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Handling the Cards
The PCI4 cards, like most electronic components, are susceptible to damage from static discharges and
connection to live circuits. Some elementary precautions should be taken when handling and installing these
cards.
The cards are shipped in anti-static bags. Leave them in these bags until you need to install or
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reconfigure them.
Always turn off your computer before plugging in any card.
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If you need to leave a card out of its anti-static bag, lay the anti-static bag on a flat surface, then lay
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the card on top of the bag.
Prior to handling the cards, you should momentarily ground yourself to eliminate any static charges
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on your body. A good way to accomplish this is to turn off your computer, then lightly touch your
finger to an unpainted portion of the computer's metal chassis.
Save the anti-static bags. You must use them if the cards are shipped while not installed in a
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computer. This includes occasions when the cards must be returned to Gamry Instruments, Inc. for
repair.
Plug & Play System Configuration
The PCI4 Controller Card is completely compatible with the Windows Plug & Play configuration system. Unlike
Gamry's older potentiostats, you don't need DIP switches to configure the card. Like most Plug & Play
hardware, it is best if you install the software for the PCI4 before you install the potentiostat hardware.
A Setup program will normally startup automatically when you place the Gamry Instrument's Software CD into
the CD drive on your computer. Consult Gamry's software installation manual if you need assistance accessing
the Setup program or choosing options in its menus.
Installing the Cards in Your Computer
NOTE: Please review the discussion on Handling the Cards earlier in this chapter prior to proceeding.
As discussed above, it is best if you install Gamry's Framework software before you install the PCI4 hardware.
The following procedure is used to install the PCI4 cards in your computer.
1.
Turn off your computer.
2.
Following your computer manufacturer's instructions, open up the computer to expose its expansion
card slots.
3.
Locate an empty expansion slot that has a PCI interface. The slot must be at least 26 cm long.
If necessary, remove the retaining screw and slot cover (the 'L' shaped metal bracket) for this slot.
Save the screw for use later.
4.
Locate a second empty slot that is within 15 cm of the first. You may have to move some of your
existing cards to get two suitable slots.
Chapter 2 -- Installation -- Handling the Cards
2-3
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