RRRRRRRR RRRRRRRR RR RR eeeee RR RR ee ee aaa RRRRRRRR eeeee a a dme.txt RRRRRRRR ee aaaa RR RR eeeee RR RR RR RR RR RRR ChemStation for GC, LC, CE, A/D, LC/MSD, and CE/MSD Revision - B.04.01 Service Pack 1 19-March-2009 Please read this information carefully. It supersedes the printed material you received with your software. Contents. --------- 1. Configuration 1.1 PC Hardware and Operating System Requirements 1.2 Naming conventions for Operation 1.3 Required Firmware Revision for 1100/1200 with LAN 1.4 1100/1200 Instrument Configurations (no G1315C&D/G1365C&D Detectors) 1.4.1 1100/1200 Instrument Configurations: Additions using G1315C&D/G1365C&D Detectors 1.5 G1600A CE Instrument Configurations 1.6 7890A, 6890, 6850, and Other Instrument Minimum Firmware Requirements 1.7 Support for the Agilent 7693A automatic liquid sampler system 1.8 GC Autosampler, Tray, and Controller Minimum Firmware Requirements 1.9 Power Management and Screen Savers and the ChemStation 1.10 Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business configuration 1.11 Localized versions of Microsoft Windows XP / Windows Vista 1.12 Agilent BootP Service 1.13 Microsoft Data Access Connectivity 2. Remove Add-On products first before upgrade to B.04.01 SP1 3. Entering and Deleting Licenses 4. Printing Hints 5. PDF file output for single run and sequence summary reports 6. Method resolution will occur if there has been a change in the hardware configuration of the instrument 7. HTML Help requires Internet Explorer revision 6.0.28.00.1106CO or higher 8. Mixed Configuration with ChemStation UV-Visible 9. GC ChemStation demonstration Methods and Data files 10. GPIB Connection 11. Winexec fails 12. 6890 NP Detector 13. Injector configuration changes from the 6890 Key Pad 14. 5890 Series II and 5890A GCs are no longer supported 15. Time stamps of reprocessed ChemStation Rev.A. data/methods differ on reports created with ChemStation Rev. B.0x.0x due to time zone corrections 16. AIA/ANDI problems: import of files 17. AIA/ANDI problems: Printing Reports to Files 18. Using Batch Review 19. Report : XLS file output 20. Barcode Reader use with methods 21. Virtual memory usage for long runs 22. Upgrading from B.01.03 SR1; B.01.03 SR1 must be uninstalled first 23. Installation conflict between LC-MSD ChemStation and SICL libraries 24. LC/MS ChemStation MSD Instrument Models supportability matrix 25. LC/MS ChemStation new functionalities 26. Do not select the GC Companion view menu item more than once 27. Companion: it is not possible to add samples to the run table while a sample is running 28. The 7673B (18593B, 18594B, 18596B) family of products are no longer supported 29. 35900E A/D Converter 30. Sequence Naming Pattern when automatic transfer to ECM is enabled 31. Retention Time Locking Notes 32. Setup.exe resides in install directory 33. Upgrade of G2090BA B.0x.0x Data Analysis Only 1. Configuration ----------------- 1.1. PC Hardware and Operating System Requirements -------------------------------------------------- Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Business Service Pack 1 are the only supported operating systems. Agilent ships specific PC Bundle configurations depending on your instrument configuration. The detailed bundle information can be found on the Agilent Websites. For other computer systems the following minimums need to be met: The minimum PC requirements for the ChemStation revision B.04.01 SP1 and Instrument configuration with Agilent ChemStore C/S database module (Rev. B.04.02): Windows XP: ----------- Screen resolution (1280 x 1024) Processor Pentium: IV, 1.5 GHz Mass storage: 40 GB Hard-Disk and DVD-ROM Minimum Memory: 512 MB of RAM (exceptions see below) Windows Vista: -------------- Screen resolution (1280 x 1024) Processor Pentium: IV, 3.4 GHz Mass storage: 160 GB Hard-Disk and DVD-ROM Minimum Memory: 1 GB of RAM (exceptions see below) If the PC does not match the requirements or other applications are affecting the processor calculations, there might be a potential data loss depending on the used data rate. To install and run your ChemStation properly ensure that sufficient free disk space is available. The amount of necessary free disk space will vary with the number of instruments to be installed and the amount of data to be collected. 1.2 Naming conventions for Operation ------------------------------------- Naming Conventions for ChemStation systems are mentioned in the "Understanding your ChemStation" Manual, in the naming convention section. The manual is placed on the DVD-ROM in the Manual section. In addition the installation folder should not contain following characters: \ / : * ? " < > | ; , @ # % & Using these characters in the installation folder, the reprocessing copy does not start and by using the character % in the installation folder, some 'Agilent ChemStation B.04.0x' shortcuts are not working properly. 1.3 Required Firmware Revision for 1100/1200 with LAN ------------------------------------------------------- Please see below the minimum firmware revision required for ChemStation Revision B.04.01 SP1 using 1100/1200 Modules, exceptions below - Firmware A.06.1x G1315C/G1365C, G1315D/G1365D - Firmware B.06.1x G1314D/E - Firmware B.06.2x A mixed system with firmware below the above mentioned firmware is not supported. Modules with using a firmware below A.06.0x are NOT recognized by the ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 or by the Firmware Update Utility in case of stacks with mixed firmware. The newest firmware files and the upgrade utility are on the ChemStation DVD-ROM (in the directory :\LC Firmware Update\). 1.4. 1100/1200 Instrument Configurations (without G1315C&D/G1365C&D Detector) ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1100/1200 instruments require LAN communication, the configuration below are based on the Detector as carrier of the LAN communication card. 1100/1200 chromatography instrument configurations, without diode array detectors (DADs), are limited to a total of around 18 individual modules, configured as up to 4 instruments with a limit of 4 detectors per instrument. The maximum number of 18 modules can consist of approx. 12 modules like pumps, detectors, injectors, etc. and approx. 6 can-slave modules like valves, UIB interfaces. The max. number depends on the exact module configuration and LAN connection point. If detectors of the same type are used in one stack, 2 detectors of the same types are supported, in case of the VWD up to 3. If DADs are included in the configuration there is a limit of 2 DADs and arond 8 modules that may be configured as two separate instruments. In case of mixed DAD/MWD configurations ("C/D" plus "A/B") a number of medium issues were encountered during test that are related to this mix. Standard operation is not a problem, but * the Isoabsorbance and 3D Plots are not working correctly * in the method printout both DADs have the same header * only one DAD can be selected in Diagnosis view if another DAD is present * not all signals are printed in the report in these systems * in online plot it is difficult to differentiate between two detectors Depending on the number of modules attached to the system and the differences in the applications in use (e.g. data rate), we recommend to contact your Agilent Representative to ensure the supported configuration for very complex systems. When an instrument configuration includes the LC/MSD, there is a limit of 1 LC/MSD and 1 DAD on the instrument, and no additional instruments are supported on the ChemStation. A Purification System configuration with 1100/1200 Fraction Collector(s) is limited to only one instrument. While acquiring data in three and four instrument configurations, interactive data reprocessing is not recommended. 1100/1200 modules may be used in mixed configurations with 1090 liquid chromatographs and Agilent gas chromatographs (GC). The configuration limits for these instrument combinations are: 1100/1200 or 1090 LC mixed module combinations: The 35900E Dual Channel Interfaces, the 1090 LC, counts as the equivalent of 1 1100/1200 module. 1100/1200 or 1090 LC mixed instrument combinations: 1 - 1100/1200 instrument with a DAD with 1 1090 1 - 1100/1200 instrument, without a DAD, with up to 3 - 1090 2 - 1100/1200 instruments, without a DAD, with up to 2 - 1090 1100/1200 and GC combinations: 1 - 1100/1200 instrument, without DAD, with up to 3 - Agilent GCs 2 - 1100/1200 instruments, without DAD, with up to 2 - Agilent GCs. 1.4.1 1100/1200 Instrument Configurations: Additions using G1315C&D/G1365C&D Detectors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The G1315C&D/G1365C&D require LAN communication and the Detectors have been on-board LAN communication. The detectors must be the Communication point to the PC if used in an 1100/1200 stack. Using an 1100/1200 chromatography instrument configurations including the G1315C&D detector (DAD), the system is limited to a total of approximatly 18 individual modules configured as up to 2 instruments with a limit of two G1315C/D DAD detectors per PC. The maximum number of 18 modules can consist of approx. 12 modules like pumps, detectors, injectors, etc. and approx. 6 can-slave modules like valves, UIB interfaces. The max. number depends on the exact module configuration. The G1315C&D/G1365C&D detector (DAD/MWD) can be used together with G1315A/G1365A as well as G1315B/G1365B. In case of mixed DAD system, the DAD control in the Method and Run view has to be handled using the menu items, not the GUI. Running Diagnosis only one detector can be configured in order to run the test. In case of a mixed detector system, the configuration needs to be changed to only one detector prior running the Detector Diagnosis tests. 1.5. G1600 CE Instrument Configurations ---------------------------------------- When an instrument configuration includes the CE/MSD, there is a limit of 1 CE/MSD including the DAD on the instrument. No additional instruments are supported on the CE/MS ChemStation. CE ChemStation can co-reside with a second system (either LC or CE ChemStation); however, co-execution of the software is not supported. 1.6 7890A, 6890, 6850, and Other Instrument Minimum Firmware Requirements -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________________________________________________ | Instrument | Min. Firmware Revision | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7890A | A.01.10 | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 6890N | GC Firmware N.05.06 | | | LAN assembly 04.7B3 | |________________________|_____________________________| | 6890Plus, 6890A | GC Firmware A.03.08 | |________________________|_____________________________| | 6850 Series GC | GC Firmware A.05.04 | | serial# >= US10243001 | LAN assembly 04.7B3 | |________________________|_____________________________| | 6850 Series GC | GC Firmware A.03.03 | | serial# <= US00003200 | | |________________________|_____________________________| | Agilent 6850 Handheld | A.05.06 | | Controller (G2629A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | 5890 Series II | A.03.02 | | (Not Supported) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | 4980D | A.01.01 | | (Not Supported) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | 35900E | E.01.02 | |________________________|_____________________________| Either GC and GC/MSD Hardware User Information & Utilities DVD or Agilent Lab Advisor Software can be used to update firmware. The latest firmware can be downloaded from the following Agilent Technologies website: http://www.chem.agilent.com/scripts/cag_firmware.asp 1.7 Support for the Agilent 7693A automatic liquid sampler system ------------------------------------------------------------------ Support for the Agilent 7693A automatic liquid sampler system 1.8 GC Autosampler, Tray, and Controller Minimum Firmware Requirements ----------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________ | | | | Instrument | Min. Firmware Revision | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7693A Auto Injector | A.10.01 | | (G4513A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7693A Tray Module | A.10.05 | | (G4514A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7693A Bar Code Reader | A.10.01 | | (G4515A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | Tray with | A.10.05 | | heater/barcode | | | (G4520A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | Tray with | A.10.05 | | heater/cooler | | | (G4522A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7683A/6890Plus ALS | | | interface board | A.02.01 | | (G2612A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7683A Auto Injector | A.10.07 | | (G2613A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7683A Tray module | | | (G2614A) | A.02.01 | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 6850 Automatic Liquid | A.10.05 | | Sampler (G2880A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7683B ALS Controller | | | for 6890A and 5890 | A.02.01 | | Series II GCs (G2912A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7683B Auto Injector | A.11.03 | | (G2913A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7683 ALS Tray for | A.02.01 | | 5890 (G2916A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7673C ALS Controller | A.01.12 | | (G1512A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7673C Auto Iinjector | A.09.15 | | (G1513A) | | |________________________|_____________________________| | | | | 7673C Tray (18596C) | No Revision | |________________________|_____________________________| 1.9 Power Management and Screen Savers and the ChemStation -------------------------------------------------------------- In general screen savers should not be used together with the ChemStation except simple screensavers such as blank screen may be used. OpenGL screen savers should not be used. Screen savers can cause undue loading of the CPU that may result in the loss of data from the GC during high data collection periods. Advanced power management features of the PC BIOS must be disabled for systems that have to perform instrument control and data acquisition. See the Installation Manual for more details. Any Energy Star compliant PC should have the Energy Save features disabled to prevent the loss of data during high data collection periods. Problems may also be exhibited by I/O error with the instruments. I/O errors will result in the loss of data. They can be found in the log book. 1.10 Windows XP Professional and Windows Vista Business configuration --------------------------------------------------------------------- ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 is supported on the following operating systems: Windows XP Professional with Service Pack 3 Windows Vista Business with Service Pack 1 Service Packs are available from Microsoft via the World Wide Web. The changes introduced in a Service Pack may cause problems in software that was released prior to those changes. There is no guarantee that the ChemStation software will continue to operate as delivered if run on a system with a later Service Pack. If loading software on a large disk with two partitions, optimal performance can be achieved by having 2 partitions (e.g. 20GB + 20GB). Load Windows, general programs and the ChemStation software on the first partition (C:), and store data file on the second partition. For optimal operation Agilent recommends to configure MS Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Business as explained in the document "Configure and Maintain Your ChemStation Computer". This document can be found on the Agilent ChemStation Family products DVD-ROM in the directory \Manuals\Installation\Configure and Maintain PC. This document includes as well information and recommended configuration settings for handling the Internet Security. 1.11 Localized versions of Microsoft Windows XP / Windows Vista --------------------------------------------------------------- Information about localized versions of Microsoft Windows XP / Windows Vista and Service Packs can be found on the local Microsoft web pages. 1.12 Agilent BootP Service --------------------------- The BootP Service (Agilent BootP Service.exe), supplied in the directory :\bootp, is a utility that allows the configuration of instruments on a network. The BootP Service supplies IP addresses to instruments so that they can communicate with the ChemStation using the TCP/IP protocol. Refer to the file readme.txt in the bootp directory and the appropriate chapter on installing the communication components in the "Installing Your ChemStation" manual. To install the BootP Service, run the Agilent Bootp Service.exe program in the bootp directory. Agilent BootP service is tested with B.04.01 SP1. Agilent BootP Service is the supported LAN communication tool. 1.13 Microsoft Data Access Connectivity --------------------------------------- The "Run Multiple FIA Method" function requires the Microsoft Data Access Connectivity (MDAC) package 2.0 or newer to be installed on the operating system. Without these drivers installed, users will get a "Missing OLE DB or OLE DB is corrupted" error. ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 will install MDAC 2.0 and upgrade it to 2.6. This will be installed automatically when ChemStation is installed. If they become corrupted they can be reinstalled manually. Here are the steps to reinstall the MDAC drivers manually: ------------------------------ 1. Insert the ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 DVD into your computer's DVD drive. 2. Using Windows Explorer Open the 'MS32' directory on the DVD. 3. Run the A_MDAC20.exe program by double clicking on it in Explorer. 4. Run the A_MDAC.exe program by double clicking on it in Explorer. Note: ----- 1. The above method can also be used to resolve the Multiple FIA problems that are caused by the corrupted OLE DB or ODBC drivers, or by accidentally downgrading these drivers during the installation of application programs. 2. Installing Microsoft Office 97 after ChemStation will overwrite MDAC 2.0 with an earlier version. This may not allow the Multiple FIA feature to work properly. To work around this: a. Install the latest version of Microsoft Office and do not force component overwrites. b. Run the ChemStation installation once again. (The user should note that ChemStation installation should always be the last one). 3. When OLE DB or ODBC drivers are missing from the operating system, or getting corrupted, do not try to install a MDAC version other than 2.0. The user needs to install the version 2.0 provided on the ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 DVD first, even if he/she has a newer MDAC version on hand. Any newer version can be updated later after the 2.0 has been installed. 2. Remove Add-On products first before upgrade to B.04.01 SP1 -------------------------------------------------------------- For upgrade to ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 any additional ChemStation Add-On products must be removed first. Unfortunately no warning is displayed if not all Add-On products are already removed. Installed Add-On products for ChemStation can be found in Control Panel under Add or Remove Programs. ADDON-entries in ChemStation.ini file may also hint to not yet uninstalled Add-On products. (The ChemStation.ini file is located in the C:\Windows directory.) Follow the specific instructions of each Add-On product for its deinstallation. 3. Entering and Deleting Licenses ----------------------------------- ChemStation Licenses can only be entered or deleted (if necessary) via the Add Instrument tool. The Add Licenses tool available in previous ChemStation revisions has been removed. The Add Instrument tools is displayed automatically at the end of ChemStation installation or can afterwards be opened via the corresponding icon in the Agilent ChemStation program group. The first screen of this dialog allows to add ChemStation instruments, the second screen allows to enter or delete licenses. If you just want to change licenses, procede to the second screen by pressing Next without any changes to the ChemStation instruments. When deleting a license, please have in mind that the corresponding instrument can not be started. 4. Printing Hints ------------------- Please make sure that a default printer is configured in Windows. This is done via the Control Panel application. If no default printer is configured the following problems have been reported: - Printing of a report preview will fail. - the 'Copy To Clipboard' menu will have an error - in the 'Custom Report View' will have problems with new templates Limitations - The maximum number of pages for one print job is 1500, for example sequence summary report is one print job. - When printing "Multi Page" chromatograms (see: Specify Reports) the maximum number of pages which can be printed properly depends on the resolution of the printer. 300 dpi allows 10 pages, 600 dpi allows up to 5 pages per chromatogram. Changing Printer Settings Before changing printer settings close the "Report"-window. When a report is generated on screen (in a window titled "Report") this is as if the report was already printed. This means changing the printer settings while the "Report"-window is already open does not influence the already generated report. I.e hitting the print button in the "Report"-window does not generate the report anew! It just 'copies' the report to the printer. To allow checking for which printer the report was generated the "Report"-window gives in its lower left corner the name of the printer, the paper format and the orientation of the currently visible report. If this does not match the current printer configuration, then you will get a mangled printer output. 5. PDF file output for single run and sequence summary reports --------------------------------------------------------------- In the Specify Report and Sequence Output dialogs, .PDF is available as File Type when selecting "File" as destination for the printout. This applies for both single run reports and sequence summary reports. To achieve this, the ChemStation setup installs a PDF printer, called "PDF-XChange 4.0". This printer will only be visible in the Start Menu/ Settings/Printers and Faxes until the computer is restarted. When ChemStation is started, another temporary printer is created called "ChemStation PDF" based on the PDF-XChange printer. While any ChemStation session is running, ChemStation PDF will also be listed in the Start Menu/ Settings/Printers and Faxes. If the PDF-XChange printer is uninstalled, .pdf file output for ChemStation is no longer available. The corresponding items in the ChemStation dialogs are grayed out and are not working. 6. Method resolution will occur if there has been a change in the hardware configuration of the instrument -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Method resolution will occur if there has been a change in the hardware configuration of the instrument. After a change in the hardware configuration, the method must be re-saved before use in the Companion. Since the Companion will load methods when running, a method should not go through method resolution. Method resolution should not occur during normal operation. 7. HTML Help requires Internet Explorer revision 6.0.28.00.1106CO or higher --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The HTML Help requires Internet Explorer Rev. 6.0.2.800.1106CO or higher. If a lower IE revision is used, it is possible that executing the 'Reference' button on the top of the Help screen gives an error message: '...a Script Error ...' 8. Mixed Configuration with ChemStation UV-Visible ------------------------------------------------------- The ChemStation for GC, LC, CE, A/D, CE/MSD, and LC/MSD, revision B.04.01 SP1 is not supported for co-execution installation with the ChemStation for UV/Visible revision A.08.0x or higher. 9. GC ChemStation demonstration Methods and Data files ------------------------------------------------------- When you install a GC instrument, several demonstration methods and data files are placed in the instruments subdirectory. The methods are placed in the methods subdirectory (for example; Chem32\1\METHODS). The data files are placed in a subdirectory called 'DEMO' under the data subdirectory (for example; Chem32\1\DATA\DEMO). Three of the methods have associated data files. The table below explains the methods and datafiles. METHOD DATA FILE PURPOSE --------- --------- ------- ESTD_EX.M ESTD1.D This is a calibrated external standard method ESTD3.D with three levels of calibration for two peaks. ESTD5.D The three ESTD datafiles are the calibration files. They are 5890 data files. ISTD_EX.M ISTD1.D This is a calibrated internal standard method ISTD3.D with three levels of calibration for two peaks. ISTD5.D The three ISTD datafiles are the calibration files. They are 5890 Series data files. 100FID.M 100FID5.D This method can be used to display the three 100FID20.D 100FID files. These are examples of the Ultra 100FID50.D column test mix run on a 10M X 100uM id X 0.17uM film HP-5 column in an 6890 Series GC. They were collected at 5, 20, and 50 Hz data rates, respectively. 10. GPIB Connection ------------------------- With ChemStation Rev. B.04.01 SP1 the following GPIB cards are supported: Agilent 82350 A Agilent 82350 B tested with the I/O Libraries Suite 15.0 HP 1090, HP 1046, HP1049, and the CE Instrument are supported on GPIB; Agilent 1100/1200 modules and 35900E A/D Converter require LAN connection. Since Rev. B.01.03, it is possible to use the 82357A/82357B USB-GPIB Interface Device. This device requires the installation of the I/O Library Suite 15.0. The 82357A USB-GPIB Interface Device supports: HP 1090, HP 1046, HP 1049, and the CE Instrument. The 82357B USB-GPIB Interface Device supports: HP 1090, HP 1046, HP 1049, Agilent 6890A, Agilent 6890Plus, Agilent 5890 Series II, Agilent 4890 D, and the CE Instrument. 11. Winexec fails ---------------- The GP-IB communication libraries were not installed if the error message "hsictsk, winexec failed; err=2" is obtained when starting the ChemStation. Solution: Install the GP-IB communication libraries, configure the GP-IB card and restart the ChemStation. 12. 6890 NP Detector -------------------- NP detector bead settings. It is important, before changing your NP bead, to set the voltage to zero (do not turn it off, set it to zero) from the 6890's front panel, then save the ChemStation method. This way, when you power the 6890 and ChemStation back on after changing the bead, a safe voltage will be applied to the new bead. From there, follow the factory's new-bead-conditioning procedure. 13. Injector configuration changes from the 6890 Key Pad -------------------------------------------------------- When changing injector configuration from the 6890 key in a dual injector configuration the changes may not immediately be reflected in the ChemStation. Workaround: Close and restart the ChemStation. Any injector configuration changes will now be reflected in the ChemStation. 14. 5890 Series II and 5890A GCs are no longer supported -------------------------------------------------------- The 5890 Series II and 5890A GCs are no longer supported no longer supported by the ChemStation. 15. Time stamps of reprocessed ChemStation Rev.A. data/methods differ on reports created with ChemStation Rev. B.0x.0x due to time zone corrections ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When data files/methods from 16-bit ChemStation A.xx.xx are reviewed or reprocessed in 32-bit ChemStation B.0x.0x, time stamps may differ from those displayed in reports from 16-bit ChemStation. It is common industry standard for software applications to store any time stamps in a universal time (UTC). This allows to exchange data between different time zones and still show the correct date and time information in local time. For the conversion between local time and universal time Microsoft Windows provides specific functions in their API (Application Programming Interface). These Windows functions use the time zone information configured on the indivual PC. All 16-bit programs (e.g. in our case the 16-bit ChemStation rev. A.xx.xx) use the 16-bit Windows API. In the 16-bit environment Windows uses a specific environment variable called TZ to determine the time zone of a PC. If this variable is not set, Windows uses Pacific Standard Time (PST) as the default time zone. Unfortunately the knowledge about the existence of this variable is not widely spread, so most Windows PCs do not have this variable configured (i.e. the 16-bit Windows API is considering this PC in the PST time zone). This applies also to 16-bit programs running on a 32-bit Windows operating system. All 32-bit programs (e.g. 32-bit ChemStation rev. B.0x.0x) use the 32-bit Windows API functions. In this environment Windows uses the time zone information configured in the Control Panel for any time conversion. In contrast to the TZ variable, the time zone for the 32-bit environment is in most cases correctly configured, because Windows asks the user for these settings at first startup. Therefore a typical PC (outside of the PST time zone) has a different time zone configured for 16-bit Windows environment than for the 32-bit environment. As a consequence 32-bit Windows programs interpret any UTC time stamp with a different time zone than what was used for their creation. This leads to a difference in the display that matches the delta between the correct local time zone and PST (which was used by 16-bit Windows environment as the default). As an example, time stamps in CET (Central European Time) time zone would be 9 hours off. In ChemStation, the following time stamps are of interest: "Injection Time" for a data file and "Last changed" time and "Last modified" time for a method. When methods and data files that were created with a 16-bit ChemStation are imported to a 32-bit ChemStation, the following issue is observed with these time stamps if the TZ variable had not been specified on the Windows system when using 16-bit ChemStation: The time stamps as shown in 16-bit ChemStation and as shown in 32-bit ChemStation differ by the time difference of the actual time zone and PST. Examples: France (GMT + 1h): Injection time ChemStation A.xx.xx : 11.00 Injection time ChemStation B.0x.0x : shift to 20.00 (= 11.00h + 9h) China (Peking) (GMT + 8h): Injection time ChemStation A.xx.xx : 11.00 Injection time ChemStation B.0x.0x : shift to next day, 03.00 (= 11.00h +16h) NOTE: The ChemStation PLUS applications uses a TZ variable to calculate local time and this is placed on the report. Therefore ChemStation PLUS systems will NOT see the variation in the time stamps. 16. AIA/ANDI problems: Import of files --------------------------------------- There is no default AIA events table supplied with the method. The auto integrate macro will supply the correct integration parameters. The way to get a properly shaped and integrated AIA signal into the ChemStation is: 1. Load the AIA file 2. Switch to the integration events user interface 3. Use the auto integrate button (parameters will load into visible events table) 4. Review parameters 5. Exit and save the events table After these steps there exists a default table for this type of AIA file, that will be used on subsequently imported AIA data. If the AIA data files come from a different source, the scale might be different again, and step 2 - 5 might have to be repeated. If the AIA file is exported after going through steps 1 - 5, it will be stored in the correct format. 17. AIA/ANDI problems: Printing Reports to Files ------------------------------------------------- Problem: When printing a report to file for an imported AIA file (non-Agilent), the report file cannot be created. Solution: This happens since non-Agilent AIA files are not directories. Export the AIA file from the ChemStation. This creates a directory containing the AIA file. For example: myfile.aia\signal01.cdf. Now report to file is able to generate files in the myfile.aia directory. Problem: Import of AIA files originating from a LAS system and converted to the AIA format using a utility supplied by Integ Germany may fail with a General Protection Fault. Solution: Contact Integ Germany for an update. 18. Using Batch Review ---------------------- Batch review can be used to review results runs. There are a few points to watch out for: 1. Batch Review's recalibration methodology differs from the recalibration in the original sequence. Pressing the "update calibration" button on the batch review toolbar causes the system to recalibrate with all calibration runs in the batch, creating a recalibrated calibration table. Pressing the "Start" button on the Batch Review toolbar will then recalculate amounts for each calibrated compound. The amounts for all samples will be calculated from the recalibrated calibration table. 2. Clicking a line on the Batch Review sample table causes the associated data file to be loaded. Some large data files may take a significant amount of time to load. This is no different than using Load Signals to load the same data file. 3. The Batch Review report gives results for each compound for each sample. Because some calibration tables have large numbers of compounds this may lead to quite large Batch Review reports. 4. If G2189BA ChemStation OpenLAB option is installed, the Batch view has to be enabled by an entry in the [PCS] section of the ChemStaion.ini file: [PCS] _BatchReview=1 The ChemStation.ini file is located in the C:\Windows directory. 19. Report: XLS file output ---------------------------- Date/Time fields - Some fields (such as "DAMethModTime" and "AcqMethModTime" on "Sheet1" are date/time values. The value is the number of seconds elapsed since midnight (00:00:00), January 1, 1970, Universal Coordinated Time. Excel date/time values are the number of days from 1/1/1900 with the fraction being the time. To convert these values: 1. Divide by the number of seconds in a day (60*60*24 = 86400) 2. Add the number of days from 1/1/1900 to 1/1/1970 (25569 when corrected for leap-year problems in Excel, and for the fact that 1/1/1900 is "1" in Excel.) The new value will be the date/time in Universal Coordinated Time. Conversion to local time is left to the user of the spreadsheet. Precision - All values given are in the full internal representation of the value. In other words, no "truncation" has been done by the ChemStation. Follow standard guidelines regarding the number of significant digits when designing a report based on values from the spreadsheet. Help - Some useful help topics include "Integrator Results Table" and "Peak Results Table in ChromRes Register" in the Help/Commands menu of the ChemStation. Note for users experienced with ChemStation macro development - The ".XLS" workbook is a dump of a combination of ChromRes and each ChromReg register. "Sheet1" is the "header" of ChromRes, while each of the other sheets corresponds to a "Table" from ChromRes or ChromReg. In each table sheet the 1st two columns are the table header items, while the rest of the columns are the body of the table. If you follow "links" you need to account for the data starting on row #2 in the sheet, while it started on row #1 in the internal tables. 20. Barcode Reader use with methods ----------------------------------- Use of the barcode reader is always disabled for single method runs. Workaround: To use the barcode reader for single runs, use a single line sequence. The Sequence Parameters screen allows you to select whether the barcode reader is enabled or disabled for the sequence. 21. Virtual memory usage for long runs --------------------------------------- Virtual memory consumption for runs longer than three hours that include data curves can increase substantially, especially in sequences. The following are recommended precautions: 1. Reduce the acquisition of LC/MSD data curves collected with the run to a minimum. (No more than 2 recommended.) 2. If many data curves need to be collected, make sure that the drive that holds the Windows page file has at least 200 MB of free space available. The disk space for data files also has to be to available, above that needed page file space. 22. Upgrading from B.01.03 SR1; B.01.03 SR1 must be uninstalled first -------------------------------------------------------------------- If you want to upgrade to ChemStation revision B.04.01 SP1 from revision B.01.03 SR1, you have to uninstall B.01.03 SR1 before installing revision B.04.01 SP1. Do not use the Update option of the B.04.01 SP1 setup.exe. 23. Installation conflict between LC/MSD ChemStation and SICL libraries ----------------------------------------------------------------------- For MSD installation, the users MUST install SICL libraries before trying to install ChemStation. 24. LC/MS ChemStation MSD Instrument Models supportability matrix ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1. MSD Instrument Models G1946A and G1946B are no longer supported by ChemStation. 2. LC/MS ChemStation will support MSD Instrument Models G1946C, G1946D, G1956A and G1956B. 25. LC/MS ChemStation new functionalities ------------------------------------------ Direct control of the CTC/Leap autosampler from within LC/MSD ChemStation has been moved to separate product G3383A (see item #3). If updating from previous version of LC/MSD ChemStation B.01.0x with CTC configured, notify your Agilent representative prior to upgrading to B.02.01 SR1. 26. Do not select the GC Companion view menu item more than once ----------------------------------------------------------------- Do not select the GC Companion view menu item more than once. This causes the Companion view to re-initialize itself, resulting in a loss of run table information. While in a run, it is not possible to select the Companion view menu item. 27. Companion: it is not possible to add samples to the run table while a sample is running ------------------------------------------------------------------ It is not possible to add runs to the Companion run table while a sample is in a run. The icon to ‘add run’ is grayed out when a sample is running. 28. The 7673B (18593B, 18594B, 18596B) family of products are no longer supported ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The 7673B (18593B, 18594B, 18596B) family of products are no longer supported by the ChemStation. 29. 35900E A/D Converter ------------------------- Known problems with 35900E A/D converter 35900 configuration ------------------- Symptom: When configuring a 35900E in the Configuration Editor, the user can select "ChemStation displays status of ready signal" and "ChemStation waits for ready signal". When these are selected, the ChemStation will wait for all external instruments to become ready before allowing the start of the run. However, if the external instruments were not-ready during the ChemStation startup, the ChemStation will mistakenly display the (green) "Ready" indicator, and will allow the run to start at any time, possibly before the external instruments become ready. This is a problem only until the instruments become ready for the first time. After that, the ChemStation will display the correct instrument status. Workaround: Do not start the ChemStation until all instruments are ready. Minimum overall runtime required -------------------------------- When the 35900E is configured in a GC system as 3rd and 4th signal the overall runtime must be greater than the injection cycle time. When the overall run time is less than the injection cycle time the 35900 will generate a stop on the APG remote start stop bus that will result in a vial being left in the injector. The result is during sequence operation incorrect vials will be injected. 30. Sequence Naming Pattern when automatic transfer to ECM is enabled ---------------------------------------------------------------------- When automatic transfer of data after acquisition is enabled, the Sequence Naming Pattern has to fulfill certain requirements to still ensure uniqueness of the sequence data containers. The Sequence Naming Pattern is set up on the Sequence tab of the Preferences dialog. The Sequence Naming Pattern has to be set up either containing Date AND Time or the Counter. This restriction only applies when OpenLAB Option G2189BA is installed and automatic transfer of data to ECM after acquisition is enabled. 31. Retention Time Locking Notes --------------------------------- - See the Intro to RTL document on your ChemStation DVD-ROM under the Support directory for creating your first RTL calibration file. - Regarding 'ReLock current method...': RTL software can automatically read and update only 7890A and 68xx methods that are in constant pressure mode. For 7890A and 68xx methods not in constant pressure mode (e.g. constant flow) and all 5890 methods, you must press the 'Calculate' button to view the suggested locking pressure, then enter that pressure in the appropriate 'Instrument' screen. - A sample of a retention timetable is included with the RTL software. It is called example.rtt. You may want to use this as a model for creating one of your own. - Regarding 'Import RT Table...': The format of the file to import is important. RTL software assumes that the first line of the file is the table title, the second line of the file contains the 10 column titles and the remaining lines of the file contains the retention times and other compound information. All items on a line must be separated by the tab character (this allows you to have comma characters in compound names.) Column 1 of the compound information lines must be a number. Column 4 of the compound information lines must have element names and quantities in the special format to enable you to specify elemental and detector information in your searches. To see an example of this format, export example.rtt and view it in a text editor, like notepad.exe. 32. Setup.exe resides in install-directory ------------------------------------------- Setup.exe is not located in the root of ChemStation DVD. It resides in the install-directory. For installation insert disk into optical drive. Using the Windows® Start button, select the Run or Start Search option. Type d:\install\setup (where d is the letter of the optical drive). Follow the instructions on the screen. 33. Upgrade of G2090BA B.0x.0x 2D Data Analysis Only ----------------------------------------------------- Automatic upgrade of B.0x.0x 2D Data Analysis Only ChemStation G2090BA initially may not succeed. In this case remove ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 via Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs. After this cleanup a fresh installation of ChemStation B.04.01 SP1 Data Analysis only will work. License number of G2090 will be axcepted. NB: Microsoft and MS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Windows XP and Windows Vista are trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.