FAQ

Bar code scanners support is implemented within a few autosampler control modules (Spark Integrity, HTA HT4000, …) – here the read bar code will be available as %f variable to be used in SampleID, Sample or Filename fields.

Hand-held scanners (emulating keyboard) could be used to fill in the values in the sequence table – terminating character should be set to Enter and the setting in the User Options dialog - General tab - Sequence Table - On Enter section should be set to Move Down option to move the focus to the next row after the Bar code value is read. For versions prior to 9.0 the option to set the terminating character to Down Arrow in the scanner will be advantageous otherwise it is necessary to move to the next row using the mouse/keyboard.

In such case, it is recommended to check Colibrick Setup in the System Configuration window. Synchronize Start with Digital Input should only be enabled when one of Colibrick's digital inputs is configured as Exr. Start Dig. Input:. Furthermore, Synchronize Start with Digital Input and Exr. Start Dig. Input: must be set to the same Digital Input.
This change was made because the wrong setting led to random issues with analysis starts in previous versions.

Synchronize Start with Digital Input enables a faster and more accurate synchronization of channels with the start signal. The start of the analysis is defined by a marker in data points rather than by detecting the change in Digital Input. The difference is in the order of hundreds of milliseconds, which means that it is important only for very short analysis. When measuring multi-detector chromatograms it will minimize the time shift between detector signals and thus improve the detection of peaks.

Mark in a chromatogram can be created utilizing any HW with digital input (e.g. Colibrick A/D converter) or the Virtual Digital Input Output Loop module and Event Table tab from the Method Setup dialog. With proper settings, triggering the digital input is recorded as an event (vertical line labeled with name and RT) in the Acquisition and Chromatogram windows. The digital input can be triggered by pressing the start button when it is provided by HW, or by pressing the corresponding Digital Output in the Device monitor when provided by the Virtual Digital Input Output Loop module.

The following settings are necessary:

• HW with digital input or Virtual Digital Input Output Loop module configured to Instrument
• Method setup
  • Measurement tab - External Start/Stop enabled and set to Start Only
  • Event Table tab - set according to the image, where:
    • Name field determines the label of the event.
    • Source field determines which module provides the digital input.
    • Input field determines which digital input records the event.

• To display the marks, Show Events in Graph Properties in Acquisition and Chromatogram windows must be enabled (Dialog can be invoked by right-clicking the graph area in the respective window and clicking Properties...).

Clarity is a 32-bit process, which means it can use the max of 2GB RAM, but if you use more than one demanding instrument, it can still be beneficial to have 8 GB RAM, so the PC has enough RAM left for OS and other apps.

Sometimes you may get the error "Out Of Memory", caused, e.g., when opening a chromatogram in the Chromatogram window. This may be caused by using a particular method, which has been saved over and over again due to some modifications. Since version 8.3, every saving of such method results in creating another method's version (number of versions is displayed at the top of Method setup behind the method name as "- #number"). These versions increase Method file size; when such a method is used, memory can be depleted, forcing the software to misbehave.

As a remedy:

• Try to save the method using the command Save As under a new name. This will save your method without previous versions, decreasing the file size.
• Do not use "Open chromatograms in Overlay" when running the Sequence.
• Do not open resulting chromatograms when Sequence is running (Disable the checkbox in the Open column).
• Update Clarity to the newest version (in Clarity 9.0 memory handling is improved).

It is possible to print an audit trail of the method used for acquisition solely using the Method Setup dialog. In case it is required to print audit trail of method (*.met) file it is necessary to perform this print directly from the Method Setup dialog.

In case there will be requested print from a different location (for example from the Chromatogram window) with checked option 'Method Audit Trail' from tab 'Audit & Signatures' from the Report Setup dialog nothing will be printed. This means it is not possible to print together with chromatogram an audit trail of the method (*.met file) used for its acquisition, thus procedure described above has to be applied.

For the Gow-Mac GC chromatograph, use the asymmetrical connection as shown in the picture below.

Connect Brown wire (pink tubular end sleeve) to terminal (+) and white wire (grey tubular end sleeve) together with yellow wire (shielding) to terminal (-).

Do not connect anything to the terminal marked D in the picture, it may cause damage to the A/D converter. Set also the Signal Range at the Method Setup Acquisition tab to the lowest possible value.

Yes, you can add the User Column which displays RRT according to a Compound Name. To do this, follow these instructions:

•  In the chromatogram, you need a defined peak name from the Calibration Table which will be used for the calculation of other peaks' RRT. Alternatively, you can name the peak directly in the chromatogram by using the Force Peak Name function.
• Add a new User Column in the Result Table and in the Expression field type [Reten. Time]/[COMPOUNDNAME$Reten. Time]. COMPOUNDNAME is the compound that will be used as a reference peak to calculate the retention times. You can generate the calculation by choosing the Reten. Time in the Columns field, then the "/" sign and for last click the Special Values button and click on the Compound item. Type the name of the column in the Title field and hit OK. A new column appears in the Result Table containing the calculated RRT.

Yes, Calibration Bracketing is supported directly in Clarity.

What is bracketing?

The bracketing in calibration is a technique when samples in a long sequence run are evaluated to standards immediately preceding and immediately following the respective samples. It is used to compensate for the instability of detector response during the run for example, typical for electrochemical detectors.

Bracketing in Clarity 3.0 and later

1. In the Method Setup - Calculation, set the name for cloned calibration files used during the Calibration Bracketing. The field enables the use of any text, however it is recommended to use variables appropriate to the calibration method (Line, Date and Time, ...) (1).

2. In the Sequence - Sequence Options, check the Calibration Bracketing option. This sets the sequence and calibration to the Calibration Bracketing mode (2). As every unknown sample series is demarcated by calibration standards and as such uses a single calibration file, calibration will be cloned from the previous calibration clone whenever an unknown sample or blank follows the calibration standard. In a newly cloned calibration file, all responses other than responses of the last series of calibration standards (only those standards that follow the unknown samples) are cleared.

The serial number and user code can be found in the About dialog.

1. Open the main Clarity (Lite) window.
2. Use the Help - About menu command to invoke the About dialog.
3. Serial number can be found in the first tab.
4. Both user code and serial number can be found on the System files tab with other fundamental information about both the station and the computer.

You can also find it printed on a plastic card supplied to your USB installation media or it can be found in the packing list.

User privileges settings:

• Clarity (Lite) users must have read/write access to the Clarity system and data files. The default C:\Clarty (C:\Clarity_Lite) directory inherits the Read Only status from C:\ on administered systems. Contact your local administrator to change the settings.

Antivirus programs:

Antivirus programs usually do not interfere with Clarity functionality. But two areas may pose problems for the correct functioning of Clarity (Lite):

1. Antivirus is causing processor overload under certain situations which may leave insufficient memory resources for Clarity (Lite).
2. Antivirus is continuously monitoring files frequently updated by Clarity (Lite) (.raw, .audit, etc.) which may be unjustifiably marked as a threat to the PC.

Windows Updates:

Automatic Windows updates are in the default settings able to force the unattended computer to restart regardless of running programs - only a warning message will appear. Please note, that the first two options (Automatic updates or Download updates) may result in the forced computer restart.

Choose one of the options for automatic updates:

• Never check for updates.
• Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them.

On administered systems ask your local administrator to choose one of the options described above.

In Windows 10 and 11 it is not possible to forbid the updates, just to pause updates for short period of time and install them after manually to avoid forced restarts. Go to Settings - Windows Update - Advanced Options - Pause Updates

In Windows 7, 8.1 go to Control Panel - System and Security - Windows Update- Change settings.

We recommend installing and operating Clarity on a PC with updated OS, only the forced restarts pose a potential problem to Clarity.

Possible causes are:
a) Detector is not allocated to the Instrument:

• Open the System Configuration dialog from the main Clarity window and check the tab of the corresponding instrument Instrument X (1).
• In the left-side Setup Control Modules list select the correct detector (2) and assign it (3) to the corresponding instrument Instrument X (4) on the right.
• If your detector is not in the left-side Setup Control Modules list, add it using the Add button (5) and repeat the previous step.
• Click on the OK button and return to the instrument window. The data acquisition window is now functional.

b) You have purchased a license for data collection for a smaller number of instruments:

• Open the System Configuration dialog from the main Clarity window using the System - Configuration command and check the tab of the corresponding instrument - Instrument X. If there is a symbol of the blue plug (6), it means that the instrument can not be used for data acquisition but only for method preparation and chromatogram evaluation.
• Check your serial number S/N, using the Help - About command from the main Clarity window.
• In case you want to measure on this instrument as well, contact DataApex or your local distributor.

List of error messages:

▌An unknown error occurred while accessing C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Temp\Clarity\$ch1run.raw

It can be displayed during the start of the acquisition, probably when the User does not have writing rights into C:\...\Clarity.

▌Attempted an unsupported operation.

It may occur when accessing a broken dialog or window. Please contact our support and describe in which window it happened.

▌Board malfunction

Probably there is an error in communication with DataApex converter. See a manual of INT7 or INT9 - chapter Troubleshooting, table List of Error Messages.

▌Blocked HW key

Your HW key has for some reason been blocked. Contact our support for help.

▌Cannot add device group

When trying to drag the whole group of devices (AS, GC, ...) over to the Instrument.

▌Cannot add some subdevices. - DEMO - 1 was configured on Instrument XX

If the number of DEMO detectors in configuration exceeds a certain number. Up to 10 is definitely still fine.

▌Cannot connect with communication library CswHP1100.dll. Install Agilent IO Library Suite version 15.

Libraries for GPIB are not installed (e.g. when switching the station from Clarity Demo mode with 1100 over GPIB in configuration). We do not include the libraries, see the Agilent website. Also note that GPIB communication is no longer supported since Windows 7.

▌Cannot create Detector

This error message can occur while using a DataApex A/D converter. Probably an unregistered library. Please contact our support.

▌Cannot create RAW file

Cannot create raw file C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\Temp\Clarity\$ch1temp.raw is an error message which occurs due to very specific circumstances.

After starting the analysis, the file $ch1run.raw is created. When the analysis finishes, it is then renamed to $ch1last.raw from which the chromatogram *.prm is created. The file $ch1temp.raw gets created in case the renaming is not possible - usually due to a modal error message which awaits confirmation.

▌Cannot create temporary files

At Clarity startup if the user cannot write to C:\Clarity (installed without administrator rights).

▌Can't create ... (device name)

Usually a problem with the control module library (*.dll file). See FAQ - Question "I get an error message (Error on setup, Can't create ...) when I want to add an hardware to Clarity Configuration".

▌Cannot determine the number of bytes in input queue for Serial communication. System Error Information : 31. A device attached to the system is not functioning

If Multicom is unplugged from the USB of the PC (ECOM LCO connected over Multicom).

▌Cannot determine the number of bytes in input queue for Serial communication. System Error Information : 1167. The device is not connected

If Multicom is unplugged from the USB of the PC (ECOM LCO 102 connected over Multicom).

▌Cannot establish communication with XXXX SN xxx! XXXX SN xxx might not be connected, installed properly or it might be malfunctioning

In an attempt to open Instrument which has an uncommunicative device in configuration (e.g. unplugged U-PAD2 or Colibrick).

▌Cannot find driver file

From version 2.8 and later - this message pops up if an DataApex internal A/D (INT7, INT9) card is configured but physically unplugged. Also if the device is disabled in the Device Manager. See a manual of INT7 or INT9 - chapter Troubleshooting, table List of Error Messages.

▌Cannot find first board

This message may occur when a user wants to configure more A/D cards than is present in the PC.

▌Cannot find RAW file

This message has occurred while ending the analysis (Agilent 7890). Cause unknown yet.

▌Cannot find second board

If the user tries to add a second board which is, however, not present in the PC. See a manual of INT7 or INT9 - chapter Troubleshooting, table List of Error Messages.

▌Cannot load device driver

This message could have occurred on older versions of Clarity (for example on 2.5.6.99), probably due to a missing DataApex INT7 card. See a manual of INT7 or INT9 - chapter Problems with INT7.

▌Cannot load script xxx server execution failed (Ruby control modules)

Problem is caused by recent Windows 10 update (Build 1809), which is blocking the used RUBY script intepreter library version used due to a vulnerability issues. For remedy, please update to Clarity version 8.1 or higher, the affected library was updated in it.

▌Cannot open File Open Dialog. An unknown error occured during this operation

This message seems to be related to exhausted Windows resources. Make sure you are using the latest version of Clarity and a fully functional Windows installation.

▌Cannot open file XXX The file is already open on Instrument YYY.

If you attempt to open a method that is already opened on another instrument.

▌Cannot open USB communication for XY

For example U-PAD2/Colibrick. Possible causes are if the A/D converter is connected over a USB hub or if there is a problem with DLL registration.

▌Cannot send data in serial communication

If you have, for example, a GC connected over a NetPAD and in configuration you first remove the NetPAD and then try to perform something with the GC.

▌Changing project requires to restart instrument. (You will be prompted to save modified files.) Is this OK ?

If you have unsaved changes in the Chromatogram window and you also want to change a project on the instrument.

▌Clarity is already running!

Appears during the startup of clarity.exe if another instance is already running.

▌Clarity.psw file has been changed. Please see help file for possible reasons.

When upgrading Clarity from versions older than 8.0, this dialog may occur at first run and be logged in Station Audit Trail. It is a standard behavior caused by security improvements in newer versions of Clarity.

When manipulation with the *.psw file has been detected, it appears during the start of Clarity . This manipulation may mean a *.psw file from another station was copied to the Clarity configuration folder (C:\CLARITY\Cfg by default) or when Clarity closed unexpectedly (Clarity crash, PC power failure, ...) when the *.psw file was modified but not yet saved.

When the *.psw file found does not contain a record about station running in the Regulated Environment, station will normally continue working and no message will be displayed on further Clarity station starts. If the *.psw file contains the record about station running in the Regulated Environment, station will not start at all. An empty *.psw file from the \Cfg\BACK\LAST_INSTALLATION\ subfolder can be used, all user accounts must be recreated and all GLP options must be re-selected.

▌Clarity.psw file has been corrupted. Clarity will now terminate. Replace the corrupted Clarity.psw file in Clarity folder (C:\Clarity\Cfg) with default file from the backup folder C:\Clarity\Cfg\Back\Last installation. All user accounts will be lost.

Appears during the start of Clarity when *.psw file is corrupted (illegible). Clarity will not start at all. An empty *.psw file from the \Cfg\BACK\LAST_INSTALLATION\ subfolder can be used, all user accounts must be recreated and all GLP options (if used) must be re-selected.

▌Configuration file C:\Clarity\Cfg\Clarity.cfg is not valid. The file was either damaged or created with a later version of the software. The backup copy will be used.

Appears when starting Clarity with a non-compatible *. cfg file.

▌Configuration file C:\Clarity\Cfg\Clarity.cfg is not valid. The file was either damaged or created with a later version of the software. Contact support for help.

Appears when starting Clarity with a non-compatible *. cfg file. Backup cannot be restored in this case.

▌Detector 1 (= NAME OF SIGNAL) is not acquiring any data

In case of high load on a low performance PC. This error may also occur due to physically damaged card during acquisition.

▌Encountered an improper argument

In version 3.0.3.295, this message appeared when the PDA tab in Report Setup was moved from the initial position.

▌Error Occurred During Setup.

This message can happen during the configuration of a control module.

▌Error 1008 V-2500 (Upchurch) (SN N/A): Not Connected

If the valve from a COM port is disconnected, it is switched from Waiting to Communication Error.

▌FAILED to send method to device (Thermostats)

When thermostat is unplugged from RS232 and then "Send Method" is pressed manually.

▌FAILED to send method to sub-device

If the device stops communicating with several parts (e.g. 7890).

▌Fraction table contains overlapping time intervals. Please amend the table so that the time intervals don't overlap.

This error occurs if the user creates a wrong table for a fraction collector with overlapping times. It is a warning for the user that the fraction table needs to be corrected in order to avoid presence of the overlapping time segments in the table.

▌HW Key test Failed

Your HW key is not working correctly. Contact our support for help.

▌Incompatible device driver

The kernel driver and the driver in the Clarity do not match.

▌Invalid rows detected in the Method Setup - Event Table. The invalid rows will be marked out and skipped from events processing

This message appears during the opening of a method whose Event Table uses something that is not in the configuration.

▌Method file XXX does not exist. For more information about errors on the other rows, point mouse cursor over "Sts." Column for each row.

This happens when opening or checking a sequence which contains a name of a non-existent method.

▌Method file XXX was prepared with different instrument configuration and cannot be sent into HW. Open Edit Method Dialog and press OK to adapt it to the new configuration (non-matching parameters will be replaced by defaults).

If the instrument or method being opened does not correspond to the hardware which is currently present in the configuration.

▌Microsoft Visual C++ 2005 Redistributable Package (x86) installation failed. Exit code: 1618. Installation of Windows update or another program is already in progress. Let it finish first, restart the PC if necessary, and then start Clarity installation again.

This can happen when Windows update or another program is already being installed, in rare cases this is caused by Windows installer process not being terminated properly. Waiting for intallation to finish and restarting PC should resolve the issue.

▌Missing keylock drivers

The drivers for the HW key are missing or corrupted. They need to be reinstalled. See FAQ on our website - HW key (re)installation.

▌Net-PAD (SN Error) Cannot send sockets.

Net-PAD is not communicating. This may be due to a faulty cable or that when using a direct connection the PC does not have a static IP address set up.

▌NETPAD malfunction

This message appears if the data do not arrive within 7.5 seconds.

▌No data received for 10 s.

This message may occur during an acquisition if Clarity has not received any data for a prolonged period of time. Make sure the PC is not under high load during the acquisition.

▌No detector has been found and not even DEMO detector has been found

The control modules may be incorrectly registered. Please check the IQ Report of Clarity.

▌Please enter valid Data Size. Minimum is 2.

The content of the imported file is too short (only one data point on the graph).

▌Project directory <Project name> already exists but has no project file! Do you want to create the project file?

Project directory with this name already exists but it misses its project *.prj file. Select one of options. It is recommended to select Yes option.

▌Project file <Project name> already exists but has no project directory! Do you want to create the project directory?

There already exists project *.prj file with given name but it misses its project folder. Select one of options. It is recommended to select Yes option.

▌Project <Project name> already exists! Choose a different name.

Project with this name already exists. Select another and unique name for newly created project.

▌Seek failed on C:\..... .csv

The content of the imported file is too short (less than 5000 Bytes). Please update to the latest version of Clarity.

▌Shutdown from Event Table

This message appears after executing the Shutdown command from the Event Table.

▌Stop time must be larger than Start time for individual fractions.

This message concerns fraction collectors. The Fraction table contains incorrect settings of Start Time and Stop Time for one or more rows. Each row of the Fraction table has to be set such that the Stop Time is always higher than the Start Time on the same row.

▌The directory specified for instrument x does not exist: C:\...... It is necessary to set correct directory with projects for instrument x in Directories dialog.

This message appears during the opening of an Instrument window while deleting/renaming or damaging the respective directory in the meantime.

▌The report style "Chromatogram.sty" does not exist or is damaged. Default report style "Noname" will be used instead.

This message appears during the opening of a Chromatogram window while deleting/renaming or damaging the respective .sty file in the meantime.

▌Too many peaks in chromatogram. Try to increase peak width or threshold

Peak Width was set to a low value (e.g. to 0.001 minutes in a 80 minute noise chromatogram).

▌Too much data for FFT. Max. number of samples in interval is 2E6

FFT applied to a too large interval.

▌Unable to lock instrument in unprotected mode!

When no user is created and you attempt to set Lock on an opened instrument.

▌UPAD (SN...): Cannot send data in USB communication.

For example when you unplug a USB cable during acquisition and confirm the displayed error, the Instrument then switches to a Communication Error.

▌UPAD device malfunction

This appears during the test of a UPAD when it does not provide any data. In other words, during the start of Clarity an acquisition signal 10V/100Hz is sent to the first UPAD channel and if there is nothing received from the UPAD in 1 second, this error message appears. See the manual of UPAD - chapter Troubleshooting.

▌User accounts file load error

The file Clarity.psw failed to load. Happens, for example, if you downgrade from 3.0 to 2.8 and leave the old files in place.

▌You are attempting to paste incompatible or out of range values

This message may occur while copying a sequence table prepared in Excel. Make sure the form of the table and its values are correct.

▌You do not have sufficient privileges to read file XXX.prj.

This message occurs if the user tries to open the project file created by user who has option No Access selected in Other Users Can setting.

▌You entered 3 times wrong password, you must restart program

If the user submits a wrong password three times in a row prior to closing Clarity.

Error messages in IQ report:

▌wrong checksum (size), probably different version of the file

Check the IQ Report to see if the Clarity installation is correct.

▌Warning: unknown control module

Happens e.g. in Clarity Lite for drivers of control modules if the PC finds a full version of Clarity installed.

▌Failed: bad size

The file has a different size (compared to iq.chk) - occurs e.g. in Clarity Full for .dll from Lite, if that one was the last registered.

▌Failed: bad checksum

The file has a different checksum (compared to iq.chk) - occurs for .dll which has the right size, but the checksum does not match. For example if you edit the size of iq.chk manually.

For computers that do not have (enough) serial ports, we offer the MultiCOM device (6x RS232 to USB converter). Be sure you have an available USB port in your computer to accommodate the MultiCOM.

Problem

The USB or LPT HW key is not functional.

The Rockey USB/LPT and Sentinel USB/LPT HW keys are not functional due to the installation of the wrong driver. This situation occurs in case this HW key was connected to the PC before the installation of the correct driver (Clarity). It can be solved by uninstalling the wrong driver and installing the correct one. You can find such info in the chapter describing the certain HW key.

Symptoms

• The "Missing HW key" dialog is displayed instead of the Clarity (Lite) window. This is valid since Clarity 6.0. Clarity will not enter "Demo" mode.
• The "DEMO - missing HW Key" inscription is displayed in the Clarity main window. This is valid until Clarity 6.0.
• The HW key icon in the Device Manager contains an exclamation mark in a yellow triangle. This can occur when the wrong driver for the HW key is installed.

Solution

Before you do anything, ensure the corresponding port (USB, LPT) is enabled in the BIOS settings (integrated peripherals). The drivers can be installed even if it is not enabled, however, the key will not function then.

a) For a USB HW key, check the following:

• See whether the USB port is working (e.g. try connecting a different device and see if it's working, etc.)
• See whether the HW driver is installed. In such a case, the green LED on the HW key should be on.

b) For an HW key connected to a parallel port check the following:

• Try to print to the printer.
• Ensure that the printer cable is not too long (> 3m).
• Disconnect the printer cable and connect the HW key directly to the port of the computer.

Depending on the type of HW key you get with the Clarity, continue with the proper chapter of (re)installation. See images below:

Rockey USB ND	Rockey USB	Rockey LPT	Sentinel USB	Sentinel LPT

Rockey USB ND

Rockey USB ND does not need separate installation of drivers. Drivers will be automatically installed once plugged into the USB port.

At first sight, Rockey USB ND is distinguished from other keys by the fact that the casing is grey and transparent (the internal chip is visible).  

• Insert the Rockey USB ND into a functional USB port.
• The drivers will be installed automatically.
• Start Clarity.

Supported from Clarity version 2.6.1.

Rockey USB

• Let the key be connected to the computer.
• Use the instdrv.exe from the installation DVD, \BIN\HW_DRIVERS\ROCKEY (since 7.0) or \HW_DRIVERS\ROCKEY (up to 6.2) (alternatively you can download it from https://downloads.dataapex.com/drivers/Rockey.zip).
• Run the installer (instdrv.exe) with the option Remove.
• Restart the computer when requested.
• Remove the key from the computer.
• Run the installer (instdrv.exe) again with default settings.
• When finished, insert the key back into the USB port.

If it will not help, please check, if the used USB port is functional or try to install the station on another computer.

Rockey LPT

• Verify that the key is properly inserted in the LPT (printer) port.
• In file manager (e.g. Windows Explorer) navigate to C:\CLARITY\BIN\HW_DRIVERS\ROCKEY (since 7.0) or C:\CLARITY\HW_DRIVERS\ROCKEY (up to 6.2).
• Run the "InstDrv.exe" file to invoke Setup Wizard.
• Select Repair in the first dialog and click Next.
• In the second dialog check the Install parallel driver checkbox.
• Select the Detect the parallel business radio button and click the Next button.
• In the third dialog click the Complete button.
• You will be asked to Restart Windows.

If this will not help, contact our technical support at support@dataapex.com.

Further observed limitations of the LPT HW key:

• Rockey LPT key does not function on LPT2 and higher, it can be used only with LPT1.
• Rockey will function only on board LPT ports and ignore the ports on PCI cards.

Sentinel USB

• Sentinel drivers are not part of installation and thus not supported in Clarity version 8.2.2 and newer.
• Let the key be connected to the computer.
• Use the Sentinel Protection Installer from the installation DVD, \BIN\HW_DRIVERS\SENTINEL (from 7.0 to 8.2.2) or \HW_DRIVERS\SENTINEL (up to 6.2).
  (alternatively, you can download it from https://downloads.dataapex.com/drivers/Sentinel.zip).
• Run the installer with the option Remove.
• It is not necessary to restart the computer when requested.
• Remove the key from the computer.
• Run the installer again with the default setting (Custom installation).
• Disable the installation of Sentinel Protection Server and Sentinel Keys Server.

• When finished, insert the key.

If it will not help, please check, if the used USB port is functional.

Sentinel LPT

• Sentinel drivers are not part of the installation and thus not supported in Clarity version 8.2.2 and newer.

• Verify that the key is properly inserted in the LPT (printer) port.

• Use the Sentinel Protection Installer from the installation DVD, \BIN\HW_DRIVERS\SENTINEL (since 7.0 to 8.2.2) or \HW_DRIVERS\SENTINEL (up to 6.2).
  (alternatively, you can download it from https://public.dataapex.com/Sentinel.zip).
• Run the installer with the option Remove.
• It is not necessary to restart the computer when requested.
• Remove the key from the computer.
• Run the installer again with the default setting (Custom installation).
• Disable the installation of Sentinel Protection Server and Sentinel Keys Server and enable the Parallel Driver.

• When finished, insert the key.

If this will not help, contact our technical support at support@dataapex.com.

The Clarity software license is fixed on the HW key. The software itself could be installed freely on different computers, but without the HW key, it will not start.

For moving Clarity to a new PC follow these steps:
1) Install the software on a new computer (the latest version could be downloaded from our website www.dataapex.com, section Downloads, you need to be registered and logged in). During the installation make sure all necessary drivers and control modules are installed - some may not be included in the Typical installation.
2) Connect the hardware (MultiCOM, A/D Converter, etc.) and the HW key.
3) Enter the user code matching the HW key.
4) To restore your settings copy the system files (clarity.cfg, clarity.dsk, clarity.psw) from the old computer to the Clarity\cfg folder on the new PC.

If you have Clarity Full version:
5) To restore the data, use Archive/Restore command to copy the needed projects (recommended procedure) or copy the respective folders (including the Projects and Common).

If you have Clarity Lite:
5) To restore the data, copy the respective folders (including the Projects and Common).

For one or more devices requiring the serial (COM) RS232 port, use the reliable MultiCOM adapter from DataApex (p/n MC01). Proper operation of the MultiCOM adapter has been approved by many of our satisfied customers.

If you purchase the USB to serial (COM) RS232 cable adapter from another manufacturer consider the following recommendations:

• DataApex strongly recommends NOT TO purchase USB-RS232 cable converters based on processor chips provided by Prolific. Prolific processor chips are known to be unreliable. The preferred chip manufacturers are Silicon Labs or Future Technology Devices International Limited.
• It is also strongly recommended to install appropriate drivers for these chips.
• When purchasing cable devices it is also necessary to consider limitations related to maximum cable length.

It is possible to configure and control up to 4 independent instruments (GC or HPLC) in one Clarity station. Only one Clarity station can run on one PC.

However, please consider such configuration may not be practical in cases when all 4 instruments should be running simultaneously with short analyses (less than 20 minutes) due to the following issues:

• Method sending for some GC and HPLC systems is a lengthy operation and during this time Clarity may not be operable.
• During chromatogram processing, after the end of acquisition, Clarity may again not respond for some time.
• If there is more than one operator there may be a struggle for keyboard control.
• The demands for processing time/memory may exceed the available resources on weak computers.

Please note there may be also specific limitations given by the controlled instrument (for example only one Agilent 1100 system using HP-IB communication or only one Shimadzu LC-10/20 system may be controlled by the Clarity station) due to the communication protocol constraints.

Dani Master GC

In case your Master GC has an older firmware that supports an older version of Clarity than you have installed it is possible to use older drivers in newer Clarity (up to 8.1). Proceed as follows:

• Copy CswDaniSpAMasterGC.dll and MasterGCControl.dll from the previous Clarity version and rewrite them in your current Clarity installation directory.

It is not possible with Clarity version 8.2 and newer because of our internal policy.

Dani Master DHS

Dani Master SHS

The "No Data received for 10 sec" or "No data from Acquisition..." messages mean what they say, no data were received from a detector or convertor (Colibrick, U-PAD2, etc.) for a certain time. It may be caused by several cases:

1) In most cases, there is some problem on the computer - processor overload, interference on the USB bus, time-consuming net search, or backup operations blocking the communication for some time. The error invoked will stop an acquisition or interrupt the sequence.

Suspected programs are incorrectly set antivirus (continuous checking of file types used by Clarity during data acquisition - raw, prm, audit, tmp should be avoided), programs monitoring files on exchangeable media (i.e. programs for organizing and presenting pictures, music, or video, including some CD/DVD burning programs). One such persisting problem was reportedly solved by removing the Roxio Burning software.

This will occur more frequently on slow computers, the triggering action may be processor overload or some programs blocking the communication for an extended period.

2) In some cases, Windows may suspend the power of the USB HUB in the computer and this unexceptionally causes a loss of connection to connected HW (e.g., Colibrick). Try to check the Device Manager dialog - Universal Serial Bus controllers. Display the Generic USB HUB Properties dialog - Power Management tab. Set Disabled for option Allow the computer to turn off this device to safe power. In case the problem is temporary, sending the method again may solve the problem. If not, disconnect and reconnect the USB HUB.

The above-mentioned problem with communication was not observed when the USB hub is connected to the USB C connector on the PC.

If you have anti-virus software that scans your web communication and downloads for viruses, it may hang the download in your web browser at the end of the download process. The length of the delay depends on the size of the file and it may appear in Firefox, Chrome, Internet Explorer, etc.

You can also turn off the web scanner (web protection) in your anti-virus SW for as short time as the length of download time of the Clarity Installation.

State of Clarity Instrument can be read by other software using a built-in DDE server. For more information, please see the datasheet D070 DDE synchronization of Clarity with other programs.

If you add a User Column both to the Summary and Result Table containing the same formula, often you cannot get the same results. In Summary Table you cannot use the First, Last, etc. functions from Special Values. For example "[Reten. Time]first/[Reten. Time]" will not work here. But you can use figures working with the compound itself, for example "[End Time]-[Start Time]".

LAN communication

General issues

For LAN communication, one of the 1100/1200 modules must be equipped with a LAN communication card inserted in the MIO slot on the backside of the module (do not mistake it for the CAN connectors used for the internal system communication, using the same RJ45 connectors).

The original board supported by Agilent is a G1369A LAN Interface described in Agilent G1369A LAN Interface User Manual (Agilent P/N G1369-90000).

In case you want to use J4100A JetDirect card (alternative to HP JetDirect Print Servers 600N/400N/500X/300X) we don't support it and don't guarantee the functionality.

Connecting single PC directly with 1100/1200 system

In case you need to connect the PC directly with the 1100/1200 system using a LAN card, see chapter 3.3.4 Single PC & network connection in the Agilent 1100 manual.

GPIB Communication

Communication using GP-IB card could not be established

When the communication with the Agilent 1100/1200 system by the GP-IB card could not be established, even if all the parameters are set correctly and the Agilent IO Libraries report the module as connected on the used ID address, then it is necessary to check the Agilent IO Libraries.

The Agilent IO Libraries must be closed (Use the Exit command) before the communication with Clarity can be established.

During the installation of the Agilent IO Libraries, they are added to the programs to be started automatically at the system start. It is necessary to disable this function because they could not run simultaneously with Clarity.

• In Windows XP, Vista and 7 - remove them from the  Windows Start menu, Programs (All Programs), and Startup group.
• In Windows 8, 10 and 11 - start the Task Manager (display more details in the window) and locate the Start-up tab. Disable them.

After the communication was lost, it could not be reestablished

When using the GP-IB USB converter, it may be necessary to disconnect the converter from the PC to clear the communication buffers. As the USB can be powered even during a computer shutdown, the shutdown and restart may not help.

In Clarity 9.0 we changed our upgrade policy. For more details please see www.dataapex.com/upgrade.

In case the computer is connected to the Internet, just select the menu Help - Check for Updates in the Clarity main window. The new version will be offered. You may need to fill in the registration form and proceed with selecting the default options suggested.

• For all supported Windows OS, make sure you have installed all available Windows updates before running the Clarity update.
• For Windows 7, you need to install a Microsoft .NET Framework 4.7.2 or higher before running the Clarity update. Use the link below:

Click here to download .NET 4.8 (this includes all previous 4.X versions)

Alternatively (when connection to internet is not available), you could download the version on another PC from our web pages, section downloads - full versions. You need to register (including the S/N of the station) and login, then download the update, transport it (by USB flash disc) to the PC with Clarity and run the file.

Yes, Clarity can be connected to any LIMS using the import/export of text files. Results can be exported in various formats to the LIMS and the sample info can be imported from a TXT file into Clarity Sequence which you intend to process.

Please, see our manual describing the Clarity cooperation with LIMS: Cooperation with LIMS systems.

General Clarity Limitations

• Installation to program files: In Windows 7, the folder Program files is protected, however, Clarity needs user access to the data and system files. It is not recommended to install Clarity there.

DataApex Hardware

• U-PAD1 and CB20 boards are not supported on 64-bit systems.
• INT9 does not work properly on some computers after waking PC up from sleep. It seems to work (no error message) but it gives no data. Solution - to disable and then enable INT9 in the Device Manager.

Control Modules and Tools

User Account Control (UAC) needs to be disabled during the installation of some control modules (CTC PAL, Shimadzu LC systems)

To install the CTC PAL autosampler or Shimadzu LC-10/20 system it is necessary to disable the UAC (User Account Control) during installation, otherwise, it will be unsuccessful. Similar problems were reported for the installation of the Agilent 1100 system, again the UAC disabling helped.

See also Table of compatible Windows OS, Clarity SW and our Hardware

• http://www.dataapex.com/product.php?id=clarity-std-compatibility.php.

The configuration files are the following:

• C:\Clarity\Clarity.cfg (up to 6.2) or C:\Clarity\Cfg\Clarity.cfg (since 7.0)
  This file stores, besides the hardware configuration information, also the information about the last user logged to a specific instrument and the custom instrument pictures used in the Main window.
• C:\Clarity\*.dsk (up to 6.2) or C:\Clarity\Cfg\*.dsk (since 7.0)
  This file stores the information about the last used project *.prj and the individual user preferences (windows configuration and layout, tables and graph preferences, user columns, etc.).
• C:\Clarity\Projects\*.prj (up to 6.2) or C:\Clarity\DataFiles\Projects\*.prj< (since 7.0)
  This file stores the information about the project subdirectories (the project directory has the same name as the project *.prj file) and the last used method, sequence, SST method and chromatograms.
• C:\Clarity\Clarity.psw (up to 6.2) or C:\Clarity\Cfg\Clarity.psw (since 7.0)
  This file stores the list of users and their access rights.
• C:\Clarity\Clarity.sno (up to 6.2) or C:\Clarity\Cfg\Clarity.sno (since 7.0)
  This file stores the User Code.

We recommend backing up these files, in case of an accident you won't be forced to set everything up again.

The Sample Rate needs to be set to provide enough points to adequately describe the peaks of interest. Recommended is at least 30 points per the narrowest peak width. The default value for DataApex's A/D converters is 10 Hz. This is suitable for most HPLC and packed column GC applications, the capillary GC and CE applications may need higher sample rates.

Accordingly to Sampling Rate, the Global Peak Width parameter has to be also amended.

This happens usually when upgrading Clarity from an earlier version. The IQ program checks all registered files and in case they are no more used in the new version, they will cause the check to fail. However, the station will usually function correctly.

To get Passed for IQ results, it is necessary to:

1. Remove the previous Clarity installation using the Uninstall Clarity command from the Windows Start menu - All Programs - Clarity program group.
2. In case you can still see some *.dll files in C:\Clarity\Bin (since 7.0) or C:\Clarity (up to 6.2) directory, delete them manually.
3. Install Clarity again.

 The Uninstall Clarity command will remove the program files only, leaving the configuration and data intact.

The corresponding instrument displays only the simulated curve or has a so-called DEMO detector driver allocated instead of the data acquisition driver. Meaning that the signal is not real but simulated from a data file. The reason for the watermark "Simulated" could be one of the following:

• Either you have a demo detector allocated on that instrument. Check your configuration, remove the demo detector and allocate the needed control module.
• You might have installed the Clarity Demo version which does not allow real-time acquisition. Go to our download section and download a full version. Note that you need to be registered with the S/N of the station and during installation, you will need to insert a correct User code, otherwise Clarity will not start.

Yes, for this upgrade the part number (p/n) C540 is available.