Installing Dionex Devices
ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detector: Installation

Hardware Installation

Device Connection:

 Tip:  

First, install Chromeleon software, and then connect the detector to the USB port on the Chromeleon server PC.

Fig.: Rear panel

 Tip: 

Connect a modular power cord (IEC 320 C13) from the VWD mains to a grounded, single-phase power source. The instrument is equipped with a power supply unit offering a "wide range" input (auto-sensing). Thus, no adjustment is required to adapt the line voltage to local voltage requirements.

 

USB ports

Connect the detector to the Server PC via the USB port. To do so, select one of the following alternatives:

  • Connect the detector directly to the USB port on the server PC.

  • Connect the detector to a USB port on another Dionex instrument (for example, a TC) that is already connected to the server PC.

Digital I/O

The two 6-pin I/O ports (Mini-DIN) on the detector rear panel can be used to transfer digital signals to and from external instruments. Chromeleon is informed of external events via two digital inputs on each port. Two relay outputs on each port allow potential-free switching of external signals.

 

Fig.: Digital I/O port (rear panel view)
Signal names for port B are shown in parentheses

The description below refers to port A. Port B is identical except for the signal names:

  • Digital out 1/3 relay common is the common contact for relays 1 and 3. If the relay is activated, the connection is between Digital out 1 relay and Digital Out 1/3 relay common.

  • A voltage between 0 and +10V with respect to Digital in common can be applied to the inputs Digital in 1 plus and/or Digital in 3 plus. A voltage of +4V is sufficient to switch the input.

  • Digital out 1/3 relay common and Digital in common are not connected with each other. They have neither a conductive connection to protective ground nor to internal signals in the detector.

The Ship Kit includes a 6-pin Mini-DIN signal cable (Dionex part no. 6074.0001). The cable pin assignments and associated wire color are listed below:

 

Pin

Signal name

Cable Wire Color

 

1

Digital out 3 (4) relay

pink (or red)

 

2

Digital in 3 (4) relay

grey

 

3

Digital in common

GND for digital in 3 (4) and 1 (2)

green

 

5

Digital in 1(2) plus

yellow

 

6

Digital out 1(2) plus

brown

 

8

Digital out 1/3 (2/4) relay common

white

 

Signal names for port B are shown in parentheses.

Device Settings:

No special settings required.

Software Installation

USB Installation

The detector exchanges data with the Chromeleon server via USB (Universal Serial Bus). Almost all PCs provide a USB port. USB installation is completed automatically during Chromeleon setup. The user is not required to take any other steps.

 

Server Configuration

Follow the steps below to install the Device Driver in the Chromeleon Server Configuration. (For more information about the program, refer to Software Installation and Communication  The Server Configuration Program.)

  1. Start the Chromeleon server.

  2. Start the Chromeleon Server Configuration program.

  3. Add the detector to the timebase. Select Add Device on the Edit or context menu. From the Manufacturers list box, select Dionex IC: ICS-3000 Systems (or IC:Modules), and then select VWD Variable Wavelength Detector (ICS) from the Devices list box.

  4. The following settings are required:

On the General tab page, select the module address of the detector. Verify that the Demo Mode ("Virtual Mode") is disabled.

On the Detector tab page, define general detector settings.

On the Signals tab page, you may make special settings for the separate signals.

On the Relays tab page, enable or disable the relays. On the Inputs tab page, enable or disable the Remote Input of the detector.

Detector Control

To control the detector, start the Chromeleon client, go to the Browser, and select a suitable Control Panel from the Dionex Templates\Panels\Dionex_IC folder. Connect the panel to the corresponding timebase. As an alternative, use panel tabsets (refer to How to:  Controlling Devices from the Panel Tabset in the User Help section).

Application

The User Help section provides an overview of the different commands that are available for the detector; refer to Commands for Controlling Dionex Devices  Dionex Detectors and  UltiMate 3000 Series/ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detectors.

For different program examples for the VWD detector, refer to Practical Tips for Device Control  Detector Control in the User Help section.

Troubleshooting

For hints regarding troubleshooting, refer to Connecting Dionex Devices to the Chromeleon Server  Troubleshooting for USB or TCP/IP Connections.

Further Information

 Tip:  

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the ICS-Series VWD Variable Wavelength Detector Operator’s Manual. The manual is provided on the Dionex Reference Library CD-ROM (P/N 053891), shipped with the detector.

For an overview of the detector, refer to  ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detector: Overview.

For an overview of the different Dionex devices that are currently distributed, refer to  Installing Dionex Devices.