91494729

Varian, Inc.
2700 Mitchell Drive

Walnut Creek, CA 94598-1675/USA
ProStar 420 AutoSampler

Control
Galaxie Driver Manual
Varian, Inc. 2004 03-914947-29:Rev.2

Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................. 2
General ........................................................................................................................... 2
Installation and Configuration................................................................ 3
Installing the Driver Software .......................................................................................... 3
Configuring the Communication Server.......................................................................... 3
Configuring the Driver ..................................................................................................... 4
Configuring the Varian ProStar 420 Autosampler ....................................................... 4
Configuring the Synopsis ............................................................................................ 8
Building a Method ................................................................................. 11
Creating a New Method ................................................................................................ 11
Control Method Section for the Varian ProStar 420 Autosampler ................................ 14
Injection Control......................................................................................................... 16
Timed Events Control................................................................................................ 19
Automix Control ......................................................................................................... 21
User Program Control ............................................................................................... 23
Starting and Viewing an Acquisition.................................................... 27
Quick Start and Sequence ............................................................................................ 27
Quick Start (Single Acquisition)................................................................................. 27
Sequence .................................................................................................................. 29
Running Acquisition Status ........................................................................................... 30
Viewing a Running Acquisition .................................................................................. 30
Status of the Varian ProStar 420 Autosampler ......................................................... 30
Appendix ................................................................................................ 40
Injection Mode............................................................................................................... 40
Injection Principle ...................................................................................................... 40
Full Loop Injections ................................................................................................... 41
Partial Loopfill Injections............................................................................................ 45
L Pick-up Injections ................................................................................................. 49
Syringe Speed............................................................................................................... 53
Vial Types ..................................................................................................................... 54
ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -1- 03-914947-29:2

Introduction
General
This document describes the configuration procedure of the
Varian ProStar 420 AutoSampler driver. It also explains how to
build a control method for this driver, how to start and view a
running acquisition and what actions are available during an
analysis.
The ProStar 420 is an autosampler that offers a wide variety of

possibilities for HPLC. It incorporates among other things the
following features:
suitable for use with various types of vials by

various manufacturers and various types of
tray segments.
capable of executing full loop injections,

partial loopfill and L pick-up injections.
accommodates use of various types of

syringes (volumes of 100 L, 250 L, 500
L, 1000 L, or 10 mL).
options like tray cooling and switching

valves are available for the ProStar 420.

Installation and
Configuration
Installing the Driver Software

To install the Galaxie Drivers software refer to the Galaxie Data
System Installation Guide.
Configuring the Communication Server

To communicate with the ProStar 420 module an
RS232_Interface or RS232_PC communication bus must be
configured on the acquisition server.
The parameters of the bus to must be the following:

Stops 1 Stop
Baud 19200 Parity EVEN
Bits 8 Bits Flow Control NONE
Buffer Tx 4096 Buffer Rx 4096
NOTE: For more details about the configuration of an RS232_Interface or RS232_PC

bus, refer to the Galaxie Chromatography Data System Installations Guide.

Configuring the Driver
The driver software configuration is done in the Galaxie
Configuration Manager.
Configuring the Varian ProStar 420 Autosampler
Click on the button corresponding to the Varian ProStar

420 driver and the configuration screens appear.
The toolbar enables to easily scroll through the configuration

windows:
to select the first configuration window.
to select the previous configuration window.
to select the next configuration window.
to select the final configuration window.

Communication Window
Communication Settings parameter group:
In the Name field, select the name of the bus previously

configured with the Communication Server Configuration
program.
In the Autosampler Device Identifier field, enter the device

identifier of the ProStar 420 Autosampler.
NOTE: To find or set the address on the sampler itself, press the System, then the
Menu buttons. Then select COMM from the sampler screen and press the E
button to access the device identifier setting.
NOTE: For more details about the Bus configuration, refer to the Configuring the
Communication Server section.

Hardware Window
Options parameter group:
Check Sample tray cooling if installed in the autosampler.
Check Solvent selector valve if a 6-way integrated solvent

selection valve is installed in the autosampler.
Check Integrated stream switching A or B if the corresponding

optional high pressure 6-port valve is installed in the
autosampler.
Check Alarm buzzer to switch sound signal on.

Hardware parameter group:
Loop volume (5 to 1000 microliters)
Enter the volume of the installed loop. The Varian ProStar 420
driver uses this value for calculating injection volumes.
Syringe volume
Select in the list the volume of the installed syringe.
Five choices are available:
100 L
250 L
500 L
1000 L
10,000 L
NOTE: The 10,000 L syringe can only be used in combination with the User Program
mode of injection and not with the standard injection program.
Tubing volume (1 to 200 microliters)
Enter the volume of the tubing and needle connected to the

injection valve. The Varian ProStar 420 uses this value for
calculations of flush volumes.
NOTE: With standard loop, syringe and tubing, the injection volumes are:
Full loop: injection volume = loop volume
Partial loopfill: maximum injection volume = 50% of loop volume
L pick-up: maximum injection volume = 1/2 * (loop volume 3 x needle tubing
volume)
Refer to the Autosampler Operation Manual to know more about the calculation of the
maximum injection volume according to the loop, syringe and tubing volumes.
Check Use transport vials to activate the two following features:
First vial
Enter the first transport vial number of the vials containing the
transport solvent (mobile phase to avoid disturbance of the
chromatogram with a solvent peak). During L pick-up injections,

these transports solvent will be used to purge the sample loop of
wash solvent prior to sample loading.
(Limits are: A1 to A96, B1 to B72, C1 to C32 or D1 to D160).
Vial number
Select the number of transport vial to be used. The ProStar 420

scans the transport vial area starting with the first location
selected and ending with the location which will depend to the
number of vial configured. If no vial is found, an error will be
reported.
(Limits are: A1 to A96, B1 to B72, C1 to C32 or D1 to D160).
NOTE: The value of the Vial number that can be set depends of the value entered in the
First vial field.
Configuring the Synopsis

In the Overview part of the system configuration, a synopsis can
be defined for the system. This synopsis depends on the
configured devices.
1. To save the configuration of these devices, click on the OK

button.
2. Right click on the system name in the bottom part of the

Galaxie Configuration Manager screen. A pop-up menu
appears: click on Stop. Then right click on the system name
again, and click on Start.
3. Go back to the System Configuration screen (Properties

wizard). A graphic of the devices that comprise the system is
displayed in the synopsis screen. To configure the synopsis
as the real instrument configuration, move each module then
connect it appropriately. To do this, select one anchor for
each of the two modules (the selected anchors become red)

and click on the button; a connection tube will appear
between the two anchors.
Click on the button to delete a selected tube, or click
on the button to delete all the tubes.

Click on to define a background color, or on to
make the background transparent.
Click on the icon to change the grid color.
4. Once the synopsis configuration is complete, it will be

displayed in the Galaxie Chromatography Data System, in
the Systems tab. In this tab, the Overview will show the
synopsis of the system with some parameters displayed
(temperature, flow, signal, etc.) depending on the installed
devices.
For example, the following pictures represent the synopsis of

the Varian ProStar 420:
Galaxie Configuration Manager Screen

Galaxie Chromatography Data System Screen
NOTE: Once the system has been created and correctly configured, it must be
associated with one or more projects in order to start acquisitions. For more
details about the creation and configuration of a system, refer to the Galaxie
Configuration Manager Users Guide.
Click on the button to print the current configuration.
ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual - 10 - 03-914947-29:2

Building a Method
Creating a New Method

The method contains parameters for instrument control, data
acquisition, chromatogram processing, and editing of final
results. To initially set up a method, it is not necessary to define
all of the sub-method sections; however, the instrument control
section must be filled in prior to starting an acquisition.
1. To create a new method, select the FILE / NEW METHOD

option from the Galaxie Chromatography Data System main
menu.
A wizard guide will appear and provide assistance during the

first steps of method creation:

2. Choose the system (chromatograph) associated with the
method. A method is created for a particular system. When
starting an acquisition, the name of the system that performs
the acquisition must be correct, since method access is
limited only to those methods associated with this system.
3. Once this field is completed, click on the Next button to

move to the second step of the method creation:

4. Enter the New Method Name in the first field. In the
Description field, enter information concerning the method
(optional).
5. Once these two fields have been completed, click on the OK

button. The new method is created and is opened with
default parameters in the Galaxie Chromatography Data
System. The next step is the definition of each of the method
sections.
The control section must be defined in order to start an

acquisition. In the following part of this guide, only the control
section for the Varian ProStar 420 is detailed. Other
parameters such as Injection Volume, Vial, and Rack
number may be necessary and are defined in the acquisition
section.
NOTE: For more details about the programming of each method section, turn to the
Galaxie Chromatography Data System Users Guide.

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Method
First of all, to control the Varian ProStar 420 by Galaxie, press
the Menu button and then select Serial from the sampler
screen. The Autosampler becomes in a serial mode.
To use manually the Varian ProStar 420, select Exit from the
sampler screen.
Once the new method is created, select the control section in the
lower part of the browser.
The following screen appears:
Press the button to display the System Control Method

Advanced Tools window:

to send the current method to the instrument.
to get the active method from the instrument.
to print the current method.
Click on the button to display the Varian ProStar 420

control method sections. It contains four sub-sections: Injection,
Timed Events and Automix or User program (User program
appears when this option is selected in the Injection window,
Injection mode parameter group). Click on the required sub-
section to define the corresponding parameters that will be used
during the chromatographic run. The toolbar enables to easily
scroll through the control method windows:
to select the first window of the control method.
to move back to the previous window of the control

method.
to move forward to the next window of the control

method.
to select the final window of the control method.

Injection Control
Injection mode parameter group:
Select one of the five available choices: None, Partial loopfill,

Full loop, L pick-up or User Program.
If User program is checked, the Automix sub-section is replaced

by this option.
NOTE: Refer to the User Program sub-section for more explanation of this injection
mode.
Some of the following parameters depend on the injection mode

selected.
The Flush volume parameter is the amount of sample used to fill

the needle plus tubing connection to the injection valve (not the

loopfill volume). Only used for Full loop and Partial loopfill
injections.
NOTE: Flush volumes smaller than twice the volume of the needle plus tubing between
needle and injection valve may result in a decrease of performance.
NOTE: For more details about the injection modes, refer to the Injection Mode chapter at
the end of this manual.
Wash parameter group:
Select the Wash mode in the scrolling list. Three choices are
available: None, After injection (single run) or After sequence (of
injections).
If After injection is selected, enter the Wash volume in the

corresponding field.
If After sequence is selected, the wash procedure is fixed by the

instrument and the wash volume cannot be set.
Options parameter group:
If a sample tray cooling has been previously declared in the

Galaxie Configuration Manager, the Tray cooling fields can be
activated. Check Tray cooling to set the temperature setpoint
(4C to 40C).
If Tray cooling automatic stop is checked, the temperature

control is switched off, then some variations of temperature will
be able to occur during a single run or a sequence.
If this option is not checked, the temperature between the

injections will be kept.
NOTE: The temperature range for sample tray cooling is from 4C to 40C and the
maximum cooling capacity is 20 C below ambient temperature.
Check Use air segment to inject a sample with an air segment
between the sample and the wash solvent. If Use air segment is
checked, the ProStar 420 will draw an air segment of 5 L before

the flush volume prior to an injection. The air segment will not be
injected into the analytical system.
In case of L pick-up injection, the sample will be preceded by

an air segment, which will be injected into the analytical system.
Check Headspace pressure to use headspace pressure in

combination with the syringe to introduce sample into the loop.
The compressor will always be used in the wash position of the
ProStar 420. The accuracy and reproducibility of the ProStar 420
can decrease when no headspace pressure is used. However,
headspace pressure will only be useful if sample wells are
airtight.
Select the Syringe speed for injections. Three choices are

available: Low, Normal and High. The aspirating speed of the
syringe used in injection modes can be adapted depending on
viscosity of samples. These values are dependent of the volume
of the installed syringe (previously configured in the Galaxie
Configuration Manager):
Syringe 100 L 250 L 500 L 1000 L 10 mL

LOW (L/min) 125 315 630 1255 1.3 mL/min
NORMAL (L/min) 250 625 1250 2495 2.5 mL/min
HIGH (L/min) 375 940 1880 3765 3.8 mL/min
Alternatively, syringe speeds can be reduced by entering a Scale

Factor. The syringe speed will be the Scale Factor multiplied by
the Syringe speed. The speed of the syringe during the wash or
the rinsing procedure of the buffer is not affected by this setting.
The Needle height is the distance between the needle point and
the tray holder (default: 5 mm; range: 0-40 mm). This value is
only used in injection modes (this value is programmable in case
of mix).

Timed Events Control
Use timed events parameter group:
Check the Use timed events box to activate the program table.
Program a timed events table by using the , buttons
to add or delete one line or the button to clear all of the

table.

The following parameters can be programmed:
If these options have been previously configured in the Galaxie

Configuration Manager, select from the ISV-A and ISV-B lists,
the position of the high pressure ISS valves to be used.
If this option has been previously configured in the Galaxie

Configuration Manager, select from the SSV list, the solvent
stream to be used at a specified time.
Program the activation of the four available auxiliary relays (Aux

14).
Program the hexadecimal state value of the 4 bits binary output

from the P3 Out connector (range: 0 to 9 and A to F).
Select Automatic end time to stop the program at the end of the
time table or Manual end time to define manually the end time of
the events program. If the end time exceeds the programmed
analysis time, this end time overrules the run time and the next
injection will be started as soon as the timed events program has
finished.

Automix Control
Use Automix parameter group:
Check the Use Automix box to activate the ProStar 420 mix
capability.
Enter the vial number that contains each Reagent fluids (AD).
Enter the number of the Destination vial to be used as the vial for
adding or removing measured amounts of sample and/or
reagent.
NOTE: The vial numbers (Reagent AD and Destination vial fields) depends of the
types of the tray segments used with the ProStar 420 Autosampler:
A1 to A96 with type A standard tray segment.

B1 to B72 with type B LSV tray segment.
C1 to C32 with type C super LSV tray segment.
D1 to D160 with type D micro vial tray segment.

NOTE: Refer to the Status of the ProStar 420 Autosampler section to know more about
the tray segments and vial types.
NOTE: If the Transport vial is used in the mix program, the injection will be performed
from the Destination vial and not from the vial defined in the Acquisition sub-
method section.
If the Transport vial is not used in the mix program, the injection will be performed
from the Vial defined in the Acquisition sub-method section.
Check Mix first injection only to perform the mix program only
before the first injection from the vial. When unchecked, the mix
program will be performed before each injection.
Program a mix by using the , buttons to add or
delete one line and the button to clear all of the table.
The following Actions can be programmed:
Aspirate from Sample, Air, Destination or Reagent AD a

programmed volume (Amount) into the buffer tubing. The
maximum Amount which can be aspirated is the total volume of
the syringe. The Speed of the syringe aspiration can be selected
from 1 to 9, and the syringe Height from 0 to 40 mm.
Dispense to Sample, Waste, Destination or Reagent AD a

programmed volume (Amount) from the buffer tubing. It is
possible to dispense a larger volume than the volume aspirated
in previous actions. The aspirated Amount will be complemented
with liquid from the wash solvent bottle to total the programmed
dispense volume. Speed and Height can be programmed.
NOTE: Refer to the Appendix for more details about the syringe Speed values
depending of the type of syringe.
Wait to program a pause (from 0 to 599.99 minutes). During the

pause, the needle will move to home position (if the previous
step is an Aspirate from or a Dispense to action). To keep the

needle in the same position, an Aspirate from or a Dispense to
step of 0 L must be programmed at the desired position.
Repeat the X entered last Step(s). The Count parameter defines

how many times the Step(s) must be repeated.
Rinse+Wash a programmed needle volume (Amount). Buffer is

rinse to waste.
User Program Control
The User Program offers the possibility to program all possible

actions required for a sample handling sequence in separate
steps. To access to this feature, the User Program injection
mode must be checked in the Injection sub-section.
NOTE: When this mode of injection is selected, the Timed Events sub-section becomes
inactive. The program of the auxiliaries, SSV, ISV and P3 output is done directly
in the User Program sub-section.

Enter the vial number that contains each Reagent fluids (AD).
Enter the number of the Destination vial to be used as the vial for
adding or removing measured amounts of sample and/or
reagents.
NOTE: The vial numbers (Reagent AD and Destination vial fields) depends of the
types of the tray segments used with the ProStar 420 Autosampler:
Refer to the Status of the ProStar 420 Autosampler section to know more about the tray
segments and vial types.
Select from the list if the injection must start at the end of the
injection program (Start run at end of user program) or at the
inject marker time defined in the program table (Start run on
inject marker).
Program the injection steps by using the , buttons to
add or delete one line and the button to clear all of the
table.
The following Actions can be programmed:
Aspirate from Sample, Air, Destination, Reagent AD or Wash a

programmed volume (Amount) into the buffer tubing. The
maximum Amount which can be aspirated is the total volume of
the syringe. The Speed of the syringe aspiration can be selected
from 1 to 9, and the syringe Height from 0 to 40 mm.
Dispense to Sample, Waste, Destination, Reagent AD or

Wash a programmed volume (Amount) from the buffer tubing. In
this case, it is not possible to dispense a larger volume than the
volume aspirated in previous actions. Speed and Height can be
programmed.
NOTE: Refer to the Appendix to find the syringe Speed values depending on the type of
syringe.

Wait to program a pause (from 0 to 599.99 minutes). During the
pause, the needle will move to home position (if the previous
step is an Aspirate from or a Dispense to action). To keep the
needle in the same position, an Aspirate from or a Dispense to
step of 0 L must be programmed at the desired position.
Repeat the X entered last Step(s). The Count parameter defines

how many times the Step(s) must be repeated.
Rinse+Wash a programmed needle volume (Amount). Buffer is

rinse to waste.
Injector valve programs the positions (Inject or Load) of the high

pressure injection valve.
Syringe valve controls the connections of the syringe to one of its

three tubes (Needle: connection to sample needle, Wash:
connection to wash solvent bottle and Waste: connection to
syringe waste tubing).
Syringe controls the movement of the syringe. Three actions are

available:
Load the syringe with the programmed

volume (Amount),
Unload the syringe with the programmed
volume (Amount)
Home to initialize the syringe.
The Speed can also be programmed.
Compressor On activates the compressor to put air pressure on

a sample. The compressor will stay active until it is switched Off
(in a next programmed step). The compressor will be
automatically switched off at the end of the needle wash routine
if a needle wash is used.
Set Auxiliary 14 On activates the four auxiliaries. The

auxiliaries will stay active until they are switched Off (in a next
programmed step).
Set Output 1 or 2 On activates the two outputs (similar to the

auxiliaries). The outputs will stay active until they are switched
Off (in a next programmed step).

Set Output P3 activates the P3 timed output (range: 0-9 and A-
F).
Set Marker activates the P2 output. Three possibilities of output

signal can be generated: Inject, Well or Labelled. Furthermore,
the Inject position enables to start the data acquisition at this
step of the program when Start run on inject marker is selected.
Wait Input 14 programs a pause in which the ProStar 420

waits for one of the four inputs to become Low Level or High
Level before continuing with the next step.
Solvent valve programs the positions (from 1 to 6) of the high

pressure Solvent Selection Valve.
Stream valve A or B programs the positions (1-6 or 1-2) of the

high pressure ISS valves.

Starting and Viewing an
Acquisition
Quick Start and Sequence

Once the instrument control method has been correctly
programmed, an analysis can be started. The next section briefly
describes how to start an acquisition.
Quick Start (Single Acquisition)

1. Press the button.
In the Quick Start window, select the system, the method

and optionally the project if connected in "All project" mode.
2. Press the OK button.
The following screen is displayed:

In the Acquisition Parameters tab, required fields like the
Run Name, the Run ID and the Acquisition length must be
filled in before starting an analysis. Furthermore, if the
system is equipped with an autosampler controlled by the
Galaxie Chromatography Data System, the Injection
Volume, the Vial position and the Rack number (if required)
must be entered.
Other parameters associated with each acquisition channel

can be entered in the Channel X tab.
3. Click on the Start button to start the acquisition if the system

is a single-injector system or click on the Next button if the
system is a multiple injector system. In a multiple injector
system, the same parameters entered for the first injector
must be entered for the other injectors before starting the
acquisition.

Sequence
1. To create a sequence, select the FILE / NEW SEQUENCE
menu, and complete the displayed creation wizard screen
(refer to the Galaxie Chromatography Data System Users
Guide), by entering the system name that will perform the
analysis, the number of lines (corresponding to the number
of samples), and the sequence name.
2. The sequence is displayed. Complete the sequence

information columns (refer to the Galaxie Chromatography
Data System Users Guide).
The Method Name, the Run Name, the Run ID, and the
Acquisition length must be filled before starting the analysis.
All these parameters are automatically imported from the
acquisition part if defined in the method.
3. Start the sequence by clicking on the button.
NOTE: For more details about how to start an acquisition, refer to the Galaxie
Chromatography Data System Users Guide.

Running Acquisition Status
Viewing a Running Acquisition

To view a running acquisition, click on the Systems tab then
select the running system. A window is activated which is
composed of two parts: the running chromatogram and the
status window where the driver modules are listed.
Status of the Varian ProStar 420 Autosampler
Click on the button corresponding to the ProStar 420

driver and the autosampler status screen will appear. It contains
up to four sub-sections depending of the installed options:
Status, Remote control, Tray cooling and Overview. Click on the
required sub-section to display the corresponding parameters
that will be used during the chromatographic run.
A toolbar enables to easily scroll through the status windows:
to select the first status window.
to move back to the previous status window.
to move forward to the next status window.
to select the final status window.

Status Window
State parameter group:
The upper field indicates the autosampler status.
The led of the Device detection field indicates the communication

state with the instrument: the led is green when there is
communication.
The ROM version field gives the ROM version of the

autosampler.
During acquisition, the injected vial is also displayed.
Auxiliaries parameter group:
Green lights indicate if the corresponding relay is activated or

not.
Each relay can be opened or closed by clicking on the

button.
Solvent Switch indicates the solvent stream which is used at the

specified time.
Stream Selector A and/or B indicates the positions (1-6 or 1-2) of

the high pressure ISS valves which is used at the specified time.

Errors parameter group:
In this part of the tab, some indications are given if an error

occurs. Refer to the Overview window to know more about the
listed errors. Then press to clear the error.
Remote control Window
Keyboard parameter group:
Click on the button to lock the keyboard of

the autosampler. The unlock button is then active
Click on the button to unlock the keyboard of

the autosampler. The lock button is then active again.
Tools parameter group:
Click on the button to move the tray to fill it with

segments by placing the segment at a free position in the front
half of the tray.
Click on the button to stop the movement of the

tray.

Click on the button to fill the syringe with wash
solvent.
Click on the button to dispense the syringe

contents to syringe waste and to move the syringe to standard
operating position again.
Click on the button to move the syringe to end

position the syringe needle is to be replaced.
Click on the button to move the syringe to

standard operating position again.
Click on the button to start a standard wash

procedure. All tubing connected to the syringe valve will be filled
in and rinsed with wash solvent.
Click on the button to define which type of

segments compose the tray of the ProStar 420 autosampler.
Indeed, this autosampler enables to use more than one type of
segment in a tray. The following screen appears where the
configuration of the tray segments is done:

In this screen, select from the Segment 1 to 8 lists, the type of
each tray segment physically present on the sample tray. Five
choices are available: Type A (Standard), Type B (LSV), Type C
(Super LSV), Type D (Micro) and None.
When a tray segment has been selected, complete its

configuration by selecting in the associated list the type number
(from 1 to 8) of the segment.
Indeed, the number of vial per segment depends of the segment

type as shown on the following figure.
The A1 segment contains the vials from 1 to 12, the B1 segment

from 1 to 9, the C1 segment from 1 to 4 and the D1 segment, the
vials from 1 to 20. The A2 segment contains the vials from 13 to
24, the B2 segment from 10 to 18, the C2 segment from 5 to 8
and the D2 segment, the vials from 21 to 40, etc.
NOTE: The type of the segment (A1 to A8, B1 to B8, C1 to C8 or D1 to D8) is physically
indicated on the tray segment.
The maximum vial number is:

Refer to the Appendix to see details about the different vial types.
Solvent selector valve parameter group:
If this option is installed, click on the valve position number to

select the corresponding solvent stream to be used
Stream switch A parameter group:
If this option is installed, select the position (1-6 or 1-2) of the

high pressure ISS A valve to be used.

Stream switch B parameter group:
If this option is installed, select the position (1-6 or 1-2) of the

high pressure ISS B valve to be used.
Tray cooling Window

This tab is active if the sample tray cooling option has been
previously configured in the Galaxie Configuration Manager.
Tray cooling parameter group:
The green light indicates if this option is activated or not. The

status of the tray cooling and the current temperature are
shown. The temperature set point can be changed by entering
the new temperature set point and then by clicking on the
button to send the new value to the autosampler.
Click on the button to start the tray cooling.
Click on the button to stop the tray cooling.

The Temperature circuit error led indicates if an error has
occurred.
NOTE: The temperature range for sample tray cooling is from 4C to 40 C and the
maximum cooling capacity is 20 C below ambient temperature.

Overview Window
Click on the button, the Status Overview window is

displayed and contains three tabs:
General: displays the synopsis of the instrument

where some current values can be read (state,
volume, vial, etc.).
When the mouse points on the colored Vial (yellow for current
used vial, green for already used vial, red for missing vial and
uncolored for unused vials), the current vial number is displayed.
The state (On, Off, Idle, Running) of the sampler and the
injected volume from the indicated vial are displayed.
Click on the button to start a standard wash procedure. All

tubing connected to the syringe valve will be filled in and rinsed
with wash solvent.
Click on the button to define which type of segments

compose the tray of the ProStar 420 Autosampler. Indeed, this
autosampler enables to use more than one type of segment in a
tray. The following screen appears where the configuration of the
tray segments is done:

In this screen, select from the Segment lists (1 to 8), the type of
each tray segment physically present on the sample tray. Five
choices are available: Type A (Standard), Type B (LSV), Type C
(Super LSV) and Type D (Micro) and None.
When a tray segment has been selected, complete its

configuration by selecting in the associated list the type number
(from 1 to 8) of the segment.
Indeed, the number of vial per segment depends of the segment

type as shown on the following figure.
The A1 segment contains the vials from 1 to 12, the B1 segment

from 1 to 9, the C1 segment from 1 to 4 and the D1 segment, the
vials from 1 to 20. The A2 segment contains the vials from 13 to
24, the B2 segment from 10 to 18, the C2 segment from 5 to 8
and the D2 segment, the vials from 21 to 40, etc.

NOTE: The type of the segment (A1 to A8, B1 to B8, C1 to C8 or D1 to D8) is physically
indicated on the tray segment.
The maximum vial number is:

Refer to the Appendix to see details about the different vial types.
Not Ready: contains the not ready information sent
by the instrument.
Events: contains the events and errors that have

occurred on the instrument listed below:
Injection valve and ISS unit:

ERROR 11 Injection valve is not in a valid position.
ERROR 12 The injection valve did not switch within 1.5 seconds.
ERROR 13 The switching time of the injection valve exceeds 500 msec.
ERROR 14 ISS A valve is not in a valid position
ERROR 15 The ISS A valve did not switch within 1.5 seconds.
ERROR 17 ISS valve B is not in a valid position.
ERROR 18 ISS valve B did not switch within 1,5 seconds
Syringe dispenser unit:
ERROR 21 The syringe valve did not switch.
ERROR 22 The syringe did not reach home position in time.
ERROR 23 The syringe spindle did not make the correct number of rotations.
ERROR 24 The spindle does not rotate.
ERROR 25 The syringe valve did not find a valid position.
Injection needle unit:
ERROR 30 The sample needle arm did not reach or leave home position (vertical).
ERROR 31 The sample needle arm is in an invalid horizontal
ERROR 32 The sample needle arm did not reach or leave destination within a certain
time (horizontal).
ERROR 33 The sample needle arm needed too many or too few steps to reach
destination.
ERROR 34 Sample needle arm not in vertical home position while moving horizontally.
ERROR 35 The sample needle is at an invalid horizontal position.

ERROR 36 The sample needle detects too many code gaps while moving to the next
position.
ERROR 37 The sample tray is not at a valid position while moving down the needles.
Top sensor is not in tray gap.
ERROR 39 Vial sensor sticks.
ERROR 40 The sample needle spindle does not rotate correctly.
ERROR 41 The sample needle did not reach or leave home position.
ERROR 42 The sample needle is not at home position.
Tray:
ERROR 51 Incorrect tray rotation.
ERROR 52 No segment found.
ERROR 53 The sample needle arm is not in the home position while moving the tray.
Vials:
ERROR 60 Missing vial. Only available when Skip Missing Vial is set to NO in the
System Settings.
ERROR 61 Missing segment.
ERROR 62 Missing transport vial.
ERROR 63 Missing transport segment.
ERROR 64 Missing vial for reagent A.
ERROR 65 Missing vial for reagent B.
ERROR 66 Missing vial for reagent C.
ERROR 67 Missing vial for reagent D.
ERROR 68 Missing destination vial.
ERROR 69 Not enough transport liquid available due to missing transport vials or
segments.
Electronics:
ERROR 71 Flexprint of the sample needle is not connected
ERROR 72 Invalid configuration of the ProStar 420, PCB missing.
ERROR 73 Current limit of the external I/O exceeded.
ERROR 75 Error occurred during initialization, the ProStar 420 cannot start.

Appendix
Injection Mode
Injection Principle
A unique sequence of valve switching and syringe dispenser
controlled sample withdrawal enables the ProStar 420 to inject
sample volumes in a range from a few microliters to milliliters in
a simple and reproducible manner.
Therefore three different modes of injection can be selected:
Full loop: The sample loop is completely

(quantitatively) filled with sample resulting in
the maximum reproducibility.
Partial loopfill: The sample loop is partially

filled with sample; low sample loss and
programmable injection volumes
L pick-up: After removal from the vial the

sample volume is transported into the loop
with solvent from another vial resulting in no
sample loss
The ProStar 420 uses a syringe to remove the sample from a

vial into the sample loop. To prevent contamination of the
syringe the ProStar 420 is equipped with buffer tubing between
the syringe and the injection valve. The wash solvent is used to
remove the sample from the buffer tubing and sample needle
and rinse the buffer tubing and sample needle.

Air pressure
Diagram of Sample Loading Configuration.
Full Loop Injections

The switching sequence for a full loop injection is schematically
shown in the following figures:
1. Initially the injection valve is in the Inject position. The

sample needle with air needle has entered the vial. The
head-space pressure, applied through the outer air needle,
ensures that no air or vapour bubbles are formed during
sample aspiration.

Full loop injection: initial position.
2. The syringe dispenser aspirates the flush volume from the

sample vial to fill the sample line with sample and remove
wash solvent.
Full loop injection: flushing sample lines and needle.
3. The injection valve is switched into the Load position, placing

a distinct sample front at the inlet of the sample loop.

Full loop injection: switch injection valve to Load.
4. The sample loop is quantitatively filled by transporting a

number of times the loop volume through the loop,
depending on the volume of the loop. (3x loop volumes for
loops <=100 l ; 2x loop volumes for loops from 100 L to
500 l ; 1 x loop volumes for loops > 500 L.
Full loop injection: Filling the sample loop.

5. The injection valve switches into the Inject position. The
sample loop is now part of the HPLC mobile phase flow
path: sample is transported to the column. The analysis
starts.
Full loop injection: Injecting sample.
If one injection is to be made out of each vial or a wash routine

has to be performed after every injection: the needle withdraws
from the vial immediately after the injection and, if programmed,
immediately performs a wash. After the analysis time elapses a
new sequence is started.
If more than one injection is to be made out of the same sample

vial without performing a wash routine, after the analysis time
has elapsed the ProStar 420 withdraws a flush volume to
compensate for diffusion of mobile phase from the rotor groove
into the front of the sample line during the analysis time. This
flush volume between injections is not programmable and is
always 50% of the programmed flush volume. If the total amount
of sample withdrawn with the next injection from the vial will
exceed the total volume of the buffer tubing, the buffer tubing is
rinsed before the next injection. The next injection sequence will
then start with a full flush volume.

Air segment :
An air segment can be used to reduce the amount of flush
volume. This air segment is at the front of the flush volume and
will not be injected and therefore will not influence the injection.
With a standard needle the flush volume must be at least 30 l

for injections with air segment and 35 l for injections without air
segment. If the samples are highly viscous it may be necessary
to program larger flush volumes and reduce the syringe speed
for better performance.
Situation after filling the loop in the case of Full loop injections with (A) or without air segment (B)
Partial Loopfill Injections

The switching sequence for a partial loop injection is
schematically shown in the following figures :

sample needle with air needle has entered the vial. The
head-space pressure, applied through the outer air needle,
ensures that no air or vapour bubbles are formed during
sample aspiration.

Partial loop injection: initial situation.
The syringe dispenser aspirates the flush volume from the

sample vial to fill the sample line with sample and remove
wash solvent.
Partial loop injection: flushing sample lines and needle.
2. The injection valve is switched into the Load position, placing

a distinct sample front at the inlet of the sample loop.

Partial loop injection: switch injection valve to Load.
3. The programmed injection volume is now aspirated into the
sample loop.
Partial loop injection: filling the sample loop.

starts.

Partial loop injection: injecting sample.
The next injection sequence will start with a flush of 50% of

the programmed flush volume, if more than one injection is
to be made from the same vial and no wash routine is
programmed. Otherwise it will start with a flush of the
programmed flush volume. If the withdrawal of sample for
the next injection will exceed the total volume of the sample
buffer tubing, the buffer tubing is rinsed before the next
injection. The next injection will start with the programmed
flush, also see the Full Loop Injections section.
Air Segment :
An air segment can be used to reduce the amount of flush

volume. This air segment is at the front of the flush volume
and will not be injected.
Situation after filling the loop in the case of partial loop injections with (A) or without air segment (B)

L Pick-up Injections
The switching sequence for a L pick-up injection is
schematically shown in the following figures:

sample needle has entered the vial of mobile phase. This to
avoid disturbance of the chromatogram with an additional
peak that could come from solvent that is different from the
mobile phase.
L pick-up injection: initial position.
2. For the first injection after a wash or after emptying of the

buffer tubing. The syringe dispenser aspirates mobile phase
from the mobile phase vial to fill the sample line with mobile
phase and remove wash solvents.

L pick-up injection: filling sample lines with mobile phase.
3. The needle moves from the mobile phase vial to the sample
vial. The injection valve is switched into the Load position.
L pick-up injection: go to sample vial and switch injection

valve to Load.
4. The programmed injection volume is aspirated from the
sample vial.

L pick-up injection: filling the sample loop.
5. The sample needle moves back to the mobile phase vial.

The sample is quantitatively transported into the loop, with
mobile phase.
L pick-up injection: transporting sample into the sample loop.


starts.
L pick-up injection: injecting sample.
For the next sequence the first withdrawal of mobile phase is

omitted unless a wash routine is performed or the ProStar 420
has emptied the buffer tubing into the waste. In these cases the
sequence is completely repeated.
Air Segment :
If an air segment has been programmed, it appears at the front

of the first plug of mobile phase at the front of every sample plug.
Situation after filling the loop in case of L pick-up injections with (A) or without air segment (B)
NOTE : In case of L pick-up injections, there will be no air pressure (head-space

pressure) on the sample vial, to avoid sample errors due to air expansion during vial
exchange from the sample vial to the mobile phase vial.

Syringe Speed
SYRINGE
100 L 250 L 500 L 1000 L 10 mL

SPEED
1 50 L/min 125 L/min 250 L/min 500 L/min 0.5 mL/min
2 (low) 125 L/min 315 L/min 630 L/min 1255 L/min 1.3 mL/min
3 (normal) 250 L/min 625 L/min 1250 L/min 2495 L/min 2.5 mL/min
4 (high) 375 L/min 940 L/min 1880 L/min 3765 L/min 3.8 mL/min
NOTE: During the dispense action the pressure in the buffer tubing will increase. To prevent
damage of the buffer tubing, the flow should not exceed the value of 6 mL/min for water
(Maximum speed 9 for 100 L and 250 L syringes, speed 6 for a 500 L syringe and speed 4
for 1000 L and 10 mL syringe.) If more viscous liquids are used the speeds should be
reduced.

Vial Types
A wide range of vials and septa can be used for the ProStar 420,
from micro vials (0.5 mL) to super LSV vials (10 mL). The
volumes of standard vials can be reduced by using inserts.
The following vial types can be used:
Chromacol vials for standard tray

(outer vial diameter: 12 mm)
Chromacol Vials
Conical vials with Support

Plastic Vials
Chromacol inserts (02.MTV, 02-MTVWG, 03-MTV) can be used

in combination with the appropriate vial and support sleeve or
spring.
Standard Vials with Insert
Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes for

standard tray

Eppendorf Micro Centrifuge Tubes with Support Sleeve
NOTE: Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes can be used with a support sleeve. However,
the prepuncturing needle may not be able to pierce the caps of some brands of
tubes because of the depth of the caps. This may result in damage to the sample
needle.
Chromacol vials for LSV tray (outer vial

diameter: 15 mm)
Vials and Inserts
Chromacol vials for super-LSV tray (outer

vial diameter: 22 mm)
Vials for Super-LSV Tray

Chromacol vials for micro tray (outer vial
diameter: 7 mm)
Vials and Support

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Varian, Inc.

2700 Mitchell Drive

ProStar 420 AutoSampler

Galaxie Driver Manual

Varian, Inc. 2004 03-914947-29:Rev.2

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -1- 03-914947-29:2

The ProStar 420 is an autosampler that offers a wide variety of

suitable for use with various types of vials by

capable of executing full loop injections,

accommodates use of various types of

options like tray cooling and switching

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -2- 03-914947-29:2

Installing the Driver Software

Configuring the Communication Server

The parameters of the bus to must be the following:

Baud 19200 Parity EVEN

Bits 8 Bits Flow Control NONE

Buffer Tx 4096 Buffer Rx 4096

NOTE: For more details about the configuration of an RS232_Interface or RS232_PC

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -3- 03-914947-29:2

Configuring the Varian ProStar 420 Autosampler

Click on the button corresponding to the Varian ProStar

The toolbar enables to easily scroll through the configuration

to select the first configuration window.

to select the previous configuration window.

to select the next configuration window.

to select the final configuration window.

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -4- 03-914947-29:2

Communication Settings parameter group:

In the Name field, select the name of the bus previously

In the Autosampler Device Identifier field, enter the device

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -5- 03-914947-29:2

Options parameter group:

Check Sample tray cooling if installed in the autosampler.

Check Solvent selector valve if a 6-way integrated solvent

Check Integrated stream switching A or B if the corresponding

Check Alarm buzzer to switch sound signal on.

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -6- 03-914947-29:2

Loop volume (5 to 1000 microliters)

Select in the list the volume of the installed syringe.

Five choices are available:

Enter the volume of the tubing and needle connected to the

Check Use transport vials to activate the two following features:

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -7- 03-914947-29:2

(Limits are: A1 to A96, B1 to B72, C1 to C32 or D1 to D160).

Select the number of transport vial to be used. The ProStar 420

(Limits are: A1 to A96, B1 to B72, C1 to C32 or D1 to D160).

Configuring the Synopsis

1. To save the configuration of these devices, click on the OK

2. Right click on the system name in the bottom part of the

3. Go back to the System Configuration screen (Properties

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -8- 03-914947-29:2

Click on the button to delete a selected tube, or click

on the button to delete all the tubes.

4. Once the synopsis configuration is complete, it will be

For example, the following pictures represent the synopsis of

Galaxie Configuration Manager Screen

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual -9- 03-914947-29:2

Click on the button to print the current configuration.

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual - 10 - 03-914947-29:2

Creating a New Method

1. To create a new method, select the FILE / NEW METHOD

A wizard guide will appear and provide assistance during the

ProStar 420 AutoSampler Control Manual - 11 - 03-914947-29:2