Chromperfect Quick-Start Guide: Install, Configure, Calibrate (Video Tutorial)
- Chromperfect
- Sep 25
- 4 min read
New to Chromperfect? This Quick-Start is the fastest way to go from install to first results. The 50-minute training video covers installation, instrument configuration, building your first method, acquiring data, optimizing integration, creating a calibration, reporting, and running a sequence. Use the chapter list below to jump straight to what you need.
Chromperfect is designed for Windows 10 Pro and higher, supports GC and HPLC, and can acquire data digitally (network/RS-232) or via Tigre analog interfaces. Bound files preserve methods, calibration, and setpoints with each chromatogram for robust review and auditability—part of our commitment to unbroken file compatibility from MS-DOS to Windows 11.
Chromperfect Quick-Start Guide
Video chapters (quick navigation)
00:00 Intro & what you’ll learn
02:51 The Chromperfect System (GC/HPLC, digital/analog)
05:46 Configuration & Setup (folders, CPACQ service, instruments)
19:58 Develop a Simple Method (runtime, sample rate, channels)
28:07 Acquire & View Data (plots, scaling, saving)
31:04 Optimize Integration (threshold, peak width, timed events)
37:00 Create & Finalize Calibration (components, levels, updates)
44:32 Add Calibration to Method (processing options)
45:13 Reporting (fixed vs formatted)
46:52 Build and Run a Sequence (standards → samples)
49:57 Where to next
What you’ll learn
Install Chromperfect and ensure the CPACQ Service starts automatically.
Configure instruments (COM/IP), claim them in Acquisition Client, and set output folders.
Create a basic method with the right runtime, sample rate, and active channels.
Acquire a test chromatogram and review it as a bound file in Analysis.
Optimize integration using threshold, peak width, noise measurement, and timed events.
Build a calibration (name components, set RT windows, add levels) and attach it to your method.
Choose fixed reports or custom formatted reports.
Automate standards and samples with a sequence.
1) Install and verify prerequisites
Run setup.exe from the Chromperfect USB.
Confirm Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5+ is present.
Verify the CPACQ Service is set to Automatic and Running in Windows Services.
Manuals are installed locally at C:\CPDATA\Manuals and are also on the USB key.
Tip: If instruments appear Offline in the Acquisition Client, restart the CPACQ Service or the PC. For networked instruments, coordinate IP/firewall settings with IT.
2) Configure instruments
Open Configure → Instrument Properties.
Add each instrument, set its address (COM/USB/IP), and channel count.
Apply, then connect and name instruments/detectors.
In Acquisition Client, claim instruments, choose output folders and the printer for end-of-run reports.
3) Build your first method
In File Editor → New → Method, set:
Runtime: slightly longer than the last peak of interest.
Sample rate: ensure at least 10 data points across your narrowest peak (rule of thumb: ~20 for GC, ~5 for LC if unsure).
Acquire From: enable all active channels.
Save the method, then download it to the instrument in the Acquisition Client.
4) Acquire and review data
Set a base filename and cycle number; start a run.
Chromperfect creates a RAW and, by default, a BND file.
Open the BND in Analysis to work with a self-contained copy of the method, calibration, and setpoints.
Use plot scaling and properties to view points, baselines, and labels.
Why bound files matter: RAW files reference external methods/calibrations that may change. BND keeps everything embedded for consistent, long-term review.
5) Optimize integration
Use Measure Noise to suggest a threshold; use Peak Properties to estimate peak width.
Apply and adjust threshold/peak width until all peaks of interest are correctly integrated.
If needed, insert timed integration events for complex baselines or valve switches.
Save the method and re-bind the BND so your changes persist with the data file.
6) Create and finalize a calibration
Option A (fast): In Analysis, Components → Make New Calibration File, click peaks to add components, set amounts, and adjust retention windows graphically.
Option B (template): Generate a cal from a BND peak list, then rename components in the editor.
Add levels for multi-point or replicate standards and update from bound files if desired.
Set a default component policy for unidentified peaks when the application requires it.
Save the cal, then attach it in your method’s Processing tab.
7) Reporting
Fixed format reports provide chromatogram plus amount, normalized amount, area, and normalized area.
Formatted reports enable custom layouts using the report designer.
Choose your report outputs in the method so they’re created automatically at end-of-run or during batch reprocessing.
8) Sequences for standards and samples
Build a sequence that runs standards first (replace/average options) to update the calibration, then your samples.
Include vial numbers for autosamplers; confirm per-channel methods and base names for multi-detector setups.
Save and run the sequence from the Acquisition Client.
Troubleshooting essentials
Instrument shows Offline: confirm addressing, drivers, network rules, and CPACQ Service state.
Too few data points across peaks: increase sample rate in the method and re-acquire.
Spurious peaks or missed peaks: tune threshold/peak width; add timed events where necessary.
Reports missing fields: verify method report settings and, for formatted outputs, confirm the correct template is referenced.
Keep learning
Open the Installation Manual for detailed instrument configuration.
Use the Main Manual for integration events and custom reporting.
Explore advanced training videos on calibration strategies and peak identification.
Watched the Chromperfect Quick-Start Guide and still need help? Email support@chromperfect.com with your license serial number, instrument make/model, and a short description of the issue.
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