技术支持

MultEchem systems allow multiple instruments to share a single software license and be run from a single computer. The system utilizes a USB dongle to activate the software license across all instruments.

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.

Step-by-step Instructions for Changing Your ECM8 COM port Number. Applies to Framework software version 6.2X to 6.XX

Changing the current convention during acquisition (Framework version 4.10 or newer):

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.

We have seen several examples where a customer has recorded an open circuit voltage of 3, 4, or even 5 volts when running EIS on a coated sample.  The Eoc values that were recorded in these experiments are probably not real Eoc readings.  For very, very good coatings, such as the ones that these researchers were studying, we recommended that the potentiostatic EIS measurement be done at a potential vs. Eref, not vs. Eoc. The Eoc values are often not related to the coating or to the substrate: They are a function of the length of time the potentiostat has been connected to the cell.

During acquisition in the Framework software users will sometimes observe overloads (red or orange data points) indicating that the instrument is in an undesirable state.  When an overload occurs one of 5 indicators will switch on, showing a red or orange box at the bottom of the experiment runner window with a message indicating which overload state has happened.  At the same time the data points will turn red or orange for the overloaded points.  Here is a basic explanation of the different types of overloads:

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.

In addition to controlling up to eight electrochemical cells in sequence, the ECM8 also has local potentiostats on each channel. These are utilized in the standard Multiplexer experiments of Potentiostatic and Galvanic Corrosion to appropriately control the potential of the inactive cells.

After updating Framework you may be prompted to update the firmware on your instruments. To begin, make sure the instruments that need a firmware update are powered on and connected to the computer via the USB cable. This guide is valid for all Reference and Interface family instruments