User guide

Chelsea Technologies Group
FAST
tracka
User Guide HB179 Issue 7.0
Page
25
of
47
5. SOFTWARE REFERENCE
5.1 SOFTWARE OVERVIEW:
The FAST
tracka
system software is embedded in the instrument and is executed whenever the
instrument is turned on. Main Menu looks as follows, with five options:
=====================
Main Menu
=====================
1. Run
2. File
3. System Status & Setup
4. Error and PMT Log
X. Shut Down
Run menu covers all functions pertaining to acquiring data, File menu covers all functions
pertaining to data storage on the flashcard, and System Setup covers all functions pertaining to
instrument configuration and setup. Error and PMT Log allows the user to view history information
if desired. Shut Down instructs the instrument to power down into deep sleep mode.
5.2 SYSTEM PARAMETERS & STRUCTURES:
The FAST
tracka
has initial values of certain items which must be accessed at start-up and properly
set in order for the instrument to function properly. This is termed the instrument configuration,
and most parameters are set in the System Setup menu. Other parameters, such as software
versions and flashcard volume, are not user configurable, and are either set into the code at the
factory, or are determined by hardware.
In generating the light sequences which stimulate fluorescence and in acquiring fluorescence
data, the FAST
tracka
requires information on variables pertaining to the format of the flash
sequence and the manner in which data acquisition is handled. The structure of this information
is called a Protocol. A “safe” default protocol (protocol #10) is hard-coded into the instrument
and may be recalled at any time. Up to 10 user defined protocols may be stored in memory
and recalled by their number (i.e. 0-9). The location of each of these protocols is termed a “slot”.
One slot needs to be selected as the “boot protocol”, so that the instrument, when powered, has
reasonable values in the protocol area from which to generate a flash sequence if desired. The
user thus, by programming different protocols, can select the type of protocol the instrument will
wake up to. In addition to defining the type of stimulating flash sequence to be executed, the
protocol also dictates detector gain and the manner of data handling (e.g. flashcard storage,
analogue output, and so on).
Data collected by the FAST
tracka
may be stored on an internal flashcard in a format called a “file”.
These files may be erased, viewed or downloaded through the file menu. If the protocol
dictates storage to flashcard, before the acquisition begins the user is prompted for a filename.
This filename is stored with the file data in the instrument and can be used to annotate each file.