Figure 1.1-1 Push the first tub-sheet into the slots on one
of the shorter side of the yellow support.
Figure 1.1-2 Push the second tub-sheet into the slots on
another shorter side of the yellow support.
Figure 1.1-3 Insert the black frame into the corresponding
slots of the yellow supports
Figure 1.1-4 Pay attention to proceed at the same speed
on both sides otherwise it will end up in blocking.
The tub-sheet should not slip out of the slots
Figure 1.1-5 Fix both frames in position with four bolts.
Figure 1.1-6 Tighten it securely with the help of the provided
hexagonal key.
Figure 1.1-7 Push the metal rod through both fixation nuts
on the right side of the frame and fasten them with screws.
If needed fix the support plate on the metal.
Figure 1.1-8 Place the fixing mat in the support. When needed
clean the mat from dust and dirt with a humid cloth. Make
sure that the mat is dry before use.
Figure 1.1-9 Place the control unit just at the beginning
of the gear rails. The distance from the edge should be
the same on the left and right sides. The gear wheels
of the control unit must engage correctly in the gears
of both rails. Be sure that nothing will disturb the movement
of the control unit during fractionation.
Figure 1.1-10 Connect the cable of the control unit of the
LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler with the
cable of the power supply plug.
Figure 1.1-11 Place the supplied magnet on the right inner
side of the frame to stop the fraction collection.
Figure 1.1-12 Place the tube rack on the fixing mat, so that
the first tube is just under the tip of the tubing and the edge
of the rack is parallel to the yellow frontal support.
(a) PTFE tubing (external diameter 1.8 mm)
(b) Fixing nut
(c) O-ring (1 x 1.5mm)
(d) Tubing guide
Figure 1.2-1 Place the magnetic tubing holder conveniently
in the center of the fraction collector carriage and control unit.
Figure 1.2-2 Push the delivered PTFE tubing through the pipe
guide as shown.
Figure 1.2-3 Slide the O-ring on the PTFE tubing.
Figure 1.2-4 Push the tubing through the tubing guide
and make sure a few mm (≈ 5mm) of PTFE tubing reach
out of the tubing guide so that the drops form only at the tip
of PTFE tubing.
Figure 1.2-1 Place the magnetic tubing holder conveniently
in the center of the fraction collector carriage and control unit.
Figure 1.2-2 Push the delivered PTFE tubing through the pipe
guide as shown.
Figure 1.2-3 Slide the O-ring on the PTFE tubing.
Figure 1.2-4 Push the tubing through the tubing guide
and make sure a few mm (≈ 5mm) of PTFE tubing reach
out of the tubing guide so that the drops form only at the tip
of PTFE tubing.
Figure 1.2-5 Screw the pipe guide onto the tubing guide
to such an extent that the PTFE tubing does not move
freely inside the tubing guide. Do not screw more strongly
than necessary!
Figure 1.2-6 Let the PTFE tubing pass through the magnetic
tubing holder. Fix the tubing guide, with the help of the
adjusting screw in the holder, on the moving arm of the fraction
collector at a convenient distance above tubes.
1.3 How to increase the capacity of the fraction collector?
Since several lower parts of the collector can be coupled together, the capacity of the collector can be increased many times.
The control unit can move freely from one lower unit to the other on the gear rails. Only two rectangular coupling bars are needed to keep two units together.
- Remove the two blind bars from the rear side of the frame of the first lower part unit and the front side of the second lower part unit. Insert the coupling bars (Art. No. 6912) on their place and fix with the four bolts.
- Be aware that you must remove the fixed stop signal from the first frame unit and place it onto the next one. You may also use the magnetic stop contact.
- Make sure that nothing will block the movement of the control unit during the fraction collection.
Figure 1.3-1 Fraction collector with extended capacity for 12 streams and 250 ml fraction collection bottles.
The tube capacity of the LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler can be easily increased by the addition of lower support. Virtually any number of capacity extensions can be added.
Figure 1.4.1-1 Example of taking 4×2 fractions in a 4-channel configuration
Figure 1.4.1-2 Example of taking 6×2 fractions in a 6-channel configuration
Figure 1.4.1-3 Example of taking 20 simultaneous fractions in a 20-stream (channel) configuration
Figure 1.4.1-4 Unscrew the tubing guide holder screw on the
moving arm of the OMNICOLL fraction collector
Figure 1.4.1-5 Place the bar holder on the tubing guide holder
screw.
Figure 1.4.1-6 Insert the rectangular bar into the bar holder as
shown.
Figure 1.4.1-7 Slide the right end of the bar through the opening
on the guide plate.
Figure 1.4.1-8 Screw the bar holder on the moving arm of the
fraction collector with the corresponding socket key (hex-key).
Use e.g. a thin spatula to push the screw through the moving arm.
Figure 1.4.1-9 Slide the tubing guide into the tubing guide
holder, so that a convenient height above the tubes is obtained.
Fix the tubing guide to the holder using the corresponding socket
key (hex-key).
Figure 1.4.1-10 Place the tubing guide holder at the desired
fraction position and secure it with the socket head screw
using the corresponding socket key (Allen key).
Figure 1.4.1-11 Place the tubing guide holder in position above the
first fraction of each stream (channel). If 4 streams are collected
in a row, the place: first tubing guide over tube no. 1, second
tubing guide over tube no. 4, third tubing guide over tube no. 7
and fourth tubing guide over tube no. 10
Figure 1.4.2‑1 Front side of the customized multi-channel fraction collector LAMBDA OMNICOLL for 18 streams. (Accessory for fixed multi-stream collection adjustable up to 64 channels art. no. 6952).
Figure 1.4.2-2 Back side of the customized multi-channel fraction collector LAMBDA OMNICOLL for 18 streams. (Accessory for fixed multi-stream collection adjustable up to 64 channels art. no. 6952).
Figure 1.4.2‑3 Configuration for collecting simultaneous streams into 96-well plates (art. no. 6951 - Accessory for mobile multi-row collection adjustable up to 8 channels)
Figure 1.4.2‑4 Customized multi-channel fraction collector LAMBDA OMNICOLL for 6 streams (art. no. 6950 - Accessory for mobile multi-stream collection adjustable up to 32 channels).
Figure 1.4.2‑5 First you need to assemble the moving arm holder.
Figure 1.4.2‑6 The holder is fixed with two screws using a hexagonal key.
Figure 1.4.2‑7 The moving arm holder attaches to the black rectangle attached to the device.
Figure 1.4.2‑8 The holder is fixed with one screw using a hexagonal key.
Figure 1.4.2‑9 The moving arm is mounted on the holder.
Figure 1.4.2‑10 The moving arm is fixed with one washer and bolt.
Figure 1.4.2‑11 The tube guide is mounted on a moving arm in accordance with the selected position.
(For each stream one tube guide (art. no. 6950) is needed).
Figure 1.4.2‑12 The tube guide is fixed with one bolt.
Figure 1.4.2‑13 The tube guide can be raised or lowered with a hexagonal key.
Figure 1.4.2-14 With LAMBDA OMNICOLL sold in 2023 and newer versions, the pipe guide can be raised or lowered with 1. bolt and mounted on the moving arm according to the selected position with 2. bolt without hexagonal keys.
Figure 1.5-1 Showing drop counter (detector) cable with the
communication module (Art. No.: 6929)
Figure 1.5-2 Connect the drop-counter (detector) cable to the
“DROP” socket of the communication module.
Figure 1.5-3 Partially unscrew the tubing guide holder screw (A),
so that the tubing guide (B) can be rotated. Slightly loosen the
nut (C), so that the PTFE tubing (D) can move freely inside the
tubing guide (B).Screw the drop counter (E) on the lower end of
the tubing guide (B).Tighten the tubing guide holder screw (A)
until the tubing guide (B) does not move freely. Securely tighten
the nut (C), to prevent the movement of PTFE tubing (D) inside
the tubing guide (B). Fix the drop counter cable (F) to the tubing
guide (B) with the help of Teflon or a spiral wrap, etc. Let the
drop-counter cable (F) pass together with the PTFE tubing (D)
through the magnetic holder (H).
Figure 1.5-4 Connect the power supply to the “POWER” socket
in the communication module.
Figure 1.5-5 Connect the OMNICOLL fraction collector to the
“OMNICOLL” socket in the communication module.
Figure 1.5-6 If required, the LAMBDA pump or valve to the
“PUMP/VALVE” socket in the communication module.
2. START OF THE FRACTION COLLECTION
• Place the control unit just at the beginning of the gear rails. (Figure 1.1-9) The distance from the edge should be the same on the left and right sides. The gear wheels of the control unit must engage correctly in the gears of both rails. Be sure that nothing will disturb the movement of the control unit during fraction collection.
• Connect the cable of the control unit of the OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler with the power supply plug. (Figure 1.1-10)
• Connect the power supply to the AC mains (95-240 V / 50-60 Hz). The control unit and its arm move automatically to the first position in the first row.
• Press the SET button (a short acoustic signal is heard). By pressing the COUNT/TIME button you can select fractionation according to time or volume. The yellow LED indicates which collection mode has been selected. (Refer section 3.4.1 also).
• Use the four buttons Λ Λ Λ Λ under the display to select the desired value. Confirm it by pressing the SET button again (a long acoustical signal is heard). The fraction time can be set from 0.1 min to 999.9 min (about 16.6 hours) in 0.1 min steps or from 1 to 9999 min in 1 min steps. To change the time resolution, please refer to section 3.4.2. For the setting of the volume, please refer to section 3.5.
• Pass the dispensing tubing (PTFE) through the tubing holder as describe in section 1.2 and tighten the tube holder in the collector arm so that the dispensing tubing is about 1 cm above the tubes or recipients.
• Place the tube rack on the fixing mat (Figure 1.1-8), so that the first tube is just under the tip of the tubing and the edge of the rack is parallel to the yellow frontal support (Figure 1.1-12). Place the additional tube racks immediately behind the first and following racks.
• Make sure that nothing will block the movement of the control unit during the fraction collection and that the tubing length is sufficient for taking all fractions or samples.
• Press the START button to begin the collection of fractions or sample taking (Figure 3.6-6). The green LED will be on and, if you use a LAMBDA peristaltic pump (PRECIFLOW, MULTIFLOW, HIFLOW or MAXIFLOW), it will be activated automatically. (refer section 3.6)
• You may use the magnetic block to stop the fraction collection. Place the supplied magnet on the right inner side of the frame (Figure 1.1-11)
It might happen that the position of the optical sensors lies outside the coding lines of the magnetic band inserted into the carriage.
When started in such a position, the fraction collecting arm will move either to the extreme left or right position, according to the instrument setting and is blocked there.
After several seconds an automatic protection will switch off the motor.
To move the arm into the coding mark signals just press the button STEP. The arm will move to the border coding line and will operate correctly within the marked limits of the inserted magnetic coded band.
If the moving arm is blocked in its movement or operated without inserted magnetic coding band, the motor will stop and the message “Eror” will appear on the display. Switch off the power, resolve the problem and start again as usual.
3. PROGRAMMING OF THE FRACTION COLLECTOR
A short video on programming the OMNICOLL fraction collector can be found at http://lambda-instruments.com/?pages=video-fraction-collector-and-sampler
3.1 Principle of programming
Laboratory practice shows that programming of instruments equipped with microprocessors are not simple and mistakes are easily made, especially when such instruments are used occasionally.
We have developed a new method, which should eliminate such problems and make the programming easy for all types of tube racks.
Figure 3.1-1 Magnetic coding band used for the fraction
positioning.
Figure 3.1-2 The fraction positions are indicated by white lines
drawn on the black magnetic coding band as shown.
Figure 3.1-3 The beginning and the end of a row are indicated
by short lines (about half the length of the normal stripes or
less and ~5 mm broad) made on the lower edge (for the
beginning) and upper edge (for the end) of the coding band,
respectively.
Figure 3.1-4 The distance between the fraction rows is programmed
in a similar way. If you wish to switch off the collector automatically
after the last row, draw the last line broader (approx. 1 cm)
The beginning and end signals (at Figure 3.1-3) determine at the same time the position of the first and the last fraction in the row. The fraction position is about 2 mm after the first edge of the white line of the beginning and end stripes.
This simple coding principle allows the use of any racks and fraction stands or other recipients with the LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler.
3.2 Ready to use Fraction collector with the supplied tube racks
The magnetic coding bands programmed with white lines for the desired tube racks are provided with the OMNICOLL Fraction collector.
Figure 3.2-1 Place the longer and narrower coding band (Y-axis)
on the left inner metal frame just under the gear-bar as shown.
The first coding line should lie approximately 10cm from the
front frame.
Figure 3.2-2 Pull the X-axis coding band holder from the
OMNICOLL control unit as shown.
Figure 3.2-3 Place the shorter and broader magnetic coding
band into the X-axis holder.
Figure 3.2-4 Insert the X-axis holder with coding band
into the desired slot of the control unit, with the white coding
stripes facing up.
Place the magnetic coding strip strictly horizontally into the corresponding slot! Otherwise, the optical detectors could be damaged.
3.3 Programming the OMNICOLL for any tube racks or recipients
3.3.1 Coding X-axis for tube distance in row
Measure the distance between the tube centres of the desired rack and choose the number of fractions in a row.
Figure 3.3-1 Place the coding bands on the tube rack and mark
the fractioning position with a normal pencil.
Figure 3.3-2 Draw the white lines correctly on the pre-marked
places. Reserve approximately 2 cm of the coding band for the
beginning and end-position signals.
Figure 3.3-3 Mark the beginning and end signals on the lower
and upper edge of the coding band respectively. Leave
a minimum of about 6mm free space between the first and last
line of the row and the beginning and end signals.
Figure 3.3-4 Place the coding band in the X-axis holder
and insert into the desired slot of the control unit, with white
stripes facing up.
The beginning and end signals at the lower or upper edge of the coding band informs the microprocessor whether the arm of the control unit is on right or left.
3.3.2 Coding Y-axis for row distance
Measure the distance between rows. When several tube racks are used, pay attention to difference in distance between the last row of the first rack and the first row of the second rack.
Figure 3.3-5 Mark the row distance with a pencil on the coding
band for Y-axis and draw the white lines with the provided
correction pen.
Figure 3.3-6 Place the coding band on the left internal side
of the metal frame just under the gear bar.
If the fraction collection should be stopped at the last row, then make the last line broader (approximately 1 cm thick). This functions as the stop signal.
Since the coding band is kept in place by magnetic force, it can be easily positioned.
The first row line of the Y-axis should be ca 10 cm from the front.
When the control unit is placed in the starting position on the front of the frame, the photoelectric detector on the left side of the control unit must be situated before the first line. Otherwise the control unit will stop at the position of the next row.
3.4 Control Panel of OMNICOLL Fraction Collector
3.4.1 Selection of linear, meander-like or row collection
The LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector-sampler allows the following operation modes:
| Line: | The fractions are collected from the left to the right. After the last fraction of the row, the collecting arm moves to the left to the first position of the next row. |
| Meander: | The fractions are taken alternatively from the left to the right and in the following row from the right to the left and so forth. |
| Row: | The collecting arm does not move within the row. The collector moves only from row to row. This collection mode is mainly used in the simultaneous (multi-channel) fraction collection mode. |
Figure 3.4-1 Press the button LINE continuously while plugging
the power supply into the mains.
Figure 3.4-2 “rouu” for row mode of collection appear on the
display. Press the SELECTION (below COUNT / TIME) button to
select the desired mode of collection.
Figure 3.4-3 “Mean” for meander-like mode of collection appear
on the display.
Figure 3.4-4 “Line” for linear mode of collection appear on the
display.
Figure 3.4-5 Confirm the selected mode of collection by pressing
SET button
In the row mode, the position of the fraction collecting arm can be adjusted by using the STEP button.
A small difference in the fraction positions with respect to the tube centres may occur between fractions taken in opposite collection directions. If the fraction lines are not too broad (about 2 mm), this difference in position is of approx. 1 mm
3.4.2 Time resolution (0.1 or 1 minute)
The time resolution of the OMNICOLL fraction collector can be selected in the following way:
Figure 3.4-6 Press the button COUNT/TIME while connecting
the power supply to the mains.
Figure 3.4-7 The actual time resolution will appear on the display
“0.1M” or “1M”.
Figure 3.4-8 By pressing the button COUNT / TIME below
the COUNT and TIME LEDs you can select to use 0.1 minute
steps “0.1M” or 1 minute steps “1M”.
Figure 3.4-9 Confirm the choice by pressing the button SET.
Figure 3.4-14 While keeping the direction button STEP pressed
connect the fraction collector to the mains.
Figure 3.4-15 The message “A” and two numbers will appear on
the display. This number from 00 to 99 is the current address of
the fraction collector.
Figure 3.4-16 To change the address press the buttons Λ Λ Λ Λ
under the display until the desired number is obtained.
Figure 3.4-17 Confirm the choice by pressing the button SET
Figure 3.6-1 Connect the peristaltic pump remote control cable
to the communication module box.
Figure 3.6-2 With the COUNT/TIME button select the count
modus (the COUNT LED will be switched ON)
Figure 3.6-3 Select the desired count number with the button
Λ Λ Λ Λ under the display, for example: 55.
Figure 3.6-4 Confirm the selection by pressing the SET button.
Figure 3.6-5 Select the speed control on the peristaltic
pump (e.g. 700), choose the pump rotation direction
and switch the pump on.
Figure 3.6-6 Press the START button on the collector to start
fraction collection.If the tubing was not filled completely with the
liquid, for example water, take a second fraction.
Measure the volume of this fraction. This volume corresponds to the pre-set count number.
From this ratio (volume/count number) you can easily calculate the count number corresponding to the desired fraction volume.
Since tubing of 0.5 to 4 mm of internal diameter (with a tubing wall thickness ~1 mm) can be used in the LAMBDA peristaltic pumps, the fraction volume can be selected in a wide range. For example, when tubing with an internal diameter of 3 mm is used, then one count corresponds approximately to one drop.
3.7 Fraction collection with a time interval in-between fractions (“high”)
LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler could be used for the collection of samples with a time interval between consecutive fractions varying between 0.1 min and 16.6 hours (999.9 min) or 1 min and 166 hours (9999 min).
This is particularly useful during fermentations and other biological and chemical processes. For this application, switch the microprocessor of the control unit to the “high” mode.
Selecting the high mode:
Figure 3.7-1 Press the SET button on the control unit and
connect the plug-in power supply to the mains.
Figure 3.7-2 Use the COUNT/TIME button to select
the “high” mode.
Figure 3.7-3 Confirm the selection by pressing the SET
button (long beep signal).
Figure 3.7-4 Selecting the parameter COUNT to perform the
program for a desired time. [Count LED: OFF;Time LED: ON;
Display: tiMe]
Figure 3.7-5 Selecting the parameter TIME to perform the
program for a desired time. [Count LED: OFF;Time LED: ON;
Display: tiMe]
Figure 3.7-6 Selecting the parameter PAUSE for introducing
pauses in the program.[Count LED: ON;Time LED: ON;
Display: PAUS]
Figure 3.7-7 Selecting the parameter NUMBER for collecting
a number of samples.[Count LED: OFF;Time LED: OFF;
Display: nUMb]
After setting of the parameters, the fraction collection is started by pressing the START button.
The collector will take the number of samples as programmed under the NUMBER setting and will stop for the time programmed under the PAUSE setting. This cycle will go on until a STOP signal will be encountered. The LAMBDA peristaltic pump is activated automatically only during fraction collection.
When the fraction collection is controlled from the panel (i.e. not by remote control signal) the fraction collector will collect the number of fractions/samples introduced in the parameter NUMB of duration TIME or volume COUNT (if a drop counter or LAMBDA pumps are used), followed by the PAUSE, if a PAUSE was set.
Then, the fraction collector will repeat this till the STOP signal is encountered (i.e. STOP is pressed or the fraction collector is stopped by the end magnet). This collection mode allows for e.g. a line washing step before the relevant fraction is taken.
If operated by external (analog) remote control signal, the fraction collector will take the set number of fractions/samples of duration TIME or volume COUNT (if a drop counter or LAMBDA pumps are used), and will then stop till the reception of a new external remote control signal.
The parameter PAUSE is ignored in this operation mode.
Such a collection mode could be useful for taking of fractions/samples in a process where an alarm situation of a selected process parameter has occurred and the samples can be used for further analysis.
4. REMOTE CONTROLS
Sometimes it could be useful to take samples during a process, at a moment which is not known in advance.
For example, during fermentation (or any other biological, chemical or physical processes) certain limit values activates the alarm signal . This signal can be used to take a fraction. This fraction may be essential to recognize the reason for the alarm.
The fraction collector can take one or several samples after detection of a signal 3 to 12 V (or 12 to 30V with a 3300 ohm resistor switched in series). The LAMBDA peristaltic pump will be activated automatically.
For safety reasons the voltage of the external signal must not exceed 48 V to earth!
4.1 Collection of single samples
If the collector operates in normal modus, it will take a single fraction of selected time or volume after the reception of a signal impulsion. It will then move to the next position and wait the following signal. This operation will go on until the detection of a stop signal.
4.2 Collection of multiple samples
If the collector operates in the high modus, after detection of a signal it will take the number of fractions programmed under “NUMB”, e.g. from 1 to 999 (refer section 3.7).
This feature is particularly interesting, when it is necessary to wash tubing before taking the fresh significant sample. This is very important during fermentation processes or cell cultures, where the culture may be inactivated when kept in the tubing for a long period of time. The same is true for any other process where the sample quality might be affected by staying in the tubing
5. PRACTICAL ADVICE
• Keep all the magnetic coding strips with signal lines clean. If necessary, you can clean the old or damaged signal lines with mild soap and soft water and dry it. Then, draw new lines at the same position. Instead of using a white pen you may also use strips of white adhesive tape (~1.5 to 2 mm wide).
• Keep the fixing mat clean and dry. Humidity or dust will provide only low adhesion of the fixing mat. The fixing mat can be washed with water to regain the original adhesion power.
• Take only 10 fractions in a row, even though your stand allows more positions. It will help you to find the desired fraction more easily and you will eliminate mistakes.
• The alignment of the tube rack will be easier, if you press it against the front part of the frame supports. By pushing the magnetic Y – axis coding strip you will find the position corresponding to this rack position.
• By removing the tub sheet from the frame unit, it is possible to use even larger or taller collecting containers. We can also supply tub sheets to use with funnels or according to your needs. This makes it possible to use even largest containers for taking fractions. For such applications a modified tubing holder can also be made.
• On demand we can also supply an adapter for simultaneous collection of multiple fractions. This enables to collect simultaneously the streams of several chromatographic columns. (Refer section 1.4 for multi-stream operation instructions.)
6. MAINTENANCE
The LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector does not require any special maintenance. Keep your fraction collector clean. If necessary, clean it with damp cloth. You may use neutral detergents or ethyl alcohol.
If you have any difficulties or questions concerning your OMNICOLL fraction collector, please contact our service office (support@lambda-instruments.com).
7. FOR YOUR SAFETY
Thanks to the use of a plug – in power supply giving only a low voltage of 9 V DC the danger of electrical shock during the use of the LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler has been virtually eliminated.
If the fraction collector is not used for an extended period of time, disconnect it from the mains. A modern miniaturized switching power supply is used, which has only a negligible consumption of electric current when the fraction collector is not in use.
8. APPENDIX
8.1 RS communication protocol for LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector-sampler
8.1.1 Format of data sent by the PC to the fraction collector and back
| Data sent by the PC: | #ss mm a xxxx qs c |
| Data sent back by the pump: | <mm ss a xxxx qs c |
| where, | |
| # | is the first sign of a command sent by PC |
| < | is the first sign of a message sent by fraction collector |
| ss | is the address of the fraction collector (slave) |
| mm | is the address of the PC (master) |
| A | is the command (see section 8.1.2) |
| x | is the data value (4 ASCII numbers from 0 to 9; sent from the highest order digit to the lowest order digit) |
| Qs | is the control sum in HEX format (2 ASCII characters of the type 0…9ABCDEF) |
| C | is the end sign cr (carriage return) The collector will fulfil the task and block any manual command on the front panel. |
8.1.2 Commands
| # ss mm r qs c | start (run) |
| # ss mm e qs c | activates remote control of the collector (front panel deactivated) |
| # ss mm g qs c | activates local mode (front panel activated) |
| # ss mm s qs c | stopp |
| # ss mm f qs c | step forward |
| # ss mm b qs c | step back |
| # ss mm w qs c | step in actual moving direction (depending on LINE or MEAN setting) [corresponds to pressing the STEP button] |
| # ss mm l qs c | step to next line |
| # ss mm h qs c | “high” mode |
| # ss mm u qs c | “normal” mode |
| # ss mm m qs c | “MEAN” collection mode (meander or zigzag collection mode) |
| # ss mm v qs c | “LINE” collection mode (collects fractions always from left to right) |
| # ss mm i qs c | “ROW” collection mode, the collector moves only from row to row |
| # ss mm d qs c | unit setting – 0.1 minute step time setting (XXX.X) |
| # ss mm j qs c | unit setting – minute step time setting (XXXX) |
| # ss mm o qs c | open valve |
| # ss mm c qs c | close valve |
| # ss mm a qs c | division coefficient setting “1” |
| # ss mm k qs c | division coefficient setting “1/60” |
| # ss mm p xxxx qs c | number of pulses from pump or drop counter |
| # ss mm t xxx.x qs c | collection time (in 0.1 minute steps) |
| # ss mm t xxxx qs c | collection time (in minute steps) |
| # ss mm q xxx.x qs c | pause time between two fractions (in 0.1 minute steps) (fraction collector automatically enters “high” mode) |
| # ss mm q xxxx qs c | pause time between two fractions (in minute steps) (fraction collector automatically enters “high” mode) |
| # ss mm n xxxx qs c | number of fractions (fraction collector automatically enters “high” mode) |
| # ss mm G x qs c | to request the fraction collector to send data to the PC |
where x is a number from 0-3:
0: collection time setting (TIME)
1: pulse setting (COUNT)
2: pause time setting (PAUSE)
3: number of fractions setting (NUMBER)
The answer of the OMNICOLL fraction collector-sampler is the following:
| < mm ss B xxx.x qs c | time xxx.x in 0.1 minute steps (collector is in stand-by mode) |
| < mm ss B xxxx qs c | time xxxx in minute steps resp. number of pulses or fractions (collector is in stand-by mode) |
| < mm ss R xxx.x qs c | time xxx.x in 0.1 minute steps (collector is in operation) |
| < mm ss R xxxx qs c | time xxxx in minute steps resp. number of pulses or fractions (collector is in operation) |
8.1.3 Checksum control
The following examples show, how the checksum is calculated:
mm = 01 [PC address (master) is set to 01]
ss = 02 [Device address (slave) is set to 02]
The PC sends: #0201g4Dcr
The control addition (checksum) is made in the following way (only the last byte (2 ASCII characters of the type 0…9ABCDEF) is taken):
| # | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | g | 4D (last byte) | cr |
| 23h | +30h | +32h | +30h | +31h | +67h | =14Dh | 0Dh |
The PC sends: #0201t102320cr
The control addition (checksum) is made in the following way (only the last byte (2 ASCII characters of the type 0…9ABCDEF) is taken):
| #
23h |
0
+30h |
2
+32h |
0
+30h |
1
+31h |
t
+74h |
1
+31h |
0
+30h |
2
+32h |
3
+33h |
20 (last byte)
= 220h |
cr
0Dh |
8.1.4 Format of the data transmission
| Speed: | 2400 Bd (Baud)8 data bits, odd parity, 1 stop bit |
The control addition (checksum) is made in the following way:
| # | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | t | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | =2 | 2 | cr |
| 23h | +30h | +32h | +30h | +31h | +74h | +31h | 30h | +32h | +33h | =32h | 32h | 0dh |
8.2 How to set the OMNICOLL Fraction Collector-Sampler address?
When the LAMBDA OMNICOLL fraction collector and sampler has been equipped with the optional RS-232 interface, it can be controlled digitally, e.g. from a PC.
Disconnect the fraction collector-sampler from the mains. While keeping the direction button STEP pressed connect the fraction collector to the mains again. The message “A” and two numbers will appear on the display. This number from 00 to 99 is the current address of the fraction collector. To change the address press the buttons Λ Λ Λ Λ under the display until the desired number is obtained. Confirm your choice by pressing the button SET.
8.3 RS-connection scheme
The 5-pole DIN connector “REMOTE” of the communication module (Art. No. 6911 or 6929) is used for the remote control and RS connection.
When the optional RS-232 interface is available the pins are used as follows:
| No. | Colour | Description |
| 1 | blue | Input remote control +3-12 V |
| 2 | white | RS-232 TTTL (TXD) |
| 3 | black | Ground (GND) |
| 4 | ||
| 5 | yellow | RS-232 RTTL (RXD) |