Page 1 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.

56

Notice of
Software Release
Project: compuGRAPH for Windows
Version: 6.5.56
Date: 12/2/2005

compuGRAPH for Windows Version 6.5.56

Version 6.5.56 of compuGRAPH is now available. This release of compuGRAPH adds new
features as well as corrections.

Installing Version 6.5.56:

 For new installations, follow instructions in “WCG6\Installing WCG6.doc” on the CD-ROM.

 Updating to Version 6.5.56 requires re-calibration on all rheoTECH-MD or rheoTECH-

ODR instruments. This is due to improved data acquisition and analysis methods
implemented in the current version

 If you are updating your software from version 6.3.0 or later, you may install the update
from CD-ROM: \Wcg6\Update\Setup.exe. Custom settings and calibration records will not
be overwritten. The Update for Version 6.5.56 is also available on a two diskette sent by
standard mail delivery, Email, or by download from the following Link:
http://www.techpro-usa.com/files/

 If you are updating software from a version prior to 6.2.15, you must install the full
installation from CD-ROM:\Wcg6\Setup.exe. During the installation, do not select “Install
Factory Database”, unless you want to replace the default database at C:\Program Files\
CompuGRAPH for Windows\Data\. Custom settings and calibration records will not be
overwritten. The full install method is designed to update or add new driver files and the
program executable file only if the files are branded with a prior version.

 After installation is complete, run compuGRAPH and perform the following step to update
the database files.
1. Insure that all users are logged off the database by exiting all applications such as
compuGRAPH and proMERGE at all workstations. You may check the status of
current database users by clicking on the numeric index label to the right of the
compound ID list box on the main screen of compuGRAPH.
2. A database conversion operation must be performed. Run the Database Utility from the
“File” pull-down menu. Choose “Compact” from the “Compact/Repair” Pull-Down Menu
Page 2 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

on the database Utility. The conversion process may take a few minutes depending on
the content and size of the current database. Choose Access 2000 compatibility for
optimal performance. The database will be converted to work with the latest version of
the database engine. New fields required for Version 6.5.56 operation will be added to
the database tables. Click Exit on the database utility when the operation completes.

V 6.5.56 has been Tested on the following Windows Operating Systems:

 Windows 98, 98 Second Edition, ME with 128 Megabytes Ram
 Windows NT 4.0 Service pack 6 with 192 Megabytes Ram
 Windows 2000 with 256 Megabytes Ram
 Windows XP Professional with 256 Megabytes Ram

Changes in Version 6.5.56:

The changes in this Notice of Software Release are relative to compuGRAPH
Version 6.5.26

 Corrections and Improvements:

 Database access is now faster when switching between compound IDs, and when
loading the test screen. A dramatic improvement has been observed on systems having
databases on Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server, and Novel Network operating
systems.

 Improvements have been implemented in query design to prevent “Swapping of

Parameters” between two different test types on the same compound.

 Smart Motor Code now implements Optimized PID Settings at different Frequencies.
This affects rheoTECH MD+ and rheoTECH MDpt instruments only.

 Improved Tan-Delta Calibration and compensation for Positive or Negative Calibration

Phase Shifts.

 Watlow Temperature Controller CalOffset value will now be restored from Calibration
Records anytime the Controller is switched from Fahrenheit to Centigrade or from
Centigrade to Fahrenheit, and when loading a new set point. This is done to eliminate
rounding errors in the CalOffset value when the controller mode is switched. Previously,
Switching between Fahrenheit and Centigrade either at the controller user interface panel
or through Software commands, caused an accumulating shift in the Cal Offset register.

 Default Register control for Watlow initialization is now specific to instrument type .
This removes defaults such as Burst Mode and PID settings from viscTECH and OD
Instrument temperature control. A Custom Factory Menu is now established with default
production check-out settings. All of the default registers and settings are established only
Page 3 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

after the “Set Factory Defaults” command Button is clicked on the Auto-Tune Temperature
Controllers form.

 Parameters may now be reordered on compuGRAPH reports.

Reordering parameters may be done using either of the following methods:
1. On “Parameters Setup” from the main screen, select the parameter to be moved,
and then click on the UP arrow command button to move the parameter toward the
top of the order. Or, click the Down Arrow command button to move it downward.
The topmost parameter will appear in the leftmost column in reports. Multiple
columns may be selected by holding the SHIFT KEY and block selecting
parameters with the mouse.
2. On the test screen results grid, left-click with the mouse on a column heading and
drag the column to the desired location. Multiple columns may be selected and
moved by first selecting a column, then while holding down the SHIFT KEY, select
the opposite column in the block of columns to be moved.

 Modified parameters on Networked systems are handled on recall and at end of test
(on the Test Screen). If one or more parameters have been deleted, added, or reordered
by another workstation, an Auto-Recall will be invoked when the workstation completes a
test. New parameters (added by another workstation) will show a blank column until the
tests have been recalculated. This eliminates miss-matched parameter column headings
seen in the past. Parameters which have been deleted by another workstation will be
removed from the current workstation recall. If entire test records are deleted by another
workstation, the current workstation report will indicate “*Deleted*” across the results row.

 Common WIN_CG_Common.ini File is maintained in the app.Path. This file contains

settings that are used when a new user is established. When the new user is established,
and runs compuGRAPH for the first time, all settings are replicated into the new user’s
private control INI file. This assures that the new user receives the same settings already
established on the same computer system.

 LIMS Export file format changed. The LIMS export file format now includes pass/fail
spec limits at the end each row.

 BTP Batch Tag Printer application modified to accommodate the New LIMS export file
format.

 Regions of the torque curve are blanked during Strain setting transitions. This
feature is intended for special MD-PT tests running strain sweeps, or FST test parameters.
The effect is to segment the Torque/Time curve during strain adjustments. The feature
may be turned off or on by using the “Graph Options” pull-down menu and toggling the
checkmark on “Blank Strain Transitions”. Only the displayed curve segments are hidden.
The actual data is still recorded and saved in database test records. Exported data files will
contain unmodified curve data.
Page 4 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

 Added Parameters:

Properties Measured at a Specific Time or Temperature

In the following parameters, a Time may be specified in CoeffA or a Temperature may be
specified in CoeffB. Combinations of both time and temperature specifications will not be
permitted. If a Time is specified in CoeffA of the parameter, the measurement is made at
that time. If a Temperature is specified in CoeffB of the parameter, the measurement is
made at that Temperature.

S'@(A) Time or (B) Temp Elastic Torque

S"@(A) Time or (B) Temp Loss Torque
S*@(A) Time or (B) Temp Complex Torque
Tan Delta@(A) Time or (B) Temp Tangent Delta
G'@(A) Time or (B) Temp Elastic Modulus
G"@(A) Time or (B) Temp Loss Modulus
G*@(A) Time or (B) Temp Complex Modulus
’@(A) Time or (B) Temp Real Dynamic Viscosity
"@(A) Time or (B) Temp Imaginary Dynamic Viscosity
 * @(A) Time or (B) Temp Complex Dynamic Viscosity

FST Event Driven control parameter

FST@MaxSlope (SP)Temp/(A)Hz/(B)%Strain:
The FST at Max Slope allows the initial part of the test to run at the default settings of
Temperature, Frequency, and Strain. The running slope of the elastic torque response is
monitored until the maximum positive slope has been detected. At the point of Maximum
slope, the specified Temperature (in the Set point field), Frequency (in the CoeffA field),
and Strain (in the CoeffB Field) are applied. Maximum slope is detected by monitoring the
second derivative of the elastic torque. The point of Maximum slope is triggered when the
second derivative transitions from a positive value to a negative value.

Slope at FST_MaxSlope:
The Slope at FST_MaxSlope parameter records the slope (Y/X) at Maximum Slope
causing the FST Switch event in the FST@MaxSlope control parameter.
Page 5 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

Inflection Point Measurements

TLi : Time of Inflection from M L

This parameter reports a Time delay measurement from Time Zero (Start of test) to a point
which is the intersection of a line at the level of ML parallel to the X-Axis and a line which is
the Slope of the point of Maximum Slope (Cure Rate) on the cure curve.

THi : Time of Inflection to MH

This parameter reports a Time delay measurement from Time Zero (Start of test) to a point
which is the intersection of a line at the level of MH parallel to the X-Axis and a line which
is the Slope of the point of Maximum Slope (Cure Rate) on the cure curve.

TLi and THi are illustrated in figure 1.

Rheometer Torque
100% Cure
Showing Tli and Thi inflection points Torque level
12 (MH)

10

Point of
8
Torque (in.lbf.)

Maximum
Slope (D Y/D X)

6
0% Cure
Torque
Level (ML)
4

0
0 TLi 0.5 THi 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Time (Min.)

Elastic Torque

Figure 1 TLi and THi inflection time measurements

Page 6 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

 Linked Tests. A linked set of multiple test types may be defined and run on a sample.
For example; an Isothermal cure (ASTM D5289) test may be followed by one or more
Strain Sweeps, Frequency Sweeps or Temperature Sweeps as described in ASTM D6601
or ASTM D6204. A command button labeled “Linked Tests”, see Figure 2, will be visible
on the Main screen when the instrument type is a rheoTECH MD+ with a Smart Motor, or a
“Reporting Station” (for setup purposes). When a Linked test is run on a sample,
selection of each test type is automated by the software so that the entire set of tests may
be performed on a given test sample without opening and closing the instrument platens.
Additionally, a special test ID designation is defined to tag each of the linked tests on a
single sample. This tagging method provides an organization for reporting purposes.

Figure 2 - Linked Tests button

Clicking on the Linked Tests command button will load the Linked Tests control form. See
Figure 3.
Page 7 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

Figure 3 Linked tests control form.

Figure 3 Shows the linked test control form with previously defined linked test “Preheat &
Strain & Freq & Temp” selected from the Link Name list box.
The list box in the “Available Test Type” frame shows a list of test types already defined in the
current compound.

To include one or more test types in a linked test, select one or more from the list using
the mouse, then click on the Left Arrow. Transferring a test type from “Available Test
Types” does not remove it from the list. This way, multiple instances of the same test
type may be included in the list.

The list box in the “Tests to Run” frame shows the tests to be run in order from top to bottom.

To remove one or more tests from the “Tests to Run” list, Select the tests, then click on
the Right Arrow.

To change the order of testing in the “Tests to Run” list, Select the tests to be reordered, and
Use the Up Arrow, or Down Arrow to move the tests in the list.

Tests will be performed in order from top to bottom.

Page 8 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

A new linked test may be defined by typing the new name in the text field of the Link Name
Listbox, then defining the likned test as previously described. When the test is completely
described, click the “Save” command button.
Linked tests – continued. The Sample ID textbox as well as all Items in the “Reporting
Fields” group must be filled in before the selected linked test may be run. The Test ID text box
will be validated against previously recorded Linked Tests to check if the specified ID has
already been assigned. If the test ID is already recorded, the Text Box will remain yellow, and
the “Run Selected Linked Test” button will remain disabled. Once a valid Test ID is assigned,
the “Run Selected Linked Test” command button will be enabled. Clicking on the “Run
Selected Linked test” button will launch the automated test sequence.

Running Linked Tests: Once a linked test is started, the Test Screen will be shown with
special Test Information about the progress of the Linked Test. See Figure 4.

Figure 4 - Test Screen running Linked test

In the example of Figure 4, a linked test has been started and is in progress. The test has
completed the first segment, “Sample Preheat”, and is currently executing the second
Page 9 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

segment “Full Freq Sweep”. The remaining run time is estimated for the entire set of tests,
and is displayed above the test list.

Upon completion of the entire set of linked tests, the status will change to “Ready to Start”. At
this time you may open the platens and insert a new sample. Closing the platens on the new
sample will repeat the entire set of tests using an incremented test ID.

 Enhanced database file usage information.

Additional information about database file attachment is available by clicking on the
compound ID index number, located next to the Compound ID list box on the main screen.
This information may be useful for resolving database conflicts. Information has been
added to identify which computer workstations are currently attached to the primary index
database (WCG.MDB), and to the currently selected compound database file. The
connection list is not limited to use by compuGRAPH applications. Connections by
workstations using proMERGE, or any other application compliant with Microsoft Access
will also be listed.

Figure 5 - Database File usage Information

 Improved Report format with Print Preview, PDF and EMAIL export.
The report format now automatically wraps long parameter lists, such as in Frequency and
Strain Sweeps into a more readable format. Additional improvements have been made in
reporting Linked-Tests. All Tests (in all related Test Types) of Linked Test Format will be
reported when one or more tests recalled are linked. This allows Linked Test reporting
while Linked Tests are being performed.
Page 10 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

New command buttons are added in the bottom left corner of the test screen.

The Print button generates a printed report directly to the default printer.

The Preview button allows an on-screen preview of the printed report. While
viewing the preview, the report may be converted to PDF format, Printed to any printer
available on the system, or forwarded as a PDF attachment via Email. A MAPI 1 compliant
Email client must be installed on the computer for this to be available.

Both Print and Preview actions may be taken even though a test is in progress.

Figure 6 – Print and Preview – Bottom left corner of the test screen

 Print Preview
Features of print preview:
The Print Preview display shows an on-screen view as formatted on the selected or default
printer. In this version of compuGRAPH, a system having no default printer installed, will
produce an on-screen preview using the video display screen as the default page device.

An Adobe PDF formatted file may be created by clicking on the “PDF” command button. A
PDF Viewer must be installed in order to view the PDF file. If a Viewer is not available on
the computer, A free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader may be downloaded and installed
by visiting the following link:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Once the PDF file is loaded in the reader, you may choose to save a copy of the file in the
location of your choice.

The PDF File may be created and transmitted by EMAIL if a Email Client is setup on the
computer by clicking on the “EMAIL” command button. The Email process will allow
selection of recipient addresses from an address book (if one is available, or manually
entered addresses. The EMAIL process will permit previewing and editing the message
and attached PDF before sending.
Page 11 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

Figure 7 - Print Preview

Page 12 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

 Sweep parameter setup

Setting up dynamic sweep tests for use with the MD-PT and MD+ instruments may now be
accomplished easily using the “Sweep parameter setup form”.

The “Sweep Setup” command button will be visible on stations configured with MD-
PT, MD+, or Reporting Station instrument types. The “Sweep Setup” command button is
located in the Parameters control panel.

Figure 8 - Sweep Setup Command Button

Click the “Sweep Setup” command button to activate the Sweep Parameter Setup form.
The Sweep Parameter Setup form will load any prior sweep control parameters and
display the configuration for modification or review. In the example of Figure 9, an
extremely large sweep setup having 241 parameters is defined. Although, this is not
typical, it demonstrates the capability to define complex sweep control tests with a
minimum amount of effort. A more practical example would be that of setting up a test to
perform ASTM D-6601 which would include parameters measued at strains of 1,2,5,10,
and 20 % and a single frequency of 1 Hz, Temperature at 100 Degrees C.
Page 13 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

Figure 9 - Sweep Parameter Setup Form

The Sweep Parameter Setup form allows simplified entry of complex Strain, Frequency
or Temperature sweep test control parameters.

Frequency, Strain, and Temperature settings may be entered by selecting the

appropriate TAB and typing in the desired settings.

The list of parameters in the “Desired Parameters” frame permits selection of any of the
permissible PT parameters to be measured at each Frequency, Strain, and
Temperature combination during the test. One parameter will be installed for test
measurement at each unique combination of test conditions.

The “Pre-Conditioning Setup” panel allows entry of sample preconditioning settings. In

the example of Figure 9, the sample will be preconditioned for 3.00 minutes at 176.7
degrees Centigrade with a “Static Cure” (at zero hertz). A strain of 1% is selected to
preset the instrument at the first test strain setting.

A limitation of 254 total parameters will be enforced. If, while defining a large sweep
setup, more than 254 parameters are required, the form will disallow applying the
setup. If this occurs, you will need to delete settings until the Parameter Count is less
Page 14 of 14 compuGRAPH for Windows NOTICE OF SOFTWARE RELEASE Version 6.5.56

than 254. The Parameter Count is displayed in the label at the lower left corner of the
form.
The reporting order of the generated parameters may be preselected by clicking on the
appropriate “Order Output .. “ radio buttons. If “Order Output by Parameters” is
selected, parameters will be grouped and sorted by parameter type. I.E. All G’
parameters will be reported together and each sweep condition setting. If “Order
Output by Sweep Conditions” is selected, parameters are grouped and sorted by
Strain,Frequency, or Temperature. This ordering definition is applied when the
parameters are built on exit from the setup form. Ordering (or any other settings) may
be changed after the initial definition by returning to the setup form, and making the
changes.

Clicking “Cancel” on the form will restore all settings to the original state.
Clicking “Apply” will install the current modifications, and allow further editing.
Clicking “Exit” will apply current modifications, if any, and return to the parameters
screen.