Skunkworks Help

Main Screen

The Main Screen serves as the central hub for managing data files and controlling system operations. Users can switch between data acquisition and analysis modes, view recent runs, and load data files to review previous results. Key functionalities include method editing, starting new runs, and selecting specific data files for further analysis.

main_screen_1.png
main_screen_2.png

  • Data File Select
    Shows the last several runs from each stream/method.

  • Switch to Analysis/Acquisition Mode
    Switches between the two states to view old data while running.

  • Load Data File
    Opens a form to select a data file that can be sorted by name, stream, injection date, etc.

  • Method Editor
    Opens the Method Editor with the currently loaded method’s settings.

  • Start Run
    Opens a form to start a new run with a given method and any run notes.

  • Hide
    Hide Status Screen

  • Show
    Show Status Screen

main_screen_3.png

  • Test Panel


    Opens the Test Panel Screen, more information on: Test Panel page.

The Menu Bar provides quick access to essential file operations, such as loading data files for review and exiting the application.

menu_bar.png

  • Load Data File
    Opens a form to select a data file that can be sorted by name, stream, injection date, etc.

  • Exit
    Exits the application.

Method

The Method screen provides tools for managing and configuring methods, including creating new methods, editing existing ones, loading methods, and initiating runs. It also offers features for calibration, data overlays, and instrument configuration.

method.png

  • New Method
    Opens the Method Editor in a state to create a new method from scratch.

  • Edit Method
    Opens the Method Editor with the currently loaded method’s settings.

  • Load Method
    Opens a form to select a method to load and gives the option to load it to the instrument.

  • Calibration Table
    Opens a calibration table to the front of everything else.

  • Start Run
    Opens a form to start a new run with a given method and any run notes.

  • Data Set Overlay
    Opens a form to select multiple data sets from any method or stream to overlay on each other.

  • Instrument Config
    Opens a form for creating or modifying the existing instrument configuration.

Tools

The Tools tab offers a collection of utilities for system diagnostics, testing, and customization. It includes options to configure the program's display settings, interact with instrument components, and view real-time outputs from detectors. Other functionalities provide debugging tools and access to detailed performance and service logs, allowing for in-depth troubleshooting and system monitoring.

tools.png

  • Options
    Opens a form with various program options such as the current data finder view (stream vs method) and line width.

  • Test Panel
    Opens a form for switching valves, setting heater temps, epc flows, etc.

  • Online Plot
    Displays the current output of any FID/TCD/PDHID detectors.

  • Heater Debug
    Opens the Heater Debug form.

  • Instrument Actuals
    Opens a detailed window with all the current flows, temperatures, valve states, etc.

  • Baseline Report
    Opens the Baseline Report form.

  • Custom Report Config
    Opens the Custom Report Config form.

  • VUV Retention Policy
    Opens the VUV Retention Policy form, more information on: VUV Retention Policy page.

  • ECv2 Debug
    Opens the ECv2 Debug form.

  • MSD Test Panel
    Shows the current MSD state if available.

  • ECv2 Shutdown
    Shuts down the ECv2 services.

  • Write Metrics Logs
    It writes the service logs for the requests that have failed and it shows the specific error and quantity of times that the error failed.

  • Discover Missing Devices
    This tab opens the Expected Devices Missing screen to the user.

  • Rename EPCs
    Opens the Rename Discovered EPCs form, more information on: Rename Discovered Flow Devices page.

  • Import Environment Configurations
    This tab gives the user a screen to select a zip file. It needs to have the same structure from the export button.

  • Export Environment Configurations
    It will export a zip file to your Desktop. This file will contain the Instrument, Method, Logs, and Report folders.

  • Reprocess Report
    It will open a new screen where you can select the report you want to be reprocessed.

Help

The Help tab provides access to essential support features, including viewing software version information, collecting system logs for troubleshooting, and opening an on-screen keyboard for touchscreen usage.

help.png

  • About
    Opens the "About" screen with software information such as the current version.

  • Collect Logs
    Generate and collect the system logs.

  • On Screen Keyboard
    Opens a touch keyboard.

Chromatogram Touch Settings

The Chromatogram Touch Settings tab allows users to customize interaction with chromatogram displays, enabling touch gestures for zooming and panning, as well as providing a reset option to view all data at once.

Chromatogram_Touch_Settings.png

  • Zoom
    Enables touch and drag to zoom.

  • Pan
    Enables touch and drag to pan.

  • Reset View
    Zooms out and shows all data.

Last modified: 12 May 2026
Welcome to the Skunkworks DocumentationInstrument Status