COLIBRICK A/D CONVERTER

Clarity Hardware ENG

Code/Rev.: M149/80A
Date: 6/13/2018

Phone: +420 251 013 400 DataApex Ltd.

Fax: +420 251 013 401 Petrzilkova 2583/13
clarity@dataapex.com 158 00 Prague 5
www.dataapex.com The Czech Republic
Sections of the manual connected only to the Clarity Full version are marked with the icon.

Clarity ® , DataApex ® and ® are trademarks of DataApex Ltd. Microsoft ® and Windows TM are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
DataApex reserves the right to make changes to manuals without prior notice. Updated manuals can be
downloaded from www.dataapex.com.

Author: DR
Colibrick A/D Converter Table of Contents

Contents
1 Colibrick acquisition device 1
1.1 Front panel of the Colibrick device 2
1.2 Rear panel of the Colibrick device 2
1.3 A/D converter types in general 2
2 Requirements 4
3 Installation 5
3.1 The Colibrick device 5
3.2 Standard cable for Clarity station 6
3.3 Connection with chromatograph 7
3.3.1 Connection of signal cables 8
3.3.2 Connection of starting cables 8
3.4 Clarity Configuration 9
3.4.1 Measuring on multiple instruments 12
3.4.2 Using multiple Colibrick converters 13
4 Using the Colibrick 14
4.1 DataApex Colibrick Setup 14
4.2 Method Setup 18
4.2.1 Method Setup - Acquisition 18
4.2.2 Method Setup - Measurement 20
4.2.3 Hardware Configuration 21
4.3 Digital Inputs and Outputs 22
4.4 Device Monitor 23
5 Troubleshooting 24
5.1 Locate your problem 24
5.2 Problems with Colibrick 25
5.2.1 Colibrick's orange/blue LED is blinking 26
5.2.2 How to check the proper installation of the Colibrick driver 27
5.2.3 How to check the proper installation of the Colibrick driver 29
5.2.3.1 Installation and re-installation of the Colibrick driver 30
5.2.3.2 Reinstallation of drivers using the System Restore Point 32
5.3 Problems upon collection of data 34
5.3.1 Data Acquisition - non-functional 34
5.3.2 Data Acquisition - Simulated 37
5.3.3 Signal is drifting 38
5.3.4 Signal is cut at the top 39
5.3.5 Small peaks in the chromatogram 40
5.3.6 No peaks in the chromatogram 41
6 Tables and specifications 42
6.1 Description of the INT7 connector (Male) 42
6.2 Parameters of digital inputs and outputs 43
6.3 Colibrick - CE conformity declaration 44
6.4 Technical Data 45

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Table of Contents Clarity Hardware

To facilitate the orientation in the Colibrick A/D Converter manual and Clarity chromatography
station, different fonts are used throughout the manual. Meanings of these fonts are:
Instrument (blue text) marks the name of the window to which the text refers.
Open File (italics) describes the commands and names of fields in Clarity, parameters that can
be entered into them or a window or dialog name (when you already are in the topic describing
the window).
WORK1 (capitals) indicates the name of the file and/or directory.
ACTIVE (capital italics) marks the state of the station or its part.
The bold text is sometimes also used for important parts of the text and the name of the Clarity
station. Moreover, some sections are written in format other than normal text. These sections are
formatted as follows:

Note: Notifies the reader of relevant information.

Caution: Warns the user of possibly dangerous or very important

information.

▌ Marks the problem statement or trouble question.

Description: Presents more detailed information on the problem, describes its causes,
etc.
Solution: Marks the response to the question, presents a procedure how to remove it.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 1 Colibrick acquisition device

1 Colibrick acquisition device

This manual describes the use of the Colibrick A/D Converter with the
Clarity software ver. 4.0 and newer.
Colibrick is an external 24-bit A/D converter that measures the voltages of
chromatographic and electrochemical detectors. It is designed for
acquisition of data from any chromatograph for the Clarity station.
Colibrick uses the USB communication channel and thus is directly
powered from the PC. The unit can be connected or disconnected anytime
without the need to switch the computer off.

Fig 1: Colibrick A/D Converter

Brief technical overview

1, 2 or 4 data acquisition channels completely independent and isolated
from the USB ground.
4 digital inputs with status indication by LED.
8 digital outputs, 4 of them also designed as relay contacts, each has its
status indicated by LED.
USB interface.
Excellent reliability and temperature stability.

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1 Colibrick acquisition device Clarity Hardware

1.1 Front panel of the Colibrick device

The front panel contains LED indicators indicating the status of the device.

Fig 2: Front panel of the Colibrick

Ready (orange) LED status

Indicates correct installation.
Data (blue) LED status
Indicates connection to the chromatography data station.
Digital Input (green) LEDs status
LED ON - the input status is High (logical "1") or not connected.
LED OFF - the input status is Low (logical "0") or connected to the ground
(GND).
Digital Output (red) LEDs status
LED ON - the output status is High (logical "1"), the relay contact is
opened.
LED OFF - the output status is Low (logical "0"), the relay contact is closed.
Note: The above mentioned is valid if the device is used within the specifications
stated in Colibrick A/D Converter datasheet.

1.2 Rear panel of the Colibrick device

The rear panel contains the USB connector for connecting to the PC and
the INT7 compatible connector for connecting to the chromatograph.

Fig 3: Rear panel of the Colibrick

1.3 A/D converter types in general

Prior to collecting and processing the chromatographic signal by a
computer, the analog signal of the detector must be first converted to a
digital form by an analog/digital (A/D) converter.
In principle there are three types of A/D converters – sampling, integrating
and ΔΣ (Delta-Sigma - with continuous integration).
The Colibrick converter uses Delta-Sigma integration.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 1 Colibrick acquisition device

Advantages of the Colibrick A/D converter

No loss of input signal during integration. There are no time delays
during which the converter fails to integrate the input signal.
No continuous servicing of the input analog switches, which would
otherwise cause errors (offset, noise).
Substantially smaller amounts of data entering the computer due to
individual data items already representing partial integrals.
Parameters generally based on the INT9 A/D cards.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 2 Requirements

2 Requirements
The Colibrick external USB A/D Converter can be used with the Clarity
software installed on PC using the OS described in the following table.
The PC must have a free USB slot.
Tab 1: Hardware and Software Compatibility
Software \ Windows 10* 8.1* 7SP1 *
Clarity Yes Yes Yes
Clarity Lite (from 6.2) (from 4.0.3) (from 4.0)
* Both 32 and 64-bit version are supported.
Tab 2: Hardware and Software Compatibility with obsolete Windows OS:
VistaSP2
Software \ Windows XPSP3
(32 and 64-bit)
Clarity Yes Yes
Clarity Lite (from 4.0 to 7.2) (from 4.0 to 7.4.1)

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Colibrick A/D Converter 3 Installation

3 Installation
Ensure that you have Administrator access rights in your Windows OS
before you proceed with the installation.

3.1 The Colibrick device

Install the Clarity software.

Caution: Install Clarity before inputting any devices.

The drivers were copied to your computer and installed automatically
during the installation of the Clarity software.
Note: The Colibrick device is detected by its S/N. If you later replace one by
another, it is also necessary to reconfigure it in the Clarity System
Configuration dialog.

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3 Installation Clarity Hardware

3.2 Standard cable for Clarity station

Fig 4: Cables for the Clarity station package

The standard Clarity station package includes a cable set composed of

signal, starting and digital output cables for connecting the Clarity to the
chromatograph and an USB cable for connecting the Colibrick to the
computer.
Signal cables
The cables, labeled “ DET1 ” to “ DET4 ” (according to the number of
channels), are supplied as standard without connectors only with stripped,
tinned endings - red/brown (+), white (-) and shielding (analog ground).
Starting (marker) cables
The cables, labeled “IN1” to “IN4”(according to the number of channels),
are ended with a RCA connector. Each starting cable has one cable with
free leads [red (+), shielding (digital ground)] for direct connection to the
chromatograph or to a valve and one cable ended with a button for those
cases where there is not a starting contact available and it is necessary to
perform a manual start.

Digital output cables

Relay contacts, labeled "OUT 1R" to "OUT 4R" (according to the number
of channels), are ended with free leads. They are used for synchronizing
autosamplers in the active sequence without an AS Control module.
At the Colibrick end, the cable ends on a female CANNON SUB D 37-pin
connector.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 3 Installation

3.3 Connection with chromatograph

Connect the cables according to one of the following diagrams in the Fig 5
on pg 7 . Use a symmetrical connection only if you are sure that the
chromatograph/detector is equipped with a symmetrical output – it is
necessary to read through the instructions for the corresponding
chromatograph.

Fig 5: Connecting Clarity to chromatograph

Note: Since INT7 converter all DataApex A/D converters use the same
standard INT7 Connector. A description of the INT7 connector can be
found in the chapter "Tables and specifications" on pg 42.

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3 Installation Clarity Hardware

3.3.1 Connection of signal cables

Signal inputs of the Colibrick are symmetrical: + (red/brown), - (white),
shielding (= analog ground/copper braiding) (yellow).
Caution: The shielding must be connected. It works not only as the shielding, but
also as the analog ground against which the measurement takes place. In
the case of asymmetrical output of a detector (only two
leads/terminals/pins/screws), the shielding must be connected to the
white lead! No lead of the signal cable may remain unconnected.
Try to connect to the detector output of the chromatograph with the largest
possible level of signal, usually indicated as INTEGRATOR (signal
approx. 1 V). The level of the signal on the output marked RECORDER is
only about 10 mV. For easier modification of the wiring, we supply a SV9
Terminal board (p/n SV9) with screw contacts.
Note: This SV9 Terminal Board is not suitable for applications with small
signals or with high electromagnetic interference. This is because the SV9
Terminal Board uses leads and screw contacts that are not shielded.

3.3.2 Connection of starting cables

Starting input reacts to a change of the TTL logical level (5 V/ 0 V) or to a
connection by any contact (button, contact of relay).
The input implicitly reacts to a change from HIGH to LOW (or closing of a
contact). The input function may be changed by switching the Down item
to Up in the External Start/Stop section of the Method Setup -
Measurement dialog (accessible from the Instrument window using the
Method - Measurement command).
For schemes and hints describing the typical autosampler wiring, please
see the Connecting Autosamplers chapter of the Getting Started
Manual.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 3 Installation

3.4 Clarity Configuration

Note: Please note there is no System Configuration window in Clarity Lite.
Clarity Lite will use the first A/D converter detected and assign a
predefined configuration file for it.

Fig 6: System Configuration

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3 Installation Clarity Hardware

Start the Clarity station with the icon on the desktop.

Invoke the System Configuration dialog using the System -
Configuration... command or via icon.
Press the Add button ① (See Fig 6 on pg 9 .) to invoke the Available
Control Modules dialog.
You can specify the searching filter ② to simplify the finding of the driver.
Select the Colibrick and press the Add ③ button.
The DataApex Colibrick Setup dialog will appear.

Fig 7: DataApex Colibrick Setup

Enter the detector names in Name fields for individual channels, set signal
units.

Note: A detailed description of this dialog can be found in the chapter

"DataApex Colibrick Setup" on pg 14.

Press the OK button.

The Colibrick will appear in the Setup Control Modules list ④ of the
System Configuration dialog.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 3 Installation

Drag and drop the Colibrick icon from the Setup Control Modules list ④
on the left side of the System Configuration dialog to the chosen
Instrument ⑤ tab on the right side ⑥ (or use the button ⑦ to do so).
Set the Ext. Start Dig. Input and Ready Dig. Output numbers ⑧ for your
acquisition device according to the wires being used for the Start
synchronization.

Note: A detailed description and configuration of this functions can be found in

the Reference guide and Getting Started manuals.

Note: The configuration dialog of the Colibrick device ( DataApex Colibrick

Setup) can be displayed any time by double-clicking on its icon or using the
Setup button.

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3 Installation Clarity Hardware

3.4.1 Measuring on multiple instruments

Clarity allows to measure on multiple Instruments using a single
Colibrick device, see Fig 8 on pg 12. After you add the Colibrick to the
Setup Control Modules list , select an Instrument you wish to use ① and
drag the individual detector signal - FID ② to the selected Instrument ③ .
Then switch to another Instrument ④ , select the UV-VIS signal ④ and
drag it to another Instrument. The Instrument to which the particular signal
is connected is listed to the right (② and ⑤ ) of the detector name in the
Setup Control Modules section.

Fig 8: System Configuration – multiple instruments

Note: Each independent Clarity Instrument must have separate Ext. Start
Dig. Input and Ready Dig. Output pins configured according to the actual
wiring.

Note: More Instruments (more than the amount purchased) can be set . You will
not be able to measure on the surplus Instruments (indicated by a blue
symbol of the curve on the tab), but you may use them e.g. for “offline”
preparation of methods.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 3 Installation

3.4.2 Using multiple Colibrick converters

When using multiple Colibricks, after plugging the device into a USB port,
the device will be detected automatically. After that, please, repeat the
Colibrick configuration in Clarity described in the chapter "Clarity
Configuration" on pg 9.

Fig 9: System Configuration – multiple Colibricks

Individual converters can be assigned to multiple Instruments and

combined together arbitrarily. In the example described in Fig 9 on pg 13.,
all signals from Colibrick 1 , as well as all signals from Colibrick 2 are
assigned to the Instrument 1.
Where there are several converters assigned to the same Instrument, it is
necessary to select which converter will be used for Ext. Start Dig. Input
and Ready Dig. Output signals ①.
All added A/D converters (e.g. Colibrick) must have their drivers properly
installed. There must be a correct number of items in the Windows OS
Device Manager, otherwise you will not be able to add it in the System
Configuration dialog and configure its detectors to Instruments.
Note: A maximum of four Colibrick converters can be configured and used in
Clarity simultaneously.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 4 Using the Colibrick

4 Using the Colibrick

There are generally two places for setting the parameters of the Colibrick
A/D Converter in Clarity:
The DataApex Colibrick Setup dialog for setting the parameters that are
set with respect to the type of connected signal.
The Method Setup – Acquisition tab for setting the parameters related to
the type of analysis.

4.1 DataApex Colibrick Setup

The DataApex Colibrick Setup dialog is accessible from the System
Configuration dialog. The DataApex Colibrick Setup dialog sets the
parameters of the Colibrick converter and since it depends on the type of
connected signal, it is not going to be changed often.

Fig 10: DataApex Colibrick Setup

Device
Shows the serial number of selected Colibrick. If more than one Colibrick
converter is attached to the PC, this field defines which Colibrick will be
added and configured first or, in case of removing one Colibrick from the
configuration, for specifying which one is still connected.
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4 Using the Colibrick Clarity Hardware

Channel 1 (to 4)
For each channel of the Colibrick A/D Converter the name of the signal
can be edited in the Name field and the Set Units... button can be used to
change other signal parameters. Effects of these changes can be seen in
other fields of the respective Channel 1 (2) section.
Name
This field will be used to describe the signal in the Chromatogram
window.
Inversion of Signal
Inverts the polarity of the signal from the detector. This function can
also be used for easy correction of inversely connected wires.
Bipolar
Both positive and negative voltages will be measured. Unchecking the
Bipolar option will improve the resolution of the signal by 1 bit. On the
other hand, it will also restrict the measuring of negative signals (i.e.
below zero).
Set Units...
Invokes the Detector Units dialog that can be used for converting the
voltage measured by Colibrick to the units of the detector. Such units
will then be shown throughout Clarity instead of default mV. Setting is
specific for each Colibrick channel (signal).

Fig 11: Detector Units

Quantity – Field for entering a name for the y-axis in the graph of the
measured signal.
Units – Field for entering the unit symbol, along with the prefix.
Coefficient – Allows you to enter the coefficient between the selected
units and mV (default).
Autoprefix – Allows you to enter the unit prefix. In the graphs units will
be scaled automatically, while in the tables units with the prefix
entered will be used.
Synchronize Start with Digital Input
Maps the Colibrick A/D Converter channel to selected External Start
Digital Input. It enables a faster and more accurate synchronization of
channels with the start signal. Especially for short analyses the necessary
time delays at the start of the acquisition are significant. When measuring
multi- detector chromatograms it will minimize the time shift between
detector signals and thus improve the detection of peaks.
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Colibrick A/D Converter 4 Using the Colibrick

Note: Synchronize Start with Digital Input reflects the settings of the Contact
Closure/Opening of the External Start/Stop option in the Method Setup -
Measurement dialog.

Caution: Turn this function ON only in case one of the digital inputs of the
configured Colibrick is also set in the Ext. Start Dig. Input option in the
System Configuration dialog.
Device Setup
This section allows to modify the naming of digital inputs and outputs and
change the Mains Supply Frequency Suppression settings.
Digital Input Names
Allows to change the names of digital inputs.

Fig 12: Digital Input Names

Digital Output Names

Allows to change the names of digital outputs. These names will be
used in the Digital Output Control dialog in the chapter "Digital Inputs
and Outputs" on pg 22.

Fig 13: Digital Output Names

Supply Frequency
Allows to change the Mains Supply Frequency Suppression. It is used
for suppressing the interference on the specified frequency level. This
setting influences the sampling frequency as well.

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4 Using the Colibrick Clarity Hardware

Note: In the most parts of the Americas, the 60 Hz Mains frequency is usual,
while the rest of the world tends to use the 50 Hz Mains frequency (pre-
set as default). The 50 Hz frequency is common in countries using 230 V
power supply, while the 60 Hz is connected to the 117 V power supply.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 4 Using the Colibrick

4.2 Method Setup

Parameters of the Method Setup – Acquisition and Method Setup –
Measurement dialogs depend on the type of analysis (measuring
conditions), so they can be specific for various types of analyses. This is
the reason for them to be a part of the method. The Method Setup dialogs
are accessible from the Instrument window using the Method command.
Caution: The parameters cannot be changed during analysis.

4.2.1 Method Setup - Acquisition

Fig 14: Method Setup - Acquisition (Colibrick)

Select Detector
Selects the detector whose parameters are set. If there is only one
detector (channel) configured on the Clarity Instrument, this control is not
accessible.
Range
Selects the input voltage range (in mV). The selected range corresponds
to the maximum output voltage of the detector that the A/D converter can
still process. In case the detector unit conversion is set in Detector Units
dialog, the range will be shown in detector units according to the
conversion, while the corresponding original range in mV will be shown
next to the field.
Available ranges for Colibrick converter are 156.26, 1250 and 12123 mV.

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4 Using the Colibrick Clarity Hardware

Sample Rate
Depending on Supply Frequency filter selected in the System
Configuration – DataApex Colibrick Setup dialog, see the chapter
"DataApex Colibrick Setup" on pg 14. The available sampling rates are
6.25 , 12.5 , 25 , 50 , 100 , 200 and 400 samples per second (for 50 Hz
supply frequency filter) or 7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 samples per
second (for 60 Hz supply frequency filter).
Higher sampling rate allows for the measurement of narrower peaks, but it
also means a larger amount of data which affects the size of the resulting
chromatogram and the speed of its processing.
Sample rate sufficient for successful peak detection is about 20 samples
per narrowest peak.
A higher sampling rate also increases the amount of noise and you need
to set the Peak Width parameter accordingly in the Integration Table on
the Method Setup - Integration tab.
Note: Range and Sampling Rate are set individually for each detector.
Det Status...
Displays the Hardware Configuration dialog.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 4 Using the Colibrick

4.2.2 Method Setup - Measurement

Fig 15: Method Setup - Measurement

External Start/Stop
Enables control from an external signal.
Note: The input used for an external start from a chromatograph can be set in
the System Configuration dialog, see Fig 6 on pg 9.
Start Only
The external signal only starts an analysis. Triggering the input will not
influence the acquisition in progress.
Start - Restart
The external signal terminates the analysis in progress and at the
same time starts a new one. The first signal starts the analysis; the
second signal terminates it and at the same time starts a new one - the
so-called continuous measurement.
Start - Stop
The external signal starts and stops an analysis. The first signal starts
the analysis; the second signal stops it.
Down
The station reacts to changes in voltage in relevant controlling input
from high (> 3 V) to low (< 0.7 V), or to contacts closed in the relay.

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4 Using the Colibrick Clarity Hardware

Up
The station reacts to changes in voltage in relevant controlling input
from low (< 0.7 V) to high (> 3 V), or to contacts opened in the relay.

4.2.3 Hardware Configuration

Fig 16: Hardware Configuration

This dialog is invoked by pressing the Det Status... button in the Method
Setup - Acquisition dialog. Hardware Configuration dialog displays the
connection and the details of the connected and selected Colibrick - its
firmware revision and serial number.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 4 Using the Colibrick

4.3 Digital Inputs and Outputs

The Colibrick A/D Converter is equipped with eight digital TTL outputs
and four of them are also designed as relay contacts.

Fig 17: Digital outputs of Colibrick

These outputs can be controlled from the following places in Clarity:

Standard assignment of external Ext. Start Dig. Input and Ready Dig.
Output can be changed in the System Configuration dialog - ⑧ in the Fig
6 on pg 9.

Note: The assigned input and output is then automatically used in the ACTIVE
sequence for synchronization with the autosampler or injection valve.

Digital Outputs of Colibrick dialog accessible from the Clarity window

The Device Monitor window accessible from the Instrument window
The Event Table dialog accessible from the Instrument window using the
Method command

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4 Using the Colibrick Clarity Hardware

4.4 Device Monitor

The Device Monitor window can be invoked by the Monitor - Device
Monitor command from the Instrument window or using the Device
Monitor icon. It displays the states of digital inputs and enables the
user to monitor and change the states of digital outputs.

Fig 18: Device Monitor - Colibrick

Input no.
Lists the numbers of individual inputs.
Current State
Indicates the current status of the particular input. Green light corresponds
to logical one (HIGH), light switched off (gray icon) to logical zero (LOW).
Descriptions
Shows the description indicating the meaning of individual input. The
names of all digital inputs can be set in the DataApex Colibrick Setup
dialog.
Output no.
Lists the numbers of individual outputs.
Current State
Indicates the current status of the particular output which also works as
relays. Green light corresponds to logical one (HIGH), light switched off
(gray icon) to logical zero (LOW). The state of any output can be changed
by clicking on the Current State button of the particular output.
Descriptions
Shows the description indicating the meaning of individual output. The
names of all digital outputs can be set in the DataApex Colibrick Setup
dialog.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

5 Troubleshooting
If you do not find an answer for your problem here, use the
www.dataapex.com website where the Support menu will allow you to
navigate through the frequently asked questions (FAQ), the Clarity email
conference archive or contact to DataApex helpdesk.

5.1 Locate your problem

When troubles occur, the fastest way to find a solution is to search for it in
the following index via the Dialogs , the window in which the problem
occurred, Error Messages that appear or according to the used
Hardware. The name of the window is visible in its header.
Note: Names of individual Clarity Instruments appear in the header instead of
the common term “Instrument”.

Tab 3: List of windows and dialogs

Windows and Dialogs
Clarity pg 34.
pg 37., pg 38., pg 39., pg
Data Acquisition
40., pg 41.
Instrument pg 34.
Method Setup pg 34.
Sequence pg 34.
Single Analysis pg 34.
System Configuration pg 34., pg 37., pg 25.
Tab 4: List of Error messages
Error Messages
Cannot establish communication with Colibrick
pg 25.
detector X
DataApex Colibrick (SN XX) Device not found pg 25.
Disabled (in the status line) pg 34.
Simulated (in Data Acquisition) pg 37.
Note: To find solutions for Error Messages not listed above, check the Clarity
Getting Started Guide or visit our web pages www.dataapex.com.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

5.2 Problems with Colibrick

The most common problems with Colibrick are problems with its driver.
They are generally indicated by following symptoms:
l Blinking LEDs of the Colibrick.
l Colibrick cannot be added to the Setup Control Modules in the System
Configuration dialog.
l Clarity will issue an Error Message "Cannot establish communication with
DataApex Colibrick" when opening the Instrument window.
l Double- clicking on the device will not invoke the DataApex Colibrick Setup
dialog.
l Clarity will issue an Error Message "DataApex Colibrick (SN:XX) Device not
found" when starting Clarity.
l The Data Acquisition icon in the Instrument window is not active (this problem
may also have another cause). For more details see the chapter Data
Acquisition - non-functional on pg 34.

When one of the above mentioned problems occurs, first check if the
Colibrick is correctly plugged in the USB port. Then check the Colibrick
driver (see the chapter "How to check the proper installation of the
Colibrick driver" on pg 27 .) and proceed according to the suggested
solutions.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

5.2.1 Colibrick's orange/blue LED is blinking

▌Status: Orange and/or blue LED on the Colibrick is blinking and sometimes it cannot
be added in the System Configuration.
Reason: Blinking of the orange (READY) and/or blue (DATA) LED is caused by decrease in
voltage on the Colibrick and that is why sometimes it cannot be added in the
System Configuration.
Solution: Check whether your Colibrick is connected to the PC via USB Hub. If so we
recommend to connect Colibrick directly to the PC, this will ensure that the voltage
will not suddenly decrease when other device is plugged in.
Another option is to try a different USB cable. We have found out that USB cables
of low quality are responsible for observed behaviour.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

5.2.2 How to check the proper installation of the Colibrick driver

Windows 8.1
Press the Windows key on the keyboard and start typing Device Manager,
in the search results, click on the desired item to display the Device
Manager window.
Windows 10/7
In the lower left corner of the screen, in the Start menu, type "Device
Manager" in the search field and click on the found item.
In the desired Device Manager window look up the resulting list for the
item "Colibrick (DataApex)".
In the following image, all drivers (except the Colibrick driver) are
installed correctly.

Fig 19: Device Manager in Windows 7

Error status of the driver may be one of the following:

▌Status 1: The “Chromatography Device – Colibrick (DataApex)” item does not appear.
Reason: The driver has not been installed.
Solution: Reinstall the driver manually as described in the chapter "Installation and re-
installation of the Colibrick driver" on pg 30.

▌Status 2: The driver is installed, but there is a yellow exclamation mark (red box in the
Fig 19 on pg 27.) or a question mark over its icon, or it is not behaving as expected.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

Reason: The driver is probably installed incorrectly.

Solution: Reinstall the driver manually as described in the chapter "Installation and re-
installation of the Colibrick driver" on pg 30.

▌Status 3: The item does appear, but is displayed with a cross symbol.
Reason: The driver is disabled.
Solution: Double-click the item to invoke the General tab and activate the driver by clicking on
the Enable this device button.

▌Status 4: The item does appear and there are no error symbols around it.
Reason: A driver for a different type of Windows operating system was possibly installed
thereby replacing the correct driver.
Solution: Uninstall the incorrect driver and install the correct one as described in the chapter
"Installation and re-installation of the Colibrick driver" on pg 30.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

5.2.3 How to check the proper installation of the Colibrick driver

Windows 8.1
Press the Windows key on the keyboard and start typing Device Manager,
in the search results, click on the desired item to display the Device
Manager window.
Windows 10/7
In the lower left corner of the screen, in the Start menu, type "Device
Manager" in the search field and click on the found item.
In the desired Device Manager window look up the resulting list for the
item "Colibrick (DataApex)".
In the following image, all drivers (except the Colibrick driver) are
installed correctly.

Fig 20: Device Manager in Windows 7

Error status of the driver may be one of the following:

▌Status 1: The “Chromatography Device – Colibrick (DataApex)” item does not appear.
Reason: The driver has not been installed.
Solution: Reinstall the driver manually as described in the chapter "Installation and re-
installation of the Colibrick driver" on pg 30.

▌Status 2: The driver is installed, but there is a yellow exclamation mark (red box in the
Fig 20 on pg 29.) or a question mark over its icon, or it is not behaving as expected.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

Reason: The driver is probably installed incorrectly.

Solution: Reinstall the driver manually as described in the chapter "Installation and re-
installation of the Colibrick driver" on pg 30.

▌Status 3: The item does appear, but is displayed with a cross symbol.
Reason: The driver is disabled.
Solution: Double-click the item to invoke the General tab and activate the driver by clicking on
the Enable this device button.

▌Status 4: The item does appear and there are no error symbols around it.
Reason: A driver for a different type of Windows operating system was possibly installed
thereby replacing the correct driver.
Solution: Uninstall the incorrect driver and install the correct one as described in the chapter
"Installation and re-installation of the Colibrick driver" on pg 30.

5.2.3.1 Installation and re-installation of the Colibrick driver

Connect the Colibrick with a cable to a USB port on the computer.
Windows 10, 8.1 and 7 do not install the driver automatically. Use the
Device Manager in the Control Panel.

Fig 21: Step 1 of Updating the driver

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

l Right- click on the Colibrick (DataApex) item and click the Update Driver
Software… item.

Fig 22: Step 1 of the Installation Wizard

Click the Browse my computer for driver software button.

Fig 23: Browse for driver dialog

Browse for the Colibrick driver location. In the example above, the Clarity
installation is located in the C:\CLARITY directory. Then click Next.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

Fig 24: Windows Security dialog

Windows Security dialog may appear. Check the Always trust software
from "DataApex" option and click the Install button and wait until the driver
is installed.

Fig 25: Last window of the Installation Wizard

Last window of the Wizard informs you about the installation status and
you can see also name of the driver which will be displayed in the Device
Manager.

5.2.3.2 Reinstallation of drivers using the System Restore Point

Use the System Restore Point to uninstall the incorrect drivers.
Click on the Windows Start menu and type "System Restore" in the search
field, then click on the found item in.
In the System Restore dialog use the Choose a different restore point
option and press the Next button.
In the next dialog select a restore point from a time before the incorrect
driver was installed.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

Caution: Any software or hardware that was installed after the moment of the
selected restore point will be removed from your system.

Reinstall Clarity and then restart the PC.

Windows should now correctly identify and install the drivers.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

5.3 Problems upon collection of data

5.3.1 Data Acquisition - non-functional

Fig 26: Disable data acquisition

The DISABLED label appears and the Analysis - Single and Analysis -
Data Acquisition commands are non-functional. Other manifestations of
this error are also: Method Setup - Acquisition tab missing, Run, Stop and
Abort commands non-functional in the Sequence window. There are three
possible causes.

▌Reason 1: You are using Clarity Offline or Clarity DEMO version, which does not
enable the measurement of the chromatograms.

Fig 27: Clarity Offline and Clarity DEMO

Solution: Check whether there is a blue band with the text OFFLINE on the main Clarity
window under the instrument icons or the title DEMO in the window header.
In case of the Clarity Offline station remove the HW key with the Offline license
and insert key with the Clarity full licence.
In case of Clarity DEMO use the Windows Start menu to locate the Clarity
DEMO group in the All Programs section and select the Remove Clarity item there.
Then use the correct Clarity installation DVD to install the full version.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

▌Reason 2: The Detector is not allocated to the Clarity Instrument.

Fig 28: Detector not allocated to the Instrument

Solution: Open the System Configuration dialog from the Clarity window using the System -
Configuration... command and check the tab of the corresponding Instrument -
Instrument X. If it has no allocated detectors, add them.
In the left-hand side list Setup Control Modules select the correct detector and drag
it to the corresponding instrument on the right.
If an appropriate detector is not in the left- hand side list Setup Control Modules,
add it using the Add button and repeat the previous step.

Note: More information on the System Configuration dialog can be found in the
chapter "Clarity Configuration" on pg 9.

▌Reason 3: You have a license purchased for data collection for fewer Instruments.

Fig 29: Small number of Instruments purchased

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

Solution: a) Open the System Configuration dialog from the Clarity window using the System
- Configuration... command and check the tab of the corresponding Instrument -
Instrument X. If the symbol in the tab header is red, this indicates the Instrument
cannot be used for data acquisition.
b) Check your serial number (S/N) using the command Help - About... from the
main Clarity window.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

5.3.2 Data Acquisition - Simulated

Fig 30: Data Acquisition Simulated

The title " Simulated" is displayed. The corresponding Instrument only

displays the simulated curve (from the CHANNX.DTA file) in the Data
Acquisition window.

▌Reason: A DEMO detector is allocated to the Instrument.

Solution: a) Open the System Configuration dialog from the Clarity window using the System
- Configuration... command and check the tab of the corresponding Instrument -
Instrument X . If it only has the detector signals from the DataApex DEMO
detector, it is necessary to reconfigure it. You can find more information how to add
a detector in the chapter "Clarity Configuration" on pg 9.
b) Make sure that you have installed a full version of Clarity. If this is not the case,
inscription DEMO is in the header of the main window. If so, install the full version
and enter the user code you have been provided. Also make sure that the detector
is properly configured.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

5.3.3 Signal is drifting

Fig 31: A signal drift

The chromatogram baseline is not a straight line. The signal increases or

decreases during the time of analysis.

▌ Reason 1: The instability of the analysis conditions.

Solution: Check the analysis conditions, the detector settings, the column and solvents for
impurities.

▌ Reason 2: Improper connection of the A/D converter.

Solution: If you are using the A/D converter, check whether the cable shielding is properly
connected. For more information see 3.3 on pg 7.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

5.3.4 Signal is cut at the top

Fig 32: A saturated signal

The signal is saturated and therefore cut at the top. There are three
possible causes.

▌Reason 1: A high sensitivity/amplification of the detector.

Solution: a) If you are using an A/D converter, decrease the sensitivity of the detector directly
on the device.
b) If you are using direct control with digital acquisition (not using any A/D
converter), decrease the sensitivity in the Method- Acquisition... dialog accessible
from the Instrument window.

▌Reason 2: A low range set for the A/D converter (Colibrick, Int9, U-PAD2, ...).
Solution: Set a higher range in the Method- Acquisition... dialog accessible from the
Instrument window.

▌Reason 3: An improper connection of the A/D converter (Colibrick, Int9, U-PAD2, ...).
Solution: Check whether the cable shielding is properly connected. For more information
see 3.3 on pg 7.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 5 Troubleshooting

5.3.5 Small peaks in the chromatogram

Fig 33: The small peaks in the chromatogram

The detector response is low. There are three possible causes.

▌Reason 1: A low sensitivity/amplification of the detector.

Solution: a) If you are using an A/D converter, increase the sensitivity of detector directly on
the device.
b) If you are using direct control with digital acquisition (not using any A/D
converter), increase the sensitivity in the Method- Acquisition... dialog accessible
from the Instrument window.

▌Reason 2: A high range set for the A/D converter (Colibrick, Int9, U-PAD2, ...).
Solution: Set a lower range in the Method- Acquisition... dialog accessible from the
Instrument window.

▌Reason 3: An improper connection of the A/D converter (Colibrick, Int9, U-PAD2, ...).
Solution: Check whether the cable shielding is properly connected. For more information
see 3.3 on pg 7.

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5 Troubleshooting Clarity Hardware

5.3.6 No peaks in the chromatogram

Fig 34: No peaks in the chromatogram

There is no response from the detector at all. There are four most common
causes.

▌Reason 1: The problem with A/D converter connection to the detector.

Solution: Check connections and cabels.

▌Reason 2: The analytical conditions problem.

Solution: Check the system for wrong injection or wrong conditions (temperature, FID flame,
etc).

▌Reason 3: The chromatograph problem.

Solution: If a voltmeter is available, connect it to the chromatograph and check voltage
changes during an analysis with a real sample.

▌Reason 4: The A/D converter failure.

Solution: You can perform a simple test. Connect an AA battery to white and red cable and
switch the range of the A/D converter to 10 V and check whether the voltage is
about 1.5 V.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 6 Tables and specifications

6 Tables and specifications

6.1 Description of the INT7 connector (Male)

Fig 35: Connector pins

Tab 5: Description of the connector pins:
Pin Description
1H + Input of the 1st channel
1L - Input of the 1st channel
AGND Ground of the analog channels
Digital input (of the 1st channel). Used as an External Start (marker) of
IN1
the 1st channel.
1st Digital output. Digital outputs are controlled by Event Table, ACTIVE
OUT1 sequence, Device Monitor dialog and Digital outputs of DataApex
Colibrick dialog.
DGND Ground of the digital inputs and outputs.
OUT1S1
Digital outputs - 1st relay contact. Contact is closed when output is at a
OUT1S2
LOW level.

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6 Tables and specifications Clarity Hardware

Fig 36: Standard Colibrick cable for two detectors

6.2 Parameters of digital inputs and outputs

Digital Outputs
The board contains eight digital TTL outputs ( OUT1 to OUT8) with
maximum current load per output 20 mA at both levels, maximum total
current load for all outputs 100 mA. Four of the digital outputs are also
designed as relay contacts ( OUT[1...4]S1/OUT[1...4]S2 ). The maximum
permissible switching current is 0.5 ADC, max. contact resistance 150 mΩ,
max. voltage 100 V . The relay is on- state (closed) at level LOW of a
relevant digital output.
Digital Inputs
The Colibrick A/D converter contains four digital TTL inputs (IN1 to IN4).
To suppress contact bouncing the digital inputs are equipped with
monostable toggles that prolong any change affecting the input to at least
200 ms (to ensure that the station is able to detect it). A pulse with duration
of at least 1 ms is necessary to excite the toggles.

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Colibrick A/D Converter 6 Tables and specifications

6.3 Colibrick - CE conformity declaration

Fig 37: CE Conformity declaration - Colibrick

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6 Tables and specifications Clarity Hardware

6.4 Technical Data

Tab 6: Technical data of the Colibrick device:
Parameter Description
Converter type: 24-bit δΣ (delta – sigma)
Analog inputs: differential
Number of
1, 2 or 4 fully independent and isolated
channels:
unipolar and bipolar, each channel independently 156.26, 1
Input range:
250 or 12 123 mV
Input impedance: 1 MΩ
6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 samples per second for 50
Hz mains frequency filter
Sample rate:
7.5, 15, 30, 60, 120, 240, 480 samples per second for 60 Hz
mains frequency filter
Non-linearity: < 0.003%
Crystal 50 ppm (may cause shift of the signal in milliseconds during
inaccuracy: 1-hour analysis or in seconds during a week-long analysis)
Digital inputs: 4 TTL (5 V)
8 TTL (5 V) maximum current load 20 mA, maximum total
current load for all outputs 100 mA
Digital outputs: 4 of them also as relay contacts (switching contacts rating:
max. current 0.5 ADC, max. voltage 100 VDC, max. switching
power 10 VA, max. resistance 150 mΩ)
Dimensions: 105 x 124 x 22 mm
Weight: 290 g
Power supply: from the PC via the USB cable

Tab 7: Typical noise free resolution for various acquisition speeds and input ranges:
12 123 mV 1 250 mV 156 mV
6.25 Hz 21 bit 21 bit 20 bit
25 Hz 21 bit 21 bit 20 bit
100 Hz 19 bit 19 bit 19 bit
200 Hz 16 bit 16 bit 16 bit
400 Hz 16 bit 16 bit 16 bit

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