How can I check my detector in Analyst Software?

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Answer

Whether the detector is the cause of a loss of sensitivity can be tested in the following way.

1) Prepare the syringe pump with the PPGs (which solution is depending on your MS system, please read the instruction coming with the PPGs).

2) In Analyst open the Tune and Calibrate module and setup an Q1 MI experiment for m/z 906. Adopt source/gas/compound settings from the PPG method installed by your service engineer. Start the measurement and wait for a stable signal (intensity e4-e5). 

3) In the Detector tab increase the CEM by 100. Wait again for a stable signal. Again increase the CEM by 100, wait for a stable signal. Repeat this procedure until the signal gain is <5%. When reaching the detector voltage maximum, unexpected effects like signal decrease can happen. 

4) Do a screenshot for your documentation and set the CEM to the value that provides at least 10% more signal. When you close the method/manual tuning you have to accept saving the changes in instrument data file (Detector values are stored in <Tools - Settings - Instrument Options>)

If you are not sure how to proceed, please open a case with SCIEXNow and send your S/N, problem description and experiment data/screenshot.