SOLAAR Series
Software
Manual
9499 400 30011
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Windows...1.-.2 Windows.Help...1.-.2 Displaying.Help.for.Windows...1.-.2
Chapter 2
SOLAAR Installation
Spectrometer software...2.-.3 GFTV.software...2.-.3 SOLAARsecurity.software...2.-.3 Software installation...2.-.3 SOLAAR.Data.Station.software...2.-.3 Installing.the.USB.drivers.on.the.Data.Station...2.-.4 Installing.the.USB.drivers.on.the.Data.Station.(Vista)...2.-.6 Determining.the.COM.port.of.the.Spectrometer...2.-.8 Determining.the.COM.port.of.the.Spectrometer.using.Vista.2.-.8 Installing the Data Station software...2.-.9 Initialising.the.installation...2.-.9 Selecting.the.Installation.folder...2.-.11 Downloading.software.to.the.spectrometer...2.-.11 Installing.the.Support.Documentation...2.-.13 Installing.the.Adobe.Acrobat.Reader...2.-.13 The Thermo SOLAAR program group...2.-.14 Repairing.and.removing.the.SOLAAR.software...2.-.17 SOLAAR software and printers...2.-.18 Getting.Help.for.installing.a.new.printer...2.-.18 Starting the SOLAAR application...2.-.19 Starting.SOLAAR...2.-.19 Creating.a.desktop.shortcut.to.SOLAAR...2.-.19 Starting.SOLAAR.automatically.with.Windows...2.-.20 Logging in to SOLAAR software...2.-.21 Startup.option...2.-.22
Chapter 3
SOLAAR Software
SOLAAR.dialogue.boxes...3.-.10 SOLAAR.Menus...3.-.11 SOLAAR.Tool.Bar...3.-.13 SOLAAR.Status.Bars...3.-.14 On-line.Help...3.-.15 Learning.to.use.the.On-line.Help.system...3.-.15 Opening.the.Help.Topics:.SOLAAR.dialogue.box...3.-.16 SOLAAR.Help.Table.of.Contents.and.Help.topics...3.-.17 Context-sensitive.Help...3.-.19 Menu.Commands,.Status.windows.and.Tools...3.-.19 Dialogue.boxes.and.Property.pages...3.-.20 Controls.on.dialogue.boxes.and.Property.pages...3.-.20
Chapter 4
Getting Started
A simple flame analysis...4.-.3 Before.starting...4.-.3 Setting.up.the.Method...4.-.3 General.Method.parameters...4.-.4 Sequence.Method.parameters...4.-.5 Spectrometer.Method.parameters...4.-.9 Flame.Method.parameters...4.-.10 Calibration.Method.parameters...4.-.10 Saving.and.loading.Methods...4.-.11 Saving.a.Method.in.the.Methods.Database...4.-.11 Loading.a.previously.saved.Method...4.-.12 Installing a lamp...4.-.12 Setting.up.the.lamp...4.-.15 Lighting the flame and optimising the burner parameters....4.-.16 Lighting.the.flame...4.-.16 Optimising.the.burner.position...4.-.17 Running the analysis...4.-.18 Viewing.the.results...4.-.20 Printing.the.results...4.-.21 A simple furnace analysis...4.-.22 Before.starting...4.-.22 Setting.up.the.Method...4.-.23 General.Method.parameters...4.-.23 Sequence.Method.parameters...4.-.24 Spectrometer.Method.parameters...4.-.24 Furnace.Method.parameters...4.-.25 Calibration.Method.parameters...4.-.25 Sampling.Method.parameters...4.-.26 Installing and aligning the lamp...4.-.26 Installing.and.aligning.the.Graphite.Furnace...4.-.27 Loading.the.sample.solution.on.to.the.Autosampler...4.-.29 Aligning.the.Graphite.Furnace.Autosampler...4.-.29 Running.the.analysis...4.-.30 Viewing.and.printing.the.results...4.-.31 Viewing.absorbance.signals...4.-.31
A simple vapour analysis...4.-.31 Sequence.Method.parameters...4.-.33 Spectrometer.Method.parameters...4.-.34 Vapour.Method.parameters...4.-.34 Calibration.Method.parameters...4.-.35 Lighting the flame...4.-.37 Viewing and printing the results...4.-.40
Chapter 5
Dual Analyses
A simple dual analysis...5.-.3 Setting.up.and.running.a.Dual.Analysis...5.-.3 Dual.Analysis.Results...5.-.4
Chapter 6
The OQ Tests Software
Starting the OQ Tests application...6.-.3 Using the OQ Tests Application...6.-.3 Customer Diagnostics...6.-.4 Appendix 1 – Upgrade Considerations...6.-.5
Chapter 1
Introduction
Congratulations.on.the.purchase.of.your.Thermo.Scientific.Atomic. Absorption.system.and.Thermo.SOLAAR.software.. SOLAAR.ia.a.powerful,.user-friendly.system.that.will.meet.all.your. needs.for.elemental.analysis.using.Atomic.Absorption.Spectrometry... We.hope.that.you.will.quickly.become.familiar.with.the.operation.and. capabilities.of.your.system. This.manual.shows.you.how.to.install.and.use.the.SOLAAR.Data. Station.and.OQ.Tests.software..It.should.be.used.in.conjunction.with. the.other.AA.Series.User.Documentation.supplied.with.your.system,.in. particular:the.Operators manual.–.this.describes.the.installation,.alignment. and.use.of.the.Spectrometer.and.accessories.
the.Methods manual.–.this.describes.the.physical.and.chemical. principles.underlying.the.technique.of.Atomic.Absorption. Spectrometry,.and.gives.practical.guidance.on.sample.preparation. and.related.topics.
the.On-line Help system.–.this.gives.a.detailed.description.of.the. software,.together.with.instructions.on.how.to.carry.out.all.the. main.operations..It.also.includes.the.On-Line.Cookbook,.which. gives.recommended.values.for.the.basic.parameters.for.all.the. elements.that.can.be.measured.by.Atomic.Absorption.Spectrometry.. This.is.described.in.more.detail.in.the.SOLAAR.Software./.On.line. Help.section. The.SOLAAR.Data.Station.and.SOLAAR.OQ.Tests.software.also. form.part.of.the.SOLAARsecurity.software.package,.which.includes. additional.software.components.that.provide.enhanced.features.such.as. Access.Control.and.Electronic.Signatures..These.are.required.to.allow. the.SOLAAR.software.to.fulfil.the.requirements.of.the.21.CFR.Part. 11.Rule,.which.applies.to.organisations.regulated.by.the.United.States.
Your.SOLAAR.Data.Station.software.operates.under.the.Microsoft. Windows.2000.(SP4),.Windows.XP.(SP2).and.Windows.Vista. Ultimate.operating.systems...SOLAAR.software.has.been.designed.to. use.these.operating.systems.and.makes.optimal.use.of.their.facilities. Note:.SOLAAR.may.not.work.under.earlier.versions.of.Windows. operating.systems..
In general SOLAAR follows the general conventions of Microsoft Windows™ and it is expected that the analyst has a good
understanding of the operating system and functions.
Commands and functions that are common to Windows application programmes will not be described. It is assumed that buttons such as OK and Apply are to be selected when the analyst has completed a selection of options in a dialog box/window and the Cancel button closes a dialog box/window and erases and data entry or alteration. In many cases there is more than one acceptable way to perform a task, access a window etc.
All versions of Windows are provided with extensive On-line Help, which covers all aspects of day-to-day operation.
To display the On-line Help system for using Windows:
1.. Click.on.the. .button.at.the.bottom.left-hand.corner.of. the.screen.to.display.the.Start.menu:
Windows
Windows
Windows Help
Windows
2.. Click.on.the.Help and Support command..
The.Windows Help and Support Center window.will.be.displayed:
–. In.other.versions.of.Windows,.the.Help Topics dialogue.box.may. be.displayed.in.a.slightly.different.format.
3.. Click.on.a.Help Topic.to.open.it...Navigate.through.the.menus.on. the.left.hand.side.of.the.window.to.find.the.specific.subject.you’re. interested.in:
.
–. In.other.versions.of.Windows.the.navigation.screens.within.the. Help.section.may.look.slightly.different.
This.page.is.intentionally.blank.
Software installation The.Spectrometer.in.your.AA.Series.Atomic.Absorption.system.contains. a.powerful.embedded.microprocessor.to.control.the.low-level.operations. of.the.various.sub-systems.and.accessories..This.microprocessor.runs. software.that.is.resident.in.the.Spectrometer.itself,.which.is.normally. installed.and.tested.during.the.manufacture.of.the.equipment..From. time.to.time.we.will.release.updated.versions.of.this.resident.software. to.enhance.the.performance.of.the.system.and.provide.new.facilities. –.these.can.be.installed.from.your.Data.Station. Very.rarely,.a.fault.in.the.Spectrometer.can.corrupt.the.resident. software..A.copy.of.this.software.is.therefore.included.on.the. SOLAAR.Software.distribution.CD.ROM,.so.that.it.can.be.re-installed. in.the.Spectrometer.from.the.Data.Station.if.required. Your.AA.Series.Atomic.Absorption.Spectrometer.may.be.fitted.with. the.Graphite.Furnace.Television.(GFTV).accessory...This.is.included.as. a.standard.feature.on.many.instruments.and.can.also.be.provided.as.a. factory-fitted.upgrade...The.video.from.the.GFTV.accessory.is.displayed. within.the.SOLAAR.software.itself.
If.you.have.purchased.the.SOLAARsecurity.software.package,.please. refer.to.the.documentation.included.in.that.package.for.installation. instructions. If.you.have.bought.your.computer.as.part.of.a.complete.system.from. Thermo.Fisher.Scientific.or.from.one.of.our.Agents,.the.software.may. have.been.pre-installed.in.our.factory... The.software.will.have.been.fully.tested,.both.in.our.factory.before. shipping.and.again.during.installation.by.our.trained.Service.Engineers. in.your.laboratory. If.you.have.supplied.your.own.computer,.the.Service.Engineer.will. install.and.test.the.software.during.installation. You.will.only.have.to.install.the.software.yourself.if: you.want.to.move.the.software.from.one.computer.to.another you.want.to.upgrade.the.software.with.a.newer.version.supplied. by.us your.original.installation.has.become.corrupted. You will need:
a.PC.of.appropriate.specification.and.capable.of.running.the.
Spectrometer
software
GFTV software
SOLAAR
security
software
Software
installation
–. an.appropriate.port.for.communication.with.the.spectrometer –. an.appropriate.printer.port –. a.Windows-compatible.mouse –. an.appropriate.Windows.operating.system.installed.on.the. computer –. a.SOLAAR.Software.Installation.CD-ROM to.upgrade.the.Spectrometer.software,.the.Spectrometer.must. be.available.and.correctly.connected.to.the.Data.Station. The.USB.drivers.are.required.so.that.the.Data.Station.can.communicate. with. the. spectrometer.. The. drivers. may. have. been. installed. on. your. computer.when.the.SOLAAR.Data.Station.software.was.installed,.either. at.the.factory.if.it.was.part.of.a.complete.system.or.by.one.of.our.Service. Engineers.if.you.supplied.your.own.computer..However,.there.may.be. situations.where.you.need.to.install.the.drivers.yourself,.such.as.moving. the.SOLAAR.software.to.another.computer..To.carry.out.the.USB.driver. installation. on. your. computer. you. will. need. the. SOLAAR. Software. Installation.CD-ROM. 1.. Ensure.that.the.Spectrometer.is.off. 2.. Connect.a.USB.lead.between.your.computer.and.the.USB. socket.on.the.Spectrometer..A.suitable.USB.lead.is.provided. with.the.Spectrometer. 3.. Insert.the.SOLAAR.Software.Installation.CD-ROM.into.the. CD-ROM.drive.of.your.PC . If.the.SOLAAR.Installation.program.automatically.starts,. select.Exit.
4.. On.your.computer,.launch.the.Control Panel.
5.. In.the.control.panel.window,.double-click.on.the.System.icon. 6.. In.the.System Properties.window..Select.the.Hardware.tab,.
and.click.on.the.Windows Update.button.
7.. In.the.Connect to Windows Update.window,.select.the.Ask me to search Windows Update every time I connect a new device.and.then.click.OK..
8.. The.System Properties.window.and.Control Panel.window. can.now.be.closed.
9.. Turn.on.the.Spectrometer.
10.. The.Found New Hardware Wizard.window.will.appear..Select.the. No, not this time.radio.button.and.then.select.the.Next button.
Installing the USB drivers on the Data Station Software installation
11.. Then.select.the.Install from a list or specific location (Advanced).radio.button.and.then.select.the.Next.button.
12.. In.the.next.window,.select.the.Search for the best driver in these locations radio button..Ensure.that.the.Search removable media (floppy, CD-ROM…).is.ticked..Then.select. the.Next.button.
13.. The.wizard.will.now.search.for.the.drivers...Once.the.wizard. has.completed,.select.the.Finish.button.
14.. As.there.are.two.or.three.drivers.to.install,.depending.on. whether.your.Spectrometer.is.fitted.with.a.GFTV...Follow.steps.
1.. Ensure.that.the.Spectrometer.is.off. 2.. Connect.a.USB.lead.between.your.computer.and.the.USB. socket.on.the.Spectrometer..A.suitable.USB.lead.is.provided. with.the.Spectrometer. 3.. Insert.the.SOLAAR.Installation.CD-ROM.into.the.CD-ROM.drive.of.your.PC...If.the.SOLAAR.Installation.starts. automatically,.select.Exit.
4.. On.your.computer.launch.the.Control Panel.
5.. In.the.Control.Panel.window,.double.click.on.the.System icon. and.then.double.click.on.the.Advanced System Settings.on. Task List
6.. In.the.System Properties.window.select.the.Hardware.tab.and. click.on.the.Windows Update Driver Settings.button
7.. In.the.Windows Update Driver Settings.window.select.Ask me each time I connect a new device before checking for drivers..Click.OK
8.. The.System Properties.and.Control Panel.windows.can.now. be.closed.
9.. Turn.on.the.Spectrometer
10.. The.Found New Hardware Wizard.window.will.appear... Select.Locate and install driver software.
Installing the USB drivers on the Data Station (Vista) Software installation
11.. In.the.next.window.select.Don’t search on line.
Installing the USB drivers on a Data Station (VISTA) 1. Ensure that the Spectrometer is off.
2. Connect a USB lead between your computer and the USB socket on the Spectrometer. A suitable USB lead is provided with the Spectrometer.
3. Insert the SOLAAR Installation CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your PC. If the SOLAAR Installation starts automatically, select Exit.
4. On your computer launch the Control Panel.
5. In the Control Panel window, double click on the System icon and then double click on the Advanced System Settings on Task List
6. In the System Properties window select the Hardware tab and click on the Windows Update Driver Settings button
7. In the Windows Update Driver Settings window select Ask me each time I connect a new device before checking for drivers. Click OK
8. TheSystem Properties and Control Panel windows can now be closed. 9. Turn on the Spectrometer
10. TheFound New Hardware Wizard window will appear. Select Locate and install driver software.
11. In the next window select Don’t search on line
Installing the USB drivers on a Data Station (VISTA) 1. Ensure that the Spectrometer is off.
2. Connect a USB lead between your computer and the USB socket on the Spectrometer. A suitable USB lead is provided with the Spectrometer.
3. Insert the SOLAAR Installation CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive of your PC. If the SOLAAR Installation starts automatically, select Exit.
4. On your computer launch the Control Panel.
5. In the Control Panel window, double click on the System icon and then double click on the Advanced System Settings on Task List
6. In the System Properties window select the Hardware tab and click on the Windows Update Driver Settings button
7. In the Windows Update Driver Settings window select Ask me each time I connect a new device before checking for drivers. Click OK
8. TheSystem Properties and Control Panel windows can now be closed.
9. Turn on the Spectrometer
10. TheFound New Hardware Wizard window will appear. Select Locate and install driver software.
11. In the next window select Don’t search on line
12.. When.the.next.wizard.dialogue.box.appears.click.Next.
Software installation
13.. Once.the.driver.has.been.installed.the.Found New Hardware Wizard.should.advise.you.that.the.installation.is.complete.
14.. Once.the.wizard.has.completed,.select.the.Close button. 15.. As.there.are.two.or.three.drivers.to.install,.depending.on.
whether.your.Spectrometer.is.fitted.with.a.GFTV...Follow.steps. 10.to.14.until.the.computer.has.found.all.the.new.hardware.
13. Once the driver has been installed the Found New Hardware Wizard should advise you that the installation is complete.
14. Once the wizard has completed, select the Close button.
15. As there are two or three drivers to install, depending on whether your Spectrometer is fitted with a GFTV. Follow steps 10 to 14 until the computer has found all the new hardware.
16. Your computer is now ready to be used with the Spectrometer.
13. Once the driver has been installed the Found New Hardware Wizard should advise you that the installation is complete.
14. Once the wizard has completed, select the Close button.
15. As there are two or three drivers to install, depending on whether your Spectrometer is fitted with a GFTV. Follow steps 10 to 14 until the computer has found all the new hardware.
To.determine.which.COM.port.the.Spectrometer.has.been.assigned.on. your.computer: 1.. Connect.the.Spectrometer.to.your.computer.using.the. supplied.USB.cable. 2.. Ensure.the.Spectrometer.is.turned.on. 3.. Click.on.the. .button.on.the.desktop.and.then.select. Control Panel.
4.. In.the.Control.Panel.window,.double.click.on.the.System.icon. 5.. In.the.System Properties.window,.select.the.Hardware.tab..
Then.click.on.the.Device Manager button.
6.. In.the.Device.Manager.window,.click.on.the.+.next.to Ports (COM &LPT).
7.. The.COM.port.that.is.assigned.to.your.Spectrometer.is. the.first.in.the.list.labelled.CP210x USB to UART driver (COMx)..Where.COMx.is.the.COM.port.number. When.setting.up.the.communications.port.in.the.SOLAAR.Data. Software,.select.the.COM.port.that.is.assigned.to.the.spectrometer. Determining.the.COM.port.of.the.Spectrometer.using.VISTA To.determine.which.COM.port.the.Spectrometer.has.been.assigned.on. your.computer: 1.. Connect.the.Spectrometer.to.your.computer.using.the. supplied.USB.cable. 2.. Ensure.the.Spectrometer.is.turned.on. 3.. Click.on.the.
Determining the COM port of the Spectrometer using VISTA
To determine which COM port the Spectrometer has been assigned on your computer: 1. Connect the Spectrometer to your computer using the supplied USB cable. 2. Ensure the Spectrometer is turned on.
3. Click on the button on the desktop and then select Control Panel. 4. In the Control Panel window, double click on the System icon.
5. In the System Properties window, click on the Device Manager button.
6. In the Device Manager window, click on the + next to Ports (COM &LPT). 7. The COM port that is assigned to your Spectrometer is the first in the list labelled
Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx). Where COMx is the COM port number.
.button.on.the.desktop.and.then.select. Control Panel.
4.. In.the.Control.Panel.window,.double.click.on.the.System.icon. 5.. In.the.System Properties.window,.click.on.the.Device
Manager.button.
Determining the COM port of the Spectrometer Installing the Data Station software
Determining the COM port of the Spectrometer using Vista
Determining the COM port of the Spectrometer using VISTA
To determine which COM port the Spectrometer has been assigned on your computer: 1. Connect the Spectrometer to your computer using the supplied USB cable. 2. Ensure the Spectrometer is turned on.
3. Click on the button on the desktop and then select Control Panel. 4. In the Control Panel window, double click on the System icon.
5. In the System Properties window, click on the Device Manager button.
Installing the
Data Station
software
Initialising the installation
Installing the Data Station software
.6.. In.the.Device Manager.window,.click.on.the.
Determining the COM port of the Spectrometer using VISTA
To determine which COM port the Spectrometer has been assigned on your computer: 1. Connect the Spectrometer to your computer using the supplied USB cable. 2. Ensure the Spectrometer is turned on.
3. Click on the button on the desktop and then select Control Panel. 4. In the Control Panel window, double click on the System icon.
5. In the System Properties window, click on the Device Manager button.
6. In the Device Manager window, click on the + next to Ports (COM &LPT). 7. The COM port that is assigned to your Spectrometer is the first in the list labelled
Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx). Where COMx is the COM port number.
.next.to.Ports (COM & LPT).
7.. The.COM.port.that.is.assigned.to.your.Spectrometer.is.the.first. in.the.list.labelled.Silicon Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (COMx)..Where.COMx.is.the.COM.port.number. To.install.the.SOLAAR.software: 1.. Turn.on.your.Data.Station.and.wait.until.Windows.has.started. –.if.the.Data.Station.is.already.turned.on,.exit.from.any. programs.that.are.running. 2.. Insert.the.Software.Installation.CD-ROM.into.the.PC’s.CD-ROM.drive. . If.your.PC.has.been.set.up.to.start.programs.automatically. when.a.CD-ROM.is.inserted.(this.is.the.default),.the. SOLAAR.Installation.program.will.start.automatically.and.you. should.go.straight.to.Step.7.below..Otherwise,.follow.Steps.3.to. 6.first. 3.. Click.on.the. .button.on.the.taskbar.to.display.the. Start.menu.
4.. Click.on.the.Run.command.to.display.the.Run.dialogue.box.
5.. Type.D:\autorun.exe.(replace.D.with.the.appropriate.letter.if. your.CD-ROM.drive.is.not.the.D.drive).into.the.Open.box:.
To.install.the.SOLAAR.Data.Station.software,.move.the.mouse.pointer. over.Install SOLAAR Data Station.and.click.the.mouse.button..The. Security Options dialogue.will.be.displayed.
Installing the Data Station software
6.. Click.on.OK.to.close.the.dialogue.box.and.start.up.the.
SOLAAR.Installation.program...The.following.dialogue.will.be. displayed:
If.you.are.installing.the.SOLAAR.Data.Station.software.only.(i.e.,. you.are.NOT.installing.the.data.station.for.operation.with.the.full. SOLAARsecurity.package),.select.the.No.option.and.click.OK... If.you.ARE.installing.the.data.station.for.operation.with.the.full. SOLAARsecurity.package,.then.you.should.refer.to.the.installation. instructions.included.in.the.user.documentation.supplied.with.the. package. The.automatic.installation.Wizard.will.then.start.. A.series.of.dialogue.boxes.will.be.displayed,.reporting.the.progress.of. the.installation.and.prompting.you.to.make.certain.choices...When.you. have.read.the.contents.of.a.dialogue.box,.and.supplied.any.necessary. information,.click.the.Next.button.to.move.on.the.next.step.
During.the.installation.this.dialogue.will.be.displayed,.to.allow.you.to. install.SOLAAR.into.a.folder.of.your.choice....We.recommend.that.you. accept.the.default.folder.
When.the.Installation.Wizard.has.all.the.information.that.it.needs,.the. Wizard.will.display.the.Start Installation.dialogue...You.can.use.the. Back.button.on.this.dialogue.to.return.to.any.of.the.previous.dialogues. to.change.the.information.you.have.entered...When.you.click.on.the. Next.button,.the.installation.will.start.
When.the.installation.has.been.completed,.the.Wizard.will.display. a.final.dialogue.confirming.that.the.installation.has.been.successful... Click.the.Finish.button.to.complete.the.installation.
To.download.the.spectrometer.software.to.the.spectrometer:
1.. Turn.on.the.spectrometer.and.ensure.the.Data.Station.is.connected. to.the.PC.via.an.appropriate.cable.
2.. Start.up.the.SOLAAR.Installation.program.–.see.the.previous. section.
3.. Click.on.Download System Software on.the.first.Installation. dialogue.box.to.display.the.Download.Parameters.dialogue..
Selecting the Installation folder.
Downloading software to the spectrometer
4.. Use.the.drop.down.list.at.the.left.of.the.dialogue.to.select.the.Data. Station’s.USB/serial.port.that.you.are.using. 5.. Use.the.four.radio.buttons.in.the.middle.of.the.screen.to.select.the. type.of.download.that.you.want.to.perform. Use.the.first.radio.button.to.download.new.software.to.the. spectrometer. Use.the.second.radio.button.to.download.new.software.to.a. Graphite.Furnace.accessory.connected.to.the.spectrometer. Use.the.third.radio.button.to.download.a.new.version.of. the.Local.Control.software...You.must.have.a.Local.Control. module.fitted.before.you.can.do.this. Use.the.fourth.radio.button.to.download.new.software.to.the. VP100.vapour.accessory. 6.. When.you.have.selected.the.type.of.download.required,.click.on.the. Download.button.to.display.the.dialogue.below.
Installing the Data Station software
7.. Confirm.that.you.have.correctly.connected.an.appropriate.cable.to. the.spectrometer.and.then.click.the.Continue.button. 8.. You.will.then.be.prompted.to.turn.the.target.systems.OFF,.then. ON.again...This.will.ensure.that.the.software.in.the.target.system. has.been.correctly.initialised...Click.OK.when.you.have.done.this. and.the.download.will.take.place. 9.. A.dialogue.showing.the.progress.of.the.download.will.be.displayed. 10..When.the.download.has.been.successfully.completed,.a.prompt.will. be.displayed.instructing.you.to.switch.the.target.system.OFF,.then. ON.again,.to.initialise.the.new.software...Click.OK.when.you.have. done.this...The.system.with.the.new.software.is.then.ready.to.be. used.
Installing the Support Documentation
Installing the Adobe Acrobat Reader The.Support.Documentation.contains.a.wealth.of.Applications.data,. Technical.information.and.On-line.versions.of.the.system.Manuals... The.Installation.program.will.create.shortcuts.to.these.from.the. SOLAAR.program.group.and.optionally.copy.the.files.on.to.your.hard. drive. Install.Support.Documentation..Follow.the.instructions.on.the.screen. to.complete.the.installation.of.the.Support.Documentation. The.Support.Documentation.is.provided.as.Portable.Document. Format.(.pdf).files...To.access.these.files.you.must.install.the.Adobe. Acrobat.Reader..Follow.the.instructions.on.the.screen.to.complete.the. installation.of.the.Adobe.Acrobat.Reader.
During.the.installation.of.the.SOLAAR.software,.
a.Start Menu All Programs.group.is.created.that.contains.shortcuts. to.the.SOLAAR.application.and.to.other.related.applications.and. documents. Click.on.the.item.in.the.menu.to.start.the.application.or.view.the. document. The.following.table.gives.a.very.brief.summary.of.what.each.of.the.main. icons.represents. The.main.SOLAAR.application.–.select.this.to.start. the.SOLAAR.software.
The SOLAAR Help system – select this to display On-line Help for using SOLAAR software.
The.OQ.Tests.–.select.this.to.start.the. SOLAAR.OQ.Tests.program...This.program.also. includes.a.set.of.Customer.Diagnostics.tests,.to. allow.you.to.identify.simple.faults.that.may.occur. Repairing.and.removing.the.SOLAAR.software The.Installation.Wizard.can.repair.a.SOLAAR.installation.if.the. program.files.become.corrupted.or.damaged...It.can.also.remove.the. application,.or.roll.back.to.the.previous.version. To.repair.or.remove.the.main.SOLAAR.software.from.your.Data. Station: 1.. Turn.on.your.Data.Station.and.wait.until.Windows.has.started. 2.. Click.on.the.. .button.to.display.the.Start.menu.
The Thermo SOLAAR
program group
Repairing and removing
the SOLAAR software
The Thermo SOLAAR program group3.. Click.on.Control Panel.to.display.the.Control Panel:
(Different operating systems may display differently)
4.. Click.on.Add or Remove Programs to.display.the.Add or Remove Programs.menu.
5.. Click.on.the.Remove a Program.icon.to.display.the.Add or Remove Programs Properties.dialogue.box:
6.. Click.on.SOLAAR.in.the.list,.and.then.on.Change/Remove.to. display.the.Select.Uninstall.Method.dialogue.box:
7.. Click.on.Custom.if.you.want.to.be.able.to.select.which.files,.folders. and.settings.to.remove;.otherwise.leave.Automatic.selected.and. click.on.Next.to.display.the.Perform Rollback.dialogue.box:
8.. If.your.current.version.of.SOLAAR.software.was.installed.over.an. earlier.version.and.you.chose.to.backup.that.earlier.version.when. you.installed.the.newer.one,.the.uninstall.procedure.will.allow.you. to.remove.the.newer.version.and.replace.it.with.the.older.one...This. facility.is.provided.to.assist.with.fault.diagnosis;.usually.you.will. not.need.to.use.it..Click.on.Next to.display.the.Perform Uninstall. dialogue.box:
9.. If.you.are.sure.you.want.to.uninstall.SOLAAR.click.on.Finish.to. remove.the.program,.otherwise.click.on.Cancel.
Note: This procedure will NOT remove any data files created by the SOLAAR software – to remove, back up or copy these, refer to the Windows On-line Help. For this reason, it is likely that the c:\solaarm folder and one or more files or folders contained in it will remain on your hard disk. If you are sure that there are no necessary data files in these folders, remove them using the normal Windows techniques for deleting files and folders.
The.SOLAAR.Data.Station.software.will.work.with.any.type.of.printer. that.is.supported.by.the.Windows.operating.system. Before.you.can.use.a.printer,.you.must.first.install.it.into.your.Windows. system..The.Windows.On-line.Help.system.will.guide.you.through.this. process.if.you.have.to.install.a.new.printer. To.get.Help.for.installing.a.new.printer: 1.. Turn.on.your.Data.Station.and.wait.until.Windows.has.started. 2.. Click.on.the. .button.on.the.taskbar.to.display.the.Start. menu. 3.. Click.on.the.Help.and.Support.command.to.display.the.Windows. Help.dialogue.box. 4.. Click.on.the.Printing.and.Faxing.link.in.the.Help.topics.menu.on. the.left-hand.side.of.the.screen. 5.. On.the.Printing.and.Faxing.Help.screen.click.on.Printing.and.then. on.Basic.Printing.Tasks...This.will.bring.up.a.menu.that.allows.you. to.select.Help.topics.for.either.connecting.a.printer.directly.to.your. computer,.or.connecting.to.a.printer.on.a.network. In.other.versions.of.Windows,.the.procedure.required.to.locate.and. access.this.information.may.be.slightly.different. 6.. Follow.the.instructions.given.in.the.Help.topic.
SOLAAR software and
printers
Getting Help for installing a newprinter SOLAAR software and printers
During.installation.a.Thermo SOLAAR.submenu.is.added.to.the. Program.section.of.the.Start .menu...The.instructions.in.the.next.sub-section.show.you.how.to.use.this.to.start.SOLAAR.software..However,. Windows.provides.several.other.ways.of.starting.an.application,.which. you.may.find.more.convenient..You.can,.for.example: create.a.shortcut.on.the.desktop.that.will.start.the.application. without.using.the.Start.menu.at.all. create.a.SOLAAR.shortcut.in.the.StartUp.folder,.so.that.SOLAAR. starts.automatically.when.Windows.is.started. To.start.the.SOLAAR.software: 1.. Turn.on.your.Data.Station.and.wait.until.Windows.has.started. 2.. Turn.on.the.Spectrometer.and.its.services.if.required.
3.. Click.on.the. .button.to.display.the.Start.menu.
4.. Click.on.All Programs.to.display.the.list.of.program.groups,.then. Thermo SOLAAR.to.display.the.SOLAAR icons:
5.. Click.on.SOLAAR.to.start.the.SOLAAR.software.. To.create.a.desktop.shortcut.to.SOLAAR:
1.. Right-click.on.the.background.of.the.desktop.to.access.a.pop-up. menu.
2.. Click.on.New.to.display.a.submenu.
3.. Click.on.Shortcut.in.the.New.submenu.to.display.the.Create Shortcut.dialogue.box:
Starting the
SOLAAR application
Starting SOLAARCreating a desktop shortcut to SOLAAR
4.. Enter.the.path.to.the.SOLAAR.application.program.(the.default.is. C:\SOLAARM\PROGRAM\Solaar32.exe),.or.click.on.Browse.to. display.a.standard.Windows.file.browser.dialogue.box.so.that.you. can.select.the.file.
5.. Click.on.Next.to.display.the.Select a Title for the Program. dialogue.box: 6.. Edit.the.name.for.the.shortcut.to.read.SOLAAR.and.click.on.Finish. The.new.shortcut.will.appear.on.the.desktop: To.start.SOLAAR.using.the.desktop.shortcut.double-click.on.the. SOLAAR.icon. To.make.SOLAAR.start.automatically.when.Windows.is.started: 1.. Click.on.the. .button.on.the.taskbar.to.display.the.Start
menu.
2.. Navigate.to.the.Thermo.SOLAAR.program.group.
3.. Right-click.on.the.SOLAAR.icon.and.select.Create Shortcut: .
Starting SOLAAR automatically with Windows Starting the SOLAAR application
4.. Clicking.on.Create Shortcut.will.produce.a.second.icon.with.the. default.name.SOLAAR.(2).
5.. Drag.and.drop.the.SOLAAR.(2).shortcut.into.the.Startup.folder:
SOLAAR.will.now.start.automatically.when.Windows.starts.
When.SOLAAR.starts.up,.it.first.displays.the.Login.dialogue.box.so. that.you.can.log.in.as.the.current.user..
To log in with the Security System disabled:
1.. Start.SOLAAR.and.wait.until.the.Login.dialogue.box.is.displayed.
2.. Either.accept.the.default.user.name.–.SOLAAR.Operator . or..
. type.your.own.name.in.the.Operator name field.
–. If.your.Windows.installation.is.set.up.so.that.you.have.to.log.in. to.Windows.when.you.start.up.the.Data.Station,.the.SOLAAR. software.will.automatically.display.your.Windows.login.User.Name... You.can.change.this.if.you.were.not.the.person.who.logged.in.to. Windows. 3.. Click.on.OK.to.log.in.and.start.SOLAAR.
Logging in to
SOLAAR software
Once.you.have.logged.in,.SOLAAR.will.start.up..You.will.be.able.to. choose.what.happens.when.the.program.opens,.but.the.default.is.for. the.Wizard Launcher.dialogue.box.to.be.displayed.–.see.SOLAAR. Software./.Overview./.SOLAAR.Wizards.section.for.an.overview.of.the. SOLAAR.Wizards.
If.you.want.to.choose.another.Startup.option,.you.will.need.to.close.the. Wizard Launcher.dialogue.box.first.
To do this:
. Click.on.Close.in.the.Wizard Launcher.dialogue.box. To.choose.the.Startup.option:
1.. Click.on.Options.on.the.View.menu.to.display.the.Options. dialogue.box.
2.. Click.on.the.Startup.tab.to.display.the.Startup.page:
3.. Click.on.the.radio.button.for.the.option.you.require.
–. If.you.choose.Display Wizards on Startup the.Wizard Launcher. dialogue.box.will.be.displayed.when.the.program.opens.–.this.is.the. default.
–. If.you.choose.Display Method on Startup,.when.the.program. opens.the.Method.property.sheet.will.be.displayed.showing.the. Method.that.was.the.Current.Method.when.the.program.closed. –.see.Section.3.1.3.for.an.overview.of.Methods.
–. If.you.choose.Neither.the.program.will.start.up.without.opening. any.dialogue.boxes.
4.. Click.on.OK.to.close.the.dialogue.box.and.set.the.Startup.option.
Startup option Logging in to SOLAAR software
This.page.is.intentionally.blank.
Overview The.SOLAAR.Data.Station.software.works.with.the.AA.Series. Spectrometers.and.accessories.to.produce.analytical.results.from.your. samples.using.Atomic.Absorption.analysis..In.order.to.carry.out.an. analysis.by.Atomic.Absorption.Spectrometry.using.the.AA.Series. system,.you.will.need.to.carry.out.some.or.all.of.the.following.steps: develop.the.methodology prepare.the.samples.and.standard.solutions set.up.and.align.the.instrument.and.accessories set.up.the.analysis.on.the.Data.Station carry.out.the.analysis review.and.present.the.results. Development.of.the.analytical.methodology.should.cover.the.whole. analysis,.including.sample.collection,.sample.preparation,.selection.of.the. elements.to.be.measured,.the.instrument.and.accessories.to.be.used.and. the.values.of.their.operating.parameters..SOLAAR.software.provides.many. tools.to.help.you.select.and.optimise.the.instrument.parameters,.but.the. process.of.developing.methodology.is.outside.the.scope.of.this.manual. Standard.and.sample.preparation.techniques.are.discussed.in.some. detail.in.the.Atomic.Absorption.Methods.Manual.and.will.not.be. discussed.further.here. Instrument.setup.and.alignment.is.described.in.detail.in.the.Hardware. manual,.while.techniques.for.aligning.the.system.and.accessories.are.also. described.in.the.How to….section.of.the.SOLAAR.On-line.Help.system. Setting.up.an.analysis.using.SOLAAR.software.involves.changing. the.default.values.of.parameters.and.options.to.suit.the.methodology. defined.for.the.analysis..The.information.that.SOLAAR.handles.is. grouped.into.distinct.functions,.shown.below:
Overview
OverviewThe SOLAAR Data Station software works with the AA Series Spectrometers and accessories to produce analytical results from your samples using Atomic Absorption analysis. In order to carry out an analysis by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry using the AA Series system, you will need to carry out some or all of the following steps:
• develop the methodology
• prepare the samples and standard solutions • set up and align the instrument and accessories • set up the analysis on the Data Station
• carry out the analysis
• review and present the results.
Development of the analytical methodology should cover the whole analysis, including sample collection, sample preparation, selection of the elements to be measured, the instrument and accessories to be used and the values of their operating parameters. SOLAAR software provides many tools to help you select and optimise the instrument parameters, but the process of developing methodology is outside the scope of this manual. Standard and sample preparation techniques are discussed in some detail in the Atomic Absorption Methods Manual and will not be discussed further here.
Instrument setup and alignment is described in detail in the Hardware manual, while techniques for aligning the system and accessories are also described in the How to… section of the SOLAAR On-line Help system. Setting up an analysis using SOLAAR software involves changing the default values of parameters and options to suit the methodology defined for the analysis. The information that SOLAAR handles is grouped into distinct functions, shown below:
The.parameters.associated.with.the.operation.of.the.Spectrometer.and. its.accessories.are.grouped.together.into.Methods.–.a.single.Method. specifies.all.the.parameters.necessary.to.analyse.a.set.of.samples.for.a.set. of.elements.by.a.specific.technique..
The.Method.also.includes.an.Action List,.which.specifies.the. operations.that.you.want.to.carry.out.during.the.analysis..Possible. actions.include.the.analysis.of.samples,.determination.of.blank.values,. calibration.and.a.variety.of.QC.tests...For.some.types.of.analysis.when. you.are.not.using.an.autosampler,.you.can.specify.the.actions.required. as.you.make.the.measurements...For.analyses.where.you.are.using.an. autosampler.and.more.complex.manual.analyses,.you.can.specify.the. actions.required.before.you.start.the.analysis.
The.Action.List.appears.in.an.Analysis Matrix..This.allows.you.to. choose.which.actions.in.the.Action.List.should.be.carried.out.for.each. of.the.elements.during.the.analysis. When.the.analysis.is.run,.the.results.are.stored.in.a.database.and.can. be.viewed.in.a.Results.window..You.can.choose.which.results.to.view. and.what.data.to.see.for.each.result..You.can.display.a.detailed.view.of. the.results.showing.several.or.all.of.the.result.parameters,.or.a.summary. showing.a.selected.parameter.for.each.of.the.elements.in.the.analysis. The.Final.Results.can.be.printed.to.produce.a.Report.of.the.analysis.. SOLAAR.provides.you.with.considerable.flexibility.in.choosing.what. to.include.in.the.Report..Saved.results.can.also.be.exported.to.other. applications.for.further.processing.or.archiving.. As.well.as.exporting.saved.results,.SOLAAR.software.can.export.results. as.they.are.produced.to.one.of.the.serial.communications.ports.on. the.Data.Station,.which.can.be.connected.to.a.Laboratory.Integrated. Management.System.(LIMS). Some.models.in.the.AA.Series.range.of.spectrometers.are.equipped. with.dual.sample.compartments..The.SOLAAR.software.enables.you. to.run.a.Method.in.the.left-hand.compartment.and.then.automatically. switch.to.the.right-hand.compartment.and.run.a.second.method..This. is.referred.to.as.a.Dual Analysis.
SOLAAR.provides.a.number.of.software.‘Wizards’.to.help.you.with. some.of.the.more.complex.tasks.you.will.need.to.carry.out.when.you. are.using.the.program..Wizards.guide.you.step-by-step.through.the. procedure.of.setting.up.and.carrying.out.operations.using.the.software.. The.Getting.Started.chapter.in.this.manual.gives.instructions.for. setting.up.and.carrying.out.operations.‘manually’.rather.than.by.using.a. Wizard. Dual Analyses
SOLAAR Wizards
SOLAAR WizardsSOLAAR.Wizards.can.help.you.to: create.a.new.method run.an.analysis adjust.and.optimise.the.flame.system set.up.and.optimise.a.graphite.furnace.analysis adjust.and.align.accessories optimise.the.spectrometer.parameters.for.your.analysis measure.and.calculate.performance.criteria,.such.as.Characteristic. Concentrations.and.Detection.Limits,.for.your.analysis. choose.what.Results.to.display.and.what.data.should.be.shown.for. them print.a.Results.Report. To.use.one.of.the.Wizards:
1.. Click.on.the.Wizards.toolbar.button.. .or.click.on.Wizards….in. the.Help.menu.to.display.the.Wizard Launcher.dialogue.box.
Note: By default, the Wizard Launcher dialogue box is opened when you start up SOLAAR – see SOLAAR Installation / Start up Option Section for how to set the Startup option.
SOLAAR Wizards
Methods
Methods SOLAAR.Methods.allow.you.to: • use.one.of.the.Flame,.Furnace.or.Vapour.techniques.for.an.analysis • for.certain.types.of.Vapour.analysis,.you.can.specify.which.dual. atomiser.spectrometer.sample.compartment.is.to.be.used • use.Autosamplers.and.a.variety.of.other.accessories.for.an.analysis • measure.up.to.500.samples.in.a.single.analysis • measure.1.to.16.elements.in.these.samples.in.a.single.analysis • control.the.sequence.of.actions.to.be.performed.for.each.element.in. an.analysis • access.all.instrumental.parameters.needed.to.analyse.samples.for. each.element.using.the.Method.property.sheet• use.default.values.for.all.instrumental.parameters • edit.the.default.parameters • define.Sample.Details.consisting.of.a.Sample.Identification.label,.a. Dilution.Factor.and.a.Sample.Mass.for.each.sample SOLAAR.Methods.can.be: • set.up.using.the.SOLAAR.Method.Wizard • viewed,.created.and.edited.in.the.Methods.tabbed.dialogue.box • saved.in.and.loaded.from.the.Method.Library Techniques.for.working.with.Methods.are.described.in.the.Methods Overview.section.of.the.SOLAAR.On-line.Help.system.
SOLAAR Sample Details: allow.naming.of.samples random.or.sequential.names.can.be.used. can.correct.results.for.sample.dilution can.correct.results.for.sample.mass can.be.used.to.change.the.concentration.units.of.the.results can.be.exported.and.imported.as.text.or.CSV.files can.be.viewed.and.edited.in.the.Sample.Details.dialogue.box Techniques.for.working.with.Sample.Details.are.described.in.the. Sample Details Overview.section.of.the.SOLAAR.On-line.Help. system. SOLAAR.Results: • are.generated.when.you.run.an.analysis.of.your.samples.using.a. Method • are.saved.in.a.Results.database..The.following.data.is.stored.with.the. results: –. the.Sequence.parameters –. all.Method.parameters –. the.Sample.Details.used Sample Details Results
Working with SOLAAR –. the.signal.results –. the.concentration.and.corrected.concentration.results –. the.relative.standard.deviations.of.the.results –. the.raw.signal.data.–.this.can.be.deleted.to.save.space.in.the. database • can.be.viewed.in.the.Results.and.Signal.Windows: –. results.are.displayed.in.real.time.as.they.are.produced –. you.can.choose.which.results.to.display.and.what.data.to.show. for.each.result. • can.be.viewed.in.Detail.or.Summary.mode • can.be.edited..You.can: –. delete.and.restore.individual.resamples.and.mean.results –. recalculate.standard.curves –. change.the.type.of.calibration.algorithm.used –. change.the.sample.details.used –. change.the.type.of.transient.signal.between.height.and.area –. change.the.time.period.used.for.measuring.transient.signals • can.have.changes.traced,.since.all.changes.are.logged.in.a.separate. audit.trail.for.each.element.in.each.analysis • can.be.printed.in.a.Detail.or.Summary.Report..You.can: –. control.precisely.what.is.printed.in.the.report.using.the.Print Options.command
–. preview.the.printed.report.using.the.Print Preview.command
• can.be.exported.to.text.files.and.to.the.Clipboard: –. as text.for.use.in.word.processors
–. in..csv.format.for.use.in.spreadsheets.and.databases
SOLAAR.software.provides.several.ways.to.interact.with.the.Atomic. Absorption.system:
Status Windows.are.used.to.display.information.about.the. system.and.the.analysis.and.do.not.generally.require.you.to.enter. information..
• The.Status Bars.at.the.bottom.of.the.screen.display.the.System Status,.the.sample.being.measured.and.a.progress.indicator.showing. the.percentage.of.the.current.analysis.that.has.been.completed...If.a. flame.or.furnace.analysis.is.being.undertaken.they.will.also.display.
Working with
SOLAAR
Working with SOLAAR
Most.dialogue.boxes.also.have.a.Cancel.button..Clicking.this.will. close.the.dialogue.box,.discarding.any.changes.you.have.made.to. settings.and.without.carrying.out.any.actions.
• Menu commands.and.Tool Bar.buttons.are.used.to.issue. commands.to.the.system.to.cause.things.to.happen,.such.as.an. analysis.to.start.or.a.dialogue.box.to.open. Status.windows: • are.used.to.display.information: –. about.your.analysis –. about.the.system.hardware • can.be.opened.or.brought.to.the.front.of.the.display: –. by.double-clicking.the.relevant.icon.if.the.window.is.minimised –. by.clicking.on.the.name.of.the.window.on.the.Windows.menu
• have.associated.menus,.which: –. appear.on.the.menu.bar.when.the.window.is.active –. contain.commands.relevant.to.the.window’s.content • have.context.menus,.which: –. appear.when.you.right-click.inside.the.window –. contain.commands.relevant.to.the.window’s.content SOLAAR.provides.eight.Status.windows,.although.the.windows.that. are.displayed.on.the.screen.at.any.time.will.depend.on.the.type.of. analysis.being.undertaken..The.Status.windows.are:
• the.Spectrometer Status.window.provides.facilities.for.monitoring. the.Spectrometer.optical.system
• the.Vapour Status.window.shows.the.status.of.the.vapour.system
• the.Calibration.window.shows.the.calibration.graph.and. calibration.statistics
• the.Signal.window.shows.the.analytical.signal.as.it.changes.with. time
• the.Flame Optimisation Graph.window.shows.the.signal.as.it. changes.during.a.gas.flow/burner.height.optimisation.and.has.the. title.Gas Flow Graph.or.Burner Height Graph.depending.on.the. data.it.shows
• the.QC Protocol window.shows.the.QC Control Chart.for. all.the.results.selected.for.display.in.the.Results.window.for.the. element.selected.in.the.Results.window..The.chart.plots.corrected. concentration.(Y.axis).for.each.result.(X.axis),.with.results.ordered. chronologically.with.the.earliest.results.first
Working with SOLAAR
• the.Results.window.shows.the.analytical.results.for.the.current. analysis,.or.from.a.Results.file
• the.Ash Atomise.window.displays.the.results.of.an.Automatic.Ash. Atomise.experiment.during.and.immediately.after.the.experiment,. or.when.you.have.loaded.an.Ash.Atomise.file The.SOLAAR.Method.property.sheet: • provides.‘one.stop’.access.to.all.instrumental.parameters.via.the. Method.property.pages • provides.default.values.for.all.instrumental.parameters • allows.you.to.edit.the.default.parameters • allows.you.to.save.and.load.Methods • can.be.opened . –. by.clicking.on.the.Method.Tool.Bar.button. . –. by.clicking.on.Method.on.the.Edit.menu
. –. can.be.automatically.opened.when.SOLAAR.starts.–.See.. . . SOLAAR.Installation./.Start.up.option.section
SOLAAR.provides.nine.Method.property.pages,.although.the.pages. that.are.included.in.the.Method.property.sheet.at.any.time.will.depend. on.the.type.of.analysis.being.undertaken.and,.in.certain.cases,.on. options.selected..The.following.list.gives.a.brief.description.of.each.of. the.Method.property.pages:
• the.General Method property.page.allows.you.to: . –. name.a.Method . –. identify.the.Operator . –. describe.the.Method . –. load.and.save.Methods.to.and.from.the.Methods.Library . –. create.a.new.Method . –. set.the.analysis.technique . –. specify.whether.standard.solutions.should.be.shared.between... . elements –. specify.which.Autosampler.and.rack.you.are.using –. specify.which.flame.dilutor.or.vapour.system.you.are.using
• the.Sequence.Method.property.page.allows.you.to:
–. set.up.the.sequence.of.actions.to.be.carried.out.during.the. analysis
SOLAAR Method property
sheet
Working with SOLAAR
• the.Spectrometer Method.property.page.allows.you.to.view.and. edit:
–. the.Spectrometer.optical.parameters –. the.signal.measurement.parameters –. the.type.of.background.correction.used
• the.Flame Method.property.page.allows.you.to.view.and.change: –. the.type.of.flame
–. the.flame.fuel.gas.flow.rate
–. flame.stabilisation.and.nebuliser.uptake.time –. the.burner.height
• the.Furnace Method.property.page.allows.you.to.view.and.edit: . –. the.Graphite.Furnace.parameters
. –. the.Graphite.Furnace.program
• The.Vapour/SFI Method.property.page.allows.you.to.view.and.edit: –. the.vapour.mode.used
–. Vapour/SFI.analysis.parameters
• the.Calibration Method.property.page.allows.you.to: –. select.the.calibration.method.and.calibration.algorithm
–. view.and.edit.the.number.and.concentrations.of.your.standard. solutions
–. set.acceptable.limits.for.calibration.curvature,.correlation. coefficient.and.rescaling
• the.Sampling Method property.page.allows.you.to: –. view.and.edit.the.Autosampler.parameters –. view.and.edit.the.automatic.solution.preparation.parameters. (only.available.for.flame/vapour.analyses.if.the.Flame.Diluter. accessory.is.fitted) –. for.furnace.analyses,.view.and.edit.the.matrix.modification. parameters
• The.QC Method.property.page.provides.facilities.for.you.to: –. view.and.edit.the.parameters.for.the.different.QC.Tests –. set.the.failure.actions.for.the.different.QC.Tests –. give.a.name.to.each.type.of.QC.test SOLAAR.dialogue.boxes.are.used.to.view.and.edit.other.associated. groups.of.parameters..There.are.many.dialogue.boxes.used.throughout. the.SOLAAR.software,.but.the.following.are.some.examples.that.you. will.use.frequently:
• The.Log In.dialogue.box.allows.you.to.identify.yourself.and.when. SOLAAR.is.started.
• The.Setup Dual Analysis.dialogue.box.allows.you.to.specify. Methods.for.each.sample.compartment.of.a.dual.sample.
compartment.instrument,.and.then.run.both.Methods.automatically.
SOLAAR Menus
• The.Sample Details.dialogue.box.allows.you.to.view.and.edit.the. Sample.Identification,.Mass.correction.factors.and.Dilution.Ratio. for.each.sample.in.your.analysis.
• The.Reagent Details.dialogue.box.allows.you.to.view.and.edit.the. names.of.the.reagents.used.in.the.Furnace.Autosampler.
• The.Autosampler Volumes.dialogue.box.allows.you.to.view.the. volumes.of.the.different.solutions.that.will.be.used.by.either. the.Flame.Autosampler.and.Diluter.accessory,.or.the.Furnace. Autosampler.
• The.Autosampler Loading Guide.dialogue.box.allows.you.to.view. and.edit.the.layout.of.the.different.solutions.in.both.Flame.and. Furnace.Autosamplers.
SOLAAR.Menus.are.used.to.issue.commands.to.the.software.and. hardware.modules.that.make.up.the.Atomic.Absorption.System..The. menus.are.displayed.on.the.menu.bar.at.the.top.of.the.screen.
The.following.gives.a.brief.overview.of.the.contents.of.the.main. SOLAAR.Menus:
• The.File menu.contains.commands.for.loading,.saving,.importing,. exporting.and.printing.files.created.by.SOLAAR..When.there.is. no.open.Results.database,.the.File.menu.contains.commands.for. creating.and.maintaining.Results.and.Method.databases.
• The.Copy.submenu.in.the.Edit.menu.contains.commands.for. copying.information.to.the.Windows.Clipboard.so.that.you. can.then.paste.it.into.documents.in.other.Windows.applications. running.on.your.Data.Station..The.remaining.commands.display.the. Method.property.sheets,.dialogue.boxes.to.specify.and.control.lamp. properties,.a.command.to.switch.on.the.GFTV.accessory.(if.fitted). and.a.screen.to.configure.the.OQ.and.PQ.Results.databases.
• The.View.menu.contains.commands.to.open.non-editable.dialogue. boxes.to.view.details.of.the.Autosampler.contents,.to.view.the. current.OQ.and.PQ.results.and.to.turn.on/off.the.Tool.Bar.and. Status.Line.displays..It.also.contains.a.command.to.display.the. Options.dialogue.box,.which.allows.you.to.configure.a.number.of. options.controlling.the.program’s.operation...Another.option.allows. you.to.hide.the.status.bar.at.the.bottom.of.the.screen,.while.the. final.option.allows.you.to.customise.the.toolbars.at.the.top.of.the. screen.
• The.Action.menu.contains.commands.controlling.the.connection. between.the.Data.Station.and.the.Spectrometer,.and.the.setup.and. operation.of.the.Spectrometer.and.accessories.
SOLAAR Menus
as.required...In.most.circumstances,.it.will.be.possible.to.continue.the. analysis.at.a.later.time,.from.the.point.at.which.it.was.stopped.
• The.Windows.menu.contains.commands.controlling.the.display.of. the.Status.windows.and.icons.in.the.main.SOLAAR.window.
• The.Help.menu.contains.commands.that.open.the.on-line.Help. system.
Several.of.the.Status.windows.have.associated.pop-up.Context Menus,. which.can.be.displayed.by.right-clicking.within.the.window.area..These. menus.contain.commands.controlling.the.function.and.display.of.the. specific.Status.window..For.convenience,.these.menus.are.also.displayed. on.the.menu.bar.when.the.appropriate.window.is.selected..The.following. gives.a.brief.overview.of.the.contents.of.the.Status.window.menus:
• The.Signal windowcontext.menu.(and.the.Signal.menu.when.the. Signal.window.is.selected).contains.commands.for.adjusting.the. display.of.the.signal,.for.setting.and.clearing.reference.signals.and. for.placing.a.tracking.cursor.on.the.window.
• The.Spectrometer Status windowcontext.menu.(and.the.Signal. menu.when.the.Spectrometer.Status.window.is.selected).contains. commands.for.adjusting.the.display.of.the.signal,.for.displaying,. hiding,.freezing.and.unfreezing.the.Running.Signal.display.and.for. choosing.between.displaying.the.signal.and.concentration.
• The.Results windowcontext.menu.and.the.Results.menu.contain. commands.for.selecting.the.results.to.display.and.the.data.that. should.be.displayed.for.them,.for.editing.the.results,.and.for. viewing.data.related.to.a.result...When.an.analysis.is.in.progress,. commands.are.available.for.adding.actions.to.the.sequence.of.the. running.analysis...If.the.displayed.results.belong.to.an.analysis.that. was.stopped.before.it.was.completed,.a.command.to.continue.the. analysis.will.be.available.
• The.Calibration windowcontext.menu.and.the.Calibration.menu. contain.commands.for.controlling.the.display.of.the.Calibration. Graph.on.the.Calibration.window,.for.changing.the.Calibration. Line.fit.algorithm.for.the.current.calibration.and.for.deleting.and. restoring.calibration.standards.
• The.Ash Atomise windowcontext.menu.and.the.Ash Atomise. menu.contain.commands.for.controlling.the.display.of.the.Ash. Atomise.graph.on.the.Ash.Atomise.window.and.for.choosing.which. elements.in.the.current.method.should.use.the.optimised.values. from.the.Ash.Atomise.experiment.
• The.QC Protocol windowcontext.menu.and.the.QC Protocol. menu.contain.commands.for.controlling.the.display.of.the.QC. Control.Chart.on.the.QC.Protocol.window.and.for.displaying. details.of.a.QC.Test’s.results.
• The.Flame Optimisation Graph.windowcontext.menu.and.the. Flame Optimisation menucontain.commands.for.controlling. the.display.of.the.Gas Flow Graph.or.Burner Height Graph. depending.on.the.data.shown.
SOLAAR Tool Bar
SOLAAR Tool Bar
The.SOLAAR.Tool Bar.provides.direct.and.convenient.access.to.several.commonly.used.commands,.so.that.you.do.not.have.to.open.and. display.the.menus.to.issue.the.commands.
The.following.table.shows.the.equivalent.menu.command.for.each. button.and.a.brief.description.of.what.it.does:
SOLAAR Tool Bar
SOLAAR Tool Bar
The SOLAAR Tool Bar provides direct and convenient access to several commonly used commands, so that you do not have to open and display the menus to issue the commands.The following table shows the equivalent menu command for each button and a brief description of what it does:
ActionAutozero performs an Autozero action
ActionSetup Optics sets up the spectrometer optics
ActionFlameSetup sets up the spectrometer gas control system
ActionFlameFuel Up increases the fuel flow rate to the flame by 0.1L/min, unless the fuel flow rate is at the maximum for the current type of flame
ActionFlameFuel Down decreases the fuel flow rate to the flame by 0.1L/min, unless the fuel flow rate is at the minimum for the current type of flame
ActionFlameBurner Up raises the position of the burner by 0.1mm, unless the burner is at its highest position
ActionFlameBurner Down lowers the position of the burner by 0.1mm, unless the burner is at its lowest position
ActionAutosamplerWash washes the Autosampler
ActionAutosamplerPurge purges the Autosampler
ActionClean Cuvette cleans the cuvette
ActionAutosamplerAlign
Capillary Tip positions the furnace Autosampler capillary tip over the cuvette for alignment
ActionAnalyse runs an analysis using the Current Method
ActionPause Analysis pauses the current analysis when the current sample measurement has been completed
ActionContinue Analysis continues the current analysis after it has been paused
ActionSingle Solution runs a Single Solution analysis
ActionRun Dual Analysis displays the Setup Dual Analysis dialogue box so that you can set up and run a dual analysis using both spectrometer compartments on a dual atomiser instrument
EditGFTV displays the GFTV dialogue box so that you can switch the GFTV accessory on or off
EditLamps displays the Lamp Configuration and Status dialogue box so that you can control and specify the properties of the lamps
EditMethod displays the Method property sheet so that you can view or edit the current method, save the current method or load a saved method
SOLAAR Status Bars
SOLAAR.also.provides.facilities.for.you.to.create.your.own.tool.bars. and.buttons,.to.provide.convenient.access.to.commands.that.you.use. frequently...You.can.access.these.facilities.from.the.Customise.Tool.Bars. dialogue,.which.you.can.open.by.clicking.the.shortcut.button.on.the. Tool.Bar,.by.selecting.the.Customise Tool Bars command.from.the. View.menu,.or.by.right-clicking.on.the.tool.bar.area.of.the.screen.and. selecting.the.Customise.command.from.the.context.menu.displayed.
Click.on.the.Help.button.to.access.the.On-line.Help.system,.where.you.will. find.detailed.instructions.for.creating.and.maintaining.your.own.Tool.Bars. The.SOLAAR.Status.Bars.appear.at.the.bottom.of.the.screen.. The.right-hand.end.of.the.bottom.Status.Bar.gives.information.about. the.current.status.of.the.software.and.the.system,.including.the.current. element,.the.current.sample.identification.and.resample.number,.and. the.System.Status...When.an.analysis.is.running,.the.centre.area.of. the.Status.Bar.contains.a.progress.indicator.showing.the.approximate. percentage.of.the.analysis.that.has.been.completed...The.left-hand.end. of.the.Status.Bar.is.used.to.give.a.brief.Help.message.for.the.Tool.Bar. tool.or.Menu.command.underneath.the.pointer. The.flame.and.furnace.Status.Bars.are.displayed.only.when.a.burner. or.furnace.are.fitted.to.the.instrument...The.flame.Status.Bar.shows. the.status.of.the.flame,.the.fuel.flow.rate,.the.type.of.burner.fitted,.the. burner.height.and.the.status.of.each.of.the.gases.(air,.acetylene.and. nitrous.oxide)...Several.of.these.status.sections.are.labelled.either.red. or.green,.providing.a.simple,.visual.indication.of.the.condition.of.that. parameter. The.furnace.Status.Bar.displays.information.about.the.furnace.phase,. temperature,.gas.type.and.gas.flow.rate,.number.of.cuvette.firings.and. the.status.of.the.Autosampler.
On-line Help
SOLAAR.contains.a.comprehensive.On-line.Help.system.giving.full. details.of.the.operation.of.the.software.
There.are.several.different.ways.to.get.help.from.the.On-line.Help. system..You.can.get.Help.by:
• using.the.SOLAAR Help dialogue.box.–.see.Sthe.SOLAAR. Software./.On-line.help./.Opening.the.Help.topics:SOLAAR. dialogue.box.section. • using.‘context-sensitive’.Help..This.can.display.the.appropriate.Help. for.the.specific.tool,.command,.window,.dialogue.box.or.control. you.are.using.in.the.program..See.the.SOLAAR.Software./.On-line. help./.Context-sensitive.help.section.for.the.different.ways.to.get. context-sensitive.Help. Before.learning.about.the.SOLAAR.Help.in.particular,.you.may.want. to.look.at.the.next.section,.which.describes.how.to.get.general.Help.for. using.the.Windows.On-line.Help.system.. Windows.provides.an.On-line.Help.file.explaining.the.basics.of.using. the.On-line.Help.system..SOLAAR.gives.you.direct.access.to.this.file. from.the.Using Help.command.on.the.Help.menu.
To.learn.how.to.use.the.On-line.Help.System:
1. Start.SOLAAR,.and.close.the.Wizard Launcher.dialogue.box.(click. on.Close).or.Method.property.sheet.(click.on.Cancel).if.either.was. opened.automatically.
On-line Help
Learning to use the
On-line Help system
2. Click.on.Help.on.the.menu.bar.to.display.the.Help.menu: 3. Click.on.Using Help.to.display.the.Windows Help.dialogue.box. 4. If.necessary,.click.on.the.Contents.tab.to.display.the.contents.page.
(this.is.the.default.page,.but.if.you.have.used.the.dialogue.box. before,.it.will.open.at.the.page.that.was.open.when.you.last.used. it).
On-line Help
5. Click.in.the.left-hand.pane.on.the.topic.for.which.you.want.help,. to.display.the.Help.in.the.right-hand.pane.
Other.versions.of.Windows.provide.similar.facilities,.but.the.details.of. the.dialogue.box.displayed.may.be.different.
To.display.the.SOLAAR Help Topics: SOLAAR dialogue.box:
1. Start.SOLAAR,.and.close.the.Wizard Launcher.dialogue.box.(click. on.Close).or.Method.property.sheet.(click.on.Cancel).if.either.was. opened.automatically.
2.. Click.on.Help.on.the.menu.bar.to.open.the.Help.menu.
3.. Click.on.Help Topics.to.display.the.SOLAAR Help dialogue.box.
4.. If.necessary,.click.on.the.Contents.tab.to.display.the.Contents. page:
Opening the Help Topics:
SOLAAR dialogue box
On-line Help
The.Help Topics: SOLAAR dialogue.box.has.three.pages.–.you.can.use:
• the.Contents.page.to.view.a.structured.list.of.the.main.topics.in.the. Help.system.so.that.you.can.select.the.topic.giving.the.information. you.need.
–. The.topics.in.the.list.are.grouped.together.in.books..To.open.a. book,.simply.slick.on.the.relevant.book.
–. To.display.a.Help.topic.from.the.Table of Contents,.click.on. the.topic.
–. See.the.next.section.for.a.description.of.the.structure.of.the. Contents.table.
• the.Index.page.to.find.a.topic.using.a.keyword.
• the.Search.page.to.search.the.text.in.the.Help.system.for.a. particular.word.or.phrase.
If.you.need.Help.in.using.the.Index.and.Find.pages,.consult.the. Windows.On-line.Help.for.using.Help.(see.the.SOLAAR.Software./. On-line.Help./.Learning.to.use.the.on-line.help.system.section).or.the. context-sensitive.Help.on.those.pages.(see.the.SOLAAR.Software./.On-line.help./.Context-sensitive.help.section). The.topics.in.the.On-line.Help.system.are.grouped.into.five.sections: • Overviews.–.these.topics.provide.brief.descriptions.of.the.major. features.of.the.software. • How to.–.these.topics.provide.detailed,.step-by-step.instructions.for. carrying.out.everyday.tasks.with.SOLAAR.. • Troubleshooting.–.these.topics.help.you.to.identify.and.correct. common.problems.experienced.when.making.Atomic.Absorption. spectrometry.measurements..
• Cook Book.–.these.topics.give.summaries.of.the.instrumental. parameters,.performance.figures.and.known.interferences.for.all. the.elements.that.can.be.measured.by.your.SOLAAR.Atomic. Absorption.system.
• Application Notes –.this.link.provides.access.to.a.large.library.of. applications.support.documentation...It.is.highly.recommended. that.new.users,.or.experienced.users.analysing.an.unfamiliar.sample,. should.look.through.this.information.
Many.of.the.Help.topics.contain.underlined.phrases...These.underlined. sections.provide.links.to.related.topics..For.example,.many.of.the.
Overview.topics.provide.links.to.How to.topics.showing.how.a.particular.
SOLAAR Help Table of
Contents and Help topics
On-line Help Some.words.or.phrases.in.a.topic.may.be.underlined.and.coloured: When.you.move.the.pointer.over.these.it.changes.to.a.pointing.hand: When.you.click.on.an.underlined.phrase.you.may.be.taken.directly.to. another.topic.or.presented.with.a.list.of.topics.within.a.pop-up.box,.for. example:
On-line Help There.is.one.more.type.of.link.you.will.find.in.the.Help.system..A.few. topics.have.pictures.that.have.links.built.in.to.them..For.example,.the. Status.Bar.topic.has.a.picture.of.the.Status.Bar..When.you.move.the. pointer.over.these.pictures,.the.pointer.again.changes.to.a.pointing. hand.showing.that.they.contain.links..If.you.click.on.the.picture,.Help. for.the.item.clicked.on.will.be.displayed.in.a.pop-up.window. When.you.are.using.the.program.you.may.come.across.a.feature. that.you.are.not.sure.how.to.use,.such.as.a.Tool.Bar.tool.or.a.menu. command,.a.control.in.a.dialogue.box,.or.even.a.whole.dialogue.box,.or. Status.window..When.this.happens.you.can.use.Context-sensitive Help.to. display.specific.help.for.the.item. There.are.several.different.ways.to.display.Context-sensitive.Help,. depending.on.the.type.of.item.for.which.you.need.Help.and,.to.some. extent,.personal.preference..The.following.paragraphs.describe.how.to. display.Context-sensitive.Help.in.different.circumstances. To.display.Context-sensitive.Help.for.items.in.the.main.program. window.(Menu.Commands,.Status.windows.and.Tools):
1. Click.on.What’s This?.in.the.Help.menu.or.click.on.the.What’s. This?.button . ..in.the.Tool.Bar. . The.pointer.will.change.to.the.Help.pointer:. . 2. Use.the.pointer.to.click.on.the.Tool.or.Status.window.or.select.the. command. Help.for.the.selected.item.will.be.displayed.in.a.pop-up.window.or.one. of.the.main.Help.windows. Some.of.the.pop-up.Help.topics.have.underlined,.coloured.phrases,. which.you.can.click.to.close.the.pop-up.and.display.further.Help.in.one. of.the.main.Help.windows..Otherwise,.to.close.a.pop-up.window,.click. anywhere. You.can.also.display.the.Context-sensitive.Help.for.a: • Status.window.by.selecting.it.and.pressing.F1.on.the.keyboard • Menu.command.by.clicking.on.the.menu.in.the.Menu.Bar.to. display.it,.moving.the.pointer.over.the.command,.pressing.(but.not. releasing).the.mouse.button.and.then.pressing.F1.on.the.keyboard.
Note: As well as the Help described above, brief help is given in the Status Bar when you move the pointer over a tool or menu command.
Context-sensitive Help
Menu Commands, Status windows and Tools
