Chapter 3 -- Cell Cable Connections -- Cell Indicator
3-1
Chapter 3
-- Cell Cable Connections
Cell Indicator
The PCI4 is equipped with four LED indicators, located on the Potentiostat card mini-panel. The uppermost,
yellow, LED functions as a Cell Indication. It lights whenever the PCI4 cell switch is on and goes dark whenever
the cell is at open circuit.
Figure D-1
in the appendices is a picture of the rear panel of a computer
demonstrating the location of this indicator.
The other three LEDs are reserved for future use.
The Cell Indicator is also used in the identification of potentiostats in a multiple potentiostat system, using a
special “Identify Potentiostats” script. Appendix C of Gamry’s
Getting Started Guide
describes the use of this
script.
Normal Cell Connections
Each PCI4 in your system was shipped with a standard cell cable.
One end of the cable ends in a 9 pin male D type connector. This end connects to the PCI4 Potentiostat Card.
Make sure you connect the cable to the correct 9 pin connector on the computer.
You should always screw the cell cable into place, since this cable comes off the card easily otherwise.
The other end of the cell cable terminates in a number of banana plugs and one pin jack. Each termination
comes with a removable alligator clip. All PCI4 Potentiostats should be shipped with a new cable that includes
an Orange Counter Sense lead. If you also own an older PC3 Potentiostat or an older ECM8 Multiplexer, it was
supplied with similar cables that do not include this orange lead. Consult the factory before using an older
cable with your PCI4.
Table 3-1 identifies each terminal of the cable.
Table 3-1
Cell Cable Terminations - Potentiostat and Galvanostat Modes
Color
Type
Name
Normal Connection
Blue
Banana Plug
Working Sense
Connect to working electrode
Green
Banana Plug
Working Electrode
Connect to working electrode
White
Pin Jack
Reference
Connect to reference electrode
Red
Banana Plug
Counter Electrode
Connect to counter electrode
Orange
Banana Plug
Counter Sense
Used in ZRA mode - connect to counter electrode
Long Black
Banana Plug
Floating Ground
Leave open or connect to a Faraday shield
Short Black
Banana Plug
Chassis Ground
Connect to Faraday Shield to reduce EMI
