JCE Software, 4B2: Mass Spec Simulator

Mass Spec Simulator

D. Bruce Armitage
Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125

Note:
This program is out of print, but is available for free download by Journal of Chemical Education subscribers.
Go to the download page.

Mass Spec Simulator is a simulation of a Varian EM-600 mass spectrometer (ca. 1979). It shows the two main control panels of the instrument and a screen for displaying the mass spectrum. The user can adjust all of the commonly used controls, for example, spectrum amplitude, mass range, and starting mass. There is also a realistic simulation of sample introduction for both solid and liquid samples. All controls are operated using a mouse pointing device. The instrument responds realistically whether or not sample and operating conditions are appropriate. Actions that would cause incorrect operation are either not allowed with an explanation or carried through with the result explained in an information box.

Mass spectra are derived from data files containing mass and intensity values from the literature. Files for up to eighty compounds (twenty are provided) can be edited and/or created using a separate program (provided) or most word processors. The mass units and intensity values can be obtained from the displayed spectra using the mouse. Hard copies of the spectra can also be obtained using an IBM or Epson compatible printer. The simulation can be used (1) to teach instrumental analysis students the operation of the real instrument, (2) as a novel way to provide organic qualitative analysis students with mass spectra of unknowns, (3) to demonstrate the isotopic abundances of halogens, etc. and (4) to serve as a substitute if a mass spectrometer is not available.
Hardware and Software Requirements
Mass Spec Simulator requires a MS-DOS/IBM compatible computer with at least 512K RAM and one disk drive. It supports (but does not require) an Epson or IBM compatible graphics printer. Mass Spec Simulator requires EGA, VGA, or compatible graphics and a Microsoft compatible mouse (CGA, MCGA, or Hercules will not work).

First Published: October 1991
Citation: Armitage, D. B. . Mass Spec Simulator J. Chem. Educ. Software 4B2
Keywords: Lecture Aid; Computer Room; Laboratory; Analytical; Physical; Mass spectrometer

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Last Updated: April 26, 2001
Created: December 3, 1996 Created by: J. L. Holmes
Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.



Mass Spec Simulator
D. Bruce Armitage Thiel College, Greenville, PA 16125

Note:	This program is out of print, but is available for free download by Journal of Chemical Education subscribers. Go to the download page.

Mass Spec Simulator is a simulation of a Varian EM-600 mass spectrometer (ca. 1979). It shows the two main control panels of the instrument and a screen for displaying the mass spectrum. The user can adjust all of the commonly used controls, for example, spectrum amplitude, mass range, and starting mass. There is also a realistic simulation of sample introduction for both solid and liquid samples. All controls are operated using a mouse pointing device. The instrument responds realistically whether or not sample and operating conditions are appropriate. Actions that would cause incorrect operation are either not allowed with an explanation or carried through with the result explained in an information box. Mass spectra are derived from data files containing mass and intensity values from the literature. Files for up to eighty compounds (twenty are provided) can be edited and/or created using a separate program (provided) or most word processors. The mass units and intensity values can be obtained from the displayed spectra using the mouse. Hard copies of the spectra can also be obtained using an IBM or Epson compatible printer. The simulation can be used (1) to teach instrumental analysis students the operation of the real instrument, (2) as a novel way to provide organic qualitative analysis students with mass spectra of unknowns, (3) to demonstrate the isotopic abundances of halogens, etc. and (4) to serve as a substitute if a mass spectrometer is not available. Hardware and Software Requirements Mass Spec Simulator requires a MS-DOS/IBM compatible computer with at least 512K RAM and one disk drive. It supports (but does not require) an Epson or IBM compatible graphics printer. Mass Spec Simulator requires EGA, VGA, or compatible graphics and a Microsoft compatible mouse (CGA, MCGA, or Hercules will not work).


News \| Issues \| CD-ROM / Video \| Find It! \| Technical Support \| For Authors
JCE Online \| Journal \| Software \| Internet \| Happenings \| About JCE \| Contact JCE

Last Updated: April 26, 2001 Created: December 3, 1996	Created by: J. L. Holmes Comments to: jceonline@chem.wisc.edu

© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.