Connect to a Spectrometer

Database Usage

When you connect to an instrument, you will always use the database configured by the client system.

For example, if you are using OMNIC Paradigm software on a laptop and you connect to a Summit spectrometer, you will continue to use the database configured by the software on the laptop. When you disconnect from the spectrometer, the software on the laptop will still show the data that was collected while connected to the spectrometer. If you then work directly on the Summit spectrometer, you will not see any of the data that was collected with the laptop.

When using a shared remote database, the data that is visible depends on which system you are using. For example, if several Summit spectrometers share a remote database with OMNIC Paradigm software that is being run on a laptop, you can use the laptop to view data collected by any of the instruments. However, any individual spectrometer will show only data collected on that machine and not from any other spectrometer.

For more information on configuring your database, see "Configure Your Database".

User Authentication

When you connect to a Summit spectrometer, the spectrometer needs to authenticate your device to ensure the connection is safe and trusted.

Many organizations manage authentication between devices by using a Windows domain. A domain is a group of computers that share user account information and security settings. With a domain, an administrator can manage many devices, accounts, and policies from a single server called a domain controller. This often allows you to log into many devices on the domain using the same username and password.

When you connect to a spectrometer from your laptop, the spectrometer and your laptop both communicate with the domain controller to make sure that the connection is safe and trustworthy. If either device is not on the domain, you will not be able to make the connection.

If both devices are managed by the same domain, use a local or wireless network connection to connect to the spectrometer.

❖ To connect to a Nicolet Summit spectrometer on a local area network or a wireless network

If your computer and spectrometer are part of a shared domain (recommended), connect using WiFi or Ethernet. Before you begin, make sure the Summit spectrometer and the computer are on the same Ethernet or WiFi network.

1. In OMNIC Paradigm software, go to Configure and select Connectivity.

2. Select a spectrometer and click Connect. If your spectrometer does not appear on the list of available instruments, you can also enter the IP address or hostname of the instrument and then click Connect. If the spectrometer is already in use when you attempt to connect, the connection may be denied. The request can be denied for two reasons:

   • The instrument is busy measuring a sample and can't be interrupted.

     

      

   • Another user is operating the instrument and chose not to relinquish control.

     

If the current user does not respond within 30 seconds of the request, the connection is allowed automatically.

If the request is denied automatically or by the current user, you can return to Workstation mode, connect to another instrument, or try to connect again.

Instrument not appearing in available connections

If your spectrometer does not appear automatically in the list of available instruments when you go to Configure > Connectivity, check your network connections.

The spectrometer and the computer making the connection must be on the same network for the instrument name to appear in the list.

For example, if your organization has several wireless networks, make sure that the spectrometer and computer are on the same network. If the spectrometer’s name doesn’t appear in list of instruments, you can attempt to connect by entering the spectrometer’s IP address.

Not communicating with the services after computer name change

If the System Status dialog shows that the system is not communicating with any services after you have changed the computer name, you must repair the OMNIC Paradigm Prerequisites installation.

For instructions how how to repair the installation, see Microsoft's support information on how to repair apps and programs in Windows. Follow the instructions to repair OMNIC Paradigm Prerequisites.

Firewall settings

When OMNIC Paradigm software is installed, your firewall settings are updated to allow a connection between a spectrometer and OMNIC Paradigm Workstation software. If you experience problems with your connection, check your firewall settings on both the spectrometer and the connecting computer to confirm that the following ports allow traffic.

The table below reflects the inbound rules as set in Windows Defender Firewall. The available fields may be different depending on the application your organization uses to manage network firewall settings.