Procedures
==========

-  Before you start making solutions in the Pchem lab, ensure that the
   Perkin Elmer Spectrum 400 FT-IR/FT-NIR Spectrometer is turned on (it
   should not be turned off)

-  Log into the :program:`Spectrum IR` software on the computer

   .. image:: images/software.jpg

-  In the Tabs on the bottom of the screen, you will be able to adjust
   several factors for your experiment such as: sample name, save
   location, instrument beam path, advanced settings, and basic
   instrument set-up

-  In this experiment, you will mainly be focusing on just sample name,
   save location, and basic instrument set-up to adjust a few parameters

-  It is also noted to adjust the parameters at the top of the page as
   well so that they reflect what you have included in the bottom
   (specifically *Sample ID*)

   .. image:: images/other_naming_settings.jpg

Sample Naming
-------------

-  You can enter a name for your sample in both the *Auto-name* and
   *Auto-description* box after the *[nnn]* listed
  
   .. image:: images/naming_sample.jpg

-  Sometimes the auto-naming function does not work as you would like,
   so you may manually enter a name for the file up at the top of the
   page where it says ‘Sample ID’.

Data Collection
---------------

-  Under *Auto-Save Options* you can chose where your files will save
   and the file format to export as

   .. image::  images/data_collection_settings.jpg
 
Basic Instrument Settings
-------------------------

-  Here you can chose the wavelength range you wish to measure your
   samples within, the resolution, scan type, accumulations (how many
   scans), and units (absorbance, etc.)

   .. image:: images/instrument_setup_basic.jpg
 
.. toctree::

   Salt Plate Analysis <saltplates>
   Fixed Path Length Cell <fixedpath>