Buck M530 Quick guide

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Installation and Instruction Manual
M530
Scanning Infra-Red Spectrophotometer
April 2010
500-9999
Buck Scientific Inc. Norwalk, CT U.S.A.

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Table Of Contents
Section Page
A Introduction & Description 3-4
B M530 Specifications 5
C Installation 6
D Preparation & Operation 7
E Parts Replacement 8
F Optical Diagram 9
G Computer Wiring Diagram 10
H Advanced Windows Computer Operation 11-13
I Instrument Software Manual for Grams v 9.0 14-19
J Grams/AI Software System Operation 20-23
K EZScan 2 Installation 24
L EZScan 2 Operation 25-26
M Sample Preparation Techniques 27-29
N Trouble Shooting 30-31
O Periodic Maintenance 32
P Fine Calibration 33
Q Buck Scientific Product Line 34
R M530 Shipping List 35
S Policy Statement 36
T Quick Walk Through 37-39
Quick Set-up for Buck Scan

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SECTION A
INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION
Introduction:
The BUCK M530 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:
Simple switch-mode computer power supplies run 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 354 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 4096, one for every .8 wavenumbers
between 4000 and 600. After resetting, the 530 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 1 for high energy loss
samples, but you don't want to overload the memory or resolution will be lost. In ratio mode the M530
is set to give %T or Abs. All information coming out of the RS-232 or USB plug is in raw single beam
unprocessed form even when the display says ratio. The GRAMS/AI, EZ-Scan or BuckScan computer
programs perform all ratio operations (and conversion to Abs. if desired).
The Measuring 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; the data acquisition system
retains all of the signal-to-noise data from the pre-amp output signal.
The A-to-D uses a single, multiplexed 14 bit converter. The A-to-D function is achieved by successive
approximation.

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(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 and gain.
Controls: Gain
Scan time
Scan type
Absorbance/Transmission (Report)
Scan reset
Scan/Stop
Wavenumber +
GoTo
Wavenumber -

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SECTION B
M530 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, 3045, 1980 and 960 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.
Output: RS-232 serial and USB 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.
Source: 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.
Resolution: 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 M530 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 come to room temperature for at least 12 before use to
avoid condensate forming on reflecting optics when the M530 is cold from shipping.
After unpacking the instrument, it is necessary to raise the hinged cover and remove the
shipping rubber band from around the filter 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) The M530 uses auto-sensing power supplies that work at 100-127/200-250 VAC.
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 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.
4) Place the M530 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!)
6) Turn the M530 on and make sure it initializes. If the display doesn't come up initialization has
failed.
7) Let the M530 stabilize (1 hour recommended).
8) Typical settings for low energy loss samples are reference mode, 3 minute scan time and gain 1.
9) Push the “scan” button. (This will store reference data into the M530's memory).
10) After reset, change the M530 to the ratio mode and you can now get a true % T or Abs. reading.
11) Continue to run samples with one button (start/stop) operation. For the highest performance scans
restore the reference run. If errors are made, push “start stop” to stop the scan and the “Reset” to index
the 530 back to 4000.
Note: The M530 is controlled by the GRAMS/AI, EZ-Scan or BuskScan 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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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. 998-1117 Power Supply 5V
6. 998-1110 Power Supply 12V
7. 500-1119 System P.C. Assm.
8. 500-1120 Preamp P.C. Assm.

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SECTION F
Optical Diagram Buck M530

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SECTION G
M530 Serial Connections

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SECTION H
ADVANCED WINDOWS COMPUTER OPERATION
Computer Hardware Requirements:
The EZ-Scan2 software needs a Pentium class computer with at least Windows 98. (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 9.0 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 probably work with Windows 7
32 bit but has not been tested yet.
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 RS232 cable between the 9 pin "D" (male) connector on the M530 and a 9 pin "D" (male) serial
port connector on the computer.
General:
Commands issued from the "Grams/AI" program affect the spectrometer exactly the same as
commands entered from the spectrometer control panel.
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 and Abs/Tran do not affect the raw data entered into the data file. The
choices do, however, affect the interlocking of commands. Mode can only be changed at the start of a
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 for normal front-panel
use. 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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RS232 DATA TRANSMISSION AND CONTROL INTERFACE
March 2010 - Galactic GRAMS/AI 9.00
Dear Customer:
If you used an earlier versions of GRAMS/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.asp
but Buck will also include a copy of the files unzipped in the GRAMSAI9 directory. If you download
them make sure you can find them again when the download is finished.
Step # 3 If you downloaded the file extract the zipped file into the two unzipped files for installing.
Step # 4 Run both installation programs (GRAMSConverters.msi and GRAMSSuiteSetup.exe). If you
do not have Microsoft.Net Framework 2.0 installed this will also load from the executable before the
GRAMSAI Suite is loaded.
Step # 5 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 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 # 6 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 # 7 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 # 8 The GRAMSConverters.msi program just need to be run then Next, Run and Finish to load
everything.
Step # 9 Most copies of GRAMS/AI 9 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. This will find your computer’s 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 # 10 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 #11 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 # 12 “My Instrument” Software can now be installed from the Buck M530 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 Instrument” default directory.
Step # 13 Before you enter GRAMS/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
M530 is plugged into COM 1 or 2 (3 & 4 are not recommended) and that it has had a suitable warm up
time.
To start GRAMS/AI, double click the GRAMS/AI 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 GRAMS/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 M530 and computer for the fastest support. The M530 data collection can
be checked with just running the MYBUCK software alone. The GRAMS/AI is needed for all data
manipulation. Do not multi-task programs while running 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 I
INSTRUMENT SOFTARE MANUAL FOR GRAMS version 9.0
1.0. Introduction:
This manual describes how to use the BUCK Scientific Model 530 IR Instrument software with
GRAMS Version 9.0. For information on using the GRAMS Version 9.0 software, please refer to
the appropriate users' guide. For information on the BUCK Scientific Model 530IR Instrument
hardware, please
refer to this
appropriate BUCK
Scientific manual.
2.0 Configuration:
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 DB9
M/F Extension cable.
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.

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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 9.0 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 9.0.
4.0 The COLLECT Menu:
After installing the instrument software and GRAMS a COLLECT option is added to the menu bar
in GRAMS Version 9.0. The COLLECT menu will contain all the commands the user will need to
set up and collect data from the BUCK Scientific Model 530 IR Instrument. There are two (2)
menu options, Scan Sample and Instrument Setup.
To access the instrument commands, start the GRAMS Version 9.0 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.

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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.
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 9.0 when it has reset.

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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 Instrument Setup
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.
Ordinate Scale
Ordinate Scale determines whether the spectrum is collected in Absorbance or
Transmission. If this option is selected, the collected spectrum will be
automatically ratioed to a background spectrum after a reference scan is saved and
assigned. A filename for a valid background spectrum must be entered into the
“Background Spectrum” text box.
Goto WaveNumber
The Instrument Setup dialog displays the current wavenumber position of the
instrument in the WaveNumber text box. If a new wavenumber position is entered
in the WaveNumber text box and the Goto WaveNumber button is selected, the
monochromator in the instrument will move to the entered wavenumber.

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Setup Instrument
The Setup Instrument button sets the instrument to the currently selected
instrument parameters.
Scan Time
Scan Time determines the rate at which data will be collected from the instrument.
It also determines the data interval for the collected spectrum.
Scan Range
This specifies the abscissa limits for acquired spectra. The range should be
compatible with the operating ranges of the optical components selected. The scan
range limits will be set to the maximum scan range of your instrument. The M530
has a maximum scan range of 4000 cm-1 to 600 cm-1.
Comment
This specifies an arbitrary comment text of up to 129 characters. The memo field
is saved in the file header and is displayed when opening the data from the disk
using the Trace Information button from the File dialog.
Scan Now
The Scan Now button causes the instrument to begin collecting a sample
spectrum. This command uses the scan range and comment information options
that have been previously entered into the appropriate text boxes.
Scan Type
Scan Type determines the instrument mode for data collection. The instrument can
be set to Ratio, Reference or Single Beam mode. However, all spectral data set to
the computer will be single beam data.
Gain
Gain determines the instrument gain setting during data collection.
5.0 Communications
When the software is installed a file called “BUCK500.INI” is created when you first run the
BUCK 500 Instrument control software. It is stored in the same directory to which the
instrument control software has been installed. This file contains RS232 communications
information as well as some instrument SETUP parameters. If an incorrect port number has
been entered during the initial software setup, this file may have to be edited using Notepad
application (or any text editor) to set the correct PORT number.

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After the file has been edited, use the File/Save options from the menu bar to save the file and Exit the
Notepad software.

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SECTION J
GRAMS/AI SOFTWARE SYSTEM OPERATION
Basic and Advanced Operation
1. Collection of Data & Generation of Spectrum:
Turn on M530 30 minutes before analysis.
Turn on computer and printer. Access Start, Programs, Galactic and double click GRAMS AI.
Click thought the boxes until to Page 1 of GRAMS/AI.
Click on "Collect", ("MYBUCK" if more than one Instrument), “Instrument Setup” and check
default: START: 4000 END: 600 WN: 4000 PEN: 0.1 ORD SCALE: %T
SCAN TYPE: Reference GAIN: 1 for Prism Cell or for direct scan SCAN TIME: 3mins
Make any changes, as needed.
Make sure the clean Prism Cell or empty cell holder is in place, click on "Scan Now” (red box
in this window). System will show real-time display of Background Single-Beam spectrum.
When BKG Scan is completed, go to “FILE” and “SAVE TRACE AS…” and give this
Reference Spectrum a name.
Place Sample in holder, click on “Collect”, (“MYBUCK” if more than one Instrument) and
"Instrument Setup". Click on “Select” and load in this Reference Spectrum file, then click on
“Scan Now”. System will show real-time display of Sample Single-Beam (check for peaks in
H-C region to verify a good Sample thickness or ATR contact), then AUTOMATICALLY
generate the ratio’d %T Spectrum.
NOTE: Some computers may experience “data faults” if other applications are accessed
and multi-tasked during the Data COLLECTION cycle. Wait for the GRAMS
to return to the “Page-1” screen to access the toolbars or other programs.
At the end of the Sample scan use “FILE” and “SAVE TRACE AS…” to assign this Sample
scan a name and location of your choice.
Click on "File", " Save Trace As " and enter in file name for this sample. It will be written to
disk and saved for future reference.
2. Spectral Smoothing: (for ATR spectra, water vapor noise, KBr pellets)
With the Sample scan on screen, click on "Applications", "Smooting”, click on "Sav-Golay".
Highlight the "Points" number and enter in "11" (typical range is 5-49 points, ranging from
sharper peaks to smoother backgrounds), then go down to bottom of this screen and click on
"Apply" if it looks good click “OK” if not choose a higher or lower number.
System will then display a SMOOTHED scan and ask you for file status. Click on "ADD
NEW" and file will be temporarily saved as SMOOTH.
3. Removing Carbon Dioxide Bands from SCAN: (for COSMETIC use only!)
Click on "Applications", "Utilities" then “Zap”, the top shows result, right click on the bottom
screen. Drag the blue lines left and right until you like the result in the top box..
Right-click on the bottom scan to create a “Zap” box, and adjust the edges of box with the Left
mouse buttons. Right-clicking on another portion of the scan creates additional “Zap” boxes.
The Result Screen will show what the corrected spectrum looks like after the "Zap". If
acceptable, click "OK" and "ADD NEW" to save file temporarily as ZAP.
Click on the yellow, 4-point arrow icon to auto-scale the corrected spectrum.