Wednesday, September 8, 2010	Welcome Guest!   Register | Sign-in

Return to Knowledge Base

Knowledge Base Results

Category: MSD ChemStation / Remote Data Analysis

Records returned: 7

MSD ChemStation / Remote Data Analysis

1. I have an older version MSD ChemStation system and would like to upgrade to the latest revision of software. As I understand, it can not easily be upgraded. My application is routine and my system works quite well. What are my choices? (id=35)

The ?Data Analysis? functionality found in the MSD ChemStation software is also sold as a separate installable application. The data analysis only product was first introduced as G1710AA circa 1996. All recent revisions also have a data analysis only product. The advantage of this product is the ability to load the software onto a second PC (your desk or bench) and use it to interactively or automatically re-process GC or MS data. When networked to your current MSD ChemStation system, the data analysis only software can now replace the older data analysis functionality and using ?Report Manager? functionality allows access to all the new features. Although there are some limitations, in most cases you will be able to process your current methods using the new software. The same G1710XX Data Analysis software is often bundled into a complete ChemStation system (G1717XX) including the PC and file transfer software (macro).

2. How does the MSD ChemStation remote data analysis data processing work? (id=37)

There are three basic steps:

> Set up a network connection between the two ChemStations.

> Data processing methods are loaded onto the remote ChemStation.

> A special macro [copydata.mac] is used to identify the location of incoming files and automatically imports them.

> Once imported, remote data analysis uses the method to process the data.

> Once configured and started, it can process data from up to 4 ChemStations.

3. What’s the best way to connect my two MSD ChemStations? (id=38)

Two PCs can either be connected in a peer-to-peer direct connection, via a Hub or direct to an existing LAN. If one or the other is connected to the company network, consult your IT department before setting up the connection. They may have specific protocols for this. With older MSD ChemStations you may have difficulting finding a networking card for the PC and configuring older versions of Microsoft Windows(tm) operating systems. As this is outside the scope of a simple Q and A, we suggest that you consult Agilent, your IT or if you need specific assitance, please Ask Dr. ChemUser.

4. Are there any limitations when connecting the instrument controller PC with the remote data analysis pc? (id=39)

There are a few things that you should be aware of. They fall into two categories: limitations of the remote data analysis processing system and file protocols.

Data analysis: This functionality only supports data processing. Any sequence related activity, such as auto or re-calibration must be performed manual using a post-processing step on the remote data analysis ChemStation. Performance may also be an issue. We suggest the remote pc have extra RAM and for reports, a printer capable of printing greater than 20 pages/minute. Keeping track of reports will also require some attention, as the reports are not collated. Even though the Data Analysis software supports multiple modes of data analysis, only one mode may be used (i.e., Enhanced)

5. I?m attempting to set up a networked data analysis ChemStation for 3 Agilent systems: 1 GC/MSD and 2 GCs. I?ve heard this is possible. Do I need any special software to do this? (id=87)

The latest versions of data analysis software do allow this configuration. There are two software modules required to implement this. First, you will be using the ?Report Manager? functionality that already exists in the latest versions of MSD Data Analysis ChemStation software (G1710XX) or later). You should purchase the newest version if you do not already have it. Second, you will need a special macro for transferring files from the other three ChemStations. This special macro is called [copydata.mac] and is included in the G1717XX Data Analysis bundle. If you did not purchase the DA bundle, you may request the macro from Agilent Inc. The part number is G1717-60011. We suggest you request the Agilent application note 5968-2696E (may be discontinued) for an overview of how this process works. It is a little complicated and knowledge of Report Manager is helpful. If you need additional assistance please Ask Dr. ChemUser.

6. What versions of MSD ChemStation software support remote data analysis with a second ChemStation? (id=45)

We need to consider both the “Acquisition” ChemStation and the “Remote” ChemStation. The acquisition ChemStation acquires data from the instrument. The remote ChemStation will do the processing. Listed below are the compatible software revisions for both acquisition and remote ChemStation and instruments that are supported. The further back you go in software revisions, the more problematic the implementation becomes.

Acquisition ChemStations: G1034C (C.03.04); G1701AA (A.03.02); G1701BA (B.01.00); G1701CA (C.00.00)

7. We have 3 GCs attached to one ChemStation (version A.09.01 (1R06) over Win NT 4.00.1381. We would like to run the system remotely via modem and alert the operator at home in case of a malfunction during the measurement process. We are planning to install a remote control PC software like Laplink but are not sure. Is there any macro or application software working with the GC ChemStation enabling remote control via a network or a modem thru a 2nd PC? (id=115)

Agilent has been using Carbon Copy32 and modem for remote support for many years. This seems to work very well. There are some considerations with regards to revisions and operating systems. We have also used it with good success. The remote access is quite straightforward to implement. However, if you have an older system (PC) you may have some difficulty finding a compatible networking interface. Regarding a system failure. In order to address the issue of system failures, we would need to know exactly what the failures where and the limits associated with each. It is possible in many cases to provide failure notification. For example send an email if a defined failure does occur. However, this is very specific to the application.