Collect connects directly with instruments and devices, extracts (parses) the data that you need and sends that data directly to your applications. Data collection occurs in the background, independent of other computer activities, so you can work in other applications without interfering with data collection.

Tight integration with Excel® allows you to work in other Excel® workbooks, or even in other applications, while still collecting data to the target Excel® worksheet. When using the ‘Wedge’ interface option, Collect includes a number of different ‘auto-focus to destination’ options to ensure it locks on to the target Window even if another Window is being used.

Collect includes a library of interfaces that simplify setup and connection, with over 500 different instrument and device models. Over 15 ready to use Methods are available that include calculations and reports for weighing applications, photometry, electrochemistry, environmental monitoring, point of care instrument interfaces and more. New Methods and Instrument interfaces can be easily created or downloaded from the Labtronics Collect User Base Library.

The Labtronics Instrument Library is an integral component of Collect and contains over 500 pre-configured instrument and device interfaces that include the default communication settings for the instruments as well as their bi-directional command sets. Customers may either choose from the list of pre-configured methods or instruments, or easily setup new interfaces. Communications with Instruments/Devices Collect is compatible with virtually any instrument or device that produces data through an RS232 or TCP/IP Port. Data collection from RS422, RS485, and Analog devices can also be supported in most situations through the use of a simple connection converter. Collect supports •   RS232 and TCP/IP communications •   Windows® COM ports 1 to 256 •   300 - 115200 Baud rates (BPS) •  Odd, Even or No Parity •   1 or 2 Stop bits •   7 or 8 Data bits •   Hardware (RTS/CTS), Software (XON/XOFF) or No     flow control •   Modbus or ASTM 1381 protocols Connection to USB ports Computers, Laptops or even Tablet PCs that only have USB ports can interface through inexpensive RS232-to-USB converter cables to connect the instrument/device serial cable.

Connect any Instrument or Device Capable of RS232, RS485 Serial or TCP/IP Ethernet Communications… scanners weighing chemistry samplers photometry measuring force sales location health

Pre-configured ready to use Methods with Excel® templates can be installed out-of-the-box to automate:

•   Weighing applications
•   Electrochemistry
•   Photometry
•   Pipette Calibration
•   Vital Sign Monitor Interface
•   Multi-Instrument Interfaces
•   Force gauge interfaces

...and many more

All Methods can be modified to meet additional analytical or business requirements - add more interfaces, different calculations, user prompts, sound alarms and much more.

New Methods are easily created and added to the Method List displayed in Collect’s main screen, which provides direct access to pre-configured interfaces.

Instruments and devices that are not already part of the installed Library can be defined by the user and saved within the Collect software’s User-Defined Library database. Collect users also have the option to send their device interface setups to Labtronics to add to the on-line User Base Library to share with others in the Collect community.

Run-time automation can be significantly enhanced though the use of simple VBA macros created with Collect’s Instrument Manager Macro script editor and SAX Basic Script Editor.

For example, Methods and Interfaces can be set up to add User Prompt Windows® to make automated decisions based on results received, such as stopping one interface and starting another or automatically printing a report to an Adobe PDF file or hard copy Printer. The possibilities are endless, and all the RS232 or TCP/IP interfacing and result reporting can be handled through one common application.

The Collect software is designed with end-user set up and ease-of-use in mind; however, Labtronics understands that not everyone has the time to set up and learn any new software.

Contact us about using our expert services to speed up implementation of interfaces that fully meet your specifications and requirements.