WinSPEC-I revision history ========================== Release 2.08.0003 ================= - debugging: The previous setup contained a wrong file. Release 2.08.0002 ================= - revised: Only general maintenance work was done. Release 2.08.0001 ================= - debugging: It could not be ruled out that the list mode 4 dialog (version 1.00.0000) wrote inconsistent files (method 1 and 2). Release 2.08.0000 ================= - new: The new program release contains adjustments to MCA527 firmware version 21.00. Release 2.07.0002 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that refers to the prefences dialog. Saved preferences were not properly reloaded. Release 2.07.0001 ================= - revised: The new program relase containts just a few addition in the help file. Release 2.07.0000 ================= - new: The new program release contains adjustments to MCA527 firmware version 20.01. Release 2.06.0001 ================= - revised: The new program release contains a revised help file . Release 2.06.0000 ================= - new: The new program release contains adjustments to MCA527 Nano firmware version 20.00. Release 2.05.0007 ================= - new: The new program release contains adjustments to MCA527 firmware version 19.03. Release 2.05.0006 ================= - debugging: New program release removes an error that potentially occured while the current state was saved to the intern EEPROM. Release 2.05.0005 ================= - new: supports the possibility to save the current state of the MCA527-OEM, MCA527-Micro and MCA527-Nano to the intern EEPROM Release 2.05.0003 ================= - new: The new program release supports the MCA-527 OEM with power module. Release 2.05.0002 ================= - debugging: New program release removes some errors within the new help file. Release 2.05.0001 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that possibly occured while spectrum files were read for the report table. Release 2.05.0000 ================= - new: The help file WinSPEC.hlp has been replaced by WinSPEC.chm. The new file is needed for Windows 10. Release 2.04.0001 ================= - new: The new program release allows to set the live time preset to the new maximum of 2000000 seconds that is possible since MCA527 firmware version 18.00. - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug within the visual amplifier window. The function buttons F2 and F3 were not enabled at some MCA527 variants which allows coarse gain adjustment. Release 2.04.0000 ================= - new: The new program release supports the triggering of the measurement by external trigger signals. That feature is new in firmware version 17.00. Release 2.03.0036 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that refers to the report file (*.rep). The value of fine gain was wrongly written in the report file if it was greater than 3.2767. Release 2.03.0033 ================= - new: The new program release supports additional command line arguments. Release 2.03.0032 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes bugs which refer to the preset mode "Real time (msec)". Release 2.03.0031 ================= - new: The new program release is able to read the detector temperature that is measured by a special MCA166 (hardware version 04XX). Release 2.03.0029 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that occured if a MCA527 with firmware version older than 14.00 was tried to connect with the program. (The bug has slipped in at release 2.03.0024.) Release 2.03.0028 ================= - new: The new program release has been adapted to MCA-527 firmware release 16.00. - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that possibly occured if a spectrum file was used to configure a CUBE527. In such a case, the program lost the connection to the device. Release 2.03.0025 ================= - new: The new program release has been adapted to MCA-527 firmware release 15.07 (OEM and micro version). - debugging: In the previous program release, there was a problem with the repeat mode 1 together with preset "Real time (msec)" and preset lower than 1000 msec. Release 2.03.0024 ================= - new: The new program release has been adapted to MCA-527 firmware release 15.06 (micro version). Release 2.03.0023 ================= - new: The menu command "Setup"/"Read setup file ..." allows to read spectrum files from the MCA Touch program now. - new: The new program release has been adapted to MCA-527 firmware release 15.05. Release 2.03.0022 ================= - new: The new program release provides the new version 1.01.0000 of the Micro SD Memory Card Manager. The new version of the Micro SD Memory Card Manager provides the command "Convert to spectrum file ..." now. - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that occured if a spectrum file was opened and saved again while the program was offline. In this case the second line of the file block $DTC was not taken over from the one spectrum file to the other. Release 2.03.0021 ================= - new: The new program release allows to use the new PZC adjustment routine for LF rejection that is available since MCA-527 firmware release 15.04. Release 2.03.0020 ================= - new: The new program release writes the extension port parameters into the spectrum file (*.spe) and it is able to read the parameters from spectrum files (*.spe) and MCA binary files (*.mca). Release 2.03.0019 ================= - debugging: In the previous program release, the "Micro SD Memory Card Manager" menu command supported was only enabled if the MCA-527 firmware release was equal to 14.04. In the new program release, the menu command is enabled if the MCA-527 firmware release is higher than 14.04. - new: The new program release provides the new version 1.01.0000 of the Micro SD Memory Card Manager. The new version of the Micro SD Memory Card Manager provides the full range of functions now. Release 2.03.0018 ================= - changed: The IDs within the inspection information dialog allows alphanumeric characters now. Release 2.03.0017 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug related to the change in release 2.03.0014. Release 2.03.0016 ================= - new: The new program release provides a new MCA-527 oscilloscope dialog that is needed for new MCA-527 hardware versions. Release 2.03.0015 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug with the stabilisation parameters within the spectrum file. If commands were executed in a certain order, the program wrote wrong parameters into the $STAB block of the spectrum file. Because of the wrong parameters, the file could not be re-read. Release 2.03.0014 ================= - changed: If no favorite data directory is determined, the file dialog displays the previously used directory. - debugging: The new program release removes a problem that occurred if the user did the following three things: opening a file, starting a measurement and saving a file. In this case some of the data from the old file was mistakenly written into the new file. Release 2.03.0013 ================= - debugging: The previous installation package provided a wrong file (mca527osc.dll) for the MCA-527 oscilloscope. Nothing happened when the corresponding key was pressed. Release 2.03.0012 ================= - new: The new program release allows to set the new preset "Real time (msec)" that is new since MCA-527 firmware release 14.03. Release 2.03.0011 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that has slipped into the "Add up spectra" command at one of the previous releases. Release 2.03.0010 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes problems with mis-scaled text output. Release 2.03.0009 ================= - new: The new program release displays the peak to valley ratio and the peak to compton ratio in the ROI information. For it, the corresponding option has to be checked in the preferences. In the past this both parameters were calculated and displayed by WinMCA. However, this program is no more maintained. Release 2.03.0008 ================= - debugging: The new program release supplies a new communication library which fixes a problem that occurs if both old and new programs for the Mini MCA are installed on the PC. Programs that can only operate the MCA-166 are regarded as old programs. Programs that can additionally operate the MCA-527 are regarded as new programs. Release 2.03.0007 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that occured if a MCA-527 with valid basic state was connected without additional user interaction. In thise case, the menu command "Connect" was not renamed to "Disconnect". The functionality was however correct. Release 2.03.0006 ================= - new: The new program release is able to recognize the higher maximumum flat top time that is supported since MCA-527 firmware release 13.07. - new: The new program release knows the new trigger filter (4*+1; 4*0; 4*-2; 4*0; 4*+1) that is supported since MCA-527 firmware release 13.07. Release 2.03.0005 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes a bug that occured during HV setup if the inhibit status of the detector is set to "ERROR" while the HV is set. Release 2.03.0004 ================= - debugging: The previous program release failed if the live time to display was higher than 32767 seconds. - new: The new program release reads the energy calibration from MCA-527's that are in predefined basic state. (The predefined basic state is a feature of some MCA-527's that are permanently connected with one and the same detector. The basic state is configured by the manufacturer of the system and is established during booting or reset.) Release 2.03.0003 ================= - new: The new program release regards the fractional digits of the real time at preset live time. The fractional digits of the real time is return since MCA-527 firmware release 13.04. Release 2.03.0002 ================= - debugging: At program release 2.03.0001, the visual amplifier window used a new firmware parameter without checking the MCA-527 firmware release. If the firmware release was not yet up to date, the program crashed. Release 2.03.0001 ================= - debugging: The new program release fixes bugs that occured during file reading for printing and for creating a report table. - new: The new program release allows to change the MCA-527 processor core clock. (MCA-527 firmware 13.04 or higher) Release 2.03.0000 ================= - new: From now on the program writes the actual stabilization ROI in all cases. The previous program releases constantly wrote 4 and 120 for ROI begin and ROI end in case of automatic stabilization ROI, because program releases older than WinSPEC-A 2.00.0007 or WinSPEC-I 2.00.0001 did not read the actual parameters without an error message. (This innovation is introduced now in the hope that this older program releases are no more in use.) - debugging: The high voltage setup dialog hung up if the communication was broken during the high voltage setting. Release 2.02.0004 ================= - debugging: Release 2.02.0003 notifies a reasonless syntax error within $STAB. Release 2.02.0003 ================= - debugging: At firmware repeat mode, the previous program releases did not write the temperature values of the just finished measurement cycle into the spectrum file but the temperature values of the measurement cycle before it. - new: adaptation to the features of MCA-527 Micro Release 2.02.0002 ================= - debugging: Release 2.02.0000 and 2.02.0001 provided a faulty communication function library (mca32com.dll). The program crashed if the USB driver had not yet been installed. Release 2.02.0001 ================= - debugging: The previous program releases did not consider that the MCA-527 OEM and MCA-527 Micro do not supply valid HV and battery state. Release 2.02.0000 ================= - debugging: With repeat mode 5 or 6, the Start/Stop button was not disabled when the MCA was disconnected. - new: The amplifier setup considers that the MCA-527 Oscilloscope (version 1.03.0000) is now able to modify shaping time and flat top time. - new: The new program release serves the USB interface directly now. - new: During the connection buildup, the new program release automatically detects all available MCA's. If the previously connected MCA is not detectable, the list of all detected MCA's is displayed. Release 2.01.0000 ================= - new: The new program release supports parts of the extension port of the MCA-527. It is able to read and interpret data from the RS232 interface of the extension port. - new: The new program release supports the repeat modes 5 and 6. This repeat modes write the measurement data on a microSD memory card. - new: The new program release is able to read MCA binary file (*.mca). This new file format is written by the MCA-527 since firmware release 12.02. - new: The new program release supports the new spectrum file blocks: $MCA_527_EXT_PORT, $MCA_527_EXT_PORT_RS232_SETUP,$MCA_527_EXT_PORT_RS232_INPUT and $PUR_COUNTER. - debugging: The signal for gating was mixed up. Besides, the both gating signal states are named with "low" and "high" now. - hint: It is recommendable to update the MCA-527 firmware to 12.02 or higher. Release 2.00.0007 ================= - debugging: The previous program releases interrupted the connection to the MCA-166 after a spectrum was read. Release 2.00.0006 ================= - new: The new program release supports the new trigger filter (4*-1; 12*0; 4*+1) of the MCA-527 firmware release 12.00. Release 2.00.0005 ================= - new: The new program release is able to take account of gated spectra. Release 2.00.0004 (beta) ======================== - new: The new program release calculates the true count rate for the MCA-527 with the formula TCR = C / (RT - FDT) (TCR = true count rate, C = counts, RT = real time, FDT = fast dead time). (The true count rate for the MCA-166 is furthermore calculated with the old formula.) - new: The fast dead time is saved in the spectrum file ($FAST_DT). - hint: It is recommendable to update the MCA-527 firmware to 11.15. Release 2.00.0003 (beta) ======================== - debugging: Program release 2.00.0009 wrote a wrong string into the spectrum file. This causes an error witht older releases of WinSPEC or SPEC if the file is read with menu command "Setup / Read setup file ...". Release 2.00.0002 (beta) ======================== - new: The new program release allows adjusting the gain and setting the stabilization at the MCA-527 with ADC Input='direct'. Polarity and gain remain unchanged if the ADC Input is changed from 'shaping' to 'direct'. - new: The new program release allows to change the preset choice at the MCA-527 during a running measurement provided that no repeat mode is set. - hint: It is recommendable to update the MCA-527 firmware to 11.14. Release 2.00.0001 (beta) ======================== - debugging: The file block $STAB caused a syntax error if the stabilization ROI size is larger than 249. The cause of the supposed syntax error, is a new feature of the MCA-527. Because if the MCA-527 is instructed to find the stabilization ROI automatically, it returns the search area instead of the stabilization ROI as long as the stabilization ROI has not be found yet. The new program release considers the new feature of the MCA-527 now. - new: The file block $STAB has been expanded with a new line that sets whether the "gated" or "ungated" spectrum shall be used for stabilization. - debugging: the setups for the previous releases did not install the FTDI CDM Driver Package (USB driver) correctly under Windows 7 (32 bit) and Windows Vista (32 bit). Release 2.00.0000 (beta) ======================== - new: supports the features of the MCA-527 Release 1.04.0001 ================= - new: shows how the MCA-166 is being charged - new: allows to switch USB charging on or off Release 1.04.0000 ================= - new: operates the MCA-166-USB with 307200 baud - new: automatic search for COM port Release 1.03.0001 ================= - debugging: an error crept into the program during the last change, the fine gain was incremented during the measurement if the program was online and the stabilization was off Release 1.03.0000 ================= - new: two new preferences (see Miscellaneous(2)) - new: analysis programs that have not been installed on the computer don't appear in the menu - changed: MGA: the measurement date is used for the missing declaration date Release 1.02.0007 ================= - new: two new preferences for very slow transmission circuits Release 1.02.0006 ================= - debugging: the program did not found MGA/MGAU under Windows XP Release 1.02.0004 ================= - changed: MGA, version 9.72 is supported now - changed: MGAU, version 3.21 is supported now - changed: MGA and MGAU are started from the program files directory now Release 1.02.0003 ================= - new: writes the additional block $GPS to the spectrum file Release 1.02.0002 ================= - changed: MGA, version 9.71 is supported now - changed: MGAU, version 3.2 is supported now Release 1.02.0001 ================= - debugging: the F4 button did not stop the measurement instantly while the software repeat mode ran with very short cycles Release 1.02.0000 ================= - debugging: printing of several spectra crashed under some circumstances - new: GPS data acquisition and saving Release 1.01.0001 ================= - debugging: the F5 button of the keyboard did not work correctly within the visual energy calibration window - debugging: the repeat mode: the file saving failed after the 100th file (this failure was new since release 1.01.0000) Release 1.01.0000 ================= - debugging: all visual setup windows: the cursor stopped without a reason during moving it to right with the keyboard at 128 and 256 channels - new: it is possible to run several instances of the program with different preferences, in order to use the new feature the user has to do any special things, (please ask for the detailed instruction) - new: 3-point-energy-calibration Release 1.00.0070 ================= - debugging: visual stabilization setup window: the cursor stopped without a reason during moving it to right with the keyboard at 128 and 256 channels Release 1.00.0069 ================= - debugging: spectrum file: block $POWER_STATE, item UHVs was wrong - debugging: stabilization area and time did not take effect immediately after setting the stabilization, only after the first stabilization step Release 1.00.0068 ================= - completion for special MCAs with very high shaping time (>25.5 µs) Release 1.00.0067 ================= - new: Adaption to the new SPEC release 1.25.09 Release 1.00.0066 ================= - new: accepts EpocSPEC now Release 1.00.0063 ================= - cosmetic corrections Release 1.00.0062 ================= - new: SFAT analysis routine integrated Release 1.00.0061 ================= - new: any analysis applications that process spectrum files can be combined with the program. The analysis application will be executed after the spectrum file is written. (analogous MGAU) Release 1.00.0060 ================= - debugging: the order of stabilization area and stabilzation time in the spectrum file were confused (spectrum files written with WinSPEC-I release 1.00.0058 and 1.00.0059 as well as WinSPEC-A release 1.02.0002 and 1.02.0003 are read incorrectly or not at all, therefore you should not use these files for setup) - debugging: autosave (the program crashed while it searched for an available file name) Release 1.00.0059 ================= - debugging: the program crashed if the inspection information or remarks dialog were shown while the battery voltage falled below 10%. Release 1.00.0058 ================= - debugging: the program ran incorrectly if a setup file without repeat mode was loaded and afterwards the repeat mode was set. - The stabilization area and stabilzation time is setable now. Release 1.00.0057 ================= - debugging: the inspection information could not read in if it has contained any comma Release 1.00.0056 ================= - debugging: if the preferences display colors was set to "grayscale", the visual adjustment displays were shown with wrong colors (the error has crept in at changing the gray scale) - debugging: spectrum files with 128 channels and ULD greater than 121 could not be read in, the maximum ULD was corrected to 123 Release 1.00.0055 ================= - debugging: setup summary dialog (sometimes the ADC input was wrongly shown) - debugging: Visual LLD/ULD adjustment (the maximum ULD was too small) - the application "McaCheck" is accepted at the program start now Release 1.00.0054 ================= - debugging: setup summary dialog (sometimes the shaping time was wrongly shown) Release 1.00.0053 ================= - serial port COM1 ... COM20 is possible now Release 1.00.0052 ================= - debugging: HV setup (sometimes the HV polarity was wrongly shown) - additional HV polarity check Release 1.00.0050 ================= - MGA integration - minor debugging Release 1.00.0043 ================= - Inspection information: "Set date and time" button was added Release 1.00.0042 ================= - debugged Release 1.00.0041 ================= - The automatic fine gain adjustment was changed once more (The precision was reduced, because of that the procedure will be taken up less time as before) Release 1.00.0040 ================= - Average CPS - Time behind Date in the Inspection dialog, if the a measurement is started - The automatic fine gain adjustment was changed Release 1.00.0039 ================= - Preamplifier power switches: At start the preamplifier power switches are set according to the user data - Report: At first choosing spectrum files, after selecting excel file name - Automatic fine gain adjustment - Inspection information: additional "Start" button, Item ID: 15 characters instead of 10 characters - Warning, if the battery capacity <= 10 % - Area (CPS) is shown Release 1.00.0038 ================= - Shortcuts - After messagebox "Preset already reached ..." appears the dialog "Preset value" to extent the preset value if the user press the "No" button - "Please wait ..." in the initial picture - "... ended" replaced by "... finished" - After a measurement the suggested file name will be removed - "Detector safety check": the HV value is blinking red and blinking now if the HV value changes - Energy calibration was changed