Installing or Updating LabChart for Macintosh

The LabChart installer is available on CD-ROM from your local ADInstruments representative. The installer works by installing a completely new application of LabChart. Once the installer is on your machine you can install the software. To do this, simply run the installer by double-clicking it and follow the instructions.

The standard installation places a folder called LabChart 6 in the Applications folder on your hard disk. By using the pop-up menu in the Installer dialog box you can choose an alternative location for this folder. For a list of the ADInstruments folder contents, or for more information about installing your software, refer to your Getting Started with PowerLab manual, or the Read Me available in the Installer.

You should keep your installer in a safe place in case you need to reinstall your application. If you have lost your CD-ROM, your local ADInstruments representative may be able to replace it.

Updating LabChart/Chart for Macintosh

You can obtain an updater for the latest version of LabChart or Chart 5 for Macintosh from the Software Updates section of this web site. The updater works by updating an older version of software to the latest version. The updater requires that you have Chart v5.x installed on the target hard disk. You can also obtain an updater for the latest version of Chart 4 for Macintosh. This updater requires that you have Chart v4.x installed on the target hard disk.

We recommend that everyone updates to the latest version of each software application. ADInstruments is continually adding new features to its software and taking advantage of new operating systems and hardware developments. To get the most out of your PowerLab system, you need to keep up-to-date with new versions of software.

For the latest versions of updaters see the Software Updates section of this web site.

Downloading and Running a LabChart Updater

To download a LabChart updater, click the appropriate link (e.g. LabChart6Updater.sit). The updater will download as a compressed file with a '.sit' extension. You need to expand this file before you can run it. For more information on expanding .sit files, see the expanding StuffIt files support note.

To update LabChart, double-click on the updater and follow the instructions. The updater will automatically locate your current version of LabChart. If you have more than one copy of LabChart installed on your computer, the updater may select a different folder for the updated version of LabChart.

Note: We recommend that you only have one copy of LabChart installed at a time otherwise you may experience conflicts when trying to run LabChart.

• Install - updates LabChart
• Install Location – allows you to choose the location for the updated version of LabChart
• Read Me - you may or may not have one of these depending on the version of the updater. If you do, it provides some information about LabChart and updating.
• Quit - lets you cancel the update.

Once you have updated your software, launch the new application by double-clicking the appropriate icon. If you have problems getting LabChart to run, then refer to your LabChart User's Guide or to the Launching ADInstruments software support note.

LabChart File Compatibility

Data files, settings files and text files made with previous versions of LabChart are generally compatible with a newer version of software. You can read a file made with an older version by running the new version of LabChart and opening the file. When this file is saved, it will be saved in the new version's file format.

Note that files saved or made by newer versions of software cannot be read by older versions.

Problems Downloading, Updating or Installing LabChart for Macintosh?

If you are having problems downloading or updating software, there are several things you can check:

1. That you have a reliable Internet connection. If you can't get a reliable connection, or download times are so long that the connection is timing out, contact your local IT or computer technician. If you are still unable to download the files you require, ask your local ADInstruments representative about getting a CD of the software you need. If a link or is broken or the files are corrupt, then please contact the webmaster. Note: Ensure that your files have completely finished downloading before trying to use them.
2. That you have remembered to expand your software using StuffIt Expander (v5.1.2 or later). If the file has not been expanded, it will have a '.sit' file extension. If you get a message saying that the file is corrupt, then it is possible that your version of StuffIt Expander is too old. If you try a newer version and you still get an error message, then contact the webmaster.
3. That you don't have multiple copies of LabChart on your machine. This can cause conflicts to occur between the different versions, or the old version may be run by mistake. You can check which version of LabChart you are using in the About LabChart dialog box, available from the LabChart menu.
4. That you are using the correct updater for the version of software you use. See the relevant Software Updates page on this web site for further clarification.

   For more detailed information refer to your LabChart User's Guide.

If you are still having problems, send us a technical assistance request detailing your query.