Vernier Tech Info Library TIL #1898

Question

Do Ocean Optics USB4000 (UV-VIS and VIS-NIR) Spectrometers Work with LabQuest?

Answer

- The short answer is: Yes (but see the details below)

- There are two USB4000 models,
USB4000 VIS-NIR, and
USB4000 UV-VIS

They behave differently, so be sure to identify which one you are using, and then follow the appropriate instructions below.

1. Ocean Optics USB4000 VIS-NIR

a. A powered USB Hub is required with LabQuest (but not with Logger Pro on a computer). This unit is NOT powered by a separate power supply, and receives its power through USB. It requires more power than LabQuest can deliver, so it identified temporarily, but then disappears from the screen. The reason? It is requesting far more power than the USB limit, so LabQuest cannot deliver that much. BUT, if you connect the USB into a powered USB hub, then into LabQuest, it will work fine. We have tested 2 powered hubs successfully (Targus USB 2.0 7-port Hub, and a D-Link DUB-H7 USB 2.0 Hub). Others might work, too, but have not been tested.

b. Support for the USB4000 VIS-NIR was broken in v. 1.2 of LabQuest. All users should update to v. 1.3 (available mid-August 2009) or newer.

c. If ONLY the Spectrometer part of the USB4000 SP-VIS is being used for emissions (with the cuvette holder/light source removed), the powered hub is NOT required.

2. Ocean Optics USB4000 UV-VIS

a. This unit is separately powered with its own AC Adapter, so there are no power issues.

b. There is a specific order of addition to follow when setting up the UV-VIS spectrometer. To successfully connect it to a LabQuest, please follow these steps strictly:
- Connect the AC adapter to the spectrometer and plug in the adapter to an outlet.
- Connect the UV-VIS spectrometer to a LabQuest.
- Run the LabQuest App. If the LQ App is already running, it may take a few seconds for the spectrometer's fan to turn on and the App to recognize the spectrometer.
(Note: If you connect to USB first, THEN power, the unit will not work with LabQuest App!)

c. Suppport for USB4000 UV-VIS was broken in v. 1.2 of LabQuest App. Users should update to v. 1.3 (available mid-August 2009) or newer of LabQuest App.

Created by: jrandall on September 29 2008
Last updated by: jhopkins on October 08 2009