installation getting started - zahner-elektrik gmbh & co...

Installation

&

Getting Started © Zahner 08/2008

Installation & Getting Started - 2 -


1. General Safety Information ......................................5

2. Unpacking..................................................................6

3. Hardware Installation................................................7

3.1 USBLink .........................................................................................7

3.2 Mouse.............................................................................................7

4. Software Installation.................................................8

4.1 Setup Program...............................................................................8

4.2 Copying of the calibration data..................................................10

4.3 More than one IM device controlled by one PC........................11

4.4 Data Paths....................................................................................11

4.5 Update of the USB Device Driver under WindowsXP ..............12

5. Configuring & Starting the Thales Software ........17

5.1 Main Menu....................................................................................18

5.2 Thales & FLink Folders...............................................................20

5.2.1 THALES Folder ....................................................................................... 20

5.2.2 FLINK Folder........................................................................................... 20

5.2.3 Autostart ................................................................................................. 20

6. Handling of the Thales Software ...........................21

6.1 Mouse...........................................................................................21

6.2 Special Keys ................................................................................21

6.3 Input Boxes..................................................................................22

6.4 Calculator.....................................................................................22

6.5 Hardcopy......................................................................................22


6.6 Hardcopy Software......................................................................23

6.7 Default Parameters......................................................................23

7. IM Self Test (TestBox) ............................................24

7.1 TestBox Hardware.......................................................................24

7.2 TestBox Script Software.............................................................25

7.2.1 TEST 1 : Linearity & Leakage current .................................................. 27

7.2.2 TEST 2 : High impedance AC test ........................................................ 28

7.2.3 TEST 3 : Low impedance DC test......................................................... 30

7.2.4 TEST 4 : Low impedance AC test......................................................... 32

7.2.5 TEST 5 : Low frequency dynamic AC test........................................... 33

8. Trouble Shooting ....................................................35

8.1 Program crash – what to do ?....................................................35

8.2 Corrupt Measurement Data ........................................................35

9. Installation of Extension Modules.........................36


1. General Safety Information Before installing the IM system, please read this information carefully for your safety and the safety of your IM system. Only authorized personnel is allowed to open the cabinet of the IM6/6eX. Plug-in cards must not be pulled out or pushed in with the IM system connected to the mains power.

! NEVER INSTALL AN IM-EXTENSION MODUL TO THE LEFT OF THE AHSI-2 MODULE !!! THIS WILL CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO BOTH, THE MODULE AND THE IMSYSTEM. ONLY INSTALL IM EXTENSION MODULES TO AN IM-EXTENSION SLOT RIGHT TO THE AHSI-2 CARD.

The device contains no user-serviceable parts. Furthermore, there may be non-insulated parts under voltage inside, which may cause an electric shock when touched. Servicing has to be done by Zahner personnel only. Please note all information written on the devices and in the manuals for your own safety. Follow the instructions for the handling of the device in all points.

- Connect the IM6/6eX only to the mains voltage shown on the mains plug on the backside of the IM cabinet

- If the system is not used for a longer time, the mains should be disconnected - The system must be protected from water and humidity above 65% - Take care that no liquids can get into the cabinet - Always place the system in a position that a sufficient ventilation through the ventilation slots

is possible. Never place the system on top of a soft base. - Never place the system close to a heat source - Do not operate the IM at an environmental temperature higher than 40° C. - Do not clean the system with aggressive cleaning agents or with hard objects - Switch of all power safe modes (harddisk, screen, etc.) and screen-safers on the IM computer - Deactivate all virus scanners on the IM computer

This device consumes, produces and radiates electric energy. Improper installation may cause disturbances at radio transmitters and receivers. Also, emitters of electric fields may cause noise and artifacts to the IM measurements. Electrostatic Discharge

! ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE WILL DESTROY THE INPUT AMPLIFIERS OF THE IM INSTRUMENTS ! THEREFORE, BEFORE TOUCHING THE ELECTRODE CONNECTION OUTLETS OR THE ENDS OF THE CONNECTED ELECTRODE CABLES ALWAYS GET YOURSELF GROUNDED AND DISCHARGED!


2. Unpacking Zahner products are carefully produced, calibrated and tested so that they achieve their high quality standard. Also the assembling of the accessories and packing is done with great care. Nevertheless, the system may get defective during shipment. Therefore, we recommend to check all parts directly after receipt. If there are obvious damages or defects in function, please contact us immediately. The shipment must contain the following parts: IM6 & IM6eX

• IM6 or IM6eX Electrochemical Workstation • TestBox • U-buffer • Cell cable set: 4 BNC/clips cables (0.2 m), 4 BNC/banana cables (1 m) • USB connection cable IM PC • 3-button mouse • Power cord • CD-ROM with Thales software, and drivers (inside manual cover) • Floppy disk with the individual calibration data (inside manual cover) • This manual


3. Hardware Installation The IM6/6eX contains its own computer for controlling real-time tasks such as measurement, control outputs, online-processing etc. A Windows-PC is necessary as a user interface. In case the PC is provided by Zahner, it is configured correctly and the software is installed completely. The system is ready to use. In case the PC comes from a third party supplier, the software has to be installed by the user. Please make sure that:

! 1. The PC is running under WindowsXP or Windows2000 2. The VGA controller is set to 24 or 32 bit color depth 3. All energy control features (especially the sleep mode of the hard drive) are

disabled 4. The virus scanner is disabled

3.1 USBLink The USB connector is located on the backside of the IM device. The USB drivers are automatically installed with the Thales software installation. USBLink supports the USB standards 1.1 and 2.0. For installation proceed as follows:

1. Connect the USB-IFC to an USB-port of the PC using a standard USB connection cable 2. Install the Thales software from the CD by starting setup.exe from the CD-root-directory 3. Select the USBLink entry in the instrument settings page 4. Save the settings 5. Follow the instructions on the monitor 6. Finish the setup program

3.2 Mouse For a comfortable handling of the Thales software a 3-button mouse is recommended. Clicking the middle mouse button leads to the one step higher level of menus, terminates a running process and escapes from a dialog without changes. We recommend to use the mouse shipped with the IM system. The mouse device drivers is supplied on the Thales Installer CD. They are installed automatically with the Thales software installation if needed.


4. Software Installation All software needed to operate the IM6/6eX (and more) is located on the Thales-CD: Software Folder on CD Installation Thales thales installed automatically Boot folder for IM hard drive thales\boot installed automatically PC interface drivers flink installed automatically Hardcopy hardcopy installed automatically USB device drivers thales\usb installed automatically System drivers for FLink, LPTLink kit installed automatically if needed COLT files thales\colt installed automatically if needed CIMPS files thales\cimps installed automatically if needed Manual add-ons (PDF files) manuals not installed Setup help Setuphelp not installed Zahner wallpapers wallpaper not installed

4.1 Setup Program If the autorun function of Windows is enabled, the setup program will start after you inserted the Thales CD into your CD-ROM drive. The loading procedure may take a few seconds. If it does not start automatically, run setup.exe from the root directory of the CD. The setup program will

1. check for the Logitech mouse to be installed 2. copy the thales folder to the c:\ 3. copy the flink folder to c:\ 4. copy the system drivers (kit) to the Windows\System(32) folder (not for USBLink!) 5. install the Hardcopy software (optional) 6. let you select and configure your IM PC interface 7. let you boot your IM with the Thales software (for systems with IM hard drive only!)

! If an IMPC was shipped with the IM6/6eX instrument, do NOT install any software anew! The complete software is pre-installed on the computer hard drive. The Thales CD then is meant as a backup only.

Let’s go though the setup procedure step by step: After starting setup the program asks if you need online-help for the installation.

Click Yes if you need help. Click No if not.

Now you have the choice between starting the installation or quitting.

Click Yes if you like to continue installation. Click No if you like to quit.

Installation & Getting Started - 9 - Hardcopy is a useful tool for printing and copying screens, windows and screen areas at a mouse-click. It is not needed, but recommended to be installed. The installer checks whether the Hardcopy software is already installed. If not, it can be installed now. If it is, you are asked if you would like to update Hardcopy. In case of update, your personal settings of the Hardcopy software will be lost.

Click Yes if you like to update. Click No if you like to skip the Hardcopy update.

After the Hardcopy software is installed or the Hardcopy installation was skipped, the flink and thales folders are copied from CD to the c:\ partition of the PC.

On the next page the PC interface type has to be selected.

Installation & Getting Started - 10 - In the Instrument Settings page you have to select the type of interface used (FLink, LPTLink, LAPLink or USBLink). USBLink is selected by default. It does not require additional settings. In case of LPTLink you have to select the LPT-port the LPTLink-interface is connected to. In case of LapLink you have to select the LPT- and COM-port the LapLink-cable is connected to. For FLink no ports have to be defined. With Device Type you select whether a ThalesBox or an IM6/6eX is connected to the interface. Select a name for your system (e.g. “I am six”), save the settings, decide whether an icon should be created on the desktop and save the settings by clicking on save/update settings . Then finish the settings box by clicking on finish . The help button will bring up the online-help window. Please note that Thales can handle only 12 partitions of your PC file system. If you have got more, the first 12 partitions are accessible whereas the rest will be ignored. You may access floppy disk, hard drive, CD-ROM or network drives. After installation you will find new icons on the desktop and a new entry in the START menu of Wondows.

Starts the Thales application THALES USB

Thales notepad with special features for editing script routines ZEDIT In order to start the Thales application click on the Thales icon.

4.2 Copying of the calibration data The calibration data are individual for each device and therefore cannot be stored on the Thales CD. They come on a floppy disk you can find on the inside of the manual cover. The disk contains the calibration data for the complete system including IM6/6eX, external potentiostats, light sources (CIMPS), HiZ probe, etc. in an already correct tree of paths. Simply copy (drag&drop) the folder thales of the floppy disk to the c: partition of the PC hard drive. This will copy all data to the correct destination folders automatically.

! It is obligatory to copy the calibration data to the IM-PC. Otherwise you lose the excellent accuracy of the system.


4.3 More than one IM device controlled by one PC It is possible to control more than one IM6/6eX and/or ThalesBox from the same PC. For each device an individual parameter file (.ini file) has to be created. These files are located in the c:\flink folder and show the extension .ini . The default ini-file is named flink.ini. To create an additional ini-file for an additional device, run the installation for a second time, make the appropriate settings and save it using a different name. This will create an additional ini-file in c:\flink and an additional icon (both with the new name) on the desktop. Now, you have to enter the serial number of each system to its .ini file. The .ini files have got the names you defined during installation. The serial number of the IM system you can find on the backside of the device. Now you can open an individual Thales window for each device and control them simultaneously.

Up to eight devices can be controlled by one PC. The interfaces used must be of LPTLink or USBLink type. Not more than one Flink interface is allowed.

4.4 Data Paths All new IM6/6e/6eX systems (from 2005 on) use the PC file system to store/load data and program files. Older systems may have an internal SCSI hard drive on which data and the complete Thales software are located. The internal IM hard drive cannot be accessed from the PC side but must be handled with the UTILity => DISKOPS section of the Thales software. The data paths for the different file types can be set individually. This may be done each time you save a file. Furthermore, you may define standard data paths in the UTILity => Edit Setup section of the Thales software. These paths will be suggested for each saving you do in any section of Thales. Please note that you may individually set the paths for all file types Thales supports. This allows you to save e.g. EIS data to a different folder than I/E or PVI data without taking care of path names during the saving procedure. In order to save data directly to the PC file system (floppy disk, harddisk, virtual drives) you simply have to select the appropriate path in the Edit Setup page. During the Thales-software installation a set of data paths are created on the PC hard drive in the folder c:\thales\examples. You may save your data to these paths or to others individually created by you.


4.5 Update of the USB Device Driver under WindowsXP From Thales version 3.15 on we are shipping a new IM USB device driver for WindowsXP and Windows2000 (CD-ROM: thales\usb\WinXP). This driver will not run under Windows98. For Windows98 the old USB device driver (CD-ROM: thales\usb\Win98) is used. New driver installations are running automatically with the Thales installation. If you have an old USB device driver (Cypress EZ-USB Thales Interface) installed on your computer the new driver will be installed but not activated. You have to activate it manually proceeding as follows: Open System Properties -> Hardware -> Device Manager

Open the Universal Serial Bus Controllers subfolder, right click on the entry Cypress EZ-USB Thales Interface, and select the entry … Update Driver. On the following page select Install from a list or specific location and click Next.

Select Don’t search. I will choose the driver to install and click Next.


Select Cypress Generic USB Device as AMOS USB IFC EZ from the following list and click Next.

When the following page appears click on Continue Anyway to proceed.

Insert the Thales Installer CD-ROM into your CD-ROM drive and click OK in the following info box.

Installation & Getting Started - 14 - Click on Browse and navigate to CD/ROM: thales\usb\WinXP.

Then click OK and the driver will be copied and installed.

In the following window click Finish to finish the USB device driver installation.

Installation & Getting Started - 15 - The Device Manager entry in the Universal Serial Bus controllers section have to read Cypress Generic USB Device as AMOS USB IFC EZ now.

Finally, you have to replace the interface library file used by the IM communication software term.exe. To do that open the file c:\flink\usb.ini with the Windows Notepad by double-clicking on it. Look for the line HALDLL=C:\FLINK\usbhal2k.dll.

Installation & Getting Started - 16 - Change the name usbhal2k.dll into usb2hal.dll. The line must read as follows:

Save the changes and exit the Notepad. Now, the update is completed and you will be able to open the Thales application in the same way than before.


5. Configuring & Starting the Thales Software

In order to start the Thales application click/double-click on the icon.

USB Thales This will open the Thales window showing the start-up screen:

Thales version number Hardcopy icon (optional)

System version

Starts Thales Goes to andiBASIC input mode Graphic demonstrating the autostart function Click on the button if you want to start Thales. Click on the button if you want to call the andiBASIC input mode.

D

B The size of the Thales window can not be changed with the mouse but it can be zoomed by a parameter of its .ini file (see chapter “Thales & FLINK folders”). The autostart function is described in detail in chapter “Thales & FLink Folders”. For users of older systems with IM hard drive this function is used for booting the IM hard drive.


5.1 Main Menu After starting the Thales software by first clicking on the Thales icon on the Windows desktop and the clicking on the button in the Thales window the Thales main menu shows.

This menu is leading you to the main pages of the methods implemented. By pointing (not clicking) on the icons some of them are showing up a sub-menu with additional icons. Clicking on an icon will bring you to the appropriate software section. The following program section are available: Main icon Sub-menu icon Program section

-

- Testsampling, Check Cell Connections - Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) Measurements - Series EIS Measurements

Current/Voltage Curves

Cyclic Voltammetry

Polarization

Multi-Cell Current/Voltage Curves

Capacity/Voltage Measurements

Capacity/Voltage Analysis

Measurement of Electrochemical Noise (only with NPROBE)

D


Analysis of Electrochemical Noise

Time Domain Measurements

Not Available

High-Current-Interrupt-Measurements (only with HCI option)

Fast Time Domain Measurements (only with TR8M or HCI option)

Setup of Additional Measurement Channels (only with optional TEMP/U, DIO, DA4, etc.)

Online-Display of Additional Measurement Channels

Frequency Response Analysis

Polarography Methods

Simulation & Fitting Software

Import of Data Measured by Third Party Hardware

Script Sequencer

Execution of Special Software

Zahner Text Editor

File Manager

Online-Calculator

Notepad

Setting Time and Date

General System Setup

Graphics Software


5.2 Thales & FLink Folders There are two folders copied to the c:\ partition of the computer hard drive during installation of the Thales software, the THALES folder and the FLINK folder.

5.2.1 THALES Folder The THALES folder contains all programs and data necessary to run the THALES software. These are all Thales applications, setup data, support files, and calibration data. In the c:\THALES\examples folder you can also find all default data folder. They are created during the installation and they are pre-set in the Thales software. If you do not change these paths in the Thales software, you can find your measurement and analysis data here.

5.2.2 FLINK Folder The FLINK folder contains all programs and data necessary for the interface driver. Files of interest are mainly the driver itself (term126.exe; the number may change with the versions), the Zahner editor (zedit.exe) and the .ini files. The .ini file(s) for driver are created automatically during the installation. Which .ini file is used by the driver you can read in the target line of the properties of the Thales link on the desktop. The name of the .ini file follows the application name (e.g. c:\FLINK\term126.exe USB). In the example the file usb.ini is used. The .ini files normally should not be modified by the user. Anyway, there are some parameters of interest with which the user can adapt some features to his own needs. As the .ini files are pure text, they can be opened and edited with any text editor. We recommend the Windows Notepad because it does not save format codes in addition to the text. If you use other programs like Word or WordPad be sure that no format code is saved with the text. parameter function default HALDLL Driver DLL c:\FLINK\usbhal2k.DLL DEVICESHOW Opens TCP/IP protocol window off DEVICESUP on = enables remote control over TCP/IP off DEVICESRV TCP/IP server name Charly ZoomMode on = lets you zoom the size of the Thales window off Zoom Defines the zoom size in % (100 = normal size) 200

ClipColors Defines the color saturation at which b/w are swapped for print-out (0 for color printers, 160 for b/w printers) 160

After you edited an .ini file the new parameters will be used with the next start of Thales application.

5.2.3 Autostart Pressing the NMI button on the USBIfc board of the IM6/6eX lets the system load and run the software located in the c:\THALES\boot folder. In older hardware versions which use an internal IM hard drive this function is used for booting or updating the Thales software to the IM hard drive. In newer hardware versions without IM hard drive this function may be used for automatically starting an individual software (e.g. a SCRIPT procedure). As for that purpose various software modifications have to be done, you may get those pro-configured autostart folders from Zahner on request. There is a folder for TCP/IP remote autostart (bootremote) already on the Thales CD.


6. Handling of the Thales Software The Thales software has got an easy-to-handle user-interface. Step by step it guides the user through all necessary settings. If you are familiar with your application, you are able to use the Thales software without a special training. Because of the variety and complexity of the field of electrochemical measurements and analysis as well as because of the powerful and very useful functions of Thales, we strongly recommend to read this manual carefully, anyway.

6.1 Mouse The Thales software mainly is handled by means of the mouse as you know it from Windows. When you are pointing with the mouse cursor on a “button”, it will change its color and/or its shape so that you easily can identify buttons by leading the mouse cursor through the Thales window. To activate the function of a button, left-click on it. With the middle mouse button you have one of three similar functions depending on the context:

- you reach the next higher menu level - you terminates a running process - you escapes from a dialog without accepting the changes made.

It is equal to a click on the close button of a window or pressing the ESC key. The right mouse button is used in some pages to call a help window (e.g. in SIM). In other contexts (e.g. directories, selecting curves), it is used to select/unselect (toggle) an entry. If you input numerical values, a right-click will replace the input number by a default value or clear the input default. The mouse cursor in many situations is guided. That means it is placed automatically to the position it is needed most likely. This function helps to save a lot of mouse movements and time.

6.2 Special Keys Some keys have special functions when handling the user interface of the Thales software:

With the ESC key you have one of three similar functions depending on the context:- you reach the next higher menu level

ESC
- you terminates a running process - you escapes from a dialog without accepting the changes made.
The space key can be used to select or deselect (toggle) items such as directory
Space entries, curves etc. In this context it has the same functions as the right mouse button.


6.3 Input Boxes All inputs are done in blue input boxes. This guarantees that all inputs can be done in the same way and by using the same tools. An input box has got three symbols at the upper right end which are shown only when the mouse curser comes close to the upper end of the input box.

⇒

If you click on one of these symbols the following actions will be carried out:

Closes the box accepting the input Closes the box rejecting the input Calls the Thales Calculator

ENTER An input box may have one or more lines for one or more parameters or texts to be input. You finish a line by pressing the key. If the box only had one line or you edited the last line, the box will close then and the new value is accepted. If the box has more than one line and you did not edit the last line, you will come to the next line. No matter in which line you are, clicking on the close buttons will close the box accepting the new value(s) or rejecting it . In more-line-boxes you can also position the text cursor to a specific line by clicking with the mouse onto the line. If you do want to reject the new value, click the middle mouse button, press the

key or click on the close button of the input box.

6.4 Calculator The Thales Calculator implemented in the Thales software can be called by clicking on the calculator icon in the upper right corner of an input box. It will pick up automatically the value of the input box as the first value of a calculation. By closing the calculator after the calculations have been carried out, the result is set as the new input value. You can accept this value , change it or reject the complete edit . The Thales Calculator provides a lot of scientific functions. You will learn later on how to use it. For online help do a right-click on the calculator.

6.5 Hardcopy

ESC

Every page displaying curves provides a hardcopy button. Clicking on it will produce either a print-out of the recent page or a copy of the graphic in the Windows clipboard. The printout is done on the “Windows Standard Printer” installed under Windows. Most of the Windows compatible printers will also work with Thales. There may be printer models which do not work properly with Thales although they work under Windows. Those problems do not lie in our responsibility. Please use a different printer model in that case. Please try a printer also with Thales before you buy it.


6.6 Hardcopy Software

The Hardcopy software you can find on the Thales CD is NOT needed for the Thales hardcopy function. It is an additional Windows tool which you may install and use as you need. It prints screens, windows, and areas on any Windows printer or copies it to the Windows Clipboard.

6.7 Default Parameters The EIS measurement section of Thales is pre-set with default values (for standard application) which make sense for many applications. If these parameters fit your needs you may perform e.g. an EIS measurement without editing parameters. In all other cases you only need to edit one or only a few of the parameters just as needed. The default EIS parameters are as follows

Parameter Default value Upper frequency limit 100 kHz Lower frequency limit 100 mHz Starting frequency 1 kHz Sweep mode start -> high -> low frequency Steps per decade (above 66 Hz) 10 Steps per decade (at lower limit) 4 Number of measure periods (above 66 Hz) 20 Number of measure periods (at lower limit) 4 AC amplitude off Potentiostat off POT mode potentiostatic

In all other measurement sections of Thales appropriate default values are set by factory.


7. IM Self Test (TestBox)

7.1 TestBox Hardware The TestBox shipped with the IM6/6eX systems is calibrated to the individual IM. This is the reason why it has got a serial number. If you have more than one IM system in you lab, please be careful not mixing up the TestBoxes because in this case the self test would show deviations or even errors. The TestBox is connected to the BNC terminals of the IM instrument in the same way as an electrochemical cell. The four connection cables are in the same colors than the BNC connectors.

The TextBox has a four-position switch on top. Its settings are:

Position Function HiZ High impedance circuit for EIS self-test LoZ Low impedance circuit for I/E demo / test Lin Special circuit for EIS self-test Exp Special circuit for CV demo / test


7.2 TestBox Script Software The IM6/6eX systems come with a script named testbox.is_ which in combination with the TestBox hardware allows to carry out an IM self-test, easily. The script can be found in the folder c:\thales\script\testbox\. Load the self-test script as follows: 1. Call the SCRIPT page from the main menu

2. click on the Edit Script button

3. Click on the File Operations button and then click on the Open button

⇒

4. Navigate to the folder c:\thales\script\ and select the file testbox.is_ Click on the LOAD button in order to load the script

5. Press the middle mouse button to return to the SCRIPT page and press the Link Script button

6. Click on the Save Script button, navigate to the folder of your choice (SCRIPT folder recommended) and type in a file name of your choice.

⇒

Installation & Getting Started - 26 - Start the self-test script as follows:

1. Click on the EXE button of the main menu

2. Select [browse] from the box appearing and navigate to the path you saved the script be

⇒

3. You will end-up in the main menu of the TestBox script.

! Before starting the self-test routines, input the serial numbers of the IM6(ex) and of the TestBox shipped with your IM system The inputs will be activated by clicking on the corresponding `#` button.

The system test is cut down to five individual tests. Each individual test is part of the final factory system test. The test data are shipped with each IM system on the floppy disc named Calibration Data. Your have copied the data along with the system calibration data when you copied the floppy disk a:\ to c:\ as described earlier. These data are used as a reference. The deviations must be inside a small tolerance range for to pass the self-test. If a test passed the data will be displayed in green colour, if it did not pass you will see the data in red.

Installation & Getting Started - 27 - The main menu page of the self-test script: Input the serial # of the IM system here

Input the serial # of the TestBox here

Linearity & leakage current test High impedance AC test Low impedance DC test Low impedance AC test Low frequency dynamic AC test

not of interest for self-test

Result boxes

7.2.1 TEST 1 : Linearity & Leakage current TestBox setting: HIZ Script button: This test checks the linearity and the leakage current of the potentiostat (galvanostat). Set the range switch of the TestBox to HIZ and start the test clicking on the Do Test button.

Installation & Getting Started - 28 - The system is tested in potentiostatic and in galvanostatic mode. In potentiostatic mode potentials from –4 V to +4 V are set and the response is measured and displayed. In galvanostatic mode currents from –40 nA to +40 nA are set and the response is measured and displayed. Values within the tolerance range are shown in green colour, values out of the tolerance range are shown in red colour.

Before you assume an error of the system consider the external conditions, e.g. high humidity, which may fake a high leakage current. Then the following info-box will be displayed:

7.2.2 TEST 2 : High impedance AC test TestBox setting: HIZ Script button: This test checks the high impedance measuring ranges (1kΩ<=Rshunt<=10MΩ) of the IM system. For that purpose an impedance spectrum is recorded. The measured spectrum will be compared with the spectrum recorded at the final factory test. An error will be indicated if impedance or phase of both spectra differ by more than 5%. To check the system take a look at the curve. The measured curve must be smooth and steady. Starting from 1MHz down to about 100Hz you should observe the characteristic slope of a capacity

1Zj Cω⋅ ⋅

, ϕ = 90o

Below 1Hz you must observe the characteristic of a resistor ( |Z|=const., ϕ=0), here

100Z MΩ , ϕ = 0o

Installation & Getting Started - 29 - Run the test by setting the range switch of the TestBox to HIZ and clicking on the Do Test button.

A defective measuring range will be indicated by a shift of the |Z| AND the ϕ data.

The measured data finally can be fitted to an equivalent circuit R || C with the values of

C = 150pF±10pF R = 100MΩ±5MΩ

The tolerances take into account a possible long-time drift of the TestBox components.


7.2.3 TEST 3 : Low impedance DC test TestBox setting: LOZ Script button: This test checks the low impedance measuring ranges (10mΩ<=Rshunt<=10kΩ) of the IM system. For that purpose, a current/potential curve (I/E) is recorded. The measured data are compared to the data recorded during the final factory test. The maximum current and the switching limits of the protection circuit of the potentiostat are checked in both current directions. Run the test by setting the TestBox to the LOZ position and by clicking on the Do Test button.

The measured currents (green boxed values) must exceed the yellow marked values.


An indication of a defect is given by the slope of the I/E-curve. The sign of the slope must be constant within one phase

Phase Pot sign of slope of current 1 0…reverse positive +1 2 reverse positive….0 -1 3 0…reverse negative -1 4 reverse negative…0 +1

An error will be indicated if the sign of the slope changes within one phase.


7.2.4 TEST 4 : Low impedance AC test

TestBox setting: LOZ Script button: This test checks the low impedance measuring ranges (10mΩ<=Rshunt<=1kΩ) of the system. This test uses the impedance method. The selected shunt is fixed while the potentiostat drives a Schottky power diode to a defined inner resistance (= impedance). That impedance and the flowing current as well as the applied potential are measured in the positive and in the negative direction. Run the test by setting the TestBox to the LOZ position and by clicking on the Do Test button.

In case a shunt resistor is defective or inaccurate the corresponding row is highlighted.


7.2.5 TEST 5 : Low frequency dynamic AC test TestBox setting: LIN Script button: This test checks the potentiostat and the frequency response analyser down to the minimum measuring frequency of min 10f mHz= An impedance spectrum is recorded and the measured data are compared with those recorded during the final factory test. An error will be indicated if impedance or phase of both spectra differ by more than 5%. Additionally, you may check the measured curve visually. It must be smooth and steady. Run the test by setting the TestBox to the LIN position and by clicking on the Do Test button.

! Test 5 will take up to 14 hours.


The measured data finally can be fitted to an equivalent circuit.

The fitted data will be compared with the typical values of the TestBox components used in position LIN. The tolerances take into account a possible long-time drift of the TestBox components. A message will appear as soon as the tolerance range is violated.


8. Trouble Shooting

8.1 Program crash – what to do ? Thales is programmed to prevent program crashes as good as possible. Anyway, it may happen that the program does not respond any more. The reason may lie on the PC side (Windows) or on the IM side (Thales). If it is on the Thales side, it may be due to a software bug (“Only outdated software is free of bugs!”), nonsense data, or a hardware defect. For most of these cases the IM operating system offers the possibility to restore the precious measurement data and analysis data. After a program crash, normally either the mouse nor the keyboard will work. That is the case if the operating system or the user software are trapped in an infinite loop or if the system interrupted the user program and jumped to the basic input mode. First of all, you have to check, which of these two states the system is in. If the system is in the basic input mode you can see a text cursor (underline) somewhere on the screen. Probably, there is an plain-text error message displayed in an andiBASIC input line (no error message box). Please write this message down exactly because it can help us analyzing the problem. Now, clear the screen typing the following key sequence:

If thmodyouthe If doposcorr

As w got TheYouwith

Anolimitset

GaiIf thPleacas

HOME

at does noe manual

should sekey sequeuble-NMI

ition for a esponding

! DO

e are in b

oMENU

+

program r data are your expe

ther reasos of the soto Zahner

! Ple

n Error atis messagse send t

es it helps

HOME

t work yoly. To do te the blinnce descr doesn’t bshort mom button.

NOT PRE

asic input

(please

will show still residriment. No

n for a prftware or

by email.

ase only s

U/I boarde appear

his list to to perform

End

u have thehat press king text cibed abovering you toent. You w

SS THE

mode now

watch the

the main ent and yormally, th

8.2 Cogram crathe memo

end ORIG

s s, enter thZahner by a “small c

End

software hanging in a loop and you have to jump to the basic input the NMI toggle switch located on the OS040 board first twice. Then ursor somewhere and you should be able to clean the screen with . the basic input mode you have to move the switch to the RESET ill come out in the start-up menu. Press the key or click on the

BUTTON! THIS WILL DELETE ALL RA

, you can perform a warm start of the softwa

capitals!). This command is also pre-program

menu or a sub menu of the program partitiu may save them to the hard drive. Then y

e system will work properly, now.

orrupt Measurement Data

D

sh can be corrupt measurement data or a ry. In that case please contact Zahner and/o

INAL measurement data (IM format). Do N

e IM Text Editor where you see a list of fax or email. It will help us to locate the dealibration”. It is done by clicking on the CALIB

B

M-RESIDENT DATA!

re typing the command

med to the key

Shift
F6
on the crash occurred. ou may try to continue

data set exceeding the r send the corrupt data

OT send ASCII data!

calibration parameters. fective board. In some icon in the EIS menu.


9. Installation of Extension Modules

AMOS extension slots Red mark

Do NOT install any IM extension modules here !

AHSI interface

IM extension slots Blue mark

Install IM extension modules here !

Never install IM extension modules on the red marked left hand side of the AHSI interface ! Only install IM extension modules on the blue marked right hand side of the AHSI interface !

installation getting started - zahner-elektrik gmbh & co...

Documents