Summary of the content on the page No. 1
ColorFlex
Notice: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may
impair the protection afforded by the equipment.
The ColorFlex system consists of a ColorFlex optical sensor and an IBM-compatible computer
composed of the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The computer may have been user-
provided or purchased with the sensor and software. A printer may also be used with the system.
The ColorFlex Sensor
The ColorFlex spectrocolorimeter is a versatile, c
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
The diffuse model 13-2 ColorFlex 07/02
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
Accessories The following accessories are provided with the ColorFlex and can be found in the standards box. • Black glass - placed at the sample port during standardization of 45°/0° instruments. • Light trap - placed at the sample port during standardization of diffuse/8° instruments. • White calibrated tile - placed at the sample port during standardization. • Green tile - used to check instrument performance. Use of the green tile is described on page 24-3. • Standards care card - gives ins
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Options and Sample Devices Any or all of the following options and sample devices may be included. HunterLab part numbers are included for your convenience. • Sample clamp/port-forward stand (HL#D02-1010-459), • Port inserts [45°/0° instruments only] (various part numbers), • Bar code reader kit (HL#D02-1010-715), • 2.5-inch glass sample cup (HL#04-7209-00), • Sample cup opaque cover (HL#04-4000-00), • Sample cup port plate [45°/0° instruments only] (HL#04-6622-00), • Ring and disk set [45°/0°
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Sample Clamp/Port-Forward Stand The port-forward stand holds the instrument securely in the port-forward position and the sample clamp allows samples to be held flat at the sample port when the instrument is in this orientation. To attach the stand to the ColorFlex, lay the instrument on its side and install the two screws through the stand into the bottom of the instrument using the Allen wrench provided. To use the sample clamp, pull the spring-loaded clamp away from the sample port, insert t
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Bar Code Reader Kit The bar code reader attaches to the communications port of the ColorFlex and allows input of a 24-character bar code ID. An AC adapter is also provided. Installing the Bar Code Reader The ColorFlex is capable of reading and storing sample IDs from a bar code reader. The bar code reader, cable, and AC power supply may be purchased as optional equipment from HunterLab. To assemble the bar code reader, follow the instructions below. 1. Plug the male 9-pin connector of the sca
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
To operate the bar code scanner, hold the wand at a slight angle (10 to 30 degrees) from vertical. Place the wand on the page either to the right or left of the code to be scanned and move the wand at a steady speed across the code to the other side. Do not stop until the bar code is completely passed over. The red light at the tip of the bar code reader will blink twice when scanning the ENTER code and will blink once for all other codes when the codes have been scanned correctly. You must l
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Note: If you do not use the autostore function, then be sure to manually log each reading by pressing the Up Arrow/Print key after entering the sample ID from the bar code reader. 2.5-inch Glass Sample Cup The sample cup is ideal for the analysis of powders, granules, pellets, and translucent samples. It is recommended for use with the instrument in the port-up position. The cup can be filled with the desired sample and placed at the measurement port so that the sample is measured through the
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
opaque cover. Measure the sample at the sample port through the glass bottom of the sample cup with the instrument in the port-up orientation. Orange Juice Tube Holder (45°/0° instruments only) This holder is designed to allow the viewing of a 1-inch glass test tube of orange juice by the instrument through a viewed area equivalent to that of the optional 0.75-inch port plate. The orange juice tube holder option includes a special mounted black glass for standardization and is recommended for
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
Calculations for the citrus scales are given in Appendix A. OJ4 Orange Juice Standard This option provides an uncalibrated plastic OJ4 standard for creating a new instrument hitch or checking the current instrument hitch to the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) standards. This standard is also available with USDA calibration for an additional fee. When a citrus scale is to be used, read the OJ4 standard and hitch the instrument to the XYZ values given on the standard label. Sav
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Skein Holder (45°/0° instruments only) This is a device for measuring yarn skeins. Wind the yarn around the skein holder in multiple taut layers until it is effectively opaque and is as flat as possible. Secure it in place with the detachable arms on the sides of the skein holder. Place the skein holder at the sample port and back it with the sample clamp or a white backing tile to provide a consistent background and pressure. Make several measurements of the skein, rotating the holder 90° b
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Foot Switch Pressing the foot switch performs the same function as the Read button on the keypad. A pre-programmed sequence of steps can be carried out without input from the computer keyboard or mouse. See the “Toolbar” section of the Configure chapter for instructions. Install the foot switch by plugging it into the round connector on the back of the ColorFlex. (See the picture on page 13-13.) External Serial Printer The external serial printer connects to the serial port of the ColorFlex
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
Installation The following instructions guide you through the initial installation of your ColorFlex system. 1. Unpack all cartons and remove wrappings and cable ties. Inspect for damage and notify the carrier and HunterLab immediately if any is discovered. Save the packing materials in case it becomes necessary to return the instrument to the factory. 2. Place the ColorFlex on a flat, stable surface near an electrical outlet. 3. Connect the jack connector of the AC adapter to the jack accepto
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
Standardization Standardization on a ColorFlex model with 45°/0° geometry requires reading of the black glass and white tile. Standardization on a diffuse/8° ColorFlex requires you to read both the light trap and the white tile. Standardizing a diffuse ColorFlex using the light trap Standardizing a 45°/0° ColorFlex using the black glass 13-14 ColorFlex 07/02
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
Standardizing the ColorFlex using the white tile Standardization can be done through the software or directly through the ColorFlex firmware. More detailed information about your ColorFlex sensor and its standardization is given in its separate ColorFlex User's Guide and in the Sensor chapter of this manual. It is recommended that the instrument be standardized at least once every eight hours. Then you may proceed with sample measurement. 07/02 ColorFlex 13-15
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
Maintenance This section outlines the parts of the sensor you must maintain in order for the instrument to function properly. More detailed information about your ColorFlex sensor is given in its separate User's Guide. Notice: Do not disassemble the instrument and attempt to clean the optical components. Do not open the instrument or remove any covers except using the instructions given in this User’s Manual or under the direction of HunterLab Customer Support. Replacing the Lamp Lamp replace
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
Archiving Setups All ninety-nine setups can be stored in non-volatile memory by choosing “Archive Setups” from the ColorFlex menu. When this procedure is performed, all setups will then be stored in non-volatile memory and will be safeguarded from loss due to memory failure. It is recommended that you store your setups in non-volatile memory on a regular basis. This will protect your setups should you experience an unforeseen memory loss. If you create additional setups or change existing setup
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
Specifications For best performance, your instrument should be placed where there is ample work space with medium or subdued illumination and no drafts. For optimum results, a clean, air-conditioned area is recommended with a relative noncondensing humidity of 5-85% and relatively constant temperature not exceeding 110°F (43°C). For specification performance, the recommended temperature range is 70- 82°F (21°-28°C). The instrument should be connected to a stable, instrument-grade power line.
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
Baud rate from 300 to 57600 No parity 8 data bits 1 stop bit. Your output device must be configured in the same way in order to communicate with ColorFlex. Note that Universal Software’s maximum baud rate is 19200. Note: Several baud rates are available with ColorFlex. Be sure to change the INSTRUMENT SETUP of ColorFlex to agree with the baud rate selected for your output device. Handshake Output from the ColorFlex serial port is controlled by XON/XOFF handshaking. Data output is stopped whe
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
The instrument serial port ground connection is referenced to the instrument's internal frame and safety ground. Before connecting the communication cable to the instrument serial port, apply power to the instrument and the host computer. Check the ground potential (voltage) between the serial port ground pins on the computer and the instrument. The ground connection is pin 5 on DB-9 connectors and pin 7 on DB-25 connectors. Voltages in excess of 5VAC at 110V input power, or in excess of 10V
