VACULOGIC QS-7 ONLINE |
Update Version April 25, 2006
CLICK HERE to go to the NEW QS OWNERS SUPPORT AREA FOR LATEST NEWS!
VACULOGIC QS-7 ONLINE |
Update Version April 25, 2006
CLICK HERE to go to the NEW QS OWNERS SUPPORT AREA FOR LATEST NEWS!
The QS-7 is a PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRONIC VACUUM SERVER.
A "Vacuum Server" differs from a conventional pump by the ability to create dynamic or actively changing vacuum levels following a pressure - time profile that is programmed by the user. Instead of providing pressure at only one level, the system allows an infinite and continuously variable sequence to be produced. The QS-7 is a unique technical innovation, conceived and developed by the Vaculogic Division of PST. It is the first such device ever developed to provide this capability. It's electronics and programming are original and dedicated to this specific objective from concept to completion. The QS-7 gives you totally controllable automated dynamic vacuum pumping, something never done before.
The system does this as a peripheral (USB) device attached to a Windows-based PC. It utilizes the CPU and internal electronics of the QS-7 unit, along with the resources of the PC and software platform. Programmable operation is referred to as "QS" mode and works with the included software, QuickSilver 1.5 Server Controller.
The QS-7 can also act as a conventional stand-alone vacuum pump, generating static vacuum (level pressure; not actively changing) that can be adjusted by manual control. Even this is superior to conventional pumps, as the unit does not run continuously, but only when needed. This mode is referred to as Manual Mode and does not require computer support.
The QS-7 operates internally on 12V-DC, provided by a wall power adapter (included) plugged into a standard 110V-AC outlet. The 12V format allows the extensive power management needed to produce dynamic operation. It also provides other benefits:
· No dangerous 110V current in the QS-7 power unit.
· The QS-7 is mobile, and can be operated directly with any 12V-DC power source, such as a vehicular power outlet. With the support of a laptop or portable computer, it can operate mobile in both QS and Manual modes.
· Because 12VDC is universal around the world, the system can easily be adapted for use in any country.
PC SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR QS MODE:
· Speed: 1 GZ recommended
· Memory: 256MB, 512mb recommended
· Disc space: 5MB
· CD rom drive
· USB Port (This should not be a shared port and should be type 2.0)
System Note:
This program is math-intensive, and requires adequate resources. There will be continuous use of your PC's CPU and continuous high-speed communication with the QS Server's USB port while profiles are executing. QuickSilver 1.5 may encounter errors on your system if:
· The configuration of your system is below recommended levels.
· If running a Win98/Me OS that is not fully updated.
· If you are running other high-demand programs at the same time.
· If you install a USB extension cable or use a poor quality cable. The system comes with a high quality cable suited to this application.
!! HARDWARE ADVISORY- READ CAREFULLY
A- The pump in the QS-7 is a state of the art device and operates with very close tolerances. Contamination of the pump by fluids or debris can damage this device! DO NOT wet pump without a water trap in the line. CHECK your vacuum line frequently for signs of lube or other contaminants. Anything in the line will be drawn into the pump. Contamination voids your warranty! Get the new Vaculogic in-line Water Trap for fluid protection.
B- This system uses a very sensitive electronic device to measure vacuum levels and regulate response. You must have a reasonable volume of closed airspace attached in circuit for the QS-7 to work properly. Erratic operation will result if the airspace is too small (i.e. no cylinder), or is open ended.
The QS-7 Vacuum Server is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for 1 year. This includes the case and all internal parts. Cables, tubing and couplings are warranted for 90 days. Determination of cause of failure will be made by Vaculogic division of PST, and our determination is final. Systems failing under warranty will be repaired or replaced at our option. Warranty limitations may vary depending on your location and state laws.
The unit MUST be returned to Vaculogic in the event service of any kind is required. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the owner. NO user or third party service is permitted. If the case is opened by the user or any other agent except our service technicians, this warranty is VOID in all respects regardless of cause of failure.
This warranty will NOT cover damage or failure due to debris, water or other contamination inside the system, connection to improper voltage, abuse or modification.
If you have need of service, send an e-mail to;Customer Service for assistance. Do not return a system until authorized.
The following controls or connections are found on the QS-7 Server Unit:
· Power on/off Switch, on the upper right side.
· Power Input Jack, on the lower right side rear.
· USB port, on the lower right side, center.
· Vacuum Coupler, on the face, lower left.
· Manual Pressure Control, on the front panel.
· Power ON led, (red) on the front panel.
· QS Mode led, (green) on the front panel
POWER to the Server is supplied by either the 110V wall adapter or the 12V vehicle adapter cable, connected to the Power Input Jack.
International users: If your local power service is not 110V, 60 cycle AC, see the "International Power" instructions in the General Notes area at the end of the manual.
FOR MANUAL MODE OPERATION:
1. Turn the Manual Pressure Knob to ZERO.
2. Connect the Power cable to the Power Jack.
3. Connect the Vacuum tube to the QS-7 Coupler.
4. Connect the other end of the vacuum tube to your cylinder.
5. Turn on the Power Switch.
6. Mount the cylinder.
7. Turn the Manual Pressure Knob to any setting above “1”.
NOTE: There will be a 5-second delay in pump starting at this point, while the system self-tests and zeroes it’s sensors.
IN MANUAL MODE, any setting below 1 is considered “off” by the system. This does not turn off power to the unit, but leaves the pump on a standby status.
Increase or decrease pressure by rotating the Manual Pressure Knob. Turn the Knob to zero when you are ready to exit the cylinder. The calibration of this adjustment is in approximately 1” Hg increments, or 0 to 12”. The Manual adjustment works only with Manual Mode (no green light) and is disabled in QS Mode.
QuickSilver Controller Software must be installed before programmable operation is possible. READ the software section before installing or operating in QS mode.
QuickSilver is the Server Controller that allows you to create and run the profiles that make dynamic pumping possible. It is user-friendly, intuitive and requires very little time to master. It’s more like a control panel interface. Most of the steps require only a mouse click or filling in a few blanks.
The concepts incorporated into this software are as innovative as the QS-7 System. QuickSilver allows very complex functions to be developed and controlled by the user with minimal input. At the same time this simplicity has been made very versatile and extremely powerful by a design concept that utilizes multiple shelling, or loops within loops. The variety of operations you can create with QuickSilver is virtually unlimited.
Quicksilver communicates constantly with the CPU in the QS-7 Server Unit. It senses the vacuum status and controls pressure and time sequences to create an effect, much like music consists of notes and timing to create an effect. A creative user could actually blend the vacuum progression to match music and play both simultaneously!
The Control Screen displays a graphic format of the execution progress during a profile run, tracking both the actual pressures achieved and the profiles targeted path simultaneously. It also displays a digital pressure gauge, and an elapsed run-time clock.
QuickSilver also allows each executed run to be recorded in a history file with the time and date of each run. Every screen also has a Help button that brings up this HTML version of the manual and a link to the latest on-line version with supplemental support files.
· “Event” is a single step or building block of a profile. An Event consists of only three factors of time or pressure. Up to 10 events may be entered in a profile.
· “Event Number” is the numerical sequence showing the order in which an event occurs in a profile.
· “Pressure” is the requested pressure level for an event, stated in inches and tenths of mercury (Hg).
· ”Hold Time” is the duration of time that an Events pressure will be maintained, stated in seconds and tenths.
· “Transition Time” is the length of time that is to be used in ramping up or down to the next event’s Hold Pressure, stated in seconds and tenths.
· “Total Cycle Time” is the length of one repetition of a profile. This is the total of all the time entries in all the events of the profile.
· “Number of Cycles” is the number of times a Profile will be looped, or repeated. This is variable from one to 100. As the length of individual profiles can vary widely, so can the total time of a set execution of that profile.
· “Total Run Time” is the length the profile will run based on its Total Cycle Time and the Number of Cycles set.
· “Play List” is a list of profiles that will be run in sequence. This can consist of many instances of the same profile, extending run time, or various profiles, changing the pace and style of the sequence.
· “.run” is the file format used for saving Play Lists, so that they may be recalled as a single file and played again.
NOTE: Installation may require recent Windows Updates.
Part One: Installing the program
Locate the Server Serial Number and QS Authorization Key number, inside the front cover of the owner’s manual. You will need these during installation.
Insert the CD in the appropriate drive. The disc will auto-start, presenting a menu allowing you to view the read-me file, browse the disc, and install the program. If the disc does not auto-start, open the drive in Windows Explorer and double-click “AutoRun.exe” to view the menu, or “QuickSilver.msi” to open the installer.
NOTE: You may get an "Unrecognized Publisher" alert from Windows. This is a dedicated hardware controller, not a published for distribution software. Ignore the notice.
Read and accept the software license agreement, then on the next screen choose an installation location if you would like to install the program to a location different from the default. Otherwise proceed normally, clicking “Close” when the installer says it has finished.
The basic installation is now complete. Do not remove the QuickSilver CD from your drive yet; it will be needed to complete the next step. DO NOT start the program!
Part Two: Installing the QS-7 driver
Choose a USB port to use for your connection. The driver associates with only this port, so always plug the QS-7’s USB cable back into the same port if you remove it. If the port chosen is in a hard to reach area, you may safely leave the USB cable attached to the computer, disconnecting only from the QS-7 to store the server unit.
If you use a high-speed connection for Internet access such as cable or DSL, temporarily disable it by going to your Network Connections, right-clicking the connection and choosing “Disable” or simply unplug the phone or cable line to your modem or router.
With the power switch off, connect the USB cable and the power source to the QS-7.
The green led will light when the USB is attached, indicating an active link to your computer; Manual adjustment is now disabled. Note that the QS-7 is not powered by the USB connection, and must have its own power connected and the switch on to operate.
Turn the QS-7 power switch on to initiate computer recognition and begin the New Hardware Wizard. If the Wizard asks to connect to Windows Update, choose “No, not this time” and click Next.
Choose “Install from a list or specific location” and click Next. Check the option marked “Include this location in the search” and use the Browse button to navigate the Wizard to the location of the “Driver” folder on the QuickSilver installation CD; highlight the Driver folder and click Next.
If you receive a Windows logo testing warning, click “Continue Anyway” to allow the driver installation to be completed.
Once the installation is completed, click Finish to close.
You can verify the driver installation by going to Start > Control Panel > System > Hardware > Device Manager and find the Vaculogic QS-7 listing that appears in Universal Serial Bus controllers. If the listing is shown with no warnings, the QS-7 driver has been successfully installed and the unit will now be automatically recognized each time it is connected. You may now remove the QuickSilver CD and re-enable your Internet connection.
Congratulations! Your QS-7 is ready to use the QuickSilver control interface program.
Open the QuickSilver program using the desktop icon or by navigating your programs list. This will open the registration window. Enter your QS-7 serial number and QuickSilver software key, then press Register. If registration is successful, the program opens to the Select Device screen. This is where you will begin each time you use QuickSilver in the future. Place a checkmark in the box beside the “USB <-> Serial” listing in the devices list.
NOTE: Always have the QS-7 connected and on before opening the program to ensure it appears in the devices list.
QuickSilver is a Controller, not productivity software. It's a programming interface and an operations control panel.
QuickSilver's job is to convert simple outlines (your profile) into complex mathematical algorithms that constantly read system pressures, anticipate responses and modify the command string that instructs the QS-7 V-Server. The Server then manipulates its management controls to reproduce the outline as a pressure-time curve in real time. This is done automatically, and requires little input from the user other than the profile. QuickSilver’s “learning curve” is very short, and all features will be available immediately.
Using QuickSilver requires only two learned processes; how to Assemble a Profile and how to Assemble a Playlist.
Re-start the program now and we will develop a profile and run it.
Click on the “Assemble Profile” tab. The screen shows a table that will become the outline for your profile. The headings are:
· Event Number (Sequence)
· Pressure (Pressure the Event will start at)
· Hold Time (How long the Event pressure will be held level)
· Transition Time (Time used to ramp up/down to the next Event Pressure)
Click on the “ADD EVENT” button at the lower left. A window opens, showing Event number 1, plus three spaces for the time/pressure factors above.
· In the PRESSURE area, enter 3.0
· In the HOLD TIME area, enter 1.0
· In the TRANSITION TIME area, enter 1.0
Click OK. The first event is created and added to the table.
Click on the “ADD EVENT” button again. The window re-opens, showing Event number 2. Enter:
· PRESSURE 6.0
· HOLD TIME 1.0
· TRANSITION TIME 1.0
Click OK, and the second event is created and added to the table. With only TWO events entered, you now have a functional profile.
The simple profile you have just created will pulse between 3” and 6” of vacuum. It will hold pressure steady for one second at each point, then will begin a transition or ramp to the next pressure, and will take one second to make the transition. Beneath the table, you see “Total Cycle Time”, 4 seconds. That is the length of time the two Events take for one repetition; the sum of the four 1-second time intervals you entered.
Locate the “Number of Cycles” scroll bar at the bottom of the table and slide the button all the way to the right. The Total Run Time is now showing 6:40 minutes, or 400 seconds- 100 repetitions of the profile. This will be saved as the default running time.
In the window below the Run Times, you can enter a more detailed description of the program if you wish.
NOTE: This description must be entered as a SINGLE line of type, letting word-wrap perform the returns. If you use enter or force a carriage return, all text after the second line will not be saved in the file comment.
Now click on the “SAVE PROFILE” button at lower right. The familiar Windows save screen opens to the Profile folder. Name the profile as “pulse36” and click “Save”.
You now have your first profile available- Let’s RUN it!
Click on the “Assemble Play List” tab.
Click on the “Add Profile” button at the bottom.
Select “pulse36” from the list, and click on “Open”.
Pulse36 is now on your Play List.
Click on the “Execute Run” tab. The Run Screen appears. Look over the screen for these features:
· Above the graph: “Current Profile: pulse36.pro”
· Upper right: The pressure as called for by the profile will be shown as a RED line and the pressure reading from the QS 7 will be a BLUE line graphically constructed during the run.
· Left: The Vertical scale is vacuum in inches Hg. The Horizontal scale is time.
· Lower left: (1) Real-time digital pressure display (2) Elapsed run time clock
· Lower right: Start, Pause, and Stop Run buttons.
· Top corners of window: Help and Exit program buttons.
NOTE:
· When you Pause a run, the current pressure setting will be retained and held by the Server memory until you resume. Resume will continue the run from the point it was paused.
· When you Stop a run, the pressure will drop to zero. Pressing Start, the run will begin anew.
· When you Exit the program, the pressure will drop to zero before closing.
To begin the run, all you will need to do is click on the “Start Run” button. BUT FIRST- Attach your cylinder!
REMEMBER- The system expects a CLOSED volume of air to work on. If the cylinder is not sealed in place, function will be erratic. Get the cylinder IN PLACE, and click “Start Run”.
The digital gauge and elapsing time clock are now active. In the graph area, the progress of the run is being illustrated in real time. Dynamic pumping is in progress!
Enjoy what you have made happen with so little effort- but imagine what you might do with a little creativity!
You may stop the run at anytime by clicking the Stop button, or the run will stop on it’s own at the end of it’s set Total Run Time of 6 minutes 40 seconds. NOTE: If you disconnect the USB cable during use, you may directly continue in Manual Mode. To return to operation in QS Mode, you must Exit and re-start the program to open the USB connection.
EXTENDING THE PLAYLIST OR PROFILE TIME
The combination of Profile and Play List formats is a very powerful structure, allowing virtually unlimited options. Each profile in the list is played sequentially; creating a non-stop operation that changes not only in the short term, but also in complete style. This is like selecting songs from multiple CD’s; the play list allows you to repeat the same "song", or mix ones of the same pace, or change pace any way you like. Examples:
To extend one profile:
The Play List can contain multiple instances of the same profile. If you list “pulse36.pro” 10 times, QuickSilver will repeat the 6:40 minute program 10 times in a row for a total run time of one hour, 6 minutes and 40 seconds.
If you altered pulse 36 by posting the same two events 4 more times (10 events total) the profile time would be 20 seconds instead of 4. With the profile set for 100 cycles the total profile run time would become 33 minutes, 20 seconds. With that profile on the Play List for 10 repetitions, the total play time would be 333 minutes, or almost 6 hours. List it for the maximum of 19 entries and it plays a loop that actually lasts only four seconds for 10-1/2 hours!
TO CREATE AUTOMATIC BREAKS OR CHANGES OF PACE:
The Play List can contain up to 19 profiles, in any combination. All different, alternating, or any way you wish. You might have a 30 minute level pressure profile, followed by a 5 minute pulse profile, a 2 minute rest profile, then returning to the 30 minute level profile. In the Run folder you will find "sample.run" which is comprised of three profiles, each distinctly different. These three are shown here in screen shots from the Run Graph:
View 1 shows 3 bouncing steps, each higher than the one before, then a conventional step rising to a peak before returning to the starting point of the loop. The profile is stair38R1.pro.
View 2 (above) shows a bounce between 5 and 9' for three peaks, then dropping to 4" for a short relief step, then returning to start. The profile is pulse59R2.pro. View 3 (below) shows a rolling wave, stepping up and down gradually between 4 and 9" levels. The profile is wave49R3.pro.
Each of these profiles has a set default run time, easily edited on the Assemble Profile page. Changing the default run alters how long the file runs when combined in series with other profiles. All of these are in your Profiles folder, and are combined as a .run file in your Runs Folder- (sample.run) Any Play List combination you assemble can be saved as a “.run” file, and then recalled as a single file.
NOTE: The graph line display of the execute run window varies to accommodate the total time of the active run. While the horizontal lines always represent 1” of pressure, the vertical divisions represent 1/20th of the total time of the active run. If your total run time is 20 seconds, then each square vertically represents 1 second; if your total run time is 40 seconds, each square represents 2 seconds, etc.
Your Imagination is the key, and QuickSilver makes it easy to express. There are many ways to get imagination into the form of a functional profile. One of the easiest is to use a sheet of graph paper as a visual aide, similar to the” Execute Run” screen. Think of the vertical as a pressure level, and the horizontal as the time clock. You can draw a simple series of lines between points, then translate those into the pressure and time entries of the profile. 
In this graph, each square vertically represents a 1” pressure. Each square horizontally represents a 1-second time space. The graph line starts at 0 and moves to the first dot- the Event 1 HP (Hold Pressure) point, at 3".
The line is then level for 1 space to the second dot, indicating a 1-second Event 1 HT (Hold Time).
It then slopes upward to the 5th graph line while moving 1 space to the right. This line shows a 1-second Event 1 TT or Transition Time, ramping to the second event's Hold Pressure at 5".
A point on the line indicates a pressure peak (Hold Pressure) setting with a zero Hold Time. A level line across the top or bottom indicates a set hold time at that pressure level. The slope of a line indicates the transition time between pressures; the steeper the line, the faster the change. With a little practice, you will find more and more options. QuickSilver 1.5 comes with several profiles and .run files installed, and these can be examined and modified as you like.
There are a multitude of options besides creating your own profiles. The QS design concept set .pro files in an open format without restrictions- A profile created in one QS system will run with any other QS system! Here's what that means to you:
EDITING .PRO FILES AND .RUN FILES Anything you create with the assembler tools can be edited with the same tools. To edit a .pro file, recall the file on the “Assemble Profile” page.
To add events in sequence, click “Add Event”, and construct the addition just as if the profile was new. SAVE it, and the file is modified with the new events added to the bottom of the list.
To insert events into the middle of an existing profile, click “Insert Event”. CHANGE the event number to the position you want the new insertion to take. Construct your event and click OK. The event that was in that position is moved down list (i.e. #3 becomes #4) and your new event is inserted in its place.
To edit an event click “Edit Event”. Enter the event number you wish to change. Rebuild it and click OK. This will replace the original event in the same position.
To delete an event click “Remove Event”. CHANGE the event number to the one you want to delete, and click OK. The event is removed and subsequent events are moved up the list. You may delete all events at once by clicking on the “Remove All” button.
“Remove Event” and “Remove All” does not delete the .pro file; it only removes it from the current use.
Editing .run files is almost identical. A .run file is simply a list of one or more profiles linked in a sequence. To edit or save a .run file, use the option buttons on the Assemble Play List page:
To add profiles in sequence, click “Add Profile”.
To remove an individual profile from anywhere in the list, simply highlight the profile you want to remove and click “Remove Profile”.
To move a profile in the list and change it’s order, highlight the desired profile and click “Profile Up” or “Profile Down”.
To remove all profiles and start a new list, click “Remove All”.
To open an existing .run file, click “Recall Play List”.
Again, using “Remove Profile” or “Remove All” does not delete the original file from your system, only from the current list.
Be sure to SAVE an edited Play List as a .run if you want it retained in the new configuration.
Click on the "View History" tab. This informational feature keeps a record for you of the date, name and elapsed time of past runs. You can delete specific entries by double-clicking them to select, then pressing delete. You can clear the history by clicking “Delete All”.
International User Power Note:
If you do not have 110V AC utility power, you will need to acquire a wall adapter locally that is compatible with your power type and has an output of 12V DC current.
The adapter will need to have a 1 amp (1000Ma) or greater current capacity, and will need a male plug for the Server end that is 5.5mm OD with a 2.5mm ID.
Hardware Safety & maintenance Notes:
· Remove the USB cable and unplug the wall adapter when the system is not in use.
· Regularly check the vacuum line for any signs of debris or fluids moving into the tube. This can contaminate the pump, causing reduced efficiency or serious damage. Contamination in the pump VOIDS the warranty.
· The server has a small foam debris filter pad installed in the vacuum port manifold, directly behind the vacuum coupler. This filter pad may be removed, cleaned and replaced easily. To do so, remove the coupling from the port. Using tweezers or a small wire with a hook (bent paper clip will work) pull the pad forward. Wash out, dry and replace by pushing it to the rear of the port recess with a pencil or other small shaft. This filter DOES NOT offset the need for a water trap or other means of keeping debris out of the server.
FLOODED YOUR QS-7 WHILE WET PUMPING? We know….accidents do happen! We highly recommend you keep a Water Trap in the line, but many don't. If you should have occasion where fluid is drawn into your server, follow these steps to minimize the potential of damage:
· Immediately stop use and disconnect the power and USB cable.
· Disconnect vacuum tube, unscrew the vacuum port coupler and remove the debris filter.
· Briefly tilt the unit forward towards it’s face to drain fluid from the vacuum port & manifold.
· Prop the server up on it’s left rear corner as shown below and allow to drain/dry for at least 8 hours.
:!! Personal Safety Note: While the QS-7 will operate from vehicle power, this feature is not intended to support operation of the system in an open vehicle, and specifically not a vehicle in motion. Absolutely- DO NOT operate the system while driving! Such practices would be considered illegal by most authorities and could be EXTREMELY dangerous!
This equipment is designed to provide a variable, programmable dynamic vacuum source. Beyond the design of the system, Vaculogic has no control over the individual use and applications that the resulting vacuum might be used for. Most things, including vacuum can cause potentially serious injury when used improperly or carelessly. YOU are responsible for researching any potential risks, exercising good judgment and making safe choices in any activity or the use of any equipment you choose. Use of this system for any and all purposes is at the sole risk of the owner and/or user. Regardless of the cause, origin or nature of any loss or injury or failure of any kind related to the ownership or use of this product and in any claim therefore, the obligation of Vaculogic and PST shall be limited to the original purchase price of the system.
In using this equipment, the owner and users thereof accept this sole risk and responsibility without reservation and agree to hold harmless Vaculogic, PST, Precision Seal Technologies, it's affiliates, heirs, assigns and any others associated with the design, manufacture, distribution or sale of this equipment or software from any claim for loss or injury relating to the use or ownership of this system.
IF YOU DO NOT FULLY ACCEPT THIS RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK, DO NOT CONTINUE.
Return this system to the point of purchase unused and undamaged and your purchase price will be refunded.
Copyright 2006, Vaculogic Division of PST and Precision Seal Technologies. Patent Pending. All Rights Reserved. No part of this manual or the QuickSilver Software may be reproduced in any form except as authorized by Vaculogic. Vaculogic, QS-7 and QuickSilver are trademarks of Precision Seal Technologies.