Finnegan GCQ GC-MS

[edc]

I come from a comprehensive university and we were just given a Finnegan GCQ GC-MS system. This is a 1996 vintage instrument. With this system we were given the MS software. I have been able to retrieve a user manual for the GCQ MS component on-line, but have not been able to get a user manual for the GCQ GC. ThermoFisher, which bought out this line is no longer supporting this system.
I was wondering if anyone had:
1. a user manual for the GCQ GC.
2. any information on the operating software for the GCQ-GC. Would this software work together with the GCQ-MS software? It appears, if I am correct, that the GCQ-MS software has no control over the GC Is the software available?

Thanks
Eric Conte
Western Kentucky University

[Tony]

We have an old GCQ system - this is made up of a Thermo Finnigan Trace GC 2000 coupled to the MS, and both are controlled by Thermo's Xcalibur software. If it's a non-Thermo front-end, then Xcalibur should have configuration options to support other GCs (e.g. Agilent, PE). If it's not Xcalibur controlling the GCQ, then I'm afraid I don't know what your options are.

thanks
Tony

[CE Instruments]

A 1996 GCQ would be an original system fitted with the "Q" GC made by Finnegan. If still with the original PC etc. you will not have Xcalibur which was launched in 98. The earlier Finnigan data system will be fine and will run much faster than early Xcalibur versions. If you have a system that is Xcalibur updated have you got all the software. The "objects" for Xcalibur were (are) still separate to the MS software and you need to load the compatible versions.

[Mr-Eric]

Hi there,

We just got a similar system. Getting it running seems to be stumping everyone at the lab. I have a few very basic questions.

On the GCQ plus, should the power light be solid or blinking? Mine is blinking.

We are running xcaliber software on an old windows NT machine. It consistently reports the GCQ as "Not Connected" I've tried ever port configuration. I've even done a continuity test on each pin of the data cable. Does the DPC need to be connected and powered up in order for the GCQ Plus to communicate with the computer? Also in the instrument configuration I have the option of adding a "GCQ" but not a "GCQ Plus" -- does that mean I need a software upgrade?

Kind of a lot to unload on all of you for my first post in this forum. Any insight would be much appreciated. Awfully expensive paperweights to have just sitting there.

Thanks everyone.

[jamesh]

Just got a couple of these machines (Finnegan GCQ GC/MS) from storage. One (supposedly works) but when I connect it to the computer, it will not interface.

The second will interface but the voltages for RF amplifier (28 and 36 V) are around zero and one of the lens voltages is too high (around 190 V). Its suspected that there is a bad board somewhere. I have swapped the wave form and RF amplifier boards between the machines but the voltages are still off. I suspect that the issue is on the main PCB.

I would like to get the first interfacing with the computer as I've been told that this is its only issue. If anyone has any ideas on what the issue could be, I would be appreciative.