Perkin Elmer DotLinkBox
Perkin Elmer DotLinkBox
Perkin Elmer DotLinkBox
dotLINK
User’s Guide
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new products, enhancements, or software updates.
dotLINK
User’s Guide
Release History
Any comments about the documentation for this product should be addressed to:
User Assistance
PerkinElmer
710 Bridgeport Avenue
Shelton, CT 06484-4794
Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Except as specifically set forth in its terms and conditions of sale, PerkinElmer makes no
warranty of any kind with regard to this document, including, but not limited to, the implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
PerkinElmer shall not be liable for errors contained herein for incidental consequential damages in
connection with furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Copyright Information
This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright.
All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form whatsoever or
translated into any language without the prior, written permission of PerkinElmer, Inc.
Trademarks
Registered names, trademarks, etc. used in this document, even when not specifically marked as
such, are protected by law.
Table of Contents........................................................................................................ i
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Installation
Safety and Site Data for dotLINK Standalone ............................................................................ 3
FCC Compliance (United States and Canada) ..................................................................... 3
EMC Directive (European Union)................................................................................ 4
Information and Symbols Appearing on the Standalone dotLINK ............................... 4
FCC Compliance .......................................................................................................... 5
EMC information.......................................................................................................... 5
Power supply module ................................................................................................... 5
Cleaning the dotLINK Standalone................................................................................ 5
Power Connections ....................................................................................................... 6
Available Power Cords................................................................................................. 6
Cables ......................................................................................................................................... 7
Front Panel - Standalone............................................................................................................. 7
Back Panel - Standalone ............................................................................................................. 8
Integral dotLINK - PerkinElmer Clarus GC Right Side Panel.................................................... 8
Installing the dotLINK Hardware ............................................................................................. 10
Cable Connections to Your Instrument.............................................................................. 10
Serial Connection to the Computer.................................................................................... 11
Ethernet Connection - No Lab Network ............................................................................ 12
Ethernet Connection to Lab Network ................................................................................ 12
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet.............................................................................................. 12
Install the Applications on the Host Computer .................................................................. 12
About Using DHCP ........................................................................................................... 12
How to Configure dotLINK (DHCP) ......................................................................... 13
About Using Static IP ........................................................................................................ 15
How to Configure dotLINK (Static IP) ...................................................................... 15
How to Set Your Computer to Static IP............................................................................. 18
Configuring TotalChrom Acquisition Ports to use dotLINK .................................................... 20
i
Adding a New Acquisition Port..........................................................................................20
Ports Tab Display ...............................................................................................................22
Chapter 3 Operation
Status LEDs ......................................................................................................................................23
Resetting dotLINK ....................................................................................................................24
Removing IPMs..................................................................................................................24
Resetting an IP Address .....................................................................................................24
Updating dotLINK.....................................................................................................................24
Checking the Software Version..........................................................................................24
Updating dotLINK Software .......................................................................................26
Verifying the Software Update....................................................................................27
Index
ii Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
2 Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Installation
The dotLINK Interface is designed for easy customer installation. It uses a serial
connection through an RJ45 port to a connector for your specific instrument. There are
NO internal settings or adjustments for you to change.
The installation procedure requires three steps:
1. Install dotLINK hardware.
2. Configure dotLINK.
3. Configuring TotalChrom Acquisition Ports to use dotLINK
Details on each of these steps are provided in the following sections.
NOTES: 1) Changes or modifications not expressly approved by PerkinElmer could void the
user’s authority to operate this product.
2) The product is not designed for use in a residential environment.
3
Safety and Site Data for dotLINK Standalone
DC voltage symbol
Refer to Instructions
4 Chapter 2
Safety and Site Data for dotLINK Standalone
The symbol above indicates that Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is
not to be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Equipment marked with this symbol
is to be collected separately. The objectives of this program are to preserve, protect and
improve the quality of the environment, protect human health and utilize natural
resources prudently and rationally. Specific treatment of WEEE is indispensable in order
to avoid the dispersion of pollutants into the recycled material or waste stream.
Such treatment is the most effective means of protecting the customer’s
environment. The waste collection, reuse, recycling, and recovery programs available
to PerkinElmer’s customers vary by customer location. Please contact the responsible
body (e.g., your laboratory manager) for information about local requirements.
FCC Compliance
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
EMC information
EN 55011–Class A, Group 1
Exterior surfaces of the dotLINK box may be cleaned with a soft cloth, dampened with a
mild detergent and water solution. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
Before using any cleaning method except that specified above, users should check with
PerkinElmer that the proposed method will not damage the equipment.
CAUTION: The protection provided by the dotLINK standalone may be impaired if the product
is used in a manner not specified by PerkinElmer.
Installation 5
Safety and Site Data for dotLINK Standalone
Power Connections
This section applies to standalone dotLINK Interfaces only.
The dotLINK Interface is a safety Class I apparatus and uses a three-conductor line
cord. The line cord plug should only be inserted in a receptacle provided with a
protective earth contact. The protective earth ground contact should not be disconnected
for any reason. To do so may interfere with the proper operation of the dotLINK. The
dotLINK will operate at any line voltage between 100 and 240 VAC.
The AC power plug is the disconnecting device for the dotLINK standalone. Do not
position the dotLINK so that it is difficult to remove the power plug from the AC mains
outlet.
Available Power Cords
NOTE: Disconnect the power cord from the AC receptacle before proceeding.
6 Chapter 2
Cables
Cables
The communication cables required for dotLINK are serial cables and Ethernet cables.
• The serial cable consists of RJ-45 plug (dotLINK end) and DB9 female
(computer end). The serial cables are available in 5 ft, 10 ft, and 25 ft.
lengths.
• The Ethernet cable has RJ-45 plugs on both ends.
Data
Hand ling A B C
System LINK
D E F
Each LED shows the status of a Serial port. The A-D LEDs work as
LEDs follows:
1. Green – represents no errors or problems, IPM loaded
2. Blinking Green – transmitting data on that serial port, no error
3. Yellow – represents programming algorithms active (configuring
firmware for upgrading or downgrading)
4. Blinking Yellow –transmitting data on that serial port, with error
Installation 7
Back Panel - Standalone
8 Chapter 2
Integral dotLINK - PerkinElmer Clarus GC Right Side Panel
Installation 9
Installing the dotLINK Hardware
10 Chapter 2
Installing the dotLINK Hardware
5’ Cable 09290148
dotLINK PerkinElmer LC
Pump
PerkinElmer
Detector
Computer
dotLINK
Installation 11
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
Computer
dotLINK
dotLINK
12 Chapter 2
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
NOTE: The MAC Address, IP Address and Network Mask shown below are examples only.
1. Connect the host computer to the source network subnet as the dotLINK.
2. Locate the directory on your computer’s hard drive where you copied the
files from the dotLINK CD.
3. Double Click the IcarusIPConfigure.exe application.
The IcarusIPConfigure dialog appears.
4. Enter the MAC Address of the dotLINK that you wish to configure into
the MAC Address edit field. This number is printed on a tag on the
dotLINK.
5. Click the Get IP config button located next to the MAC Address edit field.
Installation 13
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
When a DHCP Address is found the IP Address and Network Mask edit fields
will be populated and the Status will read “Received Reply”.
The Configuration section fills in the following: IP Address, Network Mask,
Device Name and selects either Static IP or DHCP.
If Status comes back “No reply received” click the Get IP Config button
until Status reads “Received Reply”. If this does not happen, see
Troubleshooting.
If Static IP is selected, change it to DHCP.
Enter a Device Name unique to the network and click the Set IP config
button. Write down the Device Name since you will need it to configure
TotalChrom.
14 Chapter 2
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
NOTE: (MAC Address, IP Address and Network Mask shown below are examples only)
3. Enter the MAC Address of the dotLINK that you wish to configure into
the MAC Address edit field. This number is printed on a label on the
dotLINK.
4. Click the Get IP config button located next to the MAC Address edit
field.
Installation 15
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
NOTE: DHCP addresses cannot be used as Static IP addresses. You must delete the displayed
DHCP address and enter your Static IP address.
5. Enter the Static IP Address, Network Mask, and a unique Device Name
(supplied by your Network Administrator) and select Static IP.
16 Chapter 2
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
If you are not connecting between two networks, sub networks, or virtual
LANs, leave the Gateway field blank.
6. Next click the Set IP Config button. All configuration fields should
remain populated.
If the Status displays Received reply, the dotLINK is now configured with a
Static IP Address.
Installation 17
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
4. In the General tab, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) the click the
Properties button.
5. In the General tab, click Use the following IP address, and type the
static IP address: 192.168.1.1 and Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 as
shown below.
18 Chapter 2
Setting Up dotLINK for Ethernet
Installation 19
Configuring TotalChrom Acquisition Ports to use dotLINK
NOTE: dotLINK in not a terminal server even though it is using the terminal server selection in
TotalChrom.
If you are using a serial port to connect dotLINK, you must know the COM port
number. Only one COM port can be used per computer, and the port itself must either be
COM port 1 or COM port 2.
To set up and configure dotLINK as a new Terminal Server acquisition port, follow this
procedure:
1. Select Add Acquisition Port from the Ports menu to open the Add
Acquisition Port dialog box.
Initially, only the Device Type list is shown.
2. Select Terminal Server from the Device Type list.
After you select Terminal Server, the appropriate entry controls for that
device are displayed. The following briefly describes each of the entry
controls, by device type:
3. Enter the following information in the Network name field:
• DHCP - Enter the Device name of the dotLINK (the name by which
the device is known to your network, assigned as described above) in
the Network name text box. If the name is valid, the dotLINK’s IP
address is displayed. If the name is not valid, a warning message
appears, but you can continue. However, communication with the
20 Chapter 2
Configuring TotalChrom Acquisition Ports to use dotLINK
5. For Client Server only: Select the server computer you want to associate
with the port from the Acquisition server list.
You can select any valid Acquisition Server that is part of your
TotalChrom system configuration. After you select a server to associate
with an acquisition port, that server is designated as an acquisition server
in the System tab.
6. Enter a description of this port in the Description text box, if desired. The
port description is intended to assist TotalChrom users in identifying this
port during the physical instrument configuration process.
7. Add this port to the system and close the dialog box, or continue to add
additional dotLINK’s:
• To add this port to the system without closing the dialog box, choose
Apply. This adds the port to the system but does not clear the dialog
box. You can then add another port to the system.
• To add this port to the system and close the dialog box, choose OK.
• A serial port can be added and configured similarly by selecting Serial
as the Device type and entering 1 or 2, as appropriate, for the COM
port number.
Installation 21
Configuring TotalChrom Acquisition Ports to use dotLINK
The Acquisition Ports list displays all configured acquisition ports. The device
names and port numbers are displayed in a hierarchical tree format, similar to
the directory display in the Windows Explorer. To access a shortcut menu of
functions, right-click anywhere in the Acquisition Ports list.
When you select a specific port number from the acquisition ports list, you can
display detailed configuration information on the port and any devices that are
attached to the port is displayed.
For Client Server only: You can change the acquisition server for a
terminal server port by selecting the desired server from the Acquisition
Server list.
You can change any port description by modifying the data in the
Description field.
To change any other configuration information about a port (such as its
name or port number), you must delete the port, re-add it, and substitute
the new information. See “Deleting an Acquisition Port” for information.
22 Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Operation
The operation of the dotLINK Interface is directed via the TotalChrom software
executing on the host computer. The manuals associated with the TotalChrom
software provide detailed instructions on configuring and operating the dotLINK
interface. The status of the dotLINK Interface is monitored through the use of the
TotalChrom software.
Each standalone dotLINK provides a simple indication of its status using a set of
LEDs located on the front panel (the Integral dotLINK only has one LED). During
routine operation, these LEDs provide an indication of the activity on each Instrument
Port, as described in “Status LEDs” below.
Data
Hand ling A B C
System LINK
D E F
Status LEDs
After the completion of the Self-Test, when communication between the host
computer and the dotLINK Interface occurs, the LEDs will blink. Each LED shows
the status of a Serial port. There is a total of six LEDs in the standalone version and
one LED in the Integral dotLINK version.
Green – represents no errors or problems, IPM loaded
Blinking Green – transmitting data on that serial port, no error
Yellow – represents programming algorithms active (configuring firmware for
upgrading or downgrading)
Blinking Yellow –transmitting data on that serial port, with error
Resetting dotLINK
NOTE: The F LED will light green when dotLINK is on and blink to show CPU
activity.
Resetting dotLINK
Before reusing dotLINK with another IP address or a new instrument configuration,
reset dotLINK as follows.
Removing IPMs
1. Using a non metallic stylus, press and hold the Reset button in for 10 sec.
and release it.
2. Power cycle the dotLINK, by unplugging the power cord from the dotLINK
and then plugging the power cord back into the dotLINK. (If you have an
Integral dotLINK, power cycle the PerkinElmer Clarus GC by turning it OFF
then ON.)
Resetting an IP Address
1. Using a non metallic stylus, press and hold the Reset button on the back of
the dotLINK.
2. While holding the Reset button power cycle the dotLINK, by unplugging the
power cord from the dotLINK and then plugging the power cord back into
the dotLINK. (If you have an Integral dotLINK, power cycle the
PerkinElmer Clarus GC by turning it OFF then ON.)
Updating dotLINK
NOTE: Only use a Type 10 USB key with WinCE compatible drivers to update dotLINK. If
you have questions about the USB key, contact PerkinElmer.
Updating dotLINK is performed using a USB key via the USB port on the back of the
dotLINK. This Update capability enables you to change the version of the dotLINK
firmware to either a new version or a previous version of the dotLINK software.
NOTE: When dotLINK is connected to TotalChrom it displays dotLINK as Interface Type 610
EPROM 4.x
24 Chapter 3
Updating dotLINK
3. Highlight the dotLINK that you wish to get the version from.
The version will appear in the lower left corner of the Configuration
Editor window.
Operation 25
Updating dotLINK
1. Unplug the dotLINK power cord from the back of the dotLINK. (If
you have an Integral dotLINK, turn OFF the PerkinElmer Clarus GC.)
2. Plug the Type 10 USB key with WinCE compatible drivers containing
the updated dotLINK software into the S/W UPDATE USB port on the
back of the dotLINK (or on the side panel of the PerkinElmer Clarus
GC containing an Integral dotLINK) .
3. With the Updated USB key plugged into the dotLINK, plug the power
cord back into the dotLINK. (If you have an Integral dotLINK, turn
ON the PerkinElmer Clarus GC.)
Back View
4. With the USB key still plugged into the dotLINK and the dotLINK
powered on, the update will now proceed automatically.
Data
Hand ling A B C
System LINK
D E F
5. When the LED lights on the front of dotLINK stop flashing (this could
take several minutes) all the update files have been transferred.
26 Chapter 3
Updating dotLINK
1. With the Configuration Editor still displayed, choose the dotLINK that
you just updated.
2. Choose Configure from the Instrument menu.
3. Click the plus sign + to expand the display to show the ports and select
the data acquisition port to which the dotLINK is connected.
4. When the port is highlighted, click the Query Port For Type button.
The version is displayed in the Interface type box on this dialog.
5. After verifying that dotLINK has been updated, click the cancel button.
Operation 27
Chapter 4
Technical Data
Functional Description
The descriptions in this section are not intended to be a technical definition of the
dotLINK interface. Rather, they are provided for those situations in which a better
understanding of the interface may aid in its application. The dotLINK is a dedicated
processor system acting as an instrument interface. It will contain a processor board,
Ethernet interface, RS-232 interfaces, a USB interface, on-board voltage regulators,
reset button, and external LED indicators.
Connections
The dotLINK personality card has 6 serial ports, 1 Ethernet port, and 1 USB port.
Both the Serial ports and Ethernet ports use an RJ-45 connector. The USB connector
is a standard “A” type USB connector. The processor board is connected to the
dotLINK personality board by using a fine pitch board to board connector.
Electronics
The dotLINK personality board has all necessary electronics including, Ethernet
MAC and PHY, Ethernet Magnetics, 6 UARTS, RS-232 drivers, and power supplies.
Functional Description
Microprocessor
SH4 7760 highly integrated, 32-bit processor. This microprocessor has on-chip
peripherals ranging from serial ports, to USB, to an LCD controller.
Permanent Storage
The processor board has 32MB of flash in which to store the Boot loader, OS, and
application.
Temporary Storage
There is 32MB of SDRAM on the card engine.
Ethernet
Ethernet is provided by an SMSC 91C111 non-PCI Ethernet MAC and PHY. This
provides one port of switchable 10/100 Base-T Ethernet.
Serial
There are three serial ports that are integral to the processor.
30 Chapter 4
Troubleshooting Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
If the dotLINK Interface is not operating correctly, power cycle it by unplugging the
standalone dotLINK from the power then plug it back in, or if you have Integral
dotLINK use the GC power switch. Wait a few seconds then switch the Power ON
again. If one or more of the following symptoms occur, perform the described action.
1. Failure to Communicate With Host Computer (RS-232 Serial Communications)
RS-232 communication to the host computer is generally accomplished
through a direct connection to the PC com port or Ethernet port, or through a
terminal server attached to a network, thereby introducing several points for
potential communication problems. A typical problem is inconsistencies in
the configuration information that is provided to the terminal server, to the
server software on the host computer and to the host application (e.g.,
SYSCONFIG for TotalChrom C/S). Inconsistencies in this data can result in
an Interface that does not respond. Problems can also arise from unexpected
sources, such as an inappropriate request for a port connection from an
application running on another network node.
If you are using a Terminal Server, disconnect the dotLINK from it and
connect the dotLINK directly to the COM port or Ethernet port of the PC.
Newer PCs can handle this connection with a regular cable. If you have an
older PC you may need to connect a crossover cable between the PC and the
dotLINK.
2. No Front Panel LEDs On (standalone dotLINK) or No GC Side Panel
LEDs On (Integral dotLINK)
a. Check the power cord for proper connection to an operative power receptacle.
b. Try to configure the instrument, the LED may light when the configuration is
complete.
3. LEDs Continue to Blink After Self-Test (standalone dotLINK only)
This indicates an error occurred during the self-test. Reinstall the dotLINK
software using the USB update key.
4. All LEDs Blinking Rapidly -or- All LEDs Remain ON (standalone dotLINK only)
If the problem recurs after cycling power, contact the Service Department as
described in “Warranty/Service” . If the problem does recur, there are two
possible explanations.
• The dotLINK Interface has extensive shielding against electrostatic
discharge (ESD), the integrity of which may have been
compromised or bypassed. Make sure that nothing has been added
to the Interface other than the approved connections.
Technical Data 31
Troubleshooting Guide
32 Chapter 4
dotLINK Error Messages
Technical Data 33
dotLINK Error Messages
34 Chapter 4
dotLINK Error Messages
Technical Data 35
dotLINK Error Messages
36 Chapter 4
dotLINK Error Messages
Technical Data 37
dotLINK Error Messages
38 Chapter 4
Warranty/Service
Warranty/Service
If repair is required please contact your local PerkinElmer service office.
Specifications
Dimensions:
dotLINK Box: 8.0 L x 4.0 W x 2.0 H (in.)
203.2 L x 101.6 W x 50.8 H (mm)
Power Supply:
3.3 L x 1.8 W x 1.3 H (in.)
85.0 L x 46.0 W x 33.0 H (mm)
Mass (Weight):
dotLINK Box: 0.652 kg (23 oz.)
Power Supply: 0.136 kg (4.8 oz.)
Power Supply: Input: 100 – 240 VAC ± 10%, 50/60 Hz +1%,
0.3 A max. current
Output: +5 VDC, 2 A maximum
Technical Data 39
Specifications
40 Chapter 4
Index
41
WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products
or
A label with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and a rectangular bar indicates that the product is
covered by the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and is not to be
disposed of as unsorted municipal waste. Any products marked with this symbol must be collected
separately, according to the regulatory guidelines in your area.
The objectives of this program are to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the
environment, protect human health, and utilize natural resources prudently and rationally. Specific
treatment of WEEE is indispensable in order to avoid the dispersion of pollutants into the recycled
material or waste stream. Such treatment is the most effective means of protecting the customer’s
environment.
Requirements for waste collection, reuse, recycling, and recovery programs vary by regulatory
authority at your location. Contact your local responsible body (e.g., your laboratory manager) or
authorized representative for information regarding applicable disposal regulations. Contact
PerkinElmer at the web site listed below for information specific to PerkinElmer products.
Products from other manufacturers may also form a part of your PerkinElmer system. These
other producers are directly responsible for the collection and processing of their own waste
products under the terms of the WEEE Directive. Please contact these producers directly before
discarding any of their products.
Consult the PerkinElmer web site (http://www.perkinelmer.com) for producer names and web
addresses.