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Set up and run a heating profile

Create a profile and collect data using the Wireless Melting Point Apparatus (PS-3239).

Note

The following steps are designed for data collection without a camera, with students observing the samples directly during the melting process. For information on capturing images of the samples alongside your collected temperature data, see here.

  1. Start Chemvue, then connect a Wireless Melting Point Apparatus to the program. The Melting Point Module should open automatically, and the Melting Point Apparatus will automatically be selected as the active sensor.
  2. Insert an eyepiece into the viewing port on the apparatus, then tighten the screw on the viewing port to secure the eyepiece in place.
  3. Insert Capillary Tubes (SE-2236) containing your samples into the slots in the heating block.
  4. Move the Light Level slider to adjust the brightness of the light on the heating block to an appropriate level.
  5. Click the Select Profile Template box, then select a template from the list. The profile box will automatically be filled with the steps from the chosen template. You can also choose to use the default template, or create your own (see next step).

  6. If desired, use the controls available above the profile box to edit the selected profile template in any of the following ways:

    • To add a new step: Select the step immediately before the point where you wish to add the step, then click Add Step and select an appropriate option from the list of step types.
    • To change the order of steps: Select the step you wish to move, then click the Up or Down button to move the step up or down the list.
    • To change the parameters of a step: Select the step you wish to adjust, then enter a new value into the appropriate text box below the list of steps.

  7. Click Start to begin executing the profile and collecting data. The Wireless Melting Point Apparatus's heating block will begin to heat up as specified in the profile.

  8. As the block heats up, observe the samples through the eyepiece. On a separate piece of paper, make note of the time at which each sample visibly begins to melt.

Once the profile has completed, data collection will automatically stop. (You can also select the Stop button to end data collection early.) If desired, switch to the graph page to observe the plot of temperature versus time for the heating block. Identify the point at which each sample melted on the graph.