Software application manual - VTP UP

4. Creating and Modifying Acquisition Methods4.1 OverviewAn acquisition method consists of a set of parameters that describe the detector environmentin which data acquisition is to occur as well as the duration and sequence of events that are tooccur during the acquisition.In a setting where both mass spectrometry and electrochemical detection are utilized,acquisition method parameters must be assembled for both instrument environments. TheAnalyst program manages all aspects of the mass spectrometry while the Coulochem IIIdriver manages all aspects of electrochemical detection, receiving status updates on theexecution of the mass spectrometer (MS), for synchronization. Despite this separation ofinstrument environments, all acquisition parameters are consolidated into a single method file(an Analyst *.dam), which is managed entirely by the Analyst program. This necessitates asomewhat strict protocol by which the MS and electrochemical detection method details are tobe entered in a new method file, specifically:a. Create a Hardware Configuration Profile (a “profile”) in Analyst. This profilespecifies all of the MS instrument parameters as well as basic properties ofconnected devices like pumps and autosamplers. The profile also provides theability to specify that a Coulochem III detector is connected to the system.Once configured, the same profile can be used over and over again, until it isnecessary to change basic instrument or device parameters. Multiple profiles canbe created, stored and reused, but only one profile may be active at a time.b. Build an acquisition method within Analyst. This method initially will contain allparameters to be used for MS control. The method is saved as a *.dam file byAnalyst.c. Build a Coulochem III method. This method details the parameters to be used, andactivities to be run, on the Coulochem III detector. Coulochem III methodparameters can only be set within the Coulochem III Analyst driver.d. Attach the Coulochem III method data to the Analyst method data file. Withoutthis step, the Coulochem III method would not be known by Analyst or availableto it. Attaching the Coulochem III method data to the Analyst *.dam file alsoallows the parameter data to be managed under the control of the Analystprogram’s secure filing system.Other configuration and method data, such as data for pumps and autosamplers, may becommunicated to Analyst through their respective drivers.Coulochem ® III Analyst Driver - Version 1.0 19User’s Manual