The installation media (e.g., USB flash drive) that ships with Pine Research Electrochemical Workstations includes AfterMath software and the license files. These license files, or “permissions files,” authorize a computer running AfterMath to control specific instruments. If Aftermath is installed on the computer using the installation media shipped with a particular instrument, then these permissions files are automatically copied to the computer.

If you manually install AfterMath, such as from a downloaded installer, onto a new computer that has not before been used with AfterMath or Pine Research potentiowstats, then it is unlikely the permissions files are present.  As a result, AfterMath will install and when you connect the workstation, it will be recognized in the software; however, you will not be able to perform any experiments.

Did you recently install AfterMath Blue onto a new computer?  This is the most common cause of the experiments menu being grayed out and unusable.  This is most likely due to a missing, corrupt, or incorrect permissions file.  As shown below, there are two likely observations you can make when the permissions files(s) are missing.

AfterMath Blue Experiments Menu Grayed Out

First, the connected instrument may appear in the lower left corner, under Instruments, highlighted in yellow. If you hover over the entry you will see a message indicating “Warning: This instrument is unlicensed.” Second, the “Experiments” menu across the top of the applciation may be grayed out and you cannot select an experiment, thus, you cannot use the Workstation.  The issue is that the permissions files are not found or, the permissions files found do not correspond to the workstation that is connected.  We can help you resolve this!

The solution is to install permissions files. Where are the permissions files?  They are located on the original installation media (e.g., USB flash drive) shipped with the workstation.  If you have the original installation media, you can proceed to the next step.    If you cannot find the original installation media, then you must contact Pine Research staff.  We will ask you for two things:  1) Workstation serial number; and 2) Workstation hardware ID.  Please read about how to find the Potentiostat Hardware ID and Serial Number before contacting us.

There are several ways to install permissions files. The easiest option is only available on AfterMath Blue, which has built in license manager utility. If you do not have AfterMath Blue, consider upgrading your software for the lastest features, updates, and improvemenets in AfterMath.  We will first show how to use the AfterMath Blue License Manager to install your permissions files.  If you are using Classic AfterMath (green), skip ahead to read how to install permissions files with the version you currently have installed.