Downloading, Updating or Installing Scope (for Mac)

Downloading, Updating or Installing Scope for Mac

You can download the updater for the latest version of Scope for Mac from the Software Updates section of this web site. This updater requires that you have Scope v3.6.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 system 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, see the Software Updates page.

Downloading the Scope Updater from the Web

To download the Scope updater, click the appropriate link (ScopeUpdater.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.

Updating Scope

An updater works by changing an older version of software to make it the latest version. You must already have an older version of Scope installed on your system to do this. Once you have your updater on your machine, then you can update the software. To do this, simply run the expanded updater and follow the instructions.

The updater will ask you if you want to update Scope. If you have multiple copies of Scope it will ask you which to update. We recommend that you have only one copy of an application on your machine at any one time. Multiple copies can create conflicts, causing unreliability and poor performance. It is also possible that older versions of software may be run by mistake.

Installing Scope

The Scope installer is available on CD ROM or floppy disks. You should keep your installer in a safe place in case you need to reinstall your application. If you have lost your disks, your nearest ADInstruments representative may be able to replace them.

An installer works by installing a completely new application. You do not need to have Scope installed already. Once you have your installer on your machine, then you can install the software. To do this, simply run the expanded installer and follow the instructions. Scope and LabChart software share a joint installer. You can choose to do a standard installation which installs both Scope and LabChart software or you can install them separately.

The installer will ask you where to install the software. The standard installation places a folder called ADInstruments on your hard disk. This contains LabChart, Scope and Documentation folders. The LabChart and Scope folders each contain the program itself, online help files, hardware driver files and demonstration files. The LabChart folder, in addition, contains folders for used and unused LabChart extensions. The Documentation folder contains various hardware and software guides and application notes in pdf format.

For a complete list of the ADInstruments folder contents, or for more information about installing your software, refer to your Scope User's Guide.

Running Scope

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

Which Versions of Scope can be updated to the Latest Version?

If you are using v3.6.x, then you can use the updater available from this web site to update to the latest version.

Scope File Compatibility

Data files, settings files, and text files made with previous versions of Scope are compatible with a new version of software. You can read a file made with an older version by running the new version 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 can not be read by older versions.

Problems Downloading, Installing, or Updating Software for Mac?

If you are having problems downloading, updating, or installing 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 nearest ADInstruments representative about getting a disk or CD of the software you need.
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 Scope 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 Scope you are using in the About Scope dialog box.
4. That you are using the correct updater for the version of software you use. See above for further clarification.

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

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