How to start a method run

Before you start

Before you start a method, make sure that

  • the correct system is connected in control mode

Note: If the system is connected via a CU-950 Advanced unit, the Ethernet connection must not be broken during the start-up phase of the method run.

How to start from the UNICORN Manager

You can start a method from the UNICORN Manager in two ways:

  • Select a method in the Methods window and select File:Run.

  • Select a method, right-click and select Run from the displayed menu.

How to start from System Control

The table below describes how to start a method run from System Control:

Step

Action

1

Select File:Run

or

click the Run button.

Result: The Run dialog box is displayed.

Note: The Run button will open the method that was used for the previous run, if a run has been performed since you logged on.

2

Select a method and double-click the method icon.

Result: The method run starts. If the method includes a Start Protocol this must be completed before the actual method run starts. Se further instructions below.

How to add methods to the File menu

For methods that are used frequently (for example column cleaning methods or routine separations), it may be convenient to define the methods as commands in the File menu.

The table below describes how to define a method as a command:

Step

Action

1

Choose File:Menu in System Control and select the required method.

2

Click the Add button and click OK.

Result: The method name will appear as a command in the File menu. If you choose the command, the method will start.

How to start an instant run

You can start a method template or wizard directly if your system has defined templates or wizards.

To do this, either

  • click the Instant Run icon in the UNICORN Manager toolbar

or

  • select File:Instant Run in System Control.

How to use the Start Protocol

If the method is defined with a Start Protocol, this will be displayed before the method actually starts.

The table below describes how to use the Start Protocol:

Step

Action

1

  • Start the method run.

  • Work through the start protocol, answering questions as required.

The start protocol items that can be displayed are described in The start protocol tab.

  • As each screen is completed, click the Next button to move to the next screen or the Back button to return to the previous screen.

2

Click the Start button in the last window to start the run.

Confirm/Sign authorization for the Start Protocol

If there are any questions in the Start Protocol that require authorized confirmation, you will be asked for a user name and password when you attempt to leave the screen containing the questions. Only users with Confirm/Sign authorization may authorize answers to such questions. Each question that requires an authorization must have a separate authorization.

How to start a method when the system is busy

If the system is busy with a method run in progress, you can still start a new method. You will have the option to place the method in a MethodQueue, which can be executed as soon as the system becomes available again. The table below describes how to do this.

Step

Action

1

  • While a method run is in progress, right-click on the next method you want to run and select Run:System.

Result: The System Busy dialog box opens.

2

  • Select the Add the method to a MethodQueue that will execute as soon as the system is free option.

  • Click OK.

Result: A MethodQueue will automatically be created in the default queue folder. The name of the MethodQueue will be the same as the method name, followed by a five-digit sequence number.

3

The method will be executed as soon as the system is free.

Note: A warning note is displayed in the System Busy dialog box if the method includes a Start Protocol. The Start Protocol must be completed at the start of the method run before it can be executed.

Note: See How to edit a MethodQueue for more information.

2005-06-15