FLEXUserManual PDF

FLEX 11 Software
Operations Manual
P/N: SW0005
Rev. E
Jan 2014
Copyright, Notices, and Trademarks
Printed in U.S.A. – © Copyright 2010 - 2013 by Microtrac, Inc.
Revision C – 01/2013
While this information is presented in good faith and believed to be accurate, Microtrac, Inc.
disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose and makes
no express warranties except as may be stated in its written agreement with and for its customer.
In no event is Microtrac, Inc. liable to anyone for any indirect, special or consequential damages.
The information and specifications in this document are subject to change without notice.
Microtrac® is a registered trademark of Nikkiso
SYMBOL DEFINITIONS
! This CAUTION symbol on the equipment refers the user to the Product Manual for
additional information. This symbol appears next to required information in the manual.
WARNING, risk of electric shock. This symbol warns the user of a potential shock hazard
where voltages greater than 30 Vrms, 42.2 Vpeak, or 60 Vdc may be accessible.
Protective earth terminal. Provided for connection of the protective earth (green or
green/yellow) supply system conductor.
Laser Radiation. Refer to Product Manual before removing or opening any covers.
Microtrac Inc.
148 Keystone Drive
Montgomeryville, PA 18936
1-888-643-5880
2 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual Nov 2013

About This Document
Abstract
This manual describes the operation of FLEX 11 Software for Microtrac particle size analyzers. It is to be
used in conjunction with the Microtrac manuals listed below.
Revision Notes
The following list provides notes concerning all revisions of this document.
Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 3

Rev. ID Date Notes
A 12/28/2011 This document is the initial release of the Microtrac FLEX 11
Software.
B 01/24/2012 Added support for Nanotrac Wave Thermal Experiment feature.
5/04/2012 Footer & typo corrections to coincide with official 11.0.0.0 release.
C 01/25/2013 Updates for Version 11.0.0.2 release. Revise system requirements.
D 11/13/2013 Updates for Version 11.0.0.3 release. ISO Sediments, Wave Cuvette
model support.
E 01/10/2014 Updates for Version 11.0.0.4 release. ISO Sediments enhancements

References
The following list identifies all Microtrac documents that may be sources of reference for the material
discussed in this publication.
Document Title ID # Revision

Microtrac FLEX 11 Security SW0006 B
Features Manual
Microtrac Nanotrac Particle OM0003 D
Size Analyzer Ops/Svc Manual
Microtrac S3000/S3500 Series OM0006 A
Particle Size Analyzer Ops
Manual
Microtrac Nanotrac Wave OM0022 A
Particle Size Analyzer Ops
Manual
Contacts
The following list identifies important contacts within Microtrac Inc.
Organization Telephone Internet Address

Microtrac Inc. Technical Support 1-888-643-5880 www.microtrac.com

Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 13

System Requirements ................................................................................................................................... 13
Operating Systems .................................................................................................................................... 13
Windows Screen Resolution..................................................................................................................... 13
Computer .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Monitor ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
Printer ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
Software Program Feature Summary ........................................................................................................... 14
Program Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Quick Start ................................................................................................................................................ 16
S/3500 Configuration ........................................................................................................................... 16
Sample Measurement ........................................................................................................................... 24
Recalling and Reviewing Saved Measurement Data ............................................................................ 31
Program Features Details ............................................................................................................................. 35
Display Elements ...................................................................................................................................... 35
Tabbed Information Descriptions..................................................................................................... 36
Summary Data Tab ........................................................................................................................... 36
Tabular Data Tab .............................................................................................................................. 38
Zeta Potential Tab............................................................................................................................. 39
Notes & Warnings Tab ..................................................................................................................... 40
Raw Data Tab ................................................................................................................................... 41
Setzero Data Tab .............................................................................................................................. 42
SOP Tab ........................................................................................................................................... 44
Main Toolbar ............................................................................................................................................ 46
Configurable Display................................................................................................................................ 47
Exporting Program Data ........................................................................................................................... 54
Exporting Display Data ........................................................................................................................ 55
To Export Tabular Style Data: .......................................................................................................... 55
To Export the Data Plot: ................................................................................................................... 56
Export Plot to Printer ........................................................................................................................ 58
Exporting Measurement Data to an Importable ASCII File ................................................................. 58
Manually Exporting to an Export / Import File: ............................................................................... 59

Importing an Exported Data File: ..................................................................................................... 59
Auto Exporting to Formatted File(s) from Live Measurements ........................................................... 60
Auto Export Setup ............................................................................................................................ 60
Auto Exporting File(s) from Database Retrieval .................................................................................. 62
Auto-Importing FLEX 11 ASCII Exported Files to a FLEX 11 Database ........................................... 67
Exporting by Copy and Paste to Other Applications ............................................................................ 68
Copying and Pasting Tabular Style Data: ......................................................................................... 68
Copying and Pasting Data Plots: ...................................................................................................... 69
Plot Tool Bar Buttons ........................................................................................................................... 70
Auxiliary Data Views ............................................................................................................................... 72
3D Data Plot ......................................................................................................................................... 72
Comparison Data Plot........................................................................................................................... 72
Data Re-calculation .................................................................................................................................. 73
Re-calculation and Updating ................................................................................................................ 73
Re-calculation Exceptions for “Average Of “ Data .......................................................................... 73
Re-calculate and Compare .................................................................................................................... 74
Automatic Re-calculation of Selected Database Records ..................................................................... 75
Creating User Defined Calculations ......................................................................................................... 79
Configuring for User Defined Calculations .......................................................................................... 80
User Defined Calculation Creation Process.......................................................................................... 80
Formula Editing .................................................................................................................................... 86
Options Details ..................................................................................................................................... 87
Saving and Recalling User Defined Formulas ...................................................................................... 87
Statistics Display ...................................................................................................................................... 89
General Description .............................................................................................................................. 89
Statistics Display from Database Retrieval .......................................................................................... 90
Statistics Display Setup Details ........................................................................................................ 91
Statistics Display from Live Measurements ......................................................................................... 93
Data Tolerance Display ............................................................................................................................ 95
General Description .............................................................................................................................. 95
Data Tolerance Display Features .......................................................................................................... 96
Creating Data a Tolerance Max / Min Setup ........................................................................................ 98
Loading a Data Tolerance File ............................................................................................................. 98
Printing and Exporting Data Tolerance Information ............................................................................ 99
Using Selected Data Tolerance Parameters For Pass/Fail Evaluation .................................................101
Trend Plot Display ...................................................................................................................................104
General Description .............................................................................................................................104

Trend Data Plot Display Features ........................................................................................................105
Setting Up for a Trend Plot..................................................................................................................105
Executing Trend Plot ...........................................................................................................................109
Trend Plot Details ................................................................................................................................111
Live Trend Plotting..............................................................................................................................112
Creating Composite Measurement Data .................................................................................................114
Rules for Composite Creation .............................................................................................................114
Steps to Create a Composite Measurement Data Set ...........................................................................115
Composite Data Display Exceptions ...................................................................................................119
Identifying Composite Database Records............................................................................................119
Creating Manually Entered Measurement Data.......................................................................................120
Steps to Create Manually Entered Data ...............................................................................................120
Manual Data Entry Display Exceptions ..............................................................................................124
Identifying Manual Data Entry Database Records ..............................................................................125
Data Emulation Feature ...........................................................................................................................126
Generating Data Emulation Factors.....................................................................................................126
Data Emulation Factors Generation Step by Step................................................................................127
Enter the Alternate Method Measurement Data ..............................................................................128
Generate Data Emulation Factors ....................................................................................................131
Data Emulation Setup Display Details ............................................................................................134
Loading Data Emulation Factors .........................................................................................................136
Reviewing Already Loaded and Set Data Emulation Factors..............................................................139
Enabling Data Emulation Via the Configure Data View Dialog .........................................................140
Emulated Data Example ......................................................................................................................142
Microtrac FLEX - Sediment Feature .......................................................................................................146
Microtrac FLEX - Sediment Feature ......................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sediment Measurement Method ............................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sediment Database Recall ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sediment Analysis Data Sheet Details .................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Data Entry / Calculated Data Section ................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sediment Summary Section............................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Percentiles Section............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
Size Percent Section .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Description Section ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Microtrac FLEX – Rosin-Rammler Option .............................................................................................161
Online Help .............................................................................................................................................164
Sample Measurement Operations Details ....................................................................................................165

Overview .................................................................................................................................................165
Sample Material and Carrier Information ............................................................................................165
Measurement SOP ...............................................................................................................................166
Measurement SOP Options .................................................................................................................167
Identifiers Tab .................................................................................................................................167
Timing Tab ......................................................................................................................................168
Analysis Tab ....................................................................................................................................170
Analysis Options Tab(Nanotrac) .....................................................................................................172
Adv Analysis Tab ............................................................................................................................176
Sample Loading Tab (S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay) ..........................................................................177
Sample Loading Tab (Nanotrac) .....................................................................................................178
Cuvette Tab (Nanotrac Wave With Cuvette Option ONLY) ...........................................................179
Zeta Potential Tab (Zetatrac Or Nanotrac Wave with Zeta) ............................................................180
Perspective Tab ...............................................................................................................................182
SDC Tab ..........................................................................................................................................184
SDC Tab.....................................................................................................................................184
Auto Sequence Options Tab. ..................................................................................................185
Dry Feeder Tab .........................................................................................................................188
Saving Entire Measurement SOP’s .....................................................................................................189
Deleting Setups ....................................................................................................................................190
Exporting and Importing Measurement SOP’s ....................................................................................191
Reviewing Measurement SOP’s ..........................................................................................................196
User Defined Edges Display Option....................................................................................................197
Setting Up User Defined Edges .......................................................................................................197
User Defined Edges Setup Dialog Details .......................................................................................198
Example: User Defined Edges Displayed ........................................................................................199
Selecting Data Output Options ............................................................................................................201
Save To Database ............................................................................................................................201
Selecting Reports .............................................................................................................................202
Print Selected Reports .....................................................................................................................203
Setzero Measurement ..........................................................................................................................204
Background Check (Nanotrac/Zetatrac Only) .................................................................................204
Setzero .............................................................................................................................................205
Sample Loading ...............................................................................................................................207
Nanotrac/Zetatrac .....................................................................................................................207
Sample Loading – S3000/S3500 - Wet .................................................................................208
Sample Loading – S3000/S3500 - Dry ..................................................................................209

Sample Loading Display Elements ..........................................................................................210
Sample Measurement ..........................................................................................................................212
For Nanotrac and S3000/S3500 Wet ...............................................................................................212
For S3000/S3500 Dry ......................................................................................................................212
For S3000/S3500 Dry ......................................................................................................................212
Displaying Run Raw Data ...............................................................................................................213
Wet Auto Sequence (S3000/S3500) ....................................................................................................213
MAC 26 Auto Sampler ........................................................................................................................217
MAC 26 Auto Sampler Manual Controls .......................................................................................217
MAC 26 Auto Sampler Auto-Sequence ......................................................................................218
Auto-Schedule Setup Dialog Functions .................................................................................220
MAC 26 Auto-Sequence .....................................................................................................................221
MAC-26 Auto-Sequence Sample Loading ......................................................................................222
S3000/S3500 Dry Auto-Sequence .......................................................................................................223
Nanotrac NAS 35 Auto-Sampler .........................................................................................................226
NAS 35 Auto Sampler Manual Controls ........................................................................................226
Nanotrac NAS 35 Manual Measurements ...........................................................................................228
Nanotrac NAS 35 Operation from Local Control Panel ......................................................................229
Nanotrac NAS 35 Auto-Sequence Measurements ...............................................................................230
Setting Up an NAS 35 Schedule ............................................................................................230
NAS 35 Auto-Schedule Setup Dialog Functions ..................................................................231
NAS 35 Auto-Sequence.......................................................................................................................233
Manual Sample System Controls.........................................................................................................235
SDC Controls (wet) .........................................................................................................................235
Dry Feeder Controls ........................................................................................................................236
Nanotrac/Zetatrac Mode Analysis Option ...........................................................................................237
Analysis Options Tab (Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave)............................................................................237
Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave Molecular Weight Option ............................................................................239
Nanotrac Wave Temperature Control Option ......................................................................................250
Nanotrac Wave Thermal Experiment ..................................................................................................254
Service Menu ...................................................................................................................................264
S3500 Size Ranges ..........................................................................................................................267
Measurement Database Operations Details .................................................................................................268
Overview .................................................................................................................................................268
Measurement Database Creation and Connections .................................................................................268
Creating Measurement Databases........................................................................................................268
Switching the Measurement Data View Database Connection ...........................................................269

Opening a Measurement Database for Recall......................................................................................270
Working With Measurement Database Records......................................................................................272
Database Retrieval Dialog ...................................................................................................................272
Database Query Filters Tab .............................................................................................................273
Query Results Tab ...........................................................................................................................274
Sorting the Query Results List ................................................................................................275
Database Record Selection .....................................................................................................275
Additional Database Record Retrieval Methods ..................................................................276
Deleting Measurement Database Records ...........................................................................276
Batch Printing Reports of Selected Measurement Records ...............................................277
Printing and Exporting the Query Results List ......................................................................278
Creating Multiple Record Comparison Plots .........................................................................280
Comparison Plot Options.........................................................................................................281
Comparison Plot Controls........................................................................................................281
Viewing & Exporting Plot Data ..............................................................................................283
Re-calculation of Displayed Measurements ........................................................................................286
Updating the Displayed Measurement Record ....................................................................................286
Saving the Displayed Measurement Data to a New Record ................................................................286
Building a Composite Database...........................................................................................................287
Designing Custom Reports ..........................................................................................................................290
Pre-designed Reports ...............................................................................................................................290
The Reports Designer ..............................................................................................................................294
Designing a New Report......................................................................................................................294
Altering the Design of an Existing Report...........................................................................................299
List of Variables Details ......................................................................................................................301
Customization Using Drawing and Annotation Tools .........................................................................304
Adding Custom Text to a Report .....................................................................................................304
Adding Drawing Items to a Report ..................................................................................................306
Adding Pictures to a Report.............................................................................................................307
Adding Bar Codes to a Report .........................................................................................................309
Annotating a Report.........................................................................................................................311
Printing a Report Directly from the Designer ..................................................................................312
Diagnostic & Service Utilities .................................................................................................................313
S3K Signal Monitor .............................................................................................................................313
Signal Monitor Control Details: ......................................................................................................314
S3K Utilities Control Panel .................................................................................................................317
Nanotrac Wave Utilities ......................................................................................................................328

Zetatrac Diagnostics .........................................................................................................................332
Appendix A - Contents of ASCII Output File .............................................................................................336
Nanotrac ASCII Output File: ...............................................................................................................336
S3500/BlueWave/BlueRay ASCII Output File: ..................................................................................344
Appendix B - Interfacing with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) .............................350

Introduction
This manual contains instructions and information pertaining to the operation of Microtrac particle size
analyzers using the Microtrac FLEX application software program. This software currently supports the
following Microtrac Particle Size Analyzers:
 Nanotrac Particle Size Analyzer
 S3000/S3500 Series Light Scattering Particle Size Analyzers
System Requirements
Operating Systems
FLEX software will operate when installed on any Microsoft operating system listed below:
 Windows XP Professional (not recommended for Nanotrac Wave)
 Windows Vista Business (or Ultra) 32 Bit ONLY
 Windows 7 Professional 32 and 64 Bit. (32 Bit Only for Legacy Nanotrac & Zetatrac)
 Windows 8 Professional 32 and 64 Bit. (32 Bit Only for Legacy Nanotrac & Zetatrac)
Windows Screen Resolution

The software is designed to run with a Windows Screen Resolution of 1280 x 1024 or higher. Screen
resolutions that are lower will not allow the entire program display to be seen without “scrolling”.
Computer
Any IBM compatible PC with the following is recommended:
 1.6 GHz or greater Multicore (Dual or Quad processor recommended)
 4 Gigabyte RAM ( recommended, 2G required)
 1 Full Length PCI expansion slot (Legacy Nanotrac & Zetatrac ONLY)
 1 Serial Ports (RS232) or USB converted to serial (required for some Microtrac Accessories
ONLY).
 USB 2.0 or 3.0 Ports
 100 GB Hard Drive (minimum required)
 DVD R/W drive
 256 Color Video
Monitor
The following minimum size monitor is recommended:
 17” Flat Panel at 1280 x 1024 resolution, Normal fonts.

 19” Flat Panel at 1280 x 1024 resolution, Normal fonts.
Printer
 Any Windows compatible color ink jet or laser printer.
Software Program Feature Summary

The Microtrac FLEX application software contains the following major features:
 Print and Export of all displayed data entities (to ASCII, Excel or HTML format).
 Copy and paste all (any) program data to Microsoft Excel, Word etc.
 User customizable (designed) printed reports capability (drag and drop, position, size, format etc.).
 Data saved in Microsoft Access Database.
 Database Query filters.
 Comparison Plotting of distribution data (optional Avg Plot and StdDev Plot).
 Measurement Data ASCII Export to File / Import from File (Export can be Automated for LIMs
input). Includes all data required to reproduce and recalculate measurements.
 User customizable Graphs.
 Export of Reports in PDF and Jpeg format (easy for emailing)
 Numerous Data Exporting formats and capabilities.
 Trending Functions
 Statistics functions
 User Defined Calculations
 Remote Control
 Sediments Functions
 Export / Import of Measurement SOP’s.
 FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant security system (see separate FLEX 11 Security Manual).
 For Nanotrac, rapid data acquisition technology (reduces data collection times from minutes to
seconds).
 Batch Report printing of database records.
 Tool Tips display for all application controls.
 Online user manuals (accessed from Help menu).
 Localized Help

Program Operation
The main program Window is shown below:

Quick Start
S/3500 Configuration
You need to configure the software for your analyzer model. For S3500 make sure your calibration and
sample cell diskettes have been loaded into the FLEX 11 main program folder first (this should have been
completed during software installation).
If your system was shipped from the factory complete with a Personal Computer then the following steps
may have be completed at the factory. From the Tools menu select Hardware Configuration to open the
Configuration dialog box (see figure below, next page).
If you have a Nanotrac only then skip the next section and go to Nanotrac Hardware Configuration
below.
Microtrac Hardware Configuration S3500
1. Select the Analyzer tab and set the following items (note: some items may not be visible depending
on the model S3500 series analyzer you have connected).

 Bench COM Port – select the serial communications port that the S3500 series analyzer is
connected to. The specific com port should have been determined when installing the Analyzer
USB Drivers. If this is unknown make sure the analyzer is connected via USB to the PC and
Powered Up. The COM port for Microtrac is listed in the Operating System Device manager
under “Ports COM and LPT” under the name “Microtrac Comms (COM?)” where “?” is the COM
port number.
 Select the S3500 size range. If you do not have an S3500 model that has Selectable Size Ranges
then this option will not appear
 If you have an S3500 model other than Basic or High range, you need to set up the sample cell.
 Enter the last four (4) digits of your sample cell ID into the New Cell Id edit box. This number can
be found on the label of you Sample Cell Calibration diskette and is also stamped on the handle of
the sample cell.
 Once the ID is entered then Click to add this sample cell to the list of sample cells
available.
 If this sample cell is the currently installed cell, select this cell ID from the Selected Cell / Cell List.
NOTE: some users may have more than one sample cell. Make sure that you always have the
correct cell ID selected when you change from one sample cell to another.

Sampling System Configuration:
2. Click on the Sampling Systems tab to configure your sampling system(s).
For WET Sampling Systems:
Sampling System Dialog with SDC Selected
 Set Application Type to

 Select the installed Wet System :
- For SDC set a check next to SDC installed .
-For USVR set a check on USVR.
 If you have a MAC 26 auto sampler then set a check next to MAC 26 and select a COM port.
Cannot be the same COM port as the Analyzer Optical Bench.

Configured for USVR With MAC 26 Auto Sampler
For Dry Sampling Systems:
Sampling System with Turbotrac One Shot Dry Feeder
 Set the application type .

 In the Dry Feeders section select the type of feeder to configure (Vibratory, Turbotrac Auto Feed or
Turbotrac One Shot). This selection should reflect the feeder you will be using. You may have all
types of dry feeders. Select and configure each then select the feeder type you will be using prior
to using the feeder.
 Set a check in Turbotrac Auto-Clean if your Turbotrac is equipped with the Auto-Clean hardware.
3. Close the S3500 Configuration dialog by clicking .

Analyzer Configuration Nanotrac/Zetatrac
To configure a Nanotrac or Zetatrac click on the Hardware Configuration Nanotrac Tab.
Nanotrac/Zetatrac Configured
NAS 35 with COM 1 Selected

Nanotrac Wave Selected
For a standard Nanotrac or Zetatrac select Nanotrac from the Bench Type list. If you have a Nanotrac NAS
35 auto-sampler unit then select NAS 35 and a COM Port the corresponds to your com port connection for
the NAS 35.
Close Microtrac Hardware Configuration dialog.

Analyzer Configuration Remote Control
Both Nanotrac and S3K series analyzers can be operated from a remote PC connected to the PC running
FLEX via an RS-232 connection. The Remote control Tab of the Hardware Configuration dialog is used to
configure this function. Details for connecting and using remote control are listed in a separate
document (“Microtrac FLEX Remote Control”).
Hardware Configuration Dialog – Remote Control Tab

Remote Control COM Port Section:
Port
Select an RS-232 Communications Port for Connecting to the Client (Controlling) PC.

Baud Rate
Select a communication port Baud Rate – MUST match the Client PC’s selected Baud Rate.
Remote Data Delimiter Section:
Remote Data Delimiter

Select a desired delimiter character(s) for data that will be returned from the Host PC (FLEX 11) to the
Client PC (Controller). If User Defined is selected then type the desired delimiting character(s) in the User
Defined Delimiter edit box.
NOTE: Configuring remote control does NOT activate remote control capability, that is done by
selecting “Enable Remote Control “ from the FLEX Measure Menu.
Measure Menu – Enable Remote Control

Sample Measurement
If you have a Nanotrac NAS 35, refer to the sections below describing the NAS35 operation. Use the index
to find these sections.
1. From the Measure Menu / Select Instrument, select the desired Microtrac product (example: S3500).
This will open an S3000 measurement window.

Click on the button to open the Measurement SOP dialog. Then click the Options button to open
the Measurement SOP Options dialog.
2. Set the appropriate measurement setup parameters on each tab of the Measurement SOP Options
dialog and close with (see section: Measurement SOP Options Details).
3. the Measurement SOP Dialog.

4. From the Measure Menu if you want to save the measurement to the database select “With Save”
and the measurement data will automatically be saved to the database. For no save select “Without
Save.

5. Fill the sample system with clean carrier fluid (if using an SDC recirculator, circulate at the desired
flow rate using the button to fill, when full use the button to start the flow, Flow can
be adjusted directly by using the or buttons (typical flow setting 50%). (See
Measurement Setup (SOP) Details section below in this document).
6. From the Main Toolbar click to collect a background level measurement.
A display will appear to indicate the progress of the data collection. When the data collection is
complete the progress dialog will automatically close.
7. Open the Sample Loading display and add sample to the sample system (for Nanotrac be
sure to thoroughly mix sample in the sample cell) until the indicator bar is in the Green Zone
(Status = READY). Then close the display or Click to start a sample measurement . This
display is periodically updated as indicated by the progress bar in the lower part of the display.

Nanotrac/Zetatrac Sample Loading Display
3500 Sample Loading Display
Start the sample measurement by clicking the button on the main toolbar or the button on the
loading display. A display will appear indicating the progress of the measurement data collection. (See next
page)

Measurement Progress Display
(see next page)

8. When the data collection is complete the measurement data is calculated and displayed as shown
below.
9. You can print a report of the displayed data by clicking the Print button in the data display
toolbar
Data Display Toolbar

The report produced will look similar to the figure below (see Selecting and Designing Reports in a later
section):

Example of a Typical Nanotrac/Zetatrac Printed Report

Recalling and Reviewing Saved Measurement Data
When measurements are saved to the Microtrac database they can be recalled, reviewed and/or recalculated
if desired. (Database Retrieval has many features that will be described later in this manual)
The following process is a quick start overview of how to perform the database recall process.
1. From the File menu select Open Database for Recall.
2. Select the desired database to retrieve data from the “Open Database” dialog that appears. Click the
Open button too open the selected database.
A new database data display will open that is connected to the selected database (database path and name
are indicated in the title bar).

3. To retrieve a desired database record select Retrieve Data from the Data menu or click , the
Database Retrieval display will appear.
(see next page)

4. Click on the Query Results tab to display the list of database records (shown below).
5. Click on the desired database record for recall then click the “Retrieve” button. The database record
will be recalled and the data displayed.

6. A printed report can be produced by clicking the button on the data display toolbar.

Program Features Details
Display Elements
The figure below shows a typical program frame with data display. Major elements are labeled.
 Menu – Provides access to various program operations and features.

 Main Toolbar – Starts data acquisition tasks, re-calculates displayed data, provides database
functions.
 View Toolbar – Configures Data Display, Shows Auxiliary data displays, Prints Data Reports.
 Sample System Controls Toolbar – Operates S3500 sampling systems. As shown above SDC
controls are active, Dry Feeder controls are here if a Dry Feeder is configured.
 Data Display Title bar – Displays the type of display (Measure [Instrument Type] or Database),
the current connected database and the time the display was opened.
 Setzero Status – Indicates the current Setzero status. Status can be: “No Setzero” (Yellow
Background), “High Background” ( Red Background) or Date and Time that the current good
Setzero was acquired (Green Background).

Tabbed Information Descriptions
Summary Data Tab
 Summary Data – current measurement:

o MV – Mean Volume Diameter - Mean Diameter, in microns, of the Volume
distribution—represents the center of gravity of the distribution.
Implementation of the equation used to calculate MV will show it to be
weighted (strongly influenced) by coarse particles. It is a type of “average
particle size.”
o MI – Mean Intensity Diameter - MI only applies to Nanotrac. Mean
Diameter, in microns, of the Intensity distribution—is calculated from
the intensity (signal) distribution. Intensity mean is not corrected for the
effects of refraction and only reflects the relationship of the light signals
detected. It is weighted for signals, and the value is displayed only when
the intensity distribution is presented..

o MA – Mean Area Diameter - Mean Diameter, in microns, of the Area
distribution—is calculated from the volume distribution. The area mean is
a type of “average” that is less weighted than MV by the presence of
coarse particles, and therefore shows smaller particle size. Mean diameter
represents a particle surface measurement.
o MN – Mean Number Diameter - Mean Diameter, in microns, of the Number
distribution—is calculated using the volume distribution data and is
weighted to the small particles. This type of “average particle size” is
related to population.
2
o CS - Calculated Specific Surface Area (M /CC)—provides an indication
of specific surface area. The cs computation assumes smooth, solid,
spherical particles. It should not be interchanged with BET or other
adsorption methods of surface area determination. Calculated specific
surface area does not reflect porosity or unique topographic characteristics
of particles.
o SD – Standard Deviation, in microns—describes the width of the
measured particle size distribution. It does not provide an indication of
the statistical error about the mean of multiple measurements.
o Mz – Graphic Mean = (16th + 50th + 84th ) / 3
o SDg – Graphic Standard Deviation = ((84th – 16th) / 4) + ((95th – 5th) / 6.6)
o Kg – Graphic Kurtosis = (95th – 5th) / (2.44 * (75th – 25th))
o Ski - Graphic Skewness = (((16th+84th – (2*50th)) / (2 * (84th – 16th))) +
((5th + 95th – (2 * 50th)) / (2 * (95th – 5th)))
 Size Percent Data – Percent passing values calculated from user specified size diameters.
 Percentiles – Software-selectable Percentile Points, in microns, show the percentage

of the volume (or weight, if the specific gravity for all the particles is the same)
that is smaller than the indicated size. The “50” percentile is also known as the
“median diameter,” which is one of several measures of “average particle size.”
 Peaks Summary – Statistics for each size peak of the calculated size distribution.
o Dia – The 50% point of each mode reported.
o Vol% - The volume percent of each mode reported.
o Width – A measure of the broadness of each mode reported ( = 16th to 84%tiles).

Tabular Data Tab
 Tabular Data – Percent in Size channel and Percent Passing or Retained calculated values for the
given size edges determined by user selected size progression (root2, root4, root8, Standard).

Zeta Potential Tab
 Zetatrac ONLY – displays Zeta Potential measurement results and parameters. This tab only appears
for Zetatrac when Zeta Potential measurements are enabled.

Notes & Warnings Tab
 Notes – User notes entered in the Identifiers dialog box

 Warnings – If any warnings apply to the current measurement they appear here.

Raw Data Tab
 This is the Raw Data that was collected for the current displayed sample measurement. This data is
the input to the volume distribution calculations.

Setzero Data Tab
 Shows the Setzero Raw data that is applied to the current measurement. This data is saved with each
sample measurement to the measurement database. For Live measurements this is the current
Setzero data that was most recently measured and is applied to all sample measurements collected
in a Live Measurement Session.

Measurement Information Tab
S3500 Series Measurement Info Nanotrac Measurement Info
Above Residual – This value indicates how much measured material is larger than the current
Upper Edge. If the current Upper Edge is the maximum size the analyzer can measure then this
value will always = 0.
Below Residual – This value indicates how much measured material is smaller than the current
Lower Edge. If the current Lower Edge is the minimum size the analyzer can measure then this
value will always = 0.
Sample Loading Factor / Loading Index – Sample Loading value.
Transmission – S3500 % laser power transmitted through the sample.
RMS Residual: – Volume calculation Residual RMS Error. The RMS Residual provides a least
error calculation comparing the actual scattered light pattern to that used for final calculation of
the particle size distribution. It therefore provides an indication (Root Mean Square Error%) as to

how successful the particle size calculation was performed. Very low difference from the actual
light pattern is shown by an RMS Residual value of less than 1.0%. Should values above 1.0% be
encountered, then refractive index of the material or circulating fluid may not be correct.
Reflected Power – Nanotrac, relative amount of laser power reflected back to the Nanotrac photo
detector.
Conc. Index – Nanotrac sample concentration Index.
Cell Temp – Nanotrac average sample cell temperature recorded during measurement (Deg C).
Viscosity – Nanotrac sample fluid viscosity (cp).
SOP Tab
Top Part Bottom Part

 Shows all SOP parameters used for the currently displayed measurement. SOP tab contents
will vary based on instrument type (Diffraction or Dynamic Light Scattering Analyzers).

Security Tab
 Contains information regarding the database record security. User Signature and Approval
Signature only apply if Microtrac FLEX 11 Security features have been enabled. For details
see the Separate Microtrac FLEX 11 Security Manual.

Main Toolbar
The Main tool bar consists of three individual, dock-able, configurable toolbars. Tool bars can be dragged
and dropped (floating or docked) anywhere on the display.
 Measure Toolbar
Activates Sample Measurement functions.
Perform a Nanotrac (only) Background check
Perform a Setzero (background) Measurement
Perform the Sample Loading function.
Perform a Sample Measurement
Perform an S3000/S3500 Auto-Sequence Measurement (Wet or Dry)
Open, directly the Identifiers dialog
Open the Measurement SOP dialog
Perform Auto-Align Laser
Zatatrac Sample information dialog (Database Retrieval only)
Open Auto-Titration Control Panel, Zetatrac ONLY.
Open Molecular Weight Measurement Control Panel, Nanotrac/Zetatrac ONLY.
 Calculations Toolbar Activates displayed data re-

calculation functions.
Re-calculate displayed data using current Measurement Setup (SOP) parameters.
Re-calculate and Compare, recalculates data and produces a before and after comparison
view.
Re-calculate displayed data as a Volume distribution.
Re-calculate displayed data as an Intensity distribution (Nanotrac Only).
Re-calculate displayed data as a Number distribution.

Re-calculate displayed data as an Area distribution.
 Database Toolbar Activates database functions.
Database Recall – Opens the database recall dialog.
Save displayed data as a New Database Record.
Update (overwrite) the current database record with the currently displayed data.
Display the Previous selected database record.
Display the Next selected database record.
Configurable Display
Various data display options are configurable via the Configure Data View dialog. This dialog is accessed
from the View/Configure Data View menu selection.
(see next page)

Data Formatting Tab
General – Select data display general format Standard Format (default) or ISO format.
Display Data Pass/Retain – Determines the default tabular data and plot display format %Passing or
%Retained. (%Channel is always displayed).
Statistics Display Presentation – Selects how the statistics display is formatted (%Chan, %Pass or
%Retain).
Nanotrac/Zeta Size Data Format – Select the size format Microns, Nanometers or Angstroms for
Nanotrac/Zetatrac data to be displayed in.

Data Plotting Tab
Data Plot Format Persistence - If changes are made to the data plot using the data plot “Edit” feature,
they can be made permanent by “Checking”, “Save On Exit” in the Data Plot Format Persistence section.
Restore - To restore the data plot formats to program defaults, Click “Data View Plot Defaults” .
Data Plot Scaling - The data plot %channel scale can be set to Automatic or Manual. If set to manual, this
scaling will remain constant to the value set by the user from measurement to measurement (10%, 20%,
50% or 100%).
Live Meas. Multi-Run – Several displays can be specified to present themselves and display data during a
Multi-Run data collection. Available displays are:
 Statistics Display – Note: this display always fills for Multi-Run even if NOT selected to display
while the data collection is in progress. Select the data presentation for the Live Statistics display.

 Trend Plotting – Select number of Points Displayed per page (points displayed on visible part of
trend plot(s).
 Compare Plot – Select Display Format
Only one of these displays can be selected at any time. Select the desired display and any options
presented. When a Multi-Run data collection is started the display will automatically open and fill with data
as the Multi-Run data is collected. If the display is closed it can be re-opened using the associated toolbar
buttons. When re-opened these displays will display the data from the last set of Multi-Run data collected.
If a new Multi-Run collection is started the displays are cleared and refilled with the current multi-run data.

Options Tab
Auto-Start Analyzer – You can select a Microtrac live measurement view to automatically open when the
FLEX application software is started. Choices are None (default), S3500 or Nanotrac).
Prompt or Id’s – If enabled then the user is prompted to enter new sample ID’s at the start of each manual
(non-auto-sequence) sample measurement
User Defined Size Edges – If “Enabled” the data is displayed using the current User Defined Size Edges
instead of the standard Microtrac Size Edges.
Sample Loading / Show Signal Plot – Enables/Disables the display of the detector signals in the sample
loading display.
Sample Loading / Enforce – When this item is checked manual sample measurements (not applicable to
Dry Measurements) cannot be performed unless sample loading is in an acceptable range (Green Zone on
the sample loading display). When the Measurement button is clicked the sample loading display is
presented and you cannot continue to measure unless the sample loading is in the “Green Zone”. At this
point if loading is not correct you can add sample, dilute the sample or Cancel the measurement. If sample
loading is in the specified range then the measurement run can be performed by clicking the
button on the loading display.

The “Run” button will not be present in the sample loading display if opened directly using the Sample
Loading button . When FLEX security feature is active Administrators can restrict user access to this
feature by Denying Permission to “Change Preferences”.
User Defined Calculations – Enables/Disables use of User Defined Calculations. Selects option to use
saved user defined calculations when recalling database records. If no selected then uses current active user
defined calculations.

Data Tolerance – If Enable is checked, “selected” data tolerance will be evaluated and displayed on the
main data display after every screen update from a measurement, database recall or recalculation. For
details see section below describing the use of the Data Tolerance feature.
Data Emulation – Enable /Disable Data Emulation. Select to display data in Microtrac sizes or Alternate
Method sizes. For details see section below describing the use of the Data Emulation feature.
Rosin-Rammler – If Enable is checked then a Rosin-Rammler analysis is performed on the measurement
data and displayed on a separate “Rosin-Rammler “ tab on the main data display. NOTE: Applies only to
Diffraction Analyzers (S3500 series, Bluewave, BlueRay)
(Intentionally Blank)

Standard Microtrac Toolbars
The following are the standard toolbars supplied with the FLEX 11 software application program. They can
be enabled or disabled by the user. They can be “Docked” by drag and drop method anywhere on the
screen. Tool bar button functions are described throughout this document.
Measure Toolbar
(Measure Menu)
Calculations Toolbar
Database Toolbar
(Data Retrieval Menu)
SDC/ASVR Toolbar
(Control/SDC/ASVR Menu)
MAC 26 Auto Sampler Toolbar

(Control/MAC-26 Menu)
Dry Sample Feeder Toolbar

(Control/Dry Feeder Menu)
NAS 35 Toolbar
(Control NAS35 Menu)
Data Display Toolbar

(Buttons will only appear if applicable)

Exporting Program Data
Microtrac FLEX 11 has extensive data exporting capabilities. Data may be exported to:
 The printer (All Data Entities)
 An Exported ASCII File – (all measurement data items) can be emailed, read in by Microtrac FLEX
and re-displayed and/or recalculated. Can be used as input to a Laboratory Information
Management system (LIMs).
 Excel Format File (All Data Entities) – Can be emailed, Microsoft Excel Spread Sheet (.csv file).
This is a CSV format text file that can be directly opened in Excel or any other spreadsheet
program by simply double clicking the file in Windows File Explorer.
 PDF (All Data Entities) – Can be emailed, displayed
 HTML Format (All Data Entities) – Can be emailed, displayed using a web browser like IE
Explorer.
 ASCII format (All Data Entities) – ASCII file displayed by text editors or Word Pad (part of the
Windows operating system).
 JPEG format (Reports and Data Plots) – Displayed by browsers and photo/graphics editing
programs.
(see next page)

Exporting Display Data
All data display entities are exportable. These include all tabular style data and the data plot.
To Export Tabular Style Data:

1. Right Click anywhere in the tabular style data area and a floating export menu will appear.
2. Select the desired data and export type from this menu.
3. A file Save As dialog will be displayed, select a path and enter a filename then click “Save”.
NOTE: If Print has been selected the data will be sent to the default printer, no file “Save As” dialog will
open.

To Export the Data Plot:
1. Click the data plot control for Save to File .
2. An export formatting dialog will appear. Make appropriate selections and then click .

3. A File “Save As” Dialog will open. Select the file format, path and name and click “Save”.

Export Plot to Printer
To send the plot only to the printer, Click on the Printer button under the plot in the plot tool bar. A
print preview display will appear. From this display you can re-size and position the plot. You can also
change the printing characteristics and then Click the “Print” button to print the plot. All Microtrac FLEX
data plots have this feature.
Exporting Measurement Data to an Importable ASCII File

Microtrac FLEX 11 measurement data may be exported to an importable ASCII file on a per measurement
basis. The ASCII file produced may be imported back into the Microtrac FLEX 11 program as if it were a
database record. For example a user could export a measurement to a file, send it to another location via
email and a user with Microtrac FLEX 11 software. At that location another user could Import the file,
view the data re-calculate the data save it to his database or print reports. Alternately a user could export a
group of files then open another database, import the files and re-save them to the other database. This
effectively creates a new database with selected data from one or more other databases.
Exporting can be manual or automatic using the Auto Export feature (details described below). When using
the Auto Export feature the program will automatically export every measurement to an ASCII
Export/Import file and assign each file a unique name.
Exporting can be done from a measurement data display or a database recall data display.

Manually Exporting to an Export / Import File:
1. From the Measure Menu select “Export Measurement to File”.
2. A File “Export Measurement Data File” dialog opens. Select a path and enter a filename then click
“Save” to save the current measurement data to an ASCII (text) file. ASCII files can be opened
using any word processor or text editor.
Importing an Exported Data File:

1. From the Measure Menu select “Import Measurement from File”.

2. A File “Import Measurement Data File” Dialog appears (similar to the file save above). Search for
and select the desired file and click “Open”
3. The file will be read in and the data from the file will be displayed. This data can be acted on in any
way that a recalled database record can. The imported data can also be saved to the current
connected database as a new record using the database save button on the Main toolbar: Auto-
Exporting Measurement Data
Auto Exporting to Formatted File(s) from Live Measurements

Microtrac FLEX 11 can automatically export measurement data to an ASCII Export/Import file using the
Auto Export feature. Files are saved with unique names created by a user-defined base name in
combination with a unique suffix appended to that name. The suffix will either be an incremental number
or a date/time stamp. If Auto Export to File is activated, every time a sample measurement is completed an
auto export file is generated (saved). See Appendix A for details on the format of the ASCII output file.
Auto Export Setup

To setup the conditions for Auto Export to File:
1. From the Tools menu, select Auto Export Setup. The Auto Export Setup dialog will be displayed.

2. Use the button to select a path for the export files (folder where the file will be
saved).
3. Enter a Base File Name (will become the first part of the file’s name).
4. Select a Unique File Naming Options (will become the second part of the file’s name). This
guarantees that each file will have a unique name.
NOTE: selecting None is a special case for automatic LIMS Importing only.
5. Select a File Format
 Importable ASCII – Produces a file that can be imported back into FLEX as if it were a
database record. See appendix “A” for file schema description.
 Export All to Excel – Produces a Microsoft Excel Worksheet file (.csv). This file contains
sample IDs and all spreadsheet style data from the main data display. This file will open
directly into Microsoft Excel.
 Export All to ASCII – Produces a formatted text file (.txt). This file contains sample IDs and all
spreadsheet style data from the main data display. This file format is suitable for importing into
many types of application software that accept ASCII text importing including Microsoft Excel
and Word.
 Export All to PDF – Exports data to a PDF file.
 User Defined – Produces a CSV format file. User can specify the “Delimiter” character or
choose the standard CSV Comma or Space delimiter character. The user can also specify that

data is to be included in this export format. This is done in the User Defined Format Setup
dialog. (See User Defined Format Setup & CAUTIONS below)
6. Click OK.
For example, the selections shown above (Identifiers 1= “Glass” and time/date stamp) will produce file
names in the format shown below:
MTData Glass 09_03_2002 09_55_06.DAT
Sept 3, 2002 9:55:06 AM - (Date, Time to the second, 24 hour clock).
The files will be located in the folder indicated in the dialog Selected Path.
7. To activate (enable) the Auto Export feature, from the Measure menu, Click “Auto Export to File”.
CAUTION: this feature is NOT PERSISTANT. When the program is closed and re-opened the Auto
Export feature is always “Disabled”.
Auto Exporting File(s) from Database Retrieval
Auto Exporting to a formatted data file is also supported using recalled database records. The user opens a
database, goes to the Database Retrieval dialog, selects the records to auto export and these records will be
recalled and exported to the same file format as Auto Export from Live Measurements does.
Auto Export from Database Retrieval Process Description:
1. Open a database for retrieval from the File Menu.
2. From the Data Retrieval menu select, “Retrieve Data” or Click on the toolbar.
3. From the Database Retrieval dialog Query Results Tab, select the desired records to Auto Export>

Query Results with Some Records Selected.
4. Right Click on the query results list and select “Auto Export Selected Records” from the menu that
appears.
5. The Auto Export Setup dialog appears. Setup the desired path, Base File Name, File Naming
Options and File Format. Click Ok to begin the auto export.
NOTE: Export All to ASCII (Single File) will export all selected records to a single ASCII formatted
file. Use this option of importing a group of records into spread sheet programs such as Microsoft Excel.

Auto Export Setup Dialog
6. When the auto export is complete the last record exported will be shown on the main data display.

User Defined Auto-Export Setup
User defined Auto-Export Format allows the user to export data in Standard or Non-Standard CSV
(Comma Separated Value) format. This type of data can be “imported” into many other software programs
as a table in ROW orientation.
User Defined export format also allows the user to specify (include or exclude) Microtrac measurement
data to the export. The following describes how to Set Up a User Defined Export Format.
1. From the Auto-Export Setup dialog click to open the

User Defined Format Setup Dialog.
Auto-Export User Defined Format Setup

2. Scroll to and select the Microtrac measurement data to export.
CAUTION: If exporting for import to Excel remember that the maximum number of columns
allowed in Excel is 256 if too many data items are selected this limit can be exceeded. A data
progression of 8th Root of 2 can have up to 140 data points and if two Tabular Data types such as Size
and Chan are selected the Excel maximum column limit would be exceeded.
NOTE that if Tabular Data is selected and Include Header is a selected option then the column
headers will be Size.
3. Specify the File Format.
4. Select the File Format Options.
Auto-Export User Defined Format Setup Details
Clears all Microtrac measurement data selections.
File Format
Specifies a “Space” character as the field delimiter. Filename extension = .txt
Specifies a “Comma” character as the field delimiter. Filename extension = .csv,

double click to open in Excel.
Specifies a user defined field delimiter. Type the desired delimiter

character(s) in the edit box.
Filename extension = .txt
File Format Options
Set a check in this box to have all auto-exported measurements in a single file. There
are no limits to the number of measurement records that this file can hold except available disk drive space.
If this option is not checked then each export will be in a separate uniquely named file.
CAUTION: If auto-exporting to a single file (all exports to a file containing multiple measurement
records) do not change the selected data or delimiter character while the target file exists. You do
NOT want to mix formats this is NOT desired results.
Set a check to include field names as a header to the export file. The header will be the
first ROW in the file. Uncheck to exclude a field name header in the file.

Auto-Importing FLEX 11 ASCII Exported Files to a FLEX 11 Database
Any FLEX ASCII Exported files may be imported, automatically and directly stored into a Microtrac
FLEX 11 database. Files to Import must have been “Exported” using the FLEX Auto Export or Export
to File features to create the data files. IMPORTANT: Select Importable ASCII file format when
exporting for this purpose. This is the only file format that can be imported into FLEX.
This capability is useful when a user exports a group of Microtrac measurements sends the files to another
location (I.E. via email). and the user at that location can then Import these data automatically into his
Microtrac database. (Assumes the user also has FLEX software). The advantage of sending the files is that
they are much smaller (5 Kbytes each) than even an empty FLEX database (1.5 Mbytes).
Auto-Import will save the imported files to the currently active FLEX database (the one that you will have
open for this process).
To Import a group of FLEX exported files follow these steps:
1. Open the destination “Database for Recall” from the FLEX File menu.
2. Select “Auto Import Files to DB” from the Data menu.
3. From the Auto Import ASCII Export File dialog (see below).
 Browse to the folder containing the files to import. When the browser is closed a list of valid
importable files (.dat) will appear on the right side of the dialog (see below).
 Select the Files to Auto-Import from the list of files shown (multiple selections, use standard
Windows selection techniques). Selected files will be high lighted

 Click to begin the importing. Then Import Progress Bar will indicate the status of the
import progress. When the importing is complete the last imported file’s data will be displayed on
the screen. To view the data for the rest of the imported files, use the Data Retrieval function.
Auto-Import ASCII Export File Dialog
Exporting by Copy and Paste to Other Applications

All Microtrac FLEX data display entities can by copied and pasted to other applications (For example
Microsoft Word, Power Point or Excel).
Copying and Pasting Tabular Style Data:

1. Highlight the data to be copied using the mouse and while holding the left mouse key down, drag
over the data to be copied.
2. Press Control Key and the “C” Key (<crtl><c>). This is the standard Windows Copy to the
Clipboard short cut. The data is now copied to the Windows Clipboard.
3. Click in the second application (for example Excel) where you want to paste the data and either use
that application program’s Edit/Paste menu selection or Press the Control Key and the “V” key
(<crtl><v>) to paste the Microtrac data into the other application.

Copying and Pasting Data Plots:
1. From the Plot toolbar click the copy button, this copies the data plot to the Windows Clipboard.
2. Click in the second application (for example Microsoft Excel) where you want to paste the data and
either use that application program’s Edit/Paste menu selection or Press the Control Key and the
“V” key to paste the Microtrac data into the other application Data Plot Features
Microtrac FLEX 11 data plots have extensive built in formatting and enhancement features including:
 Chart Enhancement features (color, type, annotation, titles etc.)
 Export of Chart Data to Excel, ASCII or HTML format files
 Export of Chart to JPEG, WMF and other graphical format files.
 3D display with rotation and depth.
 Zooming.
 Value Tags on data points.
Shown below is a typical data plot.
 Plot Toolbar – See detailed description below.

 Plot Enable/Disable – Uncheck the named plot to remove it from the plot.
 Infinite Plot Zooming – The data plot can be infinitely zoomed by dragging and dropping a box
around the plot area to be zoomed (hold left mouse button down). For this feature to be active
click the Arrow (Normal Mode) toolbar button first.

Plot After Zoom
Plot Tool Bar Buttons
Restores data plot to full scale (program defaults).
Inverts bottom scale
Toggles data and data plot between %Passing or %Retained (label indicates
the action a click will cause).
Keep the current graph display configuration for this graph. (instead of
defaults).
Normal Mode – Allows for plot zooming, Scrolling and Plot Enable/Disable functions.
3d – Displays plot in 3D mode.
3d Rotate – Allows 3D plot to be rotated via drag over with left mouse key pressed.
Save – Allows data plot to be saved to various graphic formats such as JPG, WMF, TIFF.
Print – Sends data plot to printer (print preview is presented before printing).
Copy - Copies the data plot to the Windows Clipboard (can then be pasted into other applications).
Edit – Opens plot editing feature allowing user to change plot characteristics, export plot and plot data
etc. (See below)

Auxiliary Data Views
The Microtrac FLEX data display can access a number of auxiliary data views these views augment the
main data display or present data that is not of primary interest.
3D Data Plot
The data plot can be shown in 3D by clicking the button on the data plot toolbar.
Comparison Data Plot

This plot is generated from the data base data retrieval display and will be explained in the database
operations section below. It allows up to 10 database records to be plotted on one chart along with an
optional Average plot and Standard Deviation plot. Plot and plot data can be viewed and exported. All
standard data plot features apply. (See details in the Measurement Database Operations section).

Data Re-calculation
Re-calculation and Updating

Microtrac FLEX displayed data can be recalculated using different parameters than were used for the
measurement. All displayed data can be completely re-calculated except “Average Of” data. Average of
data is produced when data is collected using Number of Runs greater than one (1) in the Measurement
SOP, Timing tab. See details below about exceptions for re-calculation on “Average Of” data. The data
source for the recalculation can be:
 Measurement Data from a live measurement
 Data displayed from a retrieved Microtrac database record
 Data Imported from a Microtrac Export to File ASCII data file.
To recalculate the displayed data:
1. Change the desired parameters in the Measurement SOP Options dialog box or the Identifiers dialog
box.
2. To recalculate and update the data display, click the recalculate button. The data will be
recalculated to the new parameter settings and displayed.
3. Save the data to a new database record or update the current database record if desired using the
Save button or the Update button.

4. Other available options are Save Measurement to File and Print or Export reports.
NOTE: Even if the only changed parameter is a Sample ID or a Title the recalculate
button must be clicked to update the data display.
Re-calculation Exceptions for “Average Of “ Data

Because of the nature of “Average Of “data, full re-calculation is not possible for this type of data. This is
because the basic calculated volume data of an “Average Of” data is the result of the average of the
volumes calculated from a Multiple Run data collection. A re-calculation of the basic calculated volume for
an “Average Of” measurement using Average Raw Data would NOT produce an identical result as the
original average. Therefore the following rules apply when “Average Of” data is re-calculated:
 Generally, only Perspective Items and Identifier items are used in re-calculation of “Average Of”
measurement data.
 No Analysis parameters are considered when re-calculating. This includes Particle, Fluid and
Analysis Options. (These changes would require recalculation of the basic volume).
 Database Auto-Recalculation functions DO NOT re-calculate Average Of data records.

Re-calculate and Compare
This feature allows the user to re-calculate the currently displayed data using changed Measurement SOP
parameters and display the re-calculated data compared to the original data the re-calculation was based on.
To Re-calculate and compare:
1. Change the desired Measurement SOP parameters.
2. Click the Re-Calculate and Compare button.
The data is recalculated, displayed in the data view and a Compare view is opened (shown below, next
page).
Re-Calculate and Compare Display
 Use to change the Distribution to the desired type.

 All standard Microtrac FLEX data plot features apply.
 View plot data using the plot edit button then click on the Data Tab to view. (See next Page)

Select Data Series to view from Series Tab then click on Data Tab to view the data.
Automatic Re-calculation of Selected Database Records

This feature allows the user to Automatically:
 Recall a group of selected database records
 Change one or more selected measurement setup parameters.
 Recalculate the record(s) to reflect the changed measurement parameters.
 Optionally, save or update the records with the recalculated data
 Optionally, print selected report(s) of the recalculated data.
This feature is helpful in situations where:

 Measurement data was collected and saved using one or more incorrect measurement SOP
parameters and the user wants to correct all effected records.
 The user wants to compare results of a number of records recalculated to different measurement
SOP parameters.
Setting Up an Automatic Recalculation
Automatic recalculation is setup and executed through the database Retrieval display. The following steps
describe how to setup and execute an Automatic Recalculation session.
1. Open the desired database for retrieval from the FLEX 11 program File menu.
2. Open the Database Retrieval dialog by selecting Retrieve Data from the Data menu or Click
on the Main Toolbar.

3. Automatic Recalculation requires that a singe Bench Type must be selected on the Query Filters
tab of the Database Retrieval dialog. Select either S3000 (/3500) or Nanotrac. This action will
“activate” the “Auto Recalc Setup” tab.
4. Click the Auto “Recalc Setup” tab to move to Auto Recalc Setup selections.
S3000/3500 Auto Recalc Setup

Nanotrac/Zetatrac Auto Recalc Setup
5. Change the desired measurement SOP parameters to the desired value(s). NOTE: the values that
are set originally in this display are FLEX defaults. These values DO NOT reflect any saved
measurement SOP they are simply a starting point.
6. In the “Use New” section, specify which measurement SOP items are to be replaced in each
database record for recalculation. ONLY items checked in this area will be replaced (used) for
automatic recalculation of database records.
NOTE: Viscosity Information, Nanotrac Analysis Options and S3500 Analysis Options are
selected as a group. If you select any of these items make sure all items in the group
(that apply) are correct.
7. Select Output Options, at least one of these options MUST be selected. You can choose to only
Print reports, Save to a new record or Update the current record in combination with Print Report.
8. Click on the Query Results tab to display a list of available database records for recall and
recalculation.
9. Select the desired records for automatic recalculation.

Records Selected and Function Menu Displayed
10. Right click the display to show the Function Menu and Select “Recalculate Selected Records” to
execute the recall and recalculation process.

Creating User Defined Calculations
Caution: This feature is intended for “Advanced Users”
This feature allows the user to create up to 3 custom user defined calculations based on current Microtrac
displayed data. The results of these calculations are displayed on the main data display and in printed
reports. User defined calculations are performed each time the main measurement display is updated due to
the completion of a sample measurement, database recall or data recalculation.
The current user defined calculation formulas are “persistent”, that is to say they are saved on program exit
and restored on program start up. Current application formulas are applied to live measurements.
User defined calculation formulas are saved and retrieved to/from database measurement records and on
recall are used instead of the current application user defined calculations. The user can, optionally choose
to override and apply the current application formulas to database recalled measurement records.
The display of user defined calculation results can be disabled and this is the default state of FLEX 11
software since most users will not use this feature.
Main Data Display Meas Info with User Defined Calculation Data Noted

Configuring for User Defined Calculations
To enable display of user defined calculations :

1. Open the View/Configure Data View dialog
2. Set a check on “Enable” in the User Defined Calculations section of the Configure Data View
dialog/Options tab.
3. If you want to use saved formulas on database recall set a check on “Use DB Saved Formulas” .
If this option is NOT checked then saved formulas are ignored on database recalls and the current
application default formulas are applied.
4. Close the Configure Data View dialog.
User Defined Calculation Creation Process

The following steps describe the process for formula creation of user defined calculations. The formulas are
entered “Spread Sheet” style using Microtrac measurement data for arguments to the formulas by “Cell
Reference”.
________________________________________________________________________
Caution 1:
Only enter formulas that result in a “numeric” result.
Caution 2:
This functionality is DEPENDENT on the measurement data being CONSISTENLY in the
SAME cell location in the worksheet described below. That means that the same measurement
setup “Perspective” must be used anytime that the current user defined calculations are
displayed. If this rule is not adhered to then incorrect results may be displayed.
Perspective setup items that must be consistent:
1. Percentiles
2. Size %
3. Progression (Std, 2, 4 or 8th Root etc.)
4. Upper and Lower edge (limits).

See Perspective section in the Measurement Setup section of the User Manual.
_______________________________________________________________________
NOTE: There must be some Microtrac measurement data on the data display before you can
define formulas.
1. Measure a sample or recall a database measurement record.
2. IMPORTANT: Confirm that the Perspective setup for the measurement is correct for the
anticipated User Defined Calculation formulas. If it is not correct set the perspective to the desired
format and re-calculate the data.
3. Open the Tools Menu/ User Defined Calculations Worksheet
Tools Menu

User Defined Calculations Worksheet
(No Formulas Specified)
This worksheet contains:
 Cells containing Microtrac Measurement data for reference in formulas.

 Cells for User Defined Data. Name Cell/Formula cell (3 combinations).
 Windows to display formula descriptions.
 Control buttons in the worksheet to manipulate user defined formulas and names.
 A Name/Formula/Description editing window.
 Control button to add a cell reference to a formula in the edit window.
 Controls to open a formula function reference document and general help on using this
feature.
See details on the worksheet below.

Note: to type in the Edit Window click in the window at the point where you want the “Insertion
Point”.
4. Enter a name for the formula to be created in the Edit window. This name will appear in the data
display next to the calculated data associated with it. NOTE: Results will NOT appear on the
main data display if there is NO name assigned.
HINT: Use an appropriate, abbreviated name and indicate units of measure if applicable.

Edit Window With a Formula Name Entered
5. Click in the worksheet row to assign the name to the desired user defined
worksheet row (row 22, 23 or 24).
Name Added to Row 22 (User Def #1)

6. Enter the formula for the desired user defined worksheet row in the Edit window. (you may have
to scroll the worksheet down to find the cell containing the data item you want to reference in the
formula).
Formula Entered in Edit Window

See details on formula editing below.
7. Click in the worksheet row to assign the formula to the desired user defined
worksheet row (same row as previously entered name). The resulting value for the calculation will
appear in the Value column. If there is a syntax error in the formula an error message will alert
you upon clicking .
Formula Added to the Value Cell with Result Displayed

8. Not Required but Recommended: Enter a description for the entered formula. This might include:
 A description of what is being calculated.
 A reference to the required Perspective items or saved measurement setup (SOP) to be used
with this formula. (Recommended)
9. Fill in a Formula Description (if desired) in the associated Formula Description Edit window.

10. Optionally, save this formula and name to a file for later recall. The program will maintain and use
what ever current names and formulas are in the worksheet. This save is in case other users change
formulas so you can re-establish your formulas without re-entry. (See details on save and recall of
formulas below)
11. Optionally, repeat steps 2 thru 10 for each of three desired formulas.
12. Click in the Options section to make the current Formula(s) the application
defaults. Once saved these formulas will be applied to all live sample measurements (and
optionally to recalled database records).
13. Change User Defined Calculation Options if needed. Check “Enable” to display user defined
calculation results on the main data display. Check “Use DB Saved Formulas” to use the formulas
saved within the database records for database recall. Uncheck “Use DB Saved Formulas” to use
the current application formulas for recalled database records.

User Defined Calculations Worksheet
(with Formula 1 Fully Entered)
14. Close the worksheet when formula entry is complete. The results will show up immediately in the
main data display.
If you have not saved any changes made in the worksheet you will be prompted to save as the
worksheet closes. You can choose to NOT save and the result will be that the changed user defined
calculations will only be applied to the currently displayed data. On the next measurement or database
recall the system will revert to the original behavior before the changes that were not saved. Not saving
is useful if you want to do a one-time special calculation on the currently displayed data.
User Defined Data in Main Data Display Meas Info Tab

Formula Editing
This section details methods for formula editing and entry.
Formulas are entered like the popular Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program. Mathematical operators and
functions are available as formula components. For a complete list of available operators, functions and
their syntax open the worksheet reference document by clicking the button.
Names, formulas and descriptions are entered in the Edit window at the top of the worksheet. The Edit
window is used to enter either a name OR a formula or a formula description (you cannot directly edit a
cell in the worksheet).
Edit Window
Cell References in formulas
Cells (Microtrac Measurement Data) are referenced in formulas the standard Column/Row designation, for
example: C29 for Column C Row 29.
The worksheet provides an automated way to insert cell references into the edit window using the
button. Simply click on the desired cell to reference and then click the
button and the cell reference will be placed at the end of the text in the edit window.
Edit or Review an Existing Formula
To edit or review an existing formula, click in the row containing the formula to edit. This
action will place the formula for that row in the edit window.
Clearing a Formula
To clear a formula from a cell, delete all text from the edit window and click in the row for
the formula cell to be cleared. It is NOT required to clear a formula if you are going to replace the formula.
Clearing a Name
To clear a name from a cell, delete all text from the edit window and click in the row for
the name cell to be cleared. It is NOT required to clear a name if you are going to replace the name.
Clearing a Formula Description

To clear a formula description, delete all text from the edit window .
Replacing a Formula
Enter the new formula in the edit window and click .

Replacing a Name

Enter the new name in the edit window and click .
Replacing a Formula Description
Highlight the description to be replaced press the PC “Delete Key. Enter the new description.
Options Details
The following describes in detail the User Defined Calculation Options.
Select this option to enable display of user defined calculation results on the main data display.
If this option is NOT selected then no user defined formulas are displayed on the main data display or in
the worksheet.
Application default formulas are applied to live measurements. If a live

measurement is saved to the database these formulas are saved as part of the database record. . When the
database record is recalled these saved formulas are applied to that record even if the current application
default formulas have been changed. If you want to override this behavior and have all retrieved database
records use the current application default formulas instead then REMOVE the check from this option.
Clicking this button makes the current application default formulas equal to the formulas
that are current in the worksheet. If you change formulas in the work sheet and close it without using this
function then the change formulas will apply only to the current database record or live measurement data.
Saving and Recalling User Defined Formulas

Name/Formulas/Descriptions may be saved for recall into the worksheet. This is useful if formulas are
sometimes changed based on user requirements. Saving allows the user enter already established formulas
instead of having to manually re-enter it.
What is saved in each file:
 Formula Name
 Formula Description
 Formula

To Save a Formula and its Name:
1. Click in the row of the formula to save.
2. Enter a path and file name for the formula in the Save User Defined Formula dialog box.
Save User Defined Formula Dialog Box
3. Click to complete the save.

To Recall a Formula and its Name:
1. Click in the row for the formula to be inserted into.
2. Navigate to the formula’s file in the Recall User Defined Formula dialog box.
Recall User Defined Formula Dialog Box
3. Click to insert the formula. The formula that was inserted will also be displayed in the
edit window.

Statistics Display
General Description
Microtrac FLEX 11 Statistics display allows the user to view multiple measurement data in a spread sheet
format along with calculated statistics for the displayed data. If activated from the Database Retrieval
display the user can specifically specify what data items are displayed and select any number of database
records to load into the display. This display is also available when performing live measurements when the
number of runs is more than one (multiple runs with avg). When the multiple run measurement is
completed the Statistics Display can be opened via the button on the View Toolbar.
Additionally the user can select any data row in the display and instantly create a trend plot of that data
row. All Statistics Data Display spreads and plots can be printed or exported.
Statistics Display
Statistics Display Functions:
 Right Click on the spread sheet areas to activate the Print/Export menu.
 - select a Summary Data row to plot and click this button to produce a
trend plot of the selected row.

 - select a Tabular Data row to plot and click this button to produce a trend
plot of the selected row.
 - Plots the Tabular Data “Mean” column data in an auxiliary view.

Statistics Display from Database Retrieval
The following steps describe how to setup and load the Statistics Display from the Database Retrieval
dialog:
1. From the File menu open a database for recall.
2. Open the Database Retrieval dialog from the Data Retrieval menu.
3. Select a Bench Type from the Bench Type section of the “Database Query Filters” tab. This will
activate (enable) the “Statistics Setup” tab.
4. Click on the “Statistics Setup” tab.
Database Retrieval – Statistics Setup Tab

5. Make selections to specify what data is displayed in the Statistics Display. You can select only the
data items of interest to you for display. See detailed description of items on this setup tab below.

6. Once selections are made, Click on the “Query Results” tab and select the database records you
want to include in the Statistics Display recall.
Database Retrieval – Query Results Tab

7. Right Click on the Query Results list to present the floating menu seen above.
8. Select “Retrieve to Statistics Display” . The selected records will be retrieved and presented along
with selected statistics calculations on the Statistics Display.
Statistics Display Setup Details

The following describes in detail what each item on the Statistics Setup tab effects and how to use it. No
matter how individual database record measurement setups(SOP’s) are specified they will be replaced by
the values specified below. All data must be presented in a uniform fashion in the Statistics Display.
Presentation Section:
Items in the Presentation section specify how the data in the Statistics Display will be presented.
 Progression: Standard, Geom 8 Root, Geom 4 Root or Geom 2 Root

 Distribution: Volume, Number, Area or Intensity (Nanotrac only)
 Pass/Retn/Chan: How the tabular data is presented, %Channel, %Passing or %Retained.
Tabular Data Section:
Choose whether or not to display tabular data.

Summary Data Section:
Select desired summary data items to display.

Percentiles:
Sets the percentiles that will be used by the Statistics Display.

 Enter desired percentile values in the Percentiles Column. All values can be edited (changed or
deleted). You do NOT have to enter a value in every row.
 Select the desired percentiles of display by setting a check on them in the “Sel” column.

Size Percent:
Sets the Size Percent values that will be used by the Statistics Display.
 Enter desired size percent values in the Size% Column. All values can be edited (changed or
deleted). You do NOT have to enter a value in every row.
 Select the desired size percent of display by setting a check on them in the “Sel” column.
Calculate & Display:
Select the desired statistics calculations to show in the Statistics Display

Save / Recall:
- Opens a File Save dialog to save the current Statistics Setup to a named file.
- Opens a File Open to recall and load a saved Statistics Setup.

- Appears when the current selections do not match the originally saved
selections. This status is also indicated on the Statistics Display Title.
Statistics Display from Live Measurements
When performing live sample measurements the Statistics Display is available when making multiple
sample measurement runs (Number of Runs in measurement SOP > 1). When the multiple run data

collection is complete the individual run data(s) are loaded into the Statistics Display. The user can then
view the results by clicking on the view tool bar.

The live measurement Statistics Display does not allow for selection of data items to show, all data items
are shown. Percentiles and Size Percent’s shown are the values specified in the current Measurement SOP.
However, the user does have the option of selecting the Presentation for the tabular data. This selection is
done from the View menu/Configure Data View/Data Plotting Tab Live Measurements Multi-Run
Section when is selected (checked).
The user can select to display statistics tabular data as %Channel, %Passing or %Retained.
NOTE: this display can be set to display as the Multi-Run data is collected in the View/Configure
Data View dialog. Under Live Meas Run on the Data Plotting Tab select Statistics Display.

Data Tolerance Display
General Description
Microtrac FLEX Data Tolerance display allows the user to create a set of Max/Min, pass/fail values for a
given sample that can be used to determine the sample’s size distribution acceptability. Any data values
that fall outside the indicated Max /Min settings will display in the “Status” column as Fail.
The Data Tolerance Display is accessed from the Main Data display by clicking the button on the
data view toolbar.
NOTE: To use the Data Tolerance Feature data must be displayed in “Standard Progression” and the main
data display must contain data (either measurement or database recall).
Main Data Tolerance Display

Data Tolerance Display Features
General:
1. Max/Min values can be set for the following data:
 Percent Channel Tabular data.
 Percent Passing Tabular data.
 Percent Retained Tabular data.
 Summary Data
 Percentile Data
2. Max/Min settings can be saved and recalled from named files.
3. Max/Min settings can be “Copy and Pasted” in from other application programs like Microsoft
Excel. (To copy use: <cntl><C> to paste use <cntl><V>)
4. Max/Min settings can be individually edited (like a spread sheet).
5. Tabular Data Tolerance results can be plotted (tabular data only).
6. Any Combination of data items can be selected for “Pass/Fail” evaluation on the main data display.
Data Tolerance Plot Display

(Percent Passing - Zoomed)

Specific Data Tolerance Functions (Main Display):
 Data Format Selected the format for display of Tabular data. (Percent
Channel, Percent Passing or Percent Retained)
 Plus/minus Sets the Pass/Fail

(Max/Min) values as follows:
o - Set % will set the Max/Min values on each table to +/- the
indicated % of the data value in each field. You will be asked which tables to apply this
setting to after the button is clicked.
o - Set Fixed will set the Max/Min values a fixed amount by adding
or subtracting from displayed data’s values the indicated fixed value. You will be asked
which tables to apply this setting to after the button is clicked.
 Plot Tabular - Opens the Data Tolerance graph. Tabular data and Max/Min
data are plotted in the data format currently displayed in the main Data Tolerance display.
 Reset Resets all Max/Min values to defaults. This is intended to be a starting point
for user defining Max/Min values.
 Refresh Updates the display to reflect any changes the user may have may by editing
individual Max/Min values (only required to update after manual edits to update the Pass/Fail
status’s).
 Save Opens a “File Save” dialog to allow saving of the current Max/Min values to a
named file for later recall.
 Recall Opens a “File Open” dialog to recall a save set of Max/Min values from a
previously saved file.
 Selected Params
o - Use this function to activate the main data display Data Tolerance function.
If the “Display” box is checked then all selected Parameters will be displayed, evaluated
and Pass/Fail status displayed on the main data display using the currently loaded
pass/fail parameters.
o – Clicking this button will clear all check boxes for parameter selection
(Sel Column” (no data items will be selected for evaluation on the main data display).
Specific Data Tolerance Functions (Plot Display):
These functions are identical to all other plot displays. Refer to Main Data Plot controls including
infinite Zoom (draw a box around the desired zoom area).

Creating Data a Tolerance Max / Min Setup
There must be data displayed on the main data display to open the data tolerance display. Users can create
or change the Max/Min values displays in a number of ways.
1. Use the or functions as a starting point, then edit individual Max/Min

values as desired to finish. This method assumes that the displayed data represents a baseline size
distribution since this method is dependent on the displayed data.
2. Develop Max/Min values in another application (like Excel) and copy them into the Data Tolerance
display’s Max/Min columns.
3. Manually edit in all Max/Min values. All Max/Min data is “Editable” like a spread sheet.
NOTE: Any selected field(s) can be cleared with <cntl><X>. Empty fields are assumed to be = 0.
Loading a Data Tolerance File
Saved “Data Tolerance Files” may be loaded without opening the Data Tolerance display. This is useful
when the user, prior to making a sample measurement needs to have a Data Tolerance setup (Max/Min)
that is specific to the sample to be measured. You need to do this if you have a user designed report the
includes Data Tolerance items.
To load a Data Tolerance file:
Select “Load Data Tolerance File” from the Tools menu.
A File Open dialog will appear and you navigate to and select the desired Data Tolerance file to load.
Data Tolerance files are generally displayed in a DataTolerance folder under the main Microtrac
installation folder.
Once the file is loaded all measurements will be evaluated using the values in this file until the user loads
another file or changes values in the Data Tolerance display.

Printing and Exporting Data Tolerance Information
Printing And Exporting from the main Data Tolerance Display

To print or export data from the main Data Tolerance Display, Right Click anywhere on a spread sheet
style item to produce a Print and Export menu.
Main Data Tolerance Display Print and Export Menu

Select the desired print or export options from the menu.

Printing and Exporting from the Data Tolerance Plot Display
This display has the same Print and Export functionality as all other Microtrac Flex data plots. Refer to the
main data plot description for details. (See example report, next page).
Data Tolerance Report

Adding Data Tolerance to User Designed Reports
Data Tolerance results can be added to user designed reports that can be selected as a report printed
manually or automatically (auto-print mode) from the list of available reports in the Tools/Reports dialog.
The Data Tolerance: Summary Data, Percentile Data and Tabular data are all available as independent
items on the “Reports Designer” “List of Variables”. (See Designing Reports section for details)

Data Tolerance, Tabular Data will be printed in the format last used in the Data Tolerance Display
(%Channel, %Passing, %Retained).
Caution: Pass/Fail Status will be evaluated on the Max/Min values last used in the Data Tolerance Display.
Before printing or auto printing reports make sure the desired Pass/Fail file or values are loaded into the
Data Tolerance display
Note: If data is displayed in a format other than Standard Progression the Tabular Data Tolerance
data will = 0.0. Summary and Percentile data will print always normally.
Using Selected Data Tolerance Parameters For Pass/Fail Evaluation
The Data Tolerance functionality includes the ability to select any number (combination ) measurement
parameters on the Data Tolerance display to be used to evaluate and display a Pass/Fail status on the main
data display. This evaluation is performed using the currently loaded Data Tolerance file. This feature can
be enabled and disabled. If enabled then every sample measurement performed, every recalculation and
every database record recalled will be evaluated and results displayed in a tab on the Measurement
Information Data Tol Tab of the Main data display. When enabled this tab is always “Brought to the
Front” when results are displayed or redisplayed due to recalculation.
Selected Data Tolerance Parameters Evaluation on Main Data Display

Selecting Pass/Fail Parameters

Pass/Fail parameters (Data Items) are selected by setting the check box next to each desired parameter (Sel
column) to be included in the data tolerance evaluation on the Data Tolerance setup display. See screen
capture below.
Data Tolerance Parameters with Some “Selected”

There is no limit to the number of Data Items that can be selected to be used. The selected data items are
saved in the saved Data Tolerance File(s) along with the other data tolerance information.
Note: If data is displayed in a format other than Standard Progression then any Tabular Data
selected parameters are ignored (not used even if selected). Selected Summary and Percentile
parameters will always be used regardless of the displayed progression.
Enabling and Disabling Data Tolerance Evaluation
Data Tolerance Evaluation can be Enabled or Disabled. When Enabled the currently loaded data tolerance
parameters and selected parameters are used to evaluate each measured, recalculated or recalled Microtrac
particle size measurement. If Disabled then no data tolerance evaluation is made on the main data display
and the “Data Tol” tab on the Measurement Info property sheet is hidden. When the software is closed and
re-opened the status of the Enable/Disable is maintained (is persistent).
Data Tolerance Evaluation can be Enabled or Disabled from two locations.
1. In the Data Tolerance display . To Enable set the check for

“Display”.
2. In the View/Configure Data View dialog box. To Enable set the check for Data Tolerance –

3.
View /Configure Data View/Options Tab
Adding Data Tolerance Evaluation to a Printed Report
Data Tolerance Evaluation entities are available to be added to user designed printed reports.
These entities are:
DataTolStatus – “Pass” or “Fail” (text)
- DataTolSelectedPassFail –
See Designing Reports section below for details about how to add items to a custom designed report.

Trend Plot Display
General Description
Microtrac FLEX 11 Trend Plot Display allows the user to select up to 6 independent variables from
Microtrac measurement data and simultaneously plot a trend for any number of selected database records to
be recalled to the trend plot. Trend Plotting is also available during Live Measurements (see “Live Trend
Plotting” below).
The user can, for each separate data item selected set:
 Plot Scaling for that item, (Auto or Min/Max scale values for plot).
 Define an allowable Min/Max limit value for the data item that will be displayed as a pale green
color bar on the plot (see below). This allows easy interpretation as to the Pass or Fail of the data
points in the plot
Microtrac FLEX 11 Trend Plot – Showing 6 Independent Data Items (some 3D)

Trend Data Plot Display Features
The Trend Display has the following user controlled features:
 Plot paging.
 Dynamic points per page adjustment.
 Printing capabilities (print all or just one plot).
 Exporting capabilities.
 2D and 3D display capabilities.
 Individual point value display capabilities.
If three (3) or fewer items are selected for plotting then the data plots are expanded to full width (see below.
Trend Plot with 3 Data Items Selected

Setting Up for a Trend Plot
Overview
Trend plotting is setup from the “Trend Plot” tab of the Database Retrieval form (dialog). NOTE: you
must select a Bench Type on the “Database Query Filters” tab before the “Trend Plot” tab can be selected.
Setup is accomplished by:
1. Specifying and selecting up to 6 data items to plot simultaneously.
2. Optionally specifying and selecting Trend data point scaling for each data item.
3. Optionally specifying and selecting Trend data Min/Max limit values for each data item.

Once these items are setup the can be optionally saved for later recall. Current trend setups are maintained
independently for S3000/S3500 and Nanotrac analyzers.
Trend Plot Setup Details
The following steps describe how to setup for a trend plot.
1. To activate the Trend Plot Setup tab on the database retrieval display you must first select a bench
type from the “Database Query Filters” tab of the “Database Retrieval” form. Select S3000/S3500
or Nanotrac to activate the “Trend Plot Setup” tab.
Bench Type Selection

2. Click on the “Trend Plot Setup” tab .
Trend Plot Setup

3. Fill out and select the desired data items to trend.
IMPORTANT: the maximum number of data items that can be selected for trending is 6.
Go to next page…

Column Item Descriptions
Summary Data Section:
(Going left to right)

Data Item – This is predefined for Summary Data.
Sel (Data Item) – Set a check in the box to the right of the Data Item to select it for trending.
Min Val Lim – Enter a minimum allowable value for the data item (optional).
Max Val Lim – Enter a maximum allowable value for the data item (optional).
Sel (Limits) - Set a check in the box to the right of the Min/Max Limits to select it for trending. If not
selected then Min/Max limits are not shown on the plot.
Plot Scale Min – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale minimum value (optional)
Plot Scale Max – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale maximum value (optional)
Sel (Plot Scale) - Set a check in the box to the right of the Min/Max Plot Scaling to select it for trending. If
not selected then the vertical axis scaling is “Automatic”.
Percentile Data Section:

%Tile(%) – Enter up to 10 percentiles. These values will be applied to all recalled data records for trend
plotting purposes.
Sel (Data Item) – Set a check in the box to the right of the %Tile Item to select it for trending.
Min Size Lim – Enter a minimum allowable Size in microns for the data item (optional).
Max Size Lim – Enter a maximum allowable Size in microns for the data item (optional).

Plot Scale Min – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale minimum size value (optional)
Plot Scale Max – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale maximum size value (optional)
Size Percent Section:

Size % (um) – Enter up to 10 particle sizes. These values will be applied to all recalled data records for
trend plotting purposes.
Sel (Data Item) – Set a check in the box to the right of the Size% Item to select it for trending.
Min Size Lim – Enter a minimum allowable % for the data item (optional).
Max Size Lim – Enter a maximum allowable % for the data item (optional).
Plot Scale Min – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale minimum % value (optional)
Plot Scale Max – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale maximum % value (optional)
Standard Progression % in Channel Size Edges Section:

Edge (um) – Drop down the combo box list for each row and select a channel edge size*.
Sel (Edge) – Set a check in the box to the right of the Size% Item to select it for trending.
Min Size Lim – Enter a minimum allowable % for the edge item (optional).
Max Size Lim – Enter a maximum allowable % for the edge item (optional).

Plot Scale Min – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale minimum % value (optional)
Plot Scale Max – Enter a value to set the plot vertical axis scale maximum % value (optional)
* NOTE: if a size is selected that is outside the range of the database record recalled then the value
will be plotted = 0 and the bottom axis label for that data point will be “E” (error).
Trend Setups Auxiliary Controls
Click this button provided to clear out selected sections. Select sections to clear and click.
Only selected sections will be cleared ( in the case below that will be Percentile Data and Size Percent
Data).
Click this button to save the current trend setup to a file for later recall.
Click this button to recall a previously saved trend setup.

Executing Trend Plot
Once the trend plot setup is completed to execute the trend plot:
1. Click on the “Query Results” tab.
2. Select the desired database record for trending.
3. Right click on the records list to produce the floating display menu.
4. Select “Retrieve to Trend Plot”.

Trend Plot Details
Plot Paging
Depending on the setting for Points Per Page and the number of total points plotted the plotted data will
span over several or more pages. The following tools allow the user to browse the pages.
Dynamically sets the number of data points displayed per page. This defaults to
20 when the display is first filled (40 for double wide plots of 3 or fewer data items).
Moves all plots to page 1.
Moves all plots to the previous page.
Moves all plots to the next page.
Moves all plots to the last page.
/ Shows or hides vertical axis values for all plots data points

Sends all plots to be printed on a single sheet The user will have the option of printing the
current page or all pages.
Standard Flex plot controls apply to individual plots.
Toggle the plot between 2D and 3D representation.
Export the graph to a picture format file.
Send the plot to the Windows clipboard.
Print the individual plot.
Data View Tool Bar Trend Button
Once a trend plot has been closed it can be re-opened using the button on the data view tool bar.
Live Trend Plotting
Trend plotting can be used during “Live Measurements” when Multiple Runs (Measurement Setup/Number
of Runs > 1) are requested. When this feature is “Enabled” and live measurements are in progress the
Trend display will be “On Top” in the data display and as each measurement of the multi-run is completed
the selected data will be trend plotted.
This feature is enabled from the View/Configure Data View dialog, “Data Plotting” tab.
View/Configure Data View dialog, “Data Plotting” Tab

To “Enable” live trend plotting:
1. Click on Trend Plots in the Live Meas. Multi-Run section.
2. Select the Trend Points per Page (number of data points shown on the screen at a time). High
(most), Medium of Low(fewest).
Making Live Trend Plot Data Selections:

Live trend plotting uses the same data (to plot) selections as are setup in Database Recall. Therefore before
enabling live trend plotting you must make sure the correct trend plot data items are setup in database
recall. Open a database for recall and follow the steps from “Setting Up for a Trend Plot” above.
Note 1: Once trend plots selections are made they are permanent until changed and do not need to be
reestablished even after closing and re-opening FLEX.
Note 2: If no trend items are selected then even if Live Trending is “Enabled” no trend plot will be
displayed. A message will be presented to the user that no items are selected.
Live Trend Results:

When the Multiple Runs are completed the Trend Plot will remain open for manipulation and printing or
export as desired. The Trend plot can be closed and re-opened and the data from the last multiple run
measurement set will be displayed as long as another sample measurement has not been executed. (See
“Trend Plot Details” above)

Creating Composite Measurement Data
This functionality allows the user to create a Microtrac data display where the data contained is a
Composite (“average of”) a specified set of database measurement records. Once created this “composite”
measurement data may be:
 Printed
 Re-calculated (with some limitations).
 Saved and Recalled as a normal database record.
This functionality is facilitated via the FLEX Statistics display. Records to be included in the composite are
recalled to the Statistics display and the “Composite” data display is generated from the Statistics display
Mean (“average of”) volume data.
NOTE: The user does bear responsibility to assure that rules stated below are adhered to when creating
a composite measurement record or the potential exists for unexpected results.
Rules for Composite Creation
The following rules should be adhered to when creating a composite measurement data set. These rules are
not enforced via FLEX software.
1. Do Not mix data with different calculation modes (IE: Nanotrac vs UPA or S3500 vs Legacy
calculation modes).
2. Do Not mix S3500 wet and dry data. If this is done the LAST database record in the set will define
whether the composite data is displayed as wet or dry.
3. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that all data Analysis Setup parameters for the records
selected for the composite record are the same. If Analysis parameters are not the same the user is
mixing dissimilar data. The LAST selected record in the composite will determine the
measurement SOP parameters that are saved and displayed for the composite data.
NOTE: Be aware that since these rules are user enforced the possibility that the measurement SOP
parameters that are displayed / printed with the composite data may not be correct. For example the user
could create a composite that is formed from measurements of two or more dissimilar samples.

Steps to Create a Composite Measurement Data Set
1. Open the database for recall that contains the records to be included in the composite data set.
2. Open the Retrieve Data display from the Data Retrieval menu or Toolbar button .
3. If a specific bench type is NOT selected, select the desired bench type (Nanotrac or S3500).
4. Click on the Statistics Setup Tab to go to Statistics Setup.
Statistics Setup
5. Set the check on Composite “Create” to enable the creation of a composite data set. Certain items
will automatically be set and disabled when this box is checked (see figure above).
6. Click on the Query Results tab.

7. Select the records to be included in the composite set.
Query Results Tab

8. Right Click on the display and select “Retrieve Selected Record to Statistics Display”. The
selected records will be recalled to the Statistics display and the display will open after the
following message is acknowledged with OK.
(Goto Next Page)

9. Click on the Statistics display to complete the composite data display
creation process. The Statistics display will automatically close and the composite data is now
displayed in the main data display.

Main Data Display with Composite Data
10. Optional – Sample Id’s, Notes can be changed or edited prior to the Save (step 11). Click the
button edit the ID’s and Notes as Desired then click the button to update the screen.
HINT: The Notes field might be a good place to remark about what records were used to
create this composite record.
11. Click to store the composite data to the database as a Composite Data record.
This data can now be treated similarly to an “Average Of” database record.
NOTE: The word “Composite” is appended to the Title section to indicate this is a composite data
set.

Composite Data Display Exceptions
When composite data is displayed the data display has some items that are “Not Applicable” (N/A) since
they have no valid meaning. Those items are marked “N/A” or in some cases they are disabled. They are
(shown above):
 Acquired Time and Date for the data.

 Run Time
 Run Number
 Measurement setup Information that may not be correct (see rules above). All measurement setup
info valid or not is produced on printed reports.
 Setzero and Raw data displays are disabled (produce an “Invalid Operation” message) when
clicked.
Identifying Composite Database Records

Composite database records are identified in the database Retrieval, Query Results tab by a pale yellow
colored background and a run number = 101 (see last record below).

Creating Manually Entered Measurement Data
This functionality allows for the creation of Microtrac style measurement data that is “manually” entered
by the user. This can be useful if it is desired to get data from another source into FLEX (Microtrac)
format. The user simply enters %Channel data for the displayed Microtrac edges and then creates a FLEX
data display that is calculated based on the “manually” entered data. Once created this “manual data entry”
measurement data may be:
 Printed
 Re-calculated (with some limitations).
 Saved and Recalled as a normal database record.
NOTE: This function not available if Security is active.

Steps to Create Manually Entered Data
1. Measure a sample using the desired measurement setup (SOP) for the manually entered data OR
recall a database record to be used as a template for the manually entered data. NOTE: This data
MUST be displayed in Standard Progression and in a Volume or Intensity Distribution.
Remember Wet and Dry data may have a different bottom size and number of channels.
2. Open the Manual Data Entry form from the Tools menu.
Tools Menu
3. Enter %Channel data in the “%Chan” column. This can be done by typing or “cut and paste” from
another application (ie: Excel). A running total % value is displayed while data is being entered.
NOTE: Once all channel data is entered the total % MUST = 100 exactly before the manually
entered data can be used to create a Microtrac FLEX data display. (See figures next page).

Manual Data Entry (No Data) Manual Data Entry (Some Data)
NOTE: The button clears the data entry column (sets all values = 0.00).

Manual Data Ready for Creation (= 100%)
4. Click to create a Microtrac FLEX data display using the manually entered data. The
data entry form will close and a data display will be created using the manually entered data.

Microtrac FLEX Data Display with Manually Entered Data

NOTE: “:Manual Entry” is appended to the displayed title to indicate that this is user manually
entered data.
5. Optional – Sample Id’s, Notes can be changed on the data display, data can be recalculated to
different progressions or distributions Percentiles and Size percents. Change the desired
parameters and click the button to update the displayed data.
6. Optional - Click to store the manually entered data as a database record.

7. Optional – Print selected reports for this data display. NOTE: Setzero and Raw Data reports are
not valid for this type of data.
Manual Data Entry Display Exceptions
When manually entered data is displayed the data display has some items that are “Not Applicable” (N/A)
since they have no valid meaning. Those items are marked “N/A” or in some cases they are disabled. They
are (shown above):
 Acquired Time and Date for the data.

 Run Time
 Run Number
 Measurement SOP Information that may not be correct (see rules above). All measurement setup
info valid or not is produced on printed reports.
 Setzero and Raw data displays are disabled (produce an “Invalid Operation” message) when
clicked.

Identifying Manual Data Entry Database Records
“Manual Entry” database records are identified in the database Retrieval, Query Results tab by a pale
orange colored background and a run number = 102 (see last record below).

Data Emulation Feature
The Data Emulation feature of FLEX allows for the transformation of a Microtrac measured particle size
distribution to be “transformed” to appear as if it were measured using another (alternate) method of
particle size analysis. The alternate method could be anything such as sieves, sedimentation, another
diffraction or dynamic light scattering instrument. Results can be displayed in Microtrac size space or the
alternate method’s size space by choice of the user.
Transformation (emulation) factors are calculated using input data from a Microtrac measurement and a
measurement using the alternate method for the same sample material. These factors are applied to
Microtrac measurement data to produce data that conforms to the particle size distribution when it is
measured by the alternate method.
CAUTION:
1.
The reliability of this functionality is dependent on the measurement repeatability of the subject
sample material.
2. Reliability also depends on the material production process (characteristics) being consistent over
time. Changes in particle shape can alter the nature of the measurement results from methods such
as sieve screens that allow elongated particles to appear to have a smaller size distribution than
reality.
3. The number of alternate data points used in the generation of the emulation factors will effect how
well the transformation is executed. More data points = better transformation fit.
4. Data Emulation factors are generated for a specific Microtrac Bench Type: IE: 3500, Blue Wave
or Nanotrac and in the case of 3500 and Blue Wave also the application type Wet or Dry and the
size range. Only use emulation factors that have been generated for the specific Bench Type, Size
Range and Application Type of Microtrac analyzer in use.
WARNING:
For /S3500 data the “Calculation Mode” must be “S3000” for Data Emulation to function. If the calculation
mode is NOT “S3000” and Data Emulation is “Enabled” there is NO emulation calculation performed. (See
setting Analysis Options in the Analysis Dialog tab of the Measurement Setup Options Dialog for S3500.)
Generating Data Emulation Factors
The process of generating data emulation factors for a given material is:
1. Obtain results of measurements for the subject material using the alternate method.
2. Measure the same subject material using Microtrac.
3. Using the Microtrac measured data from the live measurement display or a database retrieval open
the Data Emulation Factors Setup dialog.
4. Complete the steps detailed below to develop (generate) a set of Data Emulation Factors that will
transform Microtrac data to appear as if measured by the alternate method results.

Data Emulation Factors Generation Step by Step
It is assumed that the current Microtrac data display contains the baseline Microtrac measurement data for
the subject material and that %passing data is available for this material using the alternate measurement
method.
1. Open the Data Emulation Setup display by clicking the Tools menu /Data Emulation/ Create Data
Emulation Factors item .
Tools Menu
Data Emulation Setup Display

Notice that the Microtrac %passing data is displayed on the plot in the center of this display.

Enter the Alternate Method Measurement Data
2. Enter the alternate method %passing results in “Descending Size Order” using the alternate
Method Data Entry Edit Window.
Alternate Method Data Entry Edit Window
3. Required: Enter a size value (in microns) as the first entry for 100% Passing. In the Enter Size
Edit Window then click to transfer the data entry to the Alternate Method Input
Data list.

First Point is Added to the Alternate Method List and to the Data Plots as a Green Diamond Point
4. Continue “Adding” alternate method data points (size and %passing) to complete the alternate
method list.
Requirement: The last point added MUST be for 0% passing. If this point is not precisely known then
empirically estimate the Size intercept. The entered 0% passing point should be as close to where the
entered curve will cross as possible.

Completed Alternate Method data list with points plotted as green diamonds against the baseline Microtrac
data (red line plot). Plot is Zoomed to better show the difference.
5. If desired Save the alternate method data to a file for later recall or reference by clicking the
button in the section.
HINT: use a descriptive filename for this material.
The full path and file name of the saved data appears in:

Generate Data Emulation Factors
6. Generate the Data Emulation Factors for the subject material by clicking the button in
the Emulation Factors section of the display.
Display after calculation of the data emulation factors.
 Calculated factors are listed.

 An interpolated curve is fitted to the alternate method data points on the plot.
 Baseline data is shown in red on the plot.
 The plot is automatically Zoomed to the extent of the alternate method data sizes.
7. Optional – The effectiveness of the Emulation Factors can be tested by clicking the
button in the Emulation Factors section. This action will “Apply” the calculated Emulation Factors
to the Microtrac baseline data. The result should be that the Microtrac baseline data will now plot
over top of the alternate method interpolated curve. (See next Page).

Data Plot after Test Factors Function is Executed
Note that the Microtrac base line data overlays the interpolated alternate method curve. This verifies that
the Emulation Factors are correct and effective.
8. Requirement: Save the calculated Emulation Factors to a file by clicking the button
in the Emulation Factors section. Note that the file name of the saved factors now appears above
the Emulation Factors section.
HINT: use a descriptive filename for this material.
9. Optional: Set the current data emulation factors to be used by FLEX when data emulation
functionality is “Enabled” by clicking the button in the Emulation Factors section.

10. Optional: Enable Data Emulation by setting a check (click on) Enable Data Emulation check box
in the section above the Emulation Factors list.
11. Optional: Emulated data can be displayed using the Microtrac Size progression or the Alternate
Method Size progression. To select data to be displayed using the alternate method size
progression set a check in the “Display Alternate Method Sizes” by clicking this check box.
Completed Data Emulation Setup Display

Data Emulation Setup Display Details
Alternate Method Data Entry
Use this section to enter alternate method %Passing data.
- Enter %Passing value for a given alternate method data point.
- Enter the size in microns for the given alternate method data point.
- Adds the entered data point to the bottom of the Alternate Method data list.
- Inserts the entered data point to above the selected row in the Alternate Method data list.
- Deletes the selected Alternate Method data row from the list.
- Replaces the selected Alternate Method data row with the currently entered edit window
data.
Alternate Method Save/Recall
- Saves the entered Alternate Method data to a file for later recall.
- Recalls saved Alternate Method data for later use of review.

Miscellaneous
- Clears (resets) the entire display to the state it was in when opened.
- HELP - Opens this document (Data Emulation Help)
- Prints the Alternate Method data table.
Data Emulation Factors Section
- Calculates data emulation factors based on currently entered data.
- Prints the currently calculated data emulation factors.
- Performs as test to verify the effectiveness of the calculated data emulation factors. Factors
are applied to the base line data on this display.
- Saves the calculated data emulation factors to a file.
- Sets the current calculated data emulation factors to be the application’s current (for use) data
emulation factors. After setting the factors with the button
appears below the button.

Loading Data Emulation Factors
This section describes how to load and review previously saved data emulation factors to become the
currently used factors when Data Emulation is “Enabled”.
1. Open the Load Data Emulation Factors dialog from the Tools menu / Load Data Emulation
Factors.
Tools Menu

Load Data Emulation Factors Dialog
2. Click to recall a previously saved data emulation factors file.

Load Data Emulation Factors Dialog
After Factors are Loaded
3. Review the factors and if they are correct then make these factors the current emulation factors for
FLEX by clicking .
4. Optional: Enable or Disable data emulation by setting or clearing the Enable Data Emulation
check box.

5. Optional: Select display mode for emulation by setting or clearing he Display Alt Method Sizes
check box. If this box is NOT checked then emulated data is displayed using the current Microtrac
edge progression. If the box IS checked then the data is displayed using the alternate method
progression shown in the Alternate Method list in this dialog.
Reviewing Already Loaded and Set Data Emulation Factors

Use this dialog to review and change the status of data emulation factors that are currently loaded and set to
be used by FLEX if Data Emulation is “Enabled”.
1. Select the Tools menu / View Data Emulation Factors to open the View Data Emulation factors
dialog. This dialog looks the same as the Load Data Emulation factors dialog but when opened
immediately displays the currently loaded Data Emulation Factors.

View Data Emulation Factors
2. If these factors are ok simply close the dialog.
3. Optional:
 Change the Enabled status of Data Emulation.
 Change the Display Mode of Data Emulation
 Load and Set a different set of Data Emulation Factors.
Enabling Data Emulation Via the Configure Data View Dialog
Data Emulation may also be Enabled or Disabled and the Display Mode set in the View menu / Configure
Data View dialog Options Tab.

Emulated Data Example
Using the data from above the following shows the original Microtrac data and the Emulated data.
Original Data

Emulated Data
Note that the Distribution has changed (been Emulated)
Original Data (Red) Compared to same data Recalculated as Emulated (Green)

Emulated Data - Display Using Alternate Method Size Progression.
Data Emulation Indicators:
Measurement Information Tab Indicating Data Displayed

IS EMULATED And the Emulation Factors FileName
If displaying data using alternate method sizes then Progression = Alt Method.

Printed reports also display this information.

Microtrac FLEX - Sediment Feature
This functionality allows the user to display Microtrac measurement data combined with measurement data
derived from sieve screens in a Geologic size format, Wentworth (Phi) or ISO format.
Sample material is first measured by sieve and the material that passes through to the “Pan” is retained to
be measured in the Microtrac S3500/Bluewave diffraction analyzers. The sieve data is then manually
entered into the Sediment analysis display of the FLEX.Net software and a combined particle distribution is
calculated and displayed. This data can be saved along with Microtrac data to the FLEX.Net database for
later recall.
Standard Sediment Analysis Display

Combined sediment data can be Printed and Plotted from the Sediment Analysis Display.

Sediments Data Plot

Typical Printed Sediment Full Report
Sediment Measurement Method

A separate ISO Sediments Display is shown if View/Configure Data View/Display Format = ISO
NOTE: Once sediments data is attached to a measurement in either Wentworth or ISO format the
sediments data format cannot be changed. For example if sediments data is attached in the ISO format
even if the main display format is “Standard Format” the sediments data will be displayed in the format it
was entered in (in this case ISO).
ISO Sediments Display

The ISO Sediments display differs from the Standard Sediments display in the following ways:
 Some Calculated data is shown in units of Millimeters instead of Phi units.

 Soil Type gradations in the Summary data match ISO specifications.

 User defined Size Percent allows user to enter up to 12 sizes and labels
 User Size Percent can be plotted as shown below.
NOTE: Size Percent and Percentile values are saved with the database record and are used upon recall.
They are not always equal to the software’s default values that the user can set upon closing the Sediments
forms. The defaults (if set) are entered automatically in these fields if the sediments display is opened prior
to entering sediments data or if the Set Default button is clicked.
ISO User Size Percent Plot

(with all features enabled)
The ISO User Size Percent Plot can be customized to meet the user’s needs.
Toggles the X Axis between Large to Small and Small to Large sizes.
Toggles Labels on %Retained plot between user entered labels and data point
values.
Toggles between showing Percent Channel values and Hiding Percent Channel
Values.
Enables/Disables selected Plot, if check is set the plot type is enabled (shown).
Produces a printed report containing the plot as shown. This report does not contain
any data from the main sediments display, only the Plot is shown along with Sample IDs and Time/Date
information.

Produces a printed report containing the User Defined Plot as shown and includes
all the data shown on the main ISO sediments display.
Plot Only functions: Cursor, Print Plot, Save Plot to Clipboard, Save Plot to a specified
format.

The following are the steps to use this feature:
1. Measure the entire sample using sieve screens as specified below. The smallest sieve should not be
smaller than 0.0625 mm (63 microns, 230 US Mesh). At least several Microtrac size channels
should be “Overlapped” by the sieve measurement.
2. Starting with the largest sieve size used all sieve sizes smaller on the sieve list MUST be used to
obtain data entry.
3. Record the weight of material retained on each sieve screen(s) that sum up to the Phi sizes in the
data entry for the Sediment “Wt” column (see reference table below).
Sieve Sizes for Wentworth Sediments:
Diameter (mm) Phi US Mesh Tyler Mesh
128 -7 5 inch -
64 -6 2-1/2 inch -
32 -5 1-1/4 inch -
16 -4 5/8 inch .624 inch
8 -3 5/15 inch 2-1/2 mesh
4 -2 5 5
2 -1 10 9
1 0 18 16
0.5 1 35 32
0.25 2 60 60
0.125 3 120 115
0.062 4 230 250
FLEX Sediment Coarse Fraction Data Entry Table vs Tyler and US Mesh Sieves
Sieve Sizes for ISO Sediments:

128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, 0.63, 0.2, 0.125, 0.63 millimeters.
4. Record the weight of material that passes to the Pan.

5. Measure the material the passes to the Pan using the Microtrac S3500.
NOTE 1: Actual units of measure for weights can be anything but all units of measure MUST be the
same for each “weight” data entry.
NOTE 2: ISO sieve sizes differ from those in the above chart. Same rules for sieving apply.
NOTE 3: This option is “NOT Available” for analyzer models “Special” or “Basic”.

6. Open the Sediment Analysis display by selecting “Sediment Option” from the FLEX.Net Tools
menu.
7. When the Microtrac measurement is completed enter the manual data .

 Weight of the corresponding sieve data in the “Wt” column of the Sediment Analysis display.
 Enter the Total weight of the material from the Pan in the “Wt of Fine” window.
 Optionally enter Weight of Detergent, Weight of Contents and Native Weight. These values
are for reference only and are NOT required for the blend calculation.
8. Click to execute the blend calculation and display the blended sieve and Microtrac data.
9. Click to print a summary report of the data on the Sediment Analysis display.
Printed Report – Sediment Analysis Display

10. Click to plot the blended sediment data.
Typical Sediment Data Plot
11. Click on the sediment data plot to print a plot only report.
12. Click on the sediment data plot to print a full report Click on the
main Sediment Analysis display to save or update a FLEX database record to include the sediment
data.
Sediment Database Recall
When a database record contains sediment information and it is recalled a button appears on the
Main Data view toolbar. This indicates there is stored sediment data in the record. Click to view the
sediments data in the Sediment Analysis data sheet.

Sediment data can be entered or edited and recalculated from a recalled database record. The new be saved
to a new database record or the current database record can be updated.
Sediment Analysis Data Sheet Details
Wentworth Sediment Analysis Data Sheet

Right click on the display to print or export a section of the display.

ISO Sediment Analysis Data Sheet

Data Entry / Calculated Data Section
Standard Data Entry / Calculated Data ISO Data Entry / Calculated Data
Note: areas with a white background are user entered fields. Wt of Fine is REQUIRED all other fields are
optional. The Yellow background fields contain calculated values.
Wt of Fine – Total weight of the fines that were in the Pan and measured by Microtrac.
Wt of Detergent – Optional data entry by user.
Wt of Contents – Optional data entry by user.
Native Weight – Optional data entry by user.
Calculated Values
Wt of Coarse – Sum of all the weights entered in the Sediment Summary Wt column by the user in step 6
above.
Mz – Graphic Mean
Kg – Graphic Kurtosis
aI – Inclusive Graphic SD
SkI – Inclusive Graphic SK
Standard Format:
Gravel - % Size > 1mm
Sand - % Size <= 1mm and > 0.062 mm
Silt - % Size <= 0.062mm and > 0.004 mm
Clay - % Size < 0.004mm
ISO Format:
Cobble - %Size > 63 mm

Gravel - %Size <= 63mm and > 2 mm
Sand - %Size <= 2mm and > 0.063mm
Silt - %Size <= 0.063mm and > 0.002mm
Clay - %Size <=0.002mm

Sediment Summary Section
Sediment Summary - Before and After Coarse Data (Wt) Entries

Wt Column – User entered weights for coarse (sieved) data.
%Fines Column – Microtrac measured data in Phi units.
%Blended Column – Calculated blend of Coarse and Fine % channel data.
%Retained Column – Calculated blend of Coarse and Fine % retained data.
Percentiles Section
This section by default contains the percentile values that are used to calculate Mz, Kg, aI and SkI.
However the user can edit the %Tile column to any value (0.01 to 99.99). This will NOT change the values
used to calculate Mz, Kg, aI and SkI.
- Sets the %Tile values back to the Defaults as shown above.

Size Percent Section
Standard Format ISO Format

This section allows the user to enter specific particle sizes of interest and the calculation results in a
%Retained value and equivalent Phi Size for each size entered. Enter up to 12 sizes in millimeters
(Maximum Value 128.0mm, Minimum Value 0.000062 mm).
- Clears all entered and calculated values from the Size Percent section.
Description Section
This is a free format text area for adding miscellaneous comments (such as units of mass (wt) used for data
entry etc). The description is saved with the other user entered data when a “Save” is executed.
- Executes the calculation of user input data and Microtrac data.
- Plots the blended data.
- Saves or updates the current database record with the user entered data for later recall.
- Prints a report including all data shown on the Sediment Analysis sheet.
- Clears all user input data in preparation for new user input. Note to change a single field simply
edit the field a “clear” is not required. Then update the calculated data using the “Calculate” button.
- Opens this document for reference.

- Closes the Sediment Analysis data sheet.
Microtrac FLEX – Rosin-Rammler Option

A Rosin-Rammler analysis is optionally available for measurements acquired by Microtrac Diffraction
analyzers (S3500 series, Bluewave, BlueRay). Rosin-Rammler data is displayed on a separate “Rosin-
Rammler” tab on the main data display.
The Rosin-Rammler option is enabled via a check box in the View/Configure Data View dialog.
Configure Data View Dialog with Rosin-Rammler Option Enabled

Typical Rosin-Rammer Data Display
Data: d’ – intercept parameter or RRSB distribution, v – Exponent of RRSB (spread parameter)
Rosin-Rammler Display Controls
This section displays the Mass Fraction Q3*(%r;d’,v) axis limits as applied to the Rosin-Rammler analysis.
These limits can be changed by the user (edit directly on this display) and will remain changed while the
measure window is open. The limits can be changed at any time, before or after the sample is measured. If
these limits are changed then the current displayed data can be re-calculated using the changed limits by
clicking the button.

Rosin-Rammler Data Recalculated with Upper Limit Chaged to 96.0
- If Checked then the current entered limits do not change back to defaults for next measurement,
instead they are “maintained” until changed by the user. Closing and re-openning the software application
WILL reset to defaults. If multiple database and measurement views are open these values are
INDEPENDENT of each other, IE: each view has it’s own values.

Online Help
The following help items are available from the FLEX Help menu:
Help Menu
 Software User Manual - (this document)
 S3500 Operations Manual – S3500/S3550 hardware and operations manual
 Nanotrac Operations Manual – Nanotrac hardware and operations manual.
 Zetatrac Operations Manual – Zetatrac hardware and operations manual.
 SDC Operations Manual - Manual for the Sample Delivery Controller (SDC) sampling system.
 MAC 26 Manual – MAC 26 Auto-Sampler hardware manual.
 Dry Feeders and Accessories Manual – Turbotrac and other dry feeders hardware and operations
manual.
 NAS 35 Operations Manual – Nanotrac NAS 35 automated sampler operations manual.
 Software Security Manual – Describes the setup and use of the Software Security features.
 Fluid Reference Manual – Contains a list of characteristics for common fluids
 Particle Reference Manual – Contains a list of characteristics for common particle materials.
 USVR Operations Manual – Ultra-Small Volume Recirculator operations manual.
 Titrator Operations Manual – Manual for the Zetatrac Auto-Titrator Accessory.

Sample Measurement Operations Details
This section will discuss in detail the details involved in setting up and making a sample measurement.
Overview
The process of making a sample measurement involves a number of steps in the order described below.
1. Obtain information about the sample material and the carrier fluid.
2. Enter this information into the Measurement SOP parameters.
3. Decide and enter additional Measurement SOP parameters that control how the measurement data is
displayed.
4. Decide what additional measurement data outputs are desired (exporting, database saves, printed
reports) and enable those options.
5. Make a Setzero (background) measurement.
6. Introduce the prepared sample material into the sample cell or sample delivery system using the
Active Sample Loading display as a guide.
7. Perform the sample measurement.
8. Optionally, output or save data that may not have been automatically put out or saved during the
sample measurement process.
Sample Material and Carrier Information
Before a sample measurement is made certain information must be entered into the program’s
Measurement Setup Analysis Parameters. They are:
1. Carrier Fluid Refractive Index
2. Carrier Fluid Viscosity information (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) (what is the carrier fluid’s viscosity at
two different temperatures). An online reference is provided to obtain this information and is
accessible from the Help menu or a button in the analysis section of the Measurement SOP Dialog
box (see below).
3. Particle Material Refractive Index.
4. Particle Material Shape (Spherical or Irregular)
5. Particle Material Transparency (Transparent, Absorbing or Reflecting (S3500 only))

Measurement SOP
Measurement SOP is equivalent to Measurement Setup’s in Legacy Microtrac Software.
Measurement SOP information is entered into the Measurement SOP Options property sheet it is accessed
by selecting the Tools menu Measurement SOP item or clicking from the main tool bar.
The Measurement Setup dialog will open:
This dialog contains a list of saved setups (saved by the user) that can be directly recalled. These saved
SOP’s will automatically supply all values in the underlying Measurement SOP dialog. If a saved SOP is to
be used with no modification, find the setup on the Selected Saved SOP list and select it (click on it) and
close the Measurement SOP dialog.
To modify the current setup or create a new setup click the button to open the
Measurement SOP Options property sheet enter the required parameters on each tab.
Export Import
Measurement SOP’s can be “Exported” to an “Importable” file that can be ”Imported” back into FLEX
11. This functionality is usefull to transfer Measurement SOP’s to other FLEX 11 user’s or to Backup

SOP’s for restoration purposes. See details below in the section “Exporting and Importing Measurement
SOP’s.
Measurement SOP Options
Identifiers Tab
This tab is used to enter text information that will be displayed along with the sample measurement data on
the data display and printed reports.
 Title (30 characters max) – This text will be displayed in the Title area of the data display an printed
reports.
 Sample Id’s (20 characters max, each) – Two sample Id fields that will be displayed in the data
display and printed reports sample Id’s area.
 Notes (255 characters max) – Additional notes to be attached to the sample measurement such as
sample preparation.

Timing Tab
Items on this tab set the timing used for data collection.
 Setzero Time (10 sec min 999 sec max) – Sets the number of seconds that a setzero (background)
measurement collects data. Default = 30 seconds.
 Run Time (10 sec min 999 sec max) – Sets the number of seconds that a sample measurement
collects data. Default = 30 seconds.
 Number of Runs (1 to 99) – Sets the number of measurement runs that will be performed when a
sample measurement run is started. If this number is greater than 1 then that number of sample
measurements along with database saves, exports and printed reports will be produced for the
current sample. In addition an average of the data is calculated saved, exported and reports printed
when the measurement runs are completed.
 Multiple Run Options – Delay Time (Minutes) – (0 min, 120 min max) – Sets a time delay of x
minutes between each sample measurement run when the number of runs > 1 (Multi Run mode).
Default = 0 minutes (No delay)
NOTE: This feature can be used along with the Statistics Display to track the change in a
measured particle distribution over time. When a Multiple Run type measurement is executed the
results of the measurements are automatically loaded in to the Statistics Display. The Statistics
Display calculates the Mean, Std. Deviation and Coefficient of Variation for all calculated
parameters and the size distribution. Trend Plots of any parameter may be plotted, printed or
exported from the Statistics Display. (See Statistics Display below for details.

 - When “Checked” the specified delay is applied to the first
measurement of a multiple run and also single runs. EG: when a measurement run is started the
actual measurement will not take place until the specified time has passed.

Analysis Tab
Particle Information Sub Tab
Items on this tab set the characteristics of the sample measurement material.
 Particle Refractive Index (1.3 to 5.0) – Enter the refractive index of the particle material to be
measured.
 Transparency (Transparent, Absorbing or Reflecting (Non Nanotrac only) – Select the
transparency state of the particle material to be measured.
 Shape (Spherical or Irregular) – Select the shape state of the particle material to be measured.
 Particle Reference – Opens a reference document containing the characteristics

of common particle materials (part of Microtrac FLEX 11 software).
 Saved Particle Setups(combo box) – A list of Saved particle characteristics. Selecting a previously
saved set of particle characteristics from this list will automatically load the Particle Information
items. If this field reads “Current Particle” the current displayed characteristics are not from a
saved particle characteristics setup.
 New Particle Name (edit box, 20 characters max) – Enter a name here prior to saving the currently
displayed particle parameters.
 – Saves the currently displayed particle parameters to name displayed in the New
Particle Name edit box. The name Current Particle is a reserved name and cannot be saved.

 – Deletes the saved particle characteristics stored under the name shown in the
combo box text window. The name Current Particle is a reserved name and cannot be deleted.
Fluid Information Sub Tab
Items on this tab specify the characteristics of the sample carrier fluid.
 Fluid Refractive Index (1.33 to 1.65) – Enter the refractive index of the carrier fluid.
Viscosity fields below only apply to Nanotrac/Zetatrac analyzers.
 High Temperature – Enter the High Temperature for the fluid viscosity information.
 High Temperature Viscosity – Enter the viscosity of the fluid at the High Temperature.
 Low Temperature – Enter the Low Temperature for the fluid viscosity information.
 Low Temperature Viscosity – Enter the viscosity of the fluid at the Low Temperature.
 Fluid Reference – Opens an online reference document containing the

characteristics of common particle materials (part of Microtrac FLEX 11 software).
 Saved Fluid Setups (combo box) – A list of saved carrier fluid characteristics. Selecting a
previously saved set of carrier fluid characteristics from this list will automatically load the Fluid
Information items. If this field reads “Current Carrier” the current displayed characteristics are not
from a saved fluid characteristics setup.
 New Fluid Name (edit box, 20 characters max) – Enter a name here prior to saving the currently
displayed carrier fluid parameters.

 – Saves the currently displayed carrier fluid parameters to name displayed in the New
Fluid Name edit box. The name Current Carrier and Water are reserved names and cannot be
saved.
 – Deletes the saved carrier fluid characteristics stored under the name shown in the
combo box text window. The name Current Carrier and Water are reserved names and cannot be
deleted.
Analysis Options Tab(Nanotrac)
Nanotrac/Zetatrac Analysis Options

Items on this tab influence the basic volume distribution calculation strength and method.
Analysis Items:
 - This is the standard Nanotrac/Zetatrac analysis.
 - This analysis uses an advanced algorithm.
 - Enables Nanotrac and UPA legacy analysis modes in the Legacy Options.

Legacy Options:
 (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) – Calculates a Gaussian distribution centered

around the mean diameter.
 (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) – The option enhances the data analysis for particle
distributions at the small end of the range. Should be used for less than 20 nanometer
distributions. The option uses mode (median size of mode) volume weighting and is more
accurate for multi narrow mode samples.
 (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) – Causes the Nanotrac to use the Ultrafine Particle

Analyzer (UPA) mode of data analysis. Data will be calculated and presented as if the analyzer
were a UPA and use the UPA size range (0.003um to 6.54um). The size scale is traceable only to
the instruments Dynamic Light Scattering parameters. (Note: Nanotrac mode size scale is
calibrated to NIST traceability)
Optimize Items:
 Filter:Resolution (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) –

o Filter – Low, Medium or High - Controls the amount of statistical data averaging or
smoothing of the raw data power spectrum prior to volume calculation.
 Low filtering for maximum distribution detail
 Medium to High filtering for noisy raw data large particles, short run time, high
vibration or electrical noise environments.
o Resolution – Normal or High - Controls the amount of detail which can be resolved in a
particle size distribution. Use High for multi or narrow mode distributions or
distributions with details such as tails or shoulders.
 Sensitivity (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only: High, Standard, Low) – Adjusts the minimum detectable
percent in channel. High sensitivity detects the smallest percent in channel.

Analyisis Options Tab (S3000/S3500/S3550/Bluewave)
S3500/Bluewave Analysis Options

Items in the S3500 Analysis Options section are variable. The parameters available are dependent on the
S3000 Analysis Mode (see the Advanced Analysis tab description below).
 Analysis Mode. (S3500 only) The Advanced dialog box allows users of S3000 series
analyzers to select a mode of size calculation conforming to the older Microtrac
products. Dependent on the type and size range of the S3000 analyzer,
compatible legacy calculation algorithms are available according to the following
table:
S3000/S3500 Model - Range Lens Available Legacy Algorithms
Standard Short SRA150
0.243  1408um
Premium/Enhanced/eXtended Short SRA150, FRA9200,X100
0.020  1408um
Premium/Enhanced/eXtended Short SRA150, FRA9200,X100
0.020  2000um
Premium/Enhanced Long SRA200

2.75  2816um
Premium/Enhanced Long SRA200
0.02  2816um
 Filter – (All Modes) - Default mode: Enabled Standard.

Disabled – No filtering is performed.
Enabled Standard - filters out volume data assumed to be below the noise level in the calculated
volume data. (percentages below 0.3%)
Enabled Broad – Similar to “Enabled Standard” but with additional filtering specific to broad
distribution size analysis.
 X100 Extended Range – (Appears for X100 Calculation Mode only) – Extends the analysis range
of the X100 calculations down to 0.021um. If X100 Extended Range is not checked then the
X100 Calculations end at 0.122 um.
 SRA High Resolution – (Appears for SRA150 Calculation Mode only) - Selects the SRA
calculation mode, “High Resolution” option.

Adv Analysis Tab
Items on this tab apply to S300/S3500/3550 only. Setting parameters in this tab should only be performed
by Advanced Users. Normally the parameters in this tab should be left set to their default values.
To enable this tab click the button in the lower left hand corner of the measurement
setup options dialog.
S3500 Advanced Analysis Tab
 Optical Model. NOTE: set values in this option only by direction of Microtrac
Applications Lab personnel. These values should normally be set to 0.00.
 S30000/S3500/3550 Analysis Gain.
This is an advanced user feature and generally should not be used.
The Analysis Gain option in the Advanced Analysis Dialog box allows the user to adjust
the relative strength of the Microtrac S3000 series, iterative volume calculation. There are
two independent Analysis Gain settings:
Applies to Spherical/Transparent particles only.

Applies to all other particle types.
Selecting an S3000 series Analysis Gain = 2 operates the iterative volume calculation in
the “factory default mode”. For most cases “factory default mode” is the correct selection
and is the preferred setting.
Proper gain selection is an empirical process. Selection S3000 series Analysis Gain = 1 decreases
the strength: 2, 3 or 4 increases the strength of the “iterative volume calculation”. The higher the
Analysis Gain, the stronger “iterative volume calculation” becomes. Stronger
Analysis Gain can result in a “Narrower” calculated volume distribution for certain materials. For
example “tails” can be eliminated or reduced using stronger gain.
button sets the Analysis Gain = 2, the factory default value.

Special Case - Analysis gain set to = 0 (zero) – sets software to operate in the calculation mode of
previous (earlier) software versions. (All others ONLY).
NOTE: Beware that selecting too strong an Analysis Gain can produce poor results such as a “broken
up” size distributions.
Sample Loading Tab (S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay)
 User Defined Limits – This option allows the user to “Override” the automatic calculation of
Sample Loading limits in the sample loading display. The user confines the sample loading limits
to suit by specifying High and Low Transmission limits (Laser Attenuation = 1.0 - Transmission)

for the sample. If the Enable box is checked these limits will determine how the sample loading
display calculates and displays the acceptable sample loading range (Green Zone).
NOTE: This is an “Advanced Feature” and should not be used unless the user is fully confident of
overriding the automatically calculated limits under normal sample loading conditions.
Sample Loading Tab (Nanotrac)
 User Defined Limits – This option allows the user to “Override” the automatic calculation of
Sample Loading limits in the sample loading display. The user confines the sample loading limits
to suit by manually specifying Upper and Lower Loading values for the sample. If the Enable box
is checked these limits will the define the sample loading display acceptable sample loading range
(Green Zone).
NOTE: This is an “Advanced Feature” and should not be used unless the user is fully confident of
overriding the automatically calculated limits under normal sample loading conditions.

Cuvette Tab (Nanotrac Wave With Cuvette Option ONLY)
This tab is only present if the Nanotrac Wave with Cuvette Option is connected to the software. The user
MUST specify the type of cuvette being used for measurements. There are 4 recommended types of cuvette
and the user can select any of them for measurement.
When one of the four recommended types of cuvette are selected the Effective Reflectivity value is
automatically placed in the Effective Reflectivity data window.

Zeta Potential Tab (Zetatrac Or Nanotrac Wave with Zeta)
 - Set a check in this box to “Enable” Zeta Potential

measurements. If this box is checked then a Zeta Potential measurement is executed in addition to
each Particle Size measurement for Zetatrac Analyzers.
 Enter the Fluid Dielectric constant.(Default Water = 79).
 Set desired Field Strength (Nanotrac Wave ONLY)
NOTE: You must select a Zeta Potential Style report for printout of the Zeta Potential results from
the Reports/Select and Design dialog. All zeta potential report names contain as part of their name
“Zeta”. (see dialog figure next page)

Reports Menu/Select and Design Dialog
Showing Zeta Potential Reports

Perspective Tab
Items on this tab determine how the data from the measurement is displayed and also supplies input values
for some calculated values that can be variable.
 Progression – Select the channel size progression displayed
o Standard (root4 full size range only)
o Geometric 8 Root (full size range or variable size range)
All remaining Progressions are S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay only.
o Tyler Mesh – Data is displayed in Tyler Mesh size scale. Lower size limited to 26.16 um.
o US Mesh – Data is displayed in US Mesh size scale. Lower size limited to 26.16 um
 Distribution – Select the particle size Distribution desired
o Volume – Calculates a Volume weighted size distribution
o Area - Calculates an Area weighted size distribution
o Number - Calculates a Number weighted size distribution

o Intensity (Nanotrac only) – Calculates a light intensity weighted only size distribution.
 Size Range – Set a Max and Min size range for the measurement (N/A for Standard Progression).
 Residuals - Data outside the Max/Min range can be ignored or included in summary data
calculations by Enabling or Disabling Residuals. Enabling Residuals includes data outside the
range in the summary data calculations.
 Percentiles – Entered value is a percent passing, or percent retained, value the corresponding size is
calculated and displayed in the Percentiles area of the data display. (0.01 – 99.99)
 Size % – Enter any size within the currently installed Microtrac analyzer’s measurement range, a %
passing this size will be calculated and displayed in the Size % data display area.
Perspective Ranges (Microns)
Bench Type Minimum Maximum
Nanotrac 0.0008 6.54
S3000 Basic 0.688 995.5
S3000 Standard 0.243 1408
S3000 Special Wet 0.080 1408
S3000 Special Dry 0.243 1408
S3000 eXtended Wet 0.021 1408
S3000 eXtended Wet 0.021 2000
S3000 eXtended Dry 0.243 1408
S3000 eXtended Dry 0.243 2000
S3000 Low Range (195mm Lens)
Premium/Enhanced
Wet 0.021 1408
Wet 0.021 2000
Dry 0.243 1408
Dry 0.243 2000
High Range (326mm Lens)
Wet/Dry 2.75 2816
Full Range (326mm Lens)
Wet 0.021 2816
Dry 0.243 2816
S3000 High Only Wet/Dry 2.75 2816
Bluewave Wet 0.010 2000
BlueRay Wet 0.010 704

SDC Tab
Parameters on this tab setup the operation parameters of the SDC or ASVR. No matter which sample
system is installed the parameters are the same.
SDC Tab
Control Section
 Number of Rinses – sets the number of rinses performed for a rinse operation. Valid entry = 1 to 9,
default value = 4.
 Deaerate Cycles – Selects the number of deaeration cycles performed at the end of a Fill or Rinse
operation. This option is defaulted to zero (no deaeration). Set to an appropriate value if your
fluid contains a significant amount of dissolved air. Default = 0 (None).
 Flow Rate – Sets the SDC flow to a percentage of full flow in 5% increments.
 Ultrasonic Power - If your SDC is equipped with the optional ultrasonic probe, this parameter
sets the power level. The range of valid entries is 10 to 40 watts; the factory default is 25 watts.
 Ultrasonic Time. This parameter sets the amount of time the ultrasonic probe runs for each
activation. The range of valid entries is 1 to 999 seconds. When operating in the Auto Sequence
mode, the screen remains in the sample loading display while the ultrasonic probe is operating.
The factory default is 60 seconds.

SDC/ASVR Information Section
This section allows the user to save named sets of SDC/ASVR parameters for recall.
Saving
1. Enter a desired name in the New Params Name edit box.
2. Click to save the current parameters.
Recalling
1. Select a named setup from the drop list and that setup’s parameters will be automatically recalled
Deleting
1. Select the setup to be deleted from the drop list.
2. Click to delete the named setup.
Auto Sequence Options Tab.
The following list of options control the operation of the Auto Sequence feature of the SDC (see
SDC Auto-Sequence later in this manual) Note that these options are saved as part of the SDC
setups in the SDC Setup dialog box.
Fill/Rinse. The options in this field are as follows:

 If checked the sample system is rinsed and refilled before the start of an auto-
sequence cycle. (default = checked)
 Setzero - The two check boxes in this field determine the behavior of the Setzero function as
follows:
 If checked a Setzero operation will be performed for each automatic cycle.

(default = checked)
 - If checked the Setzero operation will retry until a valid Setzero is

obtained. If 3 Setzeros do not produce a valid Setzero, an error message is displayed and the
automatic sequence will be aborted. Display of this message probably indicates a dirty sample
cell or bubbles in the sample system. If this option is not checked and an invalid Setzero
occurs then the Auto Sequence will NOT be aborted. (default = checked)
Sample Loading. The options in this section control the manner in which sample is loaded into
the system.
 Ultrasonic. This drop down window provides the three options none, manual, and automatic.
If manual or automatic is selected, the button is available on the Sample

Loading dialog, assuming the ultrasonic probe option is installed in the ASVR or SDC.
Clicking the button starts operation of the ultrasonic probe. The ASVRs
alphanumeric display shows the time remaining until the ultrasonic probe will shut off. The
SDC displays time remaining in the Sample Loading display’s status bar. If the ultrasonic
option is automatic, the ultrasonic probe will automatically start operation when the amount
of sample in the system indicated on the Sample Loading display is in or above the READY
zone. If a second ultrasonic cycle is desired when the auto mode is selected, pressing the
button starts a second ultrasonic operation. Note that Auto Ultrasonic

takes precedence over Auto Dilute (see below). (default = Manual)
 Auto Dilute. This function has a manual and an automatic option. The operator activates
manual or automatic dilution by clicking or in the

sample loading display when this option = NOT Checked. If the Auto Dilute Option IS
checked, when the sample loading level is in the DILUTE range, auto dilution activates
without use intervention until the sample loading level is in the READY range. Auto dilution
will not start until the auto ultrasonic operation finishes if the Ultrasonic option is automatic.
(default = NOT Checked)

 Pause After. If checked, the automatic sequence pauses when a valid sample loading is
obtained. The operator must acknowledge with the button to continue

with the automatic sequence cycle. If not checked, the automatic sequence cycle continues
after a READY status has been detected for four consecutive loading measurement cycles to
ensure stability of the sample loading. (default = Not-Checked)
Measurement Run. This section contains the Pre-Run Circulation Time parameter. This
parameter determines the time the sample circulates in the system between when a valid sample
loading is obtained and the start of measurement data collection. The time remaining is displayed
Auto Sequence Status display’s in the Progress Bar. Valid entries for pre-run circulation time are
0 to 999 seconds. (default = 30 seconds)
Auto Sequence - Auto-Sequence Cycles parameter. This parameter sets the number of automatic
sequence cycles that are performed. One automatic sequence cycle is defined as the following set
of events:
 Rinse/fill
 Setzero if the Setzero option is checked.
 Sample loading (requires the operator to introduce sample)
 Pre-run circulation time
 Measurement of the sample for the number of measurements Measurement Setup Options
Timing tab.
 Print the run data selected in the Reports dialog.
 Rinse cycle
Multiple automatic sequence cycles consist of repeats of the above for the number of cycles
specified. (default = 1)

Dry Feeder Tab
This tab is used to setup the operation of the Microtrac dry sample feeders. The tab is active only for the
Vibratory dry.
Dry Feeder Tab - Vibratory Dry Feeder

 Sets the amplitude (feed rate) that the Vibratory Feeder will operate. Note that this value can also be
set from the Dry Feeder controls toolbar and in the sample loading display’s Dry Feeder controls.
These controls are covered in a later section.

Saving Entire Measurement SOP’s
Entire Measurement SOP’s can be saved for recall from the Measurement SOP dialog. This includes all
parameters in the Measurement SOP Options dialog.
Close the Measurement SOP Options dialog (returns to Measurement SOP dialog). To save the current
Measurement SOP properties enter a name in the SOP Name to Save or Delete edit box or select and
existing saved SOP name from the SOP Name to Save or Delete list (for Updating an existing SOP) and
click . The setup is saved, becomes the Base Setup Name and the setup name is added to the
Select Saved SOP list and the SOP Name to Save or Delete list.
 Base SOP – this is the name of the SOP that is the basis for the current SOP.
 User Modified – If “NO” the current SOP parameters are the same as the Base Setup. If “YES” then
the Base SOP was used as a starting point but the user has modified some of the parameters to
different values (changed Identifiers are not included in this evaluation).

Deleting Setups
The following procedure describes how to “Delete” a saved setup.
1. Select the setup name to be deleted from the Setup Name to Save or Delete list.
2. Click the button to delete the selected setup.

3. Answer Yes to the Delete this Setup Question to confirm you really want to Delete or No if you
really did not mean to delete.
4. Select another Saved Setup or confirm that the current Measurement Setup (SOP) parameters are set
correctly for your next sample measurement task.

Exporting and Importing Measurement SOP’s
The Export Import allows users to export a Measurement SOP to an “Importable File” that other users of
FLEX software can then “Import” to their Measurement SOP. When importing the imported Measurement
Setup replaces the current active Measurement Set. Make sure the current active Measurement SOP is
“Preserved” (saved) before importing. Once imported, the user can then save this setup (if desired to their
list of saved Measurement Setups).
This feature is ONLY available from a “Live Measurement” window (NOT available from “Database
Recall”).
Measurement SOP Dialog

Showing Export Import Buttons

EXPORTING Measurement SOP’s
 When is clicked (In the Export/Import section) a “File Export” dialog is presented.
 If the Measurement SOP being “Exported” has no name a warning is presented. The user can
choose to assign a Name or continue with NO name assigned. Otherwise the “File Export” dialog
is directly presented.
NOTE 1: Filename extension indicates what Microtrac product type the file applies to: “.nms” for
Nanotrac and Zetatrac and “.sms” for all S3000 and Bluewave series instruments.

NOTE 2: When entering a filename for Exporting you do not have to enter the filename extension. It
is automatically appended to the Entered Filename
 The user “Navigates” to the desired Export folder.
Note: For convenience, a folder is provided for these exports:

“C:\Microtrac\FLEX 11.x.x.x\SOPExport”
 The user enters the Filename for the file being Exported and clicks button to
complete the Export.
 When the export is completed the user is notified that the Export was successful.

IMPORTING Measurement SOP’s
 When is clicked (In the Export/Import section) a Warning (shown below) is

presented. Upon clicking a “File Open” dialog is presented. The user then
navigates to the desired import file and clicks the . Button.
NOTE: Filename extension indicates what Microtrac product type the file applies to: “.nms” for
Nanotrac and Zetatrac and “.sms” for all S3000 and Bluewave series instruments. You will only be
allowed to import files for the current open (active) Microtrac product.

 If import is successful a message is presented indicating the import is completed
 Upon import the name of the “Imported” measurement setup is placed in the “SOP Name to
Save or Delete” edit box and the “Base SOP” name.
 “User Modified” is set as its’ state was when the Measurement SOP was Exported.
 The user can choose to save the imported SOP to the same name or change the name to save as
desired.
 If a save is executed and the name being used is already the name of a saved SOP then the user
will be warned and can cancel the save until the name is changed or choose to continue
( ) and overwrite the existing SOP of the same name.

Reviewing Measurement SOP’s
Measurement SOP’s can be reviewed and/or printed without going to the Measurement SOP by:
 Select Show SOP from the View menu. The following summary of the current measurement setup
will be displayed.
Measurement SOP Summary View
- Open the SOP Dialog
- Print the contents of this display

User Defined Edges Display Option
This option allows the calculated data to be displayed in any progression of size edges the user chooses.
When this option is enabled instead of displaying the data in the progression selected in Measurement
Setup Progression. The main data display presents the measurement data using the user defined edges
instead. This feature is helpful when trying to match data with competitive products or other methods of
particle size measurement.
Setting Up User Defined Edges

The following describes how to setup, save & recall sets of User Defined Size Edges:
1. Open the User Defined Edges setup dialog from the Tools/Setup User Defined Channel Edges.
2. Build an Edge List by entering the desired edge values and clicking the
button to add the edge to the edge list.
3. Continue adding edges until all desired edges are on the edge list.
4. Set a check in on the check box to activate the substitution of the currently displayed
User Defined Edge list on the main data display and graph.
5. Optionally save the current User Defined Edge set to a file for late recall.
6. Close the dialog and either make measurements or recall database records. The data will now be
displayed and printed using the specified edges.
7.
NOTE: after closing the dialog, to change currently displayed data “to” or “from” user defined edges
click the calculate button.

User Defined Edges Setup Dialog Details
The current user defined edge list is maintained and used for all User Defined Edge displays. When the
FLEX software is closed these values are saved and restored when the program is re-opened. The status of
the User Defined Edges is also maintained in the same way Enable .
NOTE: There must be a minimum of 6 user defined edges entered. If fewer than 6 edges are entered then
even if User Defined Edges is “Enabled” they will not be displayed. If you close the User Defined Edges
Setup dialog with fewer than 6 edges entered a warning message is posted before the dialog closes.
Use this edit box to enter size channel edges (enter in units of Microns).
Click this button to Add the edge value in the Enter New Edge edit box to the current
Edge List.
Click this button to remove a selected edge value from the current Edge List. Click
on edge value to select it, then click “Remove Selected”
Click this button to clear the current Edge List of all values.
Click this button to save the current Edge List to a file (to be used for a later recall).
Click this button to recall a previously saved Edge List.
Set this check to enable display of the data using the current user defined edges. Clear this
check to return to standard Microtrac edge progressions for display.
Indicates the name of the file current edges are saved in. If the edges do not
match the values in the saved file then “Edges have been modified.” is displayed .
NOTE: User Defined Edges display can also be enabled or disabled from the View/Configure Data view
dialog.

Partial View of Configure Data View Dialog
(showing User Defined Size Edges Enable)
Example: User Defined Edges Displayed

Selecting Data Output Options
A number of data output options are available in addition to the data display, they are:
 Save to the Database.
 Print Selected Reports.
 Auto or Manual Export to Data File.
Save To Database
There are three (3) Save to Database options available. They are selected from the Measure Menu:
1. Without Save – Choose this option when you are not sure if you want to save the sample
measurement data or do not want to save the sample measurement data. You can choose to save
the sample measurement data manually using the Save to Database button on the main
toolbar.
2. With Save – Choose this option to have the measurement data automatically saved to the connected
database (name shown in the Measure window Title bar).
3. Save Average Only – Choose this option to save only the Average of Multiple data measurements.
When the Timing/Number or Runs in Measurement setup is set to a number greater than 1, the
sample is measured for the specified number of times and then an average for those runs is
calculated and displayed. If you only want to save the average of those runs then select this option.
Note 1: If save Average Only is selected and the Measurement Setup Timing/Number or Runs is = 1
then this option will save every run (will act like the With Save option).

Note 2: This option selection is “persistent”, the save option that is enabled when the application is
closed upon re-open remains enabled.
Selecting Reports
A number of Pre-designed reports are available for selection. You can build a list of desired reports for
printing from the Reports/Select and Design menu option.
This will open the Select / Design Reports dialog:
Reports Select and Design Dialog

Reports available for selection are shown in the Report Templates list. Reports selected for printing are
shown in the Selected Reports list. When reports are printed, a report of each “selected report” will be
produced.
Adding a Selected Report
To add a selected report High Light (click on) the desired report in the Report Templates list and Click the
button. The selected report name will now appear in the Selected Reports list.

Removing a Selected Report
To remove reports from the Selected Reports list High Light (click on) the report name to remove and
Click the button.
When finished selecting reports close the dialog with

Clear List
Clicking the will remove all selected reports from the list of Selected Reports.
Delete
To delete a designed report, highlight (click on) the report to be deleted in the Report Templates list and
click the button. If this report is on the Selected Reports list it will be removed as part
of the deletion process.
Paper –
Check this box to use reports designed for A4 (210mm x 297mm) size paper. This setting is persistent (it is
remembered after program is closed).
Design Report
The user can design his or her own custom reports using the extensive reports
designing capability of Microtrac FLEX. This subject is discussed in detail in a section devoted to reports
designing.
Print Selected Reports

Printing selected reports for sample measurements can be performed automatically or manually.
 Manual Printing – When measurement data is displayed the selected reports can be manually
printed by clicking the Print Reports button on the data display toolbar.
 Automatic Printing – Select this option when you want to have selected reports printed
automatically at the conclusion of each measurement cycle. Click on the Measure menu Auto Print
item to enable automatic report printing. This option selection is “persistent”, if Auto Print is
enabled when the application is closed then upon re-open Auto Print remains enabled.

 Database Batch Report Printing – This option allows the user to select a group of database
records and then produce printed reports for each selected database measurement record in a
“batch” mode (all at one time). This allows the user to make measurements without having to
wait for printed reports. The user can then batch print reports, unattended at a later time. Details
for this operation will be explained in the Database Operations section below.
Setzero Measurement
Before a sample measurement is performed a setzero (background) measurement must be executed. The
Setzero is a measurement of signal produced by the instrument with no sample material. This background
raw data is then subtracted from the sample measurement data leaving the sample measurement data with
only the signal produced by the actual sample material.
Background Check (Nanotrac/Zetatrac Only)

Background check function is provided to allow the user to optionally, check the cleanliness of the sample
system (Nanotrac sample cell). This is not to be confused with the Setzero background measurement. To
initiate a background check, click the button on the main toolbar. The Nanotrac will open the
Background Check display and start collecting and displaying background data. Generally values in this
display should be less than 0.01 if the sample cell is clean.
Nanotrac Background Check Display

Setzero
Auto-Align (S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay only) – The software can be set to automatically re-align the laser
as part of the Setzero measurement process. This preference can be turned on by setting a next to the
Auto-Align item on the Measure menu.
Measure Menu - Auto-Align
Perform the Setzero measurement by clicking the button on the main tool bar. The Progress display
will appear and close when the Setzero measurement is completed.
Progress Display

Setzero data may be viewed by clicking the Setzero Tab on the data display.
Typical Nanotrac/Zetatrac Setzero Raw Data

Sample Loading
In this step sample material is introduced into the sampling delivery system (diffraction instruments) or
sample cell (Nanotrac). A specialized smart display is provided to aid in adding the correct concentration of
sample into the measurement sample system.
Nanotrac/Zetatrac
For Nanotrac a premixed sample may be added to the sample cell and then the sample loading function can
be used to verify that the sample concentration is within bounds. If not it can be diluted or added to so that
the sample loading falls within acceptable bounds. All Microtrac particle size analyzers have a broad
acceptable range for sample loading bounds.
 Open the sample loading display by clicking the Sample Loading button. This opens the
sample loading display and it immediately begins collecting data. The display is updated each time
the progress bar at the bottom completes its travel.
 Add sample to the system until the sample loading bar is in the Green Zone, Status = READY. If
Status = ADD SAMPLE then more sample material needs to be added. If Status = DILUTE then
the sample is too concentrated and needs to be diluted with clean carrier fluid.
Nanotrac Standard Loading Display

Nanotrac Molecular Loading Display
Sample Loading Display (s) – Status = READY
 Operation Mode (Molecular Nanotrac Only) If particles are 20 nm or smaller use (select) the
Molecular Operation Mode. For larger particles use the Standard Operation mode.
 When sample loading (Loading Index) is acceptable close the Sample Loading display or click the
button to immediately start as sample measurement . The system is now ready to

measure the sample material.
Sample Loading – S3000/S3500 - Wet

S3000/S3500 Sample Loading Display – WET
(some controls described below are hidden in this figure)
 Add sample to the system until the sample loading bar is in the Green Zone, Status = READY. If
Status = ADD SAMPLE then more sample material needs to be added. If Status = DILUTE then
the sample is too concentrated and needs to be diluted with clean carrier fluid.
Sample Loading – S3000/S3500 - Dry

Sample loading dry only applies to the Vibratory Dry Feeder. Turbotrac does not use the sample loading
function.
The purpose of this process is to set the Vibratory Feeder amplitude to feed sample at a rate that gives
sample loading in the acceptable range (green zone).
Make sure the vibratory dry feeder is loaded with a sufficient amount of sample to complete this process.
Adjustment of the feed rate can be done manually or automatically.
Automatic Adjustment :

 Initiate automatic feed rate adjustment by clicking the button. The software will
continuously measure and adjust the feed rate until correct sample loading is achieved.
 When correct sample loading is achieved either close the sample loading dialog using the
button or immediately go to sample measurement by clicking
Manual Adjustment:
 Initiate sample feeding by clicking .

 Allow the display to measure and update adjusting the feed rate up or down accordingly using the
or buttons until correct loading is achieved.

 When correct sample loading is achieved either close the sample loading dialog using the
button or immediately go to sample measurement by clicking
Sample Loading Display Elements

Data Collection Progress – monitors the progress of sample loading data collections.
Signal Display – Plots the raw data (detector signals) collected from the most recent sample loading data
collection.
Bar Graph – Graphical representation of the sample loading status. Sample is Ready for measurement
when the Red bar is in the Green zone.
Status – Status of sample loading can be “Add Sample”, “Ready” or “Dilute”.
Loading Factor – the numeric value of the Sample Loading status (Red bar on the Bar Graph).
Transmission - % of main laser beam that passes through the sample.
Sample System Control – Controls in this section operate the various features of the currently active
sample system.
For a Wet system:
Starts the ASVR or SDC ultrasonic probe. The probe will operate at the power and for
the time period set in the measurement setup.
Dilutes the sample concentration in the ASVR or SDC mixing tank by about 10%.

Dilutes the sample concentration in the ASVR or SDC mixing tank automatically until
the sample loading status is “READY”.
For a Dry System – Vibratory Feeder
Starts the vibratory dry feeder at the currently set feed rate.
Manually increases the vibratory dry feeder feed rate in 5% increments.
Manually decreases the vibratory dry feeder feed rate in 5% increments.
Automatically adjusts the vibratory feeder rate until a sample status of “READY” is
obtained.
General Controls
Appears only when an Auto-Sequence is running. Aborts the current Auto-

Sequence.
Closes the sample loading display.
Closes the sample loading display and immediately starts a sample measurement run.
NOTE: There are no controls on the sample loading display for the Turbotrac dry feeder.

Sample Measurement
This step performs the actual sample measurement
For Nanotrac and S3000/S3500 Wet
 Start the sample measurement by clicking the button on the main toolbar or
in the sample loading display. A progress display will appear describing the
status of the data collection. When the data collection is complete the progress display
automatically closes and the measurement data is displayed, saved, exported and reports printed
dependent on the user selections made earlier.
Progress Display
For S3000/S3500 Dry

A dry Auto-Sequence option is available and recommended for running dry sample measurements. The dry
sequence includes a Setzero measurement taken as part of the measurement process and assures the greatest
accuracy of the dry measurement. To start a dry sequence measurement when the application type is DRY
click the button.
If no additional setzero measurement is desired then Start the sample measurement by clicking the
button on the main toolbar or in the sample loading display.
For S3000/S3500 Dry

See section below: S3000/S3500 Dry Auto-Sequence

Displaying Run Raw Data
When the sample measurement is completed and the measurement data is displayed the measurement raw
data display is available by clicking on the Raw Data tab.
Typical S3000/S3500 Raw Data Display
Wet Auto Sequence (S3000/S3500)

The Auto Sequence menu item is available if an SDC is configured and associated with
the currently active Measurement window (bench). The SDC with the Microtrac® FLEX
11 software provides for automated sample measurement cycles (Automatic Sequencing).
The automatic sequence operates according to the current measurement setup. All these
parameters must be set before you start an automatic sequence that includes SDC and
Auto Sequence options.
Automatic sequence operation continues until the number of automatic cycles requested
is complete. The automatic sequence status is displayed in the auto sequence status view.
(See figure next page)

Auto-Sequence Status
An automatic sequence is initiated by selecting the Auto Sequence, Measurement menu
item or the button. To stop the current Auto-Sequence in progress click
on the active view. Clicking while the

Automatic Sequence is in progress aborts the current process (EG: Fill, Rinse, Drain), but
the automatic sequence process itself continues with the next step.
When the Sample Loading display appears, the sample must be introduced into the
sample system.
If sample loading status is “Dilute” and the Auto Dilute option is selected in
measurement setup for SDC/ASVR Auto Sequence Options then the sample will
automatically be diluted until a “READY” status is achieved. Dilution can also be
achieved by using the manual controls in the sample loading display if auto dilute is not
set.
If the Ultrasonic option was set to Manual and you want to use it, activate the probe with
button when loading is in the READY status.

If the Ultrasonic Option is automatic, the ultrasonic probe will turn on automatically and
run for the number of seconds and power specified in the SDC/ASVR setup when loading
is in the READY status (only once per Auto Sequence).
The Sample Loading display remains until the ultrasonic probe is off, even if "READY"
is indicated.
If the ultrasonic probe is not activated, the automatic sequence continues when a stable
“READY” status is indicated. When then sample measurement is complete, the
measurement is saved to the database if Run with Save is checked and printed if auto-
printing is enabled.

The sample system is automatically rinsed in preparation for the next sequence. If the
currently completed automatic sequence is not equal to the number of sequences
requested, the next automatic sequence is initiated.
(See Auto-Sequence Logic Flow Chart, next page)

MAC 26 Auto Sampler
This section applies to the use of the optional MAC-26 auto sampler system for S3000/S3500 optical
bench types.
MAC 26 Auto Sampler Manual Controls

The MAC 26 auto sampler can be controlled manually by control functions supplied on the MAC 26
control toolbar.
MAC-26 Control Toolbar
Manual Controls Description:
 Carousel Location - Initializes the auto sampler and moves the sample
carousel to sample location 1.
 Carousel Location - Moves the sample carousel to a user specified sample

location.
 Carousel Location - Moves the sample carousel clockwise one sample

location.
 Carousel Location - Moves the sample carousel counter clockwise one sample
location.
 Raise Sample Vial - Moves sample vial to the fully raised position.

 Dump Sample Vial - Moves sample vial to the fully lowered (dump) position.
 Tap & Rinse Sample Vial - Lowers sample vial to dump position. Taps and
rinses sample vial for a user specified number of seconds (1 - 10). These functions
must be enabled in the Tools/Auto Sampler Setup/ Auto Schedule Setup dialog box
(see above). If both the tap and rinse functions are disabled the sample vial will dump
and then raises when this button is clicked.
 Opens the MAC 26 Auto-Schedule.
NOTE: Only the control is active on program start up. The “Home” function must be
executed one time before the other manual controls become active.
MAC 26 Auto Sampler Auto-Sequence

The following describes the setup and use of the Microtrac MAC-26 auto sampler. The MAC-26 auto
sampler provides capability to measure up to 26 samples “un-attended” in the S3000/S3500 auto-sequence
mode. Each of the 26 positions provided has an independent measurement SOP assigned to it. That is, all
measurement SOP parameters can be different for every position of the MAC-26 auto sampler.
To use the MAC-26 you must have it configured as part of the installed Microtrac S3000/S3500 system.
Refer to the section covering Configuration above.

Setting Up a MAC-26 Schedule
The process of assigning measurement setups to each of the MAC-26 sample vial positions is done in the
Auto-Schedule Setup dialog box. This dialog is opened from the Tools/Auto Sampler Setup menu
selection.
Auto-Schedule Setup Dialog

The Auto-Schedule Setup dialog contains the current measurement SOP’s for the 26 positions of the
MAC-26 auto sampler. This is the schedule that will be used when a MAC-26 auto-sequence measurement
process is performed. An S3000/S3500 auto-sequence measurement will be performed for each “Active”
MAC-26 position in the schedule. Active positions are indicated by a check mark in the Active
column of the schedule row associated with each MAC-26 Position. The user activates or de-activates each
row by clicking the check box in the Active column. Only active MAC-26 positions will be measured.
This dialog box can also be used to save and recall MAC-26 schedules. There is no limit to the number of
MAC-26 schedules that can be saved. Remember the schedule that is displayed is the schedule that will be
used for the MAC-26 auto sequence.

Auto-Schedule Setup Dialog Functions
Selecting a MAC-26 Schedule Row – Click on the Position Number for the desired row to select a
schedule row. Row 9 is selected in the figure above.
Editing Row Items – To edit a row item (Title, ID 1, ID 2 or Time), double click the item to edit. The
function Column is NOT editable; it is always “Run”
Activate/De-Activate a Row – Click the check box in the row’s “Active” column. This is a
toggle function, clicking changes the check box state to the opposite of it’s current state.
- Activates all MAC 26 schedule positions.
-De-activates all MAC 26 schedule Positions.
- Saves the current MAC 26 schedule to a user specified filename and location.
- Recalls (loads) a MAC 26 schedule from a user specified filename and location. This
loaded schedule becomes the “current” schedule.
- Prints the current schedule list and Auto-Settings.
- Opens the measurement SOP dialog for changes to sample measurement

parameters. This SOP is used by the “Insert SOP” and “Make All Same” functions.
- Opens the “Measurement SOP Summary” view for review of the current general
application measurement SOP. This is the same SOP that is shown and generated by “Define New SOP”
- Inserts the current general application measurement setup into the user specified
schedule row. A request for the specified row is presented.
- Makes all schedule row setups the same as the current general application
measurement SOP.
- User first selects a row (see Selecting a MAC-26 Schedule Row above). Then this
function shows the values for the measurement SOP for the selected row. *
- User first selects a row (see Selecting a MAC-26 Schedule Row above). Then this
function loads opens the Measurement SOP dialog box with the selected row’s measurement SOP
parameters for changes. *
* This function makes the current general application measurement SOP equal to this displayed or edited
measurement SOP for the selected row.
- Clears all entries in the Title column.
- Clears all entries in the ID 1 column.

Auto-Settings
These settings are NOT saved with the schedule. They are “persistent” (will remain as is when the
application program is closed and restarted).
Tap Vials – When enabled, when MAC 26 sample vials are dumped in an auto-sequence the vial will be
tapped for the specified time. Also applies to the Tap & Rinse manual operation (see MAC 26 Manual
Controls below).
Rinse Vials - When enabled, when MAC 26 sample vials are dumped in an auto-sequence the vial will be
rinsed by the rinse spray for the specified time. Also applies to the Tap & Rinse manual operation (see
MAC 26 Manual Controls below).
Time – Sets the time duration for both the Tap and Rinse Spray functions. (0 to 10 seconds).
- Closes the dialog and makes all changes permanent.
- Closes the dialog. Changes made to the schedule are not saved.
MAC 26 Auto-Sequence
The S3000/S3500 MAC 26 automatic measuring sequence will produce sample measurement data for each
“Active” position in the current MAC 26 auto-sequence schedule. The MAC 26 auto-sequence is identical
to the wet auto-sequence except that when it is time to introduce sample material into the SDC or ASVR
the MAC 26 will do it automatically. After the MAC-26 auto-sequence is started no user intervention is
necessary.
Before starting the auto-sequence verify that the following items are set the way you want them:
 Open the Auto-Schedule Setup dialog box to confirm that the correct schedule is active and that the
desired Auto-Settings are enabled.
 Make sure that the desired Database save mode (No Save, Save or Save Avg Only) is selected.
 Make sure the desired printed reports are selected if Auto-Print reports is to be used.
 Make sure there is enough paper in the printer for the number of expected reports printed. If the
printer runs out of paper and you are Auto-Printing the auto –sequence will halt until paper is
added and the out of paper error is cleared from the printer.
 Make sure Auto-Align laser is enabled if desired.
 Make sure the SDC or ASVR fluid supply is sufficient to run the entire auto-sequence set.
Start the MAC-26 auto-sequence by clicking the Auto-Sequence button on the Run toolbar. The
Auto-Sequence status display will appear and indicate the status of the current process including which
MAC-26 vial position is currently being acted upon.
If the MAC-26 is not in its Home position the first step will be the MAC-26 moving to its Home position.
If the MAC 26 auto-sequence is interrupted for any reason and you want to compete the unmeasured
positions then do the following:

1. Open the Auto-Schedule Setup dialog box and “De-Activate” the MAC-26 positions already
measured before the interruption.
2. Restart the MAC-26 Auto-Sequence by clicking the Auto-Sequence button on the Run
toolbar.
MAC-26 Auto-Sequence Sample Loading

It is recommended that the Auto-Dilute function of the SDC be enabled for all MAC-26 positions.
The amount of sample placed in each sample vial should be either:

1. Enough measured sample to produce acceptable sample loading. This is an amount empirically
determined by the user.
2. Enough sample to “Over Load”
If sample loading is determined to be low or high there will be a warning attached to each printed report
and database record saved. This can happen if insufficient sample is supplied to a vial or the auto-dilute
fails to reduce the sample concentration after 10 attempts. A loading high or low condition will not halt the
MAC-26 auto-sequence.

S3000/S3500 Dry Auto-Sequence
When the S3000/S3500 application type is DRY an automated dry measurement process is available. The
user can run this process to simplify the operations of a dry measurement to a single click of the
button. The user is then lead through the dry measurement process automatically in the sequence defined
below in the Dry Auto-Sequence Logic diagram (see next page).
The Dry Auto-Sequence applies to all dry feeder types (Vibratory, Turbotrac Auto & Turbotrac One Shot).
Sample will be delivered automatically at the correct time for Vibratory and Turbotrac Auto. For Turbotrac
One Shot an indicator will appear on the Data Collection Status display (see figure below).
Before starting the dry auto-sequence perform the following preparatory steps:
Vibratory and Turbotrac Feeders:
 Load an appropriate amount of sample material into the Vibratory Hopper or Turbotrac sample tray.
 For vibratory feeder only - make sure the Feed Rate is set to the predetermined amplitude. This is
done via the sample loading function (see above).
 Make sure Air Pressure is set correctly and turned on.
 Make sure the vacuum cleaner is connected to the sample controller and that its power switch is
turned on.
 Select Turbotrac Auto-Clean from the Measure menu. option (Turbotrac Only, if available, first
generation Turbotrac units do not have this option)
Measure Menu

If this option is selected a Turbotrac auto-clean cycle will be performed at the completion of each Turbotrac
measurement “Auto-Sequence”. The status of the “Auto-Clean” selection is displayed on the main data
display status annunciator (visible if enabled/ not visible if disabled).
Main Data Display Active Options Annunciator

Turbotrac One Shot:
 Make sure Air Pressure is set correctly and turned on.
 Make sure the vacuum cleaner is connected to the sample controller and that its power switch is
turned on.
 Introduce sample into the Turbotrac One Shot sample delivery interface when a large “START
Sample” indicator appears under the Progress bar during the sample measurement step.
Data Collection Status Display

Nanotrac NAS 35 Auto-Sampler
This section applies to the use of the Nanotrac NAS 35 auto sampler. This system provides for unattended,
automated measurement of up 35 Nanotrac samples. Each sampler position is assigned a unique
measurement SOP allowing unattended measurement of a variety of sample types. The NAS 35 is a self-
contained system that includes the Nanotrac Particle Size Analyzer itself and the automated sampling
system.
NAS 35 Auto Sampler Manual Controls

The NAS 35 auto sampler can be controlled manually by control functions supplied on the Control/NAS
35 menu or the NAS 35 control toolbar.
NAS 35 Control Toolbar

NOTE: If the NAS 35 control toolbar is not visible, right click next to the main tool bar and check the box
next to Nanotrac Autosampler in the floating menu that appears.

NAS 35 Manual Controls Description:
 Carousel Location - Initializes the auto sampler and moves the sample
carousel to sample location 0. This is the “Setzero” position. The vial in this location
should be filled (half way) with clean suspension fluid (typically DI water).
 Carousel Location - Moves the sample carousel to a user specified sample

location.
 Carousel Location - Moves the sample carousel clockwise one sample

location.
 Carousel Location - Moves the sample carousel counter clockwise one sample
location.
 Probe Up – Moves Optical Probe Up out of the current sample vial.
 Probe Down – Moves Optical Probe Down to the measurement position in the
current sample vial.
 Wash Optical Probe – Performs a wash of the Optical Probe.
 Operate Ultrasonic – Operates the ultrasonic probe in the current aligned

sample vial for the time specified in the NAS 35 Auto-Sampler setup.
 Wash Ultrasonic Probe – Performs a wash operation on the Ultrasonic probe.
 Release Table – This operation releases the carousel’s drive motor hold on the
carousel so that a user can rotate the carousel table by hand. This is useful when
loading sample vials into the carousel table.
 Opens the NAS 35 Auto-Sampler Schedule
NOTE: Only the and controls are active on program start up. The “Home”
function must be executed one time before the other manual controls become active. Use of the
Release Table function also disables all controls and requires a re-homing of the system.

Homing the system is NOT required to start an NAS 35 auto-sequence (section on this topic
below).
Nanotrac NAS 35 Manual Measurements

Although the NAS 35 is primarily designed for unattended, automated measurements of several or more
samples, the unit can be used manually to measure as few as one sample independent of the SOP’s in the
Auto-sampler Schedule.
The following steps describe how to measure a single sample manually:
Note that the current system measurement setup parameters will be used when measuring manually
(not the schedule setups).
1. Make sure the main system Measurement SOP is correct for the sample to be measured.
2. Place a vial in carousel position “0” filled half way with clear sample carrier fluid (typically this is
de-ionized water). Position “0” is used for performing the Setzero operation.
3. Load a sample vial with the suspended sample to be measured from ¼ to ½ full and place in any
carousel location.
4. Send the NAS 35 Home by clicking the button on the Nanotrac AutoSampler tool bar.
5. Set the probe down in the #0 vial by clicking the Probe Down button on the Nanotrac
AutoSampler tool bar.
6. Perform a Setzero by clicking the button on the Main Toolbar.

7. Move the Nanotrac Optical Probe to the vial position of the sample to be measured using the
Previous, Next or GOTO buttons.
8. Set the probe down in the vial to be measured by clicking the Probe Down button on the
Nanotrac AutoSampler tool bar
9. Click the button to perform the sample measurement.
10. When the measurement is complete click the Wash Probe button to wash the Nanotrac
Optical Probe.

Nanotrac NAS 35 Operation from Local Control Panel
The NAS 35 can be operated manually from its integrated control panel. The following describes control
panel operation.
NAS 35 Local Control Panel

Numeric Display - Indicates the current position of the sample vial carosel.
Indicator Lamps:
OPE.1 - This lamp is on while the ultrasonic probe is operating.
WAS.1 - This lamp is on while the ultrasonic probe is being washed.
OPE.2 - This lamp is on while the optical probe is in motion to a sample vial.
WAS.2 - This lamp is turned on while the Optical probe is being washed.
Operation Buttons:
HOME - Any executing operation is discontinued. The optical probe and the carousel are
returned to their home position.
TABLE - The carousel begins rotation in a clockwise direction by pressing this button. It is
stopped at the position of the nearest sample bottle when pushing again while
rotating.
F/R - Toggles the horizontal position of the probes. If the probe is all the way forward then
pressing this button moves the probes back and vise/versa (one position at a
time).
U/D - Toggles the vertical position of the probes. If the probe is up then pressing this button
moves the probes to the down position and vise/versa.
OPE.1 - Pressing this button operates the ultrasonic probe in the current sample vial.
WAS.1 - Pressing this button causes the ultrasonic probe to be washed.
OPE.2 - Moves the optical probe into the current sample vial.
WAS.2 - Pressing this button causes the optical probe to be washed.
Note : The HOME button is available anytime but other buttons are invalid while any operations are in
progress (interlocked).

Nanotrac NAS 35 Auto-Sequence Measurements
The following describes the setup and use of the Microtrac NAS 35 auto sampler. The NAS 35 auto
sampler provides capability to measure up to 35 samples unattended and automatically. Each of the 35
positions provided has an independent measurement SOP assigned to it. That is, all measurement SOP
parameters can be different for every position of the NAS 35 auto sampler.
To use the NAS 35 you must have it configured as the current Nanotrac Bench Type. Refer to the section
covering Configuration above.
Setting Up an NAS 35 Schedule

The process of assigning measurement setups to each of the NAS 35 sample vial positions is done in the
Auto-Schedule Setup dialog box. This dialog is opened from the Tools/Auto Sampler Setup menu
selection.
NAS 35 Auto-Schedule Setup Dialog

The NAS 35 Auto-Schedule Setup dialog contains the current measurement SOP’s for the 35 positions of
the NAS 35 auto sampler. This is the schedule that will be used when a NAS 35 auto-sequence
measurement process is performed. A Nanotrac auto-sequence measurement will be performed for each
“Active” NAS 35 position in the schedule. Active positions are indicated by a check mark in the
Active column of the schedule row associated with each NAS 35 Position. The user activates or de-

activates each row by clicking the check box in the Active column. Only active NAS 35 positions will be
measured.
This dialog box can also be used to save and recall NAS 35 schedules. There is no limit to the number of
NAS 35 schedules that can be saved. Remember the schedule that is displayed is the schedule that will be
used for the NAS 35 auto sequence.
NAS 35 Auto-Schedule Setup Dialog Functions

Selecting a MAC-26 Schedule Row – Click on the Position Number for the desired row to select a
schedule row. Row 9 is selected in the figure above.
Editing Row Items – To edit a row item (Title, ID 1, ID 2 or Time), double click the item to edit. The
function Column is NOT editable; it is always “Run”
Activate/De-Activate a Row – Click the check box in the row’s “Active” column. This is a
toggle function, clicking changes the check box state to the opposite of it’s current state.
Setzero Row Function – Each NAS 35 position can be instructed to perform a “Setzero” measurement
prior to measuring the sample for that position. This request is made by setting a check in the Setzero
column for the desired positions to perform a Setzero measurement. This can be all positions or
no positions or random positions. The Schedule above is set to do a Setzero every multiple of 5
measurement and the first measurement.
NOTE 1: If no Setzeros are checked and a valid Setzero has not yet been collected then when the auto-
sequence is started a Setzero will be performed before the first measurement only.
NOTE 2: If FLEX “Security” is active and the administrator has selected the “Enforce Setzero” option
then a Setzero is performed for every active position no matter that status of the Setzero check boxes.
Ultrasonic Row Function – Each NAS 35 position can be instructed to perform an ultrasonic probe
function prior to sample measurement. All active positions that have a check in the Usonic column
will perform an ultrasonic function for the time specified in the “Auto-Settings” section.
Ultrasonic power is set manually via a knob on the Ultrasonic unit itself.
- Activates all NAS 35 schedule positions.
-De-activates all NAS 35 schedule positions.
- Activates all NAS 35 Setzero positions.
-De-activates all NAS 35 Setzero positions.
- Activates all NAS 35 ultrasonic positions.
-De-activates all NAS 35 ultrasonic positions
- Saves the current NAS 35 schedule to a user specified filename and location.
- Recalls (loads) a NAS 35 schedule from a user specified filename and location. This loaded
schedule becomes the “current” schedule.

- Prints the current schedule list and Auto-Settings.
- Opens the measurement SOP dialog for changes to sample measurement

parameters. This SOP is used by the “Insert SOP” and “Make All Same” functions.
- Opens the “Measurement SOP Summary” view for review of the current general
application measurement SOP. This is the same SOP that is shown and generated by “Define New SOP”
- Inserts the current general application measurement SOP into the user specified
schedule row. A request for the specified row is presented.
- Makes all schedule row SOP’s the same as the current general application
measurement SOP.
- User first selects a row (see Selecting a NAS 35 Schedule Row above). Then this
function shows the values for the measurement setup for the selected row. *
- User first selects a row (see Selecting a NAS 35 Schedule Row above). Then this
function loads opens the Measurement SOP dialog box with the selected row’s measurement SOP
parameters for changes. *
* This function makes the current general application measurement SOP equal to this displayed or edited
measurement SOP for the selected row.
- Clears all entries in the Title column.

Auto-Settings
These settings are NOT saved with the schedule. They are “persistent” (will remain as is when the
application program is closed and restarted). NOTE: Time settings also apply to “manual measurements”.
Wash Optical Probe – When “Checked” the Nanotrac optical probe will be washed between each
measurement position (recommended). If all samples are similar, time can be saved by “Unchecking” this
option, however some cross contamination of sample will occur since the Nanotrac optical probe will not
be washed between measurement positions.
Wash Time – Sets the number of seconds (0 to 60) that the optical probe wash function will operate for
each time it is used.
Ultrasonic Time – Sets the number of seconds (0 to 999) that the ultrasonic probe will operate for each
time it is used.

Stabilization Time – Sets the number of seconds (10 to 180) that the Nanotrac optical probe sits in the
sample to be measured to allow thermal transitions to stabilize before the measurement is started If
“Unstable Temperature” warnings are encountered then increase this time. Default: 10 Seconds
- Closes the dialog and makes all changes permanent.
- Closes the dialog. Changes made to the schedule are not saved.
NAS 35 Auto-Sequence
The NAS 35 automatic measuring sequence will produce sample measurement data for each “Active”
position in the current NAS 35 auto-sequence schedule. After the NAS 35 auto-sequence is started no user
intervention is necessary.
Before starting the auto-sequence verify that the following items are set the way you want them:
 Open the Auto-Schedule Setup dialog box to confirm that the correct schedule is active and that the
desired Auto-Settings are enabled.
 Make sure that the desired Database save mode (No Save, Save or Save Avg Only) is selected.
 Make sure the desired printed reports are selected if Auto-Print reports is to be used.
 Make sure there is enough paper in the printer for the number of expected reports printed. If the
printer runs out of paper and you are Auto-Printing the auto –sequence will halt until paper is
added and the out of paper error is cleared from the printer.
 Make sure the ultrasonic unit’s power level is adjusted to the desired setting.
 Make sure the fluid supply container is sufficiently full to run the entire auto-sequence schedule.
 Make sure there is enough capacity remaining in the waste fluid container to accommodate all
anticipated waste fluid.
WARNING: Do not attempt to operate the NAS 35 using it’s remote control panel buttons while the
auto-sequence is in progress or the auto-sequence will be terminated.
Start the NAS 35 auto-sequence by clicking the Auto-Sequence button on the Run toolbar. The
Auto-Sequence status display will appear and indicate the status of the current process including which
NAS 35 vial position is currently being acted upon.
If the NAS 35 is not in its Home position the first step will be the NAS 35 moving to its Home position.
Both the optical probe and ultrasonic probe will be washed to make sure the auto-sequence is starting with
clean probes.
NOTE: The NAS 35 Position Number is automatically “Appended” to the Sample Identifiers “Title”
Field and is therefore displayed and saved to the database.
If the NAS 35 auto-sequence is interrupted for any reason and you want to complete the unmeasured
positions then do the following:
 Open the Auto-Schedule Setup dialog box and “De-Activate” the NAS 35 positions already
measured before the interruption.
 Restart the NAS 35 Auto-Sequence by clicking the Auto-Sequence button on the Run
toolbar.

Manual Sample System Controls
Manual control of the sample systems is performed via the Control menu or the Sample System Toolbars.
The following describes these controls.
SDC Controls (wet)
SDC/ASVR Controls Toolbar
Drains all fluid from the sampling system.
Fills the sample system with fluid and performs a Deaeration operation to remove any bubbles from
the fluid.
Starts the sample system flow at the current settings rate.
Stops the sample system flow.
Increases the sample system flow in 5% increments.
Decreases the sample system flow in 5% increments.

Performs a sample system rinse process.\
Performs a sample system dilution process. Dilutes by about 10%.
Operates the sample system ultrasonic probe for the current specified power and time.
Dry Feeder Controls
Dry Feeder Controls Toolbar
Send Turbotrac Dry Feeder to its Home Position. (Turbotrac Auto only)
Stop dry feeding. Also stops air feed and vacuum.
Start dry feeding. Also starts air feed and vacuum
Set Vibratory Dry Feeder Rate. (Vibratory Feeder only)
Turn on vacuum and air to aide in cleaning the Turbotrac dry feeder.
Perform a Turbotrac auto-clean process.

When a sample system control operation is in progress a Sampler Control Status view will be shown. To
cancel the process click the button on the Sampler Control Status view.
Sampler Control Status View
Nanotrac/Zetatrac Mode Analysis Option

What is Mode Analysis:
Mode analysis deconvolves the raw data into a size channel distribution using channels grouped together
in modes. Volume weighting is performed on each of the modes using the optical scattering coefficient of
the mode. Area and Number distribution are calculated based on the per particle surface area and volume
for the mode diameter. Distributions are displayed and tabulated as a percent of total. Peak Summary
tabulates modal median diameter, width, and percent of total distribution for each mode. For each mode
calibrated concentrations are calculated for volume concentration in units of cc/ml, area concentration in
units of cm2/ml, number concentration in units of N/ml, and intensity weighted concentration in units of
sum power spectrum/ml.
Analysis Options Tab (Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave)
Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave Analysis Options

Items on this tab influence the basic volume distribution calculation strength and method.

Analysis Types
 Distribution – Channel analysis used to determine size distribution. Weighting is by size channel.
 Mode – Size channels grouped into modes. Mode analysis used to determine size distribution.
(Weighting is by mode, calibrate concentrations are calculated).
 Legacy – Makes available the Legacy Options section. Allows analysis to be performed using
Nanotrac and UPA algorithms from earlier instruments.
Optimize Options
The following are NOT available for the Mode Analysis Type
 Filter: Resolution (Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave ONLY) –
o Filter – Low, Medium or High - Controls the amount of statistical data averaging or
smoothing of the raw data power spectrum prior to volume calculation.
 Low filtering for maximum distribution detail
 Medium to High filtering for noisy raw data large particles, short run time, high
vibration or electrical noise environments.
o Resolution – Normal or High - Controls the amount of detail which can be resolved in a
particle size distribution. Use High for multi or narrow mode distributions or
distributions with details such as tails or shoulders.
 Sensitivity (Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave ONLY: High, Standard, Low) – Adjusts the minimum
detectable percent in channel. High sensitivity detects the smallest percent in channel.
Legacy Options
The following are NOT available in Mode And Distribution Analysis Types
 Monodisperse Mode (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) – Calculates a Gaussian distribution centered around
the mean diameter.
 Nanorange Optimize (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) – The option enhances the data analysis for particle
distributions at the small end of the range. Should be used for less than 100 nanometer
distributions. The option uses mode (median size of mode) volume weighting and is more
accurate for multi narrow mode samples.
 UPA Mode (Nanotrac/Zetatrac only) – Causes the Nanotrac to use the Ultrafine Particle Analyzer
(UPA) mode of data analysis. Data will be calculated and presented as if the analyzer were a UPA
and use the UPA size range (0.003um to 6.54um). The size scale is traceable only to the
instruments Dynamic Light Scattering parameters. (Note: Nanotrac mode size scale is calibrated to
NIST traceability)

Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave Molecular Weight Option
The Nanotrac/Zetatrac/Wave instruments have the ability to measure and calculate the Molecular Weight of
particles if the particles themselves are considered to be “Molecular” (one particle is a molecule). The
process is performed via the “Molecular Weight Control Panel”.
Using the Molecular Weight Control Panel
The Molecular Weight Panel is used to:
 Input user supplied information used to calculate Molecular Weight.

 Measure a series of samples of different, known weight concentrations.
 Calculate the Molecular Weight results based on the data points collected.
To open the Molecular Weight Control Panel Click the button on the Measure toolbar. (Note: On
older Nanotrac units a calibration file update may be needed to access this option).
Measure Toolbar

Molecular Weight Control Panel
NOTE: for convenience some common Nanotrac/Zetatrac functionality can be directly accessed from
this control panel.
Steps to follow in the Molecular Weight Control Panel are marked in the panel as Step1 through Step 4.
These steps MUST be followed “In Order”. Each Step is disabled until the previous step is performed.
Step 1: Select the desired Molecular Weight Calculation method(s).
 Debye – Calculate using the Debye Plot method (Need to know the Incremental Refractive Index,
dn/dCwt).
 Hydro – Calculate using the Hydro-Dynamic method (need to know the particle density)
 Debye and Hydro – Calculate by both methods.
Step 2: Enter (if known) or Measure the “Incremental Refractive Index” (dn/dCwt) and/or the
“Density” for the sample material (depends on selected calculations in step 1).

If dn/dCwt is not known then the number can be measured using a sample of the specific material to be
measured mixed to a 0.1 g/ml or greater concentration.
To measure dn/dCwt (if unknown):
1. Prepare the sample to be measured in a concentration of 0.1 g/ml or greater.

2. Fill the Nanotrac/Zetatrac sample cell with clear suspension fluid (usually DI Water).
3. Run the Nanotrac Background check to make sure the sample cell fluid is clean.
4. From the Step 1 section click the button to open the dn/dCwt Worksheet.
dn/dCwt Worksheet
5. Click the button to measure the clear fluid Reflected Power.

6. Replace the fluid in the sample cell with the concentrated sample previously prepared.
7. Click the button to measure the reflected power of the concentrated sample.
When prompted enter the sample Weight Concentration in g/ml.

8. Click OK to exit and the result will be automatically entered into the dn/dCwt data entry window
in the Molecular Weight Control Panel.

Step 3: Collect Sample Data Points
For Debye Or Debye And Hydro-Dynamic Calculation:

In this step data collections are made for a minimum of two (2) samples and NOT more than five (5)
samples of variable weight concentration. The measurements MUST be made using samples with “not less
than” the previous weight concentration and at least one higher than the previous weight concentration.
For Example:
1. Enter the Weight Concentrations in g/ml for each sample to be measured in the first column of the
Data Point spreadsheet.
Data Point Spreadsheet

(All Points different Wt Conc)
(Some points repeated – NOTE: Points still need to be in ascending order)
2. Measure each sample, in order, by adding the sample to the sample cell and clicking the
button to make a size measurement of that sample. Data from the size measurement is used to
calculate data points to be used for the calculation of Molecular Weight.
Data Points will be plotted on the Debye plot as they are collected.

Three Data Points Collected
Debye Plot with Three Data Points
Step 4: Calculate the resultant Molecular Weight
Click the button to calculate the results. A linear regression is performed on the data points
collected and using the calculated Y intercept the molecular weight is determined. The results are displayed
in the Calculated Results section of the control panel.

Calculated Molecular Weight Results
Completed Molecular Weight Measurement
Optional: Print a report by clicking the button.

For Hydro-Dynamic Calculation Only:
Step 1: Select the Hydro (only) Calculation.
Step 2: Enter the Density for the Particle Material
Step 3: Optionally Enter the Weight Concentration of samples to be measured. This is for
information purposes only, Weight Concentration of the sample does not enter into the calculation of
Hydro-Dynamic Molecular Weight.
Measure each sample using the button. Results will be displayed at the end of each run for
each sample in the Hydro-MW Column for Step 3.

Molecular Weight Data Display
When a molecular weight determination is completed this data is also placed in the Molecular Weight Data
Display. A button will appear in the View menu bar to open this display. The data will remain in
this display until a new Molecular Weight determination is performed.
View Toolbar
Molecular Weight Data Display
Optionally print a report using the button.
Recalling Molecular Weight Data from the Via Database Retrieval
If Molecular Weight Data Collection is performed with database saves the data can be recalled from the
database to the Molecular Weight Data Display. Molecular Weight records that are part of a data point set
are uniquely labeled for easy identification.
When a Molecular Weight determination is performed a unique, numeric ID is assigned. This ID proceeded
with the prefix “Mole Wt:” replaces the SOP Title item. See Title column below in the Query Results tab of
the Database Retrieval Display.

1. Select all the records that have the same IDs.
2. Right click on the display and select “Retrieve to Molecular Weight Display” to reproduce the
molecular weight data as shown above.
Discarding Invalid Data Points
If a Molecular Weight data collection produces an invalid data point the user can choose to “Discard” that
data point at any time and calculate the Molecular Weight without that data point being included in the
calculation.
Typically if the Correlation Coefficient is < 0.9 then one or more data points is most likely invalid. The
Molecular Weight Results data item for Correlation Coefficient will display with red text and a yellow
background for correlation values < 0.9 (see below).

In the example above data point 3 on the Debye Plot is the invalid data point. This data point can be
“Discarded” by:
1. “Un-checking” the Check Box in the “Sel” column of the Data Points display for the desired point
to discard.
Data Point #3 is Discarded

(unchecked)
2. Click to update producing the results shown below. NOTE that the discarded
point on the Debye plot is indicated by an “X” on that data point and that the Correlation
Coefficient is now >= 0.9.

Nanotrac Wave Temperature Control Option
If you have a Nanotrac Wave with the Temperature Control option you can run with or without temperature
control enabled. The status of temperature control is displayed on the FLEX data display.
Temperature Control Status - Uncontrolled
Temperature Control Status – Controlling @ 27.3 Deg C
Setting the Wave to Control to a Temperature

To set the wave temperature controller to control at a specified Temperature:
1. Click on the Temperature Control toolbar to open the Wave – Set Control Temperature
Display.
Temperature Control Toolbar

Wave – Set Control Temperature Display
2. Enter the desired control temperature in the Setpoint Edit Box.
3. Click to start the temperature controller.
Temperature Profile and Status are updated at the Update Interval set by the user.
Displays the current update’s measured temperature.

Temperature Control Going to Setpoint in Progress
Temperature Control Going to Setpoint in Progress

Temperature Controller has Reached the Setpoint
Click to close the display and return to the main data display OR click to return to the
main data display and immediately start a sample measurement run.
- Stops the current temperature controller process.

Nanotrac Wave Thermal Experiment
If you have a Nanotrac Wave Analyzer with the Temperature Control Option, you can run a Thermal
Experiment. Up to 20 temperature setpoints can be programmed to measure a sample at each successive
temperature. Each setpoint measurement then displays 50Th percentile size vs. temperature setpoint and
optionally a user selected parameter vs. temperature.
Using the Thermal Experiment Control Panel
To open the Thermal Experiment Control Panel Click the button on the Thermal toolbar on the right
hand side of the FLEX Display Window.
Thermal Toolbar
Nanotrac Wave Thermal Experiment Control Panel

Thermal Experiments are executed from the Thermal Experiment Control Panel (shown above).
Collected data points are displayed in the Thermal Experiment Plots graph while the experiment is running.
Updates of measured temperatures are plotted in the Thermal Profile graph and are updated at the time
interval selected by the user. This plot is updated the entire time the experiment is running. Test conditions
and temperature setpoints are specified in the Thermal Experiment SOP. A thermal experiment cannot be
started until the SOP conditions and setpoints are entered.
Setting Up a Nanotrac Wave Thermal Experiment
1. Open the Thermal Experiment Control Panel as described above.
2. Open the Thermal Experiment SOP dialog by clicking in the Thermal Experiment Section
Thermal Experiment SOP
Recall a saved thermal experiment by clicking OR to setup a New experiment:

3. Enter the desired temperature setpoints (up to 20 setpoints allowed).
4. Optionally select a secondary value for results ploting and enter its value.
5. Optionally specify a delay before sample measurement time. Once a temperature setpoint has been
reached the system will wait the specified number of seconds (999 sec max) before starting the
sample size measurement .
6. Optionally save the experiment SOP to a file for later recall if the same experiment is expected to be
repeated in the future. Click to open the Save Thermal Experiment dialog (see
Next Page).

7. Navigate to the desired save folder, provide a filename. Note: the “TXP” extension will be
automatically added so just enter the Primary filename.
8. Click to save the SOP.
9. Close the SOP dialog to return to the Thermal Experiment Control Panel.
Thermal Experiment Control Panel After SOP has been Specified

Running the Thermal Experiment
1. Setup the experiment parameters as described above.
2. If you have not setup the Sample Measurement SOP or Acquired as Setzero measurement you can
do so via the Wave Operations controls provided on the Control Panel. Do this before starting the
Thermal Experiment.
Wave Operations Controls
3. Click to begin the Thermal Experiment. The wave will go to the first setpoint and the
Thermal Profile plot will update at the specified interval.
NOTE: Save to database must be enabled to run a Thermal Experiment.
The Wave will proceed to its first temperature setpoint. The Thermal Profile display and Experiment Status
items will be updated at the user specified update interval. When the first setpoint is reached a sample
measurement is executed, saved to the database and its data points are displayed on the Thermal
Experiment Results plot. Below is an example of an experiment in progress.
Thermal Experiment in Progress

Thermal Experiment Completed
When the Thermal Experiment is completed the Thermal Experiment Data Display is presented. Printed
reports can be produced from this display by clicking the button. (see below)
Thermal Experiment Data Display

The Thermal Experiment Data Display can be re-opened after it is closed. The last data will remain there
until new Thermal Experiment data is acquired. To re-open the display click on the data view
toolbar.
Recalling a Thermal Experiment from the Database

Thermal experiments can be identified and its measurements grouped in the database recall Query Results
Tab. The Title of a thermal experiment database record is “ThermalExp:#### ## ####” where # represents
the automatically generated Experiment ID. (see below)

To recall a Thermal Experiment to the Thermal Experiment Data Display:
1. High Light all the records with the same Experiment ID.
2. Right Click on the Query Results to display the Context Menu and Select “Retrieve to Thermal
Experiment Display. (see previous page). The records will be recalled and the data display will be
presented.
NOTE: any records selected that are NOT valid experiment records will be ignored.
Thermal Experiment Control Panel Details
Wave Operations – Allows the user to perform Wave Operations directly from the Control Panel. When
these operations are in progress the control panel will disappear. When the Wave operation is completed
the control panel will re-appear.
Opens the Wave Size Measurement SOP dialog.
Performs a Wave Background Check.
Performs a Wave Setzero measurement.
Opens and runs the Wave Sample Loading Display.
Wave Thermal Experiment Controls
Opens the Thermal Experiment SOP dialog.
Starts the Thermal Experiment.
Stops (aborts) a Thermal Experiment that is in progress.

Temperature Profile Update Interval – User specified interval between each experiment status update.
Experiment ID – Displays an automatically generated Experiment ID after the Experiment is Started.
SOP Status – Displays the setpoint status (None Assigned or Setpoints Assigned) and if the experiment
SOP was from a recalled file the name of the file is displayed.
Experiment Status – Displays the status of the experiment while it is in progress. The status is updated at
the rate specified by the user in the Update Interval.
Current Stats can be;
 Idle – No process is in progress
 Ramping – in transit to a temperature setpoint.
 Settling – Nearing the current temperature setpoint.
 Time Delay – Waiting for a time delay to complete.
 Completed – Experiment was completed
 Safe to Close – Temperature is below 50 degrees C. It is safe to close the control panel.
Number or Setpoints – The total number of setpoints defined for the current experiment.
Setpoint Number – The number of the current setpoint being processed.
Setpoint – The current setpoint target temperature.
Temperature – the last update measured temperature.
Elapsed Time – Total elapsed time the experiment has been running.

Switches cursor on the data plot to reflect the values on the opposite Y axis. The cursor
can be dragged around and the values of the current cursor position are displayed on the plot sub-footer.
Showing Right Y-Axis Cursor as Active
- Resets the current active Y-Axis cursor to center of the plot.

Service Menu
The following items are available from the Tools/Service menu.
Tools/Service Menu
Align Laser – performs an S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay laser beam alignment process.

Bench Status – performs a bench status check and displays the results. (See figure next page).
S3500 Bench Status Nanotrac/Zetatrac Bench Status

Uniform Calibration – Performs an S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay detector array calibration update. NOTE:
This process is rarely needed.
Display Calibration Data – Displays the calibration data for the current active analyzer.
Nanotrac/Zetatrac Calibration Data Display

S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay Calibration Data Display
Utilities - See “Diagnostic & Service Utilities” topic below.

Signal Monitor - See “Diagnostic & Service Utilities” topic below.
Bluewave 80nm Test - See “Diagnostic & Service Utilities” topic below.

S3500 Size Ranges
The S3000/S3500 Enhanced and Premium Models have the capability to measure in three size ranges.
These size ranges are listed below. This capability requires that the user may have to interchange collector
lenses in the S3000/S3500 optical bench. Two lenses are supplied, a short lens and a long lens. See the
table below for lens requirements for each range.
Size Range Wet Size Range Dry Lens Required
0.021um to 1408um 0.243um to 1408um Short
0.021um to 2000um 0.243um to 2000um Short
0.021um to 2816um 0.243um to 2816um Long
2.75um to 2816um 2.75um to 2816um Long
S3500 Enhanced & Premium Model Size Ranges
To change the range of an Enhanced or Premium S3500:
1. Close the current S3500 measurement view.
2. From the Tools menu, select S3500 Configuration to open the Hardware Configuration dialog box.
Hardware Configuration Dialog Box – S3500/Bluewave/BlueRay Analyzer Tab

3. Select the 3500/Bluewave/BlueRay Tab.
4. In the Size Range Selection, click the desired size range.
5. Close the dialog box with OK. If a lens change is required because of a size range change a message
box will appear informing the user that a lens change is required.
6. Change the lens if required (see S3500 Hardware Operator’s Manual).
7. Open an S3500 measure window.
8. If the lens was changed, from the tools/Service Menu perform a laser beam auto- alignment.

Measurement Database Operations Details
The following section details the operation of Microtrac FLEX Measurement Database Features.
Overview
The Microtrac FLEX 11 measurement database is a full Microsoft Access relational database. All
measurement data required to return the software to its exact state when the data was saved is stored in a
database measurement record. When a database record is recalled the software is restored to the state it was
in when the save was made. From this point the user can view the data, re-calculate the data using different
measurement SOP parameters, print reports or export then measurement data.
Measurement Database Creation and Connections
Creating Measurement Databases

Microtrac FLEX 11 can be connected to databases in any location accessible by the Personal Computer that
is running the Microtrac FLEX 11 application. This includes all mapped network drives. There is no limit
to how many Microtrac FLEX 11 measurement databases can be created.
To create a new Microtrac FLEX 11 Measurement Database:
1. Select “Create New Database” from the program File menu.
2. Enter a filename for the new database in the Create Database file dialog and Click .A
new database will be created with the name entered in the File name: edit box.

If no Measurement Data Display is open then the measurement database is simply created. If a
Measurement Data Display is open and it is the “active” (in front) display, you will be prompted and asked
if you want to switch the Measurement Data Display database to the new database. Answer “Yes” if that
you want this to be the case.
Switching the Measurement Data View Database Connection
Users can switch the connected measurement database for a Measurement Data View (not a Database
Retrieval View) any time the Measurement Data View is the “active” (in front) view. To switch to another
measurement database:
1. Select “Change Measurement Database” from the File menu.
2. From the Open Database dialog, navigate to and highlight the database you want to switch to and
click to complete the switch.
You can confirm the switch has been accomplished by checking the connected database path and name in
the Measurement Data View title bar.

Opening a Measurement Database for Recall
To retrieve and manipulate saved Microtrac measurement data from a measurement database:
1. Select “Open DB for Recall” from the File menu.
2. From the “Open Database” dialog, navigate to and highlight the database you want to retrieve
records from and click to complete the switch.
A new, empty Database View will be opened that is “connected” to the selected measurement database.
You can confirm the selected measurement database has been opened for retrieval by checking the
connected database path and name in the Database Data View title bar.

You can open as many measurement databases for retrieval as you wish; they are all independent of each
other. You should limit how many you open to your ability to manage the number of open views that will
be on your screen. The top data view is the “active” view and most main menu and tool bar items work on
the “Active” data view.

Working With Measurement Database Records
This section covers the following topics for working with database records:
 Database Retrieval Dialog.
 Record retrieval filtering.
 Selecting records to be retrieved.
 Record retrieval methods.
 Deleting measurement database records.
 Batch printing reports for selected measurement records.
 Printing and Exporting the Query Results list.
 Creating multiple record comparison plots.
 Re-calculation
 Updating records
 Saving new records
 Building a composite database.
Database Retrieval Dialog
All database operations are controlled from the Database Retrieval dialog. Once the user has a database
data view open and it is the “active” (top) view, the Database Retrieval dialog can be opened by selecting
“Retrieve Data” from the “Data Retrieval” menu.

Database Query Filters Tab
Information selected/entered on this tab sets up a query to the connected database. All database records that
meet the criteria set on this tab will be available on the Query Results tab for action. Set desired query
criteria, then click the Query Results tab, and a list of database records that meet the query criteria will be
shown (Query Results tab moves to front).
 DB Record Numbers – this section sets the overall range of database records to search on. The title
indicates the total range in the current connected database. In the example above the database has
only 10 records in it. You can set the record range to min / max values with that range.
will reset the range to the entire database.

 Bench Type – only show records for the specified Bench Type (S3K Series, Nanotrac, All).
 Database Query Filters – these filters, when enabled restrict query results to only records that
match the active filter criteria (settings). Individual filters are enabled/disabled by checking/un-
checking the check box next to the filter name. When filters are used the database records
retrieved must meet all specified filter criteria to be included in the query results list.
o Date – Select From and To dates.

o Time – Select From and To times. NOTE: Date can be an independent criteria, time
cannot Time is dependent on Date. Therefore if Time is to be used as a criterion then
Date must be checked. The reverse is not true. Therefore if time is checked and date is
not then time is disabled.
o Title – Set title text to search for.
o Sample ID1 and ID2 – Set sample ID’s to search for.
o Clears all Database Query Filter values
Identifiers Text Wild Cards:

“Wild Cards” can be used for any Identifiers filter. Wild card rules are:
Text – this field searches for the exact word in ID’s or Titles.
%Text% - this field searches for ID’s or Titles containing “Text”
Text% - this field searches for ID’s or Titles beginning with “Text”
%Text - this field searches for ID’s or Titles ending with “Text”
Query Results Tab

When you have your search criteria set on the Database Query Filters tab, execute the query by clicking on
the “Query Results” tab. This tab will display a list of all database records that match the Query Filters tab
search criteria.
 Record – the database record number (database record ID)

 Run Num – run number of the record if only one run was performed then this is = 1. If multiple runs
were saved for the sample measurement the number can be the number of the record’s run, if this
number = 100 (with gray background) then this record is the average of the previous number of
runs.

 Title – Title of the measurement record.
 Sample ID 1 & Sample ID 2 – sample ID’s of the measurement record.
 Bench – Microtrac analyzer type for the measurement record.
 Date Time – Date and Time that the record was saved.
 User – Applies to “logged in” user when the record was saved. Currently fixed to “Admin”. Future
versions will be variable user Id’s.
 Number of Selected Records – The number of records selected in the list.
 - Retrieves the first record or first record or selected record, closes this
dialog and displays the data for this record. The next record will be displayed if the (Next
Measurement record) button is clicked in the main toolbar. Likewise if there is a previous record
in the group clicking the (Previous Measurement record) button will display the data for
the previous record.
If no specific records are selected in this display when the button is

clicked the first record in the list is displayed. If a record or a number of records are selected then
the first selected record is displayed (more about record selection below).
 - Close the dialog, no further action taken.
Sorting the Query Results List

The Query Results List can be sorted by column by clicking the title bar column header over the column to
be sorted. Click once sorts in Descending order. Click again toggles the sort to Ascending order.
Title Bar Showing Sort on Sample ID 1 – Ascending Order Sort
Database Record Selection

A specific record or records can be selected for retrieval off the Query Results list. Selected records will
have their lines in the Query Results view shown as “Dark Background”. Use standard Windows selection
techniques:
 To select a single record, click on the line containing the record to be selected.
 To select a contiguous group of records click on the line containing the first record in the group,
then with the <Shift> key down, click on the line containing the last record in the group.
 To select a discontinuous group of records, hold the <Ctrl> key down and select the desired records.
If an already selected record line is clicked with the <Ctrl> key down it will be de-selected.
Shown below – Query Results view with some records “Selected”.

Additional Database Record Retrieval Methods
There are several additional methods available to retrieve database records from the Query Results tab.
 Double Click a record line – if you double click a record line that record will be immediately
retrieved and displayed. The Database Retrieval display will not close automatically. You can
choose to close the Database Retrieval display or minimize it to view the data in the data display
view. If you do not close the Database Retrieval display it can then be restored and another action
taken without having to redefine the search criteria.
 Comparison Plot Retrieval – up to 10 selected records may be plotted by the program. This will be
described in a section below.
Deleting Measurement Database Records

Measurement database records may be deleted individually or as a group of “Selected” records.
 Single Record Deletion
1. Select the record to delete by clicking somewhere on its line.
2. Right Click anywhere on the list of records and a floating menu will appear.

3. Select “Delete Selected Records” from this menu. You will be prompted with the following
message. Click if you are sure you want to delete the selected record.
 Multiple Record Deletion

1. Select the records to be deleted using the selection techniques described above and then follow steps
2 and 3 above to execute the deletion. Then click .
Batch Printing Reports of Selected Measurement Records

This option will print a report(s) for every selected record in the Query Results list. This allows for reports
to be printed unattended after all measurement data is collected and saved. Using this report printing
method saves the time spent waiting for printouts between measurements (decreases the measurement to
measurement cycle time).
1. Select the desired records to print reports for.

2. Right Click anywhere in the Query Results list, a menu will appear, select “Print Reports for
Selected Records”. A set of selected reports (from the selected reports list) will be produced for
each selected record. (See Selecting Reports in an earlier section, page 44).
NOTE: If no records are selected, reports will be produced for every record in the list.
Printing and Exporting the Query Results List

The Query Results list itself can be printed or exported using the following method:
To Print the List:

Right click anywhere on the list and a menu is presented. To Print the list select “Print List” and the list
will be sent to the printer.
To Export the List:

1. Right click anywhere on the list and a menu is presented. To Print the list select “Export List”.

2. The menu will expand; select the Export Type ASCII or HTML.
HTML is useful because an HTML file can be viewed using standard Internet browsers like Microsoft
Internet Explorer TM or FireFox TM.
3. A File “Save As” dialog will be opened, navigate to the desired folder and enter a filename.
4. Click to execute the export.

Creating Multiple Record Comparison Plots
This feature allows the user to plot up to 10 database record particle size distributions on a single plot along
with an optional Average and/or Standard Deviation plot. Data from these plots is exportable in a number
of formats including ASCII, Excel and HTML.
Examples of Comparison Plots (3D and Normal View)

All standard plot options apply to this feature:
 Printing (Plot and/or Data)
 Exporting (Plot and/or Data)
 Copy and Paste
 Extensive Editing (see Data Plot Editing below)
 Zooming (fixed and variable)
Generating a Comparison Plot
1. Open the Database Retrieval dialog.
2. Set any desired filtering options on the Database Query Filters tab.
3. Go to the Comparison Plot Options tab and setup comparison plot options (see details below).
4. Go to the Query results tab and select at least 2 but no more than 10 database records to compare.
5. Right Click on the Query Results list to open the floating menu shown below and select “Compare
Plot Selected Records” to execute the plot process.

Comparison Plot Options
Options for the comparison plot mode are selected on the Database Retrieval dialog “Comparison Plot
Options” tab.
 Select Compare Plot Data Format – Sets the initial data format for the comparison plot. Once the
plot is generated this option can be changed on the plot view to one of the other data formats.
Available formats are:
o Percent Channel
o Percent Passing
o Percent Retained
 Include Average Records – By default records that are “Average Of” runs (Run Num = 100) are
not included in the comparison plots. If it is desired to include “Average Of” records then set a
check in this box. This option might be desired if you wanted to compare plot a group of “Average
Of” records only.
 Plot Average of Set – Select this option if you want the plot to calculate and plot an average for the
set of selected records.
 Plot Standard Deviation - Select this option if you want the plot to calculate and plot a standard
deviation for the set of selected records.
 Plot Progression – Select the desired progression for the compare plot (defaults to Standard).
Available progressions are:
o Standard
o Geom 8 Root
o Geom 4 Root
o Geom 2 Root
Comparison Plot Controls

 Active Legend – Individual plots can be turned on or off by checking or un-checking the box next
to the plot color/name.
Legend Contains:
 Database Record Number
 Sample Id’s 1 & 2
 Data Format Select – Use this control to select and change the displayed data format.
Data Format Select
 Restore Plot – Click this button to restore the plot to full scale from any
zoomed condition.
 Show/Hide SD Values – Click this button to Show or Hide standard deviation

values on the plot.

Zoomed Plot Showing SD Values
 General Plot Controls – Use these controls for general plot manipulation (See Data Plot Features:
Page Error! Bookmark not defined.).
Viewing & Exporting Plot Data

The data that generated the plot is available for viewing and export to various file formats in the Plot Edit
property sheet. Click to open the plot edit property sheet.

o To view the plot data, click on the Data tab and resize or scroll the view to see the plot
data.

Plot Edit Data View
o To export the plot data click on the Export tab then the Data tab, the following export
selection view will be presented.

Export Plot Data by Copy and Paste
To export data by Copy and Paste method:
1. Select the desired format .
2. Select the data series to export
3. Click the button.

4. Move to the application program to paste to (eg Word or Excel).
5. Click on the start point for the paste and use the applications Edit/Paste menu or press <Ctrl><V> to
paste the data into the application.
Export Plot Data to a File Format

1. Select the desired export file format.
2. Set additional options (Include and Delimiter)
3. Click to open the Save As dialog.

4. Enter navigate to the desired folder, enter a filename and click the execute the export
to file
Re-calculation of Displayed Measurements
Displayed data can be re-calculated using new or changed Measurement setup parameters as long as the
displayed data is NOT an “Average Of” data record.
To change Measurement Setup parameters:
1. Open the Measurement SOP dialog by clicking the button in the Measurement toolbar.
2. Open the Measurement SOP Options dialog.
3. Change desired options.
4. Close the Options dialog then close the Measurement SOP dialog.
5. Execute re-calculation by clicking the Calculate button. The data will be re-calculated and
displayed.
Updating the Displayed Measurement Record
Database record data that has been re-calculated can be caused to replace the current database record by
clicking the Database Toolbar Update button. Updating overwrites the current database record with
the displayed data.
Saving the Displayed Measurement Data to a New Record
Re-calculated data may be saved to the measurement database as a new database record by clicking the
Save New Measurement button.

Building a Composite Database
Composite databases are databases that are user created that contain selected records from one or more
other databases. FLEX 11 has an “Automated” process to accomplish this task.
The following method describes how to create a composite database (copy selected records from one
database to another):
1. Open a database for retrieval that contain the records you want to copy to another database. This
database is the “Source Database” from which records will be selected for copy to a “Destination
Database.
2. From the Data menu, select “Transfer DB Records”
A “Transfer Database Records” dialog will be presented. This dialog acts much like a “Wizard” to
“Walk” the user through the 3 steps needed for the copy of database records from one database to
another. Only the next step in the 3 step process will be active after previous steps are completed.
3. Click the button (Step 1) to open the database Retrieval dialog.

4. Click on the Query Results tab of the Retrieval dialog and Select the records for copy.

Retrieval Dialog with Records for Copy Selected
5. Right Click the displayed list and Select “Auto-Export Selected Records” from the menu that is
presented. The selected records will be retrieved and saved to a temporary location, when this step
is complete the “Transfer Database Records” dialog will be presented again.
Retrieval Menu
(Only “Auto-Export Selected Records” will appear active)

6. Specify a “Destination Database” (Step 2) from the “Transfer Database Records” dialog. You can
either create a new database by clicking or select an already existing
database by clicking . A “Database Create” or “Database Open” dialog

will appear. Create or select a destination database. Once selected a new database view will open
with the destination database connected.
Transfer Database Records Dialog

(with Step 2 active)
7. Click the button (Step 3) to complete the copy of selected records to the
destination database. A progress bar will keep track of the Add Records process. When finished
the “Transfer Database Records” dialog will close.
Transfer Database Records Dialog

(with Step 3 active)
NOTE 1: After the database records are copied both the Source database and Destination databases are in
open windows. To switch between the two find them listed in the Windows menu and select the desired
view. Alternately close the database views that are not needed.
NOTE 2: To copy records from another database repeat the above process. Make sure to close the
currently open databases first.

Designing Custom Reports
Microtrac FLEX software includes an extensive custom report designing capability. This section will
describe how to design custom reports. The Microtrac custom report designer can also be used to create
labels for samples including bar codes. Labels can be generated for a number of major label manufacturers.
Reports can be designed that contain:
 Selected Microtrac Data
 Imported Pictures (logos)
 Bar Codes
 Custom Text and Annotation
 Drawing items can be added (boxes, lines, shapes etc).
 Backgrounds can be added.
 All text-based items can have custom fonts and colors.
 All items can be sized and positioned on the report form.
Pre-designed Reports
Microtrac FLEX comes installed with some pre-designed reports. These reports are “read only” files and
should be kept this way so that they are always available and not inadvertently overwritten. These pre-
designed reports have a wider left margin to allow space for three-hole punching without interfering with
printed data.
The following are examples of the pre-designed reports:
 DotNetLandscape Report

 DotNetRawData Report

 DotNetRawData Report

 DotNetZetaPotPortraitFull Report

The Reports Designer
The Reports Designer is the tool used to design new reports or alter the layout and contents of existing
reports. Microtrac FLEX 11 comes installed with a set of pre-designed reports. These reports can be used
directly or as base reports, changed and saved to a different name. The pre-designed are read-only files and
cannot be overwritten (changed). A blank new report is also provided as a starting point for designing new
reports and is also a read only file. It serves as a template to be added to and when the design is completed
it must be saved to a new name.
NOTE: All designed report templates must reside in the following folder in order to be available to the
Microtrac FLEX program.
<Microtrac Installation Folder>\Reports where Microtrac Installation Folder is the folder where the
program file resides.
Typically this will be - C:\ProgramFiles\Microtrac\FLEX 11\Reports
Designing a New Report
1. Click on Select/Design item in the Reports menu to open the Select/Design Reports dialog.

2. To design a new report (start with a clean sheet) click any report name starting with “~New”in the
Report Templates list then click to open the reports designer with a blank
report ready for adding data entities.
Reports Designer with a Blank Report Sheet

3. If the Layout Preview pane is not on top then Click on the Layout Preview tab to make it the top
sheet. This is the easiest pane to use to design a report, it shows the entire space an item occupies
on the report with a shadow.
NOTE: All Panes in the designer are “Dockable”. That means they can be re-arranged to suit the
user’s preferences by dragging the panes around the display. Once a layout is changed it remains
even if the FLEX software is closed and re-opened.
4. The List Of Variables contains the Microtrac data entities that can be added to the blank report. To
add a Variable to the report Drag the variable item from the List of Variables and Drop it on the
report. The variable entity will appear on the report.

SpTabularWide Dragged and Dropped on the Blank Report Form
5. Right Click on the properties tab.
6. Click on Contents and set a check in . This allows the object to be resized.
(Applies to HTML objects only)

7. Resize and/or re-position the variable entity on the report form as desired. All variable entities on
the report form can be sized and re-positioned using standard Windows drawing techniques (More
details about data entities are described in a later section, page 85).
SpTabular Wide Re-positioned and Re-Sized

Data shown will be live if there was data available in the program data view.

8. Continue the process until the report design is completed.
Example of a Completed Report Design

9. Save the designed report by selecting “Save As” from the file menu. This will open a Save As
dialog.
IMPORTANT: Reports must be saved in the Reports folder that was created by the Microtrac software
installation program. Make sure you save the new Report Template to this folder. Typically the folder
will be c:\Program Files\Microtrac\Reports.
10. Select the Reports folder, enter a filename and click .

11. Close the report Designer to return to the Select/Design Reports dialog. The new report will now
appear on the Report Templates list, available to be added to the Selected Reports list.
The new report will appear in the Report Templates list available for selection as a report.
Altering the Design of an Existing Report
1. Click on Select/Design item in the reports menu to open the Select/Design Reports dialog.

2. To alter the design an Existing report click on name of the desired Existing in the Report Templates
list then click to open the reports designer with a blank report ready for adding
data entities. The example above will use GraphSumData.lbl as the report to alter.
3. The reports designer will open with the selected existing report template form in view.
4. Switch to the Layout Preview tab and make the desired alterations to the report:
 Add new items
 Resize Items

 Change Fonts
 Delete Items
 Etc.
5. When the report re-design is complete use the File/Save As menu item to save the report to a new
name if the report is to be a new report based on a re-design of an existing report. Or the File/Save
menu item if the existing report design is to be Updated (replaced).
List of Variables Details
The List of Variables contains all available Microtrac data entities that can be placed on a report. These
variables are tied directly to Microtrac Live data when a report is printed. This is also true for the design
process when live data is available. If live data is not available then the last live data or substitute data is
provided to assist in the designing process.
Reports Designer - List of Variables

 BenchType – (Text Type) – Microtrac Bench Type (“Nanotrac”, “S3000” etc.)
 DBPathAndName – (Text Type) – Current data is saved to this database. Includes Path and Name
of database eg: “C:\ProgramFiles\Microtac\Databases\MTDatabase.mdb”.
 DBRecordNumber – (Text Type) – If this data is saved to a database then the value is the database
record number for this data. If the data has not been saved then the value is “N/A”.
 Date – (Text Type) – the date the data was saved to the database, if data was not saved then this is
the date the data was calculated.
 DateAcquired – (Text Type) – The date the data was acquired.
 DataTolFileName – (Text Type) – Name of Current Data Tolerance file.
 DataTolPlot – (Picture Type) – Image of the Data Tolerance Plot for the current data.

 DataTolModifiedStat – (Text Type) – Status of the current data tolerance values (Modified:
Yes/No)
 DataTolPercentile - (HTML Table Type) – Data Tolerance Percentiles Results
 DataTolSelectedPassFail - - (HTML Table Type) – Data Tolerance Selected Parameters
Evaluation table.
 DataTolStatus – (Text Type) – Status of Data Tolerance Evaluation (Pass or Fail).
 DataTolSummary - (HTML Table Type) – Data Tolerance Summary Results
 DataTolTabular - (HTML Table Type) – Data Tolerance Tabular Results
 Graph – (Picture Type) – Image of the data plot from the data view.
 ID1 – (Text Type) – Sample ID 1
 ID2 – (Text Type) – Sample ID 2
 MTLogo – (Picture Type) – Microtrac Inc Logo.
 Measurement_Info – (HTML Table Type) – Measurement Information
 MeasSOPName – The name of the Measurement SOP used for the measurement.
 Notes – (Text Type) – Identifiers Notes, Make this big enough to hold the max amount of notes.
This item grows and shrinks dependent on the amount of text to display. The grey outline around
the entity defines its growth bounds in the report.
 PrintTimeDate – Time and Date this report is being printed on.
 RawDataLoadingIndex – (Text Type) – Sample Measurement Loading Index
 RawDataPlot – (Picture Type) – A graphical plot of the measurement raw data.
 RecalcStatus – (Text Type) – The recalculation status of the measurement (“Original”,
“Recalculated”).
 RunNumber – (Text Type) – Contains the run number
o if the run is an Avg Of then contains “Avg of Number of Runs – Ex: “Avg of 3”.
o If the run is a User Created Composite record then contains “Composite”
o If the run is a User Manually Entered Record then contains “Manual”
 SecurityInfo – (Picture Type) – Contains all security related information for User, Approver &
Status.
 Serial Number – (Text Type) – The Microtrac Analyzer serial number.
 SetzeroLoadingIndex – (Text Type) – The Setzero measurement loading index.
 SetzeroPlot – (Picture Type) - A graphical plot of the Setzero raw data.
 SpPeaks - (HTML Table Type) – Peaks Summary data table.
 SpPercentiles - (HTML Table Type) – Percentiles data table.
 SpRawData - (HTML Table Type) – Sample Measurement Raw data values.
 SpSetzero - (HTML Table Type) – Setzero Measurement Raw data values.
 SpSizePercent - (HTML Table Type) – Size Percent data table.
 SpSummary - (HTML Table Type) – Summary data table.

 SpTabular - (HTML Table Type) – Tabular data table single column format. This item grows and
shrinks vertically. Not suitable for use if progressions of Geom Root 8 are used. For Geom Root 8
use SpTabularWide.
 SpTabularWide - (HTML Table Type) – Tabular data table in wide format. This is a fixed height
table but grows to variable width based on number of data channels to display. When designing
leave room for expansion to maximum size.
 SoftwareVersion – (Text Type) – The current software version number.
 Time – (Text Type) - The time the data was saved to the database, if data was not saved then this is
the time the data was calculated.
 TimeAcquired – (Text Type) – The time the data was acquired.
 Title – (Text Type) – The Title entered in the Identifiers dialog.
 Warnings – (HTML Table Type) – Table of warnings possibly produced by the measurement.
 WarningString – (Text Type) – More compact display of warnings. Only warnings that are “BAD”
status are listed. If no warnings are BAD this is BLANK.

Customization Using Drawing and Annotation Tools
Additional tools are available to place drawing items and additional fixed text on the reports. They are
accessed from the Insert Tab on the designer menu strip.
Reports Designer - Drawing Tools Toolbar
Select – Puts mouse pointer in Normal Mode.
Text - Mouse pointer defines a Text area on the report form. Use Properties to enter text and set font
characteristics.
Line – Mouse pointer defines (draws) a line on the report form. Use Properties to set line
characteristics.
Rectangle – Mouse pointer defines (draws) a rectangle on the report form. Use Properties to set
rectangle characteristics.
Ellipse/Circle – Mouse pointer defines (draws) and ellipse or circle on the report form. Use
Properties to set ellipse or circle characteristics.
Picture – Mouse pointer defines an area for a picture on the report form. Use Properties to find and
load the picture file.
Bar Code – Mouse pointer defines an area for a Bar Code to be placed on the report form. Use
Properties to define the code type and code text.
Formatted Text - Mouse pointer defines a Formatted Text area on the report form. Use Properties
to enter text and set font characteristics.
Adding Custom Text to a Report
Add custom text to a report (text you type) using the Text Tool (allows adding variables to the text)
or the Formatted Text Tool (easier to use).
1. Click the desired tool (we will use the Formatted Text Tool ).
2. Define the text area on the report form by clicking and holding the left mouse button down in a
corner of the desired area and dragging to the opposite diagonal corner and letting the left mouse
up.
3. To add text to the text area Right Click anywhere in the text box area, a floating menu will appear,
then select “Contents” to open the text area Properties Dialog.

Text Area Defined – Floating Menu Open
4. Use the Formatted Text Properties dialog to enter and format your text. To finish click .
5. Re-position and re-size the text area to its final location on the report form.

Adding Drawing Items to a Report
The following is a general description of the method used to add lines, circles and rectangles to report
forms.
1. Select the desired drawing tool (Line, Ellipse/Circle or Rectangle).
2. Use the mouse to draw the shape on the report form.
3. Format the shape from the object Properties Dialog. To Open the object’s Properties dialog Right
Click on the object to and select Properties from the floating menu that appears.
4. Set the drawing object properties in the Property Pane.

5. Formatted object is shown below.
Adding Pictures to a Report

Adding a picture file to a report is most useful when you wish to add a “Logo”, picture or other graphic to
your report. Picture files added to reports must remain in the same folder they resided in at design time so
that when the report is printed at a later time the picture file can be found.
1. Select the Picture tool and define the area on the report form that the picture will occupy

Defined Picture Area and Floating Menu
2. Right Click in the Picture area and select Contents from the floating menu, a File Open dialog will
appear.
3. Navigate to the desired “Picture File” a preview “thumbnail” is shown on the right.
4. Click to insert the picture in the frame.

5. Re-size and re-position the picture on the report form as desired.
Adding Bar Codes to a Report

The reports designer has the capability to add Bar Codes to a report. Additionally the reports designer can
print bar code labels on many standard Avery label formats. The user can print sample labels on standard
Avery label stock using this tool. Bar codes can be printed using a large number of standard bar code
formats.
1. Select the Bar Code tool.

2. Define the area on the report form to place the bar code.
3. Right Click in the bar code area and open the Bar Code Contents dialog from the floating menu.

Bar Code Contents Dialog
4. Select the desired bar code format from the bar code format list.
5. Type the desired text for the bar code in the text edit box. The bar code immediately appears on the
report form in the defined bar code area.
6. Click to finish.
7. Re-position and re-size the bar code area as desired.

Completed Bar Code
Annotating a Report
A single report can be annotated and printed directly from the designer without having to actually save the
report form.
1. Make sure the measurement data that you want on the annotated report is displayed in the data view.
2. Open the reports designer with the desired report to be annotated selected in the Templates List.
This report form will be shown with the live data from the data view measurement in the designer.
3. Annotate the report by adding text and drawing objects to suit the annotation objectives.
4. Print the report directly from the designer using the Test Print Without Frames button in the
designer File Menu .
5. Save the annotated report if desired. Do not save the report if you do not want to create a report
template containing your annotation.

Printing a Report Directly from the Designer
A single report can be printed directly from the designer without having to actually save the report form.
1. Make sure the measurement data that you want on the annotated report is displayed in the data view.
2. Open the reports designer with the desired report to be annotated selected in the Templates List.
This report form will be shown with the live data from the data view measurement in the designer.
3. Print the report directly from the designer using the Test Print Without Frames button in the
designer File Menu .

Diagnostic & Service Utilities
The following items are found on the Tools/Service menu and are ONLY to be used as directed by
Microtrac Service Representatives to aide in system problem analysis.
S3K Signal Monitor

This service utility is for use with the forward light scattering analyzers (S3000, S3500, Blue Wave). It can
help determine if the data collection system is working properly.
To access the signal monitor click Tools/Service/Signal Monitor:

Signal Monitor Service Utility
Signal Monitor Control Details:
Causes the optical bench to perform an auto align laser. When the auto align is complete
several values are displayed in the CBM box.
Auto Align Complete
Allows for flow control of the SDC from this utility.

Signal Collect Section
Signal Collect Section – Allows for data collection of raw signal using:
 A specified Illumination Source.
 A specified Integration Time
 A specified Channel Gain.
 Selection of a “Window “ of detector array signals to display.
Starts a continuous data collection using a 2 second sample time based on the
specified Signal Collection Parameters. Data is displayed in the Graph as shown in the example below and
is updated once every data collection cycle.

Terminates a running signal data collection.
Blinks Green/Blue when a signal data collection is running.
(Showing data collected using the Uniform LED Source)

S3K Utilities Control Panel
This display performs functions to test and troubleshoot S3000/S3500/Bluewave analyzers.
WARNING: only use this utility under the direction of Microtrac Service
Personnel!

Factory Utilities Display
Array Assembly Test
Use the appropriate (Forward or HiAngle) button to perform S3000 array assembly tests.
When the array test is completed the results are displayed in the Utility Data Display. These
results can be printed by Right Clicking the tabular area of the Data Display and selecting “Print”
from the menu that appears.

Laser(s)
Controls in this section are used for:
 Manually turning on and off lasers.

 Laser power adjustment.
Manual Laser Enable/Disable
Click the button for the laser to turn on to turn the desired laser on. The indicator will
turn red in color to indicate that this laser is on. All laser enable and power adjust buttons will be
disabled when a laser is on.

To turn the laser off click . The laser that is on will be turned off and the indicator
color will be set to black. All controls are re-enabled.
Laser Power Adjust
To start the laser power adjust mode click the desired “Laser # Power Adj” button.
Laser Power Adjust Mode for Laser 1

When in Laser Power Adjust mode the power % for the laser being adjusted is displayed and The
current status of the laser power % display is maintained until another laser power adjust is
performed.updated about every 5 seconds.
To end the laser power adjust mode click .

Uniform LED
Uniform LED (LED is Off)
Uniform LED (LED is On)
This function turns the uniform LED on and off in a “Toggle” fashion. When the LED is “On” the
indicator is Red. Select the desired LED(s) to turn on. Then click .
Central Beam Monitor
Click to start the Central Beam Monitor function. Laser 1 will turn on and this display
will update about once every 5 seconds. Elapsed time is displayed in seconds. When the elapsed
time = 300 seconds the data collection stops and the 5 Min Stability value is displayed.
CBM Monitor (in Progress)
This process can be stopped at any time by clicking .

CBM Monitor (after 5 minutes)
Showing 5 Min Stability
Alignment
Click to perform an auto laser align. When the auto laser align is complete the display
is updated indicating the value of CBM and Zones 1 and 2.
Forward Array Calibration
Click to perform this calibration.

Calibration progress is indicated on the status bar of the utilities display (bottom of the form).
When the calibration is complete the Utilities Data Display is automatically opened and displays
relevant calibration information. Displayed data may be printed from this display by “Right
Clicking” on the data area and selecting “Print”.
If this calibration is performed then it MUST be followed by a Uniform Calibration.

Hi Angle Array Calibration
Click to perform this calibration.

If this calibration is performed then it MUST be followed by a Uniform Calibration.
Uniform Calibration
Click to perform an array uniform calibration.

Collect Measurements
This section provides a method by which S3500/Bluewave data can be collected under specific
conditions set by the user. Data collected can be saved to a file and/or analyzed. In addition data
can be read in that will be subtracted from the collected data when the collect data, data display
is viewed.
Setting Up for a Collect
Before a data collection is performed, the various setup items must be set to the desired values.
Select the desired integration time for the data collection.
Set the desired data collection gain.
Set the desired run time.
Set the number of runs. If number of runs is more than one then the
result of the data collection will be the average of all the runs.

Set a check in this box to have the software automatically perform an data analysis of
collected multiple run data. Number of runs must be more than 1 (one). Analysis results are
automatically shown on the Factory Utilities Data Display were they can be printed by “Right
Set a check on this box to subtract data specified in the “File In” edit window
(see below) from the next data collected.
Enter a file path & name for a data file to be produced that contains the
collected data.
 If this field is blank then no output file is produced.
 If no path is supplied and only a file name is entered the file will be produced in the folder
where the FLEX software is installed. Typically C:\Program Files\Microtrac FLEX 10.x.x.
Enter a file path & name for a previously produces output file to be read in
and subtracted from the current data being collected. Typically this file would contain Dark
Current.
 If this field is blank then no input file is read in.
 If no path is supplied and only a file name is entered the file will be read from the folder
where the FLEX software is installed. Typically C:\Program Files\Microtrac FLEX 10.x.x.
where 10.x.x is the version number of the software.
Performing a Data Collect
Once the data collection parameters have been set up, perform the data collection by:
1. Enabling the desired light source for the collection (Laser1, 2, 3 or the Uniform LED. For
Dark Current measurements make sure all light sources are disabled (not on).
2. Click to perform the data collection. A data collection progress form

(just like normal Flex measurements) will appear during the data collection with a
progress bar to indicate the progress (time) of the data collection.

Data Collection Progress
When the data collection is complete the Utilities Data Display is automatically opened and
displays collected or analyzed data. Displayed data may be printed from this display by “Right
Factory Test Data Display
The Factory Test Data Display is a general purpose data display that will display the data
produced by the various Factory Test Utility functions.
Data Display
(After a Collect with LED Source)

The display consists of three areas:
1. Tabular Data – Contains a listing, by zone of data collected and/or calculated.

2. Data Plot – If needed a plot of the collected data is displayed.
3. General Information – Contains relevant information about the success or failure of a
calibration process along with calculated values and a time and date.
Depending on the function that data is being displayed from all or just one or two of these areas
will have information displayed.
Printing the Displayed Data
To print the General Information and Tabular data “Right Click” on the tabular data and then click
on “Print” (see figure above).
To print the data plot click on the button below the data plot.
Stop Process Button
(Enabled) Whenever a data collection is in progress and the Stop Process button is
“Enabled” as appears above the current data collection is halted or cancelled by clicking this
button.
If the Stop Process button is “Disabled” as appears here then it is not used to halt the
current process. Generally this means the current process stops itself.
SDC Controls
These SDC controls are provided to allow the SDC flow to be turned on or off
without having to close this display.
Printing the Utilities Form
A picture of the state of the Utilities form can be printed by clicking in the lower right
corner of the form.

Nanotrac Wave Utilities
Caution: Do NOT perform any operations on this panel UNLESS directed by Microtrac
Service Advisors. Displays shown below are for reference only.
Select Tools/Service/Utilities to open the Nanotrac Wave Utilities Panel.
Nanotrac Wave Utilities Panel – Calibration Tab

Measurement System Tab
Temperature Control Tab

Auxiliary Functions Tab
General Data Tab – Displays Test Results

PSD Tab
Displays Data Collection Results

Zetatrac Diagnostics
If the Zetatrac analyzer has Zeta Potential measurements enabled a utility can be accessed to save
diagnostic files. If the user suspects a problem with Zeta Potential measurements these diagnostic files can
be sent to Microtrac Inc. to assist in trouble shooting. This capability is ONLY available during a live
measurement session and is NOT available from Database Recall.
The user has two options with regard to saving the diagnostic files.
1. Manually save diagnostics for the currently displayed data.
2. Automatically save diagnostic files for all Zeta Potential measurements.
Diagnostic files are saved to a subfolder structure under the FLEX software installation. The main folder
holds a sub-folders containing the diagnostic files. The main folder is created by FLEX and is:
C:\Program Files\Microtrac FLEX 10.X.X\ZetaDiagnostics where X.X is the FLEX version number.
Each time a set of diagnostic files is saved a new Sub-Folder is created under the folder above that contains
the diagnostic files. The subfolders are automatically named by the following convention:
Database Name + Database Record Number + Current Date and Time
For example: MyDatabase_372 07_30_2008 10_50_51 where
MyDatabase is the database name
372 is the database record number
07_30_2008 is the current date
10_50_51 is the current time in 24 hour format to the second.
Location of Zeta Diagnostic Files

Note: if the user saves the file manually then the destination folder of the new sub-folder can be
specified by the user.
Saving Zeta Diagnostics Manually
To save the currently displayed live Zeta Potential measurement diagnostic files manually:
1. Select “Service” from the Tools menu.
2. Select “Save Zeta Diagnostics” from the “Service” menu to open the Zeta diagnostic dialog.

3. Browse to the parent folder destination for the save using the botton.
4. Enter a the desired sub-folder base name. The default uses the same naming convention as automatic
saves (described below). The user can optionally change this.
5. Optionally, enter any useful information about this measurement that would aide in the trouble
shooting process in the Notes window.
6. Click to save the diagnostic files.

To Enable Automatic Zeta Potential diagnostics:
1. Select ”Service” from the Tools menu.
2. Select “Enable Zeta Diagnostics” from the “Service” menu.
(See next page)
When Zeta Diagnostics are enabled an indicator on the datadisplay lets the user be aware that the Zeta
Diagnostics are Enabled as shown below .

Zeta potential diagnostics can be disabled by clicking on indicator or from the
“Tools/Service/Disable Zeta Diagnostics” menu item.
Disable Zeta Diagnostics
What to send to Microtrac Inc.

The user should send:
1. Zetatrac Diagnostic files folder and its contents that corresponds to the database record that
contains the data for the measurement(s) in question.
2. Optionally, the database that contains the records in question.

Appendix A - Contents of ASCII Output File
The following describes the data structure of the “Export to File” ASCII output file. DO NOT alter the
contents of this file. Some values are repeated. This file is formatted so it can be read into FLEX as if it
were a database record.
Nanotrac ASCII Output File:
In order of occurrence in the file - Data Description, Data Type, Number of items
Security Data:
 Database Record Number for Original Data, long integer, 1
 Database Path and Name for the Current Data, string, 1
 (Duplicate) Database Path and Name for the Current Data, string, 1
 Approval Date, string, 1
 Approval Name, string, 1
 Approval ID, string, 1
 Approval PID, string, 1
 Approval Signed Flag, string, 1 (“True” or “False”)
 User Date, string, 1
 User Name, string, 1
 User ID, string, 1
 User PID, string, 1
 User Signed Flag, string, 1 (“True” or “False”)
 Secure Data Flag, string, 1, (“True” = Secure Data or “False” = Not Secure)
 Data Acquired Date, string, 1
 Database Guid ID, (Place Holder)
 Data Acquired Time, string, 1
 Parent Database Record ID, long integer, 1
 Enforce Setzero Flag, string, 1 (“True” or “False”)
 Data Source, integer, 1 (Live Measurement = 1, File = 2)
 Current Data Source, integer, 1 (Live = 1, Database = 2, Import File = 3 )
 Date of last Re-calculation, string, 1
 (Duplicate) Database Record ID, long integer, 1
General Data:
 Bench Type (Nanotrac = 10, S3000/S3500 = 14)
 ASCII flag, integer, always = -1
 Run Number, integer, 1 (1 – 99)

 Application Type, integer, 1 (WET = 0, DRY = 1
 Place Holder(1), integer, 1 (Always = 0)
 “Average Of “ data flag, string, (“True” = this is an Average of data record, False”)
 Bench Type Name, string, 1 (“Nanotrac”, “S3000/S3500”)
Calibration Data:
 Analyzer Serial Number, String, 1
 Laser Wave Length, integer, 1
 Loading Index Factor, Float, 1
 Nanotrac Calibration Factor, Float, 1
Identifiers Data:
 Title, string, 1
 Sample ID 1, string, 1
 Notes, string, 1
Analysis Data:
 X100 Extended Range, integer, 1 (1 = true, 0 = false)
 Scattering Efficiency, Float, 1
 Scattering Function, Float, 1
 SRA Resolution, integer, 1 (0 = Normal, 1 = High)
 S3000 Analysis Mode, integer, 1 (14 = S3000, 4 = X100, 6 = SRA150, 2 = FRA9200)
 Nanotrac Sensitivity, Integer, 1 (High = 0, Standard = 1, Low = 2)
 Particle Imag Index, Float, 1 (Not used, Place Holder)
 S3000/S3500 Filter Option, integer, 1 (0 = None, 1 = Standard, 2 = Broad)
 UPA Scale Option, integer, 1, (1 = Use UPA Size Scale, 0 = Use Nanotrac Size Scale)
 Nanotrac Calibration Factor, float, 1
Particle Data:
 Particle Refractive Index, Float, 1
 Particle Density, Float, 1
 Particle Shape, integer, 1 (Spherical = 1, Irregular = 0)
 Particle Transparency, integer, 1, (Transparent = 1, Absorbing = 0, Reflecting = 2)
 Nanotrac Mono Disperse Option, string (“ True”, “ False”)
 Particle Setup Name, String , 1
 Nanotrac Filter:Resolution, integer, 1 (Standard:Low = 0, Medium:Low = 1, High:Low = 2,
Standard:High = 3, Medium:High = 4, High:High = 5)

Perspective Data:
 Percentiles, Float, 10 values
 Size percent, Float, 10 values
 Distribution, integer, 1 (Volume = 0, Number = 1, Area = 2, Intensity = 3)
 Progression, integer, 1 (Standard = 0, 8Root = 1, 4Root = 2, 2Root = 3, Tyler = 4, US = 5)
 Residuals Flag string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Upper Edge, Float, 1
 Lower Edge, Float, 1
 Place Holder, integer, 1
Carrier Data:
 Low Temperature Viscosity, Float, 1
 Low Temperature, Float, 1
 High Temperature Viscosity, Float, 1
 Carrier Setup Name, string, 1
 Carrier Refractive Index, Float, 1
 High Temperature, Float, 1
Timing Data:
 Number of Runs, integer, 1
 Run Time, integer, 1
 Setzero Time, integer, 1
Collect Data:
 Setzero Data Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Setzero Data Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Setzero Data Array, Float, Size = (UpperBound – Lower Bound) + 1
 Run Raw Data Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Run Raw Data Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Run Raw Data Array, Float, Size = (UpperBound – Lower Bound) + 1
 Starting Temperature, Float, 1
 Ending Temperature, Float, 1
 Average Temperature, Float, 1
 Warnings, long integer, 1
 Reflected Power, Float, 1
 Loading Index Factor, float , 1

Calculated Data:
 Peaks Percent Volume, float, 6
 Peaks Mean Diameter, float, 6
 Peaks Width, float, 6
 Percentile Values, float, 10
 Percent Size Values, float, 10
 Standard Peaks Percent Volume, float, 6
 Standard Peaks Mean Diameter, float, 6
 Standard Volume Array Lower Bound, intger, 1
 Standard Volume Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Volume Array, float, Size = (Upper Bound – Lower Bound) + 1
 Carrier Viscosity, float, 1
 Peaks Number of Peaks, integer, 1
 Nanotrac Concentration Index, float, 1
 Standard Molecular Weight, float, 1
 Loading Index, float, 1 (sample loading value)
 Standard CS, float, 1
 Standard MA, float , 1
 Standard MN, float, 1
 Standard, MV, float, 1
 Standard SD, float, 1
Setzero Time/Date:
 Setzero Date/Time, String, 1
 Setzero Time (only), String, 1
Standard Edges:
 Standard Edges Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Edges Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Edges Array, Float, Size = (Upper Bound – Lower Bound) + 1
File Identification Data:
 Date this file was created, string, 1
 Time this file was created, string, 1
 Full path and filename for this file, string, 1
Misc Data:
 Nanotrac Bench Type, Integer 0 = Nanotrac, 1= NAS 35, 2 = Molecular

Misc. Summary Data:
 Graphic Mean (Mz), Float, 1
 Graphic Kurtosis(Kg), Float, 1
 Graphic Std. Dev (gSD), Float, 1
 Skew (Ski), Float, 1
User Defined Calculations:
 User Defined Formula 1 Name, String, 1
 User Defined Formula 1 Description, String, 1
 User Defined Formula 1, String, 1
Other:
 RMS Residual, Float, 1
 Setzero Reflected Power, Float, 1
 Particle Polydisperse Flag, Integer, 1 (Currently has no meaning)
Zeta Potential:
 Zeta Potential Enabled, Integer, 1 ( 1= Enabled, 0 = Disabled)
 Zeta Potential Drive Voltage, Float, 1
 Zeta Potential Drive Frequency, Float, 1
 Zeta Potential Method Huckel, Integer, 1 (1 = Selected , 0 = Not Selected) (Not Implemented)
 Zeta Potential Method Smoluchowski, Integer, 1 (1 = Selected , 0 = Not Selected)
 Zeta Potential D50, Float, 1
 Calculated Zeta Potential, Float, 1
 Particle Mobility, Float, 1
 Zeta Conductivity, Float, 1
 Zeta Drive Voltage, Float, 1
 Zeta Dielectric Constant, Float, 1
 Zeta Analysis Method, Integer, 1 (0 = MPS, 1=SPS (Not Implemented)
 Zeta Potential Drive Current (ua), Float, 1

Zeta Potential Sample Information:
 Zeta Potential Dispersant ID, String, 1
 Zeta Potential Fluid ID, String, 1
 Zeta Potential Particle ID, String, 1
 Zeta Potential Dispersant pH, Float, 1
 Zeta Potential Dispersant Concentration, String, 1
 Zeta Potential Sample Concentration, Float, 1
Measurement SOP Name Information
 SOP was changed, Integer (1 = Yes, 0 = No), 1
 SOP was changed text, String (“Yes” or “No”, reflects SOP changed value above)
 SOP Name, String
Additional Data
 CMode Analysis, Integer (1 = Enabled, 0 = Disabled), 1
 CMode Peaks - CI, Float, 4
 Zeta NAmp, Float, 1 (Zetatrac Raw Data Value)
 Titration Data Present = 1, Not Present = 0
If Titration Data is Present then the following Data is Present
 Titration Experiment ID, string
 Measured pH, Float
 Experiment Elapsed Time, Long Integer
 Dose Tank Used ID, Integer
 Volume Added for this step, Float
 Total Volume Added, Float
Titration SOP Items
 End Rinse, Integer (1= true, 0 = false)
 Initial Measurement, Integer (1= true, 0 = false)
 Wait Time, Integer (seconds)
 Pre-Dose Target, Float
 Pre-Dose Amount, Float
 Fixed Dose Amount, Float
 Pre-Dose Enabled, Integer (1= true, 0 = false)
 End Point Type, Integer
 End Point Value, Float
 Titration Type, Integer

 Titration Control, Integer
 Potentiometric Step, Float
 Starting Volume, Float
 pH Direction, integer
 Display X Axis, integer
 Display Y Axis, integer
 Secondary Y Axis Type, integer
 Secondary Y Axis Value, float
 Tank Reagent ID, string, 4
 Tank pH, float, 4
 Tank Enabled, integer, 4, (enabled = 1, disabled = 0)
End of Optional Titration Data
 CMode Peaks - CV, Float, 4
 CMode Peaks - Peak Size, Float, 4
 CMode Peaks - Peak Volume, Float, 4
 CMode Peaks - Peak Width, Float, 4
 CMode Option Valid, Integer (1 = Enabled, 0 = Disabled), 1
 Nantrac/Zetatrac Analysis Mode, Integer, 1, (2 = CMode, 1 = DMode, 0 = Legacy)
 Is Molecular Weight Data Present, integer (1 = True, 0 = False)
If Molecular Weight Data is present then the following data is present
 Experiment ID, string
 Sample material dndCw, float
 Weight Concentration of sample, float
 ConstK, float
 Molecular Weight Calibration Factor, float
 Measured Mean Diameter, float
 Particle Density, Float
 Hydro‐Dynamic Molecular Weight, Float
 Selected Calculations, Integer
End Optional Molecular Weight Data
 Calculated Poly-Dispersity Index, Float
 Is Thermal Experiment Data Present, integer (1 = True, 0 = False)
If Thermal Experiment Data is present then the following data is present
 Experiment ID, String
 Pre‐Run Dwell, integer

 Secondary Axis Type, Integer
 Secondary Axis Parameter Value, float
 Experiment Temperature Set Points, Float, 20
End of Optional Thermal Experiment Data
 Wave Cuvette Installed, Integer, (1 = True, 0 = False)
 Cuvette Inner Focus Status, integer
 Cuvette AwayFocusReflectedPowerUW, float (microwatts)
 Cuvette OuterFocusReflectedPowerUW, float (microwatts)
 Cuvette InnerFocusReflectedPowerUW, float (microwatts)
 Cuvette AwayFocusPosition, integer
 Cuvette OuterFocusPosition, integer
 Cuvette InnerFocusPosition, integer
 Wave Cuvette Auto‐Zero, integer (1 = Enabled, 0 = Disabled)
 Wave Cuvette Type, integer
 Wave Cuvette Effective Reflectivity, Float


S3500/BlueWave/BlueRay ASCII Output File:
In order of occurrence in the file - Data Description, Data Type, Number of items
Security Data:
 Database Record Number for Original Data, long integer, 1
 Database Path and Name for the Current Data, string, 1
 (Duplicate) Database Path and Name for the Current Data, string, 1
 Approval Date, string, 1
 Approval Name, string, 1
 Approval ID, string, 1
 Approval PID, string, 1
 Approval Signed Flag, string, 1 (“True” or “False”)
 User Date, string, 1
 User Name, string, 1
 User ID, string, 1
 User PID, string, 1
 User Signed Flag, string, 1 (“True” or “False”)
 Secure Data Flag, string, 1, (“True” = Secure Data or “False” = Not Secure)
 Data Acquired Date, string, 1
 Database Guid ID, (Place Holder)
 Data Acquired Time, string, 1
 Parent Database Record ID, long integer, 1
 Enforce Setzero Flag, string, 1 (“True” or “False”)
 Data Source, integer, 1 (Live Measurement = 1, File = 2)
 Current Data Source, integer, 1 (Live = 1, Database = 2, Import File = 3 )
 Date of last Re-calculation, string, 1
General Data:
 Bench Type (Nanotrac = 10, S3000/S3500 = 14)
 ASCII flag, integer, 1 (always = -1)
 Run Number, integer, 1 (1 – 99)
 Application Type, integer, 1 (WET = 0, DRY = 1

 “Average Of “ data flag, string, (“True” = this is an Average of data record, False”)
 Bench Type Name, string, 1 (“Nanotrac”, S3000/s3500”)
Calibration Data:
 Analyzer Serial Number, String, 1
 Laser 1 Wave Length, integer, 1
 Laser 1 Power Factor, Float, 1
 X100 Combination Factor, Float, 1
 S3000 Combination Factor, Float, 1
Identifiers Data:
 Title, string, 1
 Notes, string, 1
Analysis Data:
 X100 Extended Range, integer, 1 (1 = true, 0 = false)
 Scattering Efficiency, Float, 1
 Scattering Function, Float, 1
 SRA Resolution, integer, 1 (0 = Normal, 1 = High)
 S3000 Analysis Mode, integer, 1 (14 = S3000, 4 = X100, 6 = SRA150, 2 = FRA9200)
 Nanotrac Sensitivity, Integer, 1 (High = 0, Standard = 1, Low = 2)
 Particle Image Index, Float, 1 (Not used, Place Holder)
 S3000/S3500 Filter Option, integer, 1 (0 = None, 1 = Standard, 2 = Broad)
 Analysis Gain, integer, 1
 S3000/S3500 Bench Configuration, integer, 1
 S3000/S35000 Size Range, integer, 1 (0 = Low, 1 = High, 2 = Broad)
Particle Data:
 Particle Refractive Index, Float, 1
 Particle Density, Float, 1
 Particle Shape, integer, 1 (Spherical = 1, Irregular = 0)
 Particle Transparency, integer, 1, (Transparent = 1, Absorbing = 0, Reflecting = 2)
 Nanotrac Mono Disperse Option, string (“True”, “False”)
 Particle Setup Name, String , 1
 Nanotrac Filter:Resolution, integer, 1 (Standard:Low = 0, Medium:Low = 1, High:Low = 2,
Standard:High = 3, Medium:High = 4, High:High = 5)

Perspective Data:
 Percentiles, Float, 10 values
 Size Percent, Float, 10 values
 Distribution, integer, 1 (Volume = 0, Number = 1, Area = 2, Intensity = 3)
 Progression, integer, 1 (Standard = 0, 8Root = 1, 4Root = 2, 2Root = 3, Tyler = 4, US = 5)
 Residuals Flag, integer, 1
 Upper Edge, Float, 1
 Lower Edge, Float, 1
Carrier Data:
 Low Temperature Viscosity, Float, 1
 Low Temperature, Float, 1
 High Temperature Viscosity, Float, 1
 Carrier Setup Name, string, 1
 Carrier Refractive Index, Float, 1
 High Temperature, Float, 1
Timing Data:
 Number of Runs, integer, 1
 Run Time, integer, 1
 Setzero Time, integer, 1
SDC/ASVR Setup Data:
 Number of Rinses, integer, 1
 Flow Rate, integer, 1 (%)
 Ultrasonic Power, integer, 1
 Ultrasonic Time, integer, 1
 Initial Drain Flag, string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Deaerate Flag, string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Auto Sequence Perform Setzero, string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Auto Sequence Continue Until Valid Setzero, string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Auto Sequence Cycles, integer, 1
 Auto Sequence Ultrasonic Option, integer, 1
 Auto Sequence, Auto Dilute Option, string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Auto Sequence, Loading Pause After Option, string, 1 (“True”, “False”)
 Auto Sequence, PreRun Circulation Time, integer, 1
 Dry Feeder Type, integer, 1 (NONE = 0, Vibratory = 1 , Linear = 2)

 Vibratory Dry Feeder Amplitude, integer, 1
 Linear Dry Feeder Rate, integer, 1
 S3000/S3500 Sample Cell ID, string , 1
Collect Data:
 Setzero Data Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Setzero Data Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Setzero Data Array, Float, Size = (Upper Bound – Lower Bound) + 1
 Run Raw Data Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Run Raw Data Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Run Raw Data Array, Float, Size = (UpperBound – Lower Bound) + 1
 Laser Transmission, Float, 1
 S3000/S3500 Sample Loading, Float, 1
 Laser 1 Power Level, float, 1
Calculated Data:
 Peaks Percent Volume, float, 6
 Peaks Mean Diameter, float, 6
 Peaks Width, float, 6
 Percentile Values, float, 10
 Percent Size Values, float, 10
 Standard Peaks Percent Volume, float, 6
 Standard Peaks Mean Diameter, float, 6
 Standard Volume Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Volume Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Volume Array, float, Size = (Upper Bound – Lower Bound) + 1
 Peaks Number of Peaks, integer, 1
 Standard CS, float, 1
 Standard MA, float, 1
 Standard MN, float, 1
 Standard MV, float, 1
 Standard SD, float, 1
 Bench Status, long integer, 1
 Flux 18a, float, 1
Setzero Time/Date:
 Setzero Date/Time, String, 1

 Setzero Time (only), String, 1
Standard Edges:
 Standard Edges Array Lower Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Edges Array Upper Bound, integer, 1
 Standard Edges Array, Float, Size = (Upper Bound – Lower Bound) + 1
File Identification Data:
 Date this file was created, string, 1
 Time this file was created, string, 1
 Full path and filename for this file, string, 1
Misc Data:
 RMS Residual, float, 1
Sediment Data:
 Sediments Data Present, integer, 1 (1 = True, 0 = False)
 Sediment Type, String, 1
 Sediment Description, String, 1
 Sediment Weight of Fines, Float, 1
 Sediment Weight of Detergent, Float, 1
 Sediment Weight of Content, Float, 1
 Sediment Native Weight, Float, 1
 Sediment Weight of Coarse, Float, 12
 Sediment Option Misc, Integer 1 (needed for database only).
Misc. Summary Data:
 Graphic Mean (Mz), Float, 1
 Graphic Kurtosis(Kg), Float, 1
 Graphic Std. Dev (gSD), Float, 1
 Skew (Ski), Float, 1
User Defined Calculations:

Blue Wave:
 BlueWave Flag, Integer, 1 (1 = BlueWave, 0 = NOT BlueWave)
 Measurement Central Beam Monitor Power, Float, 1
 Setzero Central Beam Monitor Power, Float, 1
 Measurement Laser 2 Power, Float, 1
 Measurement Laser 3 Power, Float, 1
 Spherical Gain, Integer, 1
 Blue Wave Calibration PFR, Float, 37
Measurement SOP Name Information
 SOP was changed, Integer (1 = Yes, 0 = No)
 SOP was changed text, String (“Yes” or “No”, reflects SOP changed value above)
 SOP Name, String
Blue Ray
 Blue Ray Record, Integer (1 = Yes, 0 = No)
 If Blue Ray = YES then Extra BlueRay Pfr file Values, Float, 33 ELSE NO Values in File
Sediments
 Sediments Percentiles, Float, 7
 Sediments Size Percent, Float, 10
Blue Ray
 Blue Ray Precision Factor, Float, 1
 Blue Ray Enable Deconv, integer (Eanbled = 1, Disabled = 0)
Sediments
 Extra Sediments Size Percent, Float, 2
 Sediments Size Percent Labels, String, 12


Appendix B - Interfacing with Laboratory
Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Summary:
FLEX application software can “Export” measurement data in many different formats. Users who want to
import Microtrac measurement data into a LIMS system can do so by setting up and using one of these
“Export” data format files. The choice is up to the user and his requirements for LIMS data.
For details on how to setup and use the various FLEX exporting features see the section above, “Exporting
Program Data” starting on page 43. For output to LIMS the most useful exporting feature is the “Auto-
Export” capability as described starting on page 48. Users should review and understand the various file
formats and options and choose the format that suits the user’s needs for LIMS.
The most useful Export File Format is the “Importable” file format. This file contains the greatest amount
of data for each measurement including all measurement setup items and raw measurement data. This file
format contains the exact information that is stored in a Microtrac database for a measurement. This file, if
stored in a LIMS system (as is formatted by FLEX) if exported back out (in it’s original format) from
the LIMS system can be imported back into FLEX via the flex Measurement menu / Import from File
function. The imported file passes through the same code as a database recall and can be treated as if it was
a database recall. This means the imported file has full recalculation capabilities and can be recalculated to
validate the data as saved to the LIMS system. Details of the contents of the “Importable” file format are
shown above in Appendix A.
How to Use Live Measurements Auto-Export with a LIMS System:
For Automatic Import to LIMS
Generally the way to use Auto-Export from Live Measurements with a LIMS system is the following:
1. Setup the Auto Export with the desired file format, path and filename information. Using the
Tools/Auto Export Setup dialog.

2. Under “Unique File Naming Options” select “None” for this method. This means the auto-export
is performed the filename will be always the same name.
3. Before starting measurements from the FLEX Measure menu, set a Check next to “Auto Export to
File”.

AutoExport will now be shown on the main data display “Function Enunciator” (see next page)
Now every time a sample measurement is made a file with the selected format will be exported using the
specified Base Name only (BaseName.dat) to the user specified folder. The user’s LIMS system can then
“Pole” for the existence of this file and when the file is found the LIMS system can import the file data,
delete the file and then pole for the next existence of the file and so on.
NOTE: Dependent on the LIMS system importing capabilities the user may need develop a utility software
program to:
 Do the poling.
 Parse and convert the file data to the LIMS format requirements.
 Load the converted data to the LIMS system.
How to use Auto Export and Manual Importing to a LIMS System
Follow the steps above for Automatic Import to LIMS with the following exceptions:
Step 2: From the Auto-Export setup that is presented, select the desired format and file naming
convention. DO NOT select “Unique File Naming Options” = None. This will assure that each
exported measurement WILL be a “Uniquely Named” file.
Once the files are exported the user manually imports the exported file(s) to their LIMS system using their
interface program or the LIMS system import directly.
Delete the exported files once they have been imported to the LIMS system.

How to Use Database Recall / Auto-Export to a LIMS System
In this method database records are recalled via the Auto Export Function
Generally the way to use Auto-Export from Database Recalls with a LIMS system is the following:
1. Open the Database Retrieval dialog.

2. Click on the Query Results tab.
3. Select the database records for export.
4. Right Click on the display and select Auto-Export Selected Records.
5. From the Auto-Export setup that is presented, select the desired format and file naming
convention. DO NOT select “Unique File Naming Options” = None. (see next page)

6. Click OK to execute the export of the selected database record(s).
Once the files are exported the user manually imports the exported file(s) to their LIMS system using their
interface program or the LIMS system import directly.
Delete the exported files once they have been imported to the LIMS system.

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FLEX 11 Software

Microtrac® is a registered trademark of Nikkiso

2 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual Nov 2013

Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 3

C 01/25/2013 Updates for Version 11.0.0.2 release. Revise system requirements.

E 01/10/2014 Updates for Version 11.0.0.4 release. ISO Sediments enhancements

4 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual Nov 2013

Document Title ID # Revision

Organization Telephone Internet Address

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Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 13

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Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 7

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Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 9

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Windows Screen Resolution

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Software Program Feature Summary

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Sampling System Dialog with SDC Selected

 Set Application Type to

- For SDC set a check next to SDC installed .

-For USVR set a check on USVR.

18 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual Nov 2013

Sampling System with Turbotrac One Shot Dry Feeder

 Set the application type .

3. Close the S3500 Configuration dialog by clicking .

Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 19

NAS 35 with COM 1 Selected

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Hardware Configuration Dialog – Remote Control Tab

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Remote Data Delimiter

Measure Menu – Enable Remote Control

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This will open an S3000 measurement window.

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3. the Measurement SOP Dialog.

Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 25

6. From the Main Toolbar click to collect a background level measurement.

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3500 Sample Loading Display

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(see next page)

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Data Display Toolbar

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(see next page)

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 Menu – Provides access to various program operations and features.

Nov 2013 Microtrac FLEX Software User Manual 35

Summary Data Tab