Varian Analytical Instruments

2700 Mitchell Drive

Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Star Chromatography Workstation
Version 6
Data Acquisition with
CP-2002/2003 Micro-GC
Control
Operation Manual
Varian, Inc. 2002 03-914853-00:Rev. 3
Trademark Acknowledgment
Microsoft, Windows, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, and
Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective holders.







Table of Contents
Getting Started......................................................................................... 1
About this Manual .........................................................................................................1
Additional Manuals........................................................................................................1
Data Handling and Reports Operation Manual....................................................1
Data Handling and Reports Tutorial Manual .......................................................1
Star Toolbar ..................................................................................................................2
Elements of the Star Toolbar ...............................................................................3
Application Buttons ..............................................................................................3
Quick Link Buttons...............................................................................................4
Star Toolbar Options............................................................................................4
Starting System Control the First Time.........................................................................5
Configuring an Instrument...........................................................................................11
Modules and Instruments Defined.....................................................................11
Elements of the Configuration Screen...............................................................11
Setting Instrument Parameters ..........................................................................12
The Instrument Window..............................................................................................12
Elements of the Instrument Window..................................................................13
Displaying the Micro-GC Status and Control Window.......................................13
Configuring the Micro-GC Status and Control Window.....................................14
Configuring the Real-Time Chromatogram Display...........................................14
Documenting Module Information......................................................................16
Building Methods .................................................................................. 19
Overview .....................................................................................................................19
Using Star Assistant to Create a new Method............................................................20
The Method Builder Window.......................................................................................23
Editing a Method .........................................................................................................24
Method Notes.....................................................................................................24
Micro-GC Data Acquisition Settings ..................................................................25
Post-run Processing...........................................................................................29
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control i
The Startup Method ....................................................................................................33
Editing Methods from the Micro-GC Status and Control Window...............................33
Importing Method Sections .........................................................................................34
Deleting Method Sections ...........................................................................................35
Printing the Method.....................................................................................................35
Password Protecting a Method...................................................................................36
Injecting a Single Sample ..................................................................... 37
Using the Inject Single Sample Dialog Box ................................................................37
Specifying the Data File Name and Path....................................................................38
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters....................................................39
Specifying a RecalcList ...............................................................................................41
Monitoring the Status of the Run ................................................................................42
Using QuickStart .........................................................................................................43
Injecting Multiple Samples.................................................................... 45
Using a SampleList in System Control........................................................................45
Specifying the Data File Name and Path....................................................................48
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters....................................................49
Specifying a RecalcList ...............................................................................................51
Changing Default SampleList Entries .........................................................................52
Monitoring the Status of Runs.....................................................................................52
Saving SampleLists for Later Use...............................................................................53
Using More Than One Method for Injections..............................................................53
Changing the Method in the SampleList............................................................54
Using the Sequence Window.............................................................................55
Automation File Editor .......................................................................... 57
Accessing the Automation File Editor .........................................................................57
Editing or creating a RecalcList ..................................................................................58
Editing or creating a SampleList .................................................................................60
Specifying the Data File Name and Path....................................................................62
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters....................................................64
Specifying a RecalcList ...............................................................................................65
Changing Default SampleList Entries .........................................................................66
Using More Than One Method for Injections..............................................................66
Editing or creating a Sequence...................................................................................68


ii 03-914853-00:3

Getting Started
About this Manual
This manual describes the operation of the Star Chromatography
Workstation when used with the CP-2002 and CP-2003 Micro
GC and optional Star ADC Board for chromatography data
acquisition. It covers configuring an instrument for data
acquisition, building a method, and running samples. For post-
run data handling, peak integration, and standard report
generation, please refer to the Data Handling and Reports
Operation Manual.
Additional Manuals
Other sources of information are available to help you get the
most from this product.
Data Handling and Reports Operation Manual

This manual describes post-run and interactive data handling,
standard report generation, and advanced application.
Data Handling and Reports Tutorial Manual
The tutorials provide a practical way to quickly learn how to
perform basic tasks using the Star Chromatography Software.
These Tutorials cover Star Workstation operation that is
common to all instrument configurations.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 1

Star Toolbar


Star Chromatography Workstation is a suite of applications for
controlling chromatographs, collecting data from chromatograph
detectors, and analyzing that data. The Star Toolbar provides
quick and easy access to the Star Chromatography Workstation
applications. When activated the Star Toolbar behaves very
much like the Windows Taskbar. It can be docked on any of the
four sides of the display screen and other Windows programs
will not cover or go behind it when they are opened in full screen
mode.
If the Star Toolbar is not already opened on your Star
Workstation, you can start it from the Windows Start Menu.

2 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
Star Toolbar
Elements of the Star Toolbar


Application Buttons for
immediate access to the
selected application.

Application Descriptions give a
brief description of the application
that will be opened when the
cursor rests on the Application
Button.
Quick Link Buttons provide
menu selections of operations
to be performed on the listed
file.

ToolTip shows the
application name when the
cursor rests on the
Application Button.


Application Buttons


Used to monitor instrument status, perform automated
injections, and perform batch recalculations.

Used to view and edit instrument operation, data
acquisition, and data handling methods.

Used to review chromatograms, interactively edit data
handling parameters, and recalculate results.

Used to preview standard chromatogram and results
reports.

Used for offline editing of SampleLists, RecalcLists
and Sequences.

Used to generate standard reports for a group of Data
Files by dragging and dropping them on the Batch
Report Window.

Used to set Star Workstation security options and
passwords.
Other application buttons may be added to the Star Toolbar
when you install additional Star Workstation Options, such as
StarFinder, Star Custom Report Writer, Star SD, and Star DHA.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 3

Quick Link Buttons

Most Recently
Used Data File
Menu of operations that can be
performed on the Most Recently
Used Data File.
List of Most Recently
Used Files




Most Recently Used
Method
Menu of operations that can be
performed on the Most Recently
Used Method.
List of the Most Recently
Used Methods

Star Toolbar Options

Menu of Star ToolBar configuration
options and operations that may
be performed.
4 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
Starting System Control the First Time
Starting System Control the First Time
The first time that you use the Star Chromatography Workstation
to control your instrument, collect chromatographic data and
generate results, you must configure the System Control
application. The System Control Configuration Window allows
you to set the communication parameters for each of your
chromatograph modules and to drag the various modules into
Star Workstation instrument areas to match the physical
plumbing arrangement of your modules. Once the instruments
are configured in System Control, the configuration is stored and
you only need to reconfigure System Control when you change
the physical hardware configuration of your chromatograph
modules.
Start by running System Control.

Click on the System Control
/Automation button on the Star
ToolBar to start System
Control.



When System Control is started the first time, the Star Assistant
Communication Configuration Wizard will appear to guide you
through the setting of Serial communications and ADC Board I/O
port addresses.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 5



Read the description presented in the Star Assistant window and
click on the Next button to advance to the next step. The first
time the Star Assistant guides you through the setup of your
ADC Board I/O addresses, you will get the following message:

Click on the OK button to let the
System Control application search
for any installed ADC Boards.


6 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
Starting System Control the First Time
When System Control finishes searching for installed ADC
Boards, you will see this screen.


System Control finds all
installed ADC Boards and
indicates their addresses.
280 is the recommended
base address.
Shows which ADC Boards
have been detected, if any.
Star Workstation Module
number for the ADC Board
at the specified I/O
Address.
ADC Board S1 switch
settings for the specified I/O
address. If an ADC Board
was found, these settings
will match the switch on the
ADC Board. If the ADC
Board was not found or i
not installed, the S1 swit
settings on the ADC Board
should be set to match
these.
s
ch
Select the style that
matches the S1 switch
on your ADC Board.
Click on next to continue
with the Star Assistant.

Upon completion of the ADC Board setup, you will be prompted
to setup the COMM (serial) ports. You may have up to 4 COMM
ports installed in your PC. In order for your Star Workstation to
recognize your CP-2002 or CP-2003 Micro-GC, you will need to
designate which COMM port is connected to your Micro-GC.
The first screen in the Configuring Communications wizard will
summarize the process for you.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 7

Click on the Next button to obtain the Setup COMM Ports screen
shown below.

Click on the down arrow next to the port associated with the
micro-GC you are configuring and select the appropriate model
number from the list of available serial devices. For instance, if
you have a CP-2002 configured to COMM port 1, click on the
down arrow for COMM1. Scroll down the list of devices and
select the 2002. Repeat this process for any other Micro-GCs or
other serial devices you wish to control with the Star
Workstation. When you have finished, click on the OK button at
the bottom of the screen. If you also have ethernet devices
connected, you will have to configure those at this time as well.
Follow the Star Assistants instructions for those devices.
When the Star Assistant finishes, you will be at the System
Control Configuration Screen. Close System Control and
proceed to configuring your Micro-GC.
If you are using either a CP-2002 or a CP-2003 Micro-GC you
will have to put the Micro-GC into the remote mode. If you have
not already turned on your Micro-GC, turn it on now. You will be
presented with a welcome screen followed by a top level menu
with the following layout:
8 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
Starting System Control the First Time

Method Status System



Info Stat A Stat B

Using the four arrow keys on the right side of the Micro-GCs
keypad, move the highlight from Method to System. Once
System is highlighted, press the Enter key.
You will be presented with a screen that has the following
entries:

Config ..
Run ..

Service..
Diagnostics ..

About u-GC ..

If the Config .. selection is not highlighted, use the arrows to
scroll to Config .. and press Enter. You will be presented with
the following display:
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 9


System Config
( ) Remote ( ) Local
Chan A ( ) On ( ) Off
Chan B ( ) On ( ) Off
External Wait Ready
( ) On ( ) Off
Pressure Unit
( ) kPa ( )psi
< OK > < Cancel >

Use the TAB key to move between lines in this display and the
arrow keys to choose between the two selections on each line.
Tab to the Remote line and select Remote (black dot between
the parentheses). When Remote is selected, any other
configuration items that you set will be ignored. Highlight OK
and press the ENTER key. You will be taken back to the
previous menu; press the ESC key to get back to the top level
menu screen.
10 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
Configuring an Instrument
Configuring an Instrument
Modules and Instruments Defined
System Control communicates with hardware modules that are
used to perform chromatography. When you group these
modules together in System Control (and physically connect
together any necessary cables and plumbing), they form an
instrument. All modules in an instrument are synchronized to
run on the same time base. A Micro-GC instrument will usually
contain only the Micro-GC. You may configure two Micro-GCs in
each instrument. System Control will synchronize both Micro-
GCs to run simultaneously. They will function effectively as one
Micro-GC.
Elements of the Configuration Screen

Instrument Parameters --
Instrument Name
Operator Name
Instrument status
AutoStart Module area.
Place the Micro-GC Module
icon in this box if you want
the Micro-GC to provide the
Start signal to the
chromatograph.
If the Micro-GC receives a
Start signal from the
chromatograph, do NOT put
it in this box.
Module icon showing that
Micro-GC Module 28 has been
configured to Instrument #1.
Click on this button to enter
or change the Instrument
Name, Operator Name, and
Maximum allowable error
count.

Instrument Window drag modules from the
available module area to add them to an
instrument. Double-click in this area to view
the System Control Status and Control
Window for this instrument. For the Star Data
Acquisition Workstation Single Instrument,
there will only be one instrument window
shown on this screen.


Modules that have logged in and
are available for configuration into
an instrument are displayed here.


Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 11

Setting Instrument Parameters

When the maximum number of non-
fatal errors is exceeded during
automation, the automation sequence
halts. Setting this value to zero
disables this feature.
The instrument name
appears on reports and
in the instrument
window.
The operator name
appears on reports.
You are optionally prompted for this
information when you start an
automated sequence of injections or
recalculations.
The Instrument Window
Once you have configured your instruments, you may view any
instrument window.

Double-click in this area
or select the instrument
from the Instrument
menu to view the System
Control Status and
Control Window for this
instrument.
The instrument window allows you to monitor the status of all
modules assigned to the instrument, perform injections of one or
more samples, and perform batch recalculations.
12 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
The Instrument Window
Elements of the Instrument Window

Instrument Status display
shows Operator and
Instrument Names, free disk
space, connected modules,
open method, and the
number of injections,
calculations, recalculations,
and reports.
Micro-GC Status and
Control Window
Quick Link button for
the selected Data File.
List of the most recently used
Data Files. Data Files are
added to this list box as they
are generated. When a Data
File is selected, its name
appears on the Quick Link
button above. This Quick Link
button provides access to
additional operations for the
selected Data File.

Real Time Chromatogram Displays
System Control Instrument Window positions are remembered
the next time you start System Control.
Displaying the Micro-GC Status and Control
Window

If the Status and Control Windows for
the modules configured in the
instrument are not currently displayed,
you can select Show Module Windows
from the Windows menu.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 13

Configuring the Micro-GC Status and Control
Window
Method parameters and synchronization signals can be
configured in the ADC Board window.

Edit the active Method.
Select the channels to view.
Show only the
chromatogram display.
Enable or disable
synchronization signals.

Configuring the Real-Time Chromatogram Display
All detectors installed on the CP-2002/2003 GC display their
chromatographic signals in bunches or packets in real time.
Configuration of the chromatogram display for all detectors is the
same.



Use these buttons to move
between stored scalings.
Enable/disable the Auto
Scale feature.
Select the background
color for the display.
Enable/disable the
cursor display.
Hide/unhide the Toolbar.
Set both the
amplitude and time
axes to full scale.
Set the amplitude
axis to full scale.
Set the time axis
to full scale.

Display the chromatogram
for each channel one
above the other (tiled
mode).
Overlay the chromatograms for
the two detector channels.
14 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
The Instrument Window

Drag an area of the display to
view a more detailed section
of the plot.


or zoom in both axes by pressing and holding
the left mouse button on the spot you wish to
enlarge. (Holding the Control key down will allow
you to zoom out.)





Adjust zero offset.
Adjust amplitude scale.

Adjust time scale. Hide/unhide vertical
amplitude scale slider.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 15

Documenting Module Information
You may wish to document the configuration of your modules,
their installation and most recent service dates, and other
information pertinent to your instrument. To do so, use the
Module Information Editor accessed from the Edit menu in the
instrument window.

Select Edit Module Info.
Click on the module
window to give it the
focus.
16 03-914853-00:3
GETTING STARTED
The Instrument Window
The Module Information Editor window is displayed.

You may add and edit
sections and items in
sections.
The injections value is
updated each time an
injection is performed.
Select Help for details
on creating and editing
module information.
Click on Done to close the window.
Module information is copied into Data Files generated after
injections and can be included in the Run Log portion of the
results report.


Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 17

18 03-914853-00:3

Building Methods
Overview
In the Getting Started section, you configured your hardware for
an instrument and opened the System Control Window for the
instrument. At this point, you could simply inject a sample, as
described in the following sections. However, it is not likely that
the default Method will have the Method settings that are
appropriate for your analysis. Therefore, the default Method will
need to edited to enter the settings appropriate for your analysis.
Method Builder is used to view and edit Methods. It can be
accessed from:

This button on the Star
Toolbar opens Method
Builder and prompts you to
create a new Method or
open an existing one.



This button on the System Control
Toolbar allows you to view and edit
the Method file shown on the button.
This button on the Star Toolbar
allows you to view and edit the
Method file shown on the button.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 19

Using Star Assistant to Create a new Method
If you click on the Method Builder button on the Star Toolbar,
you will get this dialog box.

If you choose Create a New Method File, the Star Assistant
Wizard will guide you in building this new Method.


20 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
Using Star Assistant to Create a new Method
You will first be asked to select the instrument configuration for
which you want to create a Method.

Select Custom to create a
Method for an instrument
that is not attached to the
Star Workstation.
Select the Instrument for
which this Method will be
used.


If the instrument has more
than one detector configured,
all of the configured detectors
will be shown here. You may
build a Method for any
detector or combination of
detectors shown in this box.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 21

For each detector in the Method, you will be asked to select the
channels on which post-run processing will be performed.

When you have selected the data channels and type(s) of post-
run processing to be run for each detector, the Star Assistant will
create a Method containing all of the sections that are needed to
control the hardware, collect data and do the post-run
processing specified. These Method sections will contain default
values for all of the parameters. These parameters will need to
be edited to match your analysis.
22 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
The Method Builder Window
The Method Builder Window

Title Bar
Menu Bar
Toolbar
This navigation window shows
the overall structure of the
Method, its sections, and
subsections. The branches can
be expanded by clicking on the
plus sign or contracted by
clicking on the minus sign to
show the desired level of detail.


The parameters window shows the
parameters for the highlighted item in the
navigation window. Method parameters
are viewed and edited in this window.


Detailed information about the menu items and Toolbar buttons
can be found in the on-line help.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 23

Editing a Method
As you step down through the Method tree, the parameters
associated with each section of the Method are displayed for
editing.
Method Notes

The first item in the Method is the Method Notes section.
Method Notes is a free form text field where information about
the Method or the application can be entered. Method Notes are
displayed in the File Open dialog boxes used whenever you
select a Method.
Method Notes can help explain to the operator when a Method
should be used. They can also be used to convey sample
preparation information and reminders to refer to specific items
in the labs Standard Operating Procedures.
24 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
Editing a Method
Micro-GC Data Acquisition Settings

The Micro-GC method consists of either two or three main
sections depending on whether you have a CP-2002 or a CP-
2003. Both Micro-GCs have a Set Conditions section and a
Data Acquisition Section. The CP-2003 has, in addition, a
Pressure Schedule section.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 25


The Set Conditions section is divided into Channel A and
Channel B settings that include Channel Preference (to either
make the channel Active or Not Active), Column Preference
(Setting the temperature limit to use either a high temperature
column or a low temperature column), the Columns
Temperature, Use of the TCD Offset, The channel Sensitivity,
the Injection Time (set in multiples of 5 seconds), determine
whether the Injector Heater (optional) is used, and set the
Injector Temperature. Settings which can not be set
independently include the Run Time, the Sample Time and the
Stabilizing Time.
26 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
Editing a Method

The Data Acquisition section contains only one setting, the
Detector Bunch Rate. The data acquisition rate is based on a
100 Hz sampling frequency. Thus a Detector Bunch Rate of 1
will give 100/1=100Hz. A bunch rate of 2 will give 100/2=50Hz.
Detector Bunch Rates and their corresponding Effective Data
Rates are listed below:
Detector Bunch Rate Effective Data Rate
1 100
2 50.0
4 25.0
8 12.5
16 6.3
32 3.1
64 1.6
128 0.8
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 27

Depending on the Detector Bunch Rate and the setting of an
entry in the STAR32.INI file, you will get a fixed number of
Detector Noise Monitor points from which the Noise value for the
run is calculated. This Noise value is used by data processing to
detect and quantitate peaks. You may always set a Noise value
based on other criteria in the Integration Parameters page of the
post run Data Handling section. The default setting of the
MGCACQ entry in the STAR32.INI file is 0 which yields a Noise
Monitor of 100 points for a Detector Bunch Rate of 1, a Detector
Bunch Rate of 2 uses a Noise Monitor of 50 points, all other
Detector Bunch Rates use a monitor of 25 points. If the
MGCACQ entry is set equal to 1, then the Noise monitor is set to
50 points for all bunch rates except 1 where it remains at 100
points. If the MGCACQ entry is set to 2, all bunchrates will use a
Noise Monitor of 100 points.

If you have a CP-2003 Micro-GC, you will have a third Method
section labeled Pressure Schedule. Use the parameters in this
section to define the Initial Pressure Interval (the length of time
the CP-2003 will hold the initial pressure), the Initial Pressure,
the rate at which the pressure will change, and the final
pressure. The two pressure channels may be set independently.
Each channel will have a button (View Actual Pressure
Schedule) that, when selected, will display any deviations from
the entered pressure schedule due to the Method End Time or
other causes.
28 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
Editing a Method
Post-run Processing

Multichannel detectors can have post-run processing sections
for any or all of their channels. For the Method shown above,
post-run processing has only be chosen for Micro-GC Channel
A. The post-run processing for Channel A includes both Data
Handling (peak detection and integration) and Standard Reports
(numerical results and chromatogram).
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 29


The Data Handling section has parameter pages for Integration
Parameters, Peak Table entries, Calibration Setup, Verification
Setup and Time Events (integration control parameters). For the
initial setup of a Method the default values are usually a good
starting place. For information on these Data Handling
parameters and setting them for your application, please refer to
the Data Handling and Reports Operation Manual.

The Standard Reports section sets the parameters for the
information that will be printed after Data Handling has been run.
For a complete description of the Standard Report options,
please refer to the Data Handling and Reports Operation
Manual. Until you get comfortable using the Star Workstation,
30 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
Editing a Method
you may want to always print the chromatogram and results
(default options). To help identify the reports that are generated,
you will probably want to give them a Method-specific title. To
do so simply, click in the Title box and type in the title to be used
on the chromatogram and results report pages.

The Results Format page controls the format of the results table,
the result units to be printed in the Amount column header and
the number of decimal digits to print for the calculated amounts.
It also controls what additional information is appended to the
end of the results report.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 31


The Chromatogram Format page controls the formatting of the
printed chromatogram. When the defaults are used, the
chromatogram for the complete run will be printed and
autoscaled to fit on one page. You may only want to print the
portion of the chromatogram that contains the peaks of interest.
This may be done by changing the start and end times to bracket
the period of interest. Auto Scale is often turned off and a fixed
attenuation and zero offset chosen so that printed
chromatograms from several runs may be visually compared.
For more information about the Chromatogram Format
parameters, please refer to Data Handling and Operation
Reports Manual.

32 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
The Startup Method
The Startup Method
When you start System Control and display an Instrument
Window, the last active Method for that instrument is activated.
When System Control is started, it will return to the initial settings
in the Method that was last used on the instrument.
To change Methods, simply click on the activate Method button
on the System Control Toolbar or choose New Method from the
File menu.
Editing Methods from the Micro-GC Status and Control
Window
The Micro-GC Status and Control Window Method button
allows you to directly edit the active Method corresponding to
that Micro-GC. When you click on this button, Method Builder is
opened with active Method loaded and the corresponding
Instrument Control section selected. You can then edit that
section or any other section of the Method as described
previously.
Once you have edited the Method and closed the Method
Builder window, you are prompted to reactivate the Method.
Reactivating the Method downloads the changes to the Micro-
GC.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 33

Importing Method Sections
You may wish to copy sections from one Method file to another.
This can be done by opening the Method file that you want to
edit in Method Builder. Then from the Method Builder File menu,
select Import Section The Import command prompts you to
select the file containing the sections you wish to import.

Once you have selected the file, a dialog box of sections
contained in the Method file is displayed. Highlight the sections
that you wish to import by clicking on them. If you click on one
section and the hold down the shift key while clicking on another
section, all of the sections in between will be selected. Holding
down the control key while clicking on a section will add that
selection to those files already selected. Clicking on a
highlighted section while holding down the control key will
remove that section from the list of selected files.
When the desired sections have been highlighted, click on the
Import button to import them into the Method being edited. If the
Method already has sections with the same module address and
channel ID, you will be prompted to reassign a new module
address and channel number to the imported section or
overwrite the existing section in the current Method.
34 03-914853-00:3
BUILDING METHODS
Deleting Method Sections
Deleting Method Sections
To remove sections from a Method open the Method containing
the sections you wish to remove in Method Builder. Click on the
Delete Section button on the Method Builder Toolbar or select
Delete Section from the File menu. A dialog box of sections
contained in the Method file is displayed. Highlight the sections
that you wish to delete by clicking on them. If you click on one
section and the hold down the shift key while clicking on another
section, all of the sections in between will be selected. Holding
down the control key while clicking on a section will add that
selection to those files already selected. Clicking on a
highlighted section while holding down the control key will
remove that section from the list of selected files.
When the desired sections have been highlighted, click on the
Delete button to delete them from the Method being edited. You
will be prompted to confirm that you want to delete each section
before it is deleted.
Printing the Method
To print a Method from Method Builder, click on the Print button
on the Toolbar and select the Method section or sections to be
printed. The active Method can also be printed from the System
Control ToolBar and the Star Toolbar. Click on the Active
Method Options button on the System Control Toolbar or on the
Method Operations button on the Star Toolbar and select Print
Method.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 35

Password Protecting a Method
A Method can be password protected from changes by clicking
on the Set Password button on the Method Builder Toolbar or
selecting Set Password from the File menu. Enter the password
and then re-enter it to verify that it was not mistyped. After a
Method has been password protected, the password will be
required to save changes to the Method.
Once a Method is password protected, it can be activated and
used for instrument control and data acquisition. It can also be
viewed from Method Builder. Only the saving of changes to the
Method will be inhibited unless the correct password is entered.
36 03-914853-00:3

Injecting a Single Sample
By now you should have your instrument configured and a basic
Method built for data acquisition. If this hasnt been done,
please refer to the previous sections for instructions on doing
this.
Using the Inject Single Sample Dialog Box
You can inject a single sample from System Control by using the
Inject Single Sample dialog box.



Display the Inject Single
Sample dialog by selecting
it from the Inject menu
or by clicking on the Inject
Single Sample button on
the toolbar.


Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 37

The Inject Single Sample dialog box is displayed.




Enter notes about the sample.
Refer to the Specifying
Data Handling Parameters
section of this manual.
Specifies the number of
injections of this sample.
Enter information
about the sample.
Click Inject to
start the run.

The fields in the table change
depending on the type of sampling
device configured in the instrument.
Change the location
and name of the Data
Files.
Select the Method to
use for the run.


Specifying the Data File Name and Path
Data File names can be up to 255 characters long. Sample ID,
injection date, module name, and injection number can be
embedded in the file name making the Data File name correlate
with each sample injection. When you click on the Data Files
button, the Data Files Generation dialog box is displayed. This
dialog box allows you to select the path and the file name
specification for the data file displayed.
The left side of the Data File Generation dialog box allows you to
select the drive letter and subdirectory (path) where the data files
are to be stored. The default directory is the data subdirectory of
your Star directory.
38 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING A SINGLE SAMPLE
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters

The right side of this dialog box allows you to create a file name
specification. You can combine text entry with the % variable
symbols shown to specify file names that contain sample
injection specific information. An example of the file name is
dynamically updated as you type in the file name specification.
This makes it easy to see how a Data File created with this file
name specification would appear.
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters
Most Data Handling parameters are specified in the Method
used during the injection. Some parameters may vary on a per-
sample basis, and are therefore specified when you perform the
injection.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 39

The following Data Handling parameters can be specified on a
per-sample basis:
Unidentified Peak Factor
Multiplier
Divisor
Amount Standard when one Internal Standard is being used


Refer to the Data Handling and Reports Operation Manual for a
brief description of these parameters.
Refer to the Regulatory Compliance Manual for a complete
description of how these parameters are used to calculate
results.
Not only can you specify these parameters on a per-sample
basis, but you can specify them on a per-detector channel basis.
This is useful if, for example, you have an ADC Board with
channel A and channel B connected to two different detectors on
a GC. In addition, if you are using multiple internal standards,
you can also specify their amounts on a per sample and per
detector channel basis.
To access these extended Data Handling parameters, click on
the button in the Multi-Channel Multi-Standard column in the
Inject Single Sample dialog box. The Data Handling Channels
dialog box is displayed. When you select the detector channel
to in the Data Handling Channels dialog box, the calculation
type, internal standard peaks and amounts are read from the
active Method. Be sure the Method you will be using is
already active before you enter detector-specific
parameters.

40 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING A SINGLE SAMPLE
Specifying a RecalcList

Select specific detector
channels here (up to 4).


An amount may be
entered for each
internal standard peak
in the Method.
Use these buttons to edit the
corresponding sections of the
active Method.
Specifying a RecalcList
You can choose to create a new RecalcList, append to an
existing RecalcList, or not create nor update a RecalcList. To
select the RecalcList option that you want, click on the
RecalcList button. The RecalcList Generation dialog box is
displayed.

If you choose to create a new RecalcList, this automatically
generated RecalcList will not overwrite an existing RecalcList
unless you also specify Overwrite the Recalc List each time the
SampleList begins. If a RecalcList with the same file name
exists, the newly created RecalcList will have number appended
to its file name to make it unique and to prevent the older
RecalcList from being overwritten.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 41

Monitoring the Status of the Run
After an injection is performed, the status of the run can be
monitored in the instrument window.


Module status is shown in
the status and control
windows and on the toolbar.
The total number of
injections completed is
shown in the Instrument
Status window.


Automation actions
and errors are logged
in the Message Log.
The chromatogram is
displayed as it is acquired.
42 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING A SINGLE SAMPLE
Using QuickStart
When you double-click on the status bar at the bottom of the
instrument window, the entire Message Log window is displayed.

All Message Log entries are
stamped with the time they
occurred.

Using QuickStart
QuickStart is a fast way to inject a single sample without having
to use System Control directly. QuickStart can be customized
and is ideal when setting up instruments for routine use. Refer
to the on-line help in QuickStart for further details.


This button on the Star Toolbar
opens QuickStart for doing injections
of routine samples.


Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 43

QuickStart first starts System Control and waits until all modules
have logged in. When ready, the QuickStart window is
displayed.

Choose the instrument for
the injection.
Enter information about
the sample.
Enter the name of the
Method you wish to use.
Enter the name of the
stand-by Method. This
Method is downloaded
to the modules after the
run is complete, and is
used to specify the
stand-by state of the
instrument.
Enter sampling
information. This
information is specific to
the type of sampling
device installed.
Refer to the on-line help
for more details on the
QuickStart screen.
Press Start to begin.


44 03-914853-00:2

Injecting Multiple Samples
By now you should have your instrument configured and a basic
method built for data acquisition. If this hasnt been done,
please refer to the previous sections for instructions on doing
this.

Using a SampleList in System Control
You can inject multiple samples from System Control by using
the SampleList.

Choose to open either a
New SampleList or an
existing SampleList from
the File menu...



or by clicking on the New
or Open Automation File
button on the toolbar.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 45

The SampleList window for the open SampleList is displayed. It
contains fields that are specific to the sampling device
configured in the instrument. In this case, since there is no
sampling device configured, a generic SampleList is used (no
vial positions or sampling options).




Spreadsheet columns can be sized by dragging
their border using the left mouse button. Move
columns by dragging them using the right mouse
button. Right click on column headers for
formatting options.
Enter notes about
the sample.
Enter post-run
operations to be
performed.
Enter information
about the samples
and the injections
you wish to
perform.
Select the location and name
for the Data Files generated by
the SampleList.
Press the Begin button to
start injecting samples.

Used to specify RecalcList
generation options.
46 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING MULTIPLE SAMPLES
Using a SampleList in System Control
When the table is scrolled to the right, the Sample Name column
doesn't scroll so you can easily tell for which sample you are
entering additional parameters. Commonly used data handling
parameters, the amount for single internal standard calculations,
the unidentified peak factor, a multiplier, and a divisor, can be
entered directly into this table.
If you have more complex requirements, such as multiple
internal standards or multiple detectors requiring different entries
for these data handling parameters, click on the button in
MultiChannel MultiStandard column.



Click here to enter extended
data handling parameters.
If you need to add several similar lines to the sample list, click on
the Add Lines button. You can then enter the common
information in the dialog box.


For sequentially numbered
Sample names, enter the
starting number and the
number of entries to add to
the SampleList. The
Sample Names will have
these numbers appended to
them.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 47

When you press the Begin button, you are prompted for the
Method to use.

or browse for
the Method file.
Enter the Method to
use for the run

After you click on OK, the run will begin. If you are using a
manual injector or a sampling device that is not controlled by the
Star Workstation, you will need to start the device manually.
Specifying the Data File Name and Path
Data File names can be up to 255 characters long. Sample ID,
injection date, module name, and injection number can be
embedded in the file name making the Data File name correlate
with each sample injection. When you click on the Data Files
button, the Data Files Generation dialog box is displayed. This
dialog box allows you to select the path and the file name
specification for the data file.
48 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING MULTIPLE SAMPLES
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters
The left side of the Data File Generation dialog box allows you to
select the drive letter and subdirectory (path) where the data files
are to be stored. The default directory is the data subdirectory of
your Star directory.

The right side of this dialog box allows you to create a file name
specification. You can combine text entry with the % variable
symbols shown to specify file names that contain sample
injection specific information. An example of the file name is
dynamically updated as you type in the file name specification.
This makes it easy to see how a Data File created with this file
name specifications would appear.
Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters
Most Data Handling parameters are specified in the Method
used during the injection. Some parameters may vary on a per-
sample basis, and are therefore specified when you perform the
injection.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 49

The following Data Handling parameters can be specified on a
per-sample basis:
Unidentified Peak Factor
Multiplier
Divisor
Amount Standard when one Internal Standard is being used


Refer to the Data Handling and Reports Operation Manual for a
brief description of these parameters.
Refer to the Star Workstation Regulatory Compliance Manual for
a complete description of how these parameters are used to
calculate results.
Not only can you specify these parameters on a per-sample
basis, but you can specify them on a per-detector channel basis.
This is useful if, for example, you have an ADC Board with
channel A and channel B connected to two different detectors on
a GC. In addition, if you are using multiple internal standards,
you can also specify their amounts on a per sample and per
detector channel basis.
To access these extended Data Handling parameters, click on
the button in the MultiChannel MultiStandard column in the
SampleList. The Data Handling Channels dialog box is
displayed. When you select the detector channel to in the Data
Handling Channels dialog box, the calculation type, internal
standard peaks and amounts are read from the active Method.
Be sure the Method you will be using is already active
before you enter detector-specific parameters.


50 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING MULTIPLE SAMPLES
Specifying a RecalcList




Select specific detector
channels here (up to 4).
An amount may be entered
for each internal standard
peak in the Method.
Use these buttons to edit the
corresponding sections of the
active Method.
Specifying a RecalcList
You can choose to create a new RecalcList, append to an
existing RecalcList, or not create nor update a RecalcList. To
select the RecalcList option that you want, click on the
RecalcList button. The RecalcList Generation dialog box is
displayed.

If you choose to create a new RecalcList, this automatically
generated RecalcList will not overwrite an existing RecalcList
unless you also specify Overwrite the Recalc List each time the
SampleList begins. If a RecalcList with the same file name
exists, the newly created RecalcList will have number appended
to its file name to make it unique and to prevent the older
RecalcList from being overwritten.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 51

Changing Default SampleList Entries
When you add a new row into a SampleList, default values are
used for each cell. To change the default values, click on the
Defaults button in the open SampleList window. The following
dialog box will be displayed. Enter the desired default values
and click on Save.

Monitoring the Status of Runs
The status of the run can be monitored in the instrument window.
Status is disabled during the Monitoring Sampling and Running
states. The chromatogram will update, however. Status will
again be displayed after the run completes. Note that an actual
value that is out of tolerance will be displayed in red while values
within tolerance are blue.


Module status is shown in
the status and control
windows and on the toolbar.
The total number of
injections completed is
shown in the Instrument
Status window.
Automation actions and
errors are logged in the
Message Log.
The chromatogram is
displayed as it is acquired.
52 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING MULTIPLE SAMPLES
Saving SampleLists for Later Use

When you double-click on the status bar at the bottom of the
instrument window, the entire Message Log window is displayed.

All Message Log entries
are stamped with the
time they occurred.
Saving SampleLists for Later Use
When you make changes to the open SampleList, the changes
are automatically saved to the SampleList file and will be used
for the automated runs that are in progress. If you want to edit a
SampleList other than the open SampleList, use the offline
Automation File Editor application described in the next section
of this manual.
Note: Opening an automation file, SampleList, Sequence, or
RecalcList, during automated runs will cause the automation that
is in progress to be suspended.
Using More Than One Method for Injections
The Star Workstation allows you to perform automated injections
using more than one Method. There are two ways in which this
can be accomplished. The first is by changing the active Method
from within the SampleList. The second is by using a Sequence.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 53

Changing the Method in the SampleList
You may change the Method used during injections by activating
a Method in a SampleList row.

Select Activate Method
from the Sample Type
cell.
Click on the AutoLink
button. The Activate
Method dialog box is
displayed.




Enter the name of the
Method to use
or pick the
Method from a list
of files.



54 03-914853-00:2
INJECTING MULTIPLE SAMPLES
Using More Than One Method for Injections

When this line is
encountered during
automated injections, the
specified Method is
activated.

You may specify any number of Methods to be used in the
SampleList.
Using the Sequence Window
The Sequence window allows you to specify multiple Methods
and SampleLists to be processed during automation.

Choose to open either a New
Sequence or an existing
Sequence from the File menu...




or by clicking on the New
or Open Automation File
button on the toolbar.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 55

The Sequence window for the open Sequence is displayed.




Enter the Method and SampleList to
use. You may enter any number of
Sequence lines.
Choose the action to
be done in each step
of the Sequence from
the drop down box.
Press Begin to
start automation.
Browse for a Method or
Sample/RecalcList file in
the active cell.
56 03-914853-00:2

Automation File Editor
The Automation File Editor is used for editing and creation of automation files,
SampleLists, RecalcLists, and Sequences offline (outside of Star Workstations System
Control application). The Automation File Editor allows access to these files without
disrupting automated runs that may be occurring in System Control. SampleLists and
Sequences that are active and running in System Control can not be accessed
simultaneously in the off-line Automation File Editor.

Accessing the Automation File Editor



Click on the Automation
File Editor icon on the Star
Toolbar.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 57

Editing or creating a RecalcList

Choose either a New
RecalcList or Open an
existing RecalcList from the
File menu...





or by clicking on the New or
Open Automation File button on
the toolbar.

The RecalcList window for the open RecalcList is displayed. It
contains most of the same fields contained in the SampleList.
Where the SampleList may contain AutoSampler and sample
specific data handling information, the RecalcList contains the
Data File name and data file specific data handling information.
The fields that are common to both the RecalcList and the
SampleList are described in the sections following the creation of
the SampleList.



58 03-914853-00:2
AUTOMATION FILE EDITOR
Editing or creating a RecalcList


Spreadsheet columns
can be sized by
dragging their border
using the left mouse
button. Right-click on
column headers for
formatting options.
As the table is scrolled to reveal additional
columns, the Data File and Sample Name
column do not scroll. They remain visible
so that you can see for which data file and
sample you are entering parameters.
Enter postcalculation
operations to be
performed.
Provides quick access
to the Standard Report
for viewing the results.
Enter notes about
the recalculation of
the Data File.




Click here to enter extended data
handling parameters.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 59

Editing or creating a SampleList

Choose either a New
SampleList or Open an
existing SampleList
from the File menu...




or by clicking on the New
or Open Automation File
button on the toolbar.
After choosing the SampleList to open the Select SampleList
Section Type dialog box is displayed. This dialog box allows
you to choose a SampleList that is appropriate for the
AutoSampler that will be used. The Star Data Acquisition
Workstation does not include AutoSampler control, therefore
Generic is the only available choice.

60 03-914853-00:2
AUTOMATION FILE EDITOR
Editing or creating a SampleList
The SampleList window for the open SampleList is displayed.



Spreadsheet columns can be sized by
dragging their border using the left
mouse button. Right-click on column
headers for formatting options.
Enter notes about
the sample.
Enter post run
operations to be
performed.
As the table is scrolled to
reveal additional columns,
the Sample Name column
does not scroll. It remains
visible so that you can see
for which sample you are
entering parameters.
Enter information about the
samples you plan to inject.
Select the location and name for
the Data Files generated by the
SampleList.



When the table is scrolled to the right, the Sample Name column
doesn't scroll so you can easily tell for which sample you are
entering additional parameters. Commonly used data handling
parameters, the amount for single internal standard calculations,
the unidentified peak factor, a multiplier, and a divisor, can be
entered directly into this table.
If you have more complex requirements, such as multiple
internal standards or multiple detectors requiring different entries
for these data handling parameters, click on the button in
MultiChannel MultiStandard column.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 61



Click here to enter
extended data handling
parameters.

If you need to add several similar lines to the SampleList, click
on the Add Lines button. You can then enter the common
information in the dialog box.


For sequentially numbered
Sample names, enter the
starting number and the
number of entries to add to
the SampleList. The
Sample Names will have
these numbers appended
to them.

Specifying the Data File Name and Path
Data File names can be up to 255 characters long. Sample ID,
injection date, module name, and injection number can be
embedded in the file name making the Data File name correlate
with each sample injection. When you click on the Data Files
button, the Data Files Generation dialog box is displayed. This
dialog box allows you to select the path and the file name
specification for the data file.
62 03-914853-00:2
AUTOMATION FILE EDITOR
Specifying the Data File Name and Path
The left side of the Data File Generation dialog box allows you to
select the drive letter and subdirectory (path) where the data files
are to be stored. The default directory is the data subdirectory of
your Star directory.


The right side of this dialog box allows you to create a file name
specification. You can combine text entry with the % variable
symbols shown to specify file names that contain sample
injection specific information. An example of the file name is
dynamically updated as you type in the file name specification.
This makes it easy to see how a Data File created with this file
name specifications would appear.


Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 63

Specifying Per-Sample Data Handling Parameters
Most Data Handling parameters are specified in the Method
used during the injection. Some parameters may vary on a per-
sample basis, and are therefore specified when you perform the
injection. The following Data Handling parameters can be
specified on a per-sample basis:
Unidentified Peak Factor
Multiplier
Divisor
Amount Standard when one Internal Standard is being used



Refer to the Data Handling and Reports Operation Manual for a
brief description of these parameters.
Refer to the Regulatory Compliance Manual for a complete
description of how these parameters are used to calculate
results.
Not only can you specify these parameters on a per-sample
basis, but you can specify them on a per-detector channel basis.
This is useful if, for example, you have an ADC Board with
channel A and channel B connected to two different detectors on
a GC. In addition, if you are using multiple internal standards,
you can also specify their amounts on a per sample and per
detector channel basis.
To access these extended Data Handling parameters, click on
the button in the Multi-Channel Multi-Standard column in the
Inject Single Sample dialog box. You will be prompted for the
Method that will be used when this SampleList is run. Then Data
Handling Channels dialog box is displayed. When you select the
detector channel in the Data Handling Channels dialog box, the
calculation type, internal standard peaks and amounts are read
from the Method that you just selected. The values entered for
internal standard peaks and amounts will be entered into the
peak table of this method.
64 03-914853-00:2
AUTOMATION FILE EDITOR
Specifying a RecalcList


An amount may be entered for
each internal standard peak in
the Method.
Select specific
detector channels
here (up to 4).
Use these buttons to edit the
corresponding sections of the
active Method.


Specifying a RecalcList
From the SampleList RecalcList button, you can choose to
create a new RecalcList, append to an existing RecalcList, or not
create nor update a RecalcList. Clicking on the RecalcList
button displays the RecalcList Generation dialog box.

Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 65

If you choose to create a new RecalcList, this automatically
generated RecalcList will not overwrite an existing RecalcList
unless you also specify Overwrite the Recalc List each time the
SampleList begins. If a RecalcList with the same file name
exists, the newly created RecalcList will have number appended
to its file name to make it unique and to prevent the older
RecalcList from being overwritten.
Changing Default SampleList Entries
When you add a new row into a SampleList, default values are
used for each cell. To change the default values, click on the
Defaults button in the open SampleList window. The following
dialog box will be displayed. Enter the desired default values
and click on Save.


Using More Than One Method for Injections
The Star Workstation allows you to perform automated injections
using more than one Method. There are two ways in which this
can be accomplished. The first is by changing the active Method
from within the SampleList. The second is by using a Sequence.
You may change the Method used during injections by activating
a Method in a SampleList row.

66 03-914853-00:2
AUTOMATION FILE EDITOR
Using More Than One Method for Injections



Click on the AutoLink button.
The Activate Method dialog
box is displayed.
Select Activate Method
from the Sample Type
cell.



Enter the name of the
Method to use
or pick the Method from
a list of files.



When this line is
encountered during
automated injections,
the specified Method
is activated.
You may specify any number of Methods to be used in the
SampleList.
Data Acquisition with Micro-GC Control 67

68 03-914853-00:2
Editing or creating a Sequence

Choose either a New
Sequence or Open an
existing Sequence from
the File menu...

or by clicking on the New
or Open Automation File
button on the toolbar.

The Sequence window for the open Sequence is displayed.


Enter the Method and SampleList to use. You
may enter any number of Sequence lines.

Browse for a Method or
SampleList file in the active cell.
Choose the action to
be done in that step
of the Sequence from
the drop down box.