Fisons VG Platform MS

[RSWFSL]

I recently "inherited" one of these. It looks to run masslynx 1.3 on win 3.1! I have all disks, manuals, pumps, cooling baths, ect to get her up and running, but I am missing what I believe to be the data card/computer/serial cable for this device. It appears to need a TDAT card but I could be wrong, but I think masslynx used TDAT cards that far back. It was a very expensive unit back in 1994, about 460,000$ (I even have the original purchase invoice), today I bet its not work 10,000, but who knows.

Is this device worth salvaging? The previous owner claims it has been very well maintained, and I believe him, as it came with all the service papers, invoices, and replaced parts. It was in service, and the lab director died and no one in the department wanted to take the MS on. (That might say something there) I have < 500 dollars into it now (my shipping costs). My lab could really use a HPLC/MS system, but doesn't NEED the system if you get my meaning.

I have a very competent tech who believes the device is ok, and that he can get it running, but we are going to have to get a data system/computer for it, and I worry that might cost more than its worth. I would like some input from others who might have experience with one of these or a similar version before we get too far in to it.

Any help, advice, experience would be very appreciated. Great forum here guys.

RSW

[CE Instruments]

VG Platform was their first APCI/Electrospray benchtop single quad system. $46000 I might beleive , half a million , no ! You are correct in that it will need a TDAT card to get it running. Is it worth it , only if you can get a TDAT card cheap. Are you in the UK ? If so there are lots of third partiy companies who could help or alternatively get you a newer LC/MS instead. Your $500 might not be wasted as the turbo should be worth that if working alone

Platform II was launched in 1994 so yours will precede that
http://www.springerlink.com/content/q2558w1x42667544/

[RSWFSL]

No we are in the US. THe invoice I have shows the MS at 179,900 and the HPLC system was 65,000 and the pumps (three of them) where 4,800 for one and 4,200 for the others the chiller was 2,800. So that's 255K, it seems the university bought 2 of them and with their discounts it can to a total of 460K.

That seems to be an outrageous, but I have the original invoice it even has a line item for training and travel.

After reading the invoice in more detail it says the computer must have a "data acquisition interface hardware including 32 bit RISC transputer array" and "Interface for up to four analog inputs to MassLynx"

Anyway, if you guys can point me in the right direction to talk to some one that would be great.

RSW

[CE Instruments]

Platform would have launched at about £100K so I can beleive that two with LCs cost you $460000. Getting a TDAT from the UK may not solve all your problems, unless you are confident with the MS you may be better looking to px it with an American company who could provide support for the kit you want. A Google search for Mass spectrometry service UK brings up a list of several companies who might have access to a TDAT card.