UltiMate 3000 Series/ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detectors: Commands and Tips

Dionex Detectors
Dionex UltiMate 3000 Series (RS)/ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detectors

In addition to the standard commands available for all detectors (see Dionex Detectors), the VWD-3x00 and ICS-Series VWD detectors provide the control commands listed below. Please note that the display Filter level determines which commands and properties are displayed. Also note that some commands or properties may not be available, depending on the detector type.

Command/Property	Description
AmbientTemp	Reports the temperature [°C] outside the optical system (read-only).
AutoactivateUV_Lamp	On: The UV lamp is turned on automatically whenever the detector is powered up.
AutoactivateVisible_Lamp	On: The visible lamp is turned on automatically whenever the detector is powered up.
Autozero	Performs automatic null balancing (= the current detector signal is interpreted as 0).
BaselineBehavior	Determines how the baseline behaves if wavelengths are switched or the sensitivity or filter wheel setting are changed during a program: Append: Resets the baseline to the previous signal. Free: No adjustment, shifts may occur in the baseline position. Zero: Sets the baseline to zero.
BootLoaderVersion	Reports the bootloader version (read-only).
Brightness	Adapts the brightness of the detector's front panel display to your requirements.
ClearAlarmLED	Resets the Status LED on the detector's front panel when it indicates an alarm.
ClearBaseline	Deletes the most recent baseline scan from the memory. (Also, see Scan and ScanBaseline).
ClearDisplayError	Deletes the error messages on the detector's display.
Contrast	Adapts the screen contrast of the detector's front panel display to your requirements.
Data_Collection_Rate	Enter the rate [Hz] at which Chromeleon collects digital data from the detector
DeviceType	Indicates the detectors device type (read-only).
DisplayMode	Specifies which type of data appears on the detector's front panel display (Raw, Transmittance, or Absorbance).
Door	Reports whether the compartment door is Open or Closed (read-only).
DriverID	Indicates the driver's unique name (read-only).
DriverVersion	Indicates the driver version (read-only).
ElectronicsTemp	Indicates the temperature [°C] of the electronics unit (read-only).
FlowcellType	Indicates the flow cell type (read-only).
FPGAVersion	Indicates the detector's FPGA version (read-only).
HardwareRevision	Indicates the detector's hardware revision (read-only).
HardwareRevision_ Optics	Indicates the optics' hardware revision (read-only).
LamphouseTemp	Indicates the lamp house temperature [°C] (read-only).
Leak	Indicates whether the leak sensor has detected a leak: NoLeak or Leak (read-only).
LeakDelay	Reports the delay time [s] after a leak was detected
LeakSensorMode	Specifies how leak detection is performed: Enabled - Enables leak detection; an acoustic beep sounds when the leak sensor is activated. Silent - Enables leak detection, but no beep sounds when the leak sensor is activated. Disabled - Disables leak detection.
Manufacturer	Indicates the manufacturer of the driver (read-only).
NotReadyCauses	Reports why the module is not yet ready for the next analysis (read-only).
OpticsTemp	Reports the temperature [°C] of the optics (read-only).
Ready	Indicates whether the detector is ready for injection (read-only).
Reset	Resets the device to its initial conditions, as attained after power-up.
Scan	Saves an absorbance spectrum based on the current settings to a spectra library. This requires that a baseline spectrum was recorded with exactly identical parameters (see ScanBaseline). For information about how to perform a wavelength scan, refer to Detector Control Wavelength Scanning.
ScanBaseline	Saves a baseline scan based on the current settings to a spectra library. (Also, see ClearBaseline and Scan.)
ScanEndWavelength	Sets the end wavelength [nm] of the wavelength range for spectra scan. The allowed range is 190 to 900 nm. (Also, see ScanBaseline and Scan.)
ScanSpeed	Defines the speed with which a wavelength range (defined by start and end wavlength) is scanned. (Also, see ScanBaseline and Scan.)
ScanStartWavelength	Sets the start wavelength [nm] of the wavelength range for spectra scan. The allowed range is 190 to 900 nm. (Also, see ScanBaseline and Scan.)
SerialNo_Flowcell	Reports the serial number of flow cell (read-only).
SerialNo_Mainboard	Reports the serial number of the main board (read-only).
SerialNo_Optics	Reports the serial number of the optics (read-only).
SetFactoryDefaults	Restores the Dionex standard settings.
Standby	Switches the detector to standby mode (Standby) or cancels standby mode (NoStandby). During standby mode, the detector remains connected in Chromeleon. Available values: Standby, NoStandby, WakingUp, EnteringStandby. (WakingUp and EnteringStandby are temporary states that the device assumes automatically; it is therefore neither required nor reasonable to select these values from the commands list.)
StopScan	Stops a running scan of a baseline or absorbance spectrum. (Also, see ScanBaseline and Scan.)
TimeConstant	Specify the time constant for the signal. The time constant is the time required for the detector signal to rise from 0% to 63% in response to a signal increase. The constant is used for noise suppression (values: 0.00 to 4.55 s; depending on the detector type only a predefined scale of values may be available). The time constant is directly associated with the Rise_Time. The following formula applies: 2.2 x TimeConstant = Rise Time. The value calculated by Chromeleon is a recommendation only. A different value can be selected, if appropriate for your application. Tip: Most noise is suppressed if the time constant is 4.55 s. However, for the acquisition of narrow peaks, a lower time constant is more appropriate.
UV_Lamp	Reports the state of the UV lamp: Error, Ignition, Off, On.
UvLamp_ProductNumber	Indicates the product number of the UV lamp (read-only).
UvLamp_SerialNo	Indicates the serial number of the UV lamp (read-only).
UvTransmission_Flowcell	Indicates the factor for calculation of absorption to take the typical transmission for the flow cell into account (read-only). If the flow cell has a chip, the values are read from the chip. Otherwise, the value 100 is used.
Visible_Lamp	Reports the visible lamp's state: Error, Ignition, Off, On.
VisLamp_ProductNumber	Indicates the product number of the visible lamp (read-only).
VisLamp_SerialNo	Indicates the serial number of the visible lamp (read-only).
VisTransmission_Flowcell	Indicates the factor for calculation of absorption to take the typical transmission for the flow cell into account (read-only). If the flow cell has a chip, the values are read from the chip. Otherwise, the value 100 is used.
WavelengthCalibration	Performs wavelength calibration. In addition, wavelength calibration is performed automatically whenever the detector is powered up. (Also, see WvlCalibStatus)
WavelengthPeak1/2/3 Measured	Reports the measured wavelength for peaks 1, 2, or 3.
WavelengthPeak1/2/3 ResultMeasm	Reports the result (pass or fail) of the wavelength measurement for peaks 1, 2, or 3.
WavelengthPeak1/2/3 Theoretical	Reports the wavelengths expected for peaks 1, 2, or 3 when the wavelength verification test is performed via the Holmium Oxide Filter.
WavelengthVerTest	Performs wavelength verification via the holmium oxide filter. For detailed information also refer to the operating instructions of the detector.
WavelengthVerTest Result	Reports the result (pass or fail) of the wavelength verification. (Also, see WavelengthVerTest.) The test results are also recorded in the Audit Trail.
WvlCalibStatus	Indicates the status of the wavelength calibration (read-only): Initialized, Running, Calibrated, Error (Also, see WavelengthCalibration)

Analog Output commands

Note:

The commands for configuring the analog outputs are available only if the detector is fitted with a DAC plug-in module and if the DAC Board check box is selected on the Detector page in the Properties dialog for the detector.

Command/Property	Description
Analog1_Mode Analog2_Mode	Sets the signal that is available at analog output. Depending on the channel of interest, select Abs_A (B, C, or D) for the absorption or Measm_A (B, C, or D) for the measurement channel or Ref_A (B, C, or D) for the reference channel (The setting Direct is reserved for Dionex Service and should not be selected.)
Analog1_Offset Analog2_Offset	Adjusts the zero position of the analog output when it is plotted. The value entered is a percentage of the full-scale analog output. The offset allows the evaluation device to plot the signal if it becomes negative. Note: The output voltage of the analog outputs cannot reach a minimum of exactly 0 V. Therefore, we recommend to set an offset of at least 5 %, even if only positive analog output signals are expected. This will enable you to also measure very small output signals down to 0 precisely.
Analog1_Range Analog2_Range	Sets the voltage range, and thus the resolution of the analog output signal. The range to use depends on the values expected for the application and the evaluation devices to which the output is connected. Available values are: 1AU_per_1V=0, 01AU_per_1V=1, 5AU_per_1V=2, 1AU_per_10V=3, 01AU_per_10V=4, 5AU_per_10V=5

UV_VIS channel commands

Command/Property	Description
MaxAutoStep	Sets the maximum step for the Auto-Step mode. (The available range is from 0.1 to 5.1 s, the default is 5.1 s.)
Retention	Reports the signal's retention time (read-only).
Signal	Reports the current signal value [mAU] (read-only).
Step	Sets the step.
Wavelength	Sets the wavelength. (The available range is from 190 to 900 nm.)

Equilibration commands and properties

Use the equilibration commands and properties only for the SmartStartup feature.

Command/Property	Description
Drift	Provides information about the detector Drift, determined by equilibration.
*.UpperLimit	Sets the upper drift limit [mAU/h]. Available values are: 0.8 and 20.0 mAU/h.
*.Value	Reports the current drift value in mAU/h. The value is calculated as soon as at least a one-minute segment was measured. It is updated with each new recorded segment and averaged over the last 5 minutes. The property value does not change after measurement and can be viewed in the Precondition Log (Preconditions) of the subsequent samples.
DriftEquilibration	Reports the status/result of the drift measurement: OK or NotOK (read-only).
DriftStatus	Reports the status/result of the drift measurement (read-only).
	N/A	Equilibration has not started.
	Measuring	Equilibration is running, but the amount of data is not yet sufficient to report a result.
	NotReady	Equilibration is running or has finished. The values are within the specified limits.
	Good	Equilibration is running. The current data is outside the specified limits.
	Failed	Equilibration is completed. The result is outside the specified limits.
	NotTested	The limit was set to 0, drift measurement is disabled.
Equilibration	Provides information about the total status of the equilibration: OK or NotOK (read-only).
Noise	Provides information on the detector Noise.
*.UpperLimit	Sets the upper noise limit in [mAU]. The allowed range is: 0.03 to 0.50 mAU.
*.Value	Indicates the current detector noise. Usually, this is the value averaged over 5 minutes (read-only). Also, see Drift.Value.
NoiseEquilibration	Reports the status/result of the noise measurement: OK or NotOK (read-only).
NoiseStatus	Reports the status/result of the noise measurement (read-only). For the available values, see DriftStatus.
StartEquilibration	Starts equilibration (noise/drift measurement).

System Wellness and Predictive Performance commands and properties

Tip:

The Chromeleon version and detector type determine which commands and properties are available for checking the detector's system wellness and performance.

Command/Property	Description
FilterMovements	Counts the movements of the holmium oxide filter (read-only).
GratingMovements	Counts the movements of the grating (read-only).
LastUVLampChangeDate	Reports when the UV lamp was replaced last (read-only).
LastVISLampChangeDate	Reports when the visible lamp was replaced last (read-only).
OperatingHours	Counts the operating hours since initial operation (excluding the operating hours in standby mode (read-only).
PowerOnTime	Counts the time since last power-up (or last wake-up from standby) (read-only).
PreviousUVLampOperation Time	Reports the operating hours of the previously installed UV lamp (read-only).
PreviousVISLampOperation Time	Reports the operating hours of the previously installed visible lamp (read-only).
Qualification	Provides information about system qualification.
*.LastDate	Reports the date when detector qualification was performed last (read-only).
*.LastOperator	Reports the name of the person who performed the detector qualification (read-only).
*.Interval	Reports the interval (in days) when the next system qualification is due.
*.WarningPeriod	Specifies the period during which a warning appears before the next qualification is due.
*.GracePeriod	Indicates the period during which the device may be operated after the due date for re-qualification.
QualificationDone	Perform this command after qualification to update the related system data.
Service	Provides detector service information.
*.LastDate	Reports the date of the last service (read-only).
*.Interval	Specify the interval (in days) after which a service is due.
*.WarningPeriod	Specifies the period during which a warning appears before the next service is due.
ServiceDone	After the device has been serviced, perform this command to update the related information.
StandbyHours	Counts the total operating hours in standby mode since the module was operated for the first time (read-only).
UpdateLampIntensity	Updates the lamp intensity values.
UVLampIgnitions	Counts the total number of successful UV lamp ignitions (read-only).
UVLampIgnitionCurrent Trials	Reports the number of ignition trials when the UV lamp was started last (read-only).
UVLampIgnitionFailures	Counts how many times the UV lamp ignition fails (read-only). After a maximum of 10 retries, the counter is incremented by one.
UVLampOnTime	Counts the operating hours of the UV lamp since the lamp was ignited last (read-only).
UVLampOperationTime	Provides information on the UV lamp's operating time.
*.Value	Reports the total operating hours of the UV lamp (read-only).
*.Warning	A warning appears when the specified value is reached.
*.Limit	An error message appears when the specified value is reached.
UVRelIntensity	Provides information regarding the relative intensity of the UV lamp.
*.Value	Reports the current relative intensity of the UV lamp (read-only). The intensity of the UV lamp is measured at 230 nm, independent of the measuring wavelength set with the Wavelength command. 100% corresponds to the value that was measured and stored on the reference channel after 100 lamp operating hours.
*.Warning	A warning appears when the specified value is reached.
*.Limit	An error message appears when the specified value is reached.
VISLampIgnitionFailures	Counts how many times the visible lamp ignition fails (read-only). After a maximum of 10 retries, the counter is incremented by one.
VISLampIgnitions	Counts the total number of successful visible lamp ignitions (read-only).
VISLampOnTime	Counts the operating hours of the visible lamp since the lamp was ignited last (read-only).
VISLampOperationTime	Provides information on the visible lamp's operating time.
*.Value	Reports the total operating hours of the visible lamp (read-only).
*.Warning	A warning appears when the specified value is reached.
*.Limit	An error message appears when the specified value is reached.
VISRelIntensity	Provides information regarding the relative intensity of the visible lamp.
*.Value	Reports the current relative intensity of the visible lamp (read-only). The intensity of the Vis lamp is measured at 700 nm, independent of the measuring wavelength set with the Wavelength command. 100% corresponds to the value that was measured and stored on the reference channel after 100 lamp operating hours.
*.Warning	A warning appears when the specified value is reached.
*.Limit	An error message appears when the specified value is reached.

For practical tips for control commands in programs, refer to Tips for Creating Programs (VWD-3x00).

For PCM-3000 pH and conductivity monitor commands and properties, refer to UltiMate 3000 Series VWD, DAD and MWD Detectors: pH and Conductivity Monitor Commands.

For information about how to install the detector, refer to:

Hardware Installation UltiMate 3000 Series - Variable Wavelength Detector: Overview

ICS-Series Variable Wavelength Detector: Overview