net» software:
*.adb Autodatabase file
Contains chromatogram and method data of all determinations.
*.bar Batch reprocessing file (binary file)
Contains batch reprocessing data. The *.bar file is
stored automatically in the Data folder.
*.cal Calibration file (binary file)
Contains calibration data, which can be exported with
Net / Method / Calibration / Export calibration
The *.cal file is stored automatically in the Methods
folder.
*.chw Chromatogram file (binary file)
Contains chromatogram, system and method data of a
determination.
The *.chw file is stored automatically in the Data folder.
IC
.
*.exc Exception file (ASCII file)
Contains exceptions from normal running and error
messages.
The *.exc file is stored automatically in one of the day
subfolders of the Log folder.
*.hst History file (ASCII file)
Contains history of commands and program actions.
*.hst file is stored automatically in one of the day
The
subfolders of the
*.log Log file (ASCII file)
Log folder.
Contains log file of data communication between PC
and instruments.
The *.log file is stored automatically in one of the day
subfolders of the Log folder.
*.mtw Method file (binary file)
Contains the data acquisition method, which can be
linked to a system.
*.mtw file is stored automatically in the Methods
The
folder.
14
*.que Sample queue file (binary file)
Contains a sample data table.
The
*.que file is stored automatically in the Systems
folder.
IC Net 2.3
2.7 Context-sensitive menus
*.rtt Report file (ASCII file)
Contains a report template.
The *.rtt file is stored in the program folder.
*.smt System file (ASCII file)
Contains the system settings.
The *.smt file is stored automatically in the Systems
folder.
*.dev Device file (ASCII file)
Contains drivers for devices.
The *.dev file is stored in the Devices folder.
2.7 Context-sensitive menus
Some 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.
2.8 Keyboard and mouse functions
The mouse can be used to carry out the normal program operat-
ing functions such as the selection of menu items and fields. It
can additionally be used for magnifying a section of a chromatogram (zooming). To zoom a portion of the plot it is necessary
to place the mouse cursor to the upper left corner of the square
to zoom, press the left mouse button and drag the cursor to the
lower right corner of the rectangle. After releasing of the left
mouse button the selected region will be zoomed full-screen. If
the cursor is active in the peak editor mode then it can be moved
by pressing down the right-hand mouse key.
The keyboard can also be used to scale a chromatogram in the
window, as described below.
Keyboard quick reference
Cursor is inactive:
[ up ] Increases sensitivity on the Y axis.
[ down ] Reduces sensitivity on the Y axis.
[ right ] Expands a chromatogram on the X axis.
IC Net 2.3
[ left ] Shrinks a chromatogram on the X axis.
[ Ctrl ] + [ Home ] Autoscale procedure on the X axis (shows
all on X).
[ Ctrl ] + [ End ] Autoscale procedure on the Y axis (shows
all on Y).
[ PageUp ] Shifts a chromatogram on 1/10 part of a
screen upwards.
15
2 Fundamentals of the operation
[ PageDown ] Shifts a chromatogram on 1/10 part of a
[ Shift ] + [ up ] Increases a distance between channels of a
[ Shift ] + [ down ] Reduces a distance between channels of a
[ 0 (Zero) ] Adjusts a zero on the last point of a chro-
Only part of the chromatogram is on screen:
[ Ctrl ] + [ right ] Moves one window right (without change of
[ Ctrl ] + [ left ] Moves one window left (without change of
[ Home ] Shows the beginning of a chromatogram
[ End ] Shows the end of a chromatogram (without
screen downwards.
chromatogram.
chromatogram.
matogram (running chromatogram) or its
lowest level (finished run).
scale on X and Y axes).
scale on X and Y axes).
(without change of scale on X and Y).
change of scale on X and Y).
2.9 Help
[ 0 (Zero) ] Adjusts a zero on the lowest level in the
window.
Cursor is active:
[ 0 (Zero) ] Adjust a zero in site of the cursor.
[ right ] Moves cursor left to right.
[ Shift ] + [ right ] Quickly moves cursor left to right.
[ left ] Moves cursor to the left.
[ Shift ] + [ left ] Quickly moves cursor to the left.
[ Home ] Moves cursor to beginning of a window.
[ End ] Moves the cursor to end of a window.
[ Shift ] + [ End ] Sets the beginning of a window in site of
the cursor.
[ Shift ] + [ Home ] Sets the end of a window in site of the cur-
sor.
By clicking on , by clicking on , by selecting the
Help / Contents menu item, or by pressing the [ F1 ] key you can
get on-line help on the current topic anywhere in the program.
16
Green textscan be clicked to jump to a different Help
topic.
Violet textsidentify the dialog item, parameter or button
in the corresponding window.
Blue textsidentify important information.
IC Net 2.3
3.1 Fonts
3 Software settings
3.1 Fonts
IC NET / Options / Fonts
This option allows the selection of fonts used by the system.
Font for dialogs... Selection of font used for dialog boxes.
Default setting: MS Sans Serif / Standard / 8 pt.
Font for reports... Selection of font used for report output to the
screen or printer.
Default setting:
Courier New / Standard / 10 pt.
Font for tables... Selection of font used for data presentation in
Font for plots... Selection of font used for labels on chroma-
Save fonts configuration
3.2 Security system
In accordance with GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements the
«IC Net» software supports security with password protection of
the system. Every user has his own User Name, Password and Ac-
cess Level
tables on the screen. It is not used for presentation of tables in the report.
Default setting: MS Sans Serif / Bold / 8 pt.
togram plots and calibration curves.
Default setting: Times New Roman / Bold / 10 pt.
Save chosen font configuration.
If you want to reset the modified font settings to the
initial default settings, delete the
fonts.cfg file in the
program path.
that restricts the set of possible actions.
IC Net 2.3
IC Net / Options / Security opens the user administration of IC Net.
When this menu item is chosen, the System log in window is
called up first (see section 2.1.1).
The access to the user administration is restricted according to
the Access level of the user, therefore different windows are called.
17
3 Software settings
User Window Possible actions
Novice,
Master
Administrator Security options This window allows editing the
New Password
3.2.1 Security Options window
IC NET / Options / Security
This window contains the user administration and password options. Only a user with Administrator access level can open it. It
consists of the two tabs User List and Password Options.
The Security Options window is accessible only to Adminis-
trator users. If there is no Active Administrator, e.g. because he
has forgotten his password, you have to reinstall the «IC Net»
software to gain access. Therefore it is highly recommended to
create a second Administrator user as a backup. Store his
password in a safe place.
This window allows the user to
change his Password.
User List and the Password Options
, it is also possible for an
administrator user to change his
Password.
User List
The User List displays the User name, Full Name, access Level and
user Status of each user created. The list can be sorted alphabetically according to one of the four columns by clicking the title.
A star ( * ) at the end of the title indicates the sorting criterion.
18
<Add user> Add new user to the User's List, opens the Add
User window.
IC Net 2.3
3.2 Security system
<Modify user> Edit current user's settings (username, full
name, access level, status), opens the Modify
User
window.
<Password> Change the password of the administrator
logged in. Opens the New Password window.
Add/Modify User
User User name of the user.
Full Name Full name of the user, this name is displayed
in the status bar of the main window throughout an IC Net session.
Level Access level of the user.
Novice Restricted access to program functions. Al-
lows only start and stop of determinations using existing system and method files and
manual control of the devices. Modifications of
system, method and data files are not allowed.
Master Access to all program functions with few ex-
ceptions: the user cannot set
ences
, open the Workplace window, change
Global prefer-
hardware settings of interfaces and devices,
change
Administrator Access to all program functions. This level
Security options.
should be switched on only while installing the
system or in the case of configuration change.
The administrator user is authorized to change
name, access level and status of other users.
IC Net 2.3
Status Status of the user.
Active The User is able to work with «IC Net» within
the limitations of the access
Level assigned to
him by the Administrator.
Inactive The User is not able to work with «IC Net». The
user Status is also set Inactive if the number of
19
3 Software settings
Password Options
failed Login attempts exceeds the limit set in
the Password Options.
The user can be set Active again by the Admin-
istrator
Removed The User is not able to work with «IC Net», he
.
is removed from the system but he is still listed
in the User List.
The user can be set Active again by the Admin-
istrator
.
This tab allows to specify Password and Login related security settings.
Minimum Password Length
Minimum number of characters for the Pass-
word
.
Range: 2...10, default 6.
Maximum number of login attempts
If the number of failed Login’s exceeds this
value, the
User is set Inactive.
Range: 2...10, default 3.
Password Validity
Number of days the Password of a User remains valid. If the password is expired, the
user is prompted at the system log in to
change his password.
Range: 1...999, default 365.
20
IC Net 2.3
Loading...
+ 359 hidden pages
You need points to download manuals.
1 point = 1 manual.
You can buy points or you can get point for every manual you upload.