Information here is specific to one or more of Gamry's retired lineup: PC3, PC4, PCI4, FAS 1 & 2, and the Series G. Any issues that could also apply to Reference or Interface instruments (Framework, Analyst, toolkit, cell cables) will be found in another section.
It is well documented that certain USB storage devices can prevent a computer from properly booting up. The USB dongle for your MultEchem IC8 system can cause this problem under certain conditions. To prevent it, either unplug the device before booting the computer or modify the BIOS settings for “booting from a USB device†so that the dongle is ignored while the computer is loading.
Authorization Codes activate your Gamry Software to work with your potentiostat. Each of the software packages has a package name (e.g. “DC105†for DC Corrosion Techniques) and a 10-digit Authorization Code that is linked to the serial number of your instrument.
The symptom is that at the start of the experiment no data acquisition begins and the runner window displays Autoranging in the lower left hand corner. This applies only to PCI potentiostats installed inside a desktop computer. Verify that the 4-pin power cables are connected to the control board and potentiostat board inside the computer. The instrument will still be properly recognized by the computer without the power cables connected but no signal generation or data acquisition can occur without the power.
Step-by-step Instructions for Changing Your ECM8 COM port Number. Applies to Framework software version 4.35 to 5.XX
When installing a second ECM8, or switching to a USB-to-Serial adapter for your ECM8 or TDC4, it is necessary to manually change the Port number in the Gamry.INI file. The correct Port number allows the Framework Software to communicate properly with the Gamry Hardware device. The INI file is accessible from the Windows Start Menu under Gamry / Framework / Gamry.ini. The file will open in your default text editor program.
MultEchem systems allow multiple instruments to share a single software license on a single computer. The system utilizes a USB dongle to activate the software license across all instruments. For all Framework versions before 5.63 one must select “MultEchem†from the Select Features page of the installation program to install the driver for the USB dongle. This driver is installed automatically in current versions.
General instability in the operation of the IC8 can be caused by many things. Instability refers to a loss of keyboard and mouse input, loss of video or a Microsoft BSOD that can only be resolved by restarting the computer.
A Gamry PC4 can often outlive the computer into which it was first installed. PC4 potentisotats require a computer with two adjacent ISA slots. They are not plug-and-play equipment and require some settings tweaking to get them up and running. Here are two common problems that are received when launching the Gamry Framework for the first time after installation:
Microsoft will discontinue support for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020 which means Gamry will also be discontinuing support for Windows 7. If you are upgrading to Windows 10, like many companies and institutions, you need to be running Version 7 of our software. Please note that only USB and Ethernet-based instruments can run in Version 7. Eligible users can download the latest version of our software through our online Client Portal.
If you haven’t already registered your instrument, you can do so through the Client Portal.
Please email Technical Support if you have any questions regarding this transition. Please be sure to include your instrument model and serial number when contacting us.
