Accuracy AccuProbe HH06 User manual

1
AccuProbe HH06
Color Meter
User Manual
Accuracy Microsensors, Inc.
Pittsford, New York
USA
June 1998
June 1998, Manualk.doc

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION.........................................................................................................................................5
PHYSICAL FEATURES..............................................................................................................................7
Unpacking the instrument...........................................................................................................................7
Handling the instrument .............................................................................................................................7
Keyboard and liquid crystal display.........................................................................................................10
Installing batteries....................................................................................................................................11
Connecting external power.......................................................................................................................13
Turning on the instrument ........................................................................................................................14
Power quality............................................................................................................................................14
STANDARD OPERATIONS......................................................................................................................17
Power reset...............................................................................................................................................17
Measurement ............................................................................................................................................19
Error checking..........................................................................................................................................20
SAMPLE TYPES AND SAMPLE PRESENTATION.............................................................................23
Sample presentation..................................................................................................................................23
Homogenous samples ...............................................................................................................................23
Non-homogenous samples ........................................................................................................................24
Problem samples.......................................................................................................................................24
THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL MENU ................................................................................................25
DISPLAY CONTROL ................................................................................................................................27
Multiple measurement display..................................................................................................................27
Multiple sample display............................................................................................................................28
WORKING WITH STORED SAMPLE MEASUREMENTS ................................................................29
Changing the active sample......................................................................................................................29
Manually selecting a standard..................................................................................................................30
Automatic standard selection....................................................................................................................31
Storing sample measurements ..................................................................................................................31
Clearing stored sample measurements.....................................................................................................31
Disabling sample measurement storage...................................................................................................32
PICKING COLORS FROM A SEARCHLIST........................................................................................33
Picking the closest color...........................................................................................................................33
Finding a color neighborhood..................................................................................................................34
Search performance..................................................................................................................................37

4
MEASUREMENT PROCEDURES...........................................................................................................39
Illuminants................................................................................................................................................49
Whiteness..................................................................................................................................................40
Yellowness ................................................................................................................................................41
Color difference........................................................................................................................................43
Color coordinates.....................................................................................................................................45
Averaging multiple measurements............................................................................................................47
CHECKING THE INSTRUMENT ...........................................................................................................51
Checking the battery level.........................................................................................................................51
Determining the unit ID............................................................................................................................52
Checking temperature...............................................................................................................................52
Checking software ....................................................................................................................................53
Checking color performance ....................................................................................................................54
Cleaning the lens assembly and full calibration.......................................................................................56
OPERATION WITH A PERSONAL COMPUTER................................................................................59
RS232 communications.............................................................................................................................59
Interface....................................................................................................................................................59
Power supply ............................................................................................................................................59
Power switching .......................................................................................................................................60
Checking communications........................................................................................................................60
Typical operations with an external computer .........................................................................................61
Communications reset ..............................................................................................................................62
APPENDIX A. INSTRUMENT MENU STRUCTURE.........................................................................63
APPENDIX B. MESSAGE INDEX .........................................................................................................67
APPENDIX C. TROUBLE SHOOTING ................................................................................................68
TABLE OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 TOP VIEW OF INSTRUMENT 8
FIGURE 2 BOTTOM VIEW OF INSTRUMENT 9
FIGURE 3 REAR VIEW OF INSTRUMENT 10
FIGURE 4 REMOVING BATTERY COVER 11
FIGURE 5 BATTERY POSITION IN HOLDER 12
FIGURE 6 SLIDE BATTERY INTO TERMINALS 12
FIGURE 7 EXTERNAL CONNECTION 13
FIGURE 8 CHECKING TARGET WITH LANDING PAD 55
FIGURE 9 TARGET AND SENSOR ALIGNMENT 55
FIGURE 10 REMOVING THE NOSECONE 56

5
INTRODUCTION
The AccuProbe HH06
1
color meter is a hand-held instrument capable of performing a
number of color measurement and identification functions. The instrument may be
operated both as a portable unit using standard nine-volt batteries, or used under control
of a personal computer using the standard RS232 interface and connected to a power
supply. AccuProbe HH06 instruments include modern flash-programmable memory
that may be programmed at the factory or by a qualified dealer to perform a range of
color measurements. When programmed at the factory with data from a commercial
color identification system, the instrument can be used to pick the color closest to a
measured sample from a commercial color reference system, or to pick colors, for
example, “lighter than” but “next to” the closest color. By picking colors along specific
color directions (for instance: “lighter”, “darker”, “greener”, “redder”, “yellower”, and
“bluer”) the unit can select the “neighborhood” of a target color in a color system. The
instrument can be programmed by a qualified distributor to pick colors from any custom
set of colors for which target reflectance is known. When used in conjunction with a
laboratory spectrophotometer operating with a personal computer (PC), the AccuProbe
HH06 color meter can be programmed to function as a Pass/Fail meter with reference to
one or more color standards.
In relation to physical color standards, or in conjunction with numerical reflectance
standards (from a laboratory spectrophotometer), the unit performs as a color difference
meter that provides color differences using several modern color difference formulas.
When operated as a portable unit, the AccuProbe HH06 color meter can “remember”
every measurement. These measurements may subsequently be extracted by a personal
computer. The instrument can act as a color memory. It will “remember” the colors of
painted walls, wallpaper, pictures, … and these colors can be recalled later on the display
of the instrument or using a personal computer. If the instrument is used to measure the
same material a number of times, it serves as a data collection tool for statistical quality
control. Because the color meter can remember all of the information from each
measurement, it can also be used as a personal Pass/Fail meter by manufacturing
personnel, while numerical color coordinates may be extracted periodically for statistical
quality control.
Finally, the instrument operates as a stand-alone colorimeter, reporting color coordinates
in several forms, including whiteness and yellowness indices. The basic instrument
includes color picking, color difference, and colorimetry features. Advanced features are
added by means of a dealer-installed PCMIA memory card, and personal computer
programs.
1
AccuProbe HH06is a trade mark of Accuracy Microsensors, Inc.

7
PHYSICAL FEATURES
Unpacking the instrument
Carefully remove the instrument and all other contents from the carton. Save the original
carton to use in the unlikely case that you may have to return the product for repairs.
The package contains:
1 AccuProbe HH06  color meter
1 Power supply and AC power cord
1 RS232 interface
1 Landing Pad
Handling the instrument
The color meter is designed for operation with one hand, either right or left. Hold the
instrument by its sides, feeling the vertical grooves between your thumb and the last
three fingers of your hand. You should find that it is easy to rest the heel of your hand on
the smooth area at the rear. Now your index finger can easily reach the center of the
green DO key. You should feel the indentation in the center of the green DO key with
your index finger. In fact, you should be able to close your eyes, pick up and use the
unit with either hand. The green DO key is used to initiate measurements. In most
cases, it is the only button on the keyboard you will ever need.
Place the color meter on a flat surface such as a desktop and look at it from the side at the
level of the desktop. You will see that the cone shaped sensor is flat on the table and that
two small metal feet at the back of the instrument also touch the table. To provide
maximum stability during measurement, the unit forms a three point contact to a flat
surface. There should be room to slide a thin object, such as a piece of paper, under the
instrument between these three points of contact. When you are working with large flat
samples, or with thin samples, have the instrument sit firmly on a flat surface. The unit
comes with a specific flat plate, the “Landing Pad”, which you may use with thin
samples. If the sample is thick
2
, smaller than the unit, or not flat enough, then you must
be sure that the sensor sits flat on the sample during measurement.
2
The thickness you will be able to measure using the landing pad will be a function of how much the
material compresses. For very hard materials like sheets of plastic or ceramic tiles you must take special
care to insure that the sensor is flat on the sample during the measurement. Materials which compress
slightly, such as paper, cloth or cardboard should conform to the sensor and block room light when slight
pressure is applied.

8
Figure 1 Top view of instrument
Liquid Crystal Display
This is a reflective
display, there must be
some room light for you
to be able to read it.
Green DO Key
UP Arrow
DOWN Arrow
Square MODE Key
Instrument Label
Sensor Center Cross
The center of the cross
is directly above the
center of the lens in
the sensor on the
underside of the unit.

9
Examine the underside of the color meter to identify the sensor, the power selection
switch, and the battery compartment door.
Figure 2 Bottom view of instrument
8 mm Nosecone and Sensor
Optional nosecones have
different shapes, but mount to
the same center.
Serial Number Label
Power Selection Switch
Battery Cover
Rear Feet
Ridges in Battery Cover

10
On the back of the unit you will find one socket for external connections.
Keyboard and liquid crystal
display
Most of the instrument functions are controlled or initiated from the simple four-key
keypad shown as part of Figure 1. The functions of the control keys are as follows:
•The green oval DO key is used to initiate a measurement or to return the unit to the
Ready-to-Measure (###_Rdy/Measure)state.
•The gray square MODE key is intended to select and indicate choices for the various
instrument functions.
•The gray arrow UP and DOWN arrow keys are used mainly to scan through menu
choices and, in conjunction with the square MODE key, allow you to make your
menu selection.
The liquid crystal display has two rows of sixteen characters each. It is the primary means
to communicate menu choices and answers. Measurement information, menu selections,
sample names or codes, and instrument status are all indicated on the display.
Figure 3 Rear view of instrument
Socket for modular external cable
Rear Feet
Standard Back Plate
The optional security back
plate covers the socket so that
the cable cannot be removed
without removing the back
plate. Security screws are used
with security back plates.

11
Installing batteries
First remove the battery compartment cover. To do this, hold the unit upside down in
your weaker hand. Place the heel of your stronger hand on the back of the unit. The
fingers of your stronger hand should now be able to touch the ridges in the battery
compartment cover. Squeeze the battery compartment cover between your fingertips and
the heel of your strong hand. As you do this, the cover will lift away from the unit. Check
Figure 4 to be sure of the placement of the heel and fingers of your strong hand. Practice
this several times the first time you have to remove the cover.
Inside the cover there may be a black and white or black, darkgrey, lightgrey, white
target. This is a calibration check target. Do not damage this target, get it dirty, or leave it
in direct sunlight.
To remove old batteries, pry with a pencil, insulated screwdriver or other thin strong
insulating tool between the case and the battery just above the terminals. The battery will
release from the terminals with a clear snap. Then slide the battery away from the
terminals and pry it up out of the clips. Note: We do not recommend the use of
rechargeable batteries. Depending on the type, rechargeable batteries may not produce
enough voltage to perform even one measurement.
Figure 4 Removing battery cover

12
Once the cover and any old batteries are removed, install two standard alkaline (or
lithium for longer life) 9-volt batteries in their holders by lining up the holder clips to the
battery contacts. Place the battery tilted in the holder with the edge toward the center of
the unit, elevated as shown in Figure 5.
Now push down on the battery and it will expand the clips and snap into position. If you
have lined up the battery terminals the battery will now slide forward and back with the
terminals aligned. Press the batteries toward the back of the unit until they snap into
position as shown in Figure 6.
When new batteries are in place, replace the cover.
Figure 5 Battery position in holder
Figure 6 Slide battery into terminals

13
Connecting external power
To connect external power, plug the power supply accessory into the AC line, plug the
power supply output into the RS232 connector box, and plug the modular connector into
the socket on the rear panel of the instrument as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 7 External connection
AC Power Cord
Cable Selector
Modular
Connector
DC Power
Connection
9-Pin D
RS232
Connector
Interfac
e
Power Supply
Second Cable

14
Turning on the instrument
The power selector switch is located on the underside of the unit. This is a small slide
switch labeled “0” and “1” . A modular cable socket is located on the rear panel of the
instrument, through which external power is supplied. The “1” position of the slide
switch selects battery power; and the “0” position selects external power. When the
instrument is used in its portable mode, there is no external cable; turn ON the unit by
sliding the switch on the underside of the instrument from “0” to “1” position. If the
instrument is used with both batteries and a power supply, and you wish to use external
power, turn the unit ON by making sure the power selector is in the “0” position and
inserting the external cable into the connector.
When the instrument is fixed to its cable for permanent tethered operation, there should
be no batteries installed. In such cases you will not be able to disconnect the external
cable; and the “1” switch position means “OFF” while the “0” position means “ON”.
You turn the unit OFF by sliding the switch from “0” to “1”, and turn the unit ON by
sliding the switch from “1” to “0”.
Power quality
As with any electronic instrument both operation and quality measurements require
electric power. The color meter uses a series of techniques to do the best job with the
available power and to warn you when measurement quality may be compromised.
If you see the display...
This means that the batteries are so low that that the instrument processor may not work.
If the unit is on battery power, switch to external power or replace the batteries
immediately.
On battery power, the two nine volt batteries are normally used in parallel and switched
to series operation when additional voltage is needed for measurement. The click you
may hear occurs when the batteries are being switched. If one of the batteries is low or if
one of the two batteries is improperly installed (usually not snapped fully into the
terminals in the battery holder), the unit may function properly until the batteries are
switched to series operation, then a Low Power message may be displayed.
Low Power
TURN OFF POWER

15
The AccuProbe HH06color meter is designed to be operated with either battery
power or external power, and considers the case where both forms of power are present to
be an error condition, as this could unnecessarily discharge the batteries. If you have been
operating your instrument on battery power and you connect external power without
switching the batteries off, the instrument will display the message...
This message will flash until the external power is removed and the batteries are switched
off.
AC Power Detected
Turn ALL power OFF

17
STANDARD OPERATIONS
Power reset
When power is applied, the AccuProbe HH06 color meter will perform a series of Power
Reset Operations. When the unit is turned on, the instrument will flash the message
while it automatically performs a self check. This diagnostic operation tests the basic
operation of the sensor, electronic hardware, and the internal processor; and verifies the
user settings of the unit. As the power-up reset sequence proceeds, it will cause several
messages to be displayed for a few seconds each. These may include software version,
the name of the set of colors used for color picking, and the current temperature of the
unit.
If the unit is loaded with a PANTONE
3
Color System the display will read
for three seconds during the power up sequence. This diagnostic operation tests basic
operations. If everything is working properly, the message will appear:
signifying that the unit is ready for use. ### represents a number between 001 and 500.
The number indicates the position in the memory where the next measurement result will
be stored, i.e.:
This means that the instrument already has 15 measurements stored and that the next
measurement will be stored in position 16.
Each instrument is calibrated to operate over a specific temperature range. The normal
range is +65oF (18oC) to +85oF (29oC). This range may be set to other values for specific
applications or conditions. Consult your dealer for the range of a specific unit.
3
PANTONEis a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. Portions ©Pantone, Inc.
Please wait
Parts Copyright
Pantone, Inc.
###_Rdy/Measure
016_Rdy/Measure

18
If the temperature is outside the preset limits, the instrument will display:
or
Should this happen, move the unit to a warmer or, respectively, colder place and let it
stabilize before trying it again.
Each instrument remembers set-up information in addition to measurements. Should the
user data (such as previous calibration, white calibration target value, etc.) not to be
valid, the instrument will display the warning:
or
If either of these messages appear, press the square, gray MODE key.
Note: These messages should normally never occur. If they occur an unexpected event
has occured. This may happen when the units is being used with a personal computer, but
should never happen in normal stand alone use. If they recur this should be considered a
unit hardware failure. When either of these messages occur the unit may not return to the
exact state of the prior set-up. You may need to consult the set-up function in the
Instrument Control Menu section of the manual to restore your setup.
Too cold to measure
Press MODE if ok
Too hot to measure
Press MODE if ok
User xsum error
Press MODE if ok
User data error
Press MODE if ok

19
Finally, there are two initialization conditions which should not occur
and
The message “Unrecognized MCD” will be displayed if the unit detects a memory card
with invalid data. This could occur if a memory card was improperly installed or
damaged. The message “CMOS batt error” will be displayed if the battery for the
onboard user memory has failed. Both of these conditions should be reported to your
dealer for further diagnosis.
Measurement
With power on and the instrument “Ready to Measure”, you may place the measurement
port flat against the sample and depress the green DO key to start a measurement. As you
depress the key, the display will change to say:
If you are operating the unit from batteries, you may hear a distinct click at the beginning
and end of the measurement. Under some conditions you may hear two sets of clicks. It
will generally take five seconds to complete the measurement. Make sure that the sensor
is placed firmly and flatly against the surface of the sample before and during the
measurement. Note the two cross-lines with a dot in the middle on the pointed front of
the unit -- the dot corresponds to the center of the sensor. These markings should help
position the instrument unit accurately. Also make sure that the back feet of the
instrument are on the table or other flat and stable surface. Use the Landing Pad; it will
provide a flat surface with a consistent backing color that helps to avoid measurement
errors.
When the measurement is complete the instrument will display a specific result. The
measurement process generates a set of numbers. These numbers represent the
reflectance of the sample viewed by the sensor. The displayed measurement result is a
specific calculation made using the sample reflectance. The AccuProbe HH06 color
meter is capable of generating measurement results in a variety of formats. The
Unrecognized MCD
Press MODE if ok
CMOS batt error
Press MODE if ok
Measuring

20
distributor, your supervisor, or you will normally have selected a particular format. For
example, if your unit has been set-up to pick colors from a PANTONE® Color System
4
,
the instrument might display:
The number 17-1842TP is a code that identifies a particular shade of red from a
PANTONE fan deck.
But, if your instrument has been setup to display whiteness in the ASTM E313 format
you may see:
This display provides the location of the stored measurement result, the value of the
index, and a description of which index was calculated.
In the two displays above, the numbers DE*=0341 and WI=-1362 are integer
representations of decimal numbers. To preserve display space the instrument displays
decimal numbers to the second place but does not display decimal points. DE*=0341
should be read as Delta E of 3.41 and WI=-1362 should be read as Whiteness Index of
minus13.62.
Error checking
During a measurement the instrument performs a series of checks to ensure that the
quality of results is acceptable. If the unit determines that the measurement results may
be questionable, it will display a warning message and prompt you to press the square
MODE key to indicate that the results are acceptable as made.
This message questions whether the sensor is flat on the sample because the measurement
indicates that there may be external light affecting the results. This might also occur
because the measurement was requested before the instrument was “down” on the
sample. This usually occurs when the operator pushed the green key on the way down,
before the instrument was “down” on the sample. It may also occur in conditions of high
external light, for example, in direct sunlight, with translucent samples, or with glossy
samples which are not flat against the sensor. Although the unit attempts to detect these
conditions and warn you, it can only detect these conditions when they are severe, and
these conditions can affect measurements whenever they occur.
4
PANTONEis a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc. Portions ©Pantone, Inc.
#007 DE*=0341
17-1842TP
#015 WI=-1362
Whiteness (E313)
Press MODE if OK
Down on sample?