Instrument Setup and data Collection:

Select Simple Scan Using the arrow keys to move around the screen, set the wavelength range to be studied. Set the Reference Position = 1 and put a blank in position 1 on the sample holder . Set the Sample Position = 3 and put your sample in position 4 (this is not a typo, the instrument tends to misread the sample position). Collect a background spectrum by selecting Collect Reference. Once the reference is complete, collect a sample spectrum by selecting Run Sample. After the scan is complete, your spectrum will be displayed and can be manipulated, saved, etc. In order to collect a new spectrum, remove the cuvette from position 4, rinse it well and fill it with your new sample, reinsert the cuvette in position 4, and select New Scan to collect a new spectrum. NOTE: The previously recorded spectrum will be lost if you have not saved it.

Spectronic 3000 sample holder

Saving Spectra:

1. Select Save
2. Enter a filename (8 characters maximum). Other fields are optional.
3. Press ESC to complete the process (I know this seems strange, but your file will really be saved).

Measuring Absorbance at a Given Wavelength:

1. Collect a spectrum.
2. With the spectrum displayed on the screen, select Measure.
3. Select Wavelengths/Times, a list of wavelengths and their associate absorbance will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.
4. In this list, enter the desired wavelength(s) and record the corresponding absorbance.
5. Press ESC to go back to the previous display.

Overlaying Spectra on the Screen (requires spectra to have been previously saved):

1. Collect a spectrum.
2. Select Display.
3. Select Overlaid.
4. Select Directory, from the resulting list of files, use the arrow keys and Page Up and Page Down keys to scroll through the list of files, press Enter to select a file.

Printing (all currently displayed spectra will be printed, single spectra, overlaid, etc.):

1. Be sure the printer is on and on-line.
2. Select Print.
3. Select Printer.
4. Wait……