Why is my Single Quadrupole LC/MS Not Ready?

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 6100 series Single Quadrupole (SQ) LC/MS Instruments using OpenLab CDS software

Issue

Waiting to run a sample or tune the instrument but the MS is shown as not ready.

Background

The MS requires accurate temperature, gas flow, and electronic control in order to maximize performance. If one of the MS setpoints is not yet reached, or has not stabilized, then the MS is shown as "Not Ready" and cannot analyze samples or tune. This status is to prevent the MS being used until the temperature, gas flow, optics and electronics setpoints have been reached to ensure correct operation, and to avoid contamination or damage to the instrument.

Steps to Follow

1. From the top ribbon, click the Home tab, and then Method > Instrument Status. (See Figure 1)
    

   
   Figure 1. Instrument Status location in the Home Tab ribbon 
   

   
   
   

2. In the Instrument Status window, click the SQ tab.
   

   
   Figure 2. Instrument Status window
   

   
   
   

3. Scroll in the SQ tab until you see the values for Not Ready Text.
   

   
   Figure 3. SQ tab in the Instrument Status window
   
   

   
   
   

   You can also move the cursor over the yellow "Not Ready" bar in the device image (see Figure 2), and the Not Ready Text will be displayed in a tooltip.

• If the Not Ready Text refers to the temperature of one of the parameters, then the temperature for that parameter may not be at the setpoint indicated in the current method.
• If the test refers to gas flow setpoints, then make sure you gas supply can provide the correct regulated pressure to maintain the required flows.
• If gas supplies are normal but the temperature or gas flows do not reach the method setpoints in a normal amount of time, then contact your local Agilent Service Representative for further advice and diagnosis.

For further detail on using OpenLab CDS to control your Agilent 6100 Series LC/MS, please see the Quick Start Guide, or for a more comprehensive instruction see OpenLab CDS with LC/MS on the Agilent OpenLab Help & Learning page.

Learn how to effectively operate your Agilent Single quadrupole LC/MS system:  LCMS-MULTI-1200zV3- Agilent 6000 Series LC/MS and InfinityLab LC/MSD Series Hardware eFamiliarization e-learning path available from Agilent education