Installing and Controlling Third-Party Devices
ERC RefractoMax 520 Series RI Detectors

Device Type:

Single-channel refractive index detector

Device Driver:

ERC: RefractoMax 520 RI Detector

Supported Hardware Options:

 

RefractoMax 521: Analytical version

RefractoMax 523: Semi-preparative version

RefractoMax 524: Micro version

Restrictions:

  • There is no PGM editor or wizard available to create programs (PGM files). Use the Commands view to create and edit programs manually.

  • When the detector connects to Chromeleon during server start or when the Connect command is performed, the data collection rate in Chromeleon is not synchronized with the current data collection rate of the module. Therefore, prior to data acquisition, you must specify a data collection rate using the Data_Collection_Rate property (Commands view).

  • Data acquisition cannot be started by a hardware signal. The driver supports only software synchronization.

  • The module does not support any input or output that can be controlled by software. The input lines (Purge, Zero, Marker) must not be connected when using the detector with Chromeleon.

  • Updating the firmware by download is not supported.

 

What is required?

License:

Timebase Class 1

Connection:

  • A free 9-pin RS-232 port on the Chromeleon Server PC must be available. UCI-100 COM ports cannot be used.

    Connect the detector to the Chromeleon Server PC using  Modem Cable (1:1 Cable) (part no. 8914.0143) (RS232 9-pin D-SUB male to 9-pin D-SUB female 1:1).

    –OR–

  • A free USB port is required on the Chromeleon Server PC. To create an additional USB port (virtual COM port), the FTDI driver application (version 2.08.24 or later) has to be installed. The FTDI driver package is provided on the Chromeleon Service Release DVD. For details, refer to section Software Installation below.

    In this case, an RS-232/USB Interface cable (Dionex part no. 6073.2001) can be used to connect the detector to the Chromeleon Server PC.

 

Hardware Installation

Device Connection:

First, install the Chromeleon software, and then connect the instrument to the RS232 port on the Chromeleon Server PC.

Also refer to Connecting Devices via RS232.

 

Software Installation

Installation of a virtual COM port (applies only for USB connection)

Before installing the RefractoMax 520 RI Detector driver, a virtual COM port has to be installed on the Chromeleon Server PC.

To install the virtual COM port, use the FTDI driver application (version 2.08.24 or later) provided on the Chromeleon Service Release DVD in the Drivers\USB Virtual COM Port directory. As a result, the USB device will appear as an additional COM port in the Windows Device Manager. For information on how to install the FTDI driver, refer to the installation instructions provided with the FTDI driver on the Chromeleon DVD.

Installation of the ERC RefractoMax 520 RI Detector driver

  1. In the Chromeleon Server Configuration, add the Driver to a timebase. For details about how to add timebases and device drivers to the Server Configuration, refer to Adding, Configuring or Deleting Devices. When you add a driver to the timebase, the configuration dialog or wizard opens automatically.

  2. On each configuration page, verify that the settings are correct and select additional settings if needed. For information about the settings, click the Help button on a page or press F1.

Further Information

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the operating instructions for the detector.