PciWin Main Index
  PciWin Help Index

General

Introduction

Rest Potential Test

Current Test

Sweep Test

Automatic Test

Statistics

Commands

File menu

Test menu

View menu

Window menu

Options menu

Help menu


PciWin Main Index
 PciWin Help Index

General

Introduction

Rest Potential Test

Current Test

Sweep Test

Automatic Test

Statistics

Commands

File menu

Test menu

View menu

Window menu

Options menu

Help menu


Introduction

The PCI system consists of an electrochemical instrument controlled by a dedicated software package PciWin which has been designed to focus on the testing of industrial fluids.

PciWin is a Windows V3.1 program which holds the default test parameters researched and refined for inhibitor performance assessment in water based lubricant chemistries.

There are four  types of test that PciWin can perform:

Potential Time Studies

Used to study active/passive transitions, prologed inhibitor stability at elevated temperatures, inhibitor screening, inhibitor response times

Current Time Studies

Used to study inhibitor adsorption potentials, plus resistance to oxidation

Sweep Test

A range of potentiodynamic/cyclic tests for inbitor and fluid assessment

Automatic Test

This allows "ONE" click tests with customisable preset test settings


File menu commands

The File menu offers the following commands:

Open	Opens an existing plot.
Open Multiple	Opens and overlays up to four sweep plots.
Import Dos Sweep	Imports a sweep plot that was generated by Pci Ver I in Dos format
Import Dos Rest	Imports a rest potential plot that was generated by Pci Ver I in Dos format
Close	Closes a plot window
Save	Saves a plot.
Save As	Saves a plot to a specified file name.
Print Plot	Prints a plot.
Print Setup	Selects a printer and printer connection.
View/Print Text	View plot data as text
Print Preview	Displays the plot on the screen as it would appear printed.
Recent File	Open a recently viewed plot
Exit	Exits PciWin.


Test menu commands

The Test menu offers the following commands:

New Test	Opens a new empty window in which a test may be run.
Close	Closes a window.
Sweep	Starts a sweep test.
Rest Potential	Starts a rest potential test.
Current	Starts a current time test.
Automatic	Starts an automatic test.


View menu commands

The View menu offers the following commands:

Toolbar	Shows or hides the toolbar.
Status Bar	Shows or hides the status bar.


Window menu commands

The Window menu offers the following commands, which enable you to arrange multiple views of multiple documents in the application window:

New Window	Creates a new window that views the same plot.
Cascade	Arranges windows in an overlapped fashion.
Tile	Arranges windows in non-overlapped tiles.
Arrange Icons	Arranges icons of closed windows.
Window 1, 2, ...	Goes to specified window.


Options menu commands

The Options menu offers the following commands:

Do Statistics	Perform Statistics on a sweep test plot.
Normalise	Normalise a sweep test plot.
Position X-axis Labels	Move the X-axis Labels to any one of three positions.
Change Name/Date	Change the name and/or date associated with a plot.
Always Save	Automatically display the File Save As dialog box when a test completes.


Position X-Axis Labels

Use this option to move the labels on a plot's X Axis. You may find this command useful if the labels are obscuring part of the plot.

You can position the labels in any one of three places:

 Top Of Window

Position the X-Axis labels at the top of the plot's window; i.e., above the plot.

 Above X-Axis

Position the X-Axis labels just above the X-Axis, slightly higher than their default position.

 Below X-Axis

Position the X-Axis labels just below the X-Axis. This is their default position.

Shortcuts:

Keys:	Top Of Window	CTRL+T

Above X-Axis	CTRL+X

Below X-Axis	CTRL+B


Top Of Window

Position the X-Axis labels at the top of the plot's window; i.e., above the plot.

Shortcuts:

Keys:	Top Of Window	CTRL+T

See Also:

Position X-Axis Labels


Above X-Axis

Position the X-Axis labels just above the X-Axis, slightly higher than their default position.

Shortcuts:

Keys:	Above X-Axis	CTRL+X

See Also:

Position X-Axis Labels


Below X-Axis

Position the X-Axis labels just below the X-Axis. This is their default position.

Shortcuts:

Keys:	Below X-Axis	CTRL+B

See Also:

Position X-Axis Labels


Always Save
Always Save (Options menu)

Automatically display the File Save As dialog box when a test completes.

When a test completes, although the test results are visible in the plot window, the test has not yet been saved to disc. If PciWin should fail due to either a hardware or a software fault, all test results that have not yet been saved to disc will be lost. If you save your test results as soon as a test completes, then you minimise the chances of losing test result data should such a fault occur. Selecting the Always Save option will ensure that a File Save As dialog box appears whenever a test completes. This will encourage you to save the test results immediately. If you do not wish to save the test you may select the cancel button. You can still save it later, provided you do not close the relevant test window without first saving.

It is recommended that you run PciWin with the Always Save option checked and that you save tests as soon as they complete. Although Windows V3.1 is much more stable and robust than Windows V3.0, it is still not a completely faultless operating environment. If you use it for long enough you will almost certainly experience 'general protection' faults of some kind or other regardless of what software you are using. If a general protection fault occurs, you may lose any data that you have not saved to disc. This is true of most software products, whether they be word processors, spreadsheets or corrosion analysers. If such a general protection fault occurs after you have spent a day running complex tests, you will be very frustrated if you have not saved your test data. Run PciWin with the Always Save option checked and save your test results as soon as they complete.

By default, the Always Save option is checked.


Help menu commands

The Help menu offers the following commands, which provide you assistance with this application:

Index	Offers you an index to topics on which you can get help.
Using Help	Provides general instructions on using help.
About	Displays the copyright notice and the version number of this application.


File Open command
Open command (File menu)

Use this command to open an existing plot in a new window. Use the File Open Dialog box to specify the type of plot that you wish to open. You can have several plots on display at once.  Use the Window menu to switch among the plots.  See Window 1, 2, ...command.

You can create an empty window in which to run a new test with the New  Test command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+O


File Open Multiple command
Open Multiple command (File menu)

Use this command to overlay up to four existing sweep plots in a single new window.  Use the File Open Dialog box to select the required sweep plots. To select a contiguous block of sweep files from the File Name List Box , hold down the Shift key and select files. To select sweep files which are not in a contiguous block, hold down the Ctrl key and select files.  If you wish to overlay plots which are in different directories, you will have to enter the directory paths and file names manually in the File Name box.

You can have several windows of overlaid plots open at once. Use the Window menu to switch among the windows.  See Window 1, 2, ... command.

You can only overlay plots which have been saved to disc. Therefore, if you wish to overlay the plot of a newly performed sweep test  with that of a previous test, both tests must be saved to disc before you can overlay them.

You can create an empty window in which to run a new test with the New  Test command.

You cannot use the Text Print/View command when the current active window was opened by this command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+M


File Open Dialog Box

This dialog box is used when loading a plot file that has previously been saved to disc. The following options allow you to specify which PciWin plot file to open or which Pci for Dos plot file to import

File Name

Type or select the filename you want to open.  This box lists files with the extension you select in the List Files of Type box.

List Files of Type

For PciWin files select the type of file you want to open:

 All plot types	(*.pci, *.rst & *.ctp)

 Sweep plots	(*.pci)

 Rest Potential plots	(*.rst)

 Current plots	(*.ctp)

 All Files	(*.*)

For Pci for Dos files select the type of file you want to import

 Sweep plots	(*.txt)

 Rest Potential plots	(*.dat)

 All Files	(*.*)

Drives

Select the drive in which the file that you want to open or import is stored.

Directories

Select the directory in which the file that you want to open is stored.

Notes

This dialog box can be obtained through four paths

1) The Open Command. This command is used to open a PciWin file. This dialog box will list files of type sweep test, rest potential test and current test.

2) The Open Multiple Command. This command is used to open multiple PciWin sweep test files for overlaying in a single window. This dialog box will list files of type sweep test.

3) The Import Dos Sweep command. This command is used to open sweep test files that were generated by Pci for Dos. This dialog box will list files of type Dos sweep Files.

4) The Import Dos Rest command. This command is used to open rest potential test files that were generated by Pci for Dos. This dialog box will list files of type Dos Rest Files.


File Close command
Close command (File menu)

Use this command to close all windows containing the active plot.  PciWin suggests that you save changes to your plot before you close it.

If you close a plot without saving, you will first be asked if you first wish to save it. If the plot is an untitled plot, and you choose to save it, PciWin displays the Save As dialog box. If the plot is already titled, PciWin assumes that you wish to save it to its existing filename. If this is not the case and you wish to save it to a different file name then select cancel to stop the Close command and then use the Save As command. If the window contains a test and you close it without saving then you will lose the test permanently. If the window contains a test that has been saved previously and you close the window without saving, then you will lose any changes made since the last time it was saved. Examples of changes that may have been made are the Test Title , the test date and the Test Statistics

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+F4

You can also close a plot by using the Close icon on the plot's window, as shown below:

{bmp hlp\scmenu.bmp}


Import Dos Rest command
Import Dos Sweep (File menu)

If you wish to view sweep tests that were generated by Pci for Dos software, you must use this command. This command enables you to display Pci for Dos sweep tests in a window as if they were PciWin sweep tests.

Once you have imported a Dos sweep test, you should save it. See the Save As command. This will save the Dos sweep test in PciWin format. If you do this, then next time you wish to view it, you can use the Open or Open Multiple command and not the Import command. The only way of overlaying a plot generated by Pci For Dos software with a plot generated by PciWin is to import the Dos plot into PciWin, save it and then use the Open Multiple command.

See Also

Dos To Windows Sweep Test File Conversion


Import Dos Sweep command
Import Dos Rest (File menu)

If you wish to view "rest potential" potential - time tests that were generated by Pci for Dos software, you must use this command. This command enables you to display Pci for Dos rest potential tests in a window as if they were PciWin rest potential tests.

Once you have imported a Dos rest potential test, you should save it. See Save As

This will save the Dos rest potential test in PciWin format. If you do this, then next time you wish to view it, you can use the Open or command and not the Import command.

Dos To Windows Rest Potential Test File Conversion will only function on files created by Pci-Soft version July 93.exe onwards


File Save command
Save command (File menu)

Use this command to save the active plot to its current name and directory.  When you save a plot for the first time, PciWin displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your plot.  If you want to change the name and directory of an existing plot before you save it, choose the Save As command.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+S


File Save As command
Save As command (File menu)

Use this command to save and name the active plot.  PciWin displays the Save As dialog box so you can name your plot.

To save a plot with its existing name and directory, use the Save command.


File Save As dialog box

The following options allow you to specify the name and location of the file you are about to save:

File Name

Type a new filename to save a plot with a different name.  A filename can contain up to eight characters and an extension of up to three characters.  The three character extension should be one of:-

  "pci" for sweep test plots

  "rst"  for rest potential test plots or

  "ctp" for current test plots.

PciWin defaults to the correct extension for the type of plot that you are saving. You should not normally change this.

Drives

Select the drive in which you want to store the plot.

Directories

Select the directory in which you want to store the plot.


File 1, 2, 3, 4 command
1, 2, 3, 4 command (File menu)

Use the numbers and filenames listed at the bottom of the File menu to open the last four plots you closed.  Choose the number that corresponds with the plot you want to open.


File Exit command
Exit command (File menu)

Use this command to end your PciWin session.  You can also use the Close command on the application Control menu.  PciWin prompts you to save documents with unsaved changes.

Shortcuts

Mouse:	Double-click the application's Control menu button.

Keys:	ALT+F4


New Test command
New Test command (Test menu)

Use this command to create a new empty test window in which to run a new test. This command must be used before a test can be started. In addition to creating a new test window, this command will maximise the main PciWin window. Do not attempt to run a test in a PciWin window which is not maximised.

If you wish to resize or move the test window, you should do so immediately after the New test command; i.e. before you start the test. Once a test has been started, a window cannot be moved or resized.

Do not move the window to the far right hand side of the screen. While a test is running, an information dialog box is displayed here. If  the test window is in the same place, the dialog box will obscure the test window and you will not be able to see your test plot as it appears. Once the test is complete, however, the dialog box will disappear and the test window will be fully visible. You will also then be able to move and/or resize the test window.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+N


Close command
Close command (test menu)

Use this command to close a test or plot window. It's function is exactly the same as Close command (File menu).

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+F4


Sweep Test command
Sweep command (test menu)

Use this command to start a sweep test

You must first create an empty test window with the New Test command

Shortcut:

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P


Rest Potential Test command
Rest Potential command (Test menu)

Use this command to start a rest potential test.

You must first create an empty test window with the New Test command

Shortcut:

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+R


Current Test command
Current command (Test menu)

Use this command to start a current test.

You must first create an empty test window with the New Test command

Shortcut:

Toolbar:

Keys: 	CTRL+C


Automatic command
Automatic command (Test menu)

Use this command to start an  automatic test.

You must first create an empty test window with the New Test command

Shortcut:

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+A


View/Print Text command
View/Print Text command (File menu)

Use this command to print or view a test's setup details and plot point data in text format.

This command starts the Windows Notepad program and loads Notepad with the test details relevant to the current active window. You can then use Notepad to view the test details or/and print them. The test details available are

1) 	Some general test information

2)	The test setup data

3)	Statistics results data, if applicable

4) 	The values of each plot point obtained during the test. The plot on display is a graphical representation of these plot points.

When you have finished with this text file, you should exit Notepad. When you exit PciWin, any activations of Notepad generated by this command will not be terminated automatically.

You may have more than one activation of Notepad at any one time. For example, if you have four tests on display (in four separate windows) you can select the View/Print Text command for each test in turn and start four activations of Notepad, one for each test. To ensure that when Notepad is started it holds the required test data, you must manually switch to each of the four windows in turn before executing the View/Print Text command (Notepad starts up with the test data relevant to the current active window).See Window 1 2. When you have finished with the test data, you should manually terminate each of the four activations of Notepad.

You cannot use this command if the current active window was opened via the Open Multiple command. To view the test data of a plot which is on display in such a window, you must open another  window via the Open command which contains only the plot that you are interested in.

You can only view a plot's data after the plot has been saved to disc by the Save or Save As command. This is because the text file which Notepad views is not created until the test is saved to disc. If you modify a plot, you cannot view its text file until you have saved the modified plot. This is to avoid confusion. Without this restriction, if you modified a plot and then viewed its text without first saving, the text on display would not correspond to the data in the plot window.

Do not attempt to edit the plot text file which is loaded into Notepad by this command. This text file holds the only record of your test data. PciWin uses this text file to reload test data and display the test plot when the Open or Open Multiple command is made. If you edit this text file you will corrupt the data and PciWin will not be able to reload it. As a precaution to prevent accidental editing of this file, PciWin saves the file as a read only file. This means that unless you specifically change the file attributes you will not be able to edit it.

Notepad cannot load text files which are greater than approximately 60K bytes in size. Therefore, if a plot's text file is larger than this, you will be unable to use this command to view it. You will have to start another application which is capable of viewing large text files. Try the Windows Word application.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+V


View Toolbar command
Toolbar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Toolbar, which includes buttons for some of the most common commands in PciWin, such as File Open, Start test, Print and Help.  A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Toolbar is displayed.

See Toolbar for help on using the toolbar.


Toolbar

{bmp hlp\hlptbar.bmp}

The toolbar is displayed across the top of the application window, below the menu bar.  The toolbar provides quick mouse access to many of the functions of PciWin,

To hide or display the Toolbar, choose Toolbar from the View menu (ALT, V, T).

Click	To

Open an existing plot.  PciWin displays the Open dialog box, in which you can locate and open the desired file.

Open and overlay existing sweep plots. PciWin displays the Open dialog box, in which you can locate and open the desired files.

Save the active plot with its current name.  If you have not named the plot, PciWin displays the Save As dialog box.

Close the active window. If there are any unsaved changes to the window's contents, PciWin will ask you if you wish to save before closing.

Create a new empty window in which to run a test. You must do this before you can start any new test.

Start a rest potential test.

Start a current test.

Start a sweep test.

Start an automatic test.

Perform Statistics on a sweep plot.

Print the active plot.

Display the copyright notice and PciWin version number.

Select an item for context sensitive help.


View Status Bar Command
Status Bar command (View menu)

Use this command to display and hide the Status Bar, which describes the action to be executed by the selected menu item or depressed toolbar button, and keyboard latch state. A check mark appears next to the menu item when the Status Bar is displayed.

See Status Bar for help on using the status bar.


Status Bar

{bmp hlp\hlpsbar.bmp}

The status bar is displayed at the bottom of the PciWin window.  To display or hide the status bar, use the Status Bar command in the View menu.

The left area of the status bar describes actions of menu items as you use the arrow keys to navigate through menus.  This area similarly shows messages that describe the actions of toolbar buttons as you depress them, before releasing them.  If after viewing the description of the toolbar button command you wish not to execute the command, then release the mouse button while the pointer is off the toolbar button.

The right areas of the status bar indicate which of the following keys are latched down:

Indicator	Description

CAP	The Caps Lock key is latched down.

NUM	The Num Lock key is latched down.

SCRL	The Scroll Lock key is latched down.


Copy command (Window menu)

Use this command to open a new window with the same contents as the active window.    If you change the contents in one window, all other windows containing the same document reflect those changes.  When you open a new window, it becomes the active window and is displayed on top of all other open windows.


Cascade command (Window menu)

Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows in an overlapped fashion.


Tile command (Window menu)

Use this command to arrange multiple opened windows in a non-overlapped fashion.


Window Arrange Icons Command

Use this command to arrange the icons for minimised windows at the bottom of the main window.  If there is an open plot window at the bottom of the main window, then some or all of the icons may not be visible because they will be underneath this plot window.


1, 2, ... command (Window menu)

PciWin displays a list of currently open plot windows at the bottom of the Window menu.  A check mark appears in front of the plot name of the active window.  Choose a plot from this list to make its window active.


Index command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the opening screen of Help.  From the opening screen, you can jump to step-by-step instructions for using PciWin and various types of reference information.

Once you open Help, you can click the Contents button whenever you want to return to the opening screen.


Using Help command (Help menu)

Use this command for instructions about using Help.


About command (Help menu)

Use this command to display the copyright notice and version number of your copy of PciWin.

Shortcut

Toolbar:


Help Using Help Command
Context Help command

Use the Context Help command to obtain help on some portion of PciWin.  When you choose the Toolbar's Context Help button, the mouse pointer will change to an arrow and question mark.  Then click somewhere in the PciWin window, such as another Toolbar button or a menu item.  The Help topic will be shown for the item you clicked.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+F1


Title Bar

PciWin Windows Application - Plot Name

The title bar is located along the top of a window.  It contains the name of the application and plot.

To move the window, drag the title bar.  Note: You can also move dialog boxes by dragging their title bars.

A title bar may contain the following elements:

Application Control-menu button

Maximize button

Minimize button

Name of the application

Name of the plot

Restore button


Size command (System menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can size the active window with the arrow keys.

After the pointer changes to the four-headed arrow:

1.	Press one of the DIRECTION keys (left, right, up, or down arrow key) to move the pointer to the border you want to move.

2.	Press a DIRECTION key to move the border.

3.	Press ENTER when the window is the size you want.

Notes:

1. 	A plot will only resize by discrete amounts. Therefore, if you change the size of a plot's window by only a small amount, the plot may not resize. The plot will always resize if you make its window smaller than the current plot image, or if you increase the window size by a large amount.

2.	The length of the X and Y axes of a plot are always kept in the same proportion. This ensures that a plot will always have the same shape regardless of the size or shape of the window in which it is displayed. If a plot is displayed in a disproportionately sized window, the size of the plot's image will be limited by the smallest of the window's axes.

3.	This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Drag the size bars at the corners or edges of the window.


Move command (Control menu)

Use this command to display a four-headed arrow so you can move the active window or dialog box with the arrow keys.

Note:  This command is unavailable if you maximize the window.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F7


System Minimize Command
Minimize command (application Control menu)

Use this command to reduce the PciWin window to the PciWin icon:

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the minimize icon [image] on the title bar.

Keys:	ALT+F9


Maximize command (System menu)

Use this command to enlarge the active window to fill the available space.

Shortcut

Mouse:	Click the maximize icon [image] on the title bar; or double-click the title bar.


Next Window command (plot Control menu)

Use this command to switch to the next open plot window.  PciWin determines which window is next according to the order in which you opened the windows.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+F6


Previous Window command (plot Control menu)

Use this command to switch to the previous open plot window.  PciWin determines which window is previous according to the order in which you opened the windows.

Shortcut

Keys:	SHIFT+CTRL+F6


Close command (Control menus)

Use this command to close the active window or dialog box.

Double-clicking a Control-menu box is the same as choosing the Close command.

Shortcuts

Keys: 	CTRL+F4 closes a plot window

Toolbar:

(ALT+F4 closes the PciWin window or dialog box)


Restore command (Control menu)

Use this command to return the active window to its size and position before you chose the Maximize or Minimize command.


Switch to command (application Control menu)

Use this command to display a list of all open applications.  Use this "Task List" to switch to or close an application on the list.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+ESC

Dialog Box Options

When you choose the Switch To command, you will be presented with a dialog box with the following options:

Task List

Select the application you want to switch to or close.

Switch To

Makes the selected application active.

End Task

Closes the selected application.

Cancel

Closes the Task List box.

Cascade

Arranges open applications so they overlap and you can see each title bar.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Tile

Arranges open applications into windows that do not overlap.  This option does not affect applications reduced to icons.

Arrange Icons

Arranges the icons of all minimized applications across the bottom of the screen.

Note.

Do not attempt to use this facility while a test is running.


Change Name/Date

Displays the Change Test Name/Date Dialog Box. This provides the facility to change the Name and Date associated with a plot.

Shortcut

Keys:	CTRL+D

See Also

Test Name

Test Date


Sweep Test

When a sweep test is initiated the PCI instument first takes a reading of the "Rest Potential" whilst in it's Isolate mode. This reading  simply the equivalent to appling a volt meter between the metal test specimen and the calomel reference electrode, is then used as the reference point about which the + - appllied voltage is output.

This involves outputting to the PCI instrument an applied voltage which is incremented/decremented by a specified amount at specified time intervals and reading back from the instrument the current that flows as a result of this applied voltage. The voltage increment/decrement, reading interval and type of sweep test to be performed are specified in the Sweep Test Setup Dialog Box. Plotting the applied voltage against the log of the resulting current produces a sweep plot.

You can view previously saved sweep plots by the Open or Open Multiple commands in the File menu.


No Help Available

No help is available for this area of the window.


Sweep Plot

A sweep plot is the graph produced by a sweep test. It plots an applied voltage (the Y axis) against the log base 10 of the resultant current ( X axes ) flowing through the cell between the counter and the metal specimen working electrode.

** Applied voltage ( Y axis ) is the potential between the metal test specimen and the Calomel reference electrode **


Rest Potential Plot

A rest potential plot is a potential - time graph produced by a rest potential test. It plots the metal/solution interface potential (Y axis) against time (X-axes).


Current Plot

A current plot is a current - time  graph produced by a current test. It plots the current flowing through the test cell (Y-axis) against time (X-axis) while a fixed overpotential in mV is imposed on the working metal specimen electrode.


No Help Available

No help is available for this message box.


Sweep Test Setup
Sweep Test Setup Dialog Box

This dialog box is displayed when the user chooses to run a sweep test. It is used to select various variables and options that will be applied to the sweep test.

Test Variables

Control the range, timing and accuracy of the test

 Sweep Range Above/Below Rest Potential	 Reading Interval

 Increment Size	 Smoothing Factor

Provide details of the specimen under test.

 Solution IR Drop Factor	 Corrosion Constant

Sweep Style

Specify the style of the test.

 Ramp One Way	 Cycle

 Centre Cycle	 Central One Way

Begin Sweep

Specify how the sweep test is to begin

 Negative	 Positive

Name and Date

The name and date to be applied to the sweep plot.

 Test Name	 Test Date

Control Buttons

 Restore Factory	 Save

 OK	 Cancel


Sweep Range Above/Below Rest Potential

The voltage range over which the sweep test is to be performed. For example if 1000 mV is selected and the rest potential ( metal/solution interface potential ) is measured at -0.5 V, the first applied sweep voltage will appear at -1.5V . (This assumes a default ramp one way sweep )


Reading Interval

The time that will elapse between consecutive plot point readings.


Increment Size

The magnitude of the change of Applied Potential in mV that is output per increment/decrement of the sweep


Solution IR Drop Factor

This is a scaling factor that dynamically adjusts the  Y axes scaling to take into account the reference electrode not reading the true applied voltage when testing highly resistive solutions. ie HFB and some water glycol fluids.

Defaulted to 1.0 for water based fluids "Leave it Alone" unless you are a PhD


Smoothing Factor

This is the number of readings that will be read in from the ADC for each plot point. The readings are averaged to produce a value which smoothes out any double layer current transients ( or in laymen's terms "Knee Jerk" current jumps ) before screen plotting.


Corrosion Constant

Another scaling factor for the benefit of PhD's used to adjust the X axes to take into account different cell designs and IR drops across the counter and working ie "the solution resistance".

Defaulted to 1.0 for water based fluids "Leave it Alone"  You don't need to worry about it !


Ramp One Way

The default sweep setting , will sweep the Applied Voltage either positive/negative from/to the limits as defined in the Sweep Range

** Note ** Sweep limits are offset on the Y axes by the value of the system's Rest Potential as the ramp is applied + - about this potential


Cycle

This will execute a Ramp One Way test until the upper limit is reached, then the Cycle , reverses the ramp direction and produces a second ramp until the lower limit is reached.


Centre Cycle

This option initiates the Applied Voltage from the measured Rest Potential reading, ( as oppose to an upper or lower sweep limit ) The ramp will proceed either + -  from the measured Rest Potential, until a limit is reached then the ramp direction is reversed, the sweep will pass through the system's Rest Potential and continue until the next limit is reached, then reverse to return to the Rest Potential.


Central One Way

This option reads the system's Rest Potential, then applies + - 200 mV  before outputting an Applied Voltage then executes a Ramp One Way test until the upper or lower limit is reached. eg : If the system's Rest Potential is read as -0.5V then assuming a positve ramp direction the test's first Applied Voltage will be applied at -0.7V and a sweep range of 1000mV would produce an Applied Range of -0.7 to  + 0.3 V


Negative

The sweep test will commence by imposing a cathodic overpotential, specifically, the Sweep Range Above/Below Rest Potential will be subtracted from the rest potential and the resultant voltage is what will be applied between the working electrode ( metal specimen ) and the calomel reference electrode.


Positive

The sweep test will commence by imposing an anodic overpotential specifically, the Sweep Range Above/Below Rest Potential will be added to the rest potential and the resultant voltage is what will be first applied between the the working electrode ( metal specimen ) and the calomel reference electrode.


Test Name

The name of the test will be displayed underneath the X axis of its graph. It can be changed by the

Options: Change Name/Date command.

Do not confuse test name of a plot with the plot's filename. They are completely unrelated and independent, although you may choose to give a plot a filename that is derived from its test name.


Test Date

The date of the test will be displayed underneath the X axis of its graph, after the test name. By default, it is set to the date on which the test is performed. The user can change the date that is to associated with a test when the test is first setup, or after a test has been performed by using the Options..Change Name/Date command.

Do not confuse  the test date of a plot with the date tagged to a plot's file. Once a test has been performed, the test date can only be changed via the Options..Change Name/Date command. The date tagged to the filename however, is changed whenever the test is saved to disc (for example after the test name is changed)..


Current Test Setup
Current Test Setup Dialog Box

This dialog box is displayed when the user chooses to run a current Test. It is used to select various variables and options that will be applied to the current test.

Test Variables

Control various aspects of the test.

 Reading Interval	 Imposed Potential

 Smoothing Factor	Solution IR Drop Factor

 Corrosion Constant

Name and Date

The name and date to be applied to this test.

 Test Name	 Test Date

Control Buttons

 Restore Factory	 Save

 OK	 Cancel


Rest Potential Test Setup
Rest Potential Test Setup Dialog Box

This dialog box is displayed when the user chooses to run a rest potential test. It is used to select various variables and options that will be applied to the test.

Test Variables

Control various aspects of the test

 Reading Interval	 Smoothing Factor

 Solution IR Drop Factor	 Corrosion Constant

Name and Date

The name and date to be applied to this test.

 Test Name	 Test Date

Control Buttons

 Restore Factory	 Save

 OK	 Cancel


Imposed Rest Potential

The  fixed Applied Voltage that is imposed between the Working and the Reference Electrode during a I/T test.


Restore Factory

Reset all options in this setup dialog box to the Factory Settings; i.e., the initial settings that are present when PciWin is used for the first time.


Save Setup Settings

Save all settings in this setup dialog box. The next time this setup dialog box is opened it will hold these settings.

Notes:

1) This does not affect the function of the Restore Factory option.

2) If you wish to have the setup dialog box open with the factory options set by default, then push the Restore Factory button followed immediately by the Save button. Next time you open this setup dialog box, it will automatically contain those settings achieved by pressing the Restore Factory button.

3) Pressing the Save button overwrites any previously saved setup configurations.


OK

Exit the setup dialog box and start the test


Cancel

Exit the setup dialog box and cancel the test.


Rest Potential Test

This is a log of the metal/solution interface voltage displayed against time. The voltage is read at time intervals specified in the Rest Potential Test Setup Dialog Box. Plotting the voltage against time produces a rest potential plot

A rest potential test is often performed to stabilise the system immediately before a sweep test is performed.

You can view previously saved rest potential tests by the Open command in the file menu.

See Also

Rest Potential Test Setup Dialog Box

Rest Potential Plot


Current Test

This involves applying a fixed voltage (the imposed potential)  to the instrument and measuring the resultant current at specified time intervals. The reading interval and other variables are specified in the Current Test Setup Dialog Box. Plotting the current against the time produces a current/time (I/T) plot.

You can view previously saved current tests by the Open command in the file menu.

See Also

Current Test Setup Dialog Box

Current Plot


Automatic Test

This involves performing a rest potential test immediately followed by a sweep test. The variables for both tests are setup using the Rest Potential Test Setup Dialog Box and sweep test Setup Dialog Box before the rest potential test starts. To initiate an automatic test , firstly click on NEW TEST then AUTOMATIC, the user is then asked to select a stabilised voltage range ie a voltage window within which one can assume the chemical system has settled down. When the rest potential read from the instrument does not vary outside this specified range over a preselected number of readings the AUTOMATIC test autoinitiates a sweep test as predefined in the sweep setup Dialog Box, thus enabling the user to perform "ONE CLICK TESTS" .

The automatic test produces two plots; a rest potential plot and a sweep plot. The rest potential plot title will automatically have the characters " - AUTOMATIC" appended to it, the SWEEP TEST will of course be named as per the sweep setup Dialog Box.

** Any test can be renamed at any time using the Highlighted Window Option **

See Also

Automatic Test Setup Dialog Box

Rest Potential Test

Rest Potential Setup Dialog Box

Sweep Test

Sweep Test Setup Dialog Box


Change Test Name/Date Dialog Box

Provides the facility to change the test name and/or test date associated with a test.

Normally, a test is given a name and date in its Setup Dialog Box. The Change Test Name/Date 	Dialog Box 	gives the user the ability to change this name and date at a later time.

This option can be applied to tests which have been saved to disk. If this is done, it is necessary 	to save the test again in order to save the new name and date.  See the Save command


Dos To Windows Sweep Test File Conversion

This dialog box is used when importing a sweep test file that was generated by Pci for Dos. It is necessary for you to give PciWin some information when you import such a file. You can optionally supply the test name and test date. You must supply the Normalisation Offset that was applied to the test results when the test was first generated by Pci for Dos. If you do not supply this, PciWin will not be able to display the correct Rest Potential Found value in the Statistics Results.

See Also

Import Dos Sweep


Normalisation Offset

This is the voltage that is subtracted from the voltage in each plot point of a sweep plot in order to Normalise that plot to appear as an overpotential plot with the X axes running through the Rest Potential ( or lowest current data point ).


Rest Potential Found

This is the abolute voltage w.r.t the calomel reference electrode at which point, no current flows into or out of the working electrode (metal specimen) during a sweep test.

It is calculated by PciWin when you Normalise a sweep test.


Normalise
Normalise command (Options menu)

Use this command to Normalise a sweep plot in order to define the Rest Potential Found

You can only issue this command when the active window is a sweep plot. Once you have made this command, the cursor turns into crosshairs when it is over the relevant sweep plot window. Position these crosshairs on the normalisation point (point of minimum current flow) and double click. A dialog box informing you of the normalisation voltage that you have clicked on will appear. Select OK if you wish to apply the chosen normalisation voltage, cancel if not.


Normalise
Approximate Rest Potential

Before a sweep test is started, PciWin reads the solution's approximate rest potential (metal/fluid interface potential) then displays this rest potential in this dialog box. This rest potential is applied to the solution in addition to the sweep voltage that is applied as part of the sweep test. It ensures that the the Sweep Range is applied evenly about the rest potential. You may change this rest potential at this stage, if you wish.  If you do not change the rest potential which is displayed here, then the unchanged value is applied to the solution.

Buttons

OK - proceed with the sweep test.

Cancel - go back to the Sweep Setup Dialog Box.


Change Statistics

You have chosen to perform statistics on a sweep plot that has already had statistics performed on it.

Radio Box Options

You now have the choice of three courses of action.

 Keep existing statistics

This is equivalent to cancelling your request to perform statistics. The existing statistics results will not be affected.

Choose this option if you accidentally chose to perform statistics and do not wish to proceed. Alternatively, select the Cancel button.

 Delete and forget the statistics

This will delete the statistics results associated with the sweep test. They will be cleared from the display and only the actual test plot will remain visible. Once this option is selected, there is no way of recovering the deleted statistics.

If you delete statistics by mistake, you can recalculate statistics by the Do Statistics command in the Options menu. If you select the same Positive/Negative High/Low points that were selected when the now deleted statistics were performed, then you will get the same statistics results as you deleted.

 Calculate a new set of statistics

This will deleted the statistics results currently associated with a sweep test and then immediately start the Statistics Options command so that you can calculate new statistics.

There is no way of recovering the deleted statistics (see above).


Positive/Negative High/Low Points
Positive/Negative High/Low Points.

To enable PciWin to calculate the Statistics for a sweep plot you must first specify the plot's Positive/Negative High/Low points. These points specify the portions of the sweep plot that are to be used when calculating the statistics. The Positive High and Low points specify the portion of the Positive (anodic) side of the plot, the Negative High and Low points specify the negative (cathodic) side of the plot. You specify these points by positioning the crosshairs cursor at the required point on the plot and double clicking the left mouse button. After you have double clicked, PciWin displays the Accept Click Point dialog box which informs you of the voltage that corresponds to the point on which you have clicked. If you have clicked on the correct point select the Yes button. If you wish to choose another click point, select the No button. If you wish to cancel your request to perform statistics, select the Cancel button. Whenever you request to perform Statistics on a sweep plot, PciWin will automatically ask you to specify the points.


Setup Dialog Box
Statistics Setup Dialog Box

To enable the formulas in the stats calculation to return the correct values associated with the metal specimen under test you need to enter the physical characteristics of the metal test specimen.

 Specimen Metal	 Surface Area

 Atomic Weight	 Number of Valency/Electrons Oxidised State

 Density

The values of two constants that are used in the Statistics are displayed in this dialog box.

 K1	 K2

Control Buttons

 Restore Factory	 Save

 OK	 Cancel


Specimen Metal

The chemical symbol for the metal test specimen eg Al


Surface Area

The surface area of the metal test specimen in cm2  eg 1.0


Atomic Weight

The atomic weight of the metal test specimen eg 26.98


Valency
Number of Valency/Electrons Oxidised State

The oxidation state related to the metal specimens corrosion into aqueous solution eg Al 3+


Density

Density of the metal specimen expressed in g/cm3


K1 and K2

Constants used in Faraday's equation


Statistics Results
Statistics Results Dialog Box

Used to display the statistics results before transferring them to the test window.

Test Data

 Specimen Metal

Results

 CR	 MR

 ICorr-a	 ICorr-c

 Rate-a	 Rate-c

 Slope B-a	 Slope B-c

Setup Data

 Rest Potential Found

Control Buttons

 OK	Display the data in the sweep test window. If you select this option, you can save the statistics results by saving the sweep test plot normally.

 Cancel	Remove and forget these statistics.


Statistics Results: CR
CR

Corrosion Rate calculation formula taken from A.S.T.M G102


Statistics Results: MR
MR

Mass Loss Rate calculation formula taken from A.S.T.M G102


Statistics Results: ICorr-a
ICorr-a

Anodic I Corr sum of all anodic micro corrosion current flowing on metal surface , as extrapolated from the linear portion of the overpotential vs log current sweep curve. See reference to "Tafel Extrapolation" and "Stearn Geary" reference in User Guide.

Intended as an indication of total anodic corrosion rate in uA/cm2

** Note Tafel Extrapolation theory only holds for steel in dilute acids **


Statistics Results: ICorr-c
ICorr-c

Cathodic I Corr sum of all cathodic micro corrosion current flowing on metal surface , as extrapolated from the linear portion of the overpotential vs log current sweep curve. See reference to "Tafel Extrapolation" and "Stearn Geary" reference in User Guide.

Intended as an indication of total cathodic reduction processes in uA/cm2


Statistics Results: Rate-a
Rate-a

Convertion of I Corr-a into a predicted corrosion measurement of um/yr


Statistics Results: Rate-c
Rate-c

Convertion of I Corr-c into a predicted corrosion measurement of um/yr


Statistics Results: Slope B-a
Slope B-a

Anodic Transfer value  returned as the slope of the linear portion of the anodic sweep curve identified in determining I Corr


Statistics Results: Slope B-c
Slope B-c

Cathodic Transfer value  returned as the slope of the linear portion of the cathodic sweep curve identified in determining I Corr


Automatic Test Setup
Automatic Test Setup Dialog Box

Used to specify the termination conditions of a rest potential test which is being run as part of an automatic test.

The rest potential test is terminated when the variance of the solution's measured rest potential stays within the Stabilised Voltage Range for the Number of Stabilised Readings The sweep test is then automatically started.

Variables

 Stabilised Voltage Range	 Number of Stabilised Readings

Control Buttons

 Restore Factory	 Save

 OK	 Cancel


Stabilised Voltage Range

The maximum permitted variance (in mV) of a solution's rest potential before a rest potential test can be automatically ended.


Number of Stabilised Readings

The number of consecutive instrument readings that must fall within the Stabilised Voltage Range before the rest potential test will terminate when performing an automatic test.


General
Statistics

PciWin can perform a statistical analysis of a sweep plot to produce quantitave predictions of inhibitor performance in terms of predicted metal loss.

See Also

Statistics Setup Dialog Box

Performing Statistics

Statistics Results


Do Statistics (Options Menu)

Use this command when you wish to analyse a sweep plot by performing Statistics on it.

Toolbar:

See Also

Performing Statistics

Positive/Negative High/Low Points

Statistics Results Dialog Box.


Performing Statistics

To obtain a quantitave measurement from your sweep curve you can perform statistics on the sweep plot obtained from running a sweep test.

To perform Statistics on a sweep plot you must carry out the following steps.

1) Display the relevant sweep plot in the active window.

2) Select the Do Statistics command  from the Options menu.

3) Select the Positive/Negative High/Low Points by positioning the cursor crosshairs and double clicking the left mouse button.

4) Select OK from the Statistics Results Dialog Box.

If you wish, you can save the Statistics Results with the Save or Save As commands from the File menu.


Accept Click Point

This dialog box shows you the current and voltage that correspond to the point that you have double clicked on. As you are specifying minimum and maximum voltages, the value that you are mainly concerned with here is the voltage.

If the value shown is acceptable and you wish PciWin to use it, then select OK. The point will then be used in determining which portion of the plot to use when calculating statistics.

If the value shown is not acceptable, because, for example, you double clicked the wrong point, then select NO and double click on a new point.

If you wish to cancel the whole process of selecting and double clicking on points then select CANCEL.

See Also

Positive/Negative High/Low Points

Performing Statistics

Statistics Results Dialog Box.


Error: No Plots Found Between Chosen Points

This error occurs if you select a minimum and maximum point (on a sweep plot) between which there are no plot points.

Make sure that when you are selecting points that your maximum value is higher than your minimum value and that there are some plot points between the selected points.


Error: General Statistics Error

An error has occurred while calculating statistics for your sweep plot.

Check your Statistics setup data and your Positive/Negative High/Low points. Make sure you have selected more than one plot point on both the positive and negative sides of the plot.

Also check that your plot is a valid sweep plot.

See Also

Positive/Negative High/Low Points

Performing Statistics

Statistics Results Dialog Box.


Error: Sweep Plot Not Normalised
Error: Statistics Not Normalised

This error occurs if you attempt to perform statistics on a sweep plot that has not been normalised.

See Also

Normalise command (Options Menu)

Performing Statistics


Statistics Cancelled

You have chosen to cancel the calculation of Statistics for this sweep plot.

If you wish to start calculating the Statistics again, select Do Statistics from the Options menu.

See Also

Do Statistics

Positive/Negative High/Low Points

Performing Statistics

Statistics Results Dialog Box.


Error: Default Data Not Found

This error occurs if a setup dialog box could not find the file which holds its default data. The default data for a setup dialog box is held in a special file  in the main Pci directory. The error is only likely to occur if the file has been deleted or moved to a different directory. Do not delete or move any *.dft files.

Recovery

Type into the setup dialog box new default data, or select the Restore Factory button to enter the factory default data. Then select the Save button. This will create a new default data file (.dft) in the main PciWin directory.

Alternatively, if you have a backup copy of the lost default data file (.dft) restore it to the Pci directory.

See Also

Sweep Test Setup Dialog Box

Rest Potential Test Setup Dialog Box

Current Test Setup Dialog Box

Automatic Test Setup Dialog Box


Error: Error Reading Default Data From Disc

This error occurs if a setup dialog box could not successfully read the file which holds its default data. The default data for a setup dialog box is held in a special .dft file  in the main PciWin directory. This error is only likely to occur if the default data file has been edited manually , if hard disc corruption has occurred or if a file i/o error occurs. Do not attempt to edit a default data file manually. If you suspect that your hard disc is corrupted, exit windows and run chkdsk (see your Dos manual).

Recovery

Type into the setup dialog box new default data, or select the Restore Factory button to enter the factory default data. Then select the Save button. This will create a new default data file (.dft) in the main Pci directory.

Alternatively, if you have a backup copy of the lost default data file (.dft) restore it to the PciWin directory.

See Also

Sweep Test Setup Dialog Box

Rest Potential Test Setup Dialog Box

Current Test Setup Dialog Box

Automatic Test Setup Dialog Box


Error: Illegal Voltage Read

This error occurs if the software detects that an illegal voltage (i.e. a voltage outside the legal range of +5V to -5V) has been read from the Amplicon card inside your PC. Its likely cause is a hardware fault with either the internal connections to the Amplicon card or with the Amplicon card itself.


Error: Illegal File Fomat
Error: Illegal File Format

This error occurs if a plot file with illegal data is read. The most likely cause of this is attempting to load a file that does not hold plot data. Only attempt to read valid plot file types. See the File Open Dialog Box If , on the other hand, the offending file is a genuine plot file, then the file must be corrupt. A file could be corrupted if it was manually edited or if your hard disc has been corrupted. Do not edit plot files manually. If you suspect hard disc corruption, exit windows and run chkdsk (see your Dos manual).

Recovery of Corrupted Files

If you have a backup copy of the corrupted file, restore it to the PciWin directory. If you do not have a backup and chkdsk fails to correct your file then you have probably lost your data. In some cases, you may be able to manually recover your data. Only attempt this as a final resort when all else has failed. This option will only be viable if most of your plot file is intact, and only part of it is corrupt. You can correct the file by clearing its read only attribute bit and then manually editing it using either Notepad (from within Windows) or edit (from the Dos prompt). Use a valid plot file to ascertain the correct format of the file. Note, different types of plot file have different formats.


Error: File I/O

An error has occurred while PciWin was reading data from disc. The most likely cause of this error is a hardware fault. Example likely hardware faults are a disc i/o fault, a faulty hard disc or a corrupted hard disc.


Error: Illegal Plot Type

This error occurs if you attempt to overlay current or rest potential plots. You can only overlay sweep plots.

See Also

Open Multiple


Error: Illegal Attempt to Save

This error occurs if you attempt to save a file which is not a sweep, rest potential or current test file. You can only save files of these three types. See the File Open Dialog Box.

You cannot save overlaid sweep files as one single file. Each individual sweep file is already saved independently.


Error: Attempt to Print Unsaved Text

This error occurs if you attempt the command View/Print Text before saving the relevant plot file. The View/Print Text command starts Notepad with the relevant plot file loaded. Notepad cannot read the relevant plot file until the plot file has been saved to disc.

See Also

Save


Error: Attempt to Start Notepad Failed

This error occurs when PciWin fails to start Notepad.

The View/Print Text command works by starting the Windows Notepad program and loading Notepad with the relevant plot file. You can then view or print the plot's text using Notepad.

It is not possible to say here why this failure occurred. Make sure that Notepad is in the standard Windows subdirectory. If you have many other applications running at the same time as PciWin, try closing some of them down and then retrying the View/Print Text command. If you have a large number of plot files open, try closing some of them and then retrying the View/Print Command.

See Also

View/Print Text


Error: No Points To Plot

This error occurs if the Sweep Range Above/Below Rest Potential and

Increment Size entered in the Sweep Setup Dialog Box are such that no readings from the instrument are required.

Correct these variables and start the test again.


Error: Too Many Overlayed
Error: Too Many Overlaid

This error occurs if you attempt to overlay more than four sweep plots in one window.

See Also

Open Multiple


Error: None Overlayed
Error: None Overlaid

This error occurs if you have chosen the Open Multiple command from the File menu, but failed to select any sweep plot files for overlaying.

See Also

Open Multiple


Error: File Failed To Load

This error occurs if your chosen file was not read successfully by PciWin.

See Also

Error: File I/O

Error: Illegal File Format


Error: Timing Error: Plot Accuracy Compromised

This error occurs if the actual interval between any two consecutive readings in a plot is greater than that requested in the Setup Data. The error occurs if PciWin is unable to take consecutive readings at the specified time interval.

The most likely cause of this error is a Smoothing Factor which is too high for the Reading Interval specified. The Smoothing Factor specifies the number of readings that are taken on each and every Reading Interval. These readings are then averaged to produce the value that is plotted. If you specify a very high Smoothing Factor ( in other words, a very high number of readings), then your hardware may be unable to take this number of readings before the Reading Interval has passed and the next plot reading is due. In this event, PciWin will continue and take the number of readings which is specified by the Smoothing Factor before proceeding to start taking the next reading ( or more accurately, the next set of readings). This means that the next reading will not be taken at the correct time.  To overcome this fault, select a lower  value for the Smoothing Factor or specify a longer Reading Interval. Then rerun the test.

Alternatively, this error might be caused by running PciWin while many other applications are also loaded and running under Windows. Try reducing the number of other applications running and then rerunning the test.

Finally, if this error occurs while you have many plot windows open, try closing some of them and then rerunning the test.


Sweep Already Normalised

This message occurs when you choose to Normalise a sweep plot that has already been normalised. You may proceed with the new normalisation if you wish, although the original normalisation value will be lost if you do so.

See Also

Normalise

Normalisation Offset


Normalisation: Select offset
Double Click to Normalise

This message occurs immediately after a sweep test has completed plotting or when you choose the Normalise command (Options menu) to normalise a sweep plot. The message is prompting you to choose the Normalisation Offset for the sweep plot by positioning the cursor crosshairs and double clicking.

Select OK to proceed with the normalising (i.e., to select the normalising value).

Select Cancel to stop the normalising process.

See Also

Normalise command

Normalisation Offset


Normalisation: Confirm Offset
Confirm Normalisation Offset

This dialog box  is displaying the Normalisation Offset 	that you have chosen by double clicking the left mouse button.

Select Yes to apply this offset to the sweep plot.

Select No to choose another point.

See Also

Normalise command


Normalisation Cancelled

This message occurs when you choose to cancel the process of normalising a sweep plot. If you wish to restart the normalising process, Choose Normalise from the Options menu.

See Also

Normalise

Normalisation Offset


File Print command
Print command (File menu)

Use this command to print a plot.

During printing, the plot may resize itself and be unavailable for normal viewing. This condition only exists during printing. Once printing is complete, the plot will resize itself to its original dimensions.

Shortcuts

Toolbar:

Keys:	CTRL+P

See Also

Print Setup command (File menu)


Print Progress Dialog

The Printing dialog box is shown during the time that PciWin is sending output to the printer.  The page number indicates the progress of the printing.

To abort printing, choose Cancel.


File Print Setup command
Print Setup command (File menu)

Use this command to select a printer and a printer connection.  This command presents a Print Setup dialog box, where you specify the printer and its connection.

Important Note

The resolution of your printer must be set at 360 x 360. You can set your printer's resolution via the Control Panel which is accessed via the Main folder in Program Manager.  From Control Panel select Printers and then select the Setup button. Set Resolution to 360 x 360 if it is not already set to this value.  Failure to set the resolution correctly will cause the plot printout to be incorrectly scaled. If your printer does not support this resolution you will be unable to print plots correctly using PciWin. As an alternative method for printing plots, save them to the clipboard and then paste them from the clipboard into a windows word processor or graphics tool that will allow you to print graphics. See your Windows and word processor manuals for details.


Print Setup dialog box

The following options allow you to select the destination printer and its connection.

Printer

Select the printer you want to use.  Choose the Default Printer; or choose the Specific Printer option and select one of the current installed printers shown in the box.  You install printers and configure ports using the Windows Control Panel.

Orientation

Choose Portrait or Landscape.

Paper Size

Select the size of paper that the plot is to be printed on.

Paper Source

Some printers offer multiple trays for different paper sources.  Specify the tray here.

Options

Displays a dialog box where you can make additional choices about printing, specific to the type of printer you have selected.

Network...

Choose this button to connect to a network location, assigning it a new drive letter.