Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Some questions come up on a regular basis and we suspect that many of our users are asking the same thing and just haven't contacted us.   The most common FAQs are below.

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Gamry is well-known for designing potentiostats that install inside computers, but the new Reference 600 is a stand-alone instrument.  What's going on?

How can I be sure that my Gamry Potentiostat is working properly?
By using the Universal Dummy Cell 2, you can quickly confirm that your Potentiostat is OK...or not!  
 

How do I install my new Gamry Series G Potentiostat?
Installation of the Plug and Play Series G is easier than ever.  Here's how.

How do I authorize my Version 5 Gamry Software?
Check pages 8 and 9 of the Quick Start Guide! If you get an error message that says you are not authorized to use a Gamry application, the Quick Start Guide tells you how to enter your Authorization Code.

How can Gamry design a low-noise Potentiostat that is installed inside a high-noise computer?  
Gamry's specification for noise and ripple is less than 20 microvolts rms.  How can we guarantee such a low noise level when our Potentiostat is inside a computer?

I get a better fit to my EIS data with a CPE than with a capacitor, but I'm not sure what it means!
Dr. Vladimir Jovic of the University of Belgrade has reviewed some of the literature on Constant Phase Elements.

How Do I Get my Cyclic Voltammograms Plotted the Way I Want?
The sign conventions in electrochemical experiments with your potentiostat may not be what you expect.  Here's how to get what you want with your Gamry system.

Can I trust my EIS measurements with my Gamry Potentiostat?
If you're running EIS, you need access to the Accuracy Contour Plot for your potentiostat.  You'll find them here for the Gamry Potentiostats.

Should I run EIS on my coatings using "vs. Eref" or "vs. Eoc"?
For good coatings, specify the DC voltage "vs. Eref", not "vs. Eoc".  This FAQ explains why.

The open-circuit potential for my organic coating is +4.9 volts!  Is something wrong?
Yes and no.  This FAQ explains why you may be seeing this extraordinarily high open-circuit voltage. 

How do I paste data or graphs from the Echem Analyst?
It's easy!  This FAQ reveals the magic button! 

Finding an available IRQ for my Version 3 software.
If your computer is loaded, identifying a free Interrupt Request may be confusing. This will help.

I purchased a Gamry CMS100 several years ago, but all of the Gamry product names names seem to have changed!  What's going on?
Yes, it is confusing in the short term.  Actually, it's a logical change that is explained here.

My Version 3 EIS300 Electrochemistry Impedance Spectroscopy Software is giving me a "Stuck in a Reading Loop" error.
Computers are great...except when they're NOT!  If you're stuck in a reading loop, this FAQ can set you free.

Gamry Instruments © 1997-2007

Last revised on Monday, February 12, 2007