Agilent 1100 Start Signal Problem

[Paulhurleyuk]

I'm trying to get one of our 1100's to output a start signal to another piece of equipment.

The 'Remote' connector has the following pin out:

Pin Signal Description
1 DGND Digital ground
2 PREPARE (L) Request to prepare for analysis (for example, calibration,
detector lamp on). Receiver is any module performing
pre-analysis activities.
3 START (L) Request to start run / timetable. Receiver is any module
performing run-time controlled activities.
4 SHUT DOWN (L) System has serious problem (for example, leak: stops pump).
Receiver is any module capable to reduce safety risk.
5 Not used
6 POWER ON (H) All modules connected to system are switched on. Receiver
is any module relying on operation of others.
7 READY (H) System is ready for next analysis. Receiver is any sequence
controller.

I tried connecting the equipment to Pin 1 and 3 (the grey and white wires on the standard cable) but this doesn't work.

Is there a config setting anyone knows about ? Or am I doing something wrong...

Paul.

--
Paul Hurley

[Mary Carson]

On our older 1100s we use the grey and white wires (on a nine-pin cable I think) to send the start signal to the data system. Our newer systems use the 15 (I think) pin cable plugged into "remote relay" on the back of the pump, and we use the brown and white wires to start the MS. In either case, you have to remember to program in the start/relay signal into the timed events on the LC (in our case, usually using the "gameboy" controller. If this doesn't work the first time, try reversing the connection.

[Consumer Products Guy]

Mary is on the right track with her response. The 1100 Autosampler and Pump modules can accept an accessory external contact board which has a multi-wire cable. We have used that to balance an ELSD, to flush a 1047A RI detector, to balance that RI detector, etc. That accessory is not always included with a system (at least not several years ago), I remember buying one for a few hundred dollars. As Mary states, the contacts must be turned on or off at a timed point, which is a saved part of the ChemStation Method.

[Peter Apps]

Hi Paul

If you are communicating with other Agilent/HP instruments the solution is probably in the form of the appropriate connector cable.

There can be a problem with getting HP/Agilent hardware to start and stop instruments from other suppliers because it uses a 5 volt pulse, while other systems use contact closures or short to ground.

Peter

[Consumer Products Guy]

Yes, Peter means that if it is Agilent module to Agilent module communications, you need to connect modules using either the 9-pin Agilent remote connectors or the LAN connectors which look like telepone-type cables.

[ivanvins]

Paul, you are trying to use the correct pins. They are TTL logic, normally at High level - 5 volts. They work both as input/output - when shortcircuited (forced to low = 0 volts) the device will start, or when the device is started, they will produce a pulse to Low and back to High.

I have experienced however the voltages on 1100 sometimes do not comply with the TTL norm - the High may be as low as 3,5 Volt, while minimum is 4 V. Other common problem is the instruments groundig - when the devices are on different socket lines, the difference between grounds may cause problems. Of course, the polarity must match on both devices. I will recommend to check the output on those pins with a voltmeter to see the actual voltages. Some simple electronic circuit may help in such case.

Ivan

[rnelson]

You may check the configuration of the device you're connecting the start cable to. I ran into a problem where everything on the 1100 was correct, but my a/d converter was looking for the opposite signal.