CH-9101Herisau/Switzerland Tel. ++41 71 353 85 85 Fax ++41 71 353 89 01 Internet www.metrohm.ch E-Mail info@metrohm.ch 6.6016.103 Metrodata VA Database 2.0 8.746.8003 Instructions for Use 15.07.
Contents Contents 1 Introduction.................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Purpose of program .............................................................................1 1.2 Installation .............................................................................................1 Hardware requirements for the PC ......................................................1 Full program and demo version .............................................
Contents 2.6 Display of curves................................................................................14 Display of substance and segment curves .......................................14 Display of overlay curves...................................................................15 Display of calibration curves .............................................................16 Appearance of curves .......................................................................17 Scaling of curve axes ...........
Contents 3.7 Options for VA Table display............................................................32 Filtering determinations for VA Table.................................................32 Sorting determinations for VA Table..................................................34 Defining visible fields for VA Table ....................................................35 3.8 Database fields overview ..................................................................37 Fields from page "MONITORING"............
Contents 6 VA Report Generator...............................................................................57 6.1 VA Report Generator overview.........................................................57 6.2 Opening/closing of VA Report Generator .......................................57 Opening the VA Report Generator ....................................................57 Closing the VA Report Generator ......................................................57 6.3 Templates .................................
Contents 7.4 Database Table ...................................................................................76 Add fields to the database table .......................................................76 Remove fields from the database table.............................................76 Change the position of the fields in the database table ....................76 Change the width of the columns in the database table ...................77 Filter the database content........................................
Contents 8 Troubleshooting........................................................................................91 8.1 Data transfer: What to do if ..............................................................91 No data is received on the PC...........................................................91 The received data is not in the database ..........................................91 No data is received on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer ...........................
1 Introduction 1 Introduction 1.1 Purpose of program VA Database 2.0 is a database tool for archiving and administration of determinations and methods of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer and the 693 VA Processor. Up to four 746 VA Trace Analyzers can be connected to one PC. All measurement data sent by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer is stored in a database. This data can be sorted and filtered with the help of different criteria. All curves and reports can be displayed and printed out.
1 Introduction Full program and demo version The 6.2145.030 Dongle is part of the standard equipment of the 6.6016.103 Full Program version and 6.6016.901 Update version. Install this dongle into LPT port 1 or 2 (see Hardware Installation). The 6.6016.108 Demo version of VA Database contains only the software without dongle. This version can be used for 100 days. After this 100 days you may continue to use the program without the possibility to store determinations to a database.
1 Introduction Configure Windows 95 for VA Database It is recommended to install the COM port driver with FIFOBuffers. Proceed as follows: 1. → Settings → Control panel → System 2. In SYSTEM PROPERTIES window choose the tab Device Manager. 3. In the tree expand Ports by clicking on + and mark COM1 or COM2 depending to which port the 693/746 is connected. 4. Click on Properties, choose tab Port settings and click on . 5. Change the settings as follows. 6. Click on in each window.
1 Introduction Compatibility with 693 VA Processor The compatibility of the VA Database 2.0 program with a 693 VA Processor depends on the program version used: • Program 5.693.0010 Not compatible with VA Database 2.0. Ask your local representative for a program upgrade. • Program 5.693.0020, 5.693.0021, 5.693.0022 Not all functions of the VA Database 2.0 software are active. From substance views only the first replication (VR = *0) is available. Calibration curves are not available at all.
1 Introduction Trace Analyzer to the backup directory specified in the VA Database program and vice versa. The *.dtm file is stored automatically in the database if a determination is added to the database. *.mth Method file (binary file) Contains the method. Method files can be sent from the 746 VA Trace Analyzer to the backup directory specified in the VA Database program and vice versa. *.smp Sample data file (ASCII file) Contains data of the sample data table.
1 Introduction *.mb Database file Paradox database file with blob fields (curves, binary determination file, etc.). *.px Special database file Special index file created automatically. Note: These 4 files on the hard disk should never be renamed with the Windows Explorer or another file manager tool. For this purpose the function Save Database As... should be used. The following file types are produced by the VA Database program when saving templates or filter definitions: *.
2 Main window 2 Main window 2.1 Main Window overview The MAIN WINDOW is the center of the VA Database software. From here the current working database is opened. In the window detailed information about the stored determinations (reports, voltammograms, and calibration curves) can be displayed in subwindows. The content of the displayed subwindows can be printed and exported. The other VA Database windows are also opened from the MAIN WINDOW. 2.
2 Main window Note: If you start the program after dongle installation for the first time, you are asked to restart Windows 95/NT to complete the dongle installation. Closing the VA Database program MAIN WINDOW / File / Exit Quit the VA Database 2.0 program. The current database will be closed and saved (the same function can be done by pressing the button of the MAIN WINDOW). 2.3 Databases Database organization Each database consists of the 4 files *.vad, *.mb, *.db, *.
2 Main window MAIN WINDOW / File / Save Database As... Save the current database under a new name. The SAVE VA DATABASE window appears where the name of the database configuration file *.vad and its directory have to be entered. MAIN WINDOW / File / Close Database Close the current database. …# The list of the previous opened databases. When an entry of the list is clicked on the corresponding database will be opened.
2 Main window Backup database files Changes in the database will be stored immediately to the 4 database files *.vad, *.mb, *.db, *.px on the hard disk and can not be canceled by an undo function. So if you want to return to a former version of the database, this database must have been copied before by means of the function Save Database As... under a new name. This backup copy can then be opened again and stored under the original name with Save Database As... .
2 Main window Last Page Go to last page Print... see Document printing Page Setup... see Document page setup Close Close preview window Document page setup MAIN WINDOW / File / Page Setup... The format of the page to be printed can be changed in the appearing PAGE SETUP window which contains up to three tabs: Page layout The printer, the paper size, the page margins, and the page orientation are adjustable.
2 Main window Note: The selected settings is not saved permanently and reset to the default values if a new text report is opened. These default settings can be changed in the GENERAL PREFERENCES window (see Text report settings, page 24). (only for text windows) The type of text report to be printed can be specified. The formats of the text reports are identical to the formats available on the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
2 Main window 2.5 Export of text and curves Copy text or curves to clipboard MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Copy (Ctrl+C) Text report: Copy the selected text in the text subwindow to the clipboard. If no text is selected, the whole content of the subwindow is copied. Curves: Copy substance, segment or calibration curve to the clipboard. Note: With VA Database under Windows 95, curves are copied to the clipboard in square size.
2 Main window 2.6 Display of curves Display of substance and segment curves MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options... The display of substance and segment curves can be changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Curves: VR Selection Selection of curves to be displayed by means of the two fields Var (Variation) and Rep (Replication). Selections have to be done in the same way as in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. Note: With determinations recorded by the 693 VA Processor (program version 5.693.
2 Main window Display of overlay curves MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options... The display of substance or segment overlay curves can be changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Curves: List of curves The list shows all overlay curves. Single curves can be deleted with . New curves can be added by drag and drop of curve symbols from the VA DATABASE EXPLORER. Line Pattern Make line visible or not and change color. Marker Pattern Make measurement points visible or not and change style and colors.
2 Main window Display of calibration curves MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options... The display of calibration curves (single or overlay curves) can be changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Curves: Note: With determinations recorded by the 693 VA Processor (program version 5.693.0022 or older) no calibration curves can be displayed. List of curves The list shows all overlay calibration curves. Single curves can be deleted with .
2 Main window Appearance of curves MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options... The appearance of all types of curves can be changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Appearance: Main Title The main title can be disabled, changed or set to the default value (Auto). Subtitle Y Axis X Axis VA Database 2.0 The subtitle can be disabled, changed or set to the default value (Auto). Ticks, grids, labels, and axis lines can be enabled or disabled.
2 Main window Scaling of curve axes MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options... The scaling of curve axes can be changed in the appearing OPTIONS window with the tab Scale: X Axis Scale The start and end value of the x axis can be changed manually. The default settings are made according to the method of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. With Auto enabled the lower or upper border of the whole segment will be used for the display. Y Axis Scale The start and end value of the y axis can be changed manually.
2 Main window Set start and end values back to the original borders defined in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. This function is also available with the Set Default Scale option of the context sensitive menu or by pressing the key. Zooming of curve windows 2.7 Zoom Curve regions can be enlarged by zooming the desired section while pressing the left mouse button.
2 Main window Active Sweep Pattern Parameters for line and marker patterns of the active (selected) substance or segment curve. Default Sweep Pattern Parameters for line and marker patterns of the non-active substance or segment curves. Line Pattern Make line visible or not and change color. Marker Pattern Make measurement points visible or not and change style and colors. Calibration settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
2 Main window Export settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences... In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window the default settings for text export can be defined with the Export tab: Data Delimiter Definition of data delimiter: tab, space, semicolon, comma or other character (user-defined). Report generator settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences...
2 Main window Templates settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences... In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window method associated templates can be defined with the Templates tab: List of methods with associated template The list shows all methods with a defined associated report template. New methods are added with and deleted with . Method name Name of the method used by the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. Enter this name for a new entry.
2 Main window Default locations settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences... In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window default directories for storage of files and templates can be defined with the Default Locations tab: VA Databases Selection of the directory for storage of VA Database files (*.vad, *.db, *.mb, *.px), filter definition files (*.vaf) and export files (*.txt, *.bmp, *.wmf, *.emf, *.dat).
2 Main window Graphic settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / General Preferences... In the GENERAL PREFERENCES window default settings for graphics can be defined with the Graphic tab: Default Title Appearance The display of main title and subtitle can be enabled or disabled. Default Y Axis Appearance Ticks, grids, labels, and axis lines can be enabled or disabled. Default X Axis Appearance Ticks, grids, labels, and axis lines can be enabled or disabled.
2 Main window Save settings MAIN WINDOW / Settings / Save Now This function saves the actual settings of the software: Open windows, window position and size, general preferences. Also the active items and the selection criteria in VA DATABASE TABLE are stored. These information is stored related to the database. This means that for different databases different software appearances can be set and stored. Open subwindows in MAIN WINDOW cannot be stored.
2 Main window MAIN WINDOW / Window / Report Generator (F11) The VA DATABASE REPORT GENERATOR window will be opened or (if it is already open) put on top. MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication (F12) The VA COMMUNICATION window will be or (if it is already open) put on top. opened The opened windows are marked with a checkbox sign. If the desired window is hidden or minimized it will be maximized again and put on top.
3 VA Database Table 3 VA Database Table 3.1 VA Database Table overview The VA DATABASE TABLE window shows a tabular view of data fields of the current database. The most important analysis results as well as sample and method information of the determinations in the database are displayed here. The display of fields and their order in the table are defined by the user. It is also possible to create filters with filtering criteria, so that only the interesting part of the data is displayed.
3 VA Database Table 3.3 Printing of tables Table printing VA DATABASE TABLE / Table / Print... (Ctrl+P) Print the selected (highlighted) lines of the VA Database table. The number of prints and the pages to be printed can be selected in the appearing PRINT window which depends on the selected printer. Table print preview VA DATABASE TABLE / Table / Print Preview... The PRINT PREVIEW window appears.
3 VA Database Table Text properties Font, font style, font size and line spacing for text printing can be changed. With Interline space set to Exactly, the space can be adjusted exactly to the desired point value. Appearance The appearance of the table report can be specified by enabling/disabling the printing of grids, the printing of filter and sorting definitions and the highlighting of all odd lines. VA Database 2.
3 VA Database Table 3.4 Selection of determinations Selection of one determination Select a determination by clicking on the desired line, which is then highlighted and marked by an arrow and a point ( ) on the left side. At the same time the related entry in the VA EXPLORER window (if it is open) will be selected too. Selection of several determinations Select additional determinations by simultaneously pressing the key and clicking on the desired lines, which are then highlighted.
3 VA Database Table Copy table text to clipboard VA DATABASE TABLE / Edit / Copy (Ctrl+C) Copy the selected part of the table (highlighted lines) to the clipboard. This function can be used for copying the table fields of the selected determinations to other programs like Microsoft Word or Excel. The table fields are always separated by a tab.
3 VA Database Table 3.6 View reports and curves from VA Table View text report from VA Table VA DATABASE TABLE / Determination / View Text Report Open a subwindow in the MAIN WINDOW which contains the Full report and the Method Specifications of the selected determination. View substance curve from VA Table VA DATABASE TABLE / Determination / View Substance Open a subwindow in the MAIN WINDOW which contains all substance curves of the chosen substance of the selected determination.
3 VA Database Table Filtering criteria Tree view of all defined filtering criteria with expressions and subexpressions. The current expression is highlighted. Current expression Definition of the current filtering expression with the following items: Logical Operator Selection of the logical operator AND or OR. The first expression has no operator. Field Selection of a database field for the logical expression (details see Database fields overview, page 37).
3 VA Database Table Add the current expression to the filtering criteria in the next lower hierarchy level as the selected expression (this corresponds to entering a bracket in the filtering criteria expression). Update the current expression after changing some of the entries. Clear all items of the current expression. Delete selected expression or subexpression. Delete all expressions or subexpressions. Save the filtering criteria to a file with extension *.
3 VA Database Table First sort by Selection of a database field for main sorting of the determinations (details see Database fields overview, page 37). The selected field is highlighted. The sorting order can be set to Ascending or Descending. Then sort by Selection of a database field for further sorting of the determinations. The selected field is highlighted. The sorting order can be set to Ascending or Descending. Deactivate the sorting function.
3 VA Database Table Available fields List of all available database fields which can be displayed in the VA DATABASE window (details see Database fields overview, page 37). Copy selected field(s) to the list of visible fields (additional fields can be selected by simultaneously pressing the or key). Visible fields List of the database field which are displayed in the VA DATABASE window.
3 VA Database Table 3.8 Database fields overview All fields stored in the database are taken from the Full Report text of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. These fields can be selected for filtering, sorting and display options. Note: The items which can be selected for filtering are marked with the corresponding name in brackets which is used in the parameter Field of the FILTER DEFINITION window. For some numbered items, only a general expression is available for filtering (e.g. Ident, Subst).
3 VA Database Table Id1 (Ident) Sample Identification 1 (S1) of the sample according to the entry on page "MONITORING" or "SAMPLES" of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. Id2 (Ident) Sample Identification 2 (S2) of the sample according to the entry on page "MONITORING" or "SAMPLES" of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. Id3 (Ident) Sample Identification 3 (S3) of the sample according to the entry on page "MONITORING" or "SAMPLES" of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
3 VA Database Table Abs. MC Deviation 1...8 (MassConcAbsDev) Absolute deviation of the mass concentration ρs in g/L with automatic calculated prefixes. Rel. MC Deviation 1...8 (MassConcRelDev) Relative deviation of the mass concentration ρs in %. Final Result 1...15 (FinalResult) Identification of the final result. Result Value 1...15 (ResValue) Numerical quantity of the related final result. The unit is specified in Result Unit.
3 VA Database Table 40 VA Database 2.
4 VA Database Explorer 4 VA Database Explorer 4.1 VA Database Explorer overview The VA DATABASE EXPLORER window displays the content of the database in a file manager way (tree view). Detailed information about the determinations is accessible by expanding the different branches of the tree. From the VA DATABASE EXPLORER window, text reports and single or overlay curves can be opened directly in the MAIN WINDOW. VA DATABASE EXPLORER and VA DATABASE TABLE are linked.
4 VA Database Explorer 4.3 Explorer views View selection VA DATABASE EXPLORER / Explorer / 1st Level Show the first level of the database explorer tree. For each determination its name and (in brackets) the 3 sample identifications are shown. VA DATABASE EXPLORER / Explorer / 2nd Level Show the first two levels of the database explorer tree.
4 VA Database Explorer Determination Folder with all determination data entitled with determination name and 3 sample identifications. Determination Info Folder with date and method. Date Method Recording date of the determination. Method used for recording the determination. Substances Folder with all substance curves. Substance 1...8 Folder with all substance curves of one substance entitled with substance name and found mass concentration.
4 VA Database Explorer 4.4 View reports and curves from VA Explorer View text reports from VA Explorer VA DATABASE EXPLORER / Determination / View Open a subwindow in the MAIN WINDOW which contains the Full report and the Method Specifications of the selected determination. This text re- port is opened by selecting this menu point and simultaneously one of the following view items: Determination Determination Info Date Method Substances Calibrations Final Results Final Result 1...
4 VA Database Explorer The curve window can also be opened by drag and drop of the view items directly to an empty space of the MAIN WINDOW. Substance overlay curves Overlay curves of several substances can be opened by drag and drop of the view item directly into an open substance curve window in the MAIN WINDOW. Note: Overlay curves can only be created if the units of the x and y axes are identical (e.g. no overlay of VA and PSA curves).
4 VA Database Explorer The segment curve window can also be opened by drag and drop of the view item directly to an empty space of the MAIN WINDOW. Segment overlay curves Overlay segment curves of several segments can be opened by drag and drop of the view item directly into an open segment curve window in the MAIN WINDOW. Note: Overlay curves can only be created if the units of the x and y axes are identical (e.g. no overlay of VA and PSA curves). 4.
4 VA Database Explorer Export of measurement points from VA Explorer VA DATABASE EXPLORER / Determination / Export Measurement Points... Save the measurement points of all sweeps of the selected determination (highlighted line) into a data file (extension *.dat). The file contains blocks of X and Y values preceded by a header line for each sweep. The data file can be imported into spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel.
4 VA Database Explorer 48 VA Database 2.
5 VA Communication 5 VA Communication 5.1 VA Communication overview In the VA COMMUNICATION window the connections to the 746 VA Trace Analyzers and 693 VA Processors are installed. The COM port setup and the default destination for storing the incoming data is defined. It is possible to connect up to four VA instruments to a PC. To every connected instrument a specific destination database can be defined where the incoming data is stored.
5 VA Communication 5.3 COM port configuration Opening/closing COM ports The VA COMMUNICATION window shows the available COM ports which can be opened or closed. Interfaces Available for VA Communication List of all available COM ports (serial interfaces) of the PC. Open the selected COM port and activate connection to database. For each opened COM port a subwindow is shown which indicates its status: Interface on COM port ready, related database open. Interface on COM port not ready, no database open.
5 VA Communication Default directories Opens the SERIAL INTERFACE SETTINGS window for COM port settings. The default directories can be set with the General tab. Associated database Directory and file name for database associated to the selected COM port. All incoming actual determinations are stored in this database. For adding a new entry or changing an existing entry, press the button. In the OPEN window select the desired database configuration file (*.
5 VA Communication Log File Directory for the log file where all activities on the related COM port are recorded. For adding a new entry or changing an existing entry, press the button. In the CHANGE LOG FILE NAME window select the desired log file (*.txt file) or enter a new name to create a new log file. Disable event logging If this option is enabled, no activities are recorded in the log file. The content of the selected log file will be deleted.
5 VA Communication Automatic printing Opens the SERIAL INTERFACE SETTINGS window for COM port settings. The automatic printing can be set with the Printing tab. Automatic Report print out If this option is enabled, a report is automatically printed out when an actual determination is sent to the database. Print to Selection of the printer for print out. Report Template Default report template for automatic report print out (must be set if the automatic report print out is enabled).
5 VA Communication 5.4 Data transfer The progress of the data transfer between PC and 746 VA Trace Analyzer is visible in the open VA COMMUNICATION window. However, it is not necessary to keep this window open for the data transfer which can be carried out in the background. Note: The connection between 746 VA Trace Analyzer and PC is not checked automatically. So make sure that the two instruments are connected properly and that the 746 VA Trace Analyzer is ready to send or receive data.
5 VA Communication If data is sent from the VA Database program (via or directly from the VA DATABASE TABLE or VA DATABASE EXPLORER window) to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer, the progress of the data transfer is shown in the lower bar of the COM port subwindow in the VA COMMUNICATION window. The name of the file being sent is indicated above this bar. Data transfer protocol Open the log file where all activities on the related COM port are recorded with the Windows Editor.
5 VA Communication 56 VA Database 2.
6 VA Report Generator 6 VA Report Generator 6.1 VA Report Generator overview The VA REPORT GENERATOR is a powerful tool for creating custom reports using the content of the database. It can also be used for browsing the content of the open database. For this purpose templates have to be created where the database fields and curves to be printed out are selected and arranged on a template page. 6.
6 VA Report Generator 6.3 Templates Template functions Templates for custom reports are created by the user and stored in a template file *.vat. Based on the determination data stored in the database, the fields in the template are filled automatically with the corresponding data (text or graphics) as soon as a specific determination in the VA DATABASE TABLE or VA DATABASE EXPLORER window has been selected.
6 VA Report Generator Method associated templates Load method associated template If this button is pressed down the method associated template defined in the General settings will be loaded automatically (see Template settings, page 22). 6.4 Design templates Switch design mode on/off Set to design mode The template is set to the design mode where text and curve items can be added and changed. Set to read-only mode The template is set to the read-only mode where the template cannot be changed.
6 VA Report Generator Text labels VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / New / Text Label Add a new text label to the template by opening a rectangle at the desired location. Text labels can be added to all regions of the template. VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / Edit... Change the content of the text label. VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / Delete Delete the text label.
6 VA Report Generator Font The font family, font style, font size and font color can be changed. Font properties The text font can also be changed with the following icons: Increase font size. Decrease font size. Set text style to bold. Set text style to italic. Underline text. Text fields VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / New / Text Field Add a new text field out of the database to the report region of the template by opening a rectangle at the desired location.
6 VA Report Generator VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / Edit... Change the content of the text field by selection of another field in the EDIT TEXT FIELD window. VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / Delete Delete the text field. VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / Properties The properties of the text field can be changed in the appearing DATA TEXT PROPERTIES window which contains two tabs: Data text 62 The content of the text field with prefix and suffix, its alignment, position and size can be adjusted.
6 VA Report Generator Alignment The text alignment can also be changed with the following icons: Align text left. Center text. Align text right. Font The font family, font style, font size and font color can be changed. Font properties The text font can also be changed with the following icons: Increase font size. Decrease font size. Set text style to bold. Set text style to italic. Underline text. VA Database 2.
6 VA Report Generator Curve fields VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / New / Segment Field Add a new segment field out of the database to the report region of the template by opening a rectangle at the desired location. VA REPORT GENERATOR / Item / New / Substance Field Add a new substance field out of the database to the report region of the template by opening a rectangle at the desired location.
6 VA Report Generator Appearance For segment and substance curves, the line and marker pattern can be changed. Pattern VA Database 2.0 For calibration curves, the display of measured values, deviation markers and calibration curve can be enabled or disabled and the line color can be changed.
6 VA Report Generator 6.5 Printing of custom reports Report printing VA REPORT GENERATOR / Report / Print... (Ctrl+P) Print the custom report for the selected determinations. The number of prints and the pages to be printed can be selected in the appearing PRINT window which depends on the selected printer. To print only the determinations selected manually, select Selection in this window. Report print preview VA REPORT GENERATOR / Report / Print Preview... The preview window appears.
6 VA Report Generator Report parameters The report type can be changed. Tabular report A continuos report for all selected determinations will be created. The space available for text and graphic items of a single determination can be adjusted. In the VA REPORT GENERATOR window only the current determination is shown. In the printout, all selected determinations are lined up to one tabular report. VA Database 2.
6 VA Report Generator Form report Each determination will get one or more pages when printing the report. With Multi page report enabled, the number of pages for a single form report can be adjusted to the desired value. 6.6 Export of custom reports Copy custom report to clipboard VA REPORT GENERATOR / Edit / Copy (Ctrl+C) Copy custom report (in a graphic format) to the clipboard. Note: With VA Database under Windows 95, custom reports are copied to the clipboard in square size.
7 How to ...? 7 How to ...? 7.1 Installation and configuration Connect the 746 VA Trace Analyzer 1. Connect the RS232 interface 1 or the RS232 interface 2 on the rear side of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer or the 693 VA Processor to one of the serial COM ports of your PC with the 6.2125.060 RS interface cable (25 pin to 25 pin). If the COM port has only a 9 pin connector, the 6.2125.010 Adapter cable (25 pin to 9 pin) has to be used in addition. 2. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication.
7 How to ...? 7.2 Data transfer 746 ---> VA Database Send determinations to the database 1. If you want to observe the process of data transfer, click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication to open the VA COMMUNICATION window (the data transfer works also in the background). 2. Load the determination to be sent into the working storage of the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. 3.
7 How to ...? Note: Each time a determination is sent to the database, a determination file (*.dtm) and an ASCII determination report file (*.rpt) will be stored automatically to the backup directory if the option Save original files is enabled in the SERIAL INTERFACE SETTINGS window (see Default directories, page 51). Send methods to the backup directory (binary and ASCII files) 1.
7 How to ...? Send sample tables to the backup directory 1. If you want to observe the process of data transfer, click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication to open the VA COMMUNICATION window (the data transfer works also in the background). 2. On the dialog page "SAMPLES" in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer press the softkeys < >> > and . The current sample table will be transferred as ASCII sample table file (*.smp) to the predefined backup directory (see Default directories, page 51).
7 How to ...? 7.3 Data transfer VA Database ---> 746 Send determinations from the database to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer 1. If you want to observe the process of data transfer, click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication to open the VA COMMUNICATION window. 2. Open the dialog pages "DETERMINATIONS" or "DATA CARD" in the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. 3. Press the softkeys and /.The SYSTEM window will appear indicating that data can be received via the RS232 interface. 4.
7 How to ...? 3. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication. The VA COMMUNICATION window will be opened or (if it is already open) put on top. 4. Click on . Select the determination files (*.dtm) to be sent in SEND VA FILES window and click on . 5. Confirm the message Make sure that VA Trace Analyzer is ready to receive files with . All selected *.dtm files will be transferred to the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. 6.
7 How to ...? 2. Press the softkeys < >> > and .The SYSTEM window will appear indicating that data can be received via the RS232 interface. 3. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Communication. The VA COMMUNICATION window will be opened or (if it is already open) put on top. 4. Click on . Select the sample table file (*.smp) to be sent in SEND VA FILES window and click on . 5. Confirm the message Make sure that VA Trace Analyzer is ready to receive files with . The selected *.
7 How to ...? 7.4 Database Table Add fields to the database table 1. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Table. The VA DATABASE TABLE window will be opened or (if it is already open) put on top. 2. Click on or VA DATABASE TABLE / Options / Define Visible Fields.... The VISIBLE FIELDS DEFINITION window appears. In the left column all available fields are displayed. The right column displays the active fields. 3. Select the desired field(s) in the left column.
7 How to ...? 3. To change the order of the fields in the database table select the field(s) to be rearranged in the right column. Click on or to shift the selected field(s) one position upwards or downwards. 4. Click on to close the VISIBLE FIELDS DEFINITION window. Note: The position of the fields in the database table can also be changed by clicking a column header in the VA DATABASE TABLE window and moving it to the desired position with the left mousebutton pressed down.
7 How to ...? 7. Press to add the current expression to the filtering criteria list in the same hierarchy level as the selected expression or press to add the current expression to the filtering criteria list in the next lower hierarchy level as the selected expression. 8. Repeat steps 4...6 for each expression or subexpression you want to add. 9. If you wish to store the filtering criteria permanently, press to save them in an external *.vaf file. 10. Click on .
7 How to ...? Sort the database content 1. Click on BASE TABLE put on top. or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Table. The VA DATAwindow will be opened or (if it is already open) 2. Click on or VA DATABASE TABLE / Options / Define Sorting.... The SORTING DEFINITION window appears. 3. Select the desired database field for main sorting in the left column and set the sorting order to Ascending or Descending. 4.
7 How to ...? three tabs Page layout, Text properties, and Appearance to the desired values and close the PAGE SETUP window by clicking . 4. If you want to see the print preview, click on BASE TABLE / Table / Print Preview.... . or VA DATA- 5. To print the selected determinations, click on or VA DATABASE TABLE / Table / Print.... . Select the number of prints and the pages to be printed in the PRINT window and click . Copy the database table text to clipboard 1. Click on BASE TABLE put on top.
7 How to ...? Export measurement points 1. Click on BASE TABLE put on top. or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Table. The VA DATAwindow will be opened or (if it is already open) 2. Select the determinations whose measurement points should be exported (additional determinations are selected by clicking on them while pressing the key). If you want to export measurement points of all determinations, click on or VA DATABASE TABLE / Edit / Select All. 3.
7 How to ...? Note: The part of the text report displayed (which contains always the whole full report and method specification) depends on the view item selected in the VA DATABASE EXPLORER window (details see View text reports from VA Explorer, page 44). Print the text report 1. Select the subwindow of the text report to be printed in the MAIN WINDOW. 2. If you want to change the page setup, click on or MAIN WINDOW / File / Page Setup....
7 How to ...? curves (or select the corresponding item in the context sensitive menu). The curve subwindow containing all substance, calibration, or segment curves is opened in the MAIN WINDOW. Display curves from VA Explorer 1. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Explorer. The VA DATABASE EXPLORER window will be opened or (if it is already open) put on top. 2. Expand the database explorer tree until you see the curve items. 3. Select the curve item whose curve should be displayed. 4.
7 How to ...? Remove curves from the overlay view 1. Select the desired overlay curve subwindow in the MAIN WINDOW. 2. Click on MAIN WINDOW / Edit / Options... or select Options... in the context sensitive menu. 3. In the OPTIONS window displayed, select the tab Curves. 4. Select the curves to be deleted in the curves list, press and close the window by clicking . Change the curve selection 1. Select the desired substance or segment curve subwindow in the MAIN WINDOW. 2.
7 How to ...? Print curves 1. Select the curve subwindow to be printed in the MAIN WINDOW. 2. If you want to change the page setup, click on or MAIN WINDOW / File / Page Setup.... Set the parameters in tab Page layout to the desired values and close the PAGE SETUP window by clicking . 3. If you want to see the print preview, click on DOW / File / Print Preview.... or MAIN WIN- 4. To print the curve, click on or MAIN WINDOW / File / Print....
7 How to ...? Note: With some programs (e.g. Microsoft Word 6 and 7) no *.emf format import is possible. In this case, export and import the curve in the *.wmf or *.bmp format. For exporting curves to graphic files it is recommended to use the *.wmf or *.emf format for better resolution and the possibility to rescale the graphic. 7.7 Custom reports Create a new template 1. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Report Generator.
7 How to ...? 3. Click on or VA REPORT GENERATOR / Report / Save Template to save a template which has been changed under the same name. 4. Click on VA REPORT GENERATOR / Report / Save Template As... to save a new template or a template which has been changed under a new name. Enter the new name and directory in the SAVE VA DATABASE REPORT TEMPLATE window and click . Design a template 1. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Report Generator.
7 How to ...? 11. Repeat steps 7...10 until all desired report items are added to the template. 12. If you want to save the template, click on VA REPORT GENERATOR / Report / Save Template As... to save a new template or a template which has been changed under a new name. Enter the new name and directory in the SAVE VA DATABASE REPORT TEMPLATE window and click . Change the report item properties 1. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Report Generator.
7 How to ...? 7. Click to close the GENERAL PREFERENCES window. Use method associated templates 1. Click on or MAIN WINDOW / Window / Report Generator. VA REPORT GENERATOR window will be opened or (if it is ready open) put on top. The al- 2. Open an existing template or create a new template. 3. If the template is in design mode, click on the read-only mode. to change to 4.
7 How to ...? ciated templates for each determination recorded with such a method. 4. Adjust the size of the VA REPORT GENERATOR window so that it will be visible beside the open VA DATABASE TABLE window or VA DATABASE EXPLORER window. 5. Select the determination in the VA DATABASE TABLE window or VA DATABASE EXPLORER window whose report should be printed. 6. If you want to see the print preview, click on or VA REPORT GENERATOR / Report / Print Preview... in the VA REPORT GENERATOR window. 7.
8 Troubleshooting 8 Troubleshooting 8.1 Data transfer: What to do if ... No data is received on the PC 1. Check cables and connections. 2. Make sure that the interface settings on the PC and the 746 VA Trace Analyzer are identical. 3. Check advanced interface settings on the PC (see Configure Windows 95, page 3). 4. Press on the VA COMMUNICATION window. 5. If the problem continues, reduce the baud rate to 4800 or 2400 bits/s on the PC and the 746 VA Trace Analyzer.
8 Troubleshooting 6. If the problem continues, reduce the baud rate to 4800 or 2400 bits/s on the PC and the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. Character buffer overrun or Invalid control check sum message appears (error in log file) 1. Check cables and connections. 2. Check advanced interface settings on the PC (see Configure Windows 95, page 3). 3. If the problem continues, reduce the baud rate to 4800 or 2400 bits/s on the PC and the 746 VA Trace Analyzer. 4.
8 Troubleshooting 2. Check the settings for text report printing in the PAGE SETUP window (see Document page setup, page 11). Select the tab Documentation and set the Report type to All if you want to print the whole text report. Curves are missing in curve printing 1. Check the color settings for curve lines (some colors may vanish on a black and white printer).
8 Troubleshooting The automatic template load cannot be activated 1. Press to change to the read-only mode in the VA REPORT window. GENERATOR 2. Save the current template which has been modified. The custom reports are not printed with the currently loaded template Deactivate the automatic loading of method associated templates. The automatic custom report printing is not working 1. Check if automatic printing is enabled in the SERIAL INTERFACE SETTINGS window (see Automatic printing, page 53). 2.
8 Troubleshooting Curves in subwindows are not displayed 1. If no curve is visible, the scaling may be wrong. Adjust the scaling in the OPTIONS window (see Scaling of curve axes, page 18) or reset the curve window to the default scale by pressing the key or select the Set Default Scale option of the context sensitive menu. 2.
8 Troubleshooting 2. If you want to have the calibration curves, the 5.746.0100 program has to be installed. Ask your representative for a program update. Several determinations appear more than once in the database 1. In VA Database, the identical determinations can be stored several times in the database. 2. Delete the obsolete determinations manually by selecting VA DATABASE TABLE / Determination / Delete. Filtering is not carried out correctly, e.g. for concentrations 1.
9 Appendix 9 Appendix 9.1 Software license The "VA Database 2.0" program is installed as a full program package together with the 6.2145.030 Dongle. Installations without dongle are demo versions which are unable to send or receive data via serial interface. If a demo version is equipped with a dongle, it runs as a full version. Please send us your 8.746.8017 Registration card as soon as possible so we can register you as an official user.
10 Index 10 Index A D Active Sweep Pattern ............................................. 20 Appearance of curves....................................... 17,84 Appendix................................................................ 97 Arrangement of subwindows................................. 26 Arrangement of VA windows ................................. 26 Associated custom report template ...................... 22 Data Delimiter ........................................................ 21 Data export ..
10 Index of 746 VA Trace Analyzer................................... 4 of VA Database.................................................. 5 Overview ............................................................ 4 Files AUT files......................................... 5,51,54,72,75 BMP files ....................................................... 6,13 DAT files................................................... 6,31,47 DB files....................................................... 5,8,10 DTM files ..........
10 Index Software license..................................................... 97 Sorting.......................................................... 34,47,79 Starting the VA Database program.......................... 7 Substance field ...................................................... 64 Subtitle .............................................................. 17,24 Suffix ...................................................................... 61 Update version..............................................
