> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aethlabs.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/mam-software.md). # 7. microAeth Manager Software Installation, connecting to the MA600, configuring settings, downloading and exporting data, RS-232 serial output, and firmware updates via microAeth® Manager. ## 7.1 Installation and System Requirements microAeth Manager is the cross-platform desktop application for configuring, downloading, and exporting data from the microAethalometer MA600. **Supported operating systems:** macOS®, Windows®. **Download:** Available from the AethLabs website (aethlabs.com). Version 1.8 or newer is recommended. **USB connection:** microAeth Manager connects to the MA600 through the front-panel **USB mini-B** port using the provided mini USB cable. **RS-232 serial:** The MA600 also outputs data and accepts commands over the rear-panel RS-232 DB-9 **SERIAL** connector for integration with data acquisition systems. This is independent of microAeth Manager; see §7.8 and [Chapter 9: Data Management](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/XkOnqlVBs8XTUOoUNENj#id-9.6-serial-output-protocol) §9.6. **Internet connection:** Required for AethLabs server login and firmware updates. Not required for local data download and settings configuration. ## 7.2 Connecting to the MA600 {% tabs %} {% tab title="Video" %} {% @arcade/embed url="" flowId="tyVXQ3KzEsx3wmvm9eJt" %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Text + Images" %} ![microAeth Manager main window with a connected MA600 — the device header and download banner across the top, and Vital Signs, Measurement Settings, Communications, Operational Settings, Tape Advance Triggers, and Source Apportionment panels](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5098b633fca77c955290f89d6c3c6227857f1b1f%2Fma600-mam-main-window.png?alt=media) 1. Turn on the MA600 if it is not already powered. 2. Connect the provided mini USB cable from the instrument's front-panel USB mini-B port to the computer. 3. Open microAeth Manager. 4. The instrument serial number and name will appear in the device section of the main application window. {% hint style="info" %} **If the instrument does not appear:** Check that the USB cable is properly seated in the front-panel USB mini-B port. Try a different USB port. Try clicking 'Refresh'. {% endhint %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Text Only" %} 1. Turn on the MA600 if it is not already powered. 2. Connect the provided mini USB cable from the instrument's front-panel USB mini-B port to the computer. 3. Open microAeth Manager. 4. The instrument serial number and name will appear in the device section of the main application window. {% hint style="info" %} **If the instrument does not appear:** Check that the USB cable is properly seated in the front-panel USB mini-B port. Try a different USB port. Try clicking 'Refresh'. {% endhint %} {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} ## 7.3 Configuring Settings via Software {% tabs %} {% tab title="Video" %} {% @arcade/embed url="" flowId="LFVaMRx0Hq8LS3UaGylf" %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Text + Images" %} ![microAeth Manager settings panel — the Measurement Settings group (Flow Set Point, Timebase, Wavelengths, Sampling Mode) and the Source Apportionment values (AAE Biomass, AAE Fossil Fuel, Cref)](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-999fdcfd57fdbd659b637db8016b381be698d487%2Fma600-mam-settings-panel.png?alt=media) With the instrument connected in microAeth Manager: 1. The current settings are displayed in the configuration panel. 2. Click any editable field to change the value. Click the checkmark to save, or 'x' to cancel. 3. Settings are written to the instrument immediately when saved. **Settings configurable in microAeth Manager** (complete list): * Device name * Timezone offset * Timebase * Flow rate * Tape advance ATN threshold * DualSpot / SingleSpot mode * Wavelength selection (enable/disable individual channels) * AutoSample (auto-start on power-up) * Serial mode and baud rate * Serial output format version * Source apportionment parameters (Cref, AAE biomass, AAE fossil fuel) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Text Only" %} With the instrument connected in microAeth Manager: 1. The current settings are displayed in the configuration panel. 2. Click any editable field to change the value. Click the checkmark to save, or 'x' to cancel. 3. Settings are written to the instrument immediately when saved. **Settings configurable in microAeth Manager** (complete list): * Device name * Timezone offset * Timebase * Flow rate * Tape advance ATN threshold * DualSpot / SingleSpot mode * Wavelength selection (enable/disable individual channels) * AutoSample (auto-start on power-up) * Serial mode and baud rate * Serial output format version * Source apportionment parameters (Cref, AAE biomass, AAE fossil fuel) {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} ## 7.4 Downloading Data {% tabs %} {% tab title="Video" %} {% @arcade/embed url="" flowId="o1Apa4EdVFUvTomhf2hX" %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Text + Images" %} ![microAeth Manager "Manage data" dialog for MA600-0108 — the data-on-device count with Download / Delete buttons, the downloaded-sessions table with export options, and the data file export location](https://272274374-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F1fOQ2MnLWcq0ntHW3LLY%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-5146e4c4e2fd237b1020c70f9716f7e9672b233d%2Fma600-mam-manage-data.png?alt=media) 1. Connect the instrument via the front-panel USB mini-B port. 2. In microAeth Manager, the device will show the number of data lines stored. 3. Click 'Download data' (or equivalent button — label may differ by software version). 4. Data is downloaded from the instrument's internal flash memory to the local application database. 5. Progress is displayed during download. 6. Downloaded data is stored in the microAeth Manager local database for export. {% hint style="warning" %} **Data loss risk:** Do not disconnect the instrument or close microAeth Manager during a download. Data is not deleted from the instrument during download — you can download the same data multiple times. {% endhint %} {% endtab %} {% tab title="Text Only" %} 1. Connect the instrument via the front-panel USB mini-B port. 2. In microAeth Manager, the device will show the number of data lines stored. 3. Click 'Download data' (or equivalent button — label may differ by software version). 4. Data is downloaded from the instrument's internal flash memory to the local application database. 5. Progress is displayed during download. 6. Downloaded data is stored in the microAeth Manager local database for export. {% hint style="warning" %} **Data loss risk:** Do not disconnect the instrument or close microAeth Manager during a download. Data is not deleted from the instrument during download — you can download the same data multiple times. {% endhint %} {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} ## 7.5 Exporting Data Files 1. In microAeth Manager, select the data session(s) to export. 2. Click 'Export' (or equivalent). 3. Choose output format: CSV (recommended for analysis), or other available formats. 4. Choose the output file location. 5. Exported CSV files contain all measurement columns as described in [Chapter 9: Data Management](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/XkOnqlVBs8XTUOoUNENj#id-9.1-data-output-format-versions) §9.1. **Export from microAeth Manager includes all data columns** for the selected output format version (Version 1, 2, or 3 — see [Chapter 9: Data Management](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/XkOnqlVBs8XTUOoUNENj#id-9.3-serial-data-output-format-structures) §9.3). Version 3 is recommended for new analyses. ## 7.6 Upload Data to AethLabs Dashboard Server It is possible to upload data from microAeth Manager to the AethLabs Dashboard. This requires a Dashboard account . {% stepper %} {% step %} In microAeth Manager be sure you are logged in to the AethLabs Cloud server as indicated in the top right hand corner of the application
{% endstep %} {% step %} When exporting data from the Manage Data menu, an option to "Upload sessions to AethLabs Cloud after export" will be visible. Enable this option and the data will also be sent to the AethLabs Dashboard server.
{% endstep %} {% endstepper %} ## 7.7 Firmware Updates Firmware updates are available from the AethLabs website. Two methods are supported: **Method 1: microAeth Manager (recommended)** — See [Chapter 10: Calibration & Maintenance](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/rKTSjRcxhGXvsZsNR9rj#id-10.5.1-firmware-update-via-microaeth-r-manager-recommended) §10.5.1. **Method 2: Tera Term terminal emulator (Windows only, advanced users)** — See [Chapter 10: Calibration & Maintenance](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/rKTSjRcxhGXvsZsNR9rj#id-10.5.2-firmware-update-via-tera-term-windows-only-advanced) §10.5.2. {% hint style="danger" %} **IMPORTANT:** Download and back up all data from the instrument before any firmware update. Data may not be accessible after a firmware upgrade. {% endhint %} ## 7.8 RS-232 Serial Output The MA600 streams data and accepts commands over the rear-panel RS-232 DB-9 **SERIAL** connector using the MA Series serial protocol. This is used to integrate the instrument with data acquisition systems, loggers, and SCADA — see [Chapter 4: Installation](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/JI7mcCGZqmB7gqPbF4B7#id-4.2.3-rs-232-serial) §4.2.3 for cabling and [Chapter 9: Data Management](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/XkOnqlVBs8XTUOoUNENj#id-9.6-serial-output-protocol) §9.6 for the full command set and data-line format. Configure the serial baud rate (default 1,000,000), data format, and streaming state in microAeth Manager (§7.3) or from the on-board menu ([Chapter 6: Instrument Settings](https://docs.aethlabs.com/microaethalometer-tm-ma600/manual/pages/Wdh3XfSYR8hfsnx78Z6A#id-6.7-rs-232-serial-settings) §6.7). Serial data output begins automatically when sampling starts. ## 7.9 Deleting All Data on the MA600 {% hint style="danger" %} **ONCE THIS ACTION IS COMPLETED, IT IS NOT REVERSIBLE. Deleting the data on the MA600 deletes all data stored on the instrument.** {% endhint %} 1. Connect the mini USB cable to the front-panel USB mini-B port of the MA600 and to a computer where microAeth Manager is installed. 2. Open microAeth Manager. 3. Turn on the MA600. 4. The instrument information will load into the microAeth Manager device pane. 5. Click the 'Manage data' button to open the 'Manage data for MA600-xxxx' window. This window shows all data files stored on the instrument and all data sessions previously downloaded into the local microAeth Manager database on the computer. 6. The top 'Data on device' section manages the data stored on the instrument. The bottom 'Data sessions in application local database' section shows previously downloaded sessions. 7. In the 'Data on device' section, click the 'Delete all data on device' button. 8. The 'Confirm deleting data' window opens. Type 'DELETE' into the text field. 9. **ONCE THIS ACTION IS COMPLETED, IT IS NOT REVERSIBLE.** Press the 'Delete all on the device' button to confirm.