Set up a Balance

This activity describes how to set up a balance in AssayNet LIMS. It includes configuring communication settings, buffer options, hardware parameters, and commands to ensure the balance works correctly and integrates into the system.

This activity presumes that an instrument type for the balance has been created. For more information, see Add Instrument Types.

Activity Steps

1. On the Laboratory ribbon tab, click Instruments.

   The Instrument screen displays.

2. Click Setup » Options.

   The Edit Instrument screen displays in the General category.

   1. To configure communication settings, complete the following fields as required:

      1. Select whether the balance Has Communication Settings. If checked, the communication parameters become active.

         • Comm Port—The communication port used to connect the instrument to the system.

         • Baud Rate—The speed of data transmission, measured in bits per second.

         • Data Bits—The number of bits in a single unit of data.

         • Parity—The error-checking mechanism for transmitted data.

         • Stop Bits—The number of stop bits used to signal the end of data transmission.

         • Handshaking—The flow control method used for communication.

         • Enable Logging—Enable or disable the logging of communication data for troubleshooting or audit purposes. To select the path where the log files are saved, click on the file icon and locate the folder in which to save the logs.

   2. To configure buffer settings, complete the following fields as required:
      1. Click on Buffer in the Category field group.

         Note: These settings optimize data handling and ensure reliable communication between the instrument and the system, preventing data loss and errors. In most cases, they can be left as default because manufacturers configure them for standard use. Adjustments may be needed for specific work flows or troubleshooting.

         • InBuffer Size—Specifies the size of the input buffer in bytes, used to handle incoming data.

         • OutBuffer Size—Specifies the size of the output buffer in bytes, used to handle outgoing data.

         • Latency (ms)—Defines the latency in milliseconds before processing data.

         • Output Latency (ms)—Specifies the delay in milliseconds for outgoing data.

         • InputLen—Indicates the expected length of incoming data packets.

         • RThreshold—Defines the read threshold, determining when the buffer processes incoming data based on a set number of bytes.

         • SThreshold—Defines the send threshold, determining when outgoing data is sent based on a set number of bytes.

         • Polling Interval—Specifies the time interval in milliseconds between checks for data in the buffers.

         • EOF Enable—Specifies whether the End-Of-File (EOF) character is enabled for communication (for example, Yes or No).

   3. To configure the hardware, complete the following fields as required:
      1. Click on Hardware in the Category field group.

         Note: These settings are typically used for fine-tuning hardware communication and are often left as default unless specified otherwise in the instrument's manual.

         • ParityReplace—Specifies the character to substitute if a parity error occurs during data transmission.

         • Null Discard—Indicates whether null characters should be discarded from the communication stream (for example, Yes or No).

         • RTSEnable—Determines whether Request to Send (RTS) hardware flow control is enabled (for example, Yes or No).

         • DTREnable—Determines whether Data Terminal Ready (DTR) hardware flow control is enabled (for example, Yes or No).

   4. To configure the commands, complete the following fields as required:
      1. Click on Commands in the Category field group.

         Note: This section is crucial for tailoring communication and data parsing to the specific balance being used, ensuring accurate and reliable weight transfer. Some fields can be left empty, consult the balance's user manual for provider-specific guidance.

         • Accept Flag—Specifies the character or flag that confirms data reception from the balance.

         • Send Command—Enter the ASCII text string sent to the balance to initiate weight transfer. This command varies by provider; for example, "S" or "SI" for Mettler (S sends when stable, SI sends immediately), or "P" for Ohaus. Use <CR> (Carriage Return) and <LF> (Line Feed) to instruct the balance to include these at the end of the command. Refer to instrument’s the user manual for provider-specific commands.

         • Samples Column—Specifies the column containing sample identifiers in the output data.

         • Analytes Column—Specifies the column containing analyte names or codes in the output data.

         • Results Column—Specifies the column containing measurement results in the output data.

         • Start Line—Defines the line number in the output data where parsing should begin (for example, line 1).

         • End Line—Defines the line number in the output data where parsing should stop (for example, line 2).

         • Decimal Separator—Indicates the character used as a decimal separator in results (for example, a period " . ").

         • Multiplying Factor—A multiplier applied to raw results for unit conversion or calibration purposes.

   5. Click OK.

      Note: Balances do not require template configuration, because templates are specifically designed for use with analytical instruments.

      Note: If you have a Mettler Toledo balance, see How To Transfer a Result via USB with XPR/XSR Balance.

3. To set up the calibration for the balance, see Set up Balance Calibration and View Calibration Log.