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Category: LC, LC/MSD ChemStations / Macro Language

Records returned: 10

LC, LC/MSD ChemStations / Macro Language

1.

Where do I begin if I want to learn how to write my own macro for the LC LC/MSD Agilent ChemStation?

There's a macro class offered by Agilent, somewhere in the east coast, so check their class schedule to see if the content will be able to help you. ChemUserWorld.com also teaches on-line classes on macro programming.

2.

How do you create arrays with the LC ChemStation macro language?

p> You can and you can not create arrays with the LC ChemStation macro language. You need to create a table, like a database table, and you can do that with the macro language. So, if you need an array of x,y pairs, then you would create a table of x,y pairs. It does what you need it to do. These tables hold either text or numbers, and you can hold text in one column and numbers in another, both in the same table.

3.

What macro command shows me what variables, macros, commands, and functions are currrently loaded into the ChemStation's memory?

The "SHOW" macro command shows you what variables, macros, commands, and functions are currrently loaded into the ChemStation's memory. It does a few other things too. Type SHOW at the command line.

4.

How can the ChemStation macro language communicate with other Windows programs?

The ChemStation macro language communicates with other Windows programs by using a simple technique known as dynamic data exchange, or DDE. Several DDE macro commands are available. These DDE techniques were very useful before 32 bit programming became widely used, and they still work today.

5.

What debugging tools are available for the macro language?

The best debugging tool is probably the "LOGGING" macro command. You can run it at the command line, or place it at a strategic location inside your macro. An example is: LOGGING 6,"C:\temp\LOG.TXT",ERASE.

Another useful technique is to place "PRINT" or "SLEEP" commands, or the "ALERT" function, at strategic points in your macro, especially if you have a hint where the error is occurring.

6.

What type of error handling techniques are there with the macro language?

The "ON ERROR" macro command is your best bet to use when handling errors. It will do almost whatever you code it to do when an error is encountered. For example, it can run another macro or run another macro command.

7.

What are macros, how do I make them, and what are they used for?

A macro is a list of ChemStation commands or instructions that are stored together in a text file that you most likely create with the Windows NotePad program. There are many ways to load this macro into the ChemStation memory environment so you can run or execute it. Macros are useful for automating tasks that you find yourself repeating over and over again that otherwise force you to use many mouse clicks, menu selections, and typed entries into dialog boxes. Macros are widely used to perform custom actions such as printing a unique report or interfacing with other Windows programs.

8.

Are there any variables that the ChemStation creates that I can use in my macros?

Yes, there any variables that the ChemStation creates that you can use in your macros. These are called system variables. Most of them begin with the underscore character, or "_", and are all capital letters, such as "_DATAFILE$." To see all the variables, use the "SHOW" command.

9.

Can I use my VB editor to write macros?

Yes you can use any text editor to write Chemstation macros. Note that a word processor is not a text editor, like WORD or WORDPERFECT.

10.

I am looking at the variable names in the ChemStation using the SHOW command and see that there are many that start with the underscore ("_") character. What is the significance of the underscore in their name?

Variables that start with the underscore are referred to as system variables. They are created and modified by the ChemStation, and you can use them in your macros. In general, you can use them, but, they cannot be modified.