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Chapter 2 -- Installation
A PCI4 Potentiostat is only useful after it has been installed in a Windows compatible computer.
If you purchase a PCI4 in a system that includes both a computer and an applications software package, Gamry
Instruments, Inc. will install the PCI4 (and the system software) to produce a "turn-key" system. You may ignore
this chapter if you have purchased a turn-key system.
If you buy your own computer, add a PCI4 to an existing system, or move an old PCI4 to a new computer, you
need to know how to install a PCI4 into a computer. Read on.
Software installation is discussed in the Installation Manual for each software package. It will not be discussed
here.
Computer Requirements
Before you install a PCI4 into your own computer you must make sure that your computer meets these simple
requirements.
A computer based on one of the Pentium family of Intel microprocessors or a 100% compatible
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processor from another vendor.
One of the following Operating Systems: Windows 2000, or Windows XP.
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Two unobstructed, full height (11 cm) PCI expansion slots for each PCI4 card set. Each slot must be
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capable of accepting a 26 cm long (10 inch) card.
Up to 50 watts of power supply capacity for each PCI4 Card Set. This is in addition to the power
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normally drawn by your computer and its standard peripherals.
One unused disk drive power connector. This connector is used to power the PCI4 Controller card.
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Most of the PCI4's power is drawn from the computer's +12 volt and +5 volt supplies. However, the PCI4 also
requires a small amount (< 50 mA) of current taken from the computer's –12 volt supply.
Gamry's Windows application software packages may impose additional, more stringent requirements.
PCI Compatibility
The PCI4 has been designed for compatibility with Revision 2.2 of the PCI Specification. As described in that
specification, it is a universal card, able to operate with either 3.3 volt and 5.0 volt PCI signaling levels.
The PCI4 does not draw power from the 3.3 volt supply pins on the PCI bus connector. It can therefore
operate with older computers that did not provide 3.3 volts on the PCI bus. It should operate with all PCI
computers compliant with Revision 2.0 and higher of the PCI Specification.
Chapter 2 -- Installation -- Computer Requirements
2-1
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