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VISIONlite
This publication:
VISIONliteOperator Manual
Software version 5.3, March 2016
Copyright information
This document and the associated software contain proprietary information that is protected by copyright.
The user may use the files, documentation and other shipped material solely for the intended purpose and
may not pass this material in whole or in part to third persons. Unless agreed differently, the material may be
installed and used only on one computer. Copies may be made solely for the purposes of archiving, backup, or
error searching.
Except as stated above, no part of this document or software may be reproduced in any form whatsoever or
translated into any language without the prior written permission of ascanis OHG.
All rights are reserved.
Copyright © 2003-2016 by ascanis OHG, Überlingen Germany.
Trademarks
Thermo Scientific, VISIONlite and the spectrophotometer brands are trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific
Inc. or its subsidiaries.
Microsoft, Windows and its versions and Microsoft Office Excel are either a registered trademark or trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Adobe and Adobe Reader are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in
the United States and/or other countries.
Spectralon is a registered trademark of Labsphere, Inc. North Sutton, US.
CETAC is a trademark of CETAC Technologies, Omaha, Nebraska, US.
ascanis is a registered trademark in Germany of ascanis OHG, Ueberlingen, Germany.
Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are
not to be considered unprotected by law.
Safety Information
This application program serves for the purpose of processing, presenting and storing spectral data which
have been acquired by a spectrophotometer system. The program offers
ehensive functions for formatting and evaluating data. Resulting from the various options, it cannot be excluded
that an analytical result generated by a user presents the data in a form which does not agree with the
intended purpose, so that a false interpretation is possible. It is the responsibility of the user to verify that an
analytical result is generated and presented in the intended manner without falsification.
If manipulation by third persons is to be excluded, the user should utilize the security functions of the Microsoft
Windows operating system to check the right of access to the program, and in particular writing permission for
the Methods directory should be severely limited.
Disclaimer
The information in this publication is provided for reference only. All information contained in this publication is
believed to be correct and complete. Thermo Fisher Scientific or ascanis OHG shall not be liable for errors
contained herein nor for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance
or use of this material. All product specifications, as well as the information contained in this publication, are
subject to change without notice.
This publication may contain or reference information and products protected by copyrights or patents and
does not convey any license under our patent rights, nor the rights of others. We do not assume any liability
arising out of any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties.
We make no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including but not limited to the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Customers are ultimately responsible for validation of
their systems.
I
VISIONlite
Support
For technical assistance, please contact:
Technical Support Telephone: 800 532 4752 (U.S.A. customers)

Thermo Fisher Scientific E-mail: us.techsupport.analyze@thermofisher.com (U.S.A. customers)
5225 Verona Road
Madison, WI 53711-4495
U.S.A.
Non-USA customers please contact the local Thermo Fisher Scientific distributor for technical
support.
or:
ascanis OHG Telephone: +49 700-2722 6471

Heiligenbreite 52 Fax:: +49 700-2722 6472
88662 Ueberlingen E-mail: info@ascanis.com
Germany Web: http://www.ascanis.com
II
VISIONlite Contents
Contents
1 Introduction
1.1 Text Conventions 1-2
2 Installation
2.1 Installing the Software 2-3
2.2 Customizing 2-6
2.3 Update Information 2-6
3 Basic Operation
3.1 Software Startup 3-1
3.2 Layout of the Program Window 3-2
3.3 Parameter Entry 3-3
3.4 Operating Toolbar 3-4
3.5 Methods Concept 3-5
3.6 Results and Method Storage 3-6
3.7 Measurement Sequence 3-7
4 General Functions
4.1 Menus and Menu Commands 4-1
4.1.1 File Menu 4-1
4.1.2 Measure Menu 4-5
4.1.3 Data Handling Menu 4-6
4.1.4 Options Menu 4-7
4.1.5 Help Menu 4-9
4.2 Graphics Functions 4-10
4.2.1 Graph 4-11
4.2.2 Graph Tools 4-12
4.2.3 Cursor 4-13
4.2.4 File Description Box 4-14
4.2.5 Spectrum/Data Set Information Window 4-15
4.2.6 Read Cursor Mode 4-17
4.3 Results Space 4-18
4.4 Analytical Report 4-20
4.5 Printing and Print Preview 4-21
5 Performing Measurements
5.1 Start of a Measurement 5-1
5.1.1 Executing a Baseline/Autozero Run 5-1
5.1.2 Sample Information Window 5-2
5.2 Using a Sample List 5-5
5.3 Measurement Procedure 5-8
5.4 End of Measurement 5-9
6 Accessories
6.1 Manual Control Command 6-1
6.2 Accessory Window 6-2
III
Contents VISIONlite
6.3 Autozero/Baseline Function 6-5

6.4 Sample Information Window 6-5
7 Scan Application
7.1 Method List 7-1
7.2 Scan Parameter Group 7-2
7.3 Spectrophotometer Parameter Group 7-2
7.4 Graph Parameter Group 7-3
7.5 Peak Pick Parameter Group 7-4
7.6 Advanced Options 7-4
7.7 Measurement and Data Handling 7-5
8 Rate Application
8.1 Method List 8-1
8.2 Rate Parameter Group 8-2
8.4 Graph Parameter Group 8-3
8.5 Enzyme Rate Calculation Parameter Group 8-3
9 Fixed Application
9.1 Method List 9-1
9.2 Test Parameter Group 9-1
10 Quant Application
10.1 Method List 10-2
10.2 Samples and Calibration Mode 10-2
10.3 Calibration Parameter Group 10-2
10.3.1 Curve Types 10-3
10.3.2 Measurement Wavelength and Reference Mode 10-3
10.3.3 Weight/Volume Correction 10-4
10.3.4 Output Format 10-5
10.6 Setting up a Calibration 10-7
10.6.1 Recalculate a Calibration 10-9
10.6.2 Protected Methods 10-9
11 Advanced Parameters Window
12 PV Tests Application
12.1 Method List 12-3
IV
VISIONlite Contents
12.2 Defining Test Details 12-3

12.3 Measurement and Results Handling 12-8
12.4 Planning and Performing an Instrument PV Test 12-9
13 Software Configurations
13.1 Configuration Files 13-1
13.1.1 The ascuser.ini File 13-2
13.1.2 The ascapp.cfg File 13-2
13.1.3 The ascapp.ini File 13-3
13.2 Editing the PV Definition File 13-9
13.3 Further Configurations 13-11
13.3.1 Adding additional Start Options 13-11
13.3.2 Establishing the Reflectance Correction Files 13-13
13.3.3 Adapting the Report Header 13-13
13.3.4 Data Handling and Measurement Templates 13-14
13.3.5 Methods Protection 13-17
13.3.6 Direct Instrument Control 13-18
13.3.7 Editing the User Interface Text File 13-18
14 Appendix
14.1 Notes for Specific Instruments and Accessories 14-1
14.1.1 SPECTRONIC 200 14-1
14.1.2 GENESYS 30 14-2
14.1.3 GENESYS 10S and Compatibles 14-4
14.1.4 Evolution 200 Series 14-6
14.1.5 Evolution 300 14-10
14.1.6 PC-controlled Sipper Pump 14-12
14.1.7 Peltier Accessories for Temperature Control 14-13
14.2 Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15
14.3 Definitions for Date and Time Indications 14-20
14.4 Definitions Weight/Volume Correction 14-21
14.5 Treatment of Reflectance Measurements 14-22
14.6 Predefined Methods for Biochemical Applications 14-24
14.7 Linking of External Routines 14-25
14.8 Report Configuration 14-26
14.8.1 Export Command 14-28
14.8.2 Graph Layout 14-29
14.8.3 Page Layout 14-31
14.8.4 Page Layout Scripting 14-31
14.9 Problem Solving 14-32
INDEX
V
VISIONlite
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VI
VISIONlite Introduction
1 Introduction
VISIONlite™ is a Windows ®-software package to control UV-Vis and Vis-spectrophotometers of

the Thermo Scientific ® Evolution® 200 series and Evolution 300, GENESYS® 10S as well as
models BioMate 3S and Evolution 60S, GENESYS® 30 and SPECTRONIC® 200E and
compatible instruments.
Also, (older) legacy instruments that are no longer in production are supported. See section
Installation 2-1 .
The software runs under current Microsoft Windows ® operating system versions.
The package includes various data recording and data evaluation functions. Accordingly it
consists of 5 separate application modules:
Spectrum recording
Scan 7-1
Recording time dependent readings at a fixed wavelength; dedicated

Rate 8-1
for measuring rate curves.
Recording spectrophotometer readings at different dedicated
Fixed 9-1
wavelengths and performing simple calculations
Quantifying sample concentrations via calibration, based on the Beer-
Quant 10-1
Lambert law
Predefined tests for instrument performance verification
PV Tests 12-1
The application modules have a similar appearance and they differ only in their specific functions.
Each module also performs the measurement in a consistent manner. You can define
measurement parameters within a re-usable method. The software also allows simple data
evaluations like peak picking or enzyme activity calculations as well as data storage and
printout.
Parameters and details of the measurement procedure vary according to the spectrophotometer
type, e.g. wavelength range, and the attached accessory, e.g. sipper settings. Notes to the
applicable instrumentation are given in the sections Installation and Start-up 2-1 and Notes for
Specific Instrument Models 14-1 .
An additional software package, Reporter-SPX, which allows customizing reports with user-
defined formats, may be additionally purchased. For example, it is possible to place a company
logo at the top of each report page, to add descriptive or sample-specific text information, to
integrate additional calculation procedures like peak detection, to add further advanced
procedures as scripts or to export the report in various formats. See: Report Configuration 14-26.
Further information about Reporter-SPX is available from Thermo Fisher Scientific or your local
Thermo Fisher Scientific vendor.
1-1
Introduction VISIONlite
1.1 Text Conventions

The following text conventions are used in this document:
Important
An important note indicates that there are critical problems that could cause any damage or
falsification of critical data files.
Note: A note mak es you aware of hints critical for safety and correctness of your data.
Tip: This k ind of hint is meant for mak ing things easier for you.
Additionally, the following text conventions are used:
Keys on the keyboard of your computer are set in square brackets.

Example: [ENTER], [F1]
The plus sign between keys indicates that two keys must be pressed in combination.
Example: [SHIFT] + [A] generates the capital letter A.
Texts displayed on the screen are given in bold characters.
Variable names of files and directories are given between carrets.

Example: <Filename>.txt indicates files with a special type of filename and the filename
extension .txt.
Generalizing designations like "Instrument model" for the designation of a specific instrument
are reproduced in quotation marks.
The asterisk * in filenames is a wildcard for any number of alphanumeric characters.

Example: *.txt is any file with the filename extension .txt
The question mark ? in filenames is a wildcard for exact one alphanumeric character.
Example: .r?? is any three-letter filename extension beginning with an "r".
Spectrophotometer - Spectrometer
Thermo Scientific generally uses the term spectrophotometer. The software sometimes uses
the synonymous term spectrometer instead. A technical differentiation is not intended.
1-2
VISIONlite Installation
2 Installation
Prior to software installation, check the following prerequisites:
Hardware and Operating System Requirements
The software requires a standard PC or a laptop with a Windows® operating system Windows 7,
8/8.1 or 10. For connecting the spectrophotometer the PC must have an appropriate interface
with interface cable, see below.
Screen graphics resolution must be at least 1024 x 768 pixels. Software installation requires a
DVD drive and about 20 MB free space on the PC’s hard disk. Additionally, sufficient space
should be available for storing results and methods. For Windows computers without a DVD
drive, use another computer with a DVD drive to copy the installation files to a flash memory
device or a network drive that is supported by the computer that will run the instrument and then
install from that device.
Applicable Instruments and Accessories
The instruments that can be used with the software exhibit different technical functions. For
example, these include the wavelength range, the scanning speed, or available accessory
installations and options. Additionally the behavior of the instruments, e.g. the instrument live
display under PC control, is different. The appendix describes instrument aspects that are
relevant to the use of the software. See: Notes for Specific Instrument Models 14-1 .
Instruments connected to the PC via USB interface:

For these instruments a dedicated USB driver is installed during VISIONlite software
installation.
SPECTRONIC 200E. See: SPECTRONIC 200 14-1
GENESYS 30 Vis. See GENESYS 30 14-2 .

GENESYS 10S Vis, GENESYS 10S UV-Vis, GENESYS 10SBio, BioMate 3S, Evolution
60S. See: GENESYS 10S and compatibles 14-4 .
Evolution 200 series. See Evolution 200 14-6 .
Instrument connected to the PC via serial interface:
A USB port with USB-serial adapter may be utilized.
Evolution 300. See: Evolution 300 14-10
Legacy Instruments
The software may also be installed for further "legacy instruments". These are older
spectrophotometer models that are no longer in production. These models are GENESYS 20,
Helios epsilon, GENESYS 6, GENESYS 10/Bio, BioMate 3, Evolution 60, Evolution 100/160,
UV-series, BioMate 5/6, Helios series, AquaMate (prior to 2013), Evolution 600.
2-1
Installation VISIONlite
Important: The current release of the software has not been tested with these legacy instrument
models and it is not guaranteed that the software works with these instruments. However the
software contains the same instruction set as used in prior versions of VISIONlite that have been
tested with these models, so it is expected that it will function correctly with them.
Tip: In general, newer derivatives of the listed spectrophotometer models will be supported by
future versions of VISIONlite software. Contact your Thermo Fisher Scientific spectrophotometer
supplier for compatibility information or to purchase an updated version of this software if you
upgrade to a newer model spectrophotometer.
Accessories
The following electronic accessories with software control options can be applied:
3/6-position cell changer - GENESYS 10S platform
7/8-position cell changer (not double carousel cell changer) - Evolution 200 series and 300
Remote control sipper: Smart sipper - Evolution 200 series and 300
PC controlled sipper pump based on a USB connected relay unit - GENESYS 10S,
GENESYS 30, SPECTRONIC 200
Single cell Air-cooled Peltier accessory SPG 1A or equivalent system: GENESYS 10S
Setting up the Peltier Accessory
The Peltier Temperature Control is connected to the PC via USB. It should be attached and
powered before software installation so that Windows automatically loads required drivers from
the software CD/DVD. Also a communication port with the designationUSB Serial Port is
defined. The active port is then to be selected within the software after software installation.
See section Peltier Accessory 14-13 for further information.
Connection PC – Spectrometer
For instruments with serial interface connection, the COM port selected during the installation
(COM 1 as default) is used for the connection. A different COM port may be defined during
software operation. A configuration of the interface is not required.
For instruments with USB interfacing, the applied port is detected automatically.
The following table lists the manufacturer recommended cables for each instrument family:
Spectrophotometer Cable
SPECTRONIC 200E 14-1 Standard USB printer cable
GENESYS 30 14-2 (USB-A to USB-B)
GENESYS 10S Vis, 10S UV-
Vis, BioMate 3S, Evolution
60S 14-4
Evolution 200 series 14-6
Evolution 300 14-10 Serial cable, Null Modem, 9-pin female/9-pin female,
(Thermo Scientific PN 401317263061)
Alternatively with a PC USB-port, a USB-to-serial adapter
(supplied with the instrument) together with the supplied Null
2-2
Modem cable or an additional F-F null modem gender change

adapter can also be used.
Connection PC-controlled Sipper Pump
The PC-controlled sipper pump (Economy Sipper) is connected to the PC via the external relay
unit (USB Contact Closure Device). The unit and the applied ports are detected automatically.
See section PC-controlled Sipper Pump 14-12 .
2.1 Installing the Software

In order to install the software, you need to be logged on with administrator rights.
Note: The optional additional Reporter-SPX software should be installed after VISIONlite.
Executing the Software Installation
First, close all other active applications. If the installation routine does not start automatically
when you insert the VISIONlite Installer DVD into the PC, you should double-click the setup.exe
routine in the disk's root directory.
In Windows Vista / 7 /8 / 8.1 /10 the privilege elevation (UAC) message will appear:
An unidentified program wants access to your computer.
or
Do you want to allow the following program from an unknown publisher to make
changes to this computer?
Select Allow / Yes to continue.
Thereafter, the installation routine will guide you through the installation procedure. The following
steps are performed. Make your choices and accept the entries via the OK button. The Exit
Setup button allows cancelling the installation process in each step.
1. You are reminded to close all running applications. Exit the installation if this is not yet the
case. Click the OK button to continue.
2. According to Windows conventions, the software installs to the

C:\Program Files\VISIONlite or
C:\Program Files(x86)\VISIONlite
directory. This directory is suggested for installation. Local language Windows installations may
use translated designations.
If required, use the Change directory button to choose a different directory or define a new
directory.
3. In the next window, select the language of choice as the language for the software's user
interface.
2-3
4. Select your type of spectrophotometer from the given list. If you are going to install the software
for older legacy instruments, click the Legacy instruments button to have a list of the
applicable legacy instruments. Return to the initial list by clicking the Current instruments
button. The list is not shown, when the software can detect the spectrometer type automatically.
For certain instrument models, the instrument serial number is queried because it cannot be
loaded from the instrument by the software. The entry is stored with the configuration file and
can also be set after installation.
5. For instruments with a serial port connection, select the COM-port to which the instrument is or
will be attached. This setting can also be modified during operation.
For instruments with USB connection, a port is assigned automatically.
6. The software usually installs in its own program group. Optionally select a different program
group or define a new group.
A VISIONlite desktop icon is also generated. If the selected or newly defined program group
designation includes the software name, the program group designation is also used as the
designation of the desktop icon.
7. For further files and for the methods and results subdirectories, the Data directory is
established. It uses the path
C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\VISIONlite
with Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10. Local language Windows installations may use translated
designations.
Older Windows versions use the path
C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\(Shared )Documents\VISIONlite
Use the Change directory button to choose a different directory or to define a new directory, if
required.
The Results and the Methods directories are generated automatically as subdirectories of the
Data directory.
After the queries, the setup routine initiates data transfer from the installation disk to the hard
disk. For spectrophotometers with a USB connection the USB driver is installed: The message
Would you like to install this device software is given. Thermo Scientific is named as the
publisher. Accept the installation by clicking Install.
The driver is set up automatically when the instrument is connected and powered first time. The
Device Manager then shows an additional port with the designation Spectrophotometer,
SPECTRONIC or GENESYS30. The port for the temperature control is designated USB Serial
Port.
If the Peltier temperature controller is included, select the port after installation in the Options/
Preferences/Spectrometer function.
8. At the end of the installation, you are asked if you wish to see the readme file. This text file
contains the latest software information not yet included in this manual. After reading, close the
editor window.
Important:
If the system is equipped with a Peltier temperature accessory, select the connecting port after
installation in the software's Options/Preferences/Spectrometer section. It may be required to
install a driver from the disk supplied with the accessory or from VISIONlite disk.
Important:
For Evolution 200 series instruments with 7/8-cell positioner, it is advisable to run a cell changer
optimization: In the Open window of the Load Method function, switch to the parent directory
Service and load the routine CellChangerOptimization. Click OK to start the routine.
2-4
Tip: If you wish to use two spectrophotometers with the PC, you must have a second license
and you should install the software twice. Mak e sure that you select a different COM-interface, a
different program directory and a different program group. The second installation will overwrite
the program icons on the desk top. This means that you will need to start the programs from the
start menu or rename the existing icon beforehand.
Installation in Demo Mode
For test purposes, reviewing or learning the software operation, the software can also be installed
in the demo mode without entering a serial number. In this mode the instrument control functions
are disabled. Instead of actual readings, the software uses simulated measurement values that
correspond to typical instrument parameters.
Installing Updates
If an updated software version is installed to the same directory as an existing version, all files
which are older or of the same date and time than the corresponding files of the new installation
are overwritten.
User-created method and result files and directories remain intact.
System files which have been modified in previous usage, for example the initialization file or the
default method files, might be newer than those on the installation disk. In this case, you are
queried if you want to keep these files.
Select Yes if you want to keep the file, or No, if you want to have it updated. Select No to all, if
you want to have a completely new installation.
See the section Update Information 2-6 for further remarks on differences to older versions.
Settings Affecting Software Operation
The software is designed to be run without administrator rights. On systems with non-standard
Windows access rights (e.g. with Windows Enterprise editions) it may be necessary to set the
Read/Write permissions manually.
Before starting the first measurement, refer to the appendix of this manual and to the user’s
manual of your spectrophotometer regarding special features of your instrument type. e.g. for
some models it is necessary to switch the instrument to a REMOTE operation mode for PC
operation. See also: Notes for Specific Instrument Models 14-1 .
After installing or removing accessories it is necessary to close and re-start the software. This
step is required to allow the system to detect the new configuration.
Software Removal
The software is uninstalled completely with the usual Windows function. If however data, results
or methods have not been completely deleted, the software's Data directory will remain.
2-5
2.2 Customizing
You can customize the software according to your requirements:
Adding Text to the Program Window Title Bar
It is possible to designate the program window with an instrument serial number, workbench
designation or some other text. This text is attached to the program invocation command line in
square brackets.
1. To do so open the Properties window of the program link.
2. Extend the Target entry for example like this

C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe [Instrument 20 A]
The attached text in square brackets will then be listed in the title bar of the software’s
application window.
Starting the Software with a Preselected Method
The program invocation command line can include the opening of a method within the respective
application. Further parameters may be applied. See: Software Configurations 13-11 .
Defining other Methods and Results Directories
Other directory paths for the Results and Methods directories can be defined. See: Preferences
4-7 .
Further Software Configuration
The user may define further settings by editing the software configuration file. See: Software
Configurations 13-1 and the appendix.
2.3 Update Information

This section provides information for users who already have been working with former software
versions.
With the update, the data format, the method concept and the proven user interface remain
unchanged.
During installation of a new version to replace an the old version, existing data and result files as
well as additionally defined method and results directories remain intact.
Note: In the installation process however, the user is queried to overwrite existing system files that
have been modified. Mak e sure you k eep important software specific files lik e ascapp.ini.
Windows files (.ocx, .dll etc.) should be overwritten. (Also see the section below).
2-6
During operation, new parameters are set to defaults for existing methods, so that also existing
methods can be used with the new software version.
When updating from older versions take note of the changes to the software organization and
formats, described below.
Configuration Files
Because of splitting and syntax changes, the existing software configuration file of a previous
version 1.x - 4.x cannot be maintained. Special software configurations must be redefined with
the new structure and syntax after the update. See: Software Configurations 13-1 .
When updating from a version > 3.0 that uses the user-specific configuration file (see: ascuser.
ini configuration file 13-2 ), the existing file remains active.
Software Organization
The following directories are used with a default installation for software and user generated files.
Purpose Directory Comments

Program c:\Program Files\VISIONlite or contains all relevant system files and
directory c:\Program Files(x86)\VISIONlite executables. It also contains the basic
or its language specific substitute configuration file.
Data C:\Users\Public\(Public )Documents\ contains all other files that should be
directory VISIONlite accessible to the user. It contains the
(Windows 7/8/8.1/10) general configuration file ascapp.ini
and the Results and the Methods
directory (in previous versions Data
and Method directory).
User-specific C:\Users\<name>\AppData\Roaming\ includes an additional user-specific
directory VISIONlite (Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10) preferences file.
space or C:\Documents and Settings\
<name>\Application Data\VISIONlite
for older Windows versions
Results and Methods Directory
Also observe the modified default position and naming of the results and methods directory.
Modify the settings during or after installation if you want to retain the old structure or transfer
your relevant results and methods accordingly. See: Results and Method Storage 3-6
Result Files Format
All result files (*.rra, *.rfx, *.rqa and *.rpv and *.rqa) are saved as XML document files instead
of the plain text format of earlier versions. Use the TextResultsPath option in the configuration
file to maintain the text results storage, if required. See also: Data Formats and Data Import/
Export 14-15 .
2-7
Earlier Versions
Software packages of the VISIONlite family have been issued in several versions since its initial
version in March 2002. A list of the version steps and feature implementations is contained on
the software disk (Manual folder).
2-8
VISIONlite Basic Operation
3 Basic Operation
This section describes software basics and gives information for a quick start. See also the
Introduction 1-1 . Details about the menu items, operation of the graph or the applications are
given in further sections.
3.1 Software Startup

To start the software:
1. Before starting VISIONlite, the instrument should be switched on and set to remote control, if
this is required for the specific instrument type. If the Air cooled Peltier accessory is to be used,
switch on the controller. The controller starts operating in the Standby mode. Press the button
below the display to activate the unit.
2. Then double click the VISIONlite desktop icon or click the VISIONlite entry in the VISIONlite
program group
VISIONlite Start Window
This will open the VISIONlite Start Routine which lists the available application modules (Further
items may have been added to the list):
Scan 7-1 Spectrum recording
Rate 8-1 Recording time dependent readings at a fixed wavelength; dedicated for
measuring rate curves.
Fixed 9-1 Recording spectrophotometer readings at different dedicated wavelengths

and performing simple calculations
3-1
Basic Operation VISIONlite
Quant 10-1 Quantifying sample concentrations via calibration, based on the Beer-
Lambert law
PV Tests 12-1 Predefined tests for instrument performance verification
The most recently used application is highlighted. Click the OK button or press the keyboard
[Enter] key to start this application. It is started automatically after 10 seconds of inactivity.
3. Use the Cancel button to exit the routine or the ? button to open the online help document.
4. If you wish to start another than the most recently started application, select the required
application by clicking with the mouse or by moving the cursor to the desired application. Then
click the OK button or press the keyboard [Enter] key.
The selected application window is opened.
5. If connection to the instrument has been established, the software takes up the current
instrument settings and activates the live display, presenting the wavelength and ordinate
readings. When using an application for the first time, the pre-installed method opens
automatically. Every later start will open the most recently used method.
6. If the instrument connection remains unsuccessful, e.g. because the instrument is not powered
up or the port has not been defined properly during installation, the software displays a
corresponding error message and the live display remains inactive. After accepting this error
message however, offline results and method checking is possible.
Only one application module can access the spectrophotometer at a time. Therefore, for
changing to another measurement mode, you must first close the currently used application. To
do this, use the Change application menu command in the File menu. See: File Menu 4-1
Note: After installing or removing an accessory, it is necessary to restart the software to detect the
new configuration.
Tip: See section Software Configurations 13-1 for the option to place link s on the desk top for
an immediate application start with a standard method, and for adding additional items to the list
of applications, e.g. applications with a selected method.
3.2 Layout of the Program Window

The program window for each application has a menu and an operating toolbar with buttons.
See: Menus and Menu Commands 4-1 and Operating Toolbar 3-4 . Below that the program
window is divided vertically into two areas:
Parameter area
Data output area (graph space and results area)
The parameter area on the left hand side of the window has entry boxes and selection lists to
define the settings and options for measurement and evaluation. Dedicated buttons open sub-
windows for less frequently used options. See: Parameter Entry 3-3 .
The right hand window section is reserved for the output of data. It is used for the graphical
presentation of the data, where applicable. (See: Graphics Functions 4-10 ) Buttons are available
3-2
to modify the graph. If optional numerical results are generated they are displayed in combination
with sample information in the results space below the graph. See: Results Space 4-18
Scan application window
To resize the spaces, drag the upper results space border with the left mouse button pressed.
In the Fixed and Quant applications the full output area is used for the numerical report. See:
Fixed Application 9-1 and Quant Application 10-1
Tip: With many user interface details, you may press [F1] on the k eyboard to open context
sensitive help information.
3.3 Parameter Entry

In the parameter area, you choose the method or the settings for the measurement and
evaluation. The exact presentation of parameters depends on the respective application and
spectrophotometer. Further information is provided in the chapter on the individual applications
and spectrophotometer types. See: Notes for Specific Instrument Models 14-1 and, for
instance, Scan Application 7-1
Depending on the specific parameters, drop-down lists or selection buttons are available. An
error message is displayed if the allowed range of a parameter is exceeded.
You can also use the [Tab] keys to change from one entry field to another.
3-3
3.4 Operating Toolbar

The operating toolbar below the menu bar contains buttons to operate basic functions as
measurement, printing and data evaluation and it contains the live display.
Buttons
The arrangement of buttons depends on the application selected. The buttons can change their
designations, e.g. the change from Measure Samples to Stop button. Grayed-out buttons are
inactive at the time. The toolbar functions are identical to the corresponding Measure menu
commands. See: Measurement Sequence 3-7
Note: In contrast to the Print command, the Print button will not display the printer dialog window.
Instead, it will immediately actuate printing. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Operating Toolbar with live display
The Recalculate button appears with the Rate and Quant application (calibration mode) to
repeat the calculation of enzyme activity values or calibration data after modification of settings.
See: Recalculate a Calibration 10-9
With the Quant application the additional Go to Samples Mode/Go to Calibr. Mode button is
available to toggle between the two operation modes. See: Quant Application 10-1
Note: The Autozero/Baseline button is inactive when operating the instrument with a sipper. You can
perform an autozero/baseline only as a part of the measurement sequence or after pumping the
blank sample. In this case, use the Manual Control function to actuate the autozero function.
See: Options Menu 4-9 ,.
The Autozero/Baseline button is not displayed in the PV Tests application because the
functions are queried during the procedure.
Live Display
A live display appears at the right-hand side of the toolbar. The live display continuously displays
the current wavelength and ordinate (not possible for some models; solely with restrictions during
autozero/baseline measurements). The live display shows -.- nm, if no instrument is connected.
It shows *****, if the instrument is not powered or the lamp has failed or is switched off in
standby.
Note: Ordinate readings can be erroneous if no autozero / back ground correction exists for the current
wavelength. See: Executing a Baseline/Autozero Run 5-1 .
Note: The Scan application with a SPECTRONIC 200 does not show the live display for technical
reasons.
The live display also depicts the current position of the cell changer, where applicable. For
instruments incorporating continuous light sources (not pulsed Xenon sources), the on/off status
of the lamp(s) is shown.
3-4
For some instrument models, moving the mouse over a lamp pictogram opens a pop-up window,
that shows the lamp working hours as stored in the instrument. The instrument setting can be
reset, see Notes for Specific Instruments 14-1 .
Additionally, for spectrophotometers with adjustable slit widths the current Slit setting is shown.
3.5 Methods Concept

Each measurement is performed with defined parameters. These parameter settings can be
treated as method files. The name of the active method is shown in the Method drop-down list in
the parameter area of each application. See: Layout of the Program Window 3-2
The method comprises all instrument and measurement settings as defined in the applications
window. This also includes the settings summarized in the Advanced Parameters, the
Accessory and the Advanced Options windows of the individual applications. Method files
maintain audit trail information with version numbers that allow reconstructing the history of a
method.
Note: Variable settings lik e the activated lamps, cell changer positions, user name, the graphics text
label or the results directory are not included as method parameters.
You can save and restore methods containing your measurement parameter settings. Each
application uses a specific method type, which is characterized by its filename extension:
Scan 7-1 .msc
Rate 8-1 .mra
Fixed 9-1 .mfx
Quant 10-1 .mqa
PV Tests 12-1 .mpv
When an application is used for the first time, the basic method test.<filename extension> is
opened.
Generating Methods
To generate new methods, use the New Method command, modify the settings and save the
method with a new name with the Save Method command. The methods directory as defined in
the Preferences command is offered as the default directory. See: File Menu 4-1
Opening Methods
You may recall existing methods in 2 ways:
Select a method in the Method drop-down list in the parameter area. See: Layout of the
Program Window 3-2
3-5
Use the Open Method command in the File menu. See: File Menu 4-1
The Method box lists all methods of the current methods directory as defined using the
Preferences command in the Options menu. Additionally, those methods are listed which were
loaded from other directories during the current working session. Select a method by clicking on
the entry. See: Options Menu 4-6
Using the Open Method command will also allow you to access method files from other
directories. Thereafter, the method is also listed in the Method list box during the current
session.
Tip: You may also load a Scan or Rate data file to retrieve method parameters of the data. Use
the Open Method command, select the results directory and enter "*.dsp", or "*.dti". Select a
data file from the displayed list.
Checking Methods
The Show Method command lists a method summary with method parameters and audit trail
information in a Print Preview window. The summary can be printed or saved as a PDF file.
See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Tip: It is possible to quick ly browse the available methods by double-click ing on the Method
box (current selection highlighted) and then step through the methods with the k eyboard cursor
up and down k eys. Parameters will be updated for each method.
Protected Methods
In order to prevent changes to methods, a method file can be write protected. See: Methods
Protection 13-17 .
If you open a write-protected method, all method parameters in the Parameters group are
displayed as usual, but there will be no reaction when clicking on it. The message write-
protected is given in red above the method selection window. Additionally, the group titles in the
parameter area are grayed out.
When trying to save a method under the filename of an existing protected method, an error
message is returned.
3.6 Results and Method Storage

Recorded spectra, Rate data sets and results are automatically stored to hard disk as separate
files. The files are differentiated by a user-entered name and a system-added filename extension.
See for further information on the file formats Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15 , .
The software stores data/results and methods in 2 different directories, which can be located at
any position in the directory tree. Initially, the directories are defined within the installation
procedure.
For Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10 the default directory is:

C:\Users\Public\(Public )Documents\VISIONlite
3-6
For Windows XP:

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\(Shared )Documents\VISIONlite
Use the Options/Preferences/General/Data Open directory icon to open the Explorer with
this directory. See Preferences command 4-7 , .
Timing of Data Storage
Spectra and Rate data sets are stored immediately after termination of the measurement. When
the user stops the measurement in between, the current data are not stored, but can be stored
manually. There is an additional intermediate data storage Rate data sets for long-term
measurements every 10 minutes.
Alphanumerical results of Fixed und Quant measurements are collectively stored in a single
result file with all results of a series of samples. This result file is generated after each sample,
with the data generated up to that time.
3.7 Measurement Sequence

The basic measurement sequence is identical for all applications and instrument configurations
except the PV Tests application.
1. After selection of a method or modification of parameters, you start a measurement either with
the Measure Samples button, see: Operating Toolbar 3-4
the Measure/Samples menu command, see: Measure Menu 4-5
by pressing [F5] on your keyboard
by pressing the ENTER key, if a parameter of the parameter area is active.
2. The Sample Information window is presented. If presented, a Sample/Result name must be

entered. After performing an autozero/baseline correction, you enter the characteristics of the
sample or sample group to be measured. See: Sample Information Window 5-2 .
3. Then in manual or cell changer operation, place the sample(s) into the instrument and close the
sample compartment cover.
In sipper operation, prepare the samples to be aspirated. In sipper operation, click Measure or
Sip & Measure, press the [Enter] key on the keyboard or the instrument’s sipper key to
actually start the instrument data recording.
4. The results are displayed during and/or after the measurement (if technically feasible).
5. After the run, a new Sample Information window is presented to define the next sample/
sample group (not autosampler and sample list operation). Enter the data for the next sample(s).
Proceed as above or click the Close button to terminate your measurements.
See section Performing Measurements 5-1 and the sections for the individual applications for
further details and specifics.
3-7
VISIONlite
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3-8
VISIONlite General Functions
4 General Functions
This chapter describes those functions which are identical or similar for all applications.
Details of operation are described for each application separately.
4.1 Menus and Menu Commands

Each application has a menu bar with the following menus:
Menu Title Functions

File 4-1 Load and save data; methods; printing; changing application; and exit.
Measure 4-5 Start of measurement and autozero/baseline.
Data Handling 4-6 Optional: only with dedicated data handling routines.
Options 4-6 Selection of various basic preferences and direct control of the
instrument.
Help 4-9 Access to the help system and software information.
The commands in each menu vary slightly according to the module selected.
4.1.1 File Menu
The File menu contains commands for data handling and output.
New Method
Open Method ...
Save Method ...
Show Method
Load Spectrum/Data Set ... Scan and Rate only

>>>
Save Spectrum/Data Set as ... Scan and Rate only
Export Results ... not Scan application
Load Results ... not Scan application

>>>
Export ... Scan and Rate only with Reporter-SPX installed
Print ...
Print Preview ...
Printer Setup ...
Change Application ...
Exit
4-1
General Functions VISIONlite
Tip: A command to save the results is not available with the Fixed and Quant application since
these data are stored to disk automatically. See: Fixed Application 9-1 and Quant Application
10-1
Tip: Peak lists of the Scan application are automatically saved after configuring the
TextResultsPath parameter. See: The Configuration File ascapp.ini 13-3
An additional function to save spectra and Rate data sets is available in the File Information
window of the graph. See: Spectrum/data set information window 4-15
New Method Command
The New method command clears the current method parameters and fills in default
parameters as a starting point for further method parameter definitions. The Method selection
field is cleared. The default method parameters are contained in the DefltMth.m?? method file in
the program directory. The file should not be modified or moved.
Open Method Command
The Open Method... command is an alternative to the method selection from the Method list
box in the individual application (See, for instance: Method List 7-1 of the Scan application).
The command presents an Open window that lists all methods of the respective type in the
current methods directory. A different directory can be selected. Select the requested method
and confirm by clicking on the Open button. The method settings are transferred to the various
parameters. See: Results and Method Storage 3-6 .
The window also lists the available .rpx report template files - these are typically only available
with the Reporter-SPX software installation. Opening a report template file executes the template
with the data shown in the graph and/or result space. Thus, a specific report can be presented in
the Print preview window. See also the section Report Configuration 14-26 .
In the Scan and the Rate applications, it is also possible to load a spectrum/data set (filename
extension .dsp/.dti) in order to activate its method parameters:
1. In the Open window, switch to the results directory.
2. Enter *.dsp (spectra) or *.dti (data sets) and click Open.
3. Select a spectrum/data set file from the list.

As far as possible, the method parameters are taken from the file.
Save Method Command
This command is used to save the current measurement and evaluation parameters to disk as a
method. (See: Methods Concept 3-5 ) The method can be applied for later use of the conditions.
The command opens a Save as window, where you enter the method filename. The respective
method filename extension is attached automatically (See: Data Formats and Data Import/
Export) 14-15. The current methods directory is offered as the default directory to save the
method; however, you can select different directories. (See: Results and Method Storage) 3-6
Methods can be protected against accidental modifications, see Methods Protection 13-17.
4-2
Show Method Command
The Show Method command opens a print preview window and presents all method settings
and the audit trail information of the currently active method.
Note: In the PV Tests application, the command shows the audit trail information only.
Load Spectrum/Data Set Command (Scan and Rate applications only)
The command is only available in the Scan and Rate applications. With this command, you load
stored spectra and data set files from disk to the graph. It is possible to inspect older data, to
compare and to re-evaluate them. The data files must be in suitable data formats. See: Graphics
Functions 4-10 .
The command displays an Open window that lists all stored data of the respective type in the
results directory. A different directory can be selected. Select the required file or files (with [Shift]
or [Ctrl] key) and confirm with the Open button. See: Results and Method Storage 3-6 .
Tip: In order to view spectra/data sets with a specific or a non-standard file extension <ext> for
loading, enter *.<ext> and click OK.
Tip: Up to 50 spectra/data sets can be loaded.
Recently used Files
The command >>> shown below opens a list of names of the up to 9 recently used (measured
or loaded) spectra/data sets from the results directory. By clicking, these files can be
immediately loaded.
The list is handled in the user-specific configuration file so that it is specific for the user that is
currently logged in at Windows.
Tip: This option refers only to the current Results directory. After a change of the Results
directory path or if spectra have been loaded from other directories, listed files will no longer be
accessible by this function.
Save Spectrum/Data Set as Command (Scan and Rate applications only)
The command is only available in the Scan and Rate applications. With this command you save
spectra and Rate data sets to disk. All spectra/data sets present in the graph will be presented
for storage.
The command displays the File Save window for saving the spectra/data sets with the
extensions .dsp and .dti, respectively. A different name and directory can be selected.
Additionally the file formats csv (Excel comma-separated values) and JCAMP-DX (for spectra
only) are available.
After defining an extra data format via a spectrum converter, this additional format will be
displayed in the list and can be selected. See: Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15 .
Note: Spectra and data sets are stored to disk automatically after recording. The command is mainly
4-3
used to store data with a different name and/or path. The File Information window of the graph
offers an additional option to save spectra/data sets.
Export Results Command (not Scan application)
This command allows results to be saved to disk as shown in the results space. (See: Results
Space 4-18 ) The data are stored as a .csv file (comma separated values) See: Data Formats
and Data Import/Export 14-15 . The files contain all general information with data and results in
tabular form. The files can be read by spreadsheet programs.
A result list generated by the Quant application comprises the additional column Error,
which shows the error messages automatically generated by the system (e.g. data
overrange). See: Rate Application 8-1 .
The result list generated by the Rate application lists the regression data of the fit in three
additional columns. See: Quant Application 10-1 .
Note: Spectra and Rate data sets can be exported in tabular form as .csv files, see above.
Load Results Command (not Scan application)
This command allows stored results to be displayed. A selection window enables you to select
the required filename and directory. The Print Preview window is used to display the results. A
printout is possible. You can copy these data to the Windows clipboard. See: Results Space
4-18 and Printing and Print Preview 4-21 .
Typical result files demo.r?? are supplied with the install set where applicable.
Recently used Files
The command >>> shown below opens a list of names of the up to 9 recently used (measured
or loaded) results files from the results directory. By clicking, these files can be immediately
loaded.
The list is handled in the user-specific configuration file so that it is specific for the user that is
currently logged in at Windows.
Export Command
The command is available in the Scan and Rate application, if the additional Reporter-SPX
software is installed. It allows exporting the report under various formats. See Export command
14-28 .
Print Command
The Print command prints the currently displayed results. You can select the printer, the
number of copies, etc. in the print window. Additionally you can set the printer attributes. See:
Printing and Print Preview 4-21 .
4-4
Print Preview Command
The command opens the Print Preview window, which displays a preview of the printed report.
The window allows you to copy the report to the clipboard and to print the report. See: Printing
and Print Preview 4-21 .
Note: The Print function of the Print Preview window does not allow the printer to be configured. This
must be done beforehand with the Printer Setup function as described below.
Printer Setup Command
With the Printer Setup command you can preset various printer settings (as with the Print
command). The possible options are determined by the printer driver.
The main purpose of this command is to switch printers. Some printer drivers will not observe the
selected print parameters. Settings should preferably be selected in the print window or in the
system settings.
Change Application Command
The command closes the currently active application and opens the VISIONlite start routine to
switch to another application. If you have modified any parameters of the current method, you are
asked whether you wish to save these changes.
Exit Command
This command closes the currently active application. If you have modified any parameters of the
current method, you are asked whether you wish to save these changes.
4.1.2 Measure Menu
The basic commands of the Measure menu are equivalent to the buttons on the toolbar. (See:
Operating Toolbar 3-4 ) All application modules use the commands.
Samples See: Starting a Measurement 5-1
Autozero / Inactive or not shown for sipper, PV Tests See: Executing a Baseline/
Baseline Autozero Run 5-1
Definitions for the Autozero/Baseline Command
Autozero: the background correction for a single wavelength point; used with Rate, Fixed and
Quant applications.
Baseline: the background correction for a complete wavelength range; used with the Scan
application.
4-5
The Samples and Autozero/Baseline Commands
The Samples command starts a measurement series and is equivalent to the Measure
Samples button. The Autozero/Baseline command starts a background correction and is
equivalent to the Autozero/Baseline button. The respective reactions, settings and procedures
are described with the individual applications and in section Starting a Measurement 5-1 .
Note: With a cell changer, the autozero sample (blank ) is always assumed in cell position 1 (or B with
some spectrophotometer models).
Note: With a sipper, the autozero sample (blank ) is not aspirated.
Function Keys
You can also activate each command using a function key; the required function key is listed
behind the command name. A function key is assigned automtically to the additional functions.
Using a function key is often more convenient while performing an analysis in the laboratory.
Function Key
Samples/Stop 5-1 [F5]
Autozero/Baseline 5-1 [F6]
Additional functions [F7-F12]
Manual Control 4-9 (Options menu) [F4]
4.1.3 Data Handling Menu
The Data Handling menu is only available, if dedicated data handling routines are installed.
These are ***.rpx files with scripting functions as generated by the optional Reporter-SPX
software. The respective functions are listed as menu items. The menu can hold up to 50 items.
The \tools folder of the software's Data directory contains examples of data handling templates
for simple spectrum calculations. See Data Handling and Measurement Templates 13-14 .
4.1.4 Options Menu
The Options menu includes the following commands in all applications.
Preferences
Manual Control
Page Designer (only with Reporter-SPX software installed)
4-6
Preferences Command
The Preferences command is used to define basic settings of the software, the
spectrophotometer and printing. The settings of this command apply to all applications. They are
grouped through tabs.
Note: Reaction of the command may be delayed slightly, because the software check s the
status of the COM-ports.
The following tabs are available in the Preferences window.
General Tab
The Preferences/General tab allows you to select the Results and Methods directory:
These directories are used to store results files and method files. The directories can be
located at any place in the directory structure. See: File Menu 4-3
Preferences window with General tab
Note: In contrast to Windows Explorer, this window does not use the language specific path
designations, but the original designations in English.
In order to define a different Methods or Results directory, click the folder symbol behind the
entry field to open the Select Directory window. Select the requested directory and confirm your
selection with the OK button. The New button will create a new subdirectory to the currently
marked directory. In the directory tree, right-click on the new folder e.g. to modify its name.
Further functions are available in the context menu (right-clicking on a directory).
Alternatively you can directly edit the directory names in their entry fields.
Note: The selections refers to all applications.
Also, the Preferences/General tab displays the path of the Data directory. This directory
contains a number of configuration files, such as the reflectance correction spectra files, the
ascapp.ini configuration file, the PV configuration file and others. The path cannot be modified.
Clicking the Open directory icon behind the text field opens the Windows Explorer with the
4-7
Data directory active. Use the Windows Explorer to edit, rename or move files of this directory.
Do not forget to backup files that are to be modified.
Spectrophotometer Tab
The Preferences/Spectrophotometer tab allows you to define settings related to the

instrument. For USB connected instruments, the entry for Spectrophotometer port is USB and
it is inactive.
For instruments with serial interface, you can select the Spectrophotometer port: COM1–
COM64. The setting will become valid with the next software start. See: Notes for Specific
Instrument Models 14-1 .
Select None, if you want to work without instrument control permanently to avoid error
messages.
The Temperature controller drop-down list box accordingly shows the active USB
communication port for the Peltier accessory and allows selecting it. Select the port designated
USB Serial Port. Set the accessory port definition to None, if the attached device should not be
operative. The setting is None when the device is not installed.
Important:
If you change the COM interface without correspondingly changing the socket into which the
cable is inserted, communication between the PC and the instrument will be interrupted.
Other settings are instrument specific. You will find details of the specific instruments in the
appendix. See Notes for Specific Instrument Models 14-1 .
Printing Tab
The Preferences/Printing tab allows you to define printing parameters (print and print preview):
Within the Mode section, color and format definitions are available:
Select, whether graphs are handled in color or in black. The default setting Automatic applies
the printer configuration. The settings Color and Black override the printer settings. The setting
Black transforms the colors of the curves to different dashes and prints correspondingly. See:
Printing and Print Preview 4-21 .
Select also to have a presentation of print pages in Portrait (default) or in Landscape format.
Printing in landscape format applies an alternative default print template. See Report
Configuration 14-26 .
The Font Size parameter defines the font size of the standard text output of a report. The default
setting is 9.
The default entry of the Print page footer parameter field is the software designation. To define
a different footnote, enter the text into the parameter field. This text is printed with the current
date and time on the left and the page designation Page n of m on the right side of the bottom
line of each page.
Note: The selections refer to all applications.
4-8
Manual Control Command
This command allows you to drive the instrument to specific settings, e.g. to a required
Wavelength to read ordinate values from the live display. Additionally, an Autozero can be
actuated at the current wavelength. No further measurements, evaluations or printouts are
possible.
Tip: The function may also be initiated with the [F4] function k ey.
The spectrophotometer will immediately execute a choice from a list or a click at a button.
Numerical entries like the wavelength setting are actuated with the Apply or OK button. The OK
button also closes the window.
Note: If the instrument allows the option, also negative wavelengths below 0 nm can be entered. This
allows check ing wavelengths around the "white light" position.
For SPECTRONIC 200 spectrophotometers, a button Remeasure 0 %T is available to initiate a

0 %T compensation. This option requests the user to block the sample compartment beam by
means of a non-transparent material. Ensure that the sample compartment remains closed while
this function completes. It needs more than a minute. Its execution can improve photometric
accuracy at higher absorbance.
If an accessory is attached, the control options of this accessory are also presented, e.g. driving
the cell changer to a required Cell position or actuating the sipper pump. For Evolution 300 the
sipper sampling volume can be calibrated. See: Accessories: Manual Control 6-1
Note: When using a sipper, the Autozero function is performed without pumping the blank solution.
Therefore, start the sipper manually before actuating this function.
Page Designer Command
This command is only available with the additional Reporter-SPX software installed. It opens the
Page Designer sub program to define report layout templates. See Page Layout 14-31 .
4.1.5 Help Menu
The Help menu follows standard Windows conventions.
The Contents command is used to open a comprehensive help system. You operate this help
system according to standard Windows conventions.
Also use the [F1] function key to open the help system with a page that corresponds to the
currently active window.
The Info command displays information about the software version and copyrights.
4-9
4.2 Graphics Functions

Data from Scan and Rate measurements are shown as a graph in the graph area; see: Scan
Application 7-1 and Rate Application 8-1 . The data can have been recently recorded and/or
loaded from hard disk via the Load Spectrum/Data Set command. See: Load Spectrum/Data
Set 4-3
Graph area and operation elements (Rate application)
PV Tests measurements partially present spectra and time measurements.
The Quant mode also uses the graph area for displaying the calibration curve, but here the user
has no options to modify the presentation. (See: Quant Application 10-1 ) Only the cursor
function is active. See: Cursor 4-13
The graph area consists of:
The graph with automatic cursor and possible marks originating from evaluation functions
and peak picking, (see: Peak Pick Parameter Group 7-4 , Graph 4-11 and Cursor 4-13 )
the File Description Box 4-14 ,
the graphics buttons and scrolling bar (slider). See: Graph Tools 4-12
By modifying the program window size you can modify the graph area size.
4-10
The split of the graph and the results area can be varied at the upper margin of the results area.
(See: Results Space 4-18 ) Place the mouse pointer on the separation line. Thus, the mouse
pointer will be displayed as a two-headed arrow. Then move the margin while pressing the left
mouse key.
Sizes and positions of the file description box and the graph area are automatically optimized.
This may result in clipping of these elements when curves are added/deleted or when the cursor
is activated/deactivated.
4.2.1 Graph
The graph is annotated on the x-axis (abscissa) with either wavelength (nm) or time (min) and
on the y-axis (ordinate) with absorbance (A) or transmission (%T) for example.
If curves with different ordinate modes are overlaid, the right-hand Y-axis will be used to scale the
curves with the second ordinate independently. If the curves displayed in the graph are defined
with more than two ordinate modes, the right Y-axis will be labeled with ***.
Colors are used for overlaid curves in a fixed order.
Up to 20 curves are displayed during measurements. If further data files are measured, the latest
will overwrite the oldest existing file.
Note: The number of spectra displayed during measurement can be configured up to 50. Enter the
required number of overlaid spectra to the Graph_NumOnlineCurves parameter in the ascapp.ini
configuration file. See ascapp.ini configuration filei 13-3 .
When data are loaded from disk with the Load Spectrum function, up to 50 spectra can be
displayed in the graph.
The scaling is according to the method or according to the data for loaded data files and can be
modified by the graph tools. See below and Graph Tools 4-12 .
In the Scan application, a spectrum may show peak numbers to refer the maxima/minima
position to the peak table. In the Rate modul the calculation range for enzyme activity can be
marked.
Expansion of Details
You can expand any area within the graph:
1. Position the mouse pointer at any corner point of the area to be expanded.
2. Drag the mouse pointer with pressed left mouse button over the area to be expanded. The area
will be framed.
In the Rate application additionally press and hold the [Shift] key beforehand and release it after
releasing the mouse key.
3. After releasing the mouse button the framed area will be expanded to the full size of the graph.
Tip: Alternatively you may also use expansion via cursor or via the Format Graph button. See:
Cursor 4-13 and Graph Tools 4-12 .
4-11
A slider becomes available in the Scan application after expansion; see: Graph Tools 4-12 . To
return to the default expansion, use the Autoscale button.
4.2.2 Graph Tools
The graph can be modified with the graph buttons below the graph.
Graph buttons of the Scan application with expansion slider
Graph buttons of the Rate application
The tools available within the graph are given in the following table. See: Graph 4-11 .
Item Function
Clear The red Clear button deletes the graph with all curves and results. If you
want to delete only single curves, use the individual Spectrum/Data
information window. See: Spectrum/Data Set Info Window 4-15 .
Format Graph The button opens a window with a schematic coordinate system: Enter
the desired ordinate and abscissa minimum and maximum values.
Autoscale The Autoscale button resets the scaling to default values, so that all
existing curves are fully displayed. The ordinate range is automatically
adapted so that all data points are displayed with suitable axes scaling.
During scanning the Autoscale button only operates in the y-direction to
show the continuation of the curve.
Alternatively, a double click in the graph area performs the same function.
Label Use the Label positioning button to generate a label within the graph.
(Scan application Click the button and drag the area to the desired position with the left
only) mouse button pressed. After you have released the mouse button, an
entry dialog is displayed to enter the required text. You can enter multi-
line texts and re-position the whole text area later.
The position of the text is assigned to the graph scaling. Therefore, the
text will change its absolute position when changing the scaling of the
graph.
If the graph is cleared with all data sets via the Clear button (see above),
text Labels are cleared as well. If the data sets are deleted individually,
the text Labels are preserved.
Tip: Text Labels are not stored with the data.
Graph/Table The Graph/Table button is available in the Rate application only. It allows
(only available in you to switch from the standard graphical presentation of kinetic data to a
the Rate tabular listing of all curves present. No further action is possible with the
application) tabular data. Note that the time range and the data interval of several files
must be compatible to have a full table.
When the data are presented in tabular form, a context menu (right-click
the mouse) is available to copy and to export the data.
4-12
Item Function
Expansion slider The slider is active if you have zoomed in on the scan plot to display only
(only active in the a portion of the measured wavelength range. Use the slider to move the
Scan application) expanded section in either direction. See: Cursor 4-13 .
Tip: Except for the Autoscale button, the buttons are inactive during a Scan or Rate
measurement.
The parameter "GraphAccessScan" in the configuration file allows defining that during a scan
additional spectra can be loaded and that further graph tools are active. See: Configuration file
ascapp.ini 13-3 .
If the operation should tak e too much time, e. g. if a menu has been left active by accident, the
spectrometer scan will be stopped after a certain number of data points recorded. Such a
situation should be avoided, because the instrument might not properly continue the scan after
releasing the software.
4.2.3 Cursor
Whenever you move the mouse pointer into the graph, a blue cursor line is added to the graph
that follows the mouse movement. The normal vertical cursor (also just "cursor") and a horizontal
cursor is available. The vertical cursor is shown, when the mouse pointer is moved into the graph
area through the X-axis or from the top. The horizontal cursor appears, if the mouse pointer
enters the graph through the Y-axis (from left or right).
The cursor automatically disappears, when the mouse pointer is moved out of the graph.
When the vertical cursor is active, the current cursor abscissa position is displayed below the
abscissa axis and the corresponding ordinate value of the curve is shown in the File description
box. Values are taken from the nearest measured data point.
With the horizontal cursor, the current cursor ordinate position is shown above the Y-axis and
the abscissa value of the point of intersection with the curve is shown in the File description
box. The next intersection point to the right is taken. See: File Description Box 4-14 and the
section below: Using the horizontal cursor.
Wichtig: Es werden immer die Ordinatenwerte des nahesten Datenpunk ts angezeigt, auch wenn
die Grafik einen k ontinuierlichen Kurvenzug zeigt.
For spectra and Rate data sets, the cursor is employed to transfer ordinate/abscissa values of
the curve(s) to the results area. See: Read Cursor Mode 4-17 .
Expand an Abscissa Range via Cursor (Scan application only)
An expansion of an abscissa section can be selected via cursor:
1. Position the mouse pointer with the cursor at the left or right side of the area to be expanded and
then keep the [Shift] key pressed.
2. Move the cursor with pressed left mouse button over the area to be expanded. The area will be
shown in inverse colors.
4-13
3. Release the mouse button and then the [Shift] key. The highlighted area will be expanded to the
full size of the graph with unmodified ordinate scaling. A slider becomes available after
expansion. See: Graph Tools 4-12 .
To return to the default expansion, use the Autoscale button. See: Graph Tools 4-12 .
Note: The expansion via cursor will not be executed if a range of 3 data points or less has been
selected.
Range Selection for Evaluation (Rate application only)
For the Rate application the above cursor entry mode - without using the [Shift] key - can be
used to define the abscissa (time) range for the enzyme activity calculation. The time values of
the left and the right position are entered to the From and To entry fields in the section
Enzyme activity calculation. See: Rate Application 8-1 .
Using the horizontal Cursor
The horizontal cursor appears automatically, when the mouse pointer is introduced to the graph
from the left ordinate and it disappears, when the mouse pointer is moved out of the graph.
The horizontal cursor allows a quick check of the abscissa position(s) for certain ordinate values
of the curve(s): When the horizontal cursor is active, the File description box shows the
abscissa value (wavelength/time) of the intersection point with the curve. The horizontal cursors
steps with the digits of the third significant position (e.g. 25.1 - 25.2 - 25.3). The
GraphYCursorRounding parameter of the configuration file allows changing to the fourth
significant position.
If there are more than one intersection point for a curve, the next intersection point to the right is
shown. Other intersection points can be shown by moving the cursor accordingly.
4.2.4 File Description Box
The File description (legend) box lists all curves currently displayed in the graph. See: Graph
4-11 .
The following properties are shown:
Color of the curve
Current cursor ordinate or abscissa value, when a cursor is active. See: Cursor 4-13
Filename
The two-headed arrow in front of a name indicates that this dataset is assigned to the right
axis of the graph. See: Graph 4-11
File description
4-14
See: Sample Information Window 5-2 .
If the mouse pointer is moved into the File description box it changes into a hand symbol. This
is to draw your attention to the option to click on a filename. This opens the Spectrum/Data Set
information window. See: Spectrum/Data Set Information Window 4-15 and Sample
Information Window 5-2 .
Note: This option is not available if another function is active, e.g. another window or a menu.
4.2.5 Spectrum/Data Set Information Window
(only Scan and Rate applications)

Clicking on a filename in the file description box opens the Spectrum/Data information window.
(See: File Description Box 4-14 ) In its upper area the window lists:
Spectrum/Data information window for spectra
(Sample) Description, see: Sample Information Window 5-2 .
Operator, see: Sample Information Window 5-2
Date of measurement and date of last modification. The date of measurement corresponds to
the beginning of the measurement. The date of modification corresponds to the end of the
measurement. Additional modifications can be for example A<>%T transformations or editing
the sample description as listed in the Audit Trail section below.
Abscissa and Ordinate range for spectra and the measurement wavelength for Rate data,
Data interval and number of data points
Cycle number and measurement time after start (repetitive scan only)
Type of spectrophotometer with serial number and firmware revision
Spectrophotometer settings
4-15
Characteristics of the associated Autozero / Baseline with date, instrument name, serial
number and accessory
Accessories in use and sample location (cell changer)
Software Version
The Audit Trail section documents all changes of data (A<>%T) and filenames for the
spectra/dataset.
In addition, the Spectrum/Data information window offers the following functions:
Item Function
Description Entry field for editing the sample description. See: Sample Information Window
5-2 .
Remove Deletes the selected curve from the displayed files.

Curve If you selected the apply to all option, all spectra in the graph will be removed.
Peak Pick Starts a peak pick routine for the selected data file. Entries for the peak picking
(spectra only) parameters are requested in 2 separate windows.
The detected extrema are numbered in the graph and are listed in the results
area. See: Results Space 4-18 .
If you selected the apply to all option, all spectra in the graph will be considered.
Read Cursor Starts the Read Cursor mode. This will allow transferring the ordinate and
abscissa data of the spectrum/data set at current cursor position to the results
space. See: Read Cursor Mode 4-17 and Results Space 4-18 .
If you selected the apply to all option, all spectra in the graph will be considered.
Save As Opens a File Save as window to store the selected data file as a .dsp or .dti
file.
Additionally, the csv and JCAMP-DX (spectra only) file formats are available. With
the definition of an extra data format via a spectrum converter , the additional
format will be shown in the list and can be selected as well. See appendix: Data
Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15
If you selected the apply to all option, all spectra/datasets subsequently will be
offered for storage.
The results directory defined in the Preferences command is used as the default
directory. See: Options Menu 4-6
Copy Copies the spectrum/data set as a list of numerical values to the clipboard. The
data can then be pasted e.g. to a spreadsheet software.
If you selected the apply to all option, a list containing the data of all spectra/
data sets in the graph will be generated. Make sure that all datasets in the graph
are shown with the same ordinate range and data interval; otherwise the transfer
may be erroneous.
A<>%T Transforms the selected data file from absorbance (A) to transmission (%T) and
vice versa. Accordingly, spectra in ordinate mode %R will be transformed to log(1/
R). Spectra in the f(R) and %Ra mode are not transformed.
If you selected the apply to all option, all spectra in the graph will be
transformed.
Close Closes the Spectrum/Data information window.
4-16
For the Description, Save as and A<>%T functions, which may modify the spectrum/data set
file, the current operator name is introduced to the file and the audit trail is modified accordingly.
4.2.6 Read Cursor Mode
The Read Cursor mode allows you to transfer ordinate and abscissa data at the current cursor
position of a selected spectrum/data set (or of all spectra/data sets in the graph) to the results
space. See Results Space 4-18 .
1. Click a filename in the legend box to open the Spectrum/Data Set Information window of the
spectrum/data set of interest. See: Spectrum/Data Set Information Window 4-15
2. Click the Read Cursor button to start the Read Cursor mode.
In order to read all spectra of the graph simultaneously, use the Apply to all check box.
Thereafter, the information window is closed and the cursor is placed into the graph area. (See:
Layout of the Program Window 3-2 ) The mouse pointer takes the form of a cross.
Note: If the cursor is intermittently moved out of the graph area or if any other action is performed, the
Read Cursor mode will be deactivated instantly and the mouse pointer is displayed in its normal
shape. See: Cursor 4-13
3. Once the Read Cursor mode is active, clicking the left mouse button generates a Read Cursor
table with spectrum/data set name and description in the Results space. See: Results Space
4-18
The table contains the x,y-values at the current cursor position. The values are taken from the
nearest measured data point.
Tip: Mak e sure however that the mouse is not moved between pressing and releasing the left
mouse k ey – if so the action will be interpreted as a scale expansion.
4. Further lines are added to the table with each mouse click on the graph. Any number of Read
Cursor actions can be performed.
5. To terminate the Read Cursor mode just move the cursor out of the graph.
Note: Read Cursor tables will add to existing peak -pick /enzyme activity tables and data tables of
other spectra/data sets. This allows you to generate combined tables as well as tables for
multiple spectra/data sets. However, generating a new peak -pick /enzyme activity table (
Recalculate) or a new Read Cursor table of the same spectrum/data set will clear the Results
space.
Note: The Read Cursor data table will not be included in the exported result file of the Rate application.
4-17
4.3 Results Space

The results area is in the right section of the software window and is used to present
alphanumerical results. The varying usage of the results space is:
Application Comments
Scan 7-1 The results area lists the optional peak tables and/or cursor
readings. It is only shown if a peak-pick or the Read Cursor
mode has been performed.
Rate 8-1 The results area lists the optional enzyme activity evaluation
results and/or cursor readings. The space is always shown.
Fixed 9-1 The results area is the standard output space for results. As no
graphics are generated, the results area covers the full output
space.
Quant The results area is used for presenting the standards table.
Calibration mode 10-2
Quant The results area is the standard output space for results.
Samples mode 10-2
PV Tests 12-1 The results area is the standard output space for the test
results.
Changing the Size of the Results Space
The split between the graph and the results area can be varied at the upper margin of the results
area:
1. Move the mouse pointer onto this margin. The mouse pointer is being displayed as a two-headed
arrow.
2. Move the margin to the required position while pressing the left mouse key.
If necessary, use the window slider to show hidden results.
Copying Text Using the Windows Clipboard
After clicking on the text, you can use the [Ctrl]+[C] key combination to transfer the text of the
results area to the clipboard. If you mark the text partially (with pressed left mouse button), only
the marked text is transferred. From there you can paste the information to other software.
Export Results Command
Store the results in tabular form with the Export Results command (not available in the Scan
application). See Printing and Print Preview 4-21 for further information on printing the results.
4-18
Typical result files demo.r?? are supplied with the install set where applicable.
Results Number Format
With the Rate, Fixed and Quant applications, the numerical format of the results can be
defined as a method parameter.
Select the number of output digits before the decimal separator which is appropriate for the
highest expected result value. This assures that all figures are output in line. However if one
of the figures should have more digits before the decimal separator, the figure is shown
correctly with a shifted decimal position.
The number of output digits after the decimal separator should follow the expected or
possible accuracy of the results. The figures are rounded to the selected number of output
digits.
The table below presents the output of figures with some selected examples:
Selected number of Selected number of

digits before decimal digits after decimal Value Output
separator separator
2 3 11.254 11.254
2 2 11.254 11.25
2 1 11.254 11.3
2 0 11.254 11
2 4 11.254 11.2540
1 3 11.254 11.254
3 3 11.254 11.254
1 3 -11.254 -11.254
Note: Figures with too many digits may be truncated in the middle if the available space is insufficient.
4-19
4.4 Analytical Report

All data and results are printed as an analytical report. The report can also be viewed in a
separate window via the Print Preview function. From the Print Preview window, the report
may also be stored as a PDF file. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Scan report example
The analytical report generally consists of the following sections:
Header
The header documents the measurement by the measurement time, operator, instrument
parameters and further information. The header structure varies with the application.
Note: When the graph contains more than 1 spectrum/data set, the header information shows the
parameters of the first spectrum/data set.
Note: The report header can be extended with further information. See: Adapting the Report Header
13-13
4-20
Measurement and results data
The actual measurement data consist of the spectrum/data set/calibration curve graphics and of
the alphanumerical results of the results space.
Footnote
Additionally the report includes a footnote with:

date and time of printing,
the footnote text as defined in the Preferences command. See: Options Menu 4-6
the page number (Page n of m).
Configuring the Report
Besides the definition of the footnote text (see above), the Preferences command allows
defining the print format (Portrait/Landscape) and the Font size of the text output. See:
Options Menu 4-6
An additional installation of the Reporter-SPX software allows a free definition of the report layout.
See Report Configuration 14-26 . Alternatively, ascanis develops individual layouts according to
customer specifications.
4.5 Printing and Print Preview

Use the Print button of the operating toolbar or the Print command of the File menu to print the
graph and/or results. Configure the printer with the Printer Setup command. See: Operating
Toolbar 3-4 and File Menu 4-1 .
Note: The main purpose of the Printer Setup command is to switch printers. Some printer drivers will
not observe the selected print parameters. Settings should preferably be selected in the print
window or in the system settings.
You can check the page(s) to be printed beforehand with the Print Preview function (see below)
and then start the printout from this window.
When the printing configuration is set to the standard Automatic mode, the printout of the graph
will be in color with a color printer and in monochrome with a monochrome printer. (See:
Preferences in the Options Menu 4-6 ) With the monochrome printer, the colors of the curves
are automatically transformed into different dashes. If the printing mode should be set
deliberately to either color or monochrome, this can be done with the Preferences/Printing
command.
Print Preview Window
The Print Preview window allows a report to be checked before printing. The window is also
used for the Load Results command and the Show Method command that show the respective
contents. See: File Menu 4-1 .
The title bar of the Print Preview window displays the name of the evaluated spectrum, or the
name of the first spectrum of a series of spectra, respectively.
4-21
In this window, you can swap pages, modify the size of the presentation, and actuate the
printout. The operating buttons in the toolbar are separated by vertical lines and arranged from
left to right.
Print Preview window
Item Function
Table of Opens a column at the left-hand side of the screen to show the report contents.
Contents You cannot make changes.
Print Prints the current report. In order to select printed pages or to modify printer
settings, use the Print function in the File menu. See: File Menu 4-1
-> PDF Saves the report as a PDF file to the results directory. The filename is equivalent
to the sample name of the first spectrum/data set, or the results filename,
respectively.
When the PDF_DirSelect parameter is set in the configuration file, an additional
File Save dialog allows entering a file name and storage path.
Copy Copies the current report page to the clipboard. Thereafter you can insert it in
documents or other application software via the Paste command.
Find Opens the Find dialog that allows searching for a specific word or phrase in the
report. The item is entered at the Find what parameter in the Find dialog box.
Single Page/ These buttons allow you to change between a single page presentation and a
Multiple multiple page presentation. When you select Multiple Pages, additional buttons
Pages are presented to select the number of pages to be displayed (see figure above).
These buttons are only active if there is more than one page in the report.
Zoom Out/ These buttons allow you to change the scale of the presentation. The selected
Zoom In scale is displayed in the list box. Alternately, in the list box, you can also select
a value directly or enter a new value.
Previous If there is more than one page in the report, you can step from page to page with
Page/ these buttons. The page being displayed is shown in the Page Number text box.
Next Page
Page This box shows the number of the currently active page and the total number of
Number text report pages. To step to a specific page, enter the number of the designated page
box and press the [Enter] key on the keyboard.
4-22
Back/ These buttons are only active if there is more than one page in the report and you
Forward have already stepped to pages. These buttons allow you to go directly to the
page visited previously and to return to the initial page.
Close Close the window to return to basic software.
4-23
VISIONlite
4-24
VISIONlite Performing Measurements
5 Performing Measurements
This section describes the general operations for measurements. Details regarding accessories
are summarized in a dedicated section. See section Accessories 6-1 . Specifics of the
applications are given in the respective sections.
5.1 Start of a Measurement

To initiate a measurement, proceed in these steps:
1. Select a method or set the parameters.
2. Click the Measure Samples button or the equivalent menu command/function key to start the
measurement. See: Operating Toolbar 3-4 .
A Sample Information window is displayed. Enter the required information. See: Sample
Information Window 5-2
3. An appropriate background correction must be done or must have been done beforehand. See:
Executing a Baseline/Autozero Run 5-1
5.1.1 Executing a Baseline/Autozero Run
A baseline run is required to zero the instrument prior to the sample measurement.
If an autozero/baseline run has not yet been performed under method conditions, you will be
requested to insert a blank sample for the first measurement.
Alternatively, you can insert the blank sample beforehand and manually start the baseline/
autozero run with the Autozero / Baseline button in the toolbar (not with sipper operation) or the
equivalent menu command/function key. See: Operating Toolbar 3-4
Also you can use the function key [F6] on the keyboard.
Note: The software demands a new autozero/baseline run if a new measurement uses wavelengths
outside the range of the existing baseline correction. If just instrument settings lik e the slit or
the lamp change have been modified, a new autozero/baseline run is not mandatory, but it is
recommended for high precision measurements.
In the configuration file you can disable the demand to perform an autozero/baseline run. See:
Software Configurations 13-1 .
Characteristics of the autozero/baseline like date and time are added to the data's audit trail.
5-1
Performing Measurements VISIONlite
5.1.2 Sample Information Window
You define the next sample or sample group (cell changer/sample list mode) to be measured in
the Sample Information window. The window provides a number of entry tools. A baseline/
autozero run can be defined (see below). The window is not presented in the PV Tests
application. See: PV Tests Application 12-1 .
Sample Information window Quant application (cell changer mode)
Details in the Sample Information window depend on the application, on method details and
on the associated accessory. The window contains the following entry fields:
Item Function
Result filename Not in Scan, Rate (if without enzyme rate calculation) and PV
Tests; otherwise obligatory.
Operator Displays automatically the most recent entry or the Windows user
name of the currently logged-on user. The dropdown arrow besides
the entry box allows selecting previous entries, see below.
Sample name Obligatory; format see below. Automatic incrementing of number
within a series, if the last character of the sample name is a digit.
Description Optional, informative text (Scan only).
Weight Sample weight, only in Quant application with Weight/Volume
correction active. Dimension [Weight unit/Solution volume]. See
Weight Correction 14-21 .
Dilution Factor Reciprocal of the dilution ratio. For example a dilution of 1:100 (e.g.
filling up 1 ml sample to 100 ml solution) is expressed as a dilution
factor of 100. Not Scan; 1 as default.
Result Filename
The Result filename is used to save the results of the measurement to disk. It is requested in
5-2
the Quant and Fixed applications, and also in the Rate application if an enzyme activity
calculation is defined. The result file contains the complete alphanumerical result data of the
measurement series.
Operator
The window has an Operator text box. The entry is initially taken from the Windows user
administration. As a default, it has the format:
Domain or PC-name \ login name (full user name)
Other compositions can be configured. See: Defining the User Name Appearance 13-2 .
The entry can be overwritten by a user entry. This will be applied as the new default for the
following measurements with the same application.
Clear the text box to use the Windows login name again.
To facilitate an entry with various operators, a list of up to 25 Operator names is maintained that
use the software under the same Windows login. With the drop down arrow at the end of the
entry box, an entry can be selected from that list. The list is held in the user-specific
configuration file. See: ascuser.ini configuration file 13-2 .
The configuration option UseWindowsUserName allows inhibiting the option to enter a user-
defined operator name. Instead, the Windows login name is used a s described above. See:
Software Configurations 13-1
Sample Information
Sample name and sample characteristics (Description, Dilution Factor) are entered within
the sample line or table. The table column width can be varied by dragging the separating line of
the header line to the desired position.
The automatic incrementing of sample names can be disabled in the configuration file. See:
In the configuration file you can preselect to take the description and dilution factor of the most
recently performed measurement series. See: Software Configurations 13-1 .
The entries for Sample name and sample characteristics can be saved and reloaded in the
context menu (right mouse key). See: Using a sample List 5-5 .
If an existing filename is entered, a query is issued to overwrite the existing results.
Important:
If you accept overwriting at this point and enter the same filename for another measurement
series again, it is assumed that the existing file should again be overwritten: no further overwrite
query will be shown.
The Result filename and Sample Names (with Scan and Rate application) are used as
Windows filenames. Thus the Windows conventions must be followed: maximum length of 215
characters (including spaces). You may not use the following characters: \ / : * ? " < > |.
Generally, avoid using extensively long filenames: The space for the sample name and sample
description is limited in the report output. When space is insufficient, both entries will be
truncated in the middle.
5-3
Working with Sample Lists
When measuring a batch of samples, it is possible (obligatory for cell changer operation) to enter
the sample data in a sample list before starting measurement. See: Using a Sample List 5-5
To apply a sample list:
1. In the Sample information window click the Sample list button (only available with the first
sample of a measurement series): a table is opened for sample data entry. Incell changer
operation, a sample list opened anyway.
2. Enter sample information in a successive order.
3. Right-clicking on an entry box will display a popup menu holding editing tools.
4. Start the measurement by clicking the Measure button or press the [Enter] key on your
keyboard.
Remeasuring a Sample
The Sample Information window offers a Remeasure function (not in Fixed operation).
1. Select this function to display the Sample information window with the sample data of the
most recently measured sample for repeating the measurement.
2. Click the Measure button or press the [Enter] key on your keyboard.
Entry Tools in the Sample Information Window
In entry mode (dotted cell border) and in editing mode (flashing vertical entry cursor) you can
display several popup menus by clicking the right mouse button. You can use the menu
commands to Delete entries or Paste text type data from the clipboard. See: Using a Sample
List 5-5
Tip: By using the Open file command to load a sample list, the current sample table will be
extended with the new data.
With multi-line Sample Information windows (sample list or cell changer mode), you can use
the Fill down button to transfer the contents of the active cell to all cells beneath. With a digit in
the rightmost character of the sample names, the number will be incremented. For this, highlight
the required entry and, optionally, the area below by clicking on it. Then use the Fill down
button to copy the highlighted data to the cells below.
The right mouse button opens a popup menu with the commands Fill down (only with table)
and Delete. Use the Fill down command as described above.
Use the Delete command to clear the entry in the active cell or copy and paste the entry of an
empty cell.
5-4
Autozero/Baseline in the Sample Information Window
If no baseline/autozero run has been performed under the current method conditions, you will be
requested in the Sample Information window to do this: The (first) Sample name field is
designated as Blank. You cannot modify this entry (as shown by the blue field). Insert the cell
containing the blank into the instrument and start the run.
If a baseline/autozero run has already been performed, it is still possible to repeat this
measurement – and also at any time within a series of samples – by activating the Measure
Blank check box in the Sample information window above the table. Once this option has
been activated, it is also the default setting for the next series of measurements.
In the Rate application with a cell changer an autozero will be performed with each measurement
cycle if the autozero has not been executed beforehand. The blank is always expected in cell
position 1 (or B with some spectrophotometer models).
In the cell changer mode the first position of the cell changer is reserved for the blank.
5.2 Using a Sample List

Normally, the software demands the sample data for each of the samples directly before the
start of the measurement. (See: Starting a Measurement 5-1 ) As an alternative, the Sample
Information window offers an option to enter data of a series of samples that are to be
measured. (See: Sample Information Window 5-2 ) The Sample list button appears with the
sample data entry for the first sample. Sample list data can also be stored and retrieved.
In cell changer operation, the Sample Information window opens the sample list by default.
When using a cell changer, the number of samples is limited to the number of cell positions.
The Sample list button is not available. See: Accessories 6-1
When a sample list has already been established with the same name as the method, this
sample list will be loaded automatically.
After starting a method and having done the autozero/baseline run, clicking the Sample list
button in the Sample Information window extends the sample table to 2500 lines.
Sample data are entered line by line without empty lines. Missing entries for Sample Name will
cause the software to return a request for the missing data. Because the sample names are
used as filenames for the automatic storage of spectra/data sets in the Scan and the Rate
application, sample names must be different for each sample for these applications. See: Scan
Application 7-1 and Rate Application 8-1
5-5
Sample Information window with sample list and popup menu
Clicking on the table with the right mouse key will open the table context menu, holding the
following commands as described in the following section:
Delete
Delete row
Insert row
Open file ...
Save as ...
Paste from clipboard
Note: This menu can also be opened during measurement of the samples (not cell changer operation).
It allows additional samples to be added or samples to be deleted.
Editing a Sample List
Sample information entry to the table is performed similarly to a spreadsheet program. After
clicking a cell it is possible to make a new entry or to overwrite an existing one. Following an
entry, the edit mode is activated. This mode is recognized by a blinking vertical entry cursor. To
edit an existing entry, double-click on the requested cell.
You may use the Tab and the Shift/Tab or the arrow up and arrow down keys to quickly change
from one cell to the other.
Right-clicking on a cell in the edit mode will open a standard edit context menu, which allows the
action to be reversed or to copy/paste texts.
The Delete command in the table context menu deletes all entries in the area marked
5-6
previously. To mark an area, move the mouse over the required area with the left mouse key
pressed.
The Delete row command of the table context menu allows deleting the currently marked row.
The Insert row command allows adding a new empty row above the cursor position.
Fill down Function
You can use the Fill down button to transfer the contents of the active cell to all cells beneath.
Sample names are automatically incremented when the last character is a digit.
Click on the relevant cell in the table to highlight the required entry. Then click the Fill down
button to copy the marked entry to the cells below. Alternatively, highlight the required cell entry
and an area below. The Fill down function then will only fill the marked area.
Tip: Use the Delete command in the context menu of the sample table to delete unnecessary
entries. It is also possible to use the Fill down function to transfer an empty cell to the cells
below.
Storing and Importing a Sample List
Sample lists can be treated as separate files for repeated use. Sample list files use the filename
extension .l?? (where ?? is the identifier of the assigned application) and they are stored in the
current methods directory. Sample list files are text files which can be generated by the VISION
lite software or externally (for instance by a LIM system).
After completing a sample list table, you can use the table context menu command Save as to
store the sample list with a selectable filename. We recommend using the preselected filename
extension (see above). For the next measurement series, the sample list can be loaded with the
File open command. The software will enter the loaded sample information, beginning with the
first line.
Tip: Sample names may be omitted to allow the user entering the sample names prior to
measurement.
When you select the name of the current method as the sample list filename, the sample list will
be loaded automatically with the next use of the method.
Sample list files can also be generated by external software (e.g. Windows Editor/Notepad). As
a data separator, use semicolon, tab or carriage return. The first line holds the results filename.
This optional entry in the first line will be displayed in the Sample Information window in the
Result filename entry box. When storing the sample list file, make sure to use the proper
methods directory path and the proper filename extension. See: Sample Information Window
5-2
It is possible to save and open sample lists with any filename extension you like. Sample list
files with the filename extension .lst are taken automatically by the software. With this
extension, a sample list can be used for different applications. After using a different extension,
this new extension will be preselected in the File open window for sample lists.
Alternatively, to loading a sample list file, it is also possible to paste sample information via the
clipboard. Use the Copy from clipboard command in the table context menu if a properly
5-7
formatted sample list has been copied to the clipboard beforehand. The information will be
pasted to the sample data table beginning with the active cell. Thus it is possible to combine
sample lists from different sources.
5.3 Measurement Procedure

In the Sample Information window click the Measure button to start the measurement.
Temperature Control
If the temperature control has been activated, the measurement is initiated only after the device
has reached the selected temperature. See: Accessory Window 6-2
Temperature Control window
Wait Time
If a wait time has been defined, the defined time is counted down. See Advanced Options of
the Scan, Rate, Fixed and Quant application.
Wait time window
Measurement
After starting the run, the Stop button of the operating tool bar is presented so that you can
cancel the run at any time. See: Operating Toolbar 3-4
During the run the results are shown in the graphics (if technically feasible with the
spectrophotometer) and/or results area according to the selected application and the selected
data evaluation procedure. The graph tool buttons are inactive during the measurement except for
the Autoscale button. See: Graph Tools 4-12 and Results Space 4-18 .
Tip: The parameter "GraphAccessScan" in the configuration file allows defining that during a
scan additional spectra can be loaded and that further graph tools are active. See: Configuration
file ascapp.ini 13-3 .
5-8
Further Samples
After completion of data transfer, the Sample Information window is presented to enter the
data of the next sample/sample batch. If a sample list is used, the data of the next predefined
sample will be displayed. You may change these entries. Proceed as described in section
Sample Information Window 5-2 or click the Close button to cancel the measurement series.
Tip: Right-click ing on the sample information will open a popup menu. Use the menu
commands e.g. to Paste information from clipboard or to Delete samples from the list. See:
Using a Sample List 5-5
Repeated Measurement
If Repeated Measurements are active in the Quant application in manual mode, the repeated
sample measurements are queried.
Re-Measure Samples
The Scan, Rate and Quant applications offer the additional Remeasure option to repeat the
measurement of the previous sample in case an error has occurred. Clicking the Remeasure
button recalls the entries of the previous sample and allows you to repeat this measurement. The
erroneous measurement data are marked discarded (Quant) or they are overwritten (Scan/Rate
). See: Quant application 10-1 , Rate application 8-1 and Scan application 7-1
5.4 End of Measurement

After the run, the Sample Information window for the next sample/sample group is presented.
Proceed as described in section Sample Information Window 5-2 or click the Close button to
cancel the measurement series.
Tip: After measuring all predefined samples of a sample list or a series of replicates, the
Sample Information window will not be displayed again.
With the temperature control active, terminating a measurement series will maintain the
temperature control. However, when the software application is closed, the target temperature is
reset to room temperature.
After closing the measurement series, you can start another series of measurements or perform
tasks like (depending on the specific application):
Use the graphic functions. Among other things you can rerun the peak pick function or
export a spectrum. See: Graphics Functions 4-10
Export results as a file for spreadsheet software. See: Results Space 4-18
Print out results. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Use the Recalculate button to rerun the enzyme activity calculation with modified
parameters. See: Enzyme rate calculation Parameter Group 8-3
If you plan another measurement with similar sample(s), you start the measurement again with
the Measure Samples button. If you are using a different solvent or cell type or change the
parameter settings, you should perform a new autozero/baseline run.
5-9
If you plan another measurement with a new method, select the new method or modify the
parameter settings accordingly. See: Starting a Measurement 5-1
If you wish to use another application, use the Change Application command in the File menu
to open the required application. See: File Menu 4-1
5-10
VISIONlite Accessories
6 Accessories
Accessories supported by VISIONlite are: Cell Changer (cell positioner), Temperature Control
and Sipper. Optical accessories without a motor like specular or diffuse reflectance accessories
do not require specific software functions.
Cell Changer
Using a cell changer, you load the system with a batch of samples before starting the
measurement. During the measurement the cell changer moves the required sample
automatically into the sample beam of the spectrophotometer. This type of measurement
procedure is advisable for time consuming analyses, e.g. rate measurements.
Note: In the configuration file (see: Configuration Files 13-1 ) you can reduce the number of active cell
positions.
Note: A routine to optimize 8-cell positioner positions for Evolution 200 series instruments is available
in the Service directory; see section Evolution 200 Series 14-6 .
Sipper
The sipper pump transports the sample to the flow cell located in the sample beam. Then the
measurement starts automatically. This removes the need to change and clean the cells.
This operation mode is recommended for high sample throughput in routine analyses and for
handling corrosive or otherwise hazardous solutions.
Evolution 200 and 300 series spectrophotometers support a Smart Sipper accessory that
installs directly into the sample compartment and is controlled via the spectrophotometer.
GENESYS and SPECTRONIC spectrophotometers support an external Economy Sipper
pump that is controlled directly by the computer running VISIONlite via the Interconnect Box
for Economy Sipper (Thermo Scientific PN 840-230500). (Contact your local Thermo
Scientific distributor for instrument-specific configuration options.) See PC-controlled sipper
pump 14-12 .
Operation of the Economy Sipper accessory and the Smart Sipper is integrated to the
software work flow. However the Economy Sipper does not allow starting a measurement
with a switch at the accessory.
Temperature Control
The Peltier Accessory allows the cell to be thermostatted during measurements. It
comprises a dedicated cell holder and an electronic control device, which is connected to
the PC.
See also: Notes for Specific Instrument Models 14-1 and Accessory Window 6-2 .
6.1 Manual Control Command

When an electrical accessory is attached to the instrument, the Manual Control command of
the Options menu also allows setting and accessory parameters. See: Options/Manual Control
Function 4-9
With a cell changer attached, you can move the cell changer to a specified position.
With a sipper attached, you can start the sipper for forward (Sip Sample) or reverse (Return
Sample) pumping (only certain models). After activating the sipper, the respective button
changes to Stop. Click this button again or exit the function with OK to stop the sipper.
6-1
Accessories VISIONlite
Tip: The window does not offer options for an attached Peltier temperature control. However, a
required temperature can be set by starting a method with defined temperature and cancelling it
before a measurement is initiated.
Sipper Volume Calibration
For Evolution 300 spectrophotometers with smart sipper, the sipper aspiration volume is to be
calibrated:
1. In the Options/Manual Control window, start the function via the Sipper/Calibrate function.
2. In the Sipper calibration window, enter the desired sample volume for a single sample
aspiration. The system will use a corresponding aspiration time that is derived from the existing
sipper volume calibration factor.
3. Provide the liquid to be aspirated in a graduated cylinder and initiate the sample aspiration
several times (max. 20) with the Sip Sample button.
4. Close the procedure by pressing OK.
5. Enter the Total volume which has actually been aspirated as read from the graduated cylinder.
Click the OK button.
The software then calculates the new sipper volume calibration factor and loads it to the
spectrophotometer. See: Accessories 6-1 .
Note: Whenever the pump tube deteriorates or has been changed, a repeated sipper volume
calibration is recommended.
Note: The software-generated sipper volume calibration factor will not apply for stand-alone
operation of the spectrophotometer.
6.2 Accessory Window

When the software detects one of these accessories
Smart Sipper for Evolution 200 or 300
Economy Sipper for GENESYS
Peltier temperature controller for GENESYS 10S, BioMate 3S and Evolution 60S
Evolution Peltier temperature accessory for Evolution 200/300; see Peltier Accessories 14-13 .
the Accessory button is displayed in each application (not PV Tests).
Click the button to open the Accessory window. It allows entering dedicated accessory
parameters. All entries in this window are saved with the method. See: Results and Method
Storage 3-6 and Accessories 6-1 .
Tip: The window is not presented for cell changer operation.
6-2
Sipper
With a sipper or a PC-controlled sipper pump, the Accessory window allows setting up the
following parameters:
The sample is aspirated for the selected Sampling time. For sippers attached to an
Evolution 300 spectrophotometer, a Sample volume is entered. The volume should be
calibrated, see Accessories/Manual Control 6-1 .
Via the Air gap parameter, a small bubble of air is pumped after each sample to separate
the samples and to generate a cleaning effect in the sample system.
If an air gap has been defined, the software gives an acoustic signal after the aspiration of
the sample to alert the operator to remove the sample from the aspiration tubing. After 2
seconds the sipper pump is started again to aspirate air for the selected time.
Accessory window with sipper parameters
The Wait time is the time delay before measurement. This parameter allows the sample
liquid to settle and to smooth streaks/schlieren, especially with long-path cells.
The Reverse pumping parameter sets the time for the pump to run in reverse direction after
the measurement (not available or not applicable for some sipper/pump models). This option
allows valuable samples to be recovered and it helps to clear the tubing and cell for a low
carry-over. Typically, the reverse pumping time will be in the same range as the sampling
time. However, when a fraction of the sample has gone to waste, the reverse pumping
volume should be smaller. When the sample is to be recovered, the reverse pumping volume
should also be smaller than the aspirated volume to exclude the contaminated portion at the
outset. The reverse pumping volume can be set higher than the aspiration volume to clear
tubing and cell completely from the sample.
Optimize the Sipper parameters to achieve
low sample-to-sample carryover,
good reproducibility of the readings for equivalent samples,
low sample consumption,
high throughput.
Additionally, the option Pump each cycle is shown in the Rate application as well as in the
6-3
Accessories VISIONlite
Scan and Fixed application, if Repetitive measurement is defined. Activating this option will
start the sipper sampling procedure for each measurement cycle. This feature can be used e.g.
to follow absorption changes in a chemical reactor.
Then, in the measurement start window, the Measure button is applied to start the run. See
Sample Information Window 6-5 .
Temperature Control
When the Peltier accessory is connected to the PC, the Accessory window offers additional
parameters. To activate temperature control, select the Active switch.
Accessory window with temperature control parameters
The following settings are available:
Parameter Function Range

Temperature Target temperature for the temperature control 19 - 61 °C
Tolerance Allowed tolerance of the temperature 0.1 – 9.9 °C
Stirrer Speed of rotation of the magnetic field that drives the stir bar at 0 – 100 %
Speed the bottom of the cell
Tip: Visually observe the bar's rotation to check the optimal
speed.
When the temperature control is activated, the start of measurement is delayed until the
selected temperature (+/- tolerance) has been reached. The temperature will then be maintained
constant during measurement.
Note: The accessory measures and reports the temperature of the cell holder block resp. the water
bath. The temperature of the cell contents will lag behind the block temperature. The magnitude
of the lag and how quick ly the cell temperature equilibrates to the block temperature will depend
on the temperature set point and the stirring efficiency.
6-4
6.3 Autozero/Baseline Function

With the cell changer, the autozero/baseline correction is always performed on cell position 1 (or
B for some spectrophotometer models).
Note: For Rate measurements, the software will perform an autozero with the autozero sample (blank )
at cell position 1/B at each measurement cycle when an autozero has not been done
beforehand. This allows you to compensate for blank reactions. See: Rate Application 8-1 .
With sipper operation, the Autozero/Baseline button in the tool bar is inactive. An autozero/
baseline run is only possible with a sample measurement or – after aspiration of a blank sample
– at a selected wavelength using the Manual Control function. See: Manual Control command
4-9 .
6.4 Sample Information Window

Depending on the attached accessory, there are several operating functions in the Sample
Information window. See: Accessories 6-1
In cell changer mode the sample table contains a line for each cell position in the cell
changer. Beginning from the first line in the sample table, samples will be measured up to
the first empty Sample Name entry field.
In sipper operation after the entry of sample information, with a Smart Sipper you typically
press a switch at the sipper to start sipping and subsequent measurements. Alternatively
and with an Economy Sipper/sipper pump, you use the buttons Sip & Measure (inactive
with the Pump each cycle option) or Measure to start the measurement. Pressing the Sip
Sample button will start the sipper until clicked again without starting the measurement or
until the Measure button is clicked to start a measurement.
Sample information window with attached sipper
Tip: If you unintentionally started the sipper before entering the sample data, an error message
is given after sample aspiration. After completion of the sample data entry, you can start the
measurement without further sipper action, using the Measure button.
6-5
VISIONlite
6-6
VISIONlite Scan Application
7 Scan Application
The Scan application is used to record sample spectra over a selectable wavelength range. The
maximum wavelength range is determined by the working range of the spectrophotometer. An
optional peak pick function is available and it is possible to read single data points via the
graphics functions. See Graphics Functions 4-10
The parameters are summarized in the following groups:
Scan 7-2
Spectrophotometer 7-2 with Advanced Parameters (not all instrument models) and
Accessory (if applicable) buttons
Graph 7-3
Peak Pick 7-4
The Advanced Options button opens another window that allows defining additional non-
standard parameters. See: Advanced Options 7-4 in this chapter.
Note: If the active method is write-protected, you cannot change the parameters and all group titles are
grayed out.Tip: The parameter "GraphAccessScan" in the configuration file allows defining that
during a scan additional spectra can be loaded and that further graph tools are active. See:
Configuration file ascapp.ini 13-3 .
The scanned spectra are automatically saved to disk to the results directory with the selected
sample name as the filename and the file extension .dsp. See: Results and Method Storage
3-6 , Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15 and Sample Information Window 5-2 .
Tip: Peak lists of the Scan application are automatically saved after configuring the
TextResultsPath parameter. See: The Configuration File ascapp.ini 13-3 .
For later inspection or evaluation, spectra can be loaded into the graph via the Load Spectrum
command in the File menu. See: File Menu 4-3 .
7.1 Method List

To set the measurement parameters, select a method from the Method drop-down list. The
previously used method is shown by default. The list shows all methods of the Scan application
type (file extension .msc) that are contained in the methods directory. Alternatively, methods
from other directories can be loaded with the Load Method command.
You may also modify parameters and start the measurement without method selection.
Save a modified set of parameters as a new method with the Save Method command, if you
wish to apply the selected parameter settings for repeated use. See: File Menu 4-1
7-1
Scan Application VISIONlite
7.2 Scan Parameter Group

The entries for Start and End wavelengths (nm) define the spectral range to be scanned. The
ordering is arbitrary.
Additionally you enter the Interval (nm) as the data point distance. The maximal entry is 10 nm;
the minimal entry depends on the instrument model and the selected Scan speed. See: Notes
for Specific Instrument Models 14-1 .
Note: For SPECTRONIC 200, the Interval entry is grayed out and fixed to 0.5 nm. A scan speed
option is not available for this instrument. Wavelength entries must be whole numbers.
Note: The wavelength range can automatically be adjusted by the system, if the scan range is not a
multiple of the data interval.
7.3 Spectrophotometer Parameter Group

In the Measurement mode drop-down list you select in which ordinate mode data are recorded
(and listed).
Abbreviation Mode
A Absorbance
%T % Transmission
%R (*) % Reflectance
f(R) (*) Kubelka-Munk transformation for quantitative reflectance measurements
HG (only Evolution Single beam energy mode for Mercury Lamp Calibration Accessory
200/300 series, if
lamp is installed)
SS, SR (only Single beam energy mode for sample (SS) and reference beam (SR)
Evolution 200/300
series)
(*): Not for SPECTRONIC 200 and GENESYS instruments; otherwise only reasonable with
reflectance accessory or integrating sphere installed.
%R and f(R) use the selected Reflectance correction files. See: Advanced Parameters.
Tip: For measurements in a reflectance mode dedicated spectrophotometer reflectance

accessories are required.
Scan speed
An additional entry field allows selecting the spectrophotometer Scan speed (nm/min) (not
available with some models or selection Slow, Medium, Fast). This parameter determines the
time required for spectrum recording.
With higher scan speed, small data intervals cannot be utilized.
7-2
Some models will automatically reduce the Scan speed, if required. Select 0 for using the "
SynchroScan" option available with some models.
See also: Notes for Specific Instrument Models 14-1
Advanced Parameters Button (not SPECTRONIC 200 and GENESYS)
The Advanced Parameters button opens the Advanced Parameters window. This window
provides access to additional instrument and measurement parameters. See Advanced
Parameters 11-1 ..
The settings selected in this window are saved with the method.
Accessory Button
The parameter group contains an additional Accessory button, if a sipper, a temperature control
is connected to the system. The button opens the Accessory window, where you can set up
accessory parameters. See: Accessory Window 6-2 .
7.4 Graph Parameter Group

You define the ordinate graph scaling via the Y-axis minimum and Y-axis maximum entry
boxes. With the entry "0" for both parameters, Y-axis scaling is continuously adapted during
measurement.
The abscissa range is according to the selected Start and End wavelengths. See: Graph 4-11 .
Tip: Data exceeding the selected ordinate range are nevertheless recorded. During and after the
measurement you can still adjust the ordinate scaling. See: Graph Tools 4-12 .
The Single/Overlay selection buttons define whether the data of a measurement series are
overlaid in the graph or if the graph is cleared for each new curve.
The alternative Permanent selection defines that with a new measurement an existing graph is
not deleted and the current ordinate range is maintained. However, the abscissa range adapts to
the new spectrum.
Tip: With this selection, adaptation of the abscissa range can be modified via configuration
settings. It is possible to alternatively configure that the abscissa range maintains fixed or that it
adapts to fully display the existing spectrum or all spectra. See the setting
GraphPermanentExpandX in the ascapp.ini Configuration File 13-3 .
If there is no spectrum in the graph with a new measurement, the recently used ordinate scaling
is applied.
7-3
7.5 Peak Pick Parameter Group

In this parameter group you define if and how a peak pick is executed.
If a list of spectrum peaks/bases is required, you mark the Maxima and/or Minima control
boxes. All detected maxima/minima are listed in the results space in a tabular form. Peaks/
bases are additionally numbered in the graph (single spectrum or last spectrum only).
The Threshold entry box defines the minimum height for an extremum to be detected as such.
In this way, very small peaks due to noise can be eliminated. The value is given in respect to the
selected ordinate mode.
The Peak Pick button of the Spectrum/Data Set information window allows an offline peak
detection to be performed. You can perform this peak picking after varying the respective
parameters. See: File Description Box 4-14 .
Tip: The peak list by default is not stored as a separate result file, but it is attached to the
report. See: Analytical Report 4-20 .
By configuring the TextResultsPath option an additional peak table file can be generated
automatically. See ascapp.ini Configuration File 13-3 .
Important:
When a Read Cursor operation is executed, the Read Cursor table will be added to an
existing Peak Pick table. A peak table generated offline will overwrite an existing Read Cursor
table anyhow. Thus, if peak lists and Read Cursor operation are to be combined, the peak list
must be executed beforehand.
7.6 Advanced Options

The Advanced Options button open the Advanced Options window. With the Scan application
it allows you to define:
Start delay: Wait time [seconds]

This parameter is a time delay after starting the measurement by pressing the Measure
button and before the actual start of data acquisition. (See: Scan – Measurement and Data
Handling 7-5 ) The count-down of the delay time is shown in a separate window. Use this
parameter for equilibration of the sample before the measurement.
Repetitive measurement: Total run time and Interval time

These settings reflect the timing for automatically repeated measurement cycles for
repetitive sample measurement. The Interval time is the time delay between two
subsequent scan starts [seconds]. The Total run time fixes the number of measurement
cycles. You can deactivate this feature by setting the Total run time to ‘0’ (zero). If the
Time interval is selected shorter than feasible, the lowest possible time interval will be
used automatically.
If a sipper is installed, the sipper can be defined to be actuated automatically with each
cycle. See: Accessory Window 6-2 . 6-2
Repetitive measurements can generate a large number of spectra. The filenames of the
spectra series are generated by adding an incremented number to the selected filename:
*_001, *_002, etc. The Spectrum/Data information window displays the number of the
current cycle and, for replicates, the measurement time.
7-4
7.7 Measurement and Data Handling

(For further information see: Starting a Measurement 5-1 and Measurement Procedure 5-8 )
1. To run a measurement, select a stored method or enter new parameters; see: Methods Concept
3-5 . Save the method with the Save Method command if you wish to use the selected
parameter settings for repeated use.
Note: If the active method is write-protected, you cannot change the parameters and all group titles
are grayed out.
2. If a suitable autozero run has not yet been performed, perform a run in advance via the Autozero
function (not in sipper operation). Alternately you will be requested to perform a baseline run in
the Sample Information window. See below and: Sample Information Window 5-2
Note: The software demands a new autozero/baseline run if a new measurement uses wavelength(s)
for which an autozero/baseline has not yet been performed after starting the application. A new
autozero run is also recommended for high precision measurements and if instrument settings
lik e the slit or the lamp change have been modified or if the autozero/baseline run has been
performed a longer time ago.
3. Start the measurement via the Measure Samples button. (See: Starting a Measurement 5-1 )
The Sample Information window opens.
For the measurement of single samples, enter the sample data to the Sample Information
window. Sample data for the following samples are entered just prior to measurement.
Alternatively, use the Sample list button to enter the sample data for an entire measurement
series, and therefore generate a sample list. (See: Using a Sample List 5-5 ) If a sample list
already exists with the same name as the active method, the sample list will be loaded
automatically and the data will be entered in the sample table.
In cell changer operation proceed as described for a sample list. See Using a Sample List 5-5 .
Important:
If you select an existing spectrum name an overwrite query will be issued. If you accept
overwriting at this point and select the same filename again, no further overwrite query will be
returned.
4. Click the Measure button or press ENTER to start data acquisition. (See: Starting a
Measurement 5-1 ) The Measure Samples button of the toolbar converts to a blinking Stop
button. The graph tool buttons are inactive during the measurement except for the Autoscale
button.
5. To cancel the spectrum measurement, click the Stop button. This also cancels a sample list
measurement sequence. The current spectrum is displayed with the data taken up to this
moment; this spectrum is not however saved to disk automatically. If required, the recorded part
of the spectrum can be saved via the Save spectrum command.
6. After completion of a scan, the spectrum is stored to disk.

A new Sample Information window is presented (not with repetitive measurements or within an
autosampler/cell changer sample group) to define the next sample (or sample group in cell
changer mode). You may use the Remeasure checkbox to repeat the measurement of the
previous sample with the same name.
With a sample list, the data of the next sample are shown and can be modified.
7-5
7. Terminate the series of measurements with the Close button in the Sample Information
window. See: End of Measurement 5-9 .
When a sample list measurement is completed, the measurement is closed automatically: The
Sample information window is not presented again.
After completing the series of measurements you may:
Adapt the graph axes and use the cursor to investigate spectral details. See: Graphics
Functions 4-10
Use the Print button to print the graph with results (if applicable).
Use the Print Preview function to inspect the report, to copy it to the clipboard, or to print
it. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Click on a spectrum filename in the file description box to open the Spectrum Information
window. Among other things you can start a new peak pick, or use the Read Cursor
function to generate a result table of specific data points. See: Graphics Functions 4-10
Use the Save Spectrum command to store the spectrum with a new name or in a different
format (.csv or JCAMP-DX) or directory.
Highlight the results partly or completely and copy the highlighted text to the clipboard by
simultaneously pressing the [Ctrl]+[C] keys. Thereafter, you can paste the text into other
programs.
Use the Load Spectrum command at a later time to review the data. See: File Menu 4-1
7-6
VISIONlite Rate Application
8 Rate Application
The Rate application is used to record time-dependent changes of the sample absorption at a
specific wavelength. From this curve the sample enzyme activity can optionally be calculated via
the slope of the curve. The slope is calculated by a linear least-squares fit.
Rate 8-2
Graph 8-3
Enzyme rate calculation 8-3
standard parameters. See: Advanced Options 8-4 in this chapter
are grayed out.
The recorded data sets are automatically saved to disk in the results directory with the selected
sample name and the extension .dti. The optional enzyme activity (Rate) results are saved in the
results directory under the selected Result filename with the filename extension .rra. (See:
Sample Information Window 5-2 and Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15 )
For later inspection or modified evaluation with the Recalculate function, data sets can be
loaded into the graph by the Load Data Set command in the File menu. See: File Menu 4-1 .
Existing enzyme activity results can be presented with the Load Results command in the File
menu.
8.1 Method List

previously used method is shown by default. The list contains all methods of the Rate
application type (file extension .mra) of the methods directory. Alternatively, methods from other
directories can be loaded with the Load Method command.
8-1
Rate Application VISIONlite
8.2 Rate Parameter Group

The general parameters you enter are the Measurement time (min), the Data interval (s) and
the measurement Wavelength (nm). A Reference wavelength can be defined additionally.
(See: Advanced Options 8-4 in this chapter) Measurement time and Data interval determine
the number of data points to be recorded.
Note: For SPECTRONIC 200, the Wavelength and the Data interval entries must be whole numbers.
Typically, the lowest possible data interval is 2 s.
The minimum data interval is determined by the spectrophotometer, measurement parameters

and accessory. For long-term measurements, the data interval must be selected so that the
number of data points is limited to 100 000 in a single run. See: Notes for Specific Instrument
Models 14-1 .
Note: If the selected data interval is too small to measure the sample(s), the lowest possible data
interval will be used instead after the first data point has been measured. This new interval will
be inserted into the Data Interval field.
The increased data interval is also applied for subsequent measurements, even if the
measurement could be faster, e.g. with reduced number of samples in cell changer mode.
However it may happen during the course of measurement that even the increased interval is too
small, e.g. because a system operation delays the measurement. In this case, the
measurement is canceled totally.
The collected data points are saved to disk every 10 minutes. If data storage is very slow, e.g.
with a slow USB device, exceeding the data interval might cancel the run. If so, the selected
data interval should take into account several seconds for disk operations.

In the Measurement mode drop-down list you select in which ordinate mode data are
recorded.
Abbreviation Mode
A Absorbance
%T % Transmission
f(R) (*) Kubelka-Munk transformation for quantitative reflectance
measurements
Tip: For measurements in a reflectance mode dedicated spectrophotometer reflectance

accessories are required.
8-2
Integration Time
The Integration time [s] option is available for specific spectrophotometers only. Increasing the
integration time will suppress signal noise, but it will increase the lowest possible data (time)
interval and it might smoothen out possible fast signal changes.
Note: It is important to select A (absorbance) for valid rate calculations.
Further Instrument Settings

Further instrument settings are defined in the Advanced Parameters window, see below.
Parameters 11-1 .
Accessory Button
is connected to the system. The button opens the Accessory window, where you can set up the
8.4 Graph Parameter Group

You define the ordinate graph scaling via the Y-axis minimum and Y-axis maximum entry
boxes. With the entry "0" for both parameters, Y-axis scaling is continuously adapted during
measurement.
The abscissa range is according to the selected Measurement time.See: Graph 4-11 .
Note: Data exceeding the selected abscissa range are nevertheless recorded. Scaling of the axes can
be optimized during or after the measurement. See: Graph Tools 4-12 .
8.5 Enzyme Rate Calculation Parameter Group

To calculate the enzyme activity via a zero order rate calculation, the slope of the curve must be
determined in the linear section of the curve. The slope is then multiplied by the Enzyme factor
to obtain the enzyme activity value.
By default, the Enzyme factor entry field is empty so that no enzyme activity calculation is
done. Accordingly, all other related parameters together with the Recalculate button are
inactive. If an enzyme activity evaluation is required, enter the test specific Enzyme factor and
8-3
then enter the other parameters.

Enter the Enzyme factor as a negative value, if absorbance decreases during the run.
Enter values to the From and To (min) entry fields or use the cursor to define the linear range of
the curve. See: Measurement and Data Handling 8-7 .
To define the output of results the number of Output digits before and after the decimal separator
can be selected. Additionally you enter an enzyme Unit or select it from the list of units. See:
Results Space 4-18 .
Note: Changing the Unit will not change the calculation correspondingly. Instead the Enzyme factor
must be adapted.
Enzyme activity results may also be calculated offline. See: Measurement and Data Handling
8-7 .
If only one data set is measured or on display, the linear fit is added to the graph.
Tip: Presentation of the linear fit can be avoided by setting the RateRegressionLine= parameter
of the configuration file.
Tip: The enzyme activity result table is stored as a separate result file and it is also attached to
the report. See: Analytical Report 4-20
Important:
When a Read Cursor operation is executed, the Read Cursor table will be added to an existing
enzyme activity table. An enzyme activity table generated offline will overwrite an existing Read
Cursor table anyhow. Thus, if a result table and Read Cursor data are to be combined, the
enzyme activity calculation must be executed beforehand.

The Advanced Options button opens the Advanced Options window. With the Rate
application it allows you to define:
Reference wavelength
The option Reference Wavelength allows you to define a second wavelength to be read
with each measurement cycle. Readings from the reference wavelength are subtracted online
from the readings at the measurement wavelength and are not visible to the user. The data
set description will contain the information Reference value: <number>. The last reference
wavelength reading is inserted to allow an estimate of the reference level.
Start delay: Wait time (seconds)

This parameter defines the start delay as the time between pressing the Measure button
and the actual start of data recording. The countdown of the start delay is shown in a
dedicated window. Use the Wait time for instance to equilibrate the sample before data
acquisition. See: Starting a Measurement 5-1
Result limits: High and Low limit, Output text

In the Result limits parameter group the High limit and Low limit values can be optionally
entered to mark enzyme activity results which exceed or which fall below the given entries.
The numbers use the unit as entered with the Enzyme rate calculation parameter group.
The corresponding Output text is applied for marking the results out of tolerance.
8-4
Output options
Here you define which of the statistical parameters (Intercept, Correlation coefficient,
Residual) calculated for the linear lest-squares slope determination are output. Mark the
parameters of interest.
Tip: If several Output options are selected, a landscape printout may be preferable.

(For further information see sections Starting a Measurement 5-1 and Measurement Procedure
5-8 )
1. To run a measurement, select a stored method or enter new parameters. Save the method with
the Save Method command if you wish to use the selected parameter settings for repeated
use. See: Methods Concept 3-5
are grayed out.
2. If a suitable baseline/autozero run has not yet been performed, perform a run in advance via the
Autozero function (not in sipperoperation). Alternately you will be requested to perform a
baseline run in the Sample Information window. See below and: Sample Information Window
5-2
autozero/baseline run is also recommended for high precision measurements and if instrument
settings lik e the slit or the lamp change have been modified or if the autozero/baseline run has
been performed a longer time ago.
With a cell changer, the first position of the cell changer is reserved for the autozero sample if an
adequate autozero has not yet been performed beforehand. With this autozero mode the
software will perform an autozero with the autozero sample at each measurement cycle. This
allows blank reactions to be compensated for. The times of the autozero measurements (up to 5)
are recorded in the report.
3. Start the measurement via the Measure Samples button. (See: Starting a Measurement) 5-1
window. Sample data for the following samples are entered just prior to measurement.
series, and thus generate a sample list. (See: Using a Sample List 5-5 ) If a sample list already
exists with the same name as the active method, the sample list will be loaded automatically
and the data will be entered in the sample table.
In cell changer operation proceed as described for a sample list. See: Using a Sample List 5-5
.
Note: The Sample Information window does not allow a sample description to be entered. This is
possible by opening the Spectrum/Data information window after the measurement. See:
Spectrum/Data Set Information Window 4-15
8-5
Important:
If you select an existing result or data set filename an overwrite query will be issued. If you
accept overwriting at this point and select the same filename again, no further overwrite query will
be returned.
Measurement 5-1 ) The Measure Samples button of the tool bar converts to a blinking Stop
button. The graph tool buttons except for the Autoscale button are inactive during the
measurement.
5. You may cancel the measurement by clicking the Stop button at any time. After that, the
measured data will be displayed and stored to disk. The current measurement series will not be
canceled. This allows Rate measurements to be terminated ahead of the planned end time
without loosing data.
Tip: The collected data points are saved to disk every 10 minutes to prevent total data loss in
the event of system failure.
After each measurement, the data file and – if an enzyme activity calculation has been defined –
the result file are stored to disk. The enzyme activity calculation results are stored in a file for up
to 500 data sets measured with a series. When a stored data file has been retrieved, the number
is limited to the number of data sets shown in the graph.
If an enzyme activity calculation is defined, the linear regression line is added to the graph for the
first cell. This can be suppressed by the RateRegressionLine= configuration parameter; see See:
Configuration file ascapp.ini 13-3 .
6. A new Sample Information window is presented to define the next sample (or sample group in
cell changer mode). Enter the sample data for the next sample/sample group. You may use the
Remeasure checkbox to repeat the measurement of the previous sample with the same name.
With a sample list, the sample data of the next sample in the sample list is shown and can be
modified.
window, if applicable.
After completion of a sample list, the series is terminated. The Sample information window will
not be displayed again.
Note: Enzyme activity is calculated for up to 500 runs recorded in a series. If a data set is loaded from
disk however, only the data shown in the graph are evaluated.
Modify the graph axes and use the cursor to investigate curve details. See: Graph Tools
4-12
Use the Table/Graph toggle button to switch to a tabular display of data; in the tabular
presentation a context menu (mouse right-click) is available to export or copy the data.
Use the Print button or the Print menu command to print the report (graph with results; if
applicable).
Use the Print Preview function to inspect the report. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
8-6
Recalculate the enzyme activity: Modify the Enzyme rate calculation settings and click
the Recalculate button, see below.
Click on a data set filename in the file description box to open the Spectrum/Data
Information window. Among other things you can export the data set as a .csv data file or
use the Read Cursor function to generate a table of specific data points. See: Graphic
Functions 4-10 and Cursor 4-13
Use the Save data set command to save the data set with a new name or in a different
format or directory. See: Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15
simultaneously pressing the [Ctrl]+[C] keys. Paste the text into other programs.
Export the optional results with the Export Results command for use with other software.
See: Results Space 4-18
Click on a filename in the file description box to open the Data Information window. Among
other things you can use the Read Cursor function to generate a result table of specific data
points. See: Graphics Functions 4-10
Use the Load Data set command at a later time to review the data. See: File Menu 4-1 .
Use the Load Results command at a later time to review the test report. See: File Menu 4-1
Tip: The results table of the Rate application contains the parameters of regression in three
additional data columns.
Offline Recalculation of Enzyme Activity
To recalculate the enzyme activity after the measurement, load the required data set(s), modify
the Enyzme rate calculation settings and click the Recalculate button. The results space is
cleared and rewritten.
Tip: You can alternatively enter the values for the From and To entry fields by dragging the
mouse/cursor with pressed left mouse k ey from the desired start to the end time of evaluation.
If an *.rra result file of the sample exits that has been generated by an automatic enzyme activity
calculation, results of the recalculation will automatically overwrite the original file. Otherwise the
recalculated results are not saved automatically. You may use other output options as described
above.
8-7
VISIONlite
8-8
VISIONlite Fixed Application
9 Fixed Application
The Fixed application records sample absorption data at single wavelengths. The data can be
processed by means of simple functions (e.g. difference or ratio of absorbances at 2
wavelengths).
Test 9-1
are grayed out.
The recorded data and results are automatically saved to disk in the results directory under the
selected Result filename with the file name extension .rfx. For later inspection, result files can
be loaded into the Print Preview window via the Load Results command in the File menu.
See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21 and File Menu 4-1 .
9.1 Method List

previously used method is shown by default. The list contains all methods of the Fixed
application type (file extension .mfx) in the methods directory. Alternatively, methods from other
9.2 Test Parameter Group

In this parameter group you select the measurement Mode, accordingly enter the measurement
wavelengths into a table and define the factor(s) and the presentation of results.
The measurement Mode options are:
Mode Calculation Wavelength(s)

Wavelength(s) no calculation any
Wavelength difference f1 • WL1– f2 • WL2 any
9-1
Fixed Application VISIONlite
Mode Calculation Wavelength(s)

Wavelength difference f1 • (WL1–RefWL) – f2 • (WL2– any
with reference RefWL)
(wavelength)
Wavelength ratio f1 • WL1/ WL2 any
Wavelength ratio with f1 • (WL1–RefWL) / (WL2–RefWL) any
reference (wavelength)
Wavelength(s) with fx • WLx any
factor
DNA/RNA (*) f1 • WL2 and: WL1: Typically 230 nm
WL2/WL1; WL2: Typically 260 nm
WL2/WL3 WL3: Typically 280 nm
DNA/RNA with f1 • (WL2 –RefWL) and: WL1-3 as above
reference (WL2–RefWL) /(WL1–RefWL); RefWL: Typically 340 nm
(wavelength) (*) (WL2–RefWL) /(WL3–RefWL)
Protein (*) WL2 / f1 and: WL1: Typically 260 nm
WL2/WL1 WL2: Typically 280 nm
Protein with reference (WL2 –RefWL) / f1 and: WL1-2 as above
(wavelength) (*) (WL2–RefWL)/(WL1–RefWL) RefWL: Typically 340 nm
(*) Not for spectrophotometers without UV-range like SPECTRONIC 200
Wavelength(s) and Wavelength(s) with Factor
If no calculations are required, set the Mode to Wavelength(s). In this mode you can enter up
to 31 single wavelengths (less for some instruments) which are measured automatically in
sequence.
Correspondingly the Wavelength(s) with factor mode measures at up to 31 wavelengths and

will multiply each reading with a specific factor.
Wavelength Difference and Wavelength Ratio
With the Wavelength difference and Wavelength ratio modes you can enter 2 or 3
wavelengths into the table, which are designated as WL1, WL2 and RefWL (reference
wavelength). In addition, you can enter factors f1 and f2 which extend the difference or ratio
calculations as listed above. If no factors are required, enter a value of 1.
DNA/RNA and Protein
For the DNA/RNA and Protein modes (not Vis-only instruments, e.g. SPECTRONIC 200), a
further box Type is offered to define the type of results. The Type is entered or it can be
selected from a list of defaults. The type is used as a header for the sample’s concentration
result. When selecting one of the defaults, the corresponding factor (absorption coefficient) for a
9-2
10 mm cell and the typical concentration unit are also evoked.
Note: Wavelengths, factor and concentration unit entries can be changed. Please always mak e sure
that the factor corresponds to the selected concentration unit.The absorption coefficient for
dedicated DNA, RNA and oligonucleotide components can be derived empirically as described
in biochemistry textbook s and on various k nowledge base websites.
Note: If cell path lengths other than 10 mm are used for the measurement, this must be incorporated
in the Factor. For example, the default factor must be multiplied by 10 for an actual
measurement cell path length of 1 mm.
For the DNA/RNA and the Protein mode, additionally absorbance ratio values are calculated
that serve as an indication of the sample’s purity.
Output Digits and Unit (not Mode Wavelengths)
To define the output of results, the number of Output digits before and after the decimal
separator can be selected. See: Results Space 4-18
You can enter the Unit or select it from the list of units.
Note: Changing the Unit will not change the calculation correspondingly. Instead, the Factor(s) must
be adapted.

In the Measurement mode drop-down list you select the following ordinate modes:
Abbreviation Mode
A Absorbance
%T % Transmission
f(R) (*) Kubelka-Munk transformation for quantitative reflectance measurements
The Integration time [s] option is available for specific spectrophotometers only. Increasing the
integration time will suppress signal noise, but it will increase the measurement time and the
lowest possible Interval time for Repetitive measurements. See Advanced Options 9-4 .

9-3
Parameters 11-1 .
Accessory Button

The Advanced Options button opens the Advanced Options window. With the Fixed
Start delay: Wait time (seconds)

This parameter defines the start delay as the time interval between pressing the Measure
button and the actual start of data recording. See: Fixed - Measurement and Data Handling
9-5 . The countdown of the start delay is shown in a dedicated window. Use the Wait time
for instance to equilibrate the sample before data acquisition.
Repetitive measurement: Total run time and Interval time

Parameters for repetitive measurement are the Total run time (minutes) and the Interval
time (seconds) between consecutive measurement starts. The entries reflect the number of
replicates. Entering ‘0’ for the Total run time de-selects repetitive measurement. If the
Interval time selected is lower than feasible, the lowest possible time interval will be used.
If a sipper is installed, the sipper can be defined to be actuated automatically with each
cycle. See: Accessory Window 6-2 . 6-2
The repetitive measurement option will add the measurement time to the sample name.
Result limits: High limit and Low limit, Output text

These settings can optionally be entered to mark results which exceed or which fall below
the given entries. The numbers use the unit as entered with the Test group. The
corresponding Output text is applied for marking the results that are out of tolerance.
The Result limits option is not applicable for the Mode Wavelength(s). For Wavelength(s)
with Factor all results (reading x factor) will be checked against the entered limits. If one of
the products is out of tolerance, the appropriate Output text is added.
9-4

5-8 )
1. To run a measurement, select a stored method or enter new parameters. Save the method with
the Save Method command if you wish to use the selected parameter settings for repeated
use. See: Methods Concept 3-5
are grayed out.
Autozero function (not in sipperoperation). Alternately you will be requested to perform a
baseline run in the Sample Information window. See below and: Sample Information Window
5-2
3. Start the measurement via the Measure Samples button. (See: Starting a Measurement 5-1 )
window. You may enter a dilution factor for each sample (not in Wavelength(s) mode). Sample
data for the following samples are entered just prior to measurement.
series, and therefore generate a sample list. (See: Using a Sample List 5-5 ) If a sample list
already exists with the same name as the active method, the sample list will be loaded
automatically and the data will be entered in the sample table.
In cell changer operation proceed as described for a sample list. See: Using a Sample List 5-5 .
The results files will hold the results of max. 2500 measurements.
Important:
If you select an existing result filename an overwrite query will be issued. If you accept
returned.
Note: For repetitive measurements with a cell changer, the first position of the cell changer is reserved
for the autozero sample if an adequate autozero has not yet been performed beforehand. With
this autozero mode the software will perform an autozero with the autozero sample at each
measurement cycle. This allows blank reactions to be compensated for. Up to five repeated
autozero measurements will be documented.
Measurement 5-1 ). The Measure Samples button of the tool bar converts to a blinking Stop
button.
9-5
5. To cancel the measurement click the Stop button. The report for the samples measured so far
will be saved to disk and the measurement series will be terminated. See: Measurement
Procedure 5-8
6. After each measurement the result file is stored to disk. A new Sample Information window is
presented (not with repetitive measurements or within cell changer sample lists) to define the
next sample (or sample group in cell changer mode).
With a sample list, the data of the next sample are displayed and can be modified.
window, if applicable. See: End of Measurement 5-9 .
After completion of a sample list or repetitive measurement, the Sample Information window is
not displayed again.
Use the Print function to print the results. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Use the Print Preview function to inspect the report
simultaneously pressing the [Ctrl]+[C] keys. Thereafter, paste the text into other programs.
Export the results with the Export Results command for use with other software. See: File
Menu 4-1 .
The Load Results command may be used at a later time to review the test report. See: File
Menu 4-1 .
9-6
VISIONlite Quant Application
10 Quant Application
The Quant application is used to photometrically quantify sample components according to

Beers law. The procedure includes the calibration of the analysis, either by entering a known
calibration factor/linear curve parameters or by measuring a series of reference samples (
Standards) to generate a calibration function. Once the calibration has been generated it can be
used for repeated measurements.
The calibration function can be saved in the method and reloaded again with the method.
See: Setting up a Calibration 10-7
Alternatively, the method can be stored without a calibration so that a new calibration must
be performed each time the method is opened.
The default test.mqa method does not yet include a calibration. Alternatively the testCalibrated.
mqa method can be used to exercize with a method including a calibration.
Normally, starting the Quant application or loading a Quant method opens the Samples Mode
(Measure Samples button active). All entry fields are inactive in this mode. In order to modify
the method or create a new method, switch to the Calibration Mode or use the New method
command. See: Samples and Calibration Mode 10-2
A method which does not include calibration always starts in Calibration Mode. See: Samples
and Calibration Mode 10-2
Calibration with sub category Reference mode. See: Setting up a Calibration 10-7
Spectrophotometer with Advanced Parameters (not all instrument models) and

Accessory (if applicable) buttons. See: Spectrophotometer Parameter Group 10-5
are grayed out.
The recorded readings and results are automatically saved in the results directory under the
selected Result filename with the filename extension .rqa. (See: Data Formats and Data
Import/Export 14-15 ) For later inspection, results can be loaded into the Print Preview window
via the Load Results command in the File menu. See: File Menu 4-1 and Printing and Print
Preview 4-21
10-1
Quant Application VISIONlite
10.1 Method List

previously used method is shown by default. The list contains all methods of the Quant
application type (file extension .mqa) in the methods directory. Alternatively, methods from other
wish to apply the selected parameter settings for repeated use. See: File Menu 4-1 .
10.2 Samples and Calibration Mode

The application uses two modes:
Calibration mode: This mode shows the Measure Standards button. You use this mode
to enter all basic parameters and the calibration data. You can either use the Factor entry /
Curve parameter entry options to enter the calibration data or measure a series of
standards to determine the calibration function. Once calibration has been performed, switch
to the sample mode with the Go to Samples Mode button. See: Setting up a Calibration
10-7
Samples Mode: This mode shows the Measure Samples button. You use this mode to
measure the samples and generate the concentration results. The measurement and
calibration parameters cannot be modified. However, it is possible to switch back to the
calibration mode by clicking the Go to Calibration Mode button. See: Measurement and
Data Handling 10-10
10.3 Calibration Parameter Group

The basic settings are defined in the Calibration parameter group:
Curve type, i.e. calibration Factor entry, linear Curve parameters entry or one of 6
calibration functions. See: Curve Type 10-3
Measurement wavelength. See: Measurement Wavelength and Reference Mode 10-3
Reference mode with Reference wavelength 1/2 and Factor (if applicable). See:
Measurement Wavelength and Reference Mode 10-3
Number of Output digits before and after the decimal separator for displaying the sample
concentration results. See: Results Space 4-18 and Output Format 10-5
Unit of standards and samples (as text). You can enter the Unit or select it from the list of
units.
When the Weight/Volume Correction (See: Advanced Options 10-6 ) has been activated
additionally the Calibration Unit and the Unit Factor is available.
Numerical value(s) of the Calibration factor or Curve parameters, if applicable.
10-2
10.3.1 Curve Types
If you select Curve Type: Factor entry and enter the Calibration factor F (F = c(Stand) / Abs
(Stand)), no further calibration measurements are required.
The result is calculated as c = F • Abs(meas).
The same applies when you select the Curve Type: Curve parameters entry and enter the
values to the Slope and Intercept entry fields ( Abs = slope • c + intercept ).
The result is calculated as c = ( Abs(meas) - intercept ) / slope
With both options, the Measure Standards button is inactive (grayed out) and you can
immediately switch to the Samples Mode. See: Samples and Calibration Mode 10-2
Alternatively, select a calibration function as the Curve type:
Curve type Required measurements

Linear through Zero At least 1 reference sample/standard
Linear with Intercept At least 2 reference samples/standards
Quadratic through Zero At least 2 reference samples/standards
Quadratic with Intercept At least 3 reference samples/standards
Cubic through Zero At least 2 reference samples/standards
Cubic with Intercept At least 3 reference samples/standards
If you select one of the calibration functions, the Standards table opens up in the results space
and you must set up a calibration. See: Results Space 4-18 and Setting up a Calibration 10-7
Quadratic/cubic calibration functions are preferable if the calibration seems to be non-linear.
10.3.2 Measurement Wavelength and Reference Mode
Enter the desired Measurement wavelength (analytical wavelength). This is typically the
wavelength of an absorbance maximum.
In the Reference mode sub category, 1 or 2 Reference wavelength(s) can be additionally

defined to determine a net-absorbance at the measurement wavelength. The Reference
wavelength(s) serve to correct the reading at the measurement wavelength for an underlying
matrix absorbance. Select one of the following options:
No reference wavelength
Single reference wavelength

With a Single reference wavelength the reading at the selected wavelength is subtracted
from the reading at the measurement wavelength.
Two reference wavelengths

With Two reference wavelengths, a linear connection is drawn between the two readings.
Its value at the measurement wavelength is subtracted from the reading at the measurement
wavelength.
10-3
Reference wavelength with factor

In the Reference wavelength with factor mode, the absorbance value at the reference
wavelength is multiplied by the additionally entered Factor. The product is subtracted from
the absorbance at the reference wavelength. Use this type of calculation for correcting a
linear background with known slope.
Schematics of the 1- and 2 reference wavelength(s)

and the reference wavelength with factor reference modes
The readings at the reference wavelengths are taken in the same way as performed for
Standards (reference samples) and unknown samples.
See also: Calibration Parameter Group 10-2 and Curve Type 10-3
10.3.3 Weight/Volume Correction
The Weight/Volume correction is applied, when the sample is of solid material that has to be
weighed and dissolved for analysis. The result is then referenced to the sample weight with a
weight-referenced unit, e.g. mg/g or %. This option is activated in the Advanced Options
window, see Advanced Options 10-6 .
If activated, a Weight unit [mg or g] and a Solid sample solution volume [mL] have to be
defined in the Advanced Options window. The solution volume is common to all samples
measured with this method.
Weight/volume options in Advanced Options window and Calibration Parameter group
The method parameter Unit only lists concentration units that refer to a weight. With the User
defined option however, also any other unit can be defined.
The individual sample Weight is entered in an additional column in the Sample Information
window or in the sample list before measurement with the dimension [Weight unit/Solution
volume] as defined, see above.
For the calculation details see the section Definitions for Weight/Volume Correction 14-21 .
10-4
Calibration without Standards
When working without a calibration with standards (Curve type: Factor entry or Curve
parameter), the result is divided by the given sample weight. The given Factor or Curve
parameters must be adapted to the Unit and Weight/Solution volume.
Calibration via Standards/Calibration Curve
Calibration typically is done with synthetic liquid standards. Therefore, with the Weight/Volume
Correction active, an additional Calibration Unit entry is presented together with a Unit
Conversion Factor. The Calibration Unit typically is a volume-referenced unit and the Unit
Factor represents the proportionality between the calibration and the sample unit.
For a number of common concentration units, the Unit conversion factor is predefined and the
Unit conversion factor entry box is deactivated accordingly. However for user entered units and
molar units, the Unit conversion factor must be explicitly entered.
10.3.4 Output Format
To define the output of concentration results, the number of Output digits before and after the
decimal separator can be selected. You can enter the Unit or select it from the list of units. The
selected Unit is also applied for the reference samples (Standards), if the Weight/Volume
Correction is inactive; see Advanced Options 10-6 - otherwise see Weight/Volume Correction
10-4 .
Note: Changing the Unit will not change the calculation correspondingly. Instead, the calibration data
must be adapted.

All measurements are performed in absorbance (A).
The Integration time [s] option is available for specific spectrophotometers only . Increasing the
integration time will suppress signal noise, but it will increase the measurement time.

Advanced Parameters Button (not SPECTRONIC 200 and GENESYS 20)
Parameters 11-1 .
10-5
Accessory Button

The Advanced Options button opens the Advanced Options window. With the Quant
Start delay: Wait time

The Wait time defines the start delay as the time interval between pressing the Measure
button and the actual start of data recording. (See: Quant – Measurement and Data Handling
10-10 ) The countdown of the start delay is shown in a dedicated window. Use the Wait time
for instance to equilibrate the sample before data acquisition. See Starting a Measurement
5-1
Weight/Volume correction
The Weight/Volume Correction is activated by clicking the active box. This option is
applied, if the samples are of solid material that has to be weighed and dissolved. Then the
Weight unit and Solid sample solvent volume parameters become active. The solvent
volume is the amount of solvent that is used to dissolve the weighed solid sample. The
software expects that all samples run of a batch are dissolved in the same volume. See the
section Weight/Volume correction 10-4 .
If the correction is active, the Sample Information window has the additional (sample)
Weight column with the dimension [weight unit/solvent volume] as selected above.
Mean value: Repeated measurements and Averaged samples

The option Repeated measurements defines the number measurements taken from a
single sample (not for standards).
Tip: Mak e sure that the sample volume is sufficient for the selected number of repeated
measurements.
After the selected number of readings have been taken, the average concentration result and
its standard deviation and variation coefficient are calculated and listed in the result table.
The option Averaged samples defines the number of successive samples that are
considered replicates of a kind, e.g. several random samples of a material. After the selected
number of samples has been measured, the average concentration result and its standard
deviation and variation coefficient are calculated and listed in the result table.
Tip: The output of the statistical parameters can be suppressed by software configuration.
See the QuantOptions parameter: Software Configurations 13-1 .
Result limits: High and Low limit, Output text

High limit and Low limit values can be optionally entered to mark results which exceed or
which fall below the given limits. The numbers use the unit as entered with the Calibration
parameter group. See: Calibration Parameter Group 10-2 . The corresponding Output text
is applied for marking the samples out of of tolerance accordingly.
If Repeated measurement and/or Averaged samples have been activated, the check only
refers to the mean concentration of the repeated measurements, resp. to that of the
10-6
averaged samples.
10.6 Setting up a Calibration

If you select a calibration function, you must measure a series of reference samples (standards)
of known component concentration.
A standards table is opened in the results space in which you define the standards. You can
make your entries in the white columns of the table. The yellow columns are filled automatically
by the system.
Enter the concentration of your standards line-by-line. For multiple measurements of a standard
enter the concentration repeatedly.
Quant application in Calibration mode
After you have entered all standards in the table, start the measurement of the standards with
the Measure Standards button. You can check the standard concentrations before the actual
measurement in the Sample Information window and can modify it. See: Sample Information
Window 5-2 .
If there is no valid autozero value available, you can perform an autozero before measuring the
standards. Otherwise, in the first Sample Information window you will be prompted to perform
an autozero. See: Sample Information Window 5-2 .
After all standards have been measured, the software automatically calculates the calibration
function by a least-squares regression algorithm. The calibration function is presented in the
graph window together with the data points of the measured standards (green diamonds). The
10-7
cursor and the graph expansion option are available to review the curve. See: Graphics Functions
4-10 .
Tip: When a calibration is canceled before the last standard is measured, the Recalculate
button for generating the calibration curve is set active if those standards are deleted or
deactivated that have not been measured.
In addition the following coefficients are given:
The mathematical function of the calibration curve with its Curve parameters (calibration
coefficients).
The Residual error of the curve fit. The value should be near zero (typically <0.01).
The Correlation coefficient of the fit. The value should be close to 1 (typically >0.99).
The correlation coefficient is calculated as the square root of the coefficient of determination.
For the model Linear/with intercept this value is equivalent to the Pearson correlation
coefficient.
The date and time of calibration and of the corresponding autozero execution.
Latter is removed after a recalculation of the curve.
If the calibration is not yet satisfactory, you can recalculate the calibration with modified settings
with the Recalculate button. See: Recalculate a Calibration 10-9 .
Use the Residual error and Correlation coefficient parameters to find the optimal calibration
function.
Important:
If you change the Measurement wavelength or the concentration Unit or if you add a standard
to the list during or after calibration, you are queried to erase all calibration data and repeat the
calibration.
If the calibration is satisfactory, click the Go to Samples Mode button to proceed to the
measurement of the unknown samples. The following window will appear (not for write-protected
methods):
Method storage with/without calibration query
Click Save without calibration to store the method without calibration. This implies that
with the next use of the method the calibration must be repeated. A file selection window is
displayed.
Click Save with calibration to store the method with the new calibration. This is equivalent
to the Save Method menu command. A file selection window is displayed.
10-8
With the calibration included in the method there is no need to measure the reference
samples (standards) again for the next use of the method. Therefore the software will directly
enter the Samples mode in this case.
Click No to advance to the Samples mode without saving the method for repeated use.
10.6.1 Recalculate a Calibration
If the calibration is not yet satisfactory, you have the following options to re-run the calibration:
Repeat measurements of all reference samples (Standard). To do so click the Measure

Standards button. See: Setting up a Calibration 10-7
Correct an obviously erroneous concentration value and start a recalculation by clicking on

the Recalculate button.
Remove an obviously erroneous reference sample from the standard set:
1. For this click on the respective entry in the Used column. A selection box opens. Select
No to deactivate the reference sample (Standard).
2. Then start a recalculation by clicking on the Recalculate button.

Deactivated standards remain in the table. They are presented in the graph by a red cross
and are not included in the calculation.
Tip: Deactivated standards can be re-activated as above by selecting Yes.
Select another calibration function and re-calculate the calibration by clicking on the
Recalculate button. See: Curve Type 10-3
Add a reference sample to the table. However, in this case all measured absorbance values
are cleared and you must re-measure all reference samples.
The last reference sample in the list can be deleted:

Click on the concentration value of the last line and then open the Delete button by clicking
the cell with the right mouse key. Clicking the Delete button removes the complete line
without query.
These options can be repeated as often as required. Verify the quality of the calibration via the
statistics data of the calibration function.
After successful termination of the calibration procedure, click the Go to Samples Mode button
to measure the unknown samples. See: Samples and Calibration Mode 10-2 and Measurement
and Data Handling 10-10 in this chapter.
10.6.2 Protected Methods
If you are using a protected method, the calibration mode is not available. See: Methods Concept
3-5 . Therefore you can only use a pre-defined calibration. If a re-calibration is necessary for a
protected method, proceed as follows:
1. In Calibration mode, enter the required number of reference samples (Standards) each with
zero concentration (0.0)
10-9
2. Store the method and set it write-protected. Use the Windows file manager for that.
3. Selecting this method for measurement will open the method in the calibration mode for
measuring the pre-defined number of reference samples (Standards).
Start data acquisition via the Measure Standards button and enter the concentration of the
reference samples (Standards) in the Sample Information window. See: Sample Information
Window 5-2 .
There are certain restrictions for entering data of the standards. A belated modification of the
calibration data is not possible, but you can re-measure the reference samples (Standards)
without changing the concentration values.
Note: When the Measure sample button was pressed once, the calibration mode is no longer
accessible. See: Samples and Calibration Mode 10-2

5-8 )
1. To run a measurement, select a stored method or enter new parameters. (See: Methods
Concept 3-5 ) Save the method with the Save Method command if you wish to use the
selected parameter settings for repeated use.
are grayed out.
Autozero function (not in sipper and operation)operation). Alternately you will be requested to
perform a baseline run in the Sample Information window. See below and: Sample Information
Window 5-2
If a calibration is not required or if it is contained with the method, start the measurement via the
Measure Samples button. (See: Starting a Measurement 5-1 ) The Sample Information
window opens.
If a calibration is required, you have to set it up beforehand. See Setting up a Calibration 10-7 .
Enter the sample data to the Sample Information window. You may enter a dilution factor for
each sample different to the default value of 1. A Weight input (g or mg/defined solution volume)
is required, if the Weight/Volume Correction is active for solid samples; see Advanced
Options 10-6 . Sample data for the following samples are entered just prior to measurement.
series, and thus generate a sample list. (See: Using a Sample List 5-5 ) If a sample list already
exists with the same name as the active method, the sample list will be loaded automatically
and the data will be entered in the sample table.
In cell changer operation proceed as described for a sample list. See: Using a Sample List 5-5
.
10-10
The results files will hold the results of max. 2500 measurements.
Important:
If you select an existing result filename an overwrite query will be issued. If you accept
returned.
Measurement 5-1 ) The Measure Samples button of the tool bar converts to a blinking Stop
button.
5. You can cancel the measurement by clicking on the Stop button. The report for the samples
measured so far will be saved to disk and the measurement series will be terminated.
6. After each measurement, the result file is stored to disk. A new Sample Information window is
presented (not with repetitive measurements or within cell changer sample lists) to define the
next sample (or sample group in cell changer mode).
With a sample list, the data of the next sample are shown and can be modified.
window, if applicable. See: End of Measurement 5-9
When a sample list has been measured, the Sample information window will not be shown
again after measuring all pre-defined samples.
8. The Remeasure option will load the sample entries of the previous sample to repeat the
measurement (not in autosampler/cell changer operation). The previous reading will be marked
‘discarded’.
After the series of measurements you can:
Use the Print function to print the results together with a calibration graph. See: Printing and
Print Preview 4-21
Use the Print Preview function to inspect the report. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
simultaneously pressing the [Ctrl]+[C] keys. Paste the text into other programs.
Export the alphanumerical results via the Export Results command for use with other
software. See: File Menu 4-1 .
Use the Load Results command at a later time to review the test report. See: File Menu 4-1
10-11
VISIONlite
10-12
VISIONlite Advanced Parameters Window
11 Advanced Parameters Window
The Advanced Parameters window comprises further measurement parameters. It is identical

for all applications (not shown in PV Tests).
This window is not available with SPECTRONIC 200 and GENESYS series spectrophotometers.
The window presents the following parameters:
Selection of the Reflectance correction files. See: Treatment of Reflectance

Measurements 14-22
These files are necessary for transforming %R and f(R) mode readings online. The entry box
is only active in the measurement modes %R and f(R).
Slit – Slit width setting in nm (only for spectrometers with adjustable slit width).
Tip: The Slit can be switched directly via the Options/Manual Control command.
When parameters have been changed, close the window via the OK button. Use the Apply
button to immediately send the change command to the instrument but to keep the window
active. Thus results of parameter changes can be detected in the live display.
11-1
VISIONlite
11-2
VISIONlite PV Tests Application
12 PV Tests Application
It is the purpose of the PV Tests (Performance Verification Tests) application to check the
instrument’s performance with standardized tests. The tests include scanning, fixed wavelength
and time-dependant measurements. Results of the tests are compared to limit/tolerance values
in order to reach a pass/fail decision. Mainly tests are predefined. The user will select the
required tests. The selected tests and definitions can be stored as a method for repeated use.
The choice of tests can vary with the instrument model.
For instruments with a self-test option like the model Evolution 300 there is a choice of the Test
mode for the performance verification:
Self tests: The software initiate test runs that are defined on the instrument, see below.
Software: The user defines test details, see below and section Defining Test Details 12-3 .
PV Tests application with photometric accuracy(1) test
Important:
Sipper and temperature control operation is not compatible to the PV Tests application. A cell
changer is supported however.
are grayed out.
Note: In the PV Tests application, the Show method command shows the audit trail information only.
Test Mode: Self Tests
The Evolution 300 spectrophotometer is able to run tests automatically. See: Evolution 300 14-10.
The software allows you to select the tests to be executed. Test definitions and tolerances are
12-1
PV Tests Application VISIONlite
fixed in the instrument’s firmware. The start of the selected tests is initiated by the software, but
all further operations are controlled by the instrument itself. During the test, the software does
not show the live display or intermediate results. After the test run, the test results are
transferred to the software as a complete report.
Tests can be based on a CVC unit (Calibration Validation Carousel) as offered by Thermo
Scientific for some spectrophotometer models. A CVC is a unique circular cell holder that is
equipped with the required reference materials, see below. CVC calibration data are shipped with
the device on a data medium. The data must be loaded to the instrument for the specific device.
See: Defining Test Details 12-3 and notes for the CVC accessory in section Evolution 300 14-10 .
Note: To apply the CVC unit, it must be in place when the instrument is switched on.
If no CVC is installed, a limited number of self tests that do not require reference materials are
available for these instruments, e.g. baseline flatness, noise and drift. Please note that these
tests require substantial time.
Test Mode: Software
The Software based tests are available for all supported spectrophotometers. Details of these
tests are defined by the user and in the PV definition file. See: Defining Test Details 12-3
Certified Reference Materials
Several tests require specific certified reference materials, e.g. for testing ordinate accuracy a
neutral density glass standard is required with specified absorbance at defined test wavelengths.
The instrument manufacturers, governmental institutions like NIST or NPL and other suppliers
offer various reference materials and sets of reference materials. The user must enter the
reference materials details and calibration data. During the test, the user is prompted to insert
the materials into the spectrophotometer.
The following materials are used for the tests available with the software:
Test type Reference material

Wavelength accuracy Sample with sharp absorbance bands like holmium oxide glass
or emission lines of internal or external lamps
Wavelength repeatability As above; test at one of wavelengths defined above that is
nearest to 500 nm
Photometric (ordinate) Certified neutral density glass standards or potassium
accuracy 1 dichromate solutions
Photometric (ordinate) Certified neutral density glass standards or potassium
accuracy 2 dichromate solutions
Stray light ratio Stray light test solutions according to EP (European
Pharmacopeia) or ASTM E-387
Noise No sample or attenuator with defined absorbance
Resolution (spectral Toluene in n-hexane according to EP
bandpass)
12-2
Thermo Fisher Scientific offers a range of certified standards calibrated in its own reference
laboratory or that of its supplier. For SPECTRONIC and GENESYS instruments, the
SPECTRONIC Standards kit offers all the necessary filters to perform a complete performance
verification test suite. The SPECTRONIC Standards are also suitable for performing routine tests
of consistent performance on Evolution spectrophotometers. For pharmaceutical applications
and for determining whether these higher performing instruments are operating within
specification, however, solutions may be necessary to perform performance validation tests at
the required level of precision.
For Evolution 300, Thermo Fisher scientific also offers a validation tray (Calibration Validation
Carousel; CVC) as an alternative to single filters. The CVC is a multi-cell holder that is equipped
with the required reference materials. It is mounted on the standard cell changer drive. For older
models, also a CVU is available.
Reference materials and the CVC (Evolution 300) typically have a certification expiration date
and identification (serial number).
Wavelength Accuracy Tests based on the Spectrometer Source
As an alternative to wavelength accuracy tests with dedicated reference standards, the tests
also can be performed with specific emission lines of the instrument's internal light source. This
can be the built-in Xenon source. This option is not available for Vis-only instruments.
For models Evolution 200 series and 300, an optional additional Mercury Lamp Calibration
Accessory can be installed. If installed, the software offers this source and test definitions with
the Internal Standard option. See Defining Test Details 12-3
12.1 Method List

previously used method is shown by default. The list contains all PV Test methods of the PV
Tests application type (file extension .mpv) in the methods directory. Alternatively, methods from
other directories can be loaded with the Load Method command.
Methods use the current settings of the PV definition file. When the file has been modified, this
may change the procedure without notification to the user.
wish to apply the selected parameter settings repeatedly. See: File Menu 4-1
12.2 Defining Test Details

For instruments with self-test capability, the Test mode radio button allows you to switch either
to the list of built-in Self tests or to the list of Software based tests. See PV Tests Application
12-1 .
The Performance verification section lists the tests offered for the specific instrument type.
These tests comprise the common UV/Vis spectrophotometer tests that are also used for
spectrophotometer specifications. For more details also see the spectrophotometer manual or
12-3
brochure and application notes, as well as the chapters of USP (US Pharmacopeia) and EP
(European Pharmacopeia) or the literature given at the end of this section.
Note: Instrument self test and CVC test designations are tak en from the instruments
firmware. Thus, they are not translated to the user interface language.
To define the required test(s):
1. Select either Self tests or Software based tests (if applicable).
2. In the Self tests or the Performance verification group, click the check box(es) of the
required test(s).
3. For the instrument Self tests no further entries are possible. For the Software based tests with
user operated, dedicated reference materials, click the double arrow besides the test name(s) to
open the corresponding definition window. Here further details of the test are handled.
Test details are different for each test. For some tests, no further entry is required. For other
tests parameters as the designation, identification and calibration date together with the
specified data and tolerances must be entered to define the method. Certain predefined settings
are taken from the PV definition file. See below and the section Editing the PVT Definition File
13-9 .
PV Tests Summary
The table summarizes the entry options of the various tests:
Test type Settings Tolerance/Limit

Wavelength accuracy, Defined in PV definition file Defined in PV definition file
internal
Wavelength accuracy, User entries User entries
external
Wavelength repeatability Defined in PV definition file; Defined in PV definition file
wavelength taken from above
parameters.
Photometric accuracy1 User entries User entries
Photometric accuracy2 User entries User entries
Stray light User entries, defaults from PV User entries, defaults from PV
definition file definition file
Noise Defined in PV definition file Defined in PV definition file
Resolution (toluene test) Procedures software defined, Defined in PV definition file
instrument settings and
tolerance defined in PV definition
file
Save a modified set of test parameters as a new method with the Save Method command if you
wish to use the selected parameter settings for repeated use. See: File Menu 4-1 .
12-4
Note: Typically, the recorded spectra are not stored in this application. However you can configure
automatic spectrum storage for later inspection with the PVSpecPath option. See the section
ascapp.ini Configuration File. 13-3
Important:
Carefully check the test data that are loaded from the PV definition file. Your company specific
test procedures and tolerances may be different or the definitions for older instruments may be
inadequate.
Wavelength Accuracy
Wavelengths accuracy tests are done by scanning a limited wavelength range around the
specified peak wavelength and spotting the peak wavelength. The tests can be done with
dedicated reference materials (e.g. holmium oxide glass) or alternatively with the instrument's
internal sources (not applicable for instruments that have a tungsten source only).
Emmission spectrum of a pulsed

xenon source
Detail window wavelength
accuracy test
Internal Standard Operation
Checking the Internal standard box allows the test to be performed at specific emission lines
of the internal Xe source. If the plug-in Mercury Lamp Accessory is installed, this source is
applied automatically; see also Notes for Specific Instruments 14-1 .
Note: When the Mercury Lamp Accessory is applied in the Internal Standard mode with an
Evolution 200 series instrument and when the test of wavelength accuracy/reproducibility is to be
followed by further tests, mak e sure to remove the lamp after the wavelength tests. This is
because the Mercury Lamp block s the standard instrument source.
Note: For measurements with this option, a spectrum smoothing can be defined in the PV definition
file to avoid erroneous peak detection. Then, after recording the spectrum the smoothed
spectrum replaces the original data. The stored spectrum (PVSpecPath option in ascapp.ini
configuration file) 13-3 however is the raw spectrum.
With Internal Standard operation no further entries are possible; however the wavelength and
12-5
tolerance data can be edited in the PV definition file. See Editing the PV Definition File. 13-9
Operation without Internal Standard
With this operating mode with external standard(s), all required data for the applied standard(s)
must be entered.
With the Ordinate Mode A, absorbance maxima are detected; with the setting %T,
transmittance maxima, e.g. of a line filter, are detected.
Note: For peak detection, the software automatically adjusts the peak threshold so that exactly one
peak is found in the scan range. A minimum peak threshold of 0.01 A is applied to prevent
detection of noise spik es.
For instruments with a variable slit setting, also the Slit parameter is offered. Select a value that
is near to that which has been used for the measurements of the standards.
Tolerances
The Tolerance entry value is meant as the +/- value; i.e. for a tolerance of ± 1 nm enter "1".
Important:
The Tolerance values entered for Wavelength accuracy tests should represent the total test
tolerance. The total test tolerance should incorporate both the instrument specification and the
reference material's specification tolerance. For example, a SPECTRONIC 200E has a
wavelength accuracy specification of ± 2 nm and the filter in the SPECTRONIC Standards kit has
a published calibration uncertainty of ± 1 nm. For this situation, the value entered for the
Tolerance would be ± 3 nm.
Tolerances of internal source wavelengths can be considered zero. Therefore these test
tolerances are defined in the PV definition file with the value of the instrument specification.
Wavelength Repeatability
For the Wavelength repeatability test, the wavelength of the Wavelength accuracy definition
is applied that is nearest to 500 nm. So for checking wavelength repeatability, at least one
suitable wavelength or the Internal Standard mode must be set for the Wavelength accuracy
definitions. However, the accuracy test need not be selected.
This test can also be defied with an additional spectrum smoothing, see above section
Wavelength Accuracy.
Important:
For Evolution, BioMate and GENESYS 10S UV-Vis spectrophotometers, the instrument
manufacturer recommends choosing the internal standard option for the wavelength accuracy
test if you will also test the wavelength repeatability. Use of the same standard for both these
tests will return the most reliable and consistent results.
Photometric Accuracy1/2
Photometric (ordinate) accuracy is tested via reference standards with known absorbance/
transmittance data. Several standards can be defined to be tested at several wavelengths. A
12-6
further set of standards is optionally defined via the Photometric Accuracy2 group.
Note: If applicable, the slit setting can be entered. Typically, a high slit setting is suitable.
Important:
The Tolerance values entered for Photometric accuracy tests should represent the total test
tolerance, see the above remarks in section Wavelength Accuracy.
Noise
The signal noise (random fluctuations) is tested at a defined wavelength and sample absorbance
by repetitive absorbance readings. An underlying drift within these data is eliminated. Results are
given as RMS (root mean square). Nominal readings, instrument parameters, test specifications
and tolerances are given in the PV definition file.
Note: For some instruments noise specifications are given as peak to peak (p-p) values. For these,
one third of the p-p specification value is applied as a default to check against the RMS test
result.
If a noise test reading misses the expected (nominal) absorbance more than 0.15 A, the results
column is labeled **** instead of the PASS/FAIL output.
Note: For Spectronic 200 the noise test does not output a tolerance and a pass/fail result.
Stray Light
The stray radiant energy (SRE) is tested via reference standards as the remaining %T value for a
sample that absorbs completely at the test wavelength but transmits at longer wavelengths.
Typical test samples are concentrated solutions of NaI or NaNO2 in water. Filters with similar
properties are also available as part of the SPECTRONIC Standards 2 Kit. This kit contains a
SRE220 filter for testing stray light levels in UV-Vis instruments at 220nm and a SRE400 filter for
testing visible range spectrophotometers for stray light at 400nm.
See also the literature cited below and the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) and other national
pharmacopoeias (KCl test)..
Resolution
The Resolution test is performed by measuring the peak/trough ratio near 260 nm for a solution
of 0.02% Toluene in n-hexane. This is according to the European Pharmacopeia and other
national pharmacopeiae. The resulting figure has an approximately reciprocal relation to the
instrument’s spectral bandwidth.
The test is set inactive for spectrophotometers with a fixed spectral bandwidth >2 nm.
The instrument settings and the test tolerance value is defined in the PV definition file. For a
variable slit instrument, the tolerance is based on the default slit setting. Do not modify the slit
setting without modifying the tolerance value as well.
12-7
Literature
Knowles, A.; Burgess, C. (Eds.)

Standards in Absorption Spectrometry
Chapman and Hall, London (1981)
ISBN 0 412 22470 4
ASTM E-275 (2001)

Standard Practice for Describing and Measuring Performance of Ultraviolet, Visible and Near-
Infrared Spectrophotometers
ASTM E387 (1984)

Standard Methods for Estimating Stray Radiant Power Ratio of Spectrophotometers by the
Opaque Filter Method
Michael W. Allen
Thermo Scientific Technical Note 51170
Stray Light – Measurement and Effect on Performance in UV-Visible Spectrophotometry
Nicole Kreuziger Keppy, Michael W. Allen

Thermo Scientific Technical Note 51721
Understanding Spectral Bandwidth and Resolution in the Regulated Laboratory
12.3 Measurement and Results Handling

A cell changer substantially facilitates the test execution, because the blank and several
reference standards for a test can be measured in one single step. A sipper is not supported for
these measurements, because the reference materials typically are solid materials or sealed
cuvettes.
Running a measurement
1. Select a stored method or enter new parameters. Save the method with the Save Method
command if you wish to use the selected parameter settings for repeated use. See: Methods
Concept 3-5 .
are grayed out.
2. Start the measurement with the Start button. See: Starting a Measurement 5-1 .
In a first step, the user is queried to enter or select an Operator name.
The required baseline correction runs will be initiated automatically as required. The user is
prompted to clear the beam or to introduce the baseline materials and reference materials if
required.
For a Self test run, no further interaction is possible or required; the software does not show the
live display or intermediate results. The software shows the test progress by marking the
currently executed test.
Note: If there should be a discrepancy between the CVC serial number stored on the instrument and
12-8
that read from the CVC, an error message will be returned.
If a test cannot be performed, for example because a defined peak is not found, the test series is
terminated.
3. You can cancel the measurement by clicking the Stop button. See: Operating Toolbar 3-4 .
Tip: The measurements may tak e up to more than an hour, depending on the selected tests.
The report is shown in the results space after each section. See: Results Space 4-18 . For a self
test run, the test report is loaded from the instrument after the measurements have been
performed.
After finalization of the last test, the test report is automatically stored to disk as a *.rpv results
file in the results directory. The filename is PVdatetime.rpv. Make sure that the results file is
kept safely to prove the execution of the tests. See: Results and Method Storage 3-6
The recorded spectra typically are not stored. However the software’s configuration file allows
this option to be set with the PVSpecPath option. See: ascapp.ini Configuration File 13-3 . The
spectra filenames then are PV<datetime>PK<Identifier>, where <Identifier> is an identification
for the respective test. To inspect the spectra, change to the Scan application.
4. When a Self test run is finished, you may add to its results further Software test results. With
the start of the Software test method, the software will query the user: Keep previous results?
If prompted Yes, the combined results will be saved under a new file name.
After the measurements you can:
Use the Print function to print the results (in some cases with a spectrum graph).
Use the Print Preview function to inspect the report, to copy it to the clipboard or to save it
as a PDF file. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
Use the Export Results command to save the results as a .csv file, e.g. to export the
results to an Microsoft Office Excel based quality system.
Use the Load Results command at a later time to review the test report. See: File Menu 4-1 .
Change to the Scan application to inspect the recorded spectra, if spectrum storage has been
configured. See: Scan Application 7-1 .
12.4 Planning and Performing an Instrument PV Test

1. As a starting point, you should decide which of the available tests are relevant and which
tolerances apply in regard of the everyday use of the instrument.
2. Survey the required reference materials, their certificate sheets and calibration expiration dates.
The materials should be administrated by a responsible person.
3. It is Good Laboratory Practice to establish a Standard Operating Procedure document that

clearly defines the tests, frequency of execution, test tolerances, handling of reference
materials, principles of result documentation, responsibilities, actions in case of a test failure
and other topics.
12-9
4. Use the Windows Editor/Notepad to edit the PV definition file and modify basic test definitions if
required. See: Editing the PV definition file 13-9 .
5. In the PV Tests application, select the required tests and enter the required test details and
reference material definitions for the selected tests. See: Defining Test Details 12-3
Save the definitions as a method for repeated use. It is preferable to write-protect the method file.
See: File Menu 4-1
6. Start the test(s) and follow the instructions. Results are stored to disk automatically and they
can be printed. See: Measurement and Results Handling 12-8 and Printing and Print Preview
4-21
Make sure that the PV Tests results (printout and/or result file) are saved safely for later
inspection.
7. Immediately return the test reference materials to their safe storage place.
8. It is good practice to document the successful execution of the performance verification and to
mark the next due test date at the instrument.
12-10
VISIONlite Software Configurations
13 Software Configurations
The software can be configured under various aspects. Some of these options are set in the user
interface such as the print format and the results and methods directory path (Options/
Preferences command). These settings are automatically saved with the software configuration
file. See: Options Menu 4-6 and Configuration Files 13-1
The user can modify other settings by editing the configuration file or by extending the program
invocation command line. See: The ascapp.ini Configuration File 13-3 and Adding Start Switches
13-11.
Before modifying the configuration file, close the software. Otherwise, the software will overwrite
the modified file when closed. Also make sure you have a copy of the original file.
13.1 Configuration Files

Basic and temporary software settings are contained in 3 configuration files.
Filename Relevance Location

ascuser.ini 13-2 User-specific Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10:
preferences C:\Users\<User Name>\AppData\Roaming\VISIONlite
Other: C:\Documents and
Settings\<UserName>\Application Data\VISIONlite
ascapp.ini 13-3 Measurement and Data directory as default or as defined at installation
instrument settings
ascapp.cfg 13-2 Basic software Program directory as default or as defined at installation
settings
Note: Local language substitute for directory names will apply.
Note: All configuration settings apply equivalently to all applications (as far as applicable).All
parameters of the configuration files have the syntax:
Parameter = <Parameter value>
After the equals sign, the settings of the parameter are given. Settings can either be the
parameter value, information or the active/inactive switch, expressed by “1” or “0”. If no setting is
given, the default value is applied or the parameter is inactive.
It is possible to add comments to each parameter line. Comments are placed after the
parameter definition and they are separated from the definition by a double semicolon.
Example: NameIncrement=1 ;;Sample names with successive numbering
13-1
Software Configurations VISIONlite
13.1.1 The ascuser.ini File
The ascuser.ini configuration file is automatically set up for each user that is logged-in to
Windows. It is contained in the user space. The file includes information like the previously used
methods, the previously used window size and the up to 25 recent Operator names. The file is
refreshed each time the software is terminated. Its location cannot be changed. See:
Configuration Files 13-1
The AlwaysBlank= parameter allows you to force a baseline correction before each sample or
sample group. The setting ‘1’ is saved, when the Measure blank option in the Sample
Information window is activated. The setting is reset by deactivating the option. See: Sample
Information Window 5-2 .
13.1.2 The ascapp.cfg File
The ascapp.cfg configuration is contained in the program directory. It defines the name of the
VISIONlite start routine and he contents of its selection list (see below) and the path of the Data
directory. As default, also the results and the methods directory are subdirectories of the Data
directory. See: Configuration Files 13-1 and Results and Method Storage 3-6 .
Also the user name appearance and the main window background color is defined, see below.
Adding additional Applications to the Start Routine
By editing the ascapp.cfg configuration file, it is possible to modify or extend the list of
accessible applications. Extend the Configuration block for example with a line such as
Application6=Name|Scan.exe /test1.mfx
This will add an entry Name to the list of applications in the start routine. Clicking on this item
will start the Scan application. By adding a method filename separated by a ‘/’, the specified
method is opened. Up to 250 entries are possible.
Note: With the similar Start Switch option, the Sample Information window is also opened with the
start of the application. See Adding additional Start Switches 13-11
Defining the User Name Appearance
The UsernameMask parameter defines the appearance of the Windows login name in the
Operator text box The following options are available:
Code Name type

1 Domain or PC name
2 (Short/Login) User name
4 Full name
8 Description
The figures can be added.
Example: The default setting (no parameter entry) is equivalent to the setting ‘7’ =1+2+4. Thus the
13-2
user name is given as: Domain or PC name\User name (full name) (if available).
Note: The full name is not shown, if identical to the user name.
Always use the Windows Login Name
The parameter UseWindowsUserName defines that an entry or selection of the Operator name
in the Sample Information window is blocked. Instead, the active Windows login name is
applied - as configured as above, resp. the last user name stored in ascuser.ini.
Modifying the main Window's Background Color
The BackgroundColor parameter allows modifying the software's main window background
color. If no value is given, the default Windows background color is applied. To change to a
different color, enter for example
BackgroundColor = &HE8FFFF
to achieve a light yellow color.
A color is defined by its RGB value in hexadecimal notation with the prefix &H.
13.1.3 The ascapp.ini File
The ascapp.ini configuration file defines a number of settings that can be modified by users, like
the Print Mode, data export conventions or instrument information. Some of the settings are
modified with the software’s user interface; others can only be modified by editing the
configuration file. See: Configuration Files 13-1
Use the Options/Preferences/General/Data option to open the Windows Explorer and then
edit the file. Be sure to make a backup copy. If configuration settings have been modified during
software operation, the modified configuration file is overwritten when the software is terminated.
Therefore, before storing the modified file, first close the software.
The configuration file consists of three sections:
[Directories]
[Configuration]
[Spectrometer]
The [Directories] Section
With the MethDir and ResultsDir parameters, the [Directories] section includes the definition of
the path of the methods and the results directories. The Options/Preferences/General function is
used for selection. See: Options Menu 4-6
The [Configuration] Section
This section includes various parameters concerning the measurement and the result
13-3
presentation:
Parameter Default Options Function

PageFooter= VISIONlite Text Text entry for the report footer. Modification via the
Options/Preferences command and automatic
entry with software termination. See: Options Menu
4-6 .
PrintFormat= 0 0,1 Portrait or landscape printout

PrintFontSize= 9 8,9,10,11,12 Font size for result presentation
PrintMode= Auto Auto Print mode. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21 .
Color Modification via the Options/Preferences command
Monochrome and automatic entry with software termination. See:
Options Menu 4-6
PrintMetafile= – Enhanced This setting prints the graph with thin lines.
ListSeparator= – e.g. <Tab>, " Defines the list separator character for the spectrum
;" , <Space> export as a csv file. Without a setting, the default
Windows list separator is applied.
Ordplus= – 1 This option allows having 5 significant places instead
of the default 4 places for the live display, the axis
scaling and the cursor readout. With the selection ‘1
’, %T and %R data will then have 2 decimals and
absorbance data 4 decimals.
NameIncrement= – 0 Sample names within a series of samples (not
sample list) ending with a digit are automatically
incremented for the next sample. To avoid this
behaviour, set this parameter to ‘0’. Thus the
Sample Name cell of the Sample Information
window will be empty with successive samples.
See: Sample Information Window 5-2
AutoIncrement= 1 0 When a sample list file is loaded and incremented
spectrum names (e.g. water006, water007, water008,
etc.) are used, the system checks for the presence
of spectra with the same root name (water with the
example). If present, the spectrum name is
automatically incremented to the first ‘free’ spectrum
name to avoid overwriting spectra accidentally.
KeepSampleInfo= – 1 Within a series of samples, the sample description of
the previous sample is not transferred to the following
sample. Use the setting ‘1’ for this parameter to
transfer the entries. The entry can still be edited or
extended.
DeleteSampleList= – 1 If a sample list with the name of the active method is
present, this sample list will be applied
automatically. By setting this parameter to ‘1’, the
sample list is automatically deleted after all samples
have been measured. Thus an external routine can
provide a new sample list of the same name.
13-4
Parameter Default Options Function

ExportFormat= – 2, 16 The parameter specifies the format of the exported
csv file. Without a definition, the file has 2 header
lines (Info and column heading, e.g. nm and %T).
With the setting ‘2’ no header is included, with ‘16’
only the column header is included.
ExportExt= – .<ext.> The parameter defines the filename extension <ext.>
for the exported spectrum. Without a setting, the
extension .csv is applied. Make sure that the dot is
included.
ExportResultsPath= – Folder If a directory path is given for this parameter ("
<results>" can be used for the current results
directory), results are stored automatically in tabular
form as a csv file in the given directory. The filename
is the name of the (first) spectrum.
JCAMPExt= – .<ext.>, The parameter defines the filename extension <ext.>
e.g. .jc for the export in the JCAMP-DX format. Without a
setting, the extension .dx is applied. Make sure that
the dot is included.
JCAMPFormat= – 1-15 The parameter defines the number of ordinate values
within a line of the data block of the JCAMP-DX
spectrum file. Thus, an adaptation to the importing
software is possible. Without a setting, a single
ordinate value per line is applied.
TextExt= – .<ext.> The parameter defines the filename extension <ext.>
for the result export as a text file (parameter
TextResultsPath, see below). Without a setting, the
extension .txt is applied. Make sure that the dot is
included.
TextResultsPath= – Folder If a directory path is given for this parameter ("
directory), results are stored automatically as a text
file in the given directory. The result file name is as
entered, resp. the name of the (first) spectrum. The
file extension is as defined above.
PDFResultsPath= – Folder If a directory path is given for this parameter ("
directory), the report is stored automatically as a
PDF file in the given directory. The report file name is
the entered result file name, resp. the name of the
(first) spectrum/data set.
SP_Ext= – .dx, .csv The parameter defines that the spectrum storage
format is the csv or the dx format instead of standard
.dsp format. Make sure that the dot is included.
EditStandards= – 0 or 1 Activating this option enables you to edit the Quant
application Standards table (Quant application
only). See: Quant Application 10-1
13-5
SuppressRawData= 0 0 or 1 The parameter refers to measurements with the

Quant application with one or two reference
wavelengths. As default, the readings of the
reference wavelengths are added to the ordinate
value in brackets. The parameters will suppress this
additional information and will give a more compact
results table. See: Quant Application 10-1
SpectrumRead – .<ext1>, The parameter defines the filename extensions, e.g.
Types= .<ext2>, etc. <ext1>/ <ext2>, offered by the Scan/Load
Spectrum command. Without a setting, the
extensions .dsp; .asc; .csv; .dx are presented.
NoBlank= – 1 For service purposes it may be necessary to perform
a measurement without prior baseline correction.
With the setting ‘1’, the baseline correction run is not
mandatory.
QuantOptions= - - / 00 The setting 00 blocks the output of std. dev. and var.
coefficient with the Quant application.
DataSetRead .<ext1>, The parameter defines the filename extensions, e.g.

Types= .<ext2>, etc. <ext1>/ <ext2>, offered by the Rate/Load
Spectrum command. Without a setting, the
extensions .dti and .csv are presented.
PVSpecPath= – <Folder> If a directory path is given for this parameter, the
spectra recorded during a PV test are stored
automatically for later inspection in the given
directory. The filename is PVdatetimePKIdent
(Ident=Test Identification). (PV Tests application
only.) See: PV Tests Application 12-1
Graph_Num 20 1-50 This figures defines the maximum number of spectra
OnlineCurves= that are overlaid in the graph. If the number is
exceeded, the first "old" spectrum is removed.
GraphYCursor - 3,4 Number of significant decimal places for the
Rounding= horizontal cursor steps.
GraphAccess - 1 Opens the File menu and graph operation tools
Scan= during a scan.
GraphPerma 0 0/1/-1 Directs abscissa adaptation with Scan/Graph/
nentExpandX= Permanent option: 0: adaptation to new spectrum, 1:
adaptation to both spectra, -1: fixed range.
RateRegressionLine= - 0/1 Setting the parameter to "0" omits the regression
graph shown in the Rate application with an enzyme
activity calculation.
QuantOptions= 00 Setting "00" suppresses output of statistical
parameters, if Repeated measurements or Averaged
samples is active in Quant application.
AccessoryEnd= Sample only in autosampler mode
Intermediate 1 0, 1 Quant and Fixed applications: When this option is
ResultSave= deactivated (0), the result file is not stored after each
sample. Instead it is stored after the series is
finished. Templates with scripts thus are not started
after each sample measurement.
13-6
SubtaskActive= - 1 Setting this parameter to "1" adds a Subtask entry

box the parameter area, see Link ing of external
routines 14-25 .
MultiInstance= - -99, 0, 1 The parameter defines the option for a second
software start. If set 99, a second start of the
software is generally prohibited; if set 1 it is generally
allowed. If set to 0, the software is started in an
additional window only with clicking a data file.
PDF_DirSelect= - 1 This option allows activating the File save as window
for PDF export from the Print preview window.
AddMethodExt.msc= - .mfx not applicable
UserParameters= Table| Table, not applicable
Spectrum| Spectrum,
Header Header,
Spectrumlon
g
ConfigOptions= PrintMode:|Ordplus:| etc. not applicable
The [Spectrometer] Section
This section holds a number of instrument and accessory specific information.
Parameter Default Option Function

Type= according Helios, Group of Thermo Scientific spectrophotometers
to GENESYS
installation (20),
SPECTRONI
C, Evo200
Name= not applicable
Serialnumber= The parameter holds the instrument serial number as
queried in the installation. If undefined, the
instrument reports the number.
Firmware= not applicable
Port= according 1-64 Number of serial interface or number/name of USB
to port for the spectrometer. Changes are possible by
installation software functions and are saved when the software
is terminated.
ASPort= according 1-64 Number of the interface for the autosampler. Only for
to software versions that control an autosampler.
installation
or –
TCPort= according 1-64 Number of the interface for the temperature
to controller.
installation
or –
TC_Name= – Text Designation of Air-cooled Peltier Accessory; only if
the Air-cooled Peltier Accessory is attached.
13-7
Parameter Default Option Function

TC_Serialnumber= – Text Serial Number of Air-cooled Peltier Accessory; only,
if the Air-cooled Peltier Accessory is attached.
TC_Firmware= – Text Firmware version of Air-cooled Peltier Accessory;
only if the Air-cooled Peltier Accessory is attached.
InitCommand1-99= – Command Command definitions that are sent to the
definition spectrophotometer in series after communication has
been established, e.g. to define certain basic
instrument settings. Further command definitions up
to ..99 can be added.
TerminateCommand1 - Command Command definitions that are sent to the
-99= definition spectrophotometer in series, when the software is
closed, e.g. to shut down the instrument. Further
command definitions up to ..99 can be added.
Cellholder= – 3/6 GENESYS series/Evolution 60 only: Specifies the
type of cell changer. Changes are possible by
software functions and are saved when the software
is terminated.
MaxCell= – Number The parameter defines the number of active cell
changer positions. With MaxCell=1 the cell changer
is driven to position 1 for each measurement. A
sample list can be entered. For MaxCell=0 the cell
changer remains at its current position.
SipperFactor= – Number Evolution 300 only: Conversion factor of sip-volume to
sip-time. The entry is generated by the software’s
sipper calibration function and is sent to the
instrument.
SipVolume= – Number Only for internal use
StandbyTime= – 1-10 min The parameter sets the time for automatic source
switch-off after a measurement (not GENESYS 10S
Vis). Evolution 200: default 3 min.
IgnoreDSR= - 0/1 With this option active, the software will not observe
the Data Set Ready line (DSR) of the serial interface.
This might help with an RS-232 communication
problem.
PMTGain= Number not applicable.
SipperNo - 1 not applicable
Return=
- 1
BaselineMinutes= - not applicable
AccInitMessage= - Text Message to be output before the initialization of an
accessory.
EV2_OVC= 0 not applicable
Connected= 1 not applicable
13-8
13.2 Editing the PV Definition File

A number of defaults and definitions for performing PV Tests measurements cannot be set
directly by the user, but they are summarized in a dedicated definition file. This is for example
because a user entry is not required (e.g. with the emission peak positions of the Xe lamp) or
because manufacturer’s recommendations are followed (e.g. with some instrument settings for
the test). See: PV Tests Application 12-1
According to the connected instrument, one of the files is active:
Genesys.pvt GENESYS 10S, Evolution 60S, BioMate 3S

SPECTRONIC.pvt SPECTRONIC 200
Genesys30.pvt GENESYS 30
EVO200.pvt Evolution 200 series
Helios.pvt Evolution 300
For older (legacy) instruments, appropriate files are installed.
The definition files are text files residing in the program’s Data directory. The file is loaded with
the software start so that modifications of the file then become effective.Use the Options/
Preferences/General/Data option to open the Windows Explorer for editing the file.
Contents of the PV Definition File
In a PV definition file, definitions are given as definition lines, see the syntax below. Parameters
of a definition line refer to instrument settings used for the test, e.g. Slit, as well as specific test
settings. The definition lines are ordered as hierarchal blocks.
The first block of definition lines describes the parameter settings that are common to all models
of the group. The definition lines use the format:
<Instrument group> . <TestParameter> = <Setting> ; <Setting> ....

(<Instrument group> is equal to the filename)
Subsequent blocks can be defined for specific models of the instrument group. These blocks
contain parameter settings that are unique to a specific instrument model of the instrument
group and that supersede the settings of the initial block. The definition lines use the format:
<Instrument model> . <TestParameter> = <Setting> ; <Setting> ....

(<Instrument model> is equivalent to the instrument name, exactly as reported by the
instrument)
Thus, the instrument specific setting is applied, if present; otherwise the group setting of the first
block is applied.
It is possible in the instrument model section to eliminate a test of the instrument group section
by a dummy definition of the test without entries, i.e. <Instrument model> . <TestParameter>
= ; ....
13-9
All other texts that do not follow the above syntax of a parameter definition line are taken as
comments.
Example
General test / instrument settings applying if no instrument specific settings are found
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Instrument group".ScanSpeed=Slow
"Instrument group".WLAccInternXe1=229.0; 1.0; 1.5
"Instrument group".WLAccInternDi1=807.1: 3.0 <didym test wl not used, to activate replace ":" by
a semicolon>
"Instrument group".WLAccInternDi2=585.2: 3.0 <didym test wl not used, to activate replace ":" by
a semicolon>
"Instrument group".WLRepeat=10; 1.0
"Instrument group".Noise1=260; 0; 0.00025; 8
"Instrument group".StrayLight1=340.0; 0.1
"Instrument group".StrayLight2=220.0; 0.1
"Instrument group".WLResolutionLimit=1.25
Instrument specific settings

-------------------------------------
"Instrument model_1".WLAccInternXe1=247.5; 0.8; 1.5

"Instrument model_1".Noise1=260; 0; 0.00025; 15
"Instrument model_1".StrayLight1=340.0; 0.08
"Instrument model_1".WLResolutionLimit=1.5
"Instrument model_2".StrayLight2=0
"Instrument model_2".Noise1=500; 0; 0.00033;15
...
The file may be edited in different ways by changing the settings of a test, by deleting tests or by
adding further tests and further specific instrument groups.
The following parameters are applicable:
Name Relevance Setting 1 Setting 2 Setting 3 Setting 4

WLACCIntern Test for Test wavelength Tolerance Optional –
? wavelength smooth
accuracy with interval
lamp emission
lines
13-10
Name Relevance Setting 1 Setting 2 Setting 3 Setting 4

WLRepeat Test for Number of Tolerance Optional –
wavelength repetitions smooth
repeatability (at interval
wavelength
nearest to 500
nm)
Noise? Noise test Test wavelength Expected Tolerance Number of
absorbance repetitions
Straylight? Test for stray Test wavelength Limit – –
light ratio
WLResolution Toluene Limit – – –
Limit resolution test
Note: The Tolerance entry value is meant as the +/- value.
If a Tolerance/Limit value is set to "0", the test is performed without presenting a limit and a
test result. If the value is set to a negative value, the absolute value is used as the limit and the
result is output, but a pass/fail test result is not generated. This is applied for the SPECTRONIC
200 noise test..
Further parameters, like "Instrument group".ScanSpeed=Slow, refer to instrument settings

for the test parameters used generally or for the specific test.
No default entries are provided for the wavelength accuracy and ordinate accuracy tests,
because these settings completely depend on the test kit in use.
13.3 Further Configurations
13.3.1 Adding additional Start Options
OptionsThe software is started by a desktop icon or a program group entry. In both cases, the
start command is accessible in the Properties/Link/Target text box. Open the Properties
window by right-clicking on the element. As default, the start command is:
C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe
Using the start command
C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\Scan/Rate/Fixed/Quant.exe
allows to directly start one of the applications.
It is possible to create several VISIONlite desktop icons with different designations and different
start switches as described below. Thus for example, icons for starting the software with
standard methods can be established.
Also you can add further entries in the Start Routine. Siehe ascapp.cfg configuration file 13-2 .
13-11
Additional Information in the Main Window Title Bar
If an additional information text is to be placed in the title bar of the main window, e.g. the
instrument identification number, this information is added to the start command line in square
brackets.
Example: Use the line C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe [Instrument 20 A] to
show an instrument identification
Automatic Method Start
The software start can be defined to automatically start a measurement with a selected method.
This is done by adding the name of a method to the start command, separated by a space
character.
Example: C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe test1.msc will start the Scan
application with the method test1 and will proceed to the sample information entry. You may
generate several software icons with different definitions on the desktop.
The following, additional options are available for routine operation:
/export Generates a csv-spectrum export file if at least one sample has been
measured.
/print Prints the report automatically if at least one sample has been
measured.
/preview Opens the Print Preview window, if at least one sample has been
measured.
/pdf Stores the report as a pdf file, if at least one sample has been
measured.
/text Stores the report as a text file, if at least one sample has been
measured.
/terminate The software is closed automatically after closing the sample series.
Example: The command C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe test1.msc /print /

terminate will start the scan application with method test1, configure the spectrophotometer
and open the Sample Information window. After the sample series, the report is printed and the
software is closed.
Loading a Spectrum/Rate Data File
Also, a spectrum or a Rate file can be attached to the start command - separated y the "/"
character. The full path must be given. The corresponding application will be started and the file
is loaded automatically.
Example: The command C:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe /C:\Users\Public\Public
Documents\VISIONlite\Results\holmi.dsp will start the scan application and automatically
open the file "holmi".
Measurement Template
Similar as above, specific measurement templates) may be added as a start switch to

immediately start a measurement that is template defined. The Reporter-SPX 14-26 Software is
13-12
required to set up templates.
Number of Cell Changer Positions
When a cell changer is detected with the instrument, the Sample Information window offers as
many sample lines as there are positions available with the cell changer. It is possible to reduce
the number of used cell positions with the /MaxCell<number> parameter. <number> is the
number of active cell changer positions. Extend the start command by this option, separated by
the ‘/’ character.
Example: the command c:\Program Files\VISIONlite\VISIONlite.exe /MaxCell2 will
deactivate the cell changer position higher than 2 and will offer only 2 cell positions for
measurements.
With <number> 1 the cell changer is driven to position 1 for each measurement. A sample list
can be entered. For <number> 0 the cell changer remains at its current position.
13.3.2 Establishing the Reflectance Correction Files
For measurements in the ordinate modes %R and f(R), the selection of a Reflectance
correction file is required. The software offers a choice of typical reflectance correction files,
however for accurate measurements the files should be appropriately adapted. See a more
detailed discussion in the appendix, section Treatment of Reflectance Measurements 14-22 .
Use the Options/Preferences/General/Data button(see Options/Preferences 4-7 ) to open the

Windows Explorer with the Data directory.
Check files of the format <name>.r0 / <name>.r100.csv.
You may inspect the spectra by opening them with the Load Spectrum function from the Data
directory. See File Menu 4-1 .
13.3.3 Adapting the Report Header
Typically, a VISIONlite report includes an alphanumeric header that summarizes various

information about measurement parameters and instrument settings. An option allows you to
add additional user-specific information as a report header and/or a report header trailer. This
option is helpful for example to generally implement specific company or lab information or to
add further lines with system-specific information.
This is accomplished with the use of 2 temporary text files with dedicated filenames. The files
must be present in the method directory during measurement.
Note: Please note that the text information is not added to the results section of the program window,
but only to the report before printing or Print Preview. See: Printing and Print Preview 4-21
The text files are detected by these filenames:
13-13
MO_METH_HEADER1.tmp This text is added as a header above the default report

header.
MO_METH_HEADER2.tmp This text is added as a trailer below the default report header.
The text files should be generated by the Windows Notepad/Editor. They do not allow any
formatting. The files are automatically deleted when starting a new measurement series in as far
as they are not protected by a read-only flag. Thus a new report header file can be inserted for
any new measurement.
If however the files are write-protected, they will be applied to all generated reports. Thus the files
will still be available for further offline report generation and for further measurements.
13.3.4 Data Handling and Measurement Templates
Templates with scripting functions are applied to generate menu functions in the Measure
menuand in the Data Handling menu. See also Measure Menu 4-5 and Data Handling Menu
4-6 .
The templates filename consists of name *** and identifier (SC, etc.). The name gives the name
of the function, whereas the identifier defines the position of the function:
Template Filename Position of Function

***.SC.rpx Data Handling menu of Scan application
***.RT.rpx Data Handling menu of Rate application
***.DH.rpx Data Handling menu of all applications
***.MS.rpx Measure menu of Scan/ Rate/ Fixed/ Quant/ PV Tests
***.MR.rpx application respectively
***.MF.rpx
***.MQ.rpx
***.MP.rpx
***.MA.rpx Measure menu of all applications
Data handling templates with scripting functions are installed to the \tools folder of the Data
directory. To utilize them, copy the corresponding file to the software's Data directory and restart
the software.
The following commands can be made available in the Data Handling menu:
Command Function
Absorption The function allows calculating the molar and the specific absorption
Coefficient coefficient from the spectrum at a selected wavelength. Sample
concentration and cell thickness are queried.
Add value Adds a user-entered numerical value to all spectra (max.10) of all ordinate
modes in the graph. A result spectrum is added to the graph of the name
of the first spectrum with an attached “_V”. A remark is added to the
spectrum description. To subtract a number, use a negative value. This
manipulation may not be meaningful for %T or %R spectra.
13-14
Adjust Abscissa The function allows changing the abscissa start/end of the data and the
data interval for all spectra displayed. When start/end values outside of the
original data are selected, the spectrum is extended and the additional
data points are set to zero. Thus it is possible to merge spectra by adding
two spectra.
If the data interval is selected smaller than with the original data, missing
data points are linearly interpolated.
Comment The function copies all contents of the results space to clipboard in a text
Results format to paste the results to any other software.
Convert Abscissa The routine starts with a spectrum with the ordinate mode nm that is
(~) typical for UV/Vis(/NIR) spectra. Data are recalculated to an energy
proportional ordinate mode. The selection offers cm-1 (wavenumber), eV
(electron volt) and THz (terahertz). The data interval of the target spectrum
is selected such that it is similar to the original data interval in the middle
of the spectrum range. Linear interpolation is applied to generate new
ordinate values at the data points. The modified spectrum replaces the
original one in the graph, but t is not stored automatically.
The second routine (attached ~) additionally in the graph turns the
orientation of the abscissa so that the spectrum is shown with decreasing
ordinate values as typical in IR spectroscopy.
Copy Graph to Copies the graph area to the clipboard. This information can be readily
Clipboard pasted to a publishing or other program.
Copy Results to Copies the results in the results area to the clipboard in a tabular form
Clipboard (csv-format). The tab character is applied as the separator character so
that the information can be readily pasted to a spreadsheet program.
Derivative Transforms all spectra displayed to its first, 2nd, 3rd or 4th derivative (D1-
D4). A parabolic Golay-Savitzky smoothing algorithm is applied. For this,
the calculation interval is selected as 5, 9, 21, 49 or 101 multiple of the
spectrum data interval. The ordinate mode is changed to D1 - D4
accordingly (This is independent of the original ordinate mode.). Note that
the spectrum range is reduced for half of the calculation interval at the low
and the high end.
List Opens the Print Preview window to list the spectrum currently present in
the graph with all data points (according to its data interval). Only one
spectrum must be present in the graph.
Mean Calculates the average of all spectra, currently displayed in the graph. The
spectra must have the same wavelength range, ordinate mode and data
interval. The result file is added to the graph as “mean.dsp”. The result file
receives the description of the first spectrum; it is extended with a
depiction of the calculation.
Merge The function combines 2 spectra of the graph that have the same ordinate
mode, but do not share the same wavelength range, to a new full
spectrum. The result spectrum uses the lowest and the highest abscissa
limits of the source spectra. In the range of overlap, the average of the
spectra ordinate values is taken, in the range of a gap, ordinate values of
zero are filled in. The filename and the file description of the result
spectrum are put together from the sources.
Mult Multiplies all spectra (max.10) in the graph with a user-entered value. A
Factor result spectrum is added to the graph of the name of the first spectrum
with an attached “_F”. A remark is added to the spectrum description. For
13-15
a division, use the reciprocal as a factor.

Norm1 The function transform the %T or %R spectra of the graph to T or R
immediately. The data are divided by 100 and the ordinate mode is
replaced accordingly.
Norm100 The function transforms the T or R spectra of the graph to %T and %R
spectra. Thus it reverses the action of the above Norm1 function.
PeakArea The function allows calculating the area below the spectrum. Only a single
spectrum must be displayed in the graph. The user is queried to select the
start and end point of integration graphically: move the cursor to the
required position and click. Note that the function is canceled, if the cursor
is moved out of the graph. The area value is calculated as the area
between the curve and the connecting line as a baseline within the
selected interval. The result is placed in the result area.
Smooth Applies a smooth calculation to the spectra displayed. This allows
removing excessive random noise while largely maintaining spectrum
details. The routine operates differently for a single spectrum or with
multiple spectra.
In a first step it is queried, if the spectrum shall be smoothed over the full
wavelength range or if a sub section shall be defined interactively. For that
click the Change button.
A parabolic Golay-Savitzky algorithm is applied. For this, in a second step
the calculation interval is selected as 5, 9, 21, 49 or 101 multiples of the
spectrum data interval. With a single spectrum, interactively test different
intervals to optimize the remaining distortion of spectrum details. The
smoothed spectrum is added to the graph as <name_SM>.dsp. Press OK
to terminate the loop.
With multiple spectra, all spectra displayed are immediately manipulated
after selection of the parameters. The spectra names remain unchanged.
Towards the high and the low end of the data, the calculation interval (and
thus the smooth effect) is successively reduced. This allows maintaining
the full spectrum range, but may cause minor artefacts.
Smooth_MA As above, but with Moving Average smooth function.
Spectra Adds the first 2 spectra in the graph. The spectra must have the ordinate
Addition mode A or f( R). A result spectrum is added to the graph with the name of
the first spectrum with an attached “_A” and with a wavelength range of the
overlapping range of the spectra. Ordinate mode and data interval are taken
from the first spectrum. The result spectrum description is extended with a
depiction of the calculation.
Spectra Divides the first spectrum in the graph by the second spectrum. The
Division spectra must have the ordinate mode %T or %R. A result spectrum is
added to the graph of the name of the first spectrum with an attached “_D”
and with a wavelength range of the overlapping range of the spectra.
Ordinate mode and data interval are taken from the first spectrum. The
result spectrum description is extended with a depiction of the calculation.
Spectra Multiplies the first 2 spectra in the graph. The spectra must have the
Multiplication ordinate mode %T or %R. A result spectrum is added to the graph of the
name of the first spectrum with an attached “_M” and with a wavelength
range of the overlapping range of the spectra. Ordinate mode and data
interval are taken from the first spectrum. The result spectrum description
is extended with a depiction of the calculation.
13-16
Spectra Subtracts the second spectrum in the graph from the first. The spectra
Subtraction must have the ordinate mode A or f( R). A result spectrum is added to the
graph with the name of the first spectrum with an attached “_S” and with a
wavelength range of the overlapping range of the spectra. Ordinate mode
and data interval are taken from the first spectrum. The result spectrum
description is extended with a depiction of the calculation.
With these routines, the generated result spectra are not stored automatically. Use the
Spectrum information window to store the result spectra individually. See: Spectrum information
5-2 window.
If you should require further calculation functions, you can generate these with the optional
Reporter-SPX software. Alternatively contact ascanis directly.
13.3.5 Methods Protection
In order to prevent changes to a method, the file can be write-protected. With a read-only
method, the user interface does not allow parameters to be modified or the file to be overwritten.
To set a method write-protected
1. In the Options/Preferences/General function click the Open directory icon behind the Data
box to open the directory with the Windows Explorer. Select the Methods subdirectory.
2. Right-click on the required method filename to display the file context menu.
3. Select the Properties menu command to open the Properties window.
4. On the General tab select the Read-only option of the Attributes. If activated a checkmark is
shown.
5. Click OK to save the method file with the modified attribute.
For further information on special properties of protected methods within the Quant application.
See: Quant Application Protected method 10-9 .
Important:
Protected methods will prevent you from unintentionally changing method parameters. To
effectively avoid intended misuse and falsification, the access permissions on the methods
directory and method files must be restricted to authorized users by an administrator.
13-17
13.3.6 Direct Instrument Control
For special purposes it may be required to send a command directly to the instrument. This can
be e.g. a reset of the instrument or setting a parameter that is not available with the software's
user interface. Refer to the spectrophotometer communication protocol for the correct command
syntax.
Sending an instrument control command can be achieved with these options:
Function Properties Description

InitCommand option Send commands after This function is defined in the configuration file.
in configuration file software start It is possible to send a series of up to 99
instrument commands with the software start-
up. See: Software Configurations 13-1 .
Option Send commands with This function is defined in the configuration file.
TerminateCommand software termination It allows sending up to 99 commands to the
option in configuration instrument when the software is closed. See:
file Software Configurations 13-1 .
Instrument commands Send commands after Instrument commands can be integrated into a
integrated to a method method start method. Thus the command is issued every
time the method is initiated. However, the
command cannot be implement via the
software's user interface, see below.
Templates with Send commands It is possible to integrate direct instrument
integrated scripts during template commands to script templates as defined by
execution the Reporter-SPX software. Contact the
supplier or ascanis for further information and
support.
Integration of Instrument Commands to a Method
1. Define and save a method.
2. Open the *.m?? method file with the Windows editor/notepad.
3. Enter the desired instrument command into line 50 of the method file. Several commands can be
chained when separated by the "|" character
13.3.7 Editing the User Interface Text File
All texts and messages of the software’s user interface are contained in the ascapp.msg text
file in the program directory. If there should be any wish to modify a user interface text or
message, it is possible to edit the file.
Important: Editing the user interface text should be addressed only by experienced PC users.
The file is a plain text file of more than 600 lines. Each line represents a single text item, e.g. a
menu function designation or an error message.
13-18
When working on the file, it is essential to absolutely keep the succession of lines – including
empty lines. Proceed as follows:
1. Terminate the software and make a backup of the ascapp.msg file.
2. Open the file with Windows Editor/Notepad.
3. Search for the text to be changed.
4. Replace the text and make sure that the length of the text is about the same as before. Be
careful not to add or delete a line.
5. Save the file as ascapp.msg in the software’s program directory by overwriting the existing file.
6. Start the software and check the proper appearance of the new text.
13-19
VISIONlite
13-20
VISIONlite Appendix
14 Appendix
14.1 Notes for Specific Instruments and Accessories

Dedicated information is given for the following spectrophotometers/spectrophotometer series:
SPECTRONIC 200E. See SPECTRONIC 200 14-1
GENESYS 30. See GENESYS 30 14-2 .
GENESYS 10S Vis / UV/Vis

BioMate 3S,
Evolution 60S.
See: GENESYS 10S and Compatibles 14-4
Evolution 200 series. See: Evolution 200 series 14-6
Evolution 300. See: Evolution 300 14-10
PC-controlled Sipper Pump

See: Peltier-controlled Sipper Pump 14-12
Peltier Accessory for Temperature Control

See: Peltier Accessory 14-13
For any of the legacy instruments, please contact your Thermo Scientific Instruments support.
14.1.1 SPECTRONIC 200
SPECTRONIC 200 E is a Vis-spectrophotometer that is mainly used for routine and educational
purposes. It features a single-beam layout with an array detector. The instrument has a scan
range of 340-1000 nm and it has a fixed data interval of 0.5 nm. Wavelength entries are done in
whole numbers only. A scan speed is not defined. A lamp switch-off option is not offered.
Electronic accessories are not available for this type.
SPECTRONIC 200 spectrophotometers use PC communication via USB port. The applied COM
port has the designation USB.
A PC-controlled sipper pump can be employed to automatically sip samples. See PC-controlled
sipper pump 14-12 .
Configuring to PC Communication
To operate the instrument from the PC, the instrument must be switched to PC operation:
After the spectrophotometer has finalized its initialization, use the up/down key to switch to
Administration and press the central ENTER key. Thereafter press the ENTER key twice to
accept the display messages. Eventually the display shows Connected to PC.
Note: The Scan application with a SPECTRONIC 200 does not show the live display for technical
reasons.
14-1
Appendix VISIONlite
Note: Some older SPECTRONIC 200 instruments show a high signal drift. In addition to a regular
autozero/back ground correction, a repeated 0 %T adjustment after the instrument warms up can
help to improve stability. See Manual Operation 4-9 .
Error Messages
When you start the software and the instrument is not yet switched on, not yet configured for PC
control or when the instrument is not properly connected to the PC, an error message is issued,
e.g.
The instrument at COMUSB is offline (SPECTRONIC).
See also the section Problem Solving 14-32 .
Autozero/Baseline
The spectrophotometer does not allow to autozero higher absorbance values. An error message
is returned in this case:
Error in communication....
Too little light, instrument is unable to set zero absorbance; may occur if a dark filter
is zeroed at a lower wavelength
Remove the absorbing sample and restart the autozero.
14.1.2 GENESYS 30
GENESYS 30 is a compact single-beam spectrophotometer for the visible wavelength range with
a 5 nm spectral bandwidth.
The instrument has a working range of -3.0 to +3.0 A; the wavelength range covers 325 - 1100
nm with a scan data interval of 1 or 2 nm. %T data are shown in the range of 0.1 - 200 %T. As
an accessory, a kit for an external sipper pump 14-12 is available.
Communication with the PC is via USB. The proper driver (Virtual COM port) is installed during
the VISIONlite setup. The instrument will appear in the Windows Device Manager as "Genesys
30" in the section Ports (COM & LPT).
Configuring for PC Communication
To operate the instrument from the PC, the instrument must be switched to PC operation.
Proceed as follows:
After the spectrophotometer has finalized its initialization, use the up/down left/right keys on the
instrument keyboard to activate the Settings icon. To select this option press the ENTER key
(located in middle of the cursor keys). From the Settings screen select the Connect to PC icon
and accept with the center ENTER key. A blinking PC icon reports successful PC connection.
Then start the software.
The Home key in the upper line of the instrument's operation panel allows returning to stand-
alone operation.
When the software shows the error message Be sure that the instrument is in remote mode,
14-2
VISIONlite Appendix
check the cable connection and then repeat the above initialization and then accept the error
message. The software will try again to connect.
Initialization Errors
If the instrument initialization should fail, the following error message may be shown:
Homing timeout, Grating

Homing timeout, Filter wheel
Zero-order search failed
Wavelength calibration failed
Dark current measurement failed
Beam is partially block ed
Check, if the sample compartment has been closed fully with the "dark current" error and check
for a left-behind sample with "Beam blocked" error.
Scan Speed
The scan speed on the GENESYS 30 is determined automatically by the instrument and cannot
be controlled by the user. The actual scan speed varies with wavelength range and sample
absorbance.
Rate Application
For fast kinetics we recommend a minimum data interval time of 1 s with a response time of 0.5
s. These settings are default. With lower cycle time and/or higher response time, the software
may not be able to keep the initial cycle time in the course of measurement and may abort the
measurement with a corresponding error message. See also section Rate Parameter Group 8-2
. This can be especially problematic, if the sample absorbance increases during the experiment
as this will increase the data collection time.
The Integration time option is a software feature to improve the quality of a measurement:
VISIONlite will collect as much single readings as possible in the given integration time and
average them.
Possible Scan Error Missing Data Points
In rare cases, a data loss may occur during a scan measurement. This error is caused by heavy
load PC conditions, such as running many applications simultaneously. Heavy application loads
force the PC to utilize a swap file on the hard-drive because it lacks the necessary RAM to keep
all applications running at once. This slows the PC down. The GENESYS 30 has a limited
instrument data buffer. If the PC is so heavily loaded that it cannot download the buffered data
before the buffer fills, the error: Missing data points; xxx expected, yyy received is
displayed. In the unlikely event that you encounter this error, close other applications and do not
require the computer to multi-task while collecting scan data.
14-3
Appendix VISIONlite
Lamp Failure
The software repeatedly checks the instrument's source. When the instrument messages a lamp
failure, an appropriate message is issued by the software.
14.1.3 GENESYS 10S and Compatibles
The spectrophotometers
GENESYS 10S (Bio) UV-Vis, 10S Vis, BioMate 3S and Evolution 60S
are recording single-beam or split-beam instruments (internal reference detector). GENESYS

10S Vis does not offer selection of scan speed and it is restricted to the Vis wavelength range.
Instruments of the GENESYS ‘S’ series use PC communication via USB port. The applied port
has the designation Spectrophotometer.
Important:
The instrument keyboard cannot be switched off. As long as the instrument is under PC control
the instrument keyboard should not be used. Otherwise the system may crash and erroneous
data may result.
Important:
If the instrument does not display the main screen (but e.g. the utility screen) the software may
partly malfunction.
For these instruments, a dedicated sipper accessory is not available. Instead, a PC-controlled
sipper pump (Economy Sipper) can be employed to automatically sip samples. See PC-
controlled sipper pump 14-12 .
The spectrophotometers allow storing method and data files to a USB stick. However, these data
are incompatible to the software except for spectra that are stored in the JCAMP-DX format.
Error Messages
When you start the software and the instrument is not yet switched on or is in the initialization
phase, the error message will be:
No response from instrument on device com<number>.
When the instrument is not properly connected to the PC, the error message will be:
Error accessing communication port com<number>. The system cannot find the file
specified.
Invalid port number.
14-4
VISIONlite Appendix
Display and Standby
When the software controls the instrument, the instrument display shows the message (in local
language, if selected as the instrument operating language):
Instrument is in Remote Mode

Press ESC to cancel.
During spectrum scanning the live display and the graph remain blank since the data are
transferred to the software only when the scan is finished. (See: Operating Toolbar 3-4 ) The
software messages the scan or the baseline correction run with an appropriate window; check
the scan progress at the instrument’s display. The instrument displays the message
Acquiring data ... <percentage> % completed.
After the end of the scan the graph is displayed and the live display is reactivated.
If the instrument is configured with a lamp saving standby time and if no measurements are done
for 5 minutes, the software will quit communication. After the selected standby time the
instrument itself will then go into the standby mode and will shut down the lamp. The software's
live display shows *** instead of an ordinate reading. However, use of an instrument function will
immediately activate the spectrometer. See: Configuration file 13-3
Autozero/Baseline
An autozero/baseline run is required whenever the scan range or the data interval is changed. An
autozero/baseline run is also required even if the data interval is a multiple of the previous value,
or if the scan range is a restricted section of the previous range. See: Executing a Baseline/
Autozero Run 5-1
The spectrophotometer does not allow to autozero higher absorbance values. An error message
Cannot zero is returned in this case. Remove the absorbing sample and restart the autozero.
Specific Parameters
The scan speed of the series of instruments is selected in three levels. (See: Spectrophotometer
Parameter Group 7-2 ) With a 1 nm data interval, these levels correspond to:
Slow approx. 400 nm/min

Medium approx. 800 nm/min
Fast approx. 3000 nm/min
The baseline correction run is always done with the lowest possible scan speed.
(GENESYS 10S Vis approx. 1500 nm/min and 1000 nm/min for baseline correction)
A scan must cover at least 5 data points.
Cell Changer
14-5
Appendix VISIONlite
GENESYS 10S and compatibles can be equipped with a 6-cell changer. The first position of the
cell changer B is reserved solely for the blank and cannot be used for sample measurements. An
autozero is always performed at this position.
An alternative cell holder (Auto-3) is offered for long-path cells. You can define the use of this
holder in the Preferences command. This setting is valid for all applications. See: Options Menu
4-6
Note: The Auto-3/Auto-6 selection is offered also, if no cell changer is installed. In this case, the
selection is irrelevant.
After installing or removing the cell changer it is necessary to restart software and instrument so
that the new configuration is detected.
14.1.4 Evolution 200 Series
Evolution 201, 220 and 260 Bio are recording double-beam UV/Vis spectrophotometers with USB
communication. An appropriate USB driver is installed automatically.
A local control version (with built-in screen) and a computer control version (without screen) are
available.
Important:
When the Thermo Scientific INSIGHT® software is also installed on the PC, the resident Insight
Launcher routine interferes with the communication by taking control of the spectrophotometer
USB port. When VISIONlite is started, the following message is shown:
Error accessing communication port COM ?. Port already open.
Please close all other software ...... ...
In this case, end the InsightLauncher process in the Windows Task Manager. To remove the
problem permanently, remove the corresponding registry entry or delete or rename the
InsightLauncher executable, which is not required for instrument operation for either software.
Accessories
The Evolution 200 platform supports a number of Smart and/or electrically powered accessories,
not all of which are supported by VISIONlite software.
The following accessories are supported:

All manual accessories – those which do not require an electrical connection to the instrument
Smart 7-cell rotary changer
Smart 8-cell linear changer
Smart Sipper
Integrating sphere ISA-220
Integrated fiber optics module
Evolution™ Peltier Thermostatting Accessory PCCU1
Hg Lamp
The following accessories are not supported in VISIONlite software.

Temperature probe
14-6
VISIONlite Appendix
Rapid mixing accessory

Calibration and Validation Carousel
For these accessories, please use the INSIGHT software supplied with the Evolution 200 series
instrument.
After installing or removing an electrical accessory it is necessary to restart the software so that
the new configuration is detected.
Cell changer
Important:
For Evolution 200 series instruments with cell positioner, it is advisable to run a cell changer
optimization after system setup and possibly also during operation. This routine re-defines the
coordinates of the cell positions. In the Open window of the Load Method function, switch to
the parent directory Service and load the routine CellChangerOptimization. Click OK to start the
routine.
See also below Warning Message with Cell Changer Start.
Initialization and Communication
Initialization
After startup, the instrument requires several minutes for initialization. The exact time depends
upon the precise model, with Evolution 201 requiring only ~2 minutes and Evolution 220 and 260
Bio requiring longer. If the software is launched during the instrument initialization process, the
message No response ... or Instrument is initializing ... is shown.
On local control versions of the instrument, INSIGHT software will launch automatically and the
progress of the initialization is shown in the lowermost line of the instrument's screen.
Communication with Local Control Models
To establish communication between software and instrument of the local control version, after
instrument initialization simultaneously press the keys [2] + [4] on the instrument's keyboard for
4 seconds. Alternatively, in the internal instrument software, choose System Settings > System
. In the Instrument Control group, select Computer.
Thereafter, the message (Internal) Instrument control is disconnected is shown. This

message may be disregarded. Then the lowermost line of the instrument's screen shows the
message Connected to PC. The instrument's internal software may be operated, but does not
have access to the instrument any more. The software can also be closed.
Important:
For spectrophotometers of the Evolution 200 series the live display only shows approximate
ordinate values, when the instrument is inactive. Thus the display can only be used as an
orientation, but not for a sample reading. Use the Manual Control function to read sample
ordinate values after executing Autozero.
Switching off the Spectrometer
To switch off the instrument, press the Power key and accept the Shutdown message of the
internal operating system (local control version).
14-7
Appendix VISIONlite
Operating the external Mercury Lamp
In order to operate the pluggable Mercury Lamp Calibration Accessory, the accessory can be
attached, but must not be plugged-in, when the instrument is powered. However, with start of the
software, the accessory must be plugged in so that the software can detect it.
Instrument Parameters
Slit
Model Evolution 220 is equipped with a variable slit. For the Slit setting (Advanced Options
window) the standard choice is 1 or 2 nm spectral bandwidth (written as 1_nm, resp. 2_nm).
Additional slit settings are adapted to specific accessories. Make sure to apply the appropriate
setting.
Sphere Maximized beam spot; used for integrating sphere measurements

(15 nm bandwidth)
Fiber Small round beam spot; used for coupling to light fibers (5 nm
bandwidth)
Micro Narrow beam spot for micro cells and micro measurements
(Shortened rectangular beam with 2 nm bandwidth)
Blocking Blocked beam for test purposes only
Important:
The Slit setting Sphere is only to be used with the ISA-220 accessory when measuring
particularly dark samples (<10%T or 10%R). When using this setting, it is essential that the 1A
screen filter supplied with the accessory be placed in the reference cell holder. Failure to use the
reference beam attenuator will result in reference detector overload which will cause inaccurate
readings.
Scan Speed
When high scan speed settings are selected together with small data intervals the system may
not be able to reach the selected speed. The instrument will not return an error or alert in such a
case so the method may show a higher scan speed than is actually used in the experiment: e.g.
for the smallest data interval of 0.05 nm a maximum scan speed of appr. 150 nm/min is reached.
Integration Time
The software does not offer selection of an integration time. Instead the integration time is
automatically set according to the selected Scan speed, i.e., if the scan speed is smaller than
the maximum possible speed, the integration time is increased to the highest possible value.
Wavelength entry
The instrument can set wavelengths only in 0.2 nm increments. E.g. it is possible to use 500,
500.2, 500.4 nm etc.; but wavelength entries like 500.1, 500.3 nm etc. should not be done.
When entering such a wavelength value an error message is given:
Error communicating with the spectrophotometer; Command WDR ???.? ; Answer: ?Error
14-8
VISIONlite Appendix
3092
Another wavelength value has to be entered.
Wavelength Setting "0 nm"
For alignment and test purposes, the software allows entering a wavelength of 0 nm in Manual
Control mode. The beams then have non-monochromic (white) light. See Manual Control 4-9 .
Sipper
The instrument does not allow the sipper to be run permanently. Instead, when clicking the Sip
button in the Manual operation or in the Sample information window, the sipper is activated
for the maximal time possible. Thereafter it can be restarted by another click to continue sipping.
Cell Changer
A template routine to optimize cell changer positions is available in the Service directory, see
above.
A message can be issued with the initialization of an accessory, see below.
Automatic Source Switch-off
The ascapp.ini configuration file allows a time for source switch-off to be defined. When the
defined time has elapsed after a measurement, the lamp is switched off automatically. This is to
limit lamp working hours and so to extend lamp life.
If no entry is done in the configuration file, the default switch-off time is 3 min. See: The ascapp.
ini file 13-3 .
Readings above 100 %R/T
The Evolution 200 series signal amplification is continuously optimized to achieve an optimal
signal-to-noise ratio. Accordingly, readings substantially above 100 %R/T or below 0.000 A may
become erroneous by an internal data overflow. Therefore, a measurement is canceled with an
error message for readings >125 %R/T or < -0.100 A.
Warning Message with Cell Changer Start
The local control operation of the instrument provides a warning message, when the cell changer
is run. There might be a danger of injuries, if the operator still has a hand in the sample
compartment. Also the software can issue a corresponding warning: A message can be issued
with the initialization of an accessory with the AccInitMessage= parameter; see The ascapp.ini
File 13-3 .
14-9
Appendix VISIONlite
14.1.5 Evolution 300
Evolution 300 is a scanning double-beam instrument for the entire UV/Vis range. It has various
accessory options (see below). As of 2015, the instrument is available only as PC-control
version. A model with a built-in local control was sold during the instrument’s earlier history.
To establish communication between VISIONlite software and a local control instrument it is

necessary to switch the instrument LC to REMOTE mode. Do this by pressing the REMOTE
hotkey on the spectrophotometer after the initialization is finished. If the instrument is not in
REMOTE mode, the software will present the error message No response from instrument.
Note: With Evolution 300, typically there are long reaction times in error situations.
Note: During REMOTE mode the k eyboard is lock ed and the instrument’s LC display only indicates
REMOTE mode operation. To switch back to normal instrument operation, first exit the software
and then press the [HOME] k ey.
Accessories
Evolution 300 can be operated with several electrical accessories. The software does not
support: Temperature Probe, Rapid Mixing Accessory and 7-Cell Changer in reference beam.
After installing or removing an electrical accessory it is necessary to restart the software so that
the new configuration is detected. If the cell changer is not detected, it might be that the
instrument is configured such that the cell changer is not active.
The Evolution 300 can be equipped with an automatic sample aspiration system (sipper) that
includes a peristaltic pump and a flow-through cell. Sippers can increases sample throughput by
automated sample aspiration.
The sipper sampling volume must be calibrated: see Manual Control Command 6-1 .
Error Messages
Initialization
When starting the software during initialization, the following error message is displayed:
Instrument is initializing please wait
In this time, the instrument performs a number of internal checks and initializations.
Specific Parameters
The instruments allow a number of specific settings:
Integration Time
For measurements at fixed wavelengths (Rate, Fixed and Quant applications) an integration
time can be entered. This entry determines the time over which the signal is averaged to
14-10
VISIONlite Appendix
improve its signal-to-noise ratio. High integration times however increase the measurement
time.
Lamp
The pulsed Xe-lamp automatically is switched off in a stand-by mode, see below. Then the
live display shows ***. The lamp immediately resumes operation, if a measurement is
initiated.
Scan Speed
Scan speeds can be selected up to 3800 nm/min. When high scan speed settings are
selected together with small data intervals the system may not be able to reach the selected
speed. The instrument will not return an error or alert in such a case so the method may
show a higher scan speed than is actually used in the experiment.
A scan speed of 0 nm/min can also be selected. This setting corresponds to the IntelliScan
mode, where the scan speed is automatically optimized to maintain a constant signal/noise
ratio. See: Spectrometer Parameter Group 7-2 in the Scan application chapter.
Slit (Spectral bandpass)

The Evolution 300 feature a selectable spectral bandpass. The Slit setting can be entered in
the Advanced Parameters window.
The Fixed mode allows entering up to 20 single wavelengths. See: Fixed Application 9-1 .
Automatic Source Switch-off
The ascapp.ini configuration file allows a time for source switch-off to be defined. When the
defined time has elapsed after a measurement, the lamp is switched off automatically. This is to
limit lamp working hours and so to extend lamp life. See: The ascapp.ini file 13-3 .
CVC Accessory
Evolution 300 can be equipped with an automatic performance verification accessory (CVC:
Calibration Validation Carousel). A CVC is a unique circular cell holder that is equipped with the
required reference materials. Each unit has its individual identification code. Instruments must be
equipped with the 7-cell motor base to detect the CVC.
Note: To apply the CVC unit, it must be in place when the instrument is switched on. Before changing
to the CVC unit therefore, close the software and power down the spectrophotometer.
CVC Calibration data are loaded onto the instrument from a storage device supplied with the unit.
Refer to the respective manual. Details of the tests, test execution and tolerances are defined
with the instrument firmware. The test run is initiated by the software, but all further operations
are performed by the instrument without PC-software interaction. This assures the tests cannot
be modified and are always performed exactly as specified. See: PV Tests Application 12-1 .
Internal PV Tests
If a CVC accessory is not available, the instrument offers options for performing internal tests of
baseline flatness, noise and drift. Reference materials and operator input is not required for these
tests. The tests take more than 1 hour.
Additional Mercury Source for Wavelength Accuracy Test
14-11
Appendix VISIONlite
Evolution 300 features the option to install an additional mercury test lamp. If attached, the PV
Tests application offers the respective test. See: PV Tests-Application 12-1 .
14.1.6 PC-controlled Sipper Pump
The software supports control of an external peristaltic pump (The Economy Sipper System) as
a sample aspiration system via a USB interconnect unit (an electronic relay) that is connected to
one of the PC's USB ports. The interconnect unit must be attached to the computer before the
software is started in order for it to be recognized by the software.
The software shows the control options for the sipper only when the interconnect unit is
attached.
Thermo Scientific Pump Kit
Thermo Scientific offers a selection of Economy Sipper Kits configured for use with GENESYS
spectrophotometers. Contact your Thermo Scientific distributor for details and specific ordering
information.
A kit will typically contain:
Thermo Scientific single channel peristaltic pump with adjustable flow rate
US or EU power cord
10 mm flow cell (glass or quartz, as ordered)
Accessory door and sipper spout for the spectrophotometer, if required
Silicone No. 16 pump tubing
PTFE tubing to route through spout
The sipper pump can also support a range of alternative pump tubing sizes and materials to
allow handling of specialized solvents and/or larger or smaller flow rates.
USB Relay Unit

A USB Interconnect Unit with single relay and appropriate cables for the Thermo Scientific pump
kit is available from Thermo Scientific (PN. 840-230500 ). The unit is compatible to the Thermo
Scientific peristaltic pump (PN. 869-151100) which is a component of the Economy Sipper
System.
If a relay unit is attached to the PC, the respective options for sipper operation are presented in
the software.
Installation of Pump Kit and Relay Unit
1. Install the parts of the sipper kit and tubing according to the directions supplied with the kit.
Tip: Normally the pump is installed after the flow cell (in the direction of flow) to minimize the
volume of the aspiration section. A waste container should be made available at the end of the
pump circuit.
14-12
VISIONlite Appendix
Economy Sipper System pump (reverse side) with

interconnect unit attached
2. At the pump, remove the short-circuit contact on the bottom two screws of the connection strip
on the back of the unit (connections External Control), and attach the cables from the
interconnect unit, one under each screw. Either cable can go under either screw.
Tip: The pump's Prime start/stop pushbutton is deactivated when the pump is under external
control. If an additional manual control switch is required, it can be connected at the same
contacts in parallel with the interconnect unit.
3. Connect the USB connector of the interconnect unit to one of the PC's USB ports. The port
configures automatically.
4. Use the lower switch on the pump's front panel to select the appropriate pump direction.
5. With the pump's speed control knob, adjust the flow rate so that a typical pump time of
5-10 seconds delivers a volume that optimizes sample consumption and sample carry-over.
Important:
The software fixes the pump time. Make sure not to change the pump speed at the pump's
control knob thereafter. Otherwise the pump might empty the sample tube and deliver air into the
tubing system or might deliver too little sample volume so that the sample does not reach the
flow cell for measurement.
Please note that pump tubing is a consumable that must be replaced regularly. The replacement
interval will depend on the liquid being pumped, the number of hours of use the pump sees each
day and other factors.
14.1.7 Peltier Accessories for Temperature Control
The Peltier Accessory (Air-Cooled) SPG 1A (Temperatur Controller) is an option for the
GENESYS 10S platform. It is used for thermostatting rectangular 10 mm cells in the range of 20-
60 °C for a measurement.
The Evolution™ Peltier Thermostatting Accessory is a Peltier thermostatted water bath to

control the cell temperature with an Evolution 200/300 series spectrophotometer. The accessory
14-13
Appendix VISIONlite
can be operated in the range of 0-110 °C, or 5-100 °C (cell changer).
To correctly connect the accessory to the PC, make sure that the port designated USB Serial
Port is selected in the software. See Preferences 4-8 command.
Control of the unit is identical for both versions. When the unit is powered, it automatically enters
the Standby operation mode. For the control via PC, press the ON button to start its operation
mode. Hold the button for up to a second. You may preselect an operating temperature on the
unit's panel.
Software control of the unit within a method is activated in the Accessory window. See
Accessory window 6-2 .
Operation Hints
Control of the temperature is initiated, when a method with activated temperature control is
started. The software does not check the cell holder's temperature for the initial baseline
correction run; a temperature check however is done for subsequent sample measurements: A
sample measurement is delayed until the cell holder reaches the target temperature (+/-
selected tolerance).
Tip: Control of the temperature is not initiated, if the baseline correction run is started via the
Baseline/Autozero button of the tool bar.
Tip: Control of the temperature can selectively be initiated by starting a method with an
appropriate temperature setting and cancelling it immediately. Alternatively, the temperature may
also be set at the accessory's panel.
Tip: Stirring the sample should be employed to ensure fast and uniform temperature
equilibration. For that a small magnetic stirring bar must be inserted to the cell and a Stirring
speed must be selected.
Due to different procedures, the temperature values displayed at the accessory and those
transferred to the PC and displayed by the software may vary slightly.
It should be regarded however that the cell contents can have a substantial temperature lag
during heating and may also have a permanent temperature difference to the target temperature.
For an accurate temperature control of a sample, the effective sample temperature should be
checked with a calibrated temperature probe.
Problem Solving
An error message Error accessing Communications port COM ? (SPG) is issued by the
software, if the accessory's communication protocol is not configured correctly. For software
control, the MODBUS protocol must be activated.
To change the configuration, proceed as follows:
1. In operation mode (see above), press the Menu button and select the Configure item via the
Scroll/Select buttons.
14-14
VISIONlite Appendix
2. Enter [11111] as a password: change the number with the (up arrow) button and go to the
next number with the Scroll button. After the last number push the Scroll button again.
3. Use the Scroll/Select button to select the Communication protocol item.
4. Select number [6] that correspond to the MODBUS protocol and press Exit to return to the
operation level.
In some configurations, the above error message persists, if the accessory is attached via a
COM port with a number >9. When the system automatically has selected such an inadequate
port number, the COM port may be forced to a another COM port number via the Windows
Device Manager: From the Control Panel open the Device Manager; in the Ports section right
click Port n USB-Serial Port; click Properties/Port Settings tab/Advanced button, COM Port
Number selection. Select a COM port <10 that is currently definitely not in use. However it may
be reserved by Windows for other devices currently disconnected. Ignore the possible warning
message, if the port number is reserved by Windows. It is required to reboot the PC to establish
the modification.
14.2 Data Formats and Data Import/Export

The software applies different file types and offers various options for loading and saving data.
Spectra can be loaded and stored in alternative data formats, see below and the section about
the external spectrum converter.
Filename Extensions
Various file types are generated and used by the software. The three-character filename
extensions allow you to distinguish the various file types. The filenames can be of any length
within the limits of your operating system. All data and results files are contained in the results
directory, while all method files are contained in the methods directory.
VISIONlite File Type Extension

Scan method file .msc
Rate method file .mra
Fixed method file .mfx
Quant method file .mqa
PV Tests method file .mpv
Scan data file (spectrum) .dsp

Rate data file (kinetic data set) .dti
Rate result file .rra

Fixed result file .rfx
Quant result file .rqa
PV Tests result file PVdatetime.rpv
Export file .csv
14-15
Appendix VISIONlite
VISIONlite File Type Extension

(Scan and Rate data sets; Rate/Fixed/Quant results)
JCAMP spectrum file .dx
Scan sample list file .lsc

Rate sample list file .lra
Fixed sample list file .lfx
Quant sample list file .lqa
General sample list file .lst
PV Tests definition file .pvt

Rack definition file .rck
(for autosampler operation with VISIONlite auto)
The software registers itself with its method and data file types (not result files). Thus it is
possible to start the application modules with a double click on a method or a data file. Links to
these files can be placed on the desktop for an immediate start of the application modules with a
standard method or data file.
Note: Because of Windows settings this is not possible for Scan methods.
VISIONlite Data Formats
Each spectrum file or Rate data file generally holds a single spectrum/dataset. The
corresponding .dsp and .dti files are text files with a file header holding general parameters:
instrument settings, date/time of measurement, spectrophotometer details etc. The section
holding the readings follows the header. It is introduced by a #DATA line. The file ascanis data
formatv2.xls in the CD´s \tools directory describe the format in detail.
The /tools directory of the program CD contains a file format description.
The results files (extensions: .r??) are XML document files.
Method File Structure
Method files are text files with a similar structure as spectrum/data set files. Therefore it is
possible to load a spectrum/data set as a method to set the instrument parameters.
Line 52 allows entering a command that is sent to the instrument before any method setup.
Save and Open Spectra and Data Sets
Usually, spectra and Rate data sets are saved to disk in the proprietary format with the filename
extensions .dsp or .dti.
Additionally, it is possible to open spectra/data sets via the Load Spectrum/Data Set
14-16
VISIONlite Appendix
command and save the spectra/data sets via the Save Spectrum/Data Set as command in the
.csv data format or the JCAMP-DX format (spectra only). The Load Spectrum command
accepts simple data lists too. See: File Menu 4-1
Also, it is possible to save spectra/data sets automatically in .csv or .dx (JCAMP-DX) data
formats. See below: JCAMP Data File Format
It is possible that JCAMP spectra from other data sources cannot be loaded, because
incompatible file format versions or compression algorithms are used.
Most information on the instrument parameters are lost if data are stored in .csv or .dx data
format. Only the VISIONlitedata format (.dsp / .dti) will retain this information.
Format of csv-Files
The separator for the data values is the list separator as defined in your Windows regional
settings in the control panel. If undefined, elements of the table are separated by a semicolon.
The csv-files as generated by the Export functions are Microsoft Office Excel® compatible text
files. The decimal separator also follows the regional settings.
The first line of spectra .csv files holds basic information on the spectrum. The second line holds
the column header of the table. You can save the files without this file header. See: Software
Configurations 13-1 .
csv-files generated by the Rate application include all statistical parameters (regression data).
csv-files generated by the Quant application have an additional error column which holds
information like ‘working range exceeded’. The Advanced options low/high limit messages
are not included with the csv-files.
JCAMP Data File Format
The JCAMP format follows the JCAMP-DX 4.24 definitions so that spectra can be imported by
other software packages. JCAMP datasets can be imported via the Load Spectrum command of
the software.
The JCAMP text format consists of a header and a data table. The header contains various
general information designated by a leading ##, like
##TITLE= Azorubin, 0.9384mg/100ml

##JCAMP-DX= 4.24
##DATA TYPE= UV/VIS SPECTRUM
As far as possible, this information is taken over in the assigned spectrum information. Other
parameters are taken from the Audit Trail block of the spectrum.
The data section follows after the factors for abscissa and ordinate values and the internal format
definition. Each line includes an abscissa value and the following ordinate values. For instance:
##XFACTOR= 1.00
##YFACTOR= 0.00000011920928955078
##XYDATA= (X++(Y..Y))
700.000000 11743 11743 11743 11743 11743
14-17
Appendix VISIONlite
695.000000 11743 11743 11743 11743 11743

690.000000 11743 11743 11743 11743 11743
...........
##END=
In the configuration file you can preset the number of ordinate values per line. This pre-selection
will be used when saving spectra in JCAMP-DX data format. See: Software Configurations 13-1
For import, the format may contain a series of spectra. According to JCAMP 4.24 definitions,
this is defined by the line
##BLOCKS=n (n: number of following, complete datasets)
at the beginning of the file.
Automatically Saving and Reading Spectra in .csv or JCAMP Format
The Save as commands in the File menu and in the Spectrum/Data Set information window
allow spectra in the .csv or JCAMP format to be saved besides the standard file format. See: File
Menu 4-1 and Spectrum/Data Set Info Window 4-15
When spectra generally are to be saved as .csv or JCAMP files, the configuration file ascapp.ini
in the [Configuration] section must be modified: Add the line
SP_EXT=.<Filename extension> (<Filename extension> = ‘csv’ or ‘dx’)
Note: The point must be included.
Pre-Selecting Filename Extensions for Exporting Spectra/Datasets
JCAMP and .csv files are normally saved to disk using the characteristic filename extensions .
dx or .csv. Alternatively, other extensions can be preselected in the configuration file. See:
Using an External Converter for Spectra
It is possible to use further data formats within the software. For that, an external routine for
spectrum conversion can be added. The executable program file is stored in the software's
program directory under the file name
SPC_CONV_<process>_<name of file type>_<filename extension>.exe
where:
<process> the required process: R (Read); W (Write/Save as); S (Save/automatic

storage); multiple entries are possible
<name of file the name of the external file type;
type>
<filename the existing or requested filename extension
extension>
14-18
VISIONlite Appendix
The additional file type is then additionally offered with the Load Spectrum or the Save
Spectrum as command.
Contact ascanis if you would like to use this option for specific data formats.
Import of Data Files
The software can import different spectrum file formats.
Software/Source Extension
OptLab-SPX, VISIONlite Color-/MaterialsCalcspectra .dsp
OptLab-SPX, VISIONlite Color-/MaterialsCalc export spectral data .csv
JCAMP spectrum generator .sp, .dx, .jcm
Various sources, e.g. Microsoft Office Excel, tabular format (see Any, e.g. .txt
below)
Import of Tabular Formats (csv Format)
For importing tabular data to the software, the following file structure is required:
An unlimited number of header lines with the sample description and abscissa/ordinate
units,
Table of abscissa/ordinate data pairs. A list separator character separates the abscissa/
ordinate data.
Such a text format is typical for ASCII data storage in the txt or csv-format of Microsoft Office
Excel®. It is also used for data exchange with other software packages.
Header lines are recognized by the fact that the first character is not a digit. If the last of the
header lines contains the list separator character, the information before and after that character
is interpreted as the designation of the abscissa and ordinate units, e.g. nm;%T. If such a
definition is not present, A is applied as the ordinate unit and nm as the abscissa unit, if the first
abscissa value is larger than 150.
If the detected ordinate designation is not the common VISIONlite designation, these are
automatically transformed to a certain extent: designations T (if at least one of the values is
>1.25) and T% are replaced by %T; accordingly R, R%, Reflectance, %RC and %RA. to %R. IF
the designation abs is detected, it is changed to A.
If the last but one header line also contains the list separator character, this line is interpreted as
sample descriptor. The first section is interpreted as the filename, the second as the description.
The other header lines are interpreted as sample description as well as the lines following the
data section.
The abscissa values can be arranged in ascending or descending order. A constant data interval
is not required – if so, the data are interpolated to the lowest occurring data interval. Additional
separators within a data line and end lines without information are ignored.
14-19
Appendix VISIONlite
The list separator character is primarily expected to be as set in the Windows configuration. You
can check and modify the setting with Control Panel/Regional and Language Options. If this
standard list separator does not appear, a comma, tab or space is searched.
Further separator characters (empty columns) and empty lines below the data range are ignored.
The decimal symbol is also expected to be as defined in the Windows configurations. If numbers
cannot be recognized, other decimal symbols are checked.
A standard decimal number format is expected. But it is also possible to have numbers in an
exponential form.
The imported csv file may also hold several spectra in the form x y y y or x y x y.
The files may be available in the ANSI or Unicode character format.
Tip: When a user repeatedly imports data files with specific filename extension, it is possible to
define the filename extensions to be offered by the Load Spectrum command. (See: File Menu
4-1 ) This is defined with the following line in the [Configuration] section of the ascapp.ini file.
See: The File ascapp.ini 13-3
[Configuration]
SpectrumReadTypes= .<specific filename extension>, .<specific filename extension>, etc.
Example
As an example for the import of tabular data, spectra generated by a spectrometer
software of a different brand can be imported. The spectra have the format:
"Storage 151148 5GI205 - RawData -D:\Applikationen\Hilfe\File_040622_R.spc"
"Wavelength nm.","R%"
190.00,6.758
192.00,6.671
194.00,6.532
196.00,6.421
...
14.3 Definitions for Date and Time Indications

The software issues date and time information (‘Date’ in the table below) at various instances.
The following table provides the relevant definitions. The definitions will be important to trace back
measurements and results.
Designation
Date in Reports Meaning
Creation date ‘Created: Date when a spectrum, Rate data set or method is initially set up with an
initial set of parameters. Time dependent records do not normally contain
any collected data points at this stage.
Last ‘Last modified:' The last date that a change in the data occurred. Normally the date where
modification the dataset is written to disk. For time dependent records the difference
date between this date and the creation date is the duration of the
measurement, unless the dataset was modified later, e.g. for an operator
comment or signature.
14-20
VISIONlite Appendix
Designation
Date in Reports Meaning
Autozero date‘Autozero:’ The date when the autozero/baseline correction at the instrument is
‘Baseline:’ performed. The designation ‘Autozero’ is used for blank measurement at
discrete wavelengths. ‘Baseline’ denotes a blank measurement over a
wavelength range.
Normally the autozero date of a spectrum/data set lies before its creation
date. But with cyclic measurements using an automatic cell changer and
with the blank at the first sample location, the autozero date may be later
than the creation date. Since several blank readings can be performed
within a measurement series of samples, different autozero dates may
apply to individual samples.
Measure- ‘Measured:’ The date when a measurement or measurement series is finished.
ment date Identical to the date where measurement of the last sample of the series
was finished.
Print date - The date is located in the page footer of reports. This date denotes the
date when the report was prepared for printing or print preview. The actual
printing time of a particular report page is usually different (i.e. later).
Version date ´Version n´ This date in the audit trail of methods and spectra/data sets denotes the
date, when the modification mentioned occurred.
Test date Test date In the PV Tests application with instrument self tests,the date/time values
within the test results are supplied by the spectrophotometer. These might
deviate from the PC date and time settings. See: PV Tests Application
12-1
14.4 Definitions Weight/Volume Correction

The Unit conversion factor (UF) correlates the calibration unit to the result unit. It is defined as:
UF = WUnit cal [g] / ( Unit [g/g] * WUnit samp [g] * LUnit cal [L] )
where:
WUnit cal Weight unit of calibration unit expressed as g; e.g. for mg/L:
mg is equivalent to 0.001 g
LUnit cal Volume unit of calibration unit expressed as L; e.g. for mg/mL:
mL is equivalent to 0.001 L
Concentration unit of results expressed as g/g; e.g. % is

Unit
equivalent to 0,01 g/g
WUnit samp Unit of sample weight expressed as g; e.g. mg is equivalent to

0.001 g
Typical factors are:
Weight (Sample) Calibration Unit Con-

Unit Unit Unit version Factor
g % mg/L 0.1
14-21
Appendix VISIONlite
Weight (Sample) Calibration Unit Con-

Unit Unit Unit version Factor
mg ppm mg/L 1 000 000
g g/g g/L 1
The actual calculation of the final concentration result is done as:
c fin = c * UF * DF * SV * [L] / Weight [mg or g]
where:
c fin Final concentration (in selected unit)
Sample concentration as derived from calibration (in calibration

c
units)
SV Solution volume [L]
Weight Sample weight [mg or g]
UF Unit conversion factor, see above
DF Dilution Factor (diluted sample volume / sample start volume)
14.5 Treatment of Reflectance Measurements

In order to measure reflectance data, the spectrophotometer must be equipped with a dedicated
reflectance accessory like an integrating sphere or a specular reflectance accessory. In this
case, the Measurement Mode is selected as one of the reflectance modes. The software will
still read %T data from the spectrophotometer, but will correct the readings online and will apply
the selected ordinate mode. See: Establishing the Reflectance Correction Files 13-13
For the available reflectance measurement modes, the software performs the following
calculations:
Mode Transformation
%R correction for the white standard and the dark value
%Ra square root of original %R data (no white and dark value correction)
f(R) transformation according to the Kubelka Munk function
(with white and dark value correction)
14-22
VISIONlite Appendix
Necessity of White Standard and Dark Correction
The white standard correction is necessary since the baseline run assumes that the white
standard reflects 100 %. However, in practice a white standard typically has an absolute
reflectance value in the range of 90 – 99 %R. Therefore all untreated readings are too high,
especially for light-colored samples. This discrepancy is taken into account by simply
multiplying the raw data by the absolute reflectance data of the white standard. The spectrum
used for this calculation must contain the absolute white standard reflectance data for the whole
wavelength range covered by the sample spectrum. These absolute white standard reflectance
data cannot be measured on the system. Vendors of white standard materials typically will
supply these data with the material.
The necessity for the dark correction is based on the fact that due to the construction of the
spectrophotometer and reflectance accessory, a small portion of the measurement light will be
detected without striking the sample. Thus all samples will display slightly too high reflectance
values, especially very dark samples. The dark correction values can be identified by measuring
an empty sample position after baseline correction. With proper instrument alignment, dark
correction readings should not be higher than a few %R.
White and dark correction procedures are especially important if absolute sample reflectance
values must be generated, for example for color evaluations and if very high or very low reflecting
samples are to be examined.
The corrections described are irrelevant if only qualitative measurements are performed, e.g. to
compare two samples or to determine absorbance band positions.
Performing the Corrections
The software includes example system files for white and dark correction. The files are csv-files
(comma separated values) as created by Microsoft Office Excel®. The files are resident in the
software’s Data directory:
White correction files <name>.R100.csv
Dark correction files <name>.R0.csv
The following sets of typical reflectance correction spectra are installed:
Filename Parameters Comments

<name> = Null 200–3000 nm with a value of 100 %R for the white correction and with
10 nm data a value of 0 %R for the dark correction. Obviously this
interval set does not modify the raw data.
<name> = 200–2500 nm with a typical reflectance curve of Spectralon® for the
Spectralon 5 nm data interval white correction and 0.2 %R for the dark correction.
<name> = 380–780 nm with a typical reflectance curve of barium sulfate white
Bariumsulfate 1 nm data interval reflective material for the white correction and 0.2 %R
for the dark correction.
<name> = Al 250-2500 nm with a typical reflectance spectrum of a front-surface
mirror 10 nm data aluminum mirror with a thin MgF2 coating and 0.2 %R
interval for the dark correction.
<name> = BK7 200-2500 nm with a calculated single surface reflectance curve of a
14-23
Appendix VISIONlite
Filename Parameters Comments

2 nm data interval BK 7 glass and 0% for the dark correction.
(for specular measurement of glasses: sample
backside roughened or wedged)
Adapting the Correction to Specific Spectrophotometers
If you wish to use the white and dark correction of reflectance measurements, you must adapt
these files according to the specific spectrophotometer and white standard in use or create new
files following the scheme. Use the Windows Editor/Notepad or Microsoft Office Excel to edit the
data in the files. See Data Formats and Data Import/Export 14-15 for further information about the
format of csv files.
Enter the absolute reflectance data of your white standard to the <name>.R100.csv file.
Enter the dark value readings as measured with an empty reflectance sample position into
the <name>.R0.csv file. You may also use the measured spectrum directly by storing it as
a csv file with the appropriate name to the program directory.
The set of white and dark correction files will appear in the Reflectance Correction list box (
Advanced Options window) if defined properly. Select the correction set as required for a
method. See, for instance: Advanced Options 7-4 in the Scan application chapter.
Note: The files used for white and dark correction must cover the total wavelength range of the sample
spectra. If not, it is not possible to record the data in %R mode.
The data interval is correspondingly interpolated.
Note: For every corrected spectrum, the software registers when and with which data the reflectance
correction was performed. You can inspect this information in the Audit trail section of the
Spectrum/Data Set information window. If you create your own <name>.R0 and <name>.R100
files, you should include a detailed commentary in the spectrum description so that the
correction is traceable.
14.6 Predefined Methods for Biochemical Applications

A number of predefined methods for standard biochemical applications are available in a
separate directory. The methods are only accessible with the Fixed application. See: Fixed
Application 9-1
Select the Fixed application and use the Open Method command to access the subdirectory
Bio of the methods directory. (See: File Menu 4-1 ) The following methods are available:
ssDNA
dsDNA
RNA
BSA
IgG
Lysozyme
14-24
VISIONlite Appendix
Protein
DNA Warburg-Christian
Protein Warburg-Christian
The methods are available for cell path lengths of 1 mm and 10 mm and with/without reference
wavelength.
Tip: Most of the methods are not applicable for Vis-only instruments lik e SPECTRONIC 200
because of UV test wavelengths.
Note: Please note that the methods have not been tested or approved. Check the methods for
compliance to your standard procedure and modify accordingly.
For an easier future access, use the Save Method command to save the method to the
methods directory. See: Results and Method Storage 3-6
14.7 Linking of External Routines

The software allows automatically executing external routines at defined points during the
measurement sequence. These "subtasks" may be activated at the opening of the sample
information window or the start/end of the measurement. The link point is defined through the
name of the subtask. The executables receive specific parameters like the sample or method
name from the VISIONlite main software.
A subtask can be an exe-file, a batch file, a Reporter-SPX template or a document (if

corresponding software is installed). If it exists in the program directory, it will be started for each
measurement. However, the routine can be programmed so that it responds only to a specific
sample or method.
As an example, the file MO_SampInfoStart.exe is contained in the software disk's \tool directory.
Copy the file to the software's program directory. When a measurement is started, the routine is
activated and shows a pop-up window with the name and path of the subtask and the
parameters, which have been received from the main software.
Another example can be applied to present information to the user at the start of the
measurement. As above, copy the file MO_RunStart.exe to the software's program directory.
Then create a text file (extension .txt) or a PDF-file with a file name that is equivalent to the
method file. Copy the file to the Methods directory.
The routine is started with each measurement: If it detects a text or file with the name of the
active method, this file will be reproduced. Otherwise the routine remains inactive. Thus, each
method can be backed up by an information text.
When you copy the MO_RunEnd.exe example as above, generally after a successful termination
of a measurement, a sound (Windows default beep) will be output three times to inform the user.
The subtask option can be employed for numerous further purposes: It may allow controlling
external devices like a temperature readout during the measurement process or integrating
application-specific sample data or result handling, like importing these from a LIMS system.
The following subtasks can be applied:
14-25
Appendix VISIONlite
Name of subtask Startup with ...

MO_APPSTART1 Start of application before communication to instrument
MO_APPSTART2 Start of application after start of communication to instrument
MO_SAMPINFOSTART Opening of the Sample information window
MO_SAMPINFOEND Closing of the Sample information window
MO_RUNSTART Start of a measurement series
MO_ACCSTART1 Start of an accessory control

MO_ACCSTART2 End of an accessory control before measurement
MO_ACCEND End of an accessory control after measurement
MO_SAMPLESTART Start of sample measurement
MO_SAMPLEEND End of sample measurement
MO_CALEND End of a calibration
MO_RUNEND Termination of a measurement series
MO_RUNERROR Error during data transfer from instrument
MO_APPTERMINATE Closing the application
Activating the Subtask Active option (See: Configuration File 13-3 ) opens an entry box below
the Advanced Options button. An entry of a subtask with a deliberate name in this place allows
extending the method definitions with a subtask definition. The subtask is called at method
setup.
You are welcome to request further information or support for this option from ascanis.
14.8 Report Configuration

The software generates reports showing the graph and/or evaluation results. The report format is
predefined.
The additional Reporter-SPX application software is available, which provides a high level of
freedom in the presentation of the graph and the page layout of the report. You install Reporter-
SPX as an independent application, which gives you a powerful tool for the generation of
customized analytical reports based on saved data.
Additional Features with Reporter-SPX
Installation of Reporter-SPX opens additional functions:
Clicking the right mouse key in the graph area opens the Chart Control Properties
window. This window contains a multitude of functions that allow you to configure the graph
area, such as spacing of grid lines, background color of the graph, or the assignment of
spectral curves to the left or right Y-axes. The modified settings can be stored and act to
the screen graphics and the report graphics. All functions of the Reporter-SPX Chart
Control window are described in the Reporter-SPX Operator's Manual. See: Graph Layout
14-26
VISIONlite Appendix
14-29
The additional Page Designer command in the Options menu opens the Page Designer
module of Reporter-SPX. This module allows setting up report templates that determine
the layout of the report. You can select the size of the graph, add your company’s logo,
insert additional variables and text information strings, etc. See: Page Layout 14-31 and the
Reporter-SPX Operator's Manual.
Additionally, an Export function becomes available in the File menu. In addition to the
standard export of a report in PDF format, the Export function supports these formats:
- the RTF (rich text format for word processors),
- HTML (for web page design),
- TIF (graphics format),
- XLS (Microsoft Office Excel)
See: File Menu 4-1 , Export command 14-28 and the Reporter-SPX Operator's Manual.
The function File / Open method allows loading the installed or new report templates.
Generating Layouts
Reporter-SPX and VISIONlite use special graph layout files (*.oc2) and page layout files (*.
rpx).
The standard graph layouts (template) of the software have the filenames Scan.oc2, Rate.
oc2 and Quant.oc2. The files are located in the Data directory. Any changes you make to
the graph layout template influence the graphics screen presentation and the reports of the
respective application.
You can also define a method-specific graph layout. This must have the same root filename
as the selected method and must be saved in the method directory. See: Preferences 4-6
Similarly, the standard page layouts template of the software have the filenames Scan.rpx,
Rate.rpx, Fixed.rpx, Quant.rpx and PV Tests or accordingly with an attached _LS for
presentations in landscape format. They are also located in the Data directory. Any
changes you make to the page layout template via the Page Designer influences the
reports for all methods (unless you have defined method-specific page layouts).
You can also define a method specific page layout. This must have the same root filename
as the selected method and must be saved in the method directory. Since also calculations
and decisions can be involved, a print preview of the report is generated automatically after a
measurement, if a method specific page layout is employed.
Example: For the Test1.msc, a method-specific graph layout would have the filename
Test1.oc2 and a method specific page layout would have the filename Test1.rpx. Both files
must be present in the method directory.
A further page layout TextReport.rpx is used for plain text reports, e.g. with the Show
method function.
Alternatively, any report template can be loaded by the Load method function to generate a
report.
Special Hints for Working with Reporter-SPX
14-27
Appendix VISIONlite
With Reporter-SPX peak labeling within the report graph is supported. To use this feature, the
graph layout must be defined with the Reporter-SPX user interface, because only here the
options to define peak labeling are available.
Rather than the standard presentation of the calculations, the Page Designer allows placing
selected parameters at any arbitrary position and in an individual format into the report with the
ResultTable (column,row) variable. The example report layout ResultTable.rpx that is installed
with the software shows the procedure.
14.8.1 Export Command
The Export command is available in the Scan and Rate application, if the Reporter-SPX
software is installed additionally. See for more details in the Reporter-SPX Operator's Manual.
See also: Report Configuration 14-26.
The command allows you to generate report files in a selectable format and to save them in a
selected directory. Clicking Export opens the Export window in which you can select the file
type, path and name, and a range of other options.
Export command window
1. Select the requested file format in the Export Format drop-down selection box:
Data Format Description

RTF This is a program-independent format for word processing.
(Rich Text format)
PDF This is a very widely used format for transferring documents. You can
(Portable Document open pdf files with the Adobe® Acrobat Reader, which is available free-of-
Format) charge.
HTML This is a page description language that finds application in particular for
14-28
VISIONlite Appendix
Data Format Description

(Hyper Text Markup Internet Web pages. This format is displayed by web browsers and can
Language) also be imported by a number of word processors.
TIF TIF files are loss-free compressed bitmap graphics files. You can open
(Tagged Image and modify TIF files using proprietary graphics programs.
Format)
XLS Microsoft Office Excel® format.
2. The first entry in the Export Options dialog is the filename and path.
The path displayed is the path currently selected in Options/Preferences and the filename is
that of the current spectral data file, or of the first file if multiple spectra are displayed.
To change to a different path or filename click the Browse button ( … ) to the right of the
proposed filename.
Tip: When you select PDF or HTML, further dialog windows are presented that allow you to
mak e additional entries that are specific to these file formats.
3. After completing selections, click OK to export the file to the selected location.
14.8.2 Graph Layout
You configure the graph layout in the Chart Control Properties window. To open this window,
right click in the graph area. The Chart Control Properties window contains a multitude of
functions that allow you to configure the chart area.
Entries or changes you make are displayed immediately in the chart area, when you complete
the entry or as soon as you click Apply. You can thus easily try out the various options.
Note: For numerical entries in the Chart Control Properties window you must use a period (.) for the
decimal position, even if a comma is selected as the decimal symbol in Windows.
The settings you can make in the Chart Control Properties window are divided in 12 pages:
Parameter Function
Control Governs the general appearance of the chart area.
Axes Defines the axes of the spectral graph.
ChartGroups Defines various chart groups.
ChartStyles Defines how the spectral data are displayed.
Titles Governs the appearance and position of titles.
Legend Defines the appearance and position of the legend box.
ChartArea Determines the appearance and position of the chart area in the report.
PlotArea Defines the properties of the plot area.
ChartLabels Defines the appearance and position of text labels in the plot.
View 3D Allows a three-dimensional presentation.
Markers Defines the appearance of marker lines.
AlarmZones Allows marker bands to be placed behind the plotted data.
14-29
Appendix VISIONlite
Parameter Function
When you click on a tab, the respective page is moved to the front. Each page has a number of
inner tabs, which access specific property pages. If not all inner tabs are visible, arrows are
presented at the right side of the tab bar. Use the arrows to shift the tabs to left and right.
Graph Layout Chart Options
The Chart Options window is presented as soon as you close the 2D Chart Control
Properties window or save the graph layout.
Axis scale tab
You use this tab to set the maximum and minimum vertices (corner points) of the three possible
axes.
Full The respective vertex (corner point) of the axis corresponds to the smallest or
largest data point to be displayed. If Full is selected for all vertices, the curves are
displayed at maximum size.
Rounded The vertex of the respective axis is selected automatically such that it has a
significant or rounded value.
Fix The current settings of the axis vertices are saved. The axes are not adjusted to the
data points. With this option, spectra in a series are always displayed with the
same scale, facilitating comparison of the data.
Note: If the second spectrum in a series is to be automatically assigned to the right-hand Y2 axis,
Y2min and Y2max must be set to Fix.
Axis title tab
This tab allows you to select the axes units (e.g., nm, A, etc.)
Automatic The axes units are automatically taken from the spectral data. Any changes that
were made to Axes/Title in the 2D Chart Control Properties window are ignored.
Fix Changes made to Axes/Title in the 2D Chart Control Properties window are
saved.
Legend tab
The tab offers the Show spectrum description check box. If selected the graph file description
box will show the data file description text for each data file. It may be preferable not to show the
description if there are space limitations.
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VISIONlite Appendix
14.8.3 Page Layout
The Page Layout command is only available, if the additional Reporter-SPX software is
installed. See for more details in the Reporter-SPX documentation. See: Report Configuration
14-26
The command starts the program section Page Designer.
Page layouts are stored as files with the extension .rpx in the method directory and they are
loaded or saved via the Open or Save commands in the File menu.
The Page Designer window shows the report area, where you configure the page layout, in the
center of the window. The report area has top and side rulers. The report area is structured. You
use the horizontal gray section bars to separate the various sections of the report. Each report
section (e.g., ReportHeader, GroupHeader1) has specific properties, which you can set in
the Property ToolBox.
Visual elements (known as controls) are displayed in the report area. Each chart element has a
name and type-specific properties. A list of the available chart elements together with the
structure of the layout is presented in the navigation view via the Explorer command in the View
menu. Properties of the active visual element are displayed in the Property ToolBox.
You can select a new visual chart element either from the left ToolBox or from the left variables
selection box. Current visual chart elements can be modified in a number of ways. You click the
requested chart element so that it is surrounded by grab handles.
Editing and formatting functions include:
Copying, pasting, dragging, deleting, and resizing with the mouse or keyboard.
Editing the properties in the Property ToolBox.
Commands from the context menus (right-click the chart element).
Commands from the Edit and Format menus.
Note: You must save a new page layout before it is available for the software. You do not have to
close Page Designer, however.
You close Page Designer window using the standard buttons in the window header.
14.8.4 Page Layout Scripting
Page layout templates may include VB scripts for dedicated purposes. They are defined via the
Reporter-SPX software. For that, dedicated functions allow accessing the software's data and
results, graph and results area or format and I/O options. Thus it is possible to set up for
example specific data handling routines, instrument control or export functions. See for example
the templates described in Data Handling Templates 13-14 .
The Reporter-SPX manual contains notes and example for the script functions. Contact ascanis
for further information and support.
14-31
Appendix VISIONlite
14.9 Problem Solving

The following can give advice in typical error situations.
Error Messages
Error messages can be originated by the software or by the operating system (in this case an
error number is given). Error messages will appear in the Windows or the software install
language.
Possible problems/messages are as follows:
Error message: Error accessing communication port COM ?: The system cannot find the
file/port specified. Invalid Port Number.
Spectrophotometer GENESYS (COMControl OpenPort)
The USB driver is not enabled or not properly installed. This can be detected in the
Windows Device Manager/Ports section: Then the Spectrophotometer (COM?) entry is
marked with an arrow or a yellow exclamation mark. Enable or re-install the driver.
Error message: Error accessing communication port COM?. The device does not
recognize the command.
Spectrophotometer GENESYS (COMControl WritePort)
The PC-instrument communication is defective. This happens for example, when the
instrument has been shutdown and re-started during software operation. Restart the
software.
Error message: The instrument at COM? is offline. or Error accessing communication

port com<number>.... or The instrument at COMUSB is offline (GENESYS)
Instrument not switched on, not in remote mode or at initialization.
PC cable disconnected or improperly connected, e.g. to wrong COM-port.
PC cable damaged/broken; connector pins missing. The DSR signal is not connected with
the cable.
PC interface on either side damaged.
For a serial port, try to set the IgnoreDSR=1 option in the configuration file.
Error message: Unexpected acquisition error 11 or 10 (GENESYS series)
Normally this error message is due to an internal instrument problem, e.g. main board.
Error message: Error accessing communication port COMn: A device connected to the
system does not respond. [31] .... (SPECTRONIC 200)
Probably, the instrument has hang up. Restart the instrument and the software.
Error message: No response from instrument on COM?.
A device is detected at the port, but:
14-32
VISIONlite Appendix
The instrument is not configured correctly for PC remote control.
Software installed for different spectrophotometer series.
Instrument with unknown (new or outdated) firmware version.
Error message: Path/File access error.
File probably write-protected.
Error message: Internal error retrieving device control block for the port (cmdsend).
PC probably was in stand-by mode before.
Error message: Error accessing communication port COM ?: Access denied [5]. Port
already open......
Probably another application module or another software already has communication with
the spectrophotometer. This could also be another user who might not have logged off and
not have closed the software.
Error message: Invalid procedure call or invalid argument [5]. (when starting an
application)
This error might derive from inadequate access rights. Check the Windows Event Viewer for
further information. To open it, perform these steps:
Right-click on the desktop's Computer icon,
select the Manage command,
in the Computer Management table, double-click the System Tools/Event Viewer
item,
double-click Windows Logs and select the Application item,
browse the event list for relevant information.
Error message: No printer is installed. For proper operation this program requires the
definition of a printer for the page layout.
For report generation and print preview, a printer driver is required. A printer however must not
be attached physically. If no default printer is installed, use the Control Panel/Printers/Add
Printer function to install e.g. the Generic printer.
Presumed Malfunctions
Problem: No reaction, when clicking the Program Icon
Presumably, the software has been started already. A minimized icon should be shown in
the task bar.
Problem: The Change Application command is void
Probably, the requested application is already active. If not visible in the task bar, it must be
closed via the Task Manager.
Problem: The Save method command is inactive
Probably, the instrument is not connected or not powered: A method cannot be saved,
14-33
Appendix VISIONlite
because the software does not have information about the specific instrument model.
Connect the instrument, switch it on and restart the software.
Problem: Peaks are not listed as expected.
Maybe the selected peak Threshold value prohibits that smaller peaks are detected.
In the Scan application the scan range is automatically changed by the software.
The selected scan range is not a multiple of the selected data interval. The limits are
changed accordingly.
In the Rate application or with repetitive data recording, the time data interval is
increased automatically.
The selected interval is not long enough for the defined data recording process. If possible,
reduce the integration time, the number of cells in the cell changer, the scan range, etc.
PC-controlled Sipper Pump
Accessory Button not present
Check that the USB relay is connected properly to a USB port of the PC. Open the
Windows Device Manager, expand and check the Human Interface Devices section.
When connecting the USB relay, an additional USB Input Device must appear.
Pump does not run
When the pump is switched on via the software's Manual operation function, the pump
LED display must switch from red to green. If not, check the cable between USB relay and
pump.
To check pump operation shorten the sipper cable (At pump model 900-1754 designated
"External control") or at the end of the cable: The pump then should start.
Pump Starts Running after Power-on
The sorting plug at the relay connectors (designated "External control" at pump model 900-
1754) must be removed.
Peltier Accessory
Error message: Error accessing communications port COM ? (SPG)
The device or the port probably is not configured correctly. See the section Installation 2-1
and section Peltier Accessory 14-13 .
Precision of Calculations
The software performs all calculations with high precision with data as recorded from the
spectrophotometer. For presentation, data and results are presented as rounded figures with a
limited number of decimals.
14-34
VISIONlite Appendix
In some cases therefore, there may be deviation of the results shown to those results calculated
with the data presented. The number of decimals for the results may be defined in the method.
Note: Data are generally presented with 4 significant figures, that is 3 figures after the decimal
separator for A and f(R) data and 1 figure for %T and %R data. It can however be selected to
show all data with an additional figure. E.g. this is recommended if results are going to be
check ed by manual calculation. See: Software Configurations 13-1 .
14-35
VISIONlite
14-36
VISIONlite Index
BK 7 Glass, 14-22
INDEX Black/white printing, 4-6
Blank, 5-2
Blank correction, 5-1
A Blank sample, 5-1
A<>%T, 4-15 Buttons, 3-4
Abscissa, 4-11, 4-13
Accessory, 2-1, 4-15, 5-5, 6-1, 6-2, 6-5, 7-2, 8-2, C
9-3, 10-5 Calculation, 4-6, 9-1
Accuracy, 12-1, 13-9 Calibrated reference material, 12-1
Advanced Options, 7-4, 8-4, 9-4, 10-6 Calibration, 6-1, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-7, 10-9, 10-10
Advanced Parameters, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 10-5, 11-1 Calibration function, 10-3, 10-7
Air gap, 6-2 Calibration mode, 10-9
Air-cooled Peltier accessory, 4-8, 5-9, 6-1, 6-4, Cell changer, 5-5, 6-1, 6-2, 6-5, 8-5, 10-10, 13-3,
13-8, 14-13 13-11, 14-4
Alphanumerical results, 4-20 Cell holder, 14-4
Aluminum mirror, 14-22 Cell pathlength, 14-24
Analytical report, 4-20, 13-13 Change application, 3-1, 4-1
Analytical wavelength, 10-3 Clear graph, 4-12
Application, 4-1, 4-18, 13-2, 14-15 Clipboard, 4-15, 4-18, 4-21, 5-5, 7-5, 12-8
Application modules, 1-1 Close button, 7-5
ascapp.cfg, 13-2 Coefficient, 10-7
ascapp.ini, 13-3 Color of curve, 4-14
ascuser.ini, 13-2 Color printing, 4-6
Attenuator, 5-1 COM port, 2-3, 4-6
Audit trail, 4-15 Comment result, 13-14
Automatic method start, 13-11 Communication, 14-4
Autosampler, 4-6, 5-5, 6-2, 10-10, 14-15 Configuration, 2-6, 12-1, 12-3, 13-1, 13-2, 13-3
Autoscale, 4-12, 5-8 Configuration file, 2-6
Autozero, 3-4, 3-7, 4-5, 4-6, 5-1, 6-5, 7-5, 8-5, 9-5, Copy, 4-15, 4-18, 4-21, 5-5, 7-5
10-7, 10-10, 12-8, 14-4, 14-20
Copy graph, 13-14
Averaged samples, 10-6
Copy results, 13-14
Axis scale, 4-12, 14-29
Corrected spectrum, 14-22
Axis title, 14-29
Correction, 14-22
B Correlation coefficient, 8-4, 10-7
csv, 12-8
Background correction, 9-5, 14-4
csv-format, 4-1, 14-15
Barium sulfate, 14-22
Cubic calibration, 10-3
Baseline, 4-5, 5-1, 6-5, 7-5, 8-5, 9-5, 10-10, 12-8,
14-4, 14-20 Cursor, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 4-13, 4-14, 4-17, 7-5
Baseline correction, 3-4, 4-5 Curve fit, 10-7
Baseline run, 3-7 Curve parameters, 10-2
Batch, 5-2, 5-8, 6-1, 10-1 Curve type, 10-3
Beers law, 10-1 Customizing, 2-6
Biochemical application, 14-24 CVC accessory, 14-10
BioMate, 2-1, 14-4 Cycles, 4-15, 7-4, 8-4
I
Index VISIONlite
Export results, 4-1, 4-18

D External routines, 14-25
Dark correction, 14-22
Data directory, 2-3 F
Data format, 4-1, 14-15 Factor, 5-2, 6-1, 8-3, 9-1, 9-5, 10-2, 10-3
Data handling, 4-6, 7-5, 8-5, 13-14, 14-26 File description box, 4-10, 4-12, 4-13, 4-14, 14-29
Data handling menu, 4-1 File extensions, 3-5
Data interval, 7-2, 8-2, 14-1, 14-2 File menu, 4-1
Data set, 4-17, 4-20 Filename, 8-4
Date, 4-15, 10-7, 14-20 Filename extensions, 14-15
Decimal places, 4-18, 9-1, 10-2, 10-5, 14-15 Fill down, 5-2, 5-5
Deinstallation, 2-3 Fixed application, 9-1
Delay time, 7-4, 8-4 Folder, 2-3
Derivative, 4-6, 13-14 Footnote, 4-6, 4-20, 4-21, 13-3
Description, 4-15, 5-2, 8-4 Format, 14-15
Detector, 8-4, 9-4 Format file, 8-5
Diagram, 4-10, 4-11, 4-14, 4-17, 7-5 Format graph, 4-12
Difference, 9-1 Format spectrum, 7-5
Digits, 4-18 Function key, 4-5, 4-9
Dilution, 5-2 Functions, 4-1
Dilution factor, 9-5
Directories, 4-6, 13-1, 13-3, 14-24
G
Directory, 2-3, 2-6, 3-6 General settings, 4-6
Directory, methods, 3-5 GENESYS 30, 14-2
Discarded, 10-10 GENESYS series, 2-1, 14-2, 14-4
Display, 14-4 Go to Samples, 10-9
DNA/RNA, 9-1 Good Laboratory Practice, 12-9
dti file, 8-1 Graph, 3-2, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 5-8, 7-3, 8-3
dx-format, 4-1, 14-15 Graph layout, 14-26, 14-29
Graph operating elements, 4-10
E
Emission lines, 12-3
H
End wavelength, 7-2 Header, 4-20, 13-13
Enzyme activity, 8-1, 8-5 Help, 4-9
Enzyme calculation, 4-13 Help menu, 4-1
Enzyme rate, 5-9, 8-3 Hg source, 14-10
Error messages, 14-4, 14-32 High limit, 8-4, 9-4, 10-6
Evolution 200 series, 14-6 High precision, 5-1, 10-10
Evolution 300, 14-10 html format, 14-28
Evolution series, 2-1, 14-4
I
Exit, 4-1
Import, 5-5
Expansion, 4-11, 4-12, 4-13
Increment, 5-5
Expected value, 13-9
Incrementation, 5-2, 13-3
Expiration date, 12-9
Information, 4-9
Export, 4-1, 4-15, 8-5, 9-5, 12-8, 14-26, 14-28
II
VISIONlite Index
InitCommand, 13-18 Measurement mode, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 10-5

Initialization, 3-1 Measurement time, 8-2
Installation, 2-1, 2-3, 2-6 Menu bar, 4-1
Instrument command, 13-18 Method, 2-6, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 4-1, 7-1, 8-1, 9-1, 10-1,
Instrument control, 13-14, 13-18 10-2, 12-3, 13-17, 14-24, 14-26
Integrating sphere, 14-22 Method protection, 3-5
Integration time, 8-2, 10-5 Method type, 3-5
Intercept, 8-4, 10-3 Methods, 2-3
Interface, 2-1, 2-3, 4-6, 13-3, 14-4, 14-32 Methods directory, 2-3, 3-5, 4-6
Internal light source, 12-3 Methods list, 3-2, 3-5
Internal standard, 12-3 Minima, 7-4, 8-3
Interval, 7-2, 8-2, 8-4, 9-4 Mode option, 9-1
Interval time, 9-4 Modification of calibration, 10-9
J N
JCAMP-DX, 4-1, 14-15 New method, 3-5, 4-1
Noise, 12-1, 12-3, 13-9
K Number of cells, 13-11
Kubelka-Munk function, 7-2, 14-22 Number of data points, 8-2
Number of repetitions, 13-9
L
Label, 4-12 O
Lamps, 4-6, 5-1, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 10-5, 11-1 Open method, 4-1, 7-1, 8-1
Legend, 4-10, 4-13 Operating system, 2-1, 14-32
Linear calibration, 10-3 Operating toolbar, 3-2, 3-4, 4-21
List, 4-6 Operator, 5-2, 13-2
Live display, 3-1, 3-2, 3-4 Options menu, 4-1, 4-6
Load ... command, 4-1 Ordinate, 4-11, 4-13, 4-14, 7-3
Load results, 4-21 Ordinate accuracy, 12-3
Long-term measurements, 8-2 Ordinate mode, 4-11, 4-15, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 13-13,
Low limit, 8-4, 9-4, 10-6 14-22
Output digits, 4-18, 8-3, 9-1, 10-2, 10-5
M Overlaid curves, 4-11
Main window, 3-2 Overlay, 7-3
Manual control, 4-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-5
Manual operation, 4-5
P
Mathematical operations, 13-14 Page, 4-21, 14-20
Maxima, 7-4, 8-3 Page Designer, 14-26, 14-31
Measure, 5-8 Page footer, 4-6
Measure blank, 5-2 Page layout, 14-26, 14-31
Measure menu, 4-1, 4-5 Page number, 4-20, 4-21
Measure samples, 7-5 Parameter, 3-2, 3-3, 7-1, 7-2, 8-1, 8-2, 8-4, 9-1,
10-1, 10-2, 12-3, 13-1
Measure Samples button, 5-1
PC requirements, 2-1
Measurement, 3-7, 4-5, 5-1, 5-2, 5-8, 7-1, 7-5, 8-1,
8-5, 9-1, 9-5, 10-2, 10-7, 10-9, 10-10, 12-3, 12-8, PDF, 4-21, 12-8, 14-28
14-20 Peak list, 7-4
III
Index VISIONlite
Peak pick, 4-15, 7-4 Reflectance correction, 8-2, 9-3, 10-5, 11-1, 13-13
Peltier accessory, 4-8, 6-4, 14-13, 14-32 Remeasure, 5-2, 5-8, 7-5, 10-10
Performance verification, 12-1, 12-3 Repeatability, 12-1, 13-9
Photometric accuracy, 12-1, 13-9 Repeated mesurements, 10-6
Port, 2-3 Repetitive measurement, 7-4, 9-4
Predefined method, 14-24 Report, 7-4, 12-8, 13-13, 14-20, 14-26
Preferences, 4-6 Report header, 4-20
Print button, 3-4 Reporter-SPX, 1-1, 4-6, 14-26
Print functions, 4-1 Residual, 8-4, 10-7
Print mode Automatic, 4-21 Resolution, 12-1, 12-3, 13-9
Print Preview, 4-21 Result file, 4-18
Printer, 4-21 Result filename, 5-2
Printer setup, 4-6, 4-21 Result format, 2-6
Printing, 4-21 Result limits, 8-4, 9-4, 10-6
Problems, 14-32 Results, 3-2, 3-6, 4-20, 5-8, 12-8
Program directory, 2-3 Results directory, 2-3, 4-6
Program group, 2-3 Results space, 4-10, 4-18, 4-20
Program window, 3-2 Results storage, 3-6, 5-8
Protected method, 3-5, 10-9, 13-17 Reverse pumping, 6-1, 6-2
Protein, 9-1 Right axis, 4-14
Pump time, 6-2 rtf-format, 14-28
PV definition file, 13-9 Run time, 8-4, 9-4
PV Tests, 12-1, 12-9, 13-9
S
Q Sampe weight, 5-2
Quadratic calibration, 10-3 Sample, 10-3
Quality of calibration, 10-9 Sample information, 3-7, 5-1
Quant application, 10-1 Sample information window, 5-2, 5-9, 6-5
Quantify sample, 10-1 Sample list, 5-2, 5-5, 7-5
Sample name, 3-7, 4-15, 5-2, 5-5
R Sample table, 5-2, 5-5
Rate application, 6-5, 8-1 Sample weight, 10-4, 10-6, 14-21
Rate calculation, 4-13, 8-3 Samples command, 4-5
Ratio, 9-1 Samples mode, 10-2, 10-3
Read Cursor mode, 4-13, 4-15, 4-17, 7-4 Sampling time, 6-1
Readme file, 2-3 Save, 4-15
Read-only method, 13-17 Save ...command, 4-1
Recalculate, 3-4, 5-9 Save spectrum, 7-5
Recalculation, 8-3, 8-5, 10-7, 10-9 Scaling, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 7-3, 8-3
Reference beam attenuation, 5-1 Scan, 7-1, 7-5
Reference material, 12-1, 12-8, 12-9 Scan range, 7-2, 14-1
Reference mode, 10-1, 10-3 Scan speed, 7-2, 14-2
Reference sample, 10-3, 10-5, 10-9 Serial number, 2-3
Reference wavelength, 8-2, 8-4, 10-2, 10-3, 14-24 Serial port, 14-10
Reflectance, 7-2, 13-13, 14-22 Setting, 13-1
IV
VISIONlite Index
Show method, 4-1

Single wavelength, 9-1
T
Sipper, 3-7, 5-2, 6-1, 6-2, 6-5, 7-2, 9-3, 10-5, 10-10, Tab key, 3-3
14-12 Table, 4-12
Sipper button, 8-2, 10-5 Tabular listing, 4-12, 4-17, 4-18
Sipper pump, 6-1, 14-12, 14-32 Temperature control, 2-2, 2-3, 4-8, 5-8, 5-9, 6-1,
Slider, 4-12 6-4, 13-8, 14-13
Slit, 4-6, 7-2, 8-2, 9-3, 10-5, 11-1 Template, 4-6, 14-26, 14-31
Slit width, 14-10 Test mode, 12-3
Slope, 10-3 Text button, 4-12
Smooth, 4-6, 13-14 Text conventions, 1-2
Software messages, 13-18 Threshhold, 7-4
Software organisation, 2-6 tif Format, 14-28
Software start, 3-1 Time, 10-7, 14-20
Software version, 2-6 Time and date, 4-15, 14-20
Sources, 4-6 Time interval, 7-4
Spectral bandpass, 12-1 Title bar, 2-6, 3-2
Spectralon, 14-22 Tolerance, 13-9
SPECTRONIC 200, 14-1 Toluene, 12-3
Spectrophotometer, 2-1, 4-6, 4-15, 7-2, 14-1, 14-2, Tool bar, 3-2, 3-4
14-4, 14-6, 14-10, 14-32 Total run time, 7-4
Spectrum, 4-10, 4-17, 4-20, 7-1, 7-2, 7-5, 12-8 Troubleshooting, 14-32
Spectrum format, 13-3, 14-15
Specular reflectance accessory, 14-22
U
Standard, 10-1, 10-3, 10-5, 10-7, 10-9 Unit, 8-3, 10-4, 10-5, 14-21
Standard deviation, 10-6 Unit factor, 10-4, 14-21
Standard Operating Procedure, 12-9 Update, 2-6
Standard reference material, 12-1 USB interconnect unit, 14-12
Standby, 14-4, 14-10 USB port, 4-6, 4-8, 14-4
Start, 13-11 User, 13-2
Start delay, 5-8, 7-4, 8-4, 10-6 User interface, 13-18
Start options, 2-6 User name, 5-2
Start routine, 13-2 UVLampError, 13-11
Start switch, 13-11
V
Start wavelength, 7-2
Variation coefficient, 10-6
Starting the software, 3-1
VB scripts, 14-31
Start-up, 2-1
Version, 1-1, 2-6, 4-9
Stirring speed, 6-4
VISIONlite ColorCalc, 14-19
Stop, 4-5
VISIONlite MaterialsCalc, 14-19
Stop button, 3-4, 7-5
Volume, 6-1
Storage, 3-6
Stray light, 12-1, 12-3, 13-9 W
Subtask, 14-25
Wait time, 5-8, 6-2, 7-4, 8-4, 9-4, 10-6
Wavelength, 8-2, 8-4, 9-1, 10-2, 13-9
Wavelength accuracy, 12-1, 12-3
V
Index VISIONlite
Wavelength range, 7-2

Wavelength repeatability, 12-1
Weight, 5-2, 10-4, 14-21
Weight/volume correction, 10-4, 10-6, 14-21
White standard, 14-22
Window, 3-2
Write protection, 7-1, 7-5, 8-1, 10-7
Write-protected method, 13-17
X
Xenon source, 12-1, 12-3
Y
Y maximum, 7-3
Z
Zoom, 4-11, 4-21
VI

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Copyright © 2003-2016 by ascanis OHG, Überlingen Germany.

For technical assistance, please contact:

Technical Support Telephone: 800 532 4752 (U.S.A. customers)

ascanis OHG Telephone: +49 700-2722 6471

6.3 Autozero/Baseline Function 6-5

12.2 Defining Test Details 12-3

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VISIONlite™ is a Windows ®-software package to control UV-Vis and Vis-spectrophotometers of

Recording time dependent readings at a fixed wavelength; dedicated

1.1 Text Conventions

Additionally, the following text conventions are used:

Keys on the keyboard of your computer are set in square brackets.

Texts displayed on the screen are given in bold characters.

Variable names of files and directories are given between carrets.

The asterisk * in filenames is a wildcard for any number of alphanumeric characters.

Prior to software installation, check the following prerequisites:

Hardware and Operating System Requirements

Applicable Instruments and Accessories

Instruments connected to the PC via USB interface:

SPECTRONIC 200E. See: SPECTRONIC 200 14-1

GENESYS 30 Vis. See GENESYS 30 14-2 .

Instrument connected to the PC via serial interface:

A USB port with USB-serial adapter may be utilized.

Evolution 300. See: Evolution 300 14-10

Setting up the Peltier Accessory

See section Peltier Accessory 14-13 for further information.

Modem cable or an additional F-F null modem gender change

Connection PC-controlled Sipper Pump

2.1 Installing the Software

Executing the Software Installation

Select Allow / Yes to continue.

2. According to Windows conventions, the software installs to the

Installation in Demo Mode

User-created method and result files and directories remain intact.

Settings Affecting Software Operation

Adding Text to the Program Window Title Bar

1. To do so open the Properties window of the program link.

2. Extend the Target entry for example like this

Starting the Software with a Preselected Method

Defining other Methods and Results Directories

Further Software Configuration

2.3 Update Information

Purpose Directory Comments

Results and Methods Directory

Result Files Format

3.1 Software Startup

VISIONlite Start Window

Scan 7-1 Spectrum recording

Fixed 9-1 Recording spectrophotometer readings at different dedicated wavelengths

PV Tests 12-1 Predefined tests for instrument performance verification

3.2 Layout of the Program Window

Data output area (graph space and results area)

Scan application window

3.3 Parameter Entry

3.4 Operating Toolbar

Operating Toolbar with live display

3.5 Methods Concept

Scan 7-1 .msc

Rate 8-1 .mra

Fixed 9-1 .mfx

Quant 10-1 .mqa

PV Tests 12-1 .mpv

2. Enter .dsp (spectra) or .dti (data sets) and click Open.