PASCO 012-09731B User Manual

Instruction Manual

012-09731B

Using

Ocean Optics Spectrometers

with the

PASCO Xplorer GLX

Introduction

This manual contains instructions for using an Ocean Optics spectrometer with the PASCO Xplorer GLX handheld datalogger. The combination of these two devices can be used to monitor and record a spectrum or to continuously record light intensity in a defined wavelength band. You can use the spectrometer to analyze light from sources such as the sun or a fluorescent lamp, or you can use it with the Integrated Light Source and Cuvette Holder to analyze light transmitted through a solution. In addition to light intensity, the GLX calculates absorbance, transmission and relative irradiance.

These instructions assume that you are familiar with the general operation of the Xplorer GLX. For complete instructions on using the GLX, see the Xplorer GLX Users’ Guide (PASCO manual number 012-08950).

Compatible Spectrometer Models

The following spectrometers manufactured by Ocean Optics are compatible with the Xplorer GLX (license key required):

• USB650 Red Tide

• USB2000

• USB4000

• HR4000

Important Note

An Ocean Optics spectrometer in some ways resembles other sensors used with the GLX; however, there are some important differences:

• The GLX requires a special license to work with an Ocean Optics spectrometer. When you purchase a license, you receive a USB flash drive that will install a license key on your GLX. A single flash drive may contain more than one license key for licensing multiple GLXs.

• To collect data from a spectrometer, the GLX must be in standalone mode (not connected to a computer). Once you have recorded data, you can analyze them on the GLX or transfer them to your computer.

• A spectrometer can not be used simultaneously with other sensors.

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Ocean Optics with Xplorer GLX Setting Up the Spectrometer and GLX

Setting Up the Spectrometer and GLX

A. Update the GLX

Important note: If your GLX has firmware version lower than 1.3, upgrade the

firmware before

Check the firmware version number at the bottom of the splash screen that appears briefly when you turn on your GLX. If it is lower than 1.4, follow these steps:

1. Visit www.pasco.com/glx

2. Follow the instructions on that web page to download and install

the latest GLX firmware.

You can also update the GLX by connecting it to any computer that has DataStudio version 1.8 (or later) installed on it.

B. Install the License Key

Important note: The license key is removed from the flash drive when it is copied

to the GLX. A single license key can not be moved from one GLX to another or installed on more than one GLX. After the license key is installed, it will reside on your GLX permanently.

1. If the GLX is connected to a computer, disconnect it.

you install the license key.

Firmware

version

Spectrometer

2. Plug the license key flash drive in the GLX's USB port.

3. On the GLX screen, you will see a message such as: “There is 1

license available for 'Ocean Optics Spectrometer'. Would you like to add a license to this GLX?” Press for Yes.

4. You will see a message such as: “Successfully added license for Ocean Optics Spectrometer.” Press for OK.

C. Connect Optional Hardware

• If you plan to use a fiber optic probe, insert one end of the probe into the spectrometer's light input connector and turn the threaded collar on the probe to secure it to the spectrometer.

• If you plan to use the Integrated Light Source and Cuvette Holder, align it with the spectrometer, press the connectors together, and tighten the captured screws.

D. Connect the Spectrometer to the GLX

1. Turn on the GLX.

2. Use the cable (included with the spectrometer) to connect the USB

port of the spectrometer to the USB port of the GLX.

Fiber

optic

probe

Spectrometer

Cuvette Holder

Screws

Integrated Light Source

After a few seconds, you will see the Initializing screen, then the Spectrometer Analysis Configuration screen.

Initializing screen

(appears a few seconds after connecting the spectrometer)

Ocean Optics with Xplorer GLX Spectrometer Analysis Configuration Screen

E. Configure the Spectrometer

In the Spectrometer Analysis Configuration screen, follow these general steps. (For a detailed explanation of the parameters in the configuration screen and how to change them, see pages 3–6.)

1. Set the parameters in the Data Acquisition tab as desired.

2. (This step is not always necessary.) Go to the Lamp tab and change

the parameters there if necessary.

3. (Do this step if you plan to use Time Acquisition or Beer’s Law mode or the Minus Dark, Absorbance, Transmittance, or Relative Irradiance measurements.)

a. Turn off the light source or block light from entering the spec-

trometer. Press to save the dark scan.

b. Allow “reference light” to enter the spectrometer. Press

to save a reference scan.

4. (Do this step only if you plan to use Time Acquisition or Beer’s Law

Spectrometer Analysis

Configuration screen

(appears after the Initializing screen)

mode.) Go to the Time Acquisition tab. Set the scan mode and other parameters as desired. (See page 6 for more information.)

5. After you have finished setting spectrometer parameters and options, press to close the configuration screen.

See page 6 for instructions on recording and viewing data.

What you use as the “reference light” depends on what you plan to measure. See see “F2 Save Ref” on page 4 for details.

Spectrometer Analysis Configuration Screen

The Spectrometer Analysis Configuration screen is where you set the parameters that control how the spectrometer and GLX collect and process data.

To Open the Configuration Screen

• If the spectrometer is not yet connected:

Connect the spectrometer to the GLX's USB port and wait for the configuration screen to open automatically.

F3F2

• If the spectrometer is already connected:

1. Press + to open the Graph screen (if it is not already

open).

2. Press to open the To ol s menu.

3. Use the arrow keys to highlight Spectrum Analysis Config.

4. Press .

Ocean Optics with Xplorer GLX Spectrometer Analysis Configuration Screen

Spectrum Preview

When the configuration screen opens, the GLX automatically starts monitoring and displaying spectrum data in the upper half of the screen. With this preview, you can immediately see the effect of changes that you make to parameters. Press to manually stop or re-start spectrum monitoring.

Function Keys

Use the function keys to save and clear dark and reference scans and to close the configuration screen.

F1 Save Dark With the light source off or blocked (so that no light enters the spectrometer), press to save the dark scan.

F2 Save Ref With “reference light” entering the spectrometer, press to save the reference scan. Do this after setting the parame-

ters in the Data Acquisition tab (see “Data Acquisition Tab” below).

Your “reference light” may be one of the follow (depending on what type of measurement you plan to make):

• The Integrated Light Source with a reference cuvette measuring absorbance and transmission of light through a solution).

in place (for

Spectrum

preview

Function keys

A reference cuvette represents 100%

transmission.

F3F2

• A lamp with a known color temperature (for measuring the relative irradiance of light sources).

• Any light source (if you plan to use only the Intensity and Minus Dark measurements).

F3 Clear Scan Press to delete the dark and reference scans.

F4 Close Press to close the configuration screen.

Navigating in the Configuration Screen

The configuration parameters and options are contained in three tabs: Data Acquisition, Lamp, and Time Acquisition.

To navigate between the tabs, press the left and right arrow keys. (Note that the Time Acquisition tab will not be available until you have saved dark and reference scans.)

Navigate within a tab by pressing the up and down arrow keys to highlight different parameter and options. To change the highlighted parameter or option, do one of the following:

• Press or to change the value of the parameter by 1.

Press and to move between tabs.

Press and to

move within a tab.

• Press to make the parameter editable. Type the desired value. Press again.

• Press to toggle a two-choice option.

• Press to open a pop-up menu. Use the arrow keys to highlight the desired menu option. Press again.

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