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Chapter 4 - Running an Experiment
4.1 Experiment Preparation
The order and timing in the execution of the first steps to running a CLAMS experiment are
crucial. Many components have to be powered on in a particular order and allowed to
warm-up for a period of time before setting up and running an experiment. These
instructions assume that the CLAMS system has been powered down and dormant for at
least a day before beginning the next experiment.
1. When CLAMS systems are installed, most components are usually wired such that
they are controlled by one or two mains power switches. These switches are usually
found on bus strips and surge protectors near the system. Turn on all bus strips
and surge protectors associated with the CLAMS system. Most of the system’s
blue and silver cabinets have a light that indicates that the device is powered; check
all visible devices for power before proceeding.
Note – CLAMS systems with balances
If the system contains any balances for monitoring food or urine, they initialize into
“Standby” mode and need to be turned on manually. If the balance is not turned on
manually before starting an experiment, no data will be collected from that balance. To
turn them on, press the “On/Off” button on the front of all system balances. Also, all
balances must have a minimum load on them before being turned on; make sure each
balance has its associated feeder or collector on it before turning it on.
2. If it’s not already, make sure the PC used to manage the CLAMS system is
powered on and logged in. If the PC is connected to the internet, it’s advisable to
disable Microsoft’s “Automatic Updates” as these updates can possible restart
Windows without user intervention during an active experiment. It’s also advised
that all energy saving settings be disabled so that the computer will not
automatically turn off its hard disk or power-down after long periods without user
interaction.
3. Run Oxymax for Windows and select the appropriate Hardware Configuration.
If the current PC controls a single, fixed-configuration CLAMS system, then select
“Yes” when Oxymax asks “Use the current hardware configuration?”.
4. After selecting a Hardware Configuration, Oxymax will attempt to initialize the
hardware defined therein. If all of the hardware is detected properly, the CLAMS
Hardware Status window will automatically minimize itself. If the CLAMS Hardware
Status window lists any instruments as having errors, check the specified hardware
to make sure that it is powered on and setup properly before clicking “Refresh”.
The system cannot warm-up properly if initialization errors are detected.
5. After the system has been properly initialized, the gas sensors and controllers
require approximately two hours of warm-up time before the system can be
calibrated and used in an experiment.
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