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How the AS 6000 Autosampler Works
The autosampler has to be configured into the DSC 4000, the DSC 6000, the STA 6000 or
the TGA 4000 via the Pyris Configuration dialog box in order for the software to recognize it.
See the software Help for details.
The AS 6000 autosampler is computer controlled and fully automated. Information between
the host computer with Pyris software and the AS 6000 is sent via the parent instrument's
connection to the computer via the RS-232 port. Light switch sensors by the furnace access
hole detect the presence or absence of a furnace lid or sample pan. An error message is
generated and displayed in the software and on the LCD of the parent instrument if the
sensors detect the presence of an object when there should not be one and vice versa.
NOTE: The instrument cannot detect if a sample pan is present in the furnace from a
previous power on period. If you turn off the instrument with a sample pan in the
furnace, you must remove the pan before loading another sample during the
following power on session.
In general, you place samples in sample pans and load the pans in the sample trays. The
sample trays are then placed on the base plate on the parent instrument. At the beginning of
a run, the gripper arm is up all the way and is over the home position. The fingers are
closed. The furnace lid (for the TGA 4000) or lids (for the DSC 4000 or DSC 6000) are on the
lid holders in the furnace access hole. The gripper device is instructed via a command in the
Pyris software to begin a session.
Autosampler Work Cycle
When you begin a sample run by starting a play list, the autosampler performs a typical work
cycle. If you use the Sample Group instead of a regular play list, many steps are
automatically added to the play list by the software. These additional steps are seen when
you select View History. For example, if you wish to run two or more samples, you have to
include a Return Sample line after the Start Method line for each sample before a Load
Sample. When using Sample Group, the software adds that Return Sample line automatically
when the play list is played back.
NOTE: Play lists created in previous versions of software are compatible with new versions
of Pyris software. However, new play lists may not be compatible with older versions
of Pyris, or with older instruments.
A typical work cycle for the autosampler on a DSC 4000 or a DSC 6000 and used with a play
list is as follows:
NOTE: Before the start of a play list, the gripper should be over the home position and there
should be no sample pan in the furnace. The lower furnace lid and the upper lid
should be in place.
1. Start the play list. Your play list may have an explicit Load Sample command, or, if
using a Sample Group, the entry Sample List implies Load Sample. Upon reaching this
line in the list, the gripper swings around to remove the upper lid and place it on the
ring.
2. The gripper then removes the lower lid and places it on the ring.
3. The gripper retrieves the sample pan and places it in the furnace.
4. The lower lid is placed within the furnace.
AS 6000 Autosampler . 69
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