Messages and Set_Marks

When to use a message

Messages are used to inform the operator of the progress of the run. It is a good idea to issue messages at critical points in the method, for example, when Watch instructions are used for conditional events.

How to add a Message instruction

The Message instruction can be used to set up a message that will be displayed for the user during the execution of the method run. The message can be for information in a screen only, or it can require a signature before the user can control the system. The messages are all added to the logbook text. See Appendix Messages for examples.

The table below describes how to add a Message instruction to the method.

Step

Action

1

  • Select Other in the Instructions field of the Instructions box.

  • Select Message in the instructions list.

2

Type a message in the Message text box in the Parameters field.

3

Select one of the display options on the Mode menu:

  • Screen, i.e. only a text message is displayed.

  • Noscreen, i.e. the message will not be displayed but only inserted into the logbook.

  • Authorize, i.e. the message will require a signature from the user before the user can interact with the system again.

4

  • Select a sound on the Sound menu if desired.

  • Click the Insert button.

Note: If the Message instruction is inserted in a conditional block it will only be displayed if the conditions of the block (for example a Watch) is fulfilled.

Note: All messages are erased when the system reaches the End status. This also includes Authorize messages.

When to use a Set_Mark

Set_Mark instructions are useful text messages. They can be used

  • to insert manual notes, for example, when a problem occurs in a run

  • to highlight certain stages in a method.

Set_Marks differ from Messages in that they are inserted into the chromatogram at set points as well as into the logbook during a method run.

Example of a Set_Mark

The illustration below shows an example where Set_Marks are used to highlight the start and end of fractionation in a method:

How to issue a Set_Mark

Set_Marks are issued from the Instructions box of the Text Instructions editor. The table below describes how to do this:

Step

Action

1

Select Other:Set_Mark in the Instructions box.

2

Type the message in the Mark text field.

3

Click the Insert button.

Result: A new line with the Set_Mark is added to the text instruction.

2005-06-15