Using the Autosampler with the Mass Spec

This manual is meant to complement your training and is not intended to replace on-the-job training.

Last Updated

5/4/2015

OPERATING PROCEDURE

When running multiple samples on the TGA which require mass spec data, you will have to use the Autosampler feature in the Mass Spec software.

TGA Set-Up

  • Set up your TGA sequence as normal.

  • Make sure that every procedure in your TGA sequence has the steps "External Event On" and "External Event Off" where you want the mass spec to begin and end data collection, respectively.

  • Pay close attention to the order of your samples in the Sequence tab. You may want to write it down.

Mass Spec Set-Up

The first run in your TGA sequence will correspond to the first run in the mass spec autosampler set up. Each time the mass spec receives an "External Event On" trigger, it will begin the next mass spec collection in your list. Any TGA procedure in your sequence that does not have an External Event On and External Event Off step in the procedure will not have any mass spec data collected.

  • Open the software. When prompted, click OK.

  • After the initial pressure check, choose whether to Run Uncalibrated or Calibrate the SEM voltage.

  • Under TG-Triggered Runs click the Autosampler button.

  • The software will prompt you to either create a new autosampler “recipe”, or to load an existing file to edit. This “recipe” is just a list of the MS runs you will do and has nothing to do with your saved data from the runs. It simply tells the mass spec what to do when it receives each trigger, and how many triggers to expect from the TGA.

  • If you do not already have an autosampler recipe saved that you wish to edit and use again, click New.

  • Name your new recipe. It will be saved as a .ini file.

  • In the next window click the number 1 to set up the first mass spec run (which will be triggered by the first TGA run).

  • Select whether this will be a Trend scan or a Bargraph scan. You can do any mix of Trend and Bargraph scans that you like, they don't all have to be the same type.

  • To set up a Trend scan, simply use the File Manager buttons to load the method file you will use and enter a data file name for your sample. This assumes that you have already made a Trend scan parameter file as described in the Mass Spec manual.

  • To set up a Bargraph scan, enter the Start Mass and End Mass, then click the File Manager button to give this run a file name.

  • Clicking OK will return you to the list of runs. Continue to add runs, either Trend or Bargraph, for each of the samples you intend to run. The numbers here are NOT pan numbers on the TGA, merely the order in which they will be run.

  • If you have more than 4 samples, click the More button to see runs 5-8, 9-12, etc.

  • When you have entered all of the information for all of your samples, click Done.

  • You may see a message like this one:

  • Click OK, and you should see in the bottom left of the window.

You are now ready to start your runs on the TGA.