CTC PAL Control for Waters Emp3 CDS

Installation Manual

CTC PAL Control for Waters Empower 3

Software Revision 2.3.3

Installation Manual

CTC Analytics AG reserves the right to make improvements and/or changes

to the product described at any time without notice.

CTC Analytics AG makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this product,
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability and
suitability for a particular purpose.

In no case shall CTC Analytics AG be liable for any coincidental or

consequential damage in connection with or arising from the use of this
document.

© 2011 - 2014 CTC Analytics AG. All rights reserved. Neither this publication
nor any part hereof may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or
reduced to electronic medium or machine readable form without the prior
written permission of CTC Analytics AG, except as allowed under copyright
laws.

CTC Analytics AG acknowledges all trade names and trademarks used as

the property of their respective owners.

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A. Printing History
Edition Date Reason for Change
Edition 4 December 2014 Product version 2.3.3 Release
Edition 3 June 2014 Product version 2.3.1 Release
Edition 2 June 2014 Update as to Feature Release 2
improvement concerning client support
Edition 1 April 2011 Empower 3 support

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B. Table of Content
A. Printing History 2
B. Table of Content 3
1. INTRODUCTION 5
1.1 General 5
1.2 About Screen Shots 5
1.3 Default Behavior 5
2. LICENSING, PACKAGING AND DEPLOYMENT 6
3. SUPPORTED CONFIGURATIONS 7
4. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION 8
4.1 System Requirements 8
Hardware and software requirements 8
4.2 Tested Configurations 8
4.3 Installation Instructions 8
Installing the software 8
Uninstalling the software 9
4.4 Trademarks 9
5. EMPOWER CONFIGURATION 10
5.1 Configuration Manager 10
5.2 Empower Nodes 11
5.3 Configuration Manager Dialog for use with serial port 11
5.4 Configuration Manager Dialog for use with TCP/IP 13
Obtain TCP/IP Settings from the Waters DHCP server 13
Fixed TCP/IP Settings 17
5.5 New Chromatographic System 19
Create New System 19
Connect to Existing System 19
Add instruments 20
Access Control 21
Name Selection 22
5.6 Plates 23
Define plate type VT32 23
Define plate type VT98 24
Configure Plates 25
6. FIRST USE 26
6.1 Configure for use with multiple plates 26
7. POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW 27
7.1 Prerequisite 27

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7.2 CTC PAL setup 27

7.3 PAL in combination with Agilent GC`s 27
7.4 Examples 28
8. KNOWN LIMITATIONS 30
8.1 Overlapped injection 30
8.2 Cycle Editor not available on an Empower Client 30
8.3 Editing Methods in ‘Browse Projects’ 30

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
This document describes the configuration of the CTC PAL in Empower.

1.2 About Screen Shots

Bitmaps of windows in this document may differ slightly from the software,
due to bug fixing, changes in functionality, updated graphical interface, etc.
Where these discrepancies exist, the version of the image in the software will
take precedence.

1.3 Default Behavior

This software is an instrument control add-on to Empower. As such, where a
software behavior or feature is not described in this document, it can be
assumed to be similar to the behavior or feature for other third-party
instrument drivers.

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2. LICENSING, PACKAGING AND

DEPLOYMENT
This instrument control module will be packaged as an instrument control
add-on. The instrument control module will be installed as an addition to the
base software and should be installed on the Empower Node and all
Empower clients that will use the instrument. There’s no need to install the
module on the Empower database server.

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3. SUPPORTED CONFIGURATIONS
The software is designed for use with Empower 3 Build 3471 Feature Release
2 and higher (for more details see 4.2 Tested Configurations).

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4. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
4.1 System Requirements
Before you install the CTC PAL Control for Empower, note these hardware
and software requirements and the information about the PAL environment:

Hardware and software requirements

The following table lists the basic computer requirements necessary for the
various Empower 3 nodes. For further details, please see the Empower 3
Basic Computer and Installation Requirements documentation.

4.2 Tested Configurations

The CTC PAL Control for Empower has been tested on these configurations.

• Microsoft Windows 7 Professional Service Pack 1, English versions

• Citrix Server
• Empower 3 Feature Release 2 (FR2)
• CTC PAL-xt standalone firmware 4.3.0, 2.5.2

4.3 Installation Instructions

In this procedure, you will run the self-installing executable to unpack and
install the ‘CTC PAL Driver for Waters Empower CDS’ software bundle.

Installing the software

Note:
• You must have administrative permission in order to install the
software on Microsoft Windows 7
• Previous versions (e.g. v2.1.0) must be uninstalled first (see ”
Uninstalling the software”)

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Run ‘Setup.exe
Setup.exe’
Setup.exe to start the installer application (InstallShield Wizard will be
displayed). Follow the instructions the installer provides.

The installer may ask you to reboot your computer.

Uninstalling the software

To uninstall the software:
• Navigate to the Add/Remove Programs tool in the Windows Control
Panel
• Click ‘CTC PAL Driver for Waters Empower CDS’ in the list
• Click Change/Remove

4.4 Trademarks
PAL is a trademark of CTC Analytics AG.
Microsoft, Windows 7 and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States, or other countries, or both.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service
marks of others.

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5. EMPOWER CONFIGURATION
This window is part of Empower and is used to access the primary
applications in Empower software. Applications started from here are assigned
to the current user.

Note: Configuring the system requires administrative rights.

Pressing the Configure System button will pop up the Configuration manager.

5.1 Configuration Manager

To configure the CTC PAL we have to configure an Empower Node and at
least one System.

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5.2 Empower Nodes

The name (up to 15 alphanumeric characters) assigned to a device on a
network (the first character must be a letter). Use a name, such as the
location of the Network LAC/E, that identifies the node as a Network LAC/E.
The node name must be the name assigned to the Network LAC/E during
installation (also known as computer name). You use the instruments
connected to Empower Nodes to create chromatographic systems.

Managing Empower Nodes involves several tasks for setting up the CTC PAL.

The menu item File > New or right-click Properties brings you to the
configuration Manager Dialog.

5.3 Configuration Manager Dialog for use with

serial port
Confirm that PAL communication is set to SER (this applies just for PAL-
PAL-xt
firmware 4.1
4.1 . x and higher, for detailed information please see CTC PAL User
Manual Edition 4 and higher section 8.1/9.1
8.1 9.1 Com Port Settings)
Settings

Use this tab to select the serial port the PAL is attached to.

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When switching to the ‘Instruments’-tab, the following screen will appear:

On some systems the ‘OK?’-value will be ‘No’ at first. The reason may be that
the instrument is not yet initialized. The value should change to ‘Yes’ by
pressing ‘Scan Instruments’ after a few seconds.

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5.4 Configuration Manager Dialog for use with

TCP/IP
The CTC PAL (this applies just for PAL-
PAL-xt firmware 4.1.x and higher with LAN
interface) can be configured to have fixed TCP/IP settings or to obtain them
from a DHCP server. Waters Empower includes a DHCP server.

Obtain TCP/IP Settings from the Waters DHCP server

Select tab Configure DHCP and click button “Configure DHCP”

Select menu item Server > Configuration Wizard

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Select Network Connection the PAL is connected to

• Click Next (2x) and Finish, Restart system when asked

• Start Empower and open Configuration manager
• Turn on the PAL, confirm that PAL communication is set to LAN and
DHCP to On (this applies just for PAL-
PAL-xt firmware 4.1.x and higher,
for detailed information please see CTC PAL User Manual Edition 4
and higher section 8.2/9.2
8.2 9.2 Setting up LAN Communication)
Communication
• Open properties of the Empower node
• Select tab Configure DHCP and click button “Configure DHCP”
• Connected PAL will appear in DHCP Server Configuration window

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Select PAL and click Edit

Select ctcPAL in Instrument Type

Click OK
Confirm that the Instrument Type is set to ctcPAL:

Click OK

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When switching to the ‘Instruments’-tab, the following screen will appear:

On some systems the ‘OK?’-value will be ‘No’ at first. The reason may be that
the instrument is not yet initialized. The value should change to ‘Yes’ by
pressing ‘Scan Instruments’ after a few seconds.

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Fixed TCP/IP Settings

Confirm that PAL communication is set to LAN and DHCP to Off (this applies
just for PAL-
PAL-xt firmware 4.1.x and higher, for detailed information please see
CTC PAL User Manual Edition 4 and higher section 8.2/9.2
8.2 9.2 Setting up LAN
Communication )
Select tab Configure DHCP and click button “Configure DHCP”
Click “Add” in the DHCP Server Configuration
Set IP Address to IP set on the PAL, set a fake MAC Address, select Instrument
Type “ctcPAL” and set a Unique Name

Click OK
PAL Instrument is added in DHCP Server Configuration

Click OK
When switching to the ‘Instruments’-tab, the following screen will appear:

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On some systems the ‘OK?’-value will be ‘No’ at first. The reason may be that
the instrument is not yet initialized. The value should change to ‘Yes’ by
pressing ‘Scan Instruments’ after a few seconds.

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5.5 New Chromatographic System

Create New System

Specifies that you create a new chromatographic system using available
instruments connected to an Empower Node. The system might not be
directly connected to your Empower Personal workstation.

Connect to Existing System

Specifies that the current user can access the selected chromatographic
system. If the system is password-protected, you need the password to access
the system. Then you can use the chromatographic system to acquire and
process data, and to generate reports.

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Add instruments
Use this page to add instruments to a new chromatographic system.

1. Select an instrument from the Available Instruments list and drag it

to the New System Instruments list. You can use instruments from
the Unused Components and an existing system. If the instrument is
not in the Available Instruments list, click Cancel, and check the
properties of the Empower Node.
2. Click Next.

Note: You cannot drag the last instrument from an existing system. To free up
the last instrument on a system, delete the system.

Use this page to control how other users access the new system you are
creating. You can share the system with other network users and password-
protect the system.

Note: If you have access to a chromatographic system, you do not need to

enter the password unless you are crossing databases.

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Access Control

Share System with Other Network Users

Specifies that other network users (determined by the access option you
select; see below) can use the system. If you select this option, consider
password-protecting the system to limit its use to authorized users.

Allowed Access
Owner Only
Specifies that the owner of the chromatographic system and users with
Administrator privileges can access the selected chromatographic system.

Owner and Group(s)

Specifies the owner of the chromatographic system, group members as
specified in the Allow Access to Groups list, and administrators can access the
selected system. Group access only allows a user to operate a
chromatographic system.

Note: To modify a chromatographic system, you need access to the

chromatographic system and its Empower Node.

Owner, Group, and an d World

This field specifies that all users in the database can operate the selected
chromatographic system.

Password Required
This field specifies that users enter a password before they can access the
selected chromatographic system across databases.

Password
Specifies a password (up to 30 alphanumeric characters) is needed to access
the selected chromatographic system across databases.

Confirm Password
Requires re-entry of the password to confirm that it was spelled correctly.

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Allow Access to Group(s)

Group(s)
Select the user group(s) that you want to give access to the selected
chromatographic system. Access privileges of these user groups override
access privileges of the selected world user type. If you select Owner, Group,
and World, groups that were not selected in the Allow Access to Groups list
are assigned the World User Type Access.

Name Selection
Use this page to name the new chromatographic system and enter any
optional comments.

System Name
Identifies the chromatographic system in the Empower database and in
Configuration Manager. Up to 30 alphanumeric characters are allowed for the
system name. Use a meaningful system name in case other users have access
to the system.

Empower Node Name

Name of the Empower Node to which the selected system is connected. This
field is not editable.

Online
If all configured system instruments are available (not configured in another
online system), this brings the new system online. Default: selected.

System Comment
Displays optional remarks (up to 250 characters). Comments that describe
the chromatographic system, its components, and its intended use can help
others if they have access to the system.

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5.6 Plates
The following sections show the properties of the most commonly used CTC
tray types; the VT32 and VT98.

Defining plate type can be done from the QuickSet, QuickStart and
Configuration Manager.

Define plate type VT32

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Define plate type VT98

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Configure Plates
Before you select the correct plates in Empower, you need to know the
names of the trays and their configured tray types in the PAL itself. This
information can be gathered through the CTC PAL Control panel.

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6. FIRST USE
6.1 Configure for use with multiple plates
By default Empower is not configured to work with multiple plates/trays.
In this the case the system will default to Tray1,
Tray1 which must be present in the
PAL.

To work with the plates defined in section 5.6 open the Empower QuickStart
or QuickSet interface and select the menu item Edit > Plates.
The following screen will appear:

1. Uncheck the ‘2790 Layout’ checkbox

2. Click on the ‘Plate Type Name’ of the first row and select a VT32
plate

3. Click on the ‘Plate Layout Position’ of the first row and enter name
of the VT32 tray as configured in the PAL. By default ‘Tray1’ or
‘Tray2’.

4. Repeat previous steps for a VT98 tray.

To select sample locations, select a plate, click on the vials in the right pane
and push the Insert or Append button.

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7. POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

7.1 Prerequisite
• Networking cable RJ45 or RS232 cable PC 9pf/9pf (delivered with
the PAL-xt)
CTC Article no: RS9B-3000
• Agilent remote cable (for A7890, A6890, A1100)
CTC Article no: Cbl 7890

7.2 CTC PAL setup

Synchronization Signals (Sync Signals) are inputs that tell the PAL when to
wait or proceed with a sample-processing step. Output Signals (Out Signals)
are sent from the PAL to external devices.

In combination with Agilent instruments (e.g. A7890, A6890, A1100 etc.) the
PAL Cycle events require the following setup:

• Start (Sync Signal) > TTL-In1

• Injected (Out Signal) > SW-Out1

• Remaining Sync Signals > Immediate (Ignore)

• Remaining Out Signals > Off

To assign this physical event (e.g. SW-Out1) to an existing signal object

(Injected) complete the following menu selections on the PAL:

• Menu > Setup > Objects > Out Signals >Injected > Destination >
SW-Out1

7.3 PAL in combination with Agilent GC`s

Agilent 7890:
The Setting Tab for the Injectors has to be set to None (see below). Otherwise
the system would indicate an Agilent autosampler is configured, while there is
no autosampler present. Empower would respond with an Instrument Failure
(Empower Message Center > the injector configured in the method is not
present).

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Agilent 6890:
The same applies here, the General Tab should have the Front Injector and
Back Injector disabled (see below). Otherwise the system would indicate an
Agilent autosampler is configured, while there is no autosampler present.
Empower would respond with an Instrument Failure (Empower Message
Center > the injector configured in the method is not present).

7.4 Examples
A7890 and PAL:
QuickStart > Run Samples > Control Panel

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A7890 and PAL:

QuickStart > View Method > PAL

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8. KNOWN LIMITATIONS
8.1 Overlapped injection
As of now, time optimization for overlapped injections is limited to two
samples. This can be achieved by building a method based on the cycle
named HS_2-
HS_2 -Vial-
Vial -Overlap.
Overlap Sample lists should only contain methods based
on overlap cycles.

The order of instruments within the system configuration should always have
the preparing instrument before the analyzing instrument (please see
example below).

This feature is not available when the CTC PAL is used in combination with
the Agilent 6890 GC or the Agilent 7890 GC with Agilent Instrument Control
Software v2.5 and up (Instrument Control Software v2.01 is supporting this
feature) controlled by Empower. The reason for this is how the Agilent 6890
and 7890 is integrated and controlled by Empower.

8.2 Cycle Editor not available on an Empower

Client
Cycles are the base of all methods. They contain the individual commands of
the CTC PAL.

The Cycle Editor is located in the Tools menu of the Configuration Manager.

Cycles can only be edited on the PC that is physically connected to the PAL.
This is because Empower is unable to store and distribute Cycles.

8.3 Editing Methods in ‘Browse Projects’

Editing methods that were created with earlier versions of the product version
(2.3.0 or earlier) is not possible in ‘Browse Projects’ before converting the
method to a newer structure.

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This conversion can be achieved by starting ‘Run Samples’ for the instrument
the method was intended for. Make sure the Control Panel Status is green
and displays ‘Ready’. Now open the method, save it and close it.

When editing a method in ‘Run Samples’, always make sure it is opened for
the correct instrument, because the method will only work for this instrument
or an instrument that is configured identically, once it’s saved.

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