LINK interface can support one LC or up to a maximum of three GCs. LINK
Interfaces have no analog-to-digital conversion function. Note the following exceptions:
• You cannot configure an AutoSystem with Headspace and a different type of GC on the same LINK.
• An LC pump module must connect to Port A and the data source (either a detector with digital output or a 900 Series interface) must connect to Port B. If used, an ISS-200 or Series 200 autosampler must connect to Port C.
• A Model 7673 autosampler connected to an HP5890 Series II GC must appear on the port immediately following the HP5890.
The following procedures explain how to configure LINK-controlled GC and LC instruments. These procedures assume that the instrument has not previously been configured.
Configuring a LINK-controlled Instrument
There are four steps to configuring a LINK-controlled instrument for the first time:
• Choose a data acquisition port.
• Set LINK configuration options.
• Set GC or LC configuration options.
• Save the configuration.
Each step is described in a separate procedure. ¾ To choose a data acquisition port:
1. In the Navigator, choose Configuration from the Build menu.
The Configuration Editor opens, which shows the instruments that are connected and turned on.
3. Choose Configure from the Instrument menu. The Acquisition Port dialog box opens.
4. Click the + marks to expand the tree and select the data acquisition port to which the interface is physically connected.
When a port is highlighted, you can click Query Port For Type to see which type of interface is connected to it.
5. Choose Continue.
¾ To set LINK configuration options:
1. Select a LINK port for the instrument.
2. Select the Instrument Module that is physically connected to this port in the Instrument Module list and a Detector Module and Autosampler Module if applicable.
The LINK port becomes unselectable and any detector and autosampler selected will occupy the subsequent available LINK ports.
3. Select the instrument names to configure additional instruments on remaining LINK ports.
If you make a mistake, choose < Back to return to the Acquisition Port dialog box. Choosing Restart disconnects any configured instruments and clears all ports on the LINK.
Choosing Reset clears all the changes to this dialog box and returns it to the state it was in before it opened.
¾ To set GC configuration options:
1. In the LINK Configuration dialog box, choose the Configure button next to the port selection.
The GC Configuration dialog box appears. The settings available for each option vary depending on the instrument you are using.
3. You can configure GCs three different ways:
• Choose Query Inst For Config to let TotalChrom configure the
instrument automatically. This method avoids problems which may arise because of the complexity of the AutoSystem and HP 6890
configurations. You can use this option if the instrument's IPM has already been downloaded to the LINK.
• Choose Copy Inst Config to use the configuration data from a similar instrument. A dialog box will appear that lists configured instruments from which you can copy configuration data. You can then edit the configuration as needed.
• Configure the instrument manually by following steps 4 through 14. After configuration, TotalChrom will download the Instrument Personality Module (IPM) for the instrument.
4. Under Options, select whether or not you have PPC (Programmable Pneumatic Control) installed.
Selecting YES makes available the other PPC options in the dialog box. Select Gas Leak Alarm if you want to be alerted of a gas leak within an instrument under PPC control.
5. Under Inlets, select the Injector setting that matches your instrument for Channel A and/or B.
6. If the instrument has valves, select the valve type for each valve. (The PPC split vents will be configured automatically.)
7. Under Detectors, select PPC for detector A and/or B (if PPC is installed), then select the Detector, Mode, and Output settings that match your instrument for Channel A and/or B.
8. Under Carrier Pneumatics, select the Pressure Units and other options. 9. Select a setting for Carrier A. The available settings depend on which type
of instrument you have.
PVel — denotes programmable linear velocity operation. This option is only available for CAP and PSSx injectors in Cap Control Mode. (You enter the average values for capillary column linear velocity in the method, as well as values for column dimensions and vacuum compensation.)
CFlow — denotes operation at a constant flow rate. (Enter pressure values in the method.) The pressure is varied by the GC to maintain a constant mass flow rate through the column as the oven temperature changes. This mode does not require you to enter column dimensions in the method.
PFlow —denotes programmable flow operation. (Enter flow values in the method.)
Press — indicates direct pressure programmable control in the pressure units you select.
IFlow — denotes constant flow operation. (Enter flow values in the method.)
10. If appropriate, repeat the process for Carrier B.
11. Under Auxiliary Pneumatics, select PPC for any auxiliary zone that has a PPC controller installed.
12. Select the settings to control pressure or flow of the auxiliary zone(s). 13. Choose OK.
A check mark in the LINK Configuration dialog box indicates that the instrument has been configured.
¾ To set LC configuration options:
1. In the LINK Configuration dialog box, choose the Configure button next to the port selection.
The LC Configuration dialog box appears. The settings available for each option vary depending on the instrument you are using.
4. If you are configuring an LC and you are using a 900 Series interface to communicate with an autosampler, choose R/V Decode (rack/vial decode) to set autosampler options. See the To Set A/D Configuration Options
procedure in Configuring a 900 Series Interface on page 3-4. 5. Choose OK to return to the LINK Configuration dialog box. ¾ To save the configuration:
1. Choose Finish in the LINK Configuration dialog box.
TotalChrom creates a configuration file (.CFG) for each instrument and downloads the IPM. All IPMs available to you are installed during the TotalChrom installation process. If TotalChrom cannot find an appropriate IPM, consult your application manager.
When you first configure a LINK-controlled instrument, a dialog box similar to the following appears asking if you want to check communication for the instrument.
2. If the named instrument is connected and turned on, choose Yes. TotalChrom will attempt to check the physical connection with the instrument by taking, and then releasing, control of the instrument. The Confirm Configuration message box appears with AutoSystem and HP 6890 devices.
3. Choose Yes to compare the configuration options you selected with those that are being reported by the instrument.
If the two do not match, a message box appears.
4. Choose Yes to modify the configuration settings in TotalChrom so that they match those of the instrument.
When TotalChrom is finished, the Configuration Editor appears.
YES appears in the Configured column if an instrument is adequately configured. If NO appears, you need to complete the configuration options for the instrument before you can acquire data.