Gamry VistaShield Stir/Purge User manual

VistaShield
Stir/Purge
Operator’s Manual

i
If You Have Problems
Please visit our service and support page at www.gamry.com/service-support/. This page contains information
on installation, software updates, and training. It also contains links to the latest available documentation. If you
are unable to locate the information you need from our website, you can contact us via email using the link
provided on our website. Alternatively, you can contact us one of the following ways:
Internet www.gamry.com/service-support/
Telephone [phone]:00 AM–5:00 PM US Eastern Standard Time
[phone] Toll Free US & Canada Only
We will be happy to provide a reasonable level of free support for registered users. Reasonable support includes
telephone assistance covering the normal installation and use of the VistaShield Faraday Cage with Stir/Purge
option.
A service contract that extends both the hardware warranty and software-update period is available at an
additional charge. Software updates do not include software enhancements offered to our customers at
additional cost.
Enhancements to the Stir/Purge and Gamry’s standard applications software that require significant engineering
time on our part may be performed on a contract basis. Contact us with your requirements.
Copyright 2012–2017 Gamry Instruments, Inc.
Revision 1.31
December 6, 2017
988-00018

ii
Limited Warranty
Gamry Instruments, Inc. warrants to the original user of this product that it shall be free of defects resulting from
faulty manufacture of the product or its components for a period of two years from the original shipment date
of your purchase.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. makes no warranties regarding either the satisfactory performance of the VistaShield
with Stir/Purge including the software provided with this product or the fitness of the product for any particular
purpose. The remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty shall be limited solely to repair or replacement, as
determined by Gamry Instruments, Inc., and shall not include other damages.
Gamry Instruments, Inc. reserves the right to make revisions to the system at any time without incurring any
obligation to install same on systems previously purchased. All system specifications are subject to change
without notice.
There are no warranties which extend beyond the description herein. This warranty is in lieu of, and
excludes any and all other warranties or representations, expressed, implied or statutory, including
merchantability and fitness, as well as any and all other obligations or liabilities of Gamry Instruments,
Inc; including but not limited to, special or consequential damages.
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have others, which vary from state to state.
Some states do not allow for the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages.
No person, firm or corporation is authorized to assume for Gamry Instruments, Inc., any additional obligation or
liability not expressly provided herein except in writing duly executed by an officer of Gamry Instruments, Inc.

iii
Disclaimers
Gamry Instruments, Inc. cannot guarantee that the VistaShield’s Stir/Purge will work with all computer systems,
operating systems, and third-party software applications hardware/software.
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate as of the time of
printing. However, Gamry Instruments, Inc. assumes no responsibility for errors that might appear.
Copyrights
VistaShieldFaraday Cage with Stir/Purge Operator's Manual: copyright 2017, Gamry Instruments, Inc.,
all rights reserved.
Gamry Framework: copyright 1989–2017, Gamry Instruments, Inc., all rights reserved.
VistaShield, Stir/Purge, Reference 600, PC4, PCI4, Series G, and Gamryare trademarks of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form without the prior written consent of Gamry
Instruments, Inc.

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Copyrights -
Table of Contents
If You Have Problems i
Limited Warranty ii
Disclaimers iii
Copyrights iii
Chapter 1: Safety Considerations 1-1
Inspection 1-1
Product safety 1-1
AC mains connection to the power supply 1-1
Grounding in the VistaShield and Stir/Purge 1-2
Temperature and ventilation 1-2
Environmental limits 1-3
Use with dangerous materials 1-3
Cleaning 1-3
Leakage into the Stir/Purge 1-4
Service 1-4
RFI Warning 1-4
Electrical Transient Sensitivity 1-4
CE Compliance 1-5
RoHS Compliance 1-5
Chapter 2:Introduction 2-1
About this manual 2-1
Why purge? 2-1
About the VistaShield and Stir/Purge 2-1
Notational conventions 2-2
Chapter 3: Unpacking and Installation –Complete Unit 3-1
Unpacking 3-2
Initial visual inspection 3-2
Physical location 3-2
VistaShield Stir/Purge setup options 3-2
Software Installation 3-3
USB Port 3-3
Power cord and power connection 3-3
Power-up test 3-4
Gas Fitting Installation 3-5
Chapter 4: Adding a Stir/Purge to a VistaShield and Stand-Alone Operation 4-1
Unpacking 4-1
Mounting the Stir/Purge to the VistaShield 4-1
Installation of the Stir/Purge as a stand-alone system 4-2
Disassembly of the Stir/Purge from the VistaShield 4-3
Chapter 5: Panel Indicators and Controls 5-1
Front panel 5-1
The POWER Switch and LED 5-1
REMOTE LED 5-1
Stir Speed Knob 5-1
STIR Toggle and LED 5-2
GAS Toggle and LED 5-3
FLOW RATE Knob 5-3
Rear Panel 5-4
POWER IN jack 5-4

Copyrights -
USB port 5-4
CONTROL Digital I/O Connector 5-5
Gas connections 5-5
Chassis ground 5-6
Appendix A: Firmware Updates 6-1
Computer requirements 6-1
First-time device-installation in Windows®6-2
Appendix B: CE Certificate 6-3
Declaration of Conformity 6-3
Certificate of Conformance 6-4
Appendix C: Specifications 6-5
Appendix C: Specifications 6-5
Comprehensive Index 7-1

Chapter 1: Safety Considerations - Inspection
1 - 1
Chapter 1: Safety Considerations
Your VistaShield Stir/Purge has been supplied in a safe condition. This chapter of the Operator’s Manual
contains some information and warnings that you must follow to insure continued safe operation.
Inspection
When you receive your VistaShield Faraday Cage Stir/Purge, inspect it for evidence of shipping damage. If any
damage is noted, please notify Gamry Instruments Inc. and the shipping carrier immediately. Save the shipping
container for possible inspection by the carrier. The VistaShield itself has a conductive coating on the glass pane
in the door. If the glass is cracked, the conductivity could be broken, compromising the VistaShield’s ability to
function as a Faraday cage.
Product safety
The Stir/Purge option for the VistaShield Faraday Cage has been designed, tested and certified to meet the
requirements of IEC 1010, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and
laboratory use. As defined in this standard, it is a Category III apparatus, designed for connection to low voltage
circuits.
The “AC Adapter” supplied with the Stir/Purge option is certified under EN 60950. The AC Adapter converts
the AC mains voltage to 12 V DC, which is used to power the Stir/Purge.
Always use the AC adapter supplied with your VistaShield Stir/Purge to supply DC power to the instrument.
AC mains connection to the power supply
The VistaShield Stir/Purge does not connect directly to an AC mains supply. Instead, the mains is connected to
the desktop AC-adapter, which outputs 12 V DC, which in turn powers the Stir/Purge.
The Stir-Purge’s AC Adapter is rated for operation from 100 to 240 volts AC,
47 to 63 Hz. It should therefore be useful throughout the world.
Warning! The door of the VistaShield contains a large pane of glass with a
conductive coating on the outside surface. Chips on the corners, while not affecting
performance, can have extremely sharp edges that represent a significant safety hazard.
Injuries from broken glass can be quite severe.
Caution: Use of a DC power source other than the AC-adapter model provided
with your Stir-Purge may void the performance and/or safety characteristics of the device.

Chapter 1: Safety Considerations - Grounding in the VistaShield and Stir/Purge
1 - 2
The VistaShield Stir/Purge is normally provided with an AC line cord suitable for your location. This AC line cord
connects the AC mains to the AC power adapter. If your VistaShield has been provided without an AC line
cord, or a cord that is not compatible with your local AC mains socket, obtain a line cord certified for use in
your country. Contact your local Gamry Representative or e-mail to [email protected] if you are
uncertain what AC line cord to use.
Grounding in the VistaShield and Stir/Purge
The circuitry and the metal case of the Stir/Purge are not connected to an earth ground. The Stir/Purge chassis is
normally in electronic contact with the VistaShield Faraday Cage above. Grounding is best accomplished by
connecting the ground lead of the potentiostat to the internal ground lug of the VistaShield Faraday Cage.
Proper grounding is required for the Faraday cage to function.
Most electrochemical cells are isolated from earth ground, in which cases isolation of the VistaShield from earth
is not required. Connection of the VistaShield to an earth ground (when allowed) may lower the noise seen in
an electrochemical test.
This connection of the VistaShield to an earth ground is not a “Protective Earth Ground” as defined in IEC
1010. The VistaShield Stir/Purge is safe in the absence of this connection, since it does not contain any
hazardous voltages.
The Stir/Purge can also be used without a VistaShield in a stand-alone configuration. Stand-alone operation is
also safe with regard to electrical shock hazards. In the unlikely event that you need to ground a stand-alone
Stir/Purge, you can connect a ground wire to one of the top cover mounting screws or to one of the metal nuts
holding a rear panel gas fitting in place.
Temperature and ventilation
Your VistaShield Stir/Purge was designed for indoor use at ambient temperatures between 0C and 45C. You
may need to ventilate or even cool the Stir/Purge with forced air if the temperature rises excessively.
Sources of earth ground include:
• Most metal water pipes,
• The chassis of most electronic apparatus (which are generally earth grounded), and
• The protective ground terminal of an AC mains power plug.
We recommend that you discuss grounding with an electrical or electronics professional
prior to making this earth ground connection.
Warning! Do not connect the VistaShield Faraday Cage’s ground binding post
to any voltage other than a potentiostat’s floating or earth ground. An improper connection
can create a safety hazard, which could result in personal injury or death.

Chapter 1: Safety Considerations - Environmental limits
1 - 3
Environmental limits
There are environmental-limit conditions on the storage, shipping and operation of this equipment. The
VistaShield Stir/Purge has not been designed for outdoor use.
Storage
Ambient Temperature –40C to 75C
Relative Humidity Maximum 90% non-condensing
Shipping
Same as storage plus
Acceleration Maximum 30 G
Operation
Ambient Temperature 0C to 45C
Relative Humidity Maximum 90% non-condensing
Use with dangerous materials
Do not use the Stir/Purge with hazardous gases or other poisonous or noxious materials.
Cleaning
When cleaning the Stir/Purge, disconnect it from all power sources prior to cleaning.
Use a cloth lightly dampened with either clean water or water containing a mild detergent to clean the outside
of the Stir/Purge enclosure. Alternatively, you can use isopropyl alcohol. Do not use a wet rag or allow fluid to
enter the Stir/Purge enclosure. Do not immerse the Stir/Purge in any type of cleaning fluid (including water). Do
not use any abrasive cleaners.
Warning: Do not connect the Stir-Purge unit to poisonous, noxious,
or explosive materials. Failure to observe this warning could cause injury or property
damage. The VistaShield is not gas or liquid tight. Use the same precautions as if using an
open electrochemical cell on a bench. Operate in a hood (fume cupboard) if dangerous gases are used.
Caution: The VistaShield Stir-Purge is not designed for operation in conditions
where liquid water may enter the chassis, or water vapor may condense within the chassis.

Chapter 1: Safety Considerations - Leakage into the Stir/Purge
1 - 4
When lightly cleaning the Faraday cage portion of the VistaShield Stir/Purge, the above notes are adequate. For
more thorough cleaning (e.g., of dried-on chemicals) we highly recommend that you remove the Faraday cage
from the Stir/Purge.
Leakage into the Stir/Purge
The VistaShield and Stir/Purge are not sealed to be liquid tight. Liquid spilled inside the VistaShield can leak
into the Stir/Purge chassis. Liquids inside the Stir/Purge can cause Stir/Purge malfunction and damage.
Avoid spills and promptly clean up any spills that do occur.
Service
Your VistaShield Stir/Purge has no user serviceable parts inside. Refer all service to a qualified service
technician.
RFI Warning
Your VistaShield Stir/Purge generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. The radiated levels are low
enough that the Stir/Purge should not create an interference problem in most laboratory environments.
The VistaShield Stir/Purge has been tested for both radiated and conducted RF interference and has been found
to be in compliance with FCC Part 18 and EN 61326:1998—Electrical equipment for measurement, control,
and laboratory use—EMC Requirements.
Electrical Transient Sensitivity
Your VistaShield Stir/Purge was designed to offer reasonable immunity from electrical transients, including
transients on the incoming AC mains supply and Electrostatic Discharge. It has been tested for compliance with
EN 61326:1998—Electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use—EMC Requirements
describing acceptable limits for Electrical Transient susceptibility in Laboratory Test equipment. The Stir/Purge is
not rated for continuous use when subject to ESD events. It should suffer no permanent damage when subject
to the standard ESD events defined in EN61326, but may cease normal operation until it is turned off and
restarted.
In severe cases, the Stir/Purge could malfunction as a result of electrical transients such as a static discharge. If
you are having problems in this regard, try the following steps:
If the problem is static electricity (sparks are apparent when you touch the VistaShield):
•Place your VistaShield on a static-control work surface. Static-control work surfaces are now generally
available from computer-supply houses and electronics tool suppliers. An antistatic floor mat may also
help, particularly if a carpet generates the static electricity.
•Air-ionizers or even simple air-humidifiers can reduce the voltage available in static discharges.
If the problem is AC power-line transients (often from large electrical motors nearby):
Caution: Read and understand the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for any
solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol, before use. Always take appropriate precautions when
using these materials.

Chapter 1: Safety Considerations - CE Compliance
1 - 5
•Try plugging your Stir/Purge into a different AC power branch circuit.
•Plug your Stir/Purge into a power-line surge suppressor. Inexpensive surge suppressors are now
generally available because of their use with computer equipment.
Contact Gamry Instruments, Inc. if these measures do not solve the problem.
CE Compliance
The European Community has instituted standards limiting radio-frequency interference emitted by electronic
devices, setting limits for susceptibility of apparatus to RF energy and transient events, and mandating safety
requirements. Gamry Instruments, Inc. has designed and tested the Stir/Purge to comply with these standards.
The relevant CE regulations include EN 61010 and EN 61326.
RoHS Compliance
The VistaShield and Stir/Purge have been built using lead-free components and lead-free solder. These
instruments are in compliance with the European RoHS initiative.

Chapter 1: Safety Considerations - RoHS Compliance
1 - 6

Chapter 2: Introduction - About this manual
2 - 1
Chapter 2:Introduction
About this manual
This manual covers the installation, safety, and use of the Gamry Instruments VistaShield Stir/Purge. This manual
describes use of a Stir/Purge Option and VistaShield with Revision 5.6 of the Gamry Framework software.
This manual does not discuss software installation or software operation in any detail. Software support for the
Stir/Purge is described in the Gamry’s On-line Help system.
Why purge?
Purge or sparging is a process of replacing an electroactive gas (for example, O2) from the electrolyte by flooding
the system with an inert gas (typically N2or Ar). The Stir/Purge also can be used to saturate an electrochemical
cell with a reactive gas.
The Stir/Purge has two gas outlets, one intended for gas bubbling through the electrolyte, one used for gas
blanketing the volume above the electrolyte. If blanketing is not required, the blanket port can be plugged.
Purge gas can be pre-saturated by passing the gas through an electrolyte bubbler. Check the compatibility of
your saturated gas with materials used to make the Stir/Purge:
• Solenoids: stainless-steel for wetted parts, Viton®seals
• Needle valve: nickel-plated brass and Viton®
• Connectors: Brass or Ni-plated Brass/Viton®
• Tubing: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Mechanical: Aluminum
• Gas fittings: Polypropylene
This Stir/Purge unit uses HDPE tubing which can absorb O2and will outgas. Between the Stir/Purge and the
electrochemical cell, Tygon®tubing is often used. Oxygen will also slowly diffuse out of Tygon®. If this is a
problem, alternate materials, such as low-permittivity plastics or metal may be used for the tubing.
About the VistaShield and Stir/Purge
The VistaShield is a Faraday cage, designed to be as flexible as possible and convenient for a wide range of
electrochemical experimentation. The Stir/Purge option is a unit that allows remote or local control of a
magnetic-stirring apparatus and the control of a feed gas, typically used to either purge or blanket a working
solution.
Warning: Do not connect the Stir-Purge unit to poisonous, noxious,
or explosive materials. Failure to observe this warning could cause injury or property
damage. VistaShield is not gas tight. Use the same precautions as if using an open
electrochemical cell on a bench. Operate in a hood (fume cupboard) if dangerous gases are
used.

Chapter 2: Introduction - Notational conventions
2 - 2
VistaShield with Stir/Purge features include:
• Conductive-glass window to allow visual inspection without breaking shielding,
• Pass-throughs for cables, feed gas, thermostatic control [water],
• Fifteen stirring-speed positions
• Switchable gas supply from single-feed source
• Electrical isolation from earth ground,
• TTL remote control option,
• Compatibility with Gamry software complete with customization.
Notational conventions
In order to make this manual more readable we have adopted some notational conventions. These are used
throughout this manual and all other Gamry Instruments manuals:
• Numbered lists. A numbered list is reserved for step-by-step procedures, with the steps always
performed sequentially.
• Bulleted list. The items in a bulleted list, such as this one, are grouped together because they represent
similar items. The order of items in the list is not critical.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Installation –Complete Unit--Notational conventions
3 - 1
Chapter 3: Unpacking and Installation –Complete Unit
This chapter of the Gamry Instruments Inc. VistaShield Stir/Purge Operator’s Manual covers normal installation
of the Stir/Purge when purchased with a VistaShield. When this is the case, the Stir/Purge has already been
mounted under the VistaShield. Installation includes:
• Inspection of the System
• Software Installation (if required)
• Connecting Power
• Connecting Digital Control
• Installing gas-flow fittings
The next chapter gives step-by-step instructions for mounting a Stir/Purge option underneath a separately
purchased VistaShield and discusses use of a Stir/Purge in a stand-alone system without a VistaShield. The
reader should return to this chapter after finishing any work called for in the next chapter.
Front view of a VistaShield with Stir/Purge underneath

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Installation –Complete Unit--Unpacking
3 - 2
Unpacking
When you receive your Vista Shield and Stir/Purge, please verify that you have received the following items:
Stir/Purge unit attached to VistaShield (see photo above)
Stir/Purge Operator’s manual
Gamry Software installation CD-ROM
AC Line cord
12 V output desktop power supply
Quick-disconnect 1/8” NPT
Quick-disconnect with shut-off
Qty 2 of 1/8” NPT to barbed-end fitting
15-pin cable (part # 985-118)
Initial visual inspection
After you remove your VistaShield with Stir/Purge from its shipping carton, check it for any signs of shipping
damage. If any damage is noted, please notify Gamry Instruments, Inc. and the shipping carrier immediately.
Save the shipping container for possible inspection by the carrier.
Physical location
You normally locate your VistaShield with Stir/Purge on a flat workbench surface. You need access to the rear
and right side of the VistaShield and Stir/Purge for cable and gas-tubing connections.
If you place your Stir/Purge within an enclosed space, make sure that the internal temperature within that space
does not exceed the 45C ambient temperature limit of the Stir/Purge. Be particularly careful if a computer or
other heat-dissipating equipment is mounted in the same enclosure.
The VistaShield Stir/Purge has not been designed for outdoor use.
VistaShield Stir/Purge setup options
The Stir/Purge can operate in a stand-alone configuration (manual control), or through a potentiostat via the
Digital I/O (Remote) CONTROL. Specifics of control are discussed in Chapter 4. Briefly, Manual versus Remote
control is toggled independently for the STIR and PURGE options on the front panel (See Figure 4-1). Manual
control is possible, even when the Digital CONTROL I/O is connected in the back.
Caution: If the Stir/Purge is taken from a cold location (for example: outdoors
in winter conditions) to a warm, humid location, water vapor could condense on the cold
surfaces inside the Stir/Purge. Before connecting power to a “cold” Stir/Purge, allow at least
one hour for the Stir/Purge to warm to room temperature.

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Installation –Complete Unit--Software Installation
3 - 3
Software Installation
The Stir/Purge was designed for convenient remote control of the Stir and Purge functions using Gamry’s
Framework scripts. The control is implemented through digital control lines on a cable connecting the Stir/Purge
to any Gamry Potentiostat. An appropriate cable was provided with the Stir/Purge.
If you will be using remote control of the Stir/Purge, Gamry recommends that you upgrade your Gamry
software to the latest revision of the Gamry Framework. A Software installation CD was provided for this
purpose.
Insert the CD into the computer that you will use with the Stir/Purge. If Autoplay is enabled, a Setup Program
will run. If Autoplay is not enabled on your computer, you will have to navigate to the CD’s main folder and run
Autoplay. Follow the instructions that appear on the screen as Autoplay runs a Setup program.
USB Port
The USB port on the back of the Stir/Purge is currently used for firmware updates only. Do not make any
connections to this port during normal installation of the system.
Power cord and power connection
The VistaShield Stir/Purge does not plug directly in the AC mains supply. Instead, the mains is connected to an
external power supply, which supplies a regulated 12-volt DC output. This regulated DC is then connected to
the POWER IN jack on the rear of the Stir/Purge.
The USB connection is not used in normal operation. The Stir/Purge works
without a computer connection.
The Gamry Framework software is written for use on computers running a
recent version of Microsoft Windows. Make sure that your computer meets these simple
requirements.
A computer based on one of the Pentiumfamily ofIntel microprocessors or a 100%
compatible processor from another vendor.
One of the following operating systems:
Windows®2000, Windows®XP, Windows®Vista, or Windows®7
(contact Gamry’s Internet site www.gamry.com if you have a newer Windows edition).

Chapter 3: Unpacking and Installation –Complete Unit--Power-up test
3 - 4
The external power supply provided with the Stir/Purge is rated for operation from 100 to 240 V AC, at
frequencies from 47 to 63 Hz. It should therefore be useable worldwide.
The Stir/Purge external supply is supplied with a line cord suitable for use in the United States. In other
countries, you may have to replace the line cord with one suitable for your electrical outlet type. You must
always use a line cord with a CEE 22 Standard V female connector on the apparatus end of the cable. This is
the same connector used on the US standard line cord supplied with your Stir/Purge. See Chapter 1 for specific
safety information regarding line cord selection.
The DC output cord from the external power supply plugs into the POWER IN jack on the rear panel of the
Stir/Purge (see below):
Power-up test
Before you make any other connections to your Stir/Purge, power up the Stir/Purge and watch the blue POWER
LED indicator on the front panel of the Stir/Purge:
After connecting DC power to the Stir/Purge, turn on the POWER switch on the front panel of the Stir/Purge
(see Figure 5 - 1).
Watch the POWER LED as the Stir/Purge starts up. This LED should remain illuminated. The status of the other
LED indicators is not important at this time.
Caution: If the POWER LED goes on, then turns off and stays off, the
Stir/Purge is not working properly! Contact Gamry Instruments or your local Gamry
Instruments representative as soon as possible if this power-up test fails.
To AC wall outlet (mains)
To POWER IN
connector on
back of Stir-
Purge
Insert line
cord into
power supply
12 V DC input power
from external supply