You should use method translation software whenever you change carrier gas type, column dimensions, phase ratio (film thickness), column outlet pressure, or carrier gas flow rate. The main assumptions are that you are not changing stationary phase chemistry and that the elution order on your current method is satisfactory.

Version 2.0.a.c fixes one major defect found in previous versions. The defect could cause incorrect calculations when using corrupted ".mxd" files. This version tests saved ".mxd" files as they are being opened to determine if they are corrupt. You then have the option to fix them or proceed without correcting the error. It is NOT recommended to use corrupt files unless you record the "old" calculations for comparison to those you will get once the file has been corrected.

Corrupted files can be identified manually after they are loaded (either with a previous version of the software or by selecting "No" with version 2.0.a.c when asked if you want to fix your files) by changing "Oven Temperature Ramp" to "Isothermal." Any new temperature entered into the "original" oven temperature field should be reflected automatically in the "translated" oven temperature field. With corrupted files, this does not happen; the "translated" temperature does not change, resulting in a potential error in subsequent calculations.

Known bugs in version 2.0.a.c

Method translation Help not found when the "?" icon is pushed. This is manifested by an MS Windows Help screen launching instead of method translation help. This happens if you open ".mxd" files from a directory other than the directory where the program resides. No harm is done to your data or results; you simply cannot get to the method translation help unless you change the default directory back to the program directory (e.g., C:\mxlator). Version number is incorrect on popup screen when software is started. 2.0.a is displayed instead of 2.0.a.c. See note above. This is a cosmetic defect that will not affect software operation

NOTE:   The method translation setup program does not always overwrite previous versions of method translation software that may be installed on your computer. To guarantee proper installation of version 2.0.a.c, delete all files in the target directory (except any .mxd files you may want to keep) or create a new directory.

NOTE:   We did not have a chance to change the graphics screen that appears when the new version of method translation software is run. The new software still displays "Version 2.0.A" on this startup screen. To verify that you are running version 2.0.a.c, do one of the following:

Look in the directory that contains the method translation software (for example, C:\mxlator). The executable file (mxlator.exe) for version 2.0.a.c has a build ("modified") date and time that shows when it was installed. When using the method translation software, press [Print] and look in the top right corner of the printout. In version 2.0.a.c, the date and time are in bold font. In previous versions, they were in normal font.