Buck M500 Quick guide

Installation and Instruction Manual
M500
Scanning Infra-Red Spectrophotometer
March 2015
500-9999
Buck Scientic Inc Norwalk, CT U S A
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Table Of Contents
Section Page
A Introduction & Description 3-4
B Specifications 5
C Installation 6
D Preparation & Operation 7-
E Parts Replacement 10
F Optical Diagram 11
G RS-232 Cable Connection 12
H Computer Wiring Diagram 13
I Windows Computer Operation of M500 14-16
J M500 Instrument Control Manual 17-22
K Basic & Advanced Operation 23-26
L EZScan Installation 27
M EZScan Operation 28-2
N Sample Preparation Techniques 30-32
O Trouble Shooting 33-34
P Periodic Maintenance 35
Q Fine Calibration 36
R Buck Product Line 37
S M500 Shipping List 38
T Policy Statement 3
U Scan-n-Search Software 40
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SECTION A
M-500 INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION
Introd ction:
The BUCK 500 is a single beam, microprocessed, ratio recording spectrometer. Pre-sample chopping
and stepper motor controlled wavelength drive give results unattainable from conventional double
beam, optical nulling systems. Clean single beam design and microprocessor control, make operation
simple and maintenance costs low.
Technical:
A simple switch-mode computer power supply runs the system board and a 2.8 volt d.c. regulated
source. The four element nichrome source operating at 1025º C with a ceramic isolator improves
stability after initial warm-up. (1 hour recommended) The pre-sample chopping at exactly 708 r.p.m.
(23.6 c.p.s.) controls phasing and prevents re-radiation of the sample, resulting in minimal spectral
interference. The two optics to the right of the sample compartment condense and focus the source
image through the full size sample compartment. The light goes through the entrance baffle and onto
one of the four cut-on filters that keep higher orders of light from entering the monochromator. From
the entrance slit, light goes to the first collimating mirror which directs the light onto the grating. The
75 line per millimeter grating disperses the light and sends it to the second collimating mirror. The
second collimator focuses the light through the exit baffle and slit. The ellipse focuses the energy
down to a 1mm by 2mm target DLATGS detector on the pre-amp board. The analog signal is sent to
the main system board to be filtered, amplified and microprocessed.
At the scan speed of three minutes, in the reference mode, 4250 data points are stored into the RAM
chips. These data points are digital numbers between 0 and 40 6, one for every .8 wavenumbers
between 4000 and 600. After resetting, the 500 is ready for a sample. It takes each sample number for
that frequency and divides it by the reference number and multiplies it by 100. (when in %T ).
Example; 20 ratio to 40, times 100 is 50 %T. Gain can be increased above 0 for high energy loss
samples, but you don't want to overload the memory or resolution will be lost. In ratio mode the 500 is
set to give %T or Abs. readings to the strip chart recorder via analog output or recorder cable. All
information coming out of the RS-232 is in raw single beam unprocessed form even when the display
says ratio. The GRAMS/IR or EZ-Scan computer programs perform all ratio operations (and
conversion to Abs. if desired).
The Meas ring System:
The scan drive, chopper motor and A-to-D converter are operated synchronously to eliminate scan-to-
scan variations of spectral output data. Timing is derived from a crystal controlled clock in the
microprocessor. A single data value is obtained from each chop cycle or scan step. The scan motor
will step 4, 2, 1 or 1/2 times for each chopper cycle, corresponding to scan periods of 3, 6, 12 or 24
minutes. One scan step at the 3 min. scan speed will therefore equal 0.8 wavenumbers.
Active, multiple, anti-aliasing filters are used before data acquisition and on the chart recorder output.
The output filter has a programmable cut-off frequency to allow matching of the signal bandwidth to
the monochromator resolution and to allow the response time to be selected for time-drive mode. The
data acquisition system retains all of the signal-to-noise data from the pre-amp output signal.
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The A-to-D and D-to-A use a single, multiplexed 12 bit D-to-A converter. The A-to-D function is
achieved by successive approximation, controlled by firmware.
(An automatic gain-set scan is provided at 4 times the normal fast scan speed.) The scan reset time is
17 seconds from 600 cm-1 to 4000 cm-1
Controls and Indicators:
Display Indication: Displays wavenumber, transmittance or absorbance, scan
type, scan time, gain and response (seconds).
Controls: Wavenumber increase
Wavenumber decrease
Scan type
Scan time
Absorbance/Transmission
Gain increase
Gain decrease
Scan reset
Scan/Pause
Response
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SECTION B
M500 SPECIFICATIONS
Principle: Double beam performance via Single Beam Optics and Micro Computer
Background Correction.
Wavelength Range: 4000 – 600 cm-1.
Optics: A 4 position interference filter: 4000, 3060, 1 80 and 80 cm-1.
F-5 aperture ratio, 0.5 Meter Monochromator with 75L/mm diffraction
grating blazed @ 4 microns, pre-sample chopping at 23.6 CPS.
Scan Speeds: 3, 6, 12 & 24 min. scan periods from 4000 to 600 cm-1
Slit Program: Continuously variable.
Recorder O tp t: 0 to 1 VDC analog - and RS-232 serial to IBM PC or equivalent.
Detector: 1mm by 2mm DLATGS (deuteriated L-alanine doped triglycene sulfate).
Sensitivity: 2 V/Milliwatt 23.6 CPS. chopping frequency, KRS-5 window.
So rce: Nichrome wound Ceramic core. Power consumption: 36 W @ 1025°C.
Sample Space: 150mm square. Height of Optical Axis above sample compartment floor:
77mm. Left hand focus.
Resol tion: Nominally 4 cm-1 at 2000 cm-1: 2 cm-1 at 1000cm-1.
Dimensions: 7-1/2" H, 15" deep, 26" wide.
Weight: 50 lbs.
Power: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 150 watts.
Memory Operation: Select scan speed then run a background scan in the 4000-600 cm-1
wavenumber region. This will be stored in Memory and is automatically
ratioed to each succeeding sample analysis. At any time the background
memory can be updated and additional samples analyzed in a serial
fashion.
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SECTION C
INSTALLATION
Location:
The BUCK M500 should be located on a level, firm work surface free from vibration, R.F. energy
sources and excessive heat. (Less than 85ºF) A clean environment will greatly increase the life of the
instrument. Damage from caustic fumes, gasses or particulate matter is not under warranty.
Unpacking:
Inspect the instrument controls and cabinet for evidence of damage during shipment. Report any
damage to the carrier and BUCK Scientific immediately.
CAUTION!!
It is advisable to allow the instrument to remain in it's shipping carton for at least 12 hours before
unpacking to avoid condensate forming on reflecting optics.
After npacking the instr ment, it is necessary to raise the hinged cover and remove the
shipping sec rity tie/wraps from aro nd the slit and wavelength arms. Remove the plastic shield
that is taped in front of the grating.
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SECTION D
PREPARATION AND OPERATION
Preparation
1) Starting with S/N 678 the M500 uses an auto sensing power supply that will work at 100-127/200-
250 VAC. The first instruments were factory set for either 115 or 230 V.A.C., 50/60 Hz depending on
customer requirements. To alter the input voltage on them, raise the instrument cover and move the
input voltage jumper on the power supply P.C. board to the desired voltage as marked on the P.C.
board.
2) The main switch is located at the right rear corner of the instrument. Be sure it is in the "OFF"
POSITION. Connect the input cable to the instrument. Turn the Instrument "ON" and allow a 1-hour
warm-up and initialization period.
Note: Be sure the sample compartment is unobstructed during the reference scan.
3) A chart recorder receptacle is located at the left rear of the instrument. This is a pin,"D"
subminiature type. The recorder cable (500-112 ) provides complete control of the recording system
when the recorder is set to external. The Linseis Model L250-1 is the type normally supplied if
ordered separately. The chart format is a 250 mm width graph that is supplied with wavenumber vs. %
T legends. Note: As of Jan ary 2010 this recorder is no longer made.
4) A polystyrene test film is supplied with the instrument to enable a test of abscissa accuracy. If
periodic checks indicate an inaccuracy has occurred, contact BUCK Scientific for re-calibration
procedures.
Typical Operation with L250-1 Recorder
Place the M500 on a level, firm work surface free from vibration, r.f. energy sources and excessive
heat. (A clean environment will increase the life of the 500!)
1) Turn the 500 on and make sure it initializes. If the display doesn't come up initialization has failed.
2) Let the 500 stabilize (1 hour recommended).
3) Typical settings for low energy loss samples are reference mode, 3 minute scan time, gain 0 and pen
response .1 seconds.
4) Push the “scan” button. (This will store reference data into the 500's memory).
5) After reset, the 500 changes to the ratio mode and you can now get a true % T or Abs. reading.
6) Set 0 % T on the strip chart recorder (after turning it on) by blocking the 500's beam. Index the pen
at 4000 on the recorder.
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7) Put the sample in the 500's beam and push “scan”. The recorder will draw the spectrum and index
to the next chart.
8) Continue to run samples with one button (start/stop) operation. For the highest performance scans
restore the reference run. If errors are made, push “scan” to stop the scan and the “scan reset” to index
the 500 back to 4000.
Note: High energy loss samples may need a higher gain, slower speed and higher pen response time
for better results. The 6 minute scan stores 8,500 data points and the 12 and 24 minute scans store
17,000 data points. The higher pen response reduces the noise but also reduces the resolution of small
bands, unless the scan speed is reduced in the same ratio as response time is increased i.e., Scan speed
3 min. with response 0.1 gives identical resolution as 12 min. at response 0.8. Experiment with
different settings for your samples for the best results but don't set the gain too high because an
overload data point (over 1 ) may show no resolution when ratioed.
Operation of the 500 by computer is the same except the 500 should be left in “single” mode all the
time because all data coming out of the RS-232 is single beam raw data even when the 500 says
“ratio”. The 500 is controlled by the “EZ-Scan” or “GRAMS/AI” software in Windows (see section J
or M). Store at least two scans on your computer. One scan will be used as a reference run and the
other as a sample scan. All the manipulation of the single beam raw data is done in the software
programs.
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Linseis L250-1 Recorder
Installing with BUCK M500
1) Open Linseis manual to page 10 and 11.
2) Plug the pin “D” subminiature plug into the M500 and the 15 pin “D” subminiature into the L250.
3) After a suitable warm-up on the M500 store a reference scan while putting in the paper and the pen
in the recorder. (See page 6 and )
4) (Page 10) Set the chart speed selector to 20mm/s with the #12 knob to 20 and the #2 button down to
the mm/s setting.
5) Put the chart drive on with button #3 down and for external drive push button #7 down.
6) (Page 11) Rotate the input range selector #1 to 2 on the mV scale and 1 on the V scale. Push down
VAL/CAL button #5 to be in the variable range. Push down the mV/V-mA button #6 to be in the V
range.
7) Release the M/O button #7 and adjust the zero setting dial #3 to set zero percent T. Push the M/O
button back down to reconnect the pen signal.
8) After the reference scan has finished and automatically changed to ratio, block the beam and make
sure the pen still goes to zero %T on the paper: if not adjust with the zero setting adjustment dial #3 (if
necessary).
) Unblock the beam and set 100%T with the VAR potentiometer #4 (if necessary).
10) To index the paper turn the chart drive off and index the pen at 4000 wavenumbers with Fast
reverse and Fast forward buttons. (#8 & # on page 10).
11) Put your sample into the M500 which should now be in ratio mode and push the scan button to get
a synchronized scan. The pen should drop as the scan starts and rise at the end. At the end of the scan
the L250 should be indexed to the next chart. If you make a mistake push the scan button to stop both,
then the reset button on the M500 and re-index the L250.

SECTION E
PARTS REPLACEMENT
Item Part No. Description
1. 500-1037 Chopper/scan motor
2. 500-1034 I.R. Detector
3. 500-1053 Optical filter Set
4. 500-0001 I.R. Source Assm.
5. 500-11 5 Power Supply
6. 500-111 System P.C. Assm.
7. 500-1120 Preamp P.C. Assm.
8. 500-112 Ext. Recorder Cable
. 500-1137B Chart Paper (Linseis L250-1 Recorder)
10. LO 120/2 & LO 120/5 Pens
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SECTION F
Optical Diagram B ck M500
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SECTION G
RS-232 NULL CABLE CONNECTION
BUCK 500 COMPUTER
25 Pin (Fem) 9 Pin (Fem)
Connection Activity Code Connection
1 Shield
4 Request to Send RTS 1
2 Transmit Data TXD 2
3 Received Data RXD 3
6 _____________ Clear to Send CTS 4
5 ______ Data Set Ready DSR _______8
20 Data Terminal Ready DTR __________________6
8 Recv. Lin Sig. Det. RLSD 7
7 Ground GND 5
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Section H
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M5 Serial and Analog Connections
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SECTION I
ADVANCED WINDOWS COMPUTER OPERATION OF M500
Comp ter Hardware Req irements:
The EZ-Scan2 software needs a Pentium class computer with at least Windows 8. (Memory needs
for the EZ-Scan and Grams/AI software will be based on the operating system. Example: Windows
XP-Pro SP3 would like 1 to 2 Gig of RAM while Windows Vista would like 2 to 4 Gig.) A color
monitor is required at 1024 x 768 resolution. At least one free serial port is required that is not shared
with the mouse or the modem. If the mouse is on serial port one, three will not normally work
correctly. GRAMS/AI .2 only works with Windows XP-Pro SP3 (32 bit) or Windows Vista Pro (32
bit) and needs to be networked to be 21CRF part 11 compliant. It will also work with Windows 7 32
bit.
A dot matrix, inkjet or laser printer with its Windows driver is needed for printing spectrum. A mouse
is required for the best Windows operation.
Installation:
Install Buck "null-modem" cable between the 25 pin "D" (male) connector on the M500 and a pin
"D" (male) serial port connector on the computer. Note: not all null-modem cables have the same pin
out.
General:
Commands issued from the "Grams/AI" program affect the spectrometer exactly the same as
commands entered from the spectrometer control panel.
The data is preprocessed in the spectrometer for plotting by the chart recorder. The preprocessing,
which includes smoothing and data compression, differs between the reference, single and ratio modes,
and between transmittance and absorbance.
The data transmitted to the computer is raw, unprocessed data. Data points are transmitted at a 23.6
Hz rate (one data point per cycle of the optical chopper). This data is entered, unmodified into the data
file. The data can then be post-processed by the user with complete flexibility.
Command choices of scan type, Abs/Tran, and response do not affect the raw data entered into the data
file. The choices do, however, affect the interlocking of commands. Reference mode (the default at
turn-on) does not allow absorbance to be selected. Mode can only be changed at the start of a scan.
Reference mode changes automatically to Ratio mode upon completion of a reference scan. Ratio
mode cannot be entered unless a completed reference scan is in memory, and ratio mode scan speed
cannot be different than for the reference scan. These interlocks are useful for normal front-panel
operation, and for any operation using the chart recorder in conjunction with the generation of data
files. Selection of single mode is recommended when primarily generating data files since this mode
minimizes interlocking. Reference mode is also used in the MYInstrument software for auto
correction.
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RS-232 DATA TRANSMISSION AND CONTROL INTERFACE
February 2015 - Galactic GRA S/AI .2
Dear Customer:
If you use earlier versions of GRA S/AI this version is different. Please follow these instructions
carefully!
Step # 1 You need your license file that Buck Scientific Inc is normally going to have in a license disk
directory on the CD-ROM file. Ex: Acct123456.lic
Step # 2 The program can be downloaded from http://www.gramssuite.com/downloads/grams 2 but
Buck will also include a copy of the files unzipped in the GRAMSAI directory.
Step # 3 Run GRAMSSuiteSetup.exe, it will load the Grams Converters and then the main Program. If
you do not have Microsoft.Net Framework 4.0 installed this will also load from the executable before
the GRAMSAI Suite is loaded. It will also load a custom C++ driver if you do not have it installed.
Step # 4 Choose the install location for the GRAMS Suite program and the GRAMSAI data files. The
default is C:\Programs Files\Thermo\GRAMS Suite for the program. For Vista and Windows 7 you
normally don’t want the data files loaded under Program Files so pick something like C:\
GRAMSSuiteData for your data files so they are easy to find.
Step # 5 If this is the first installation the Program will say the license database is missing or out of
date. Use the browse button to find the license file and it will open them to show what programs were
purchased and then you apply the licenses. When done pick OK.
Step # 6 The GRAMS configuration manager will then check the registry for the GRAMS file types
and then ask you if you want them registered, you want to pick YES. Then choose Exit to finish the
configuration manager and Finish to close the Install Shield wizard.
Step # 7 Some copies of GRAMS/AI will need a FLEXnet license installed. If you try to run a
GRAMS Suite application and you get a “FlexNet License failure” click OK to continue. A request
License dialog box will open. That should find your computers MAC address. You normally want to
choose the address on your network card not a virtual number which can change. Click OK after
choosing the permanent one.
Step # 8 Your email program should open with that MAC address in the body of the letter. If not send
that address in an email to [email protected] and they will provide you with a Flexnet license.
Step # If you needed the Flexnet license when you receive it run the GRAMS Configuration manager
and choose “Products”, “Apply Flexnet License and browse to its location and install it.
The GRAMS AI Suite programs should now run.
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Step # 10 “My Instrument” Software can now be installed from the Buck M500 CD like a normal
Windows program. Start, Run, then Browse to find the command line which is normally D:\
BuckM500\setup.exe. Do not change the “MY Instr ment” defa lt directory.
Step # 11 Before you enter GRA S/AI please turn off your screen savers or increase the activation
time so that it will not activate during the scans. (It can look very confusing!) Next make sure the
M500 is plugged into COM 1 or 2 (3 & 4 are not recommended) and that it has had a suitable warm up
time.
To start GRA S/AI double click the GRA S/AI’s Icon. The first time you go into MyInstrument the
software will ask for your COM port. Pick the correct COM # (1, 2, 3 or 4) If you make a mistake the
“buck500.ini” can be changed with notepad.exe.
To store you first reference scan that will later be used to change your sample to double beam, choose
Collect, (MYBUCK if more than one instrument), Scan Sample. You will then watch a single beam
real time auto averaging of the scan on the screen. When it is done it will change from Page 2
MYBUCK to Page 1 GRA S/AI. If the scan looks OK pick File, Save Trace As …, and choose a name
and save location for the file. Then choose File, Close Trace, Current Trace to close this saved file.
Now run your sample the same way and depending on the requirements save the file like the reference
scan or just convert to double beam. Change the scan to double beam by Application, Y-Axis
Conversion and then pick Transmission or Absorbance. You will have to pick the reference scan you
did before the sample and click Done. If the scan is good do the Save Trace As … like above. You will
now have an auto scaled double beam run. When scans are run they are just under the name
BUCKDEMO.SPC if you do not change the name the next scan that is run will erase it.
The print landscape mode gives a more normal looking hard copy. If you have problems please call
from in front of the working M500 and computer for the fastest support. The M500 data collection can
be checked with just running the MYBUCK software alone. The GRAMS/AI is needed for all data
manipulation. Do not m lti-task programs while r nning the MYBUCK software.
If the “Scan Sample and Instrument Setup” doesn’t show up under “Collect” or there is no “Collect”
see trouble shooting Section O.
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SECTION J
BUCK Model 500 IRInstr ment Software Man al for GRAMS Version 9.2
1.0. Introd ction:
This manual describes how to use the BUCK Scientific Model 500 IR Instrument software with
GRAMS Version .2. For information on using the GRAMS Version .2 software, please refer to
the appropriate users' guide. For information on the BUCK Scientific Model 500IR Instrument
hardware, please refer to this appropriate BUCK Scientific manual.
2.0 Config ration:
In order to connect your BUCK Scientific IR Instrument to your computer, you must properly
connect the instrument to the PC with the suitable cable. If you do not have the proper cable you
can purchase one from your instrument vendor. Typically, the cable that is used is a “standard
NULL modem cable”. A diagram of the cable configuration is located in Section G page 12 at the
front of this manual. Null modem cable’s standards are not all the same so use the supplied Buck
cable or make your own from the diagram.
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The cable should be plugged into the RS232 port on the back of the instrument. The instrument
software communicates with the instrument using 2400-baud rate, 8 Bits, No Parity and 1 Stop
Bit. Please note the number of the communications port you have plugged the cable into. When
the software is first run, you will be prompted to input the communications port to which the
instrument is connected.
3.0 Software Installation:
The software is installed by placing the instrument software CD into your CD-ROM drive and
running the software SETUP program. The instrument software is installed by using the following
procedure:
1. Click on the Start button in the bottom.
2. From the list of options, click on the Run option.
3. The following screen appears :
4. Please ensure that the drive letter corresponds to the appropriate drive letter for the
CD-ROM drive in your system. Then click on the OK button.
The SETUP program will start. Follow the instructions on the screen and the software will be
installed properly. After the installation, the instrument commands will be available in the
COLLECT menu in GRAMS Version .2 when it is installed before the MYBuck software.
There is also a sample application that is installed in a directory called CORBETT Software. The
sample application allows the user to control the instrument and collect spectra that can be
processed with GRAMS Version .2.
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4.0 The COLLECT Men :
After installing the instrument software and GRA S a COLLECT option is added to the menu bar
in GRAMS Version .2. The COLLECT menu will contain all the commands the user will need to
set up and collect data from the BUCK Scientific Model 500 IR Instrument. There are two (2)
menu options, Scan Sample and Instrument Setup.
To access the instrument commands, start the GRAMS Version .2 software as described in the
Users' Guide. From the initial GRAMS screen click on the COLLECT menu to display the
instrument control and data acquisition commands.
When an instrument command is selected, a new workbook page is added to the GRAMS
view. It is normally Page 2. The instrument control module is added to the new workbook
page and the instrument control command is automatically performed.
4.1 SCAN Sample
When this option is selected the software immediately collects a spectrum. It uses the
current instrument settings and the full scan range of the instrument.
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During a scan the spectrum is displayed on the screen as it is being collected. Also, there
is an ABORT button display on the screen. When this button is clicked the software will
stop collecting data and the instrument will reset back to the starting wavenumber position
and software control will be handed back to GRAMS Version .2 when it has reset.
When data collection is complete, the resulting spectrum is transferred to GRAMS view
and displayed in Page 1. Software control is transferred to GRAMS and the spectrum can
be saved using a different filename and spectrum comment. It is also available to be
manipulated with call data commands available in GRAMS.
4.2 Instr ment Set p
The Instrument Setup dialog allows the user to change the parameters controlling the scan,
collect a spectrum and select a background spectrum for absorbance and transmission
scanning.
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