FAQs - Series IX Software

The drivers for the GPIB board are not installed. Install the Windows GPIB drivers located on the disk or CD that came with your GPIB board.

This issue has been resolved in Merlin V5.41 (Suite 22095), Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue.

If you enable load or strain control in the Series IX software and don't have the proper PROM version or the ADVANCED FUNCTIONS PANEL, you will get this message. To run in load or strain control while using a 4500 frame you will need to upgrade your PROM's to the latest version and install the ADVANCED FUNCTIONS PANEL into your 4500 tower. Contact Technical Support at 1-800-473-7838 for availability and pricing. NOTE: If you have the advanced functions panel, updated proms and using a Dell PC running Windows NT but continue to receive this message, you will need to upgrade your software to V8.27 or higher.

Series IX generally is backwards compatible, that is, it will use method and data files created in a previous version. If you are upgrading from version 6 or 7 of Series IX, the data files are fully compatible. Version 5 data files must be converted to version 7 format. This is done from the Raw Data menu item from the Utilities menu. You can either open the data file you wish to convert in Edit Raw Data and save it in the new format, or you can do a batch conversion by selecting Convert V5 Data. Batch conversion updates the original file and saves a backup in the original version with an .MRO extension. Imported methods should be opened and re-saved in the Method Editor, regardless of version. You should also check all the settings to ensure they are still correct. This is not because the fields are expected to be incorrect, but rather some fields have been added/changed between versions so it is a good idea to ensure that the method still runs as intended.

The Series IX software cannot run a cyclic test. However, a 4400 console can run a cyclic test on a machine and Series IX can then function as a data acquisition program. To put a Series IX test method in "data acquisition only" mode change the "machine control" field to "disabled" under the method editor Main / Global Parameters menu.

Yes, Series IX is fully compatible with both service packs available for Windows XP.

You do not have to use the data reduction in the software. In the Data Logging you can deselect the box to disable it. Use this feature if you are concerned that your data files may become too large. When the time entered in the Reduce after field has elapsed from the start of the test, Series IX divides the sampling rate by the value entered in the Reduction factor field. In this way you can reduce the sampling rate by a factor of between 2 and 100.able it.

No, the compliance correction only needs to be done for a specific load string set up.

Yes, however the Series IX program needs to be at least version 8.25 (CD Suite 11076) in order to run under Windows XP.

This problem has been fixed in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this. A workaround is shown below: This procedure will enable a user to run an 8500/8800 with an HRDE: 1. Run setup in Series IX and choose some 4400 machine and set extensometer to HRDE. 2. Go into the method editor and set up everything as best you can for the 8800. 3. Exit Series IX. This will set the instron.ini file correctly. Just to make sure, check that the [SERIESIX] section has: AUTOEXT=HRDE EXTGPIB=01 (or whatever GPIB address you are using) 4. Load up Series IX again. 5. Run setup and choose the proper 8800 machine. 6. Go into the method editor and check all the fields in your method. You won't see HRDE, but make sure everything else is OK. If you don't need to change anything, just exit WITHOUT saving the method. 7. If you needed to change anything in step 6, save the method, but then you need to do this extra step: With any text editor such as Notepad, edit mt?oprNN.def. (? is a for tensile, b for flex, c for compression, and d for yarn/fiber, and NN is the number of your method.) In the entry that starts with EX, change the first parameter to 3.0. This will make the 8800 use the HRDE, since the code is all still there, and will use it once it reads the 3.0 parameter from the EX line, which tells it that an HRDE is enabled.

When you enter "Utilities" then "Calibrate" in Series IX it will ask you for the Test Method that you want to calibrate against. Once this has been entered the screen will appear as; Load Cell Calibration: Last load calibration performed on 01/20/93 12.02 Recalibrate ? [ y ] y Calibrate Instron, Press when ready to continue If you wish to recalibrate then select Y for yes. At this point the Instron test machine should be balanced and calibrated and the range switch should be set on the penultimate range. After Pressing ENTER the screen will prompt you to enter the calibration range full scale load. This will be the calibration load which will be the penultimate range. If you have a 1 KN load cell then this would be .5 KN. The screen will then prompt you to enter the calibration load which if you are using the electronic calibration (as opposed to dead weights) it will be the same as the penultimate range. If you have a 1 KN load cell then this would be .5 KN. Load Cell Calibration: Last load calibration performed on 01/20/93 12.02 Recalibrate ? [ y ] y Calibrate Instron, Press when ready to continue Enter calibration range full scale load [ .500 ] KN Enter calibration load [ .500 ] KN Balance load, Press when ready At this point the Instron test machine should be calibrated and balanced and the output from the machine should be at zero load and the pen on the chart will be at zero. If you press the Series IX software will now record the balance output from the machine. The screen will now show as; Load Cell Calibration Last load calibration performed on 01/20/93 12.02 Recalibrate ? [ y ] y Calibrate Instron, Press when ready to continue Enter calibration range full scale load [ .500 ] KN Enter calibration load [ .500 ] KN Balance load, Press when ready Press 'Calibrate' or switch 'Calibration' to 'ON' Until beep is heard If on the machine you press the calibrate switch the machine will output its calibration voltage and the pen will move to full scale. The Series IX software will now record the calibration output from the machine. Now Series IX has the balance and full scale values for the output from the Instron machine. The software is able to calibrate itself against this. This is stored in a single test method. This procedure will need to be followed again to calibrate other test methods to the machine output. When you exit from the calibration page you need to select 'Exit and update the calibration'. Series IX Calibration Setup in the Test Method In the Test Method on the Data page, part of the page will show. Calibration Method: Electronic Calibration load: .5KN Full scale load: .5KN The calibration load on the 1100 machines is the penultimate range of the load cell. For a 1KN load cell this would be .5KN The Full scale load would be the same as the calibration load. This is the full scale on the chart recorder when the calibration is carried out. Series IX on the Run Time Screen When Series IX is ready to carry out a test on 1100 machines, before allowing you to carry out a test it will ask you for the full scale load. This is the full scale on the range in use for the test. If the range on the Load cell amplifier is set to a full scale of 100N then enter 100N

Please reference the GPIB driver and board setup for DOS Series IX software

You can determine the specific software suite by looking at the CD or the Installation Disks. The version number is also displayed on the startup screen.

Perform the following steps: 

1. Backup any data/methods you have. 
2. Rename the Instron directory. 
3. Delete/Rename the Instron.ini file in the Windows directory. 
4. Insert the CD or the installation disks. Run setup.exe from disk 1. Choose "Complete Installation." Follow the prompts. When in doubt accept the defaults. 
5. When the installation is complete, copy your data/methods to the new installation.

This problem has been fixed in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this. A workaround is shown below: Before running a strain or load control test in Series IX on an 85/8800, enable the appropriate channel on the console of the machine. To do this, choose the Setup button for the strain or load channel on the console, then CAL, Control, and see if it is enabled or disabled. Enable it if necessary.

Only Series IX Version 7.30 and above have serial numbers. The serial number is a 6 digit number followed by a letter (i.e. 123456A). It can be found on the CD case or Disk 1 of the Installation Disks or by clicking Help. . .About from the Method Editor.

1. Run copymeth.exe (located in C:\Instron\S9). 
2. Fill in the fields for Existing Series IX Method Directory, Existing Series IX Data Directory (if desired) and Destination Directory (should be C:\Instron). 
3. Select types of files to copy as appropriate. 
4. Clicking OK will copy the appropriate files to the new Series IX installation. 

Note: If you changed computers, the entire C:\Instron\S9\Meth directory should be copied to a disk. Then run copymeth.exe and put a:\ for the source directory. Data files can also be copied directly to the C:\Instron\S9\Data directory. Copying the files to the new installation does not update them to the newer file types.

Insert the CD of Disk 1, or run setup.exe. Choose "Complete Installation." Follow the prompts, when in doubt, accept defaults.

In Series IX version 7.50 and above, click on File-Print from the Method Editor. Previous to this version there is no built in functionality. The only way to get a hard copy of the method would be to do a series of Print Screens (1 for each screen). In DOS, this should print out the screen directly. In Windows, either use a third-party utility, or perform the following: 1. With the desired screen open, press the Print Screen key. This places a copy of the screen in the Windows clipboard. 2. Open an appropriate application (MS Word, Paint, Paintbrush etc.) 3. Click on Edit. . .Paste. The image will be pasted into the new application, where it can be printed. Repeat for each desired screen.

This problem has been fixed in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this. 

A workaround is shown below: Don't have a negative preload or don't use a calculation that gets its result from the break detector in the frame. If using an HRDE the suggested workaround is to use unload and balance so the specimens will not start with a negative load.

This problem has been fixed in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this. A workaround is shown below: Customer runs compliance correction calculation 120 and the system crashes giving the error "floating point error, divide by zero" This occurs because there is a repeated value of load in two consecutive points at the beginning of the compliance file. The solution for an existing complianc file is to edit the compliance file using a text editor to change one of the values that is repeating so that there are no longer repeating load values. The solution to avoid having this problem is to preload slightly the compliance specimen so that repeating load values do not occur. This could be fixed in the code, but at this point is probably not worth it since the resolution appears so simple.

Instron software verification documentation, accreditations and certificates can be viewed and downloaded here

Raw Data: Prior to Version 7.51: 

1. From the Home Screen, click Utilities. 
2. Click on the Raw Data menu item and select Display Raw Data. 
3. Select the desired sample file name. A full screen DOS window should open. If it does not, and you receive no error message, check the task bar. It may have opened minimized (Windows 95/98 only). 
4. Choose the FILE menu then Create ASCII File. A box will open towards the bottom of the screen. 
5. Enter the desired number of digits precision. 
6. The "Information To Include In Dump" field defaults to Header. It needs to be changed to Raw Data or both. Pressing F2 key will bring up the selection box. It then asks which specimen to include (or all). 
7. Press F10 key to create the file. It will be created in the same directory as the .MRD file, and will have an .mad extension. This file can be opened in any spreadsheet that recognizes ASCII file formats. 

If you are using Excel 97, you will need to change the extension to get it to open. Version 7.51 and above: There are two files that can be created that include test data. They can be turned on in the Method Editor under Main-Global Parameters. The Results file (*.rlt) is essentially an electronic version of the printed report and contains the same information. This file will default to the C:\Instron\S9\Output directory. This file is created during Test/Replay. The second file is the Raw Data Text file (*.txt), which contains raw data points. This file is also created during Test/Replay. It also defaults to the \S9\output directory. These files are comma delimited files.

Series IX method files are located in the C:\Instron\S9\Meth directory. There are 2 files per method. All method files have a .DEF extension, and start with MT. The next letter is a test type identifier. A is for Tension, B-Flexure, C-Compression, D-Yarn and Fiber. The next 3 letters describe the type of file: REP for Report or OPR for Operation. There will be 1 file of each type per method. The last 2 digits are the method number. For Example: The files making up tensile method 47 would be MTAOPR47.DEF and MTAREP47.DEF. When deleting or copying a method, both files must be included. Series IX version 7.48 and above has a File Delete utility that will delete data and/or method files. It is found under Utilities.

Data files are saved to the C:\Instron\Data directory. All data files have an .MRD extension. Series IX version 7.48 and above has a File Delete utility that will delete data/method files. It is found under Utilities.

1. Check the method for Internal Calculations (called non-heading calculations in DOS versions). 
2. If there are any of these calculations, note the settings and delete them if they are not appropriate. 
3. Replay the data. This should resolve the problem. You can also check the specimen dimensions entered by the operator to ensure they are correct.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. The checking time has now been increased to 3 seconds, since some machines apparently take longer that half a second for the crosshead to start moving after the command is given.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. Series IX now does the following required calculations within the extended peel calculations: 10.2.1 Divide tearing length between first and last peak recorded into 4 equal parts. Ignore first part and record all peaks of 10% min rising or falling of force for the remaining 3 parts. 10.2.2 The arithmetic mean in Newtons for the test specimen is calculated using all peaks recorded according to 10.2.1. 10.2.3 From the mean calculated for each test specimen calculate the overall arithmetic mean of the tear force in Newtons for each direction tested and round it to two significant figures.

This usually is the result of a corrupted test method. Try the following: 1. Open the method in the method editor 2. Verify your settings 3. Press Save. If that doesn't work, or the method won't open in the method editor, create a new method. If you are unable to open any methods, delete any temp files and run ScanDisk. If the problem persists, reinstallation of the software may be necessary.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. Series IX itself now commands the machine to enable such control before it tries to run a test.

1. Attempt to open the file in the raw data editor through Utilities. . .Raw Data. . .Edit Raw Data. 
2. If it opens, save the file under another name, and use that. If it does not open, the data file is corrupted and the file is no longer usable.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. It will now accept data where the load units are KN.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. The MoveToNewGaugelengthComplete OLE event now returns a status value so that SeriesIX can react accordingly.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. Raw Data Edit/Display now shows the correct machine type for 3300 machines.

You have four options: 

1. Purchase a System Support Agreement. This provides you with priority in the call queue, remote access to our engineering staff, discounts and additional services for one full year. 
2. Sign-on to our Consultation Service line. This Fee based support provides you with priority in the call queue for those times that you just specific help. 
3. Limited Free Technical Support on a call back basis. 
4. Schedule a Field Service Engineer to visit your site.

The information below only applies to Merlin, SeriesIX, and SeriesIX/s installed on WinNT, Win2000, or WinXP when the operating system is on a NTFS partition. If the OS is on a FAT32 partition, then there should be no problems with Merlin, SeriesIX, SeriesIX/s functionality when being used by a "restricted user". The information below also assumes that the reader is capable of assigning permissions of individual files and directories to specific users or groups. Merlin and SeriesIX were never designed to be compatible with a "Locked Down" NT4 based operating system. In order to get Merlin and SeriesIX to function properly when being used by a "restricted windows user", the following minimum file/directory rights must be met for the user(s) in question. These permissions may be assigned either directly to the individual users or to users via a group assignment. Required Permissions for General Use: > The following directories should be set to "Modify" permissions. >> c:\Instron\Com >> c:\Instron\Orig {Inherit these permissions to all sub-directories} >> c:\Instron\S9\Data >> c:\Instron\S9\Meth >> c:\Instron\S9\Output >> c:\User {Inherit these permissions to all sub-directories} > The "Instron.ini" file in the Windows directory should have the following additional permissions: >> Create Files \ Write Data >> Create Folders \ Append Data >> Write Attributes >> Write Extended Attributes >> Change Permissions Required Permissions to Communicate with the 5500/3300/2300 controller: > c:\Windows\System32 should have the following additional permissions assigned: >> Create Files \ Write Data >> Create Folders \ Append Data >> Write Attributes >> Change Permissions ** These permissions need only be assigned to the windows directory and its contents. These permissions do not need to be inherited to all child objects. Required Permissions to use the HRDE or 5800/FT Console > c:\Windows or c:\WinNT should have the following permissions: >> Create Files \ Write Data >> Create Folders \ Append Data >> Write Attributes >> Write Extended Attributes >> Change Permissions ** These permissions need only be assigned to the windows directory and its contents. These permissions do not need to be inherited to all child objects. Also, these permissions supercede the permissions noted above for the Instron.ini file. Additional Required Permissions to use 5800/FT Console > c:\Windows\8800 should have the following permissions: >> Create Files \ Write Data >> Create Folders \ Append Data >> Write Attributes >> Write Extended Attributes >> Change Permissions ** These permissions need only be assigned to the windows directory and its contents inherited to all child objects. Required Registry Permissions for 5800/FT Console: > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Instron should grant the following additional permissionsto the restricted users. These settings needs to be inherited by all subkeys. >> Set Value >> Create Subkey >> Delete >> Write DAC >> Write Owner

The following files are modified: Series IX (non-5500) adds the contents of the Instron directory, the Instron.ini (Windows), and prior to Version 7.43 GPIB.dll and GPIB.ini (Windows). Modifications are also made to Autoexec.bat and Config.sys.

The PCI-GPIB card is used with Series IX V8.XX Note: If using Series IX with a 3300 or 5500 test frame a PCI-DIGILINK board is used instead of the PCI-GPIB board

Subtracts the displacement in the load curve that results from deformation and action of the load string linkages of the frame.

Instron Series IX is data acquisition, control and analysis software for materials testing. It supports a wide range of tensile, compressive, flexural, peel and yarn/fiber calculations and testing methods. Series IX fully automates and supervises your materials testing. It provides test instrument control, automatic data collection, analysis and reanalysis. Using Series IX you can test the mechanical properties of most materials; metals, plastics, rubber, paper and textiles, in accordance with national and international standards. Series IX lets you create your own test methods, to customize test reports, and to output ASCII files to other programs. The Replay part of the software lets you reanalyze existing sample data using a computer that is not connected to a testing machine.

Series 9 version 8.13 (CD version 11050 or 22050)

The username and password are both "Instron".

The National Instruments drivers are available from the National Instruments website (www.ni.com).

You should check the following: 

1. Make sure the machine is turned on and the GPIB cable is connected between the computer and the machine. 
2. From the Series IX Home Screen, click Utilities. Click Setup. Ensure that the model and series listed is that of your machine. (i.e. if you have a 4206, the Series should be "4200/4300/4400-GPIB" and the Model should be "4206.") 
3. Run the National Instrument set-up utility (consult your National Instrument documentation) for the proper National Instrument GPIB configuration for your specific board. If problems persist, please use our Service and Technical Support Form (refer to the [question number] located at the end of each question and provide your model and serial number). Service and Technical Support Form

Most communication errors can be solved by powering down all equipment, including machine frame, control tower and computer. They should then be powered back on in the following sequence: machine frame, control tower and computer. This should result in communication being re-established. If not, check all cables and connections and perform the restart that was described above. If this does not fix your problem, then please call Instron Tech Support at 1-800-473-7838. Please make sure that you have all relevant serial and model numbers at hand when calling.

VERSION COMPATIBLE O/S V4.XX,V5.XX,V6.XX DOS V7.2X WINDOWS 3.1/3.11 V7.3X >> V7.50 WINDOWS 3.1/3.11/95 V7.51 WINDOWS 95/98 V8.02 >> V8.12 WINDOWS 95/98/NT V8.13 >> V8.24 WINDOWS 95/98/NT/2000 V8.25 WINDOWS 95/98/NT/2000/XP http://www.instron.com/wa/support/software/default.aspx

The Series IX package is shipped as a software suite. This suite contains every option available at that time. A unique KeyCode number provides access to the options you have purchased. It is entirely possible that some disks would be skipped if the options on these disks were not enabled

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. These errors are now handled internally and the testing continues to run properly.

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. All these parameters now show % for each value that requires the user to enter a number that represents a percent.

Browse the Merlin or Series IX CDROM and look for a folder called "Release Notes". If you have an older version you may not have this folder on your CDROM. You can download release notes between V4.11 - V5.31 for Merlin and V8.07 - V8.25 for Series IX by clicking the link below: Download RelNotes.zip

This issue has been resolved in Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094). Install this or a later version to resolve this issue. Series IX now allows this to be chosen as an associated parameter in the peel calculations.

Because load curves come in many different shapes it is necessary to offer different ways to calculate the modulus of a material. The one you should use depends upon the shape of the curve and the manner in which you want to report the data. Depending upon the shape of the curve, different modulus calculations will report more consistent values than other modulus calculations.

MAD is a registered file type for a shortcut to MS Access. Windows 95 does not show the extension of shortcuts (as with .LNK or .PIF files). Excel 97 will not open a file with an .MAD extension. The workaround is to change the extension of the file to ".txt".

The Series IX software only allows 8000 data pairs to be sampled per specimen. The data file can contain a maximum of 255 specimens each with a max 8000 data pairs. If your test is reaching the data pair limit you can lower the data sampling rate in the Method Editor - Data Logging page. You can determine the testing time before you will reach the 8000 data pair limit by: 8000 ---------------- = Max Test Time (s) Sampling Rate (s)

Some Series IX report templates use the Times New Roman font installed in your PC's Operating System. If the Times New Roman font installed in your PC is V2.76 or higher your printout will be pushed off the right margin. 

To resolve this do any of the steps below: 

1. Install Series IX V8.27 (Suite 11094) or higher. The templates that are provided with V8.27 or higher use a different font other than Times New Roman. You will continue to see the problem if you use older templates that reference the Times New Roman font. 
2. Remove Times New Roman font V2.76 and replace it with another version. Download TIMES.TTF V2.45 Download TIMES.TXT V2.45 
3. Alter the Series IX report template to use a different font. Series IX Enhanced Report module is required to alter your report template. Once in the enhanced report module open your template and select Report/Style/Global Style... click TEXT from the list and modify the DEFAULT and TABLE variables to use a different font.