CAISSON FMG-30 User manual

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
Color Meter FMG-30
User manual
1. Description of the instrument
Color meter enables measurement of the color intensity diff erence between a sample under examination and
a specimen. Based on a selected color palette, the device’s feedback information shows two colors most
closely related to the sample under examination and CIELab color space values L*a*b or the percentage
of the components of the sRGB color space. The instrument’s vertical construction enables measurement
of very small areas.
Figure 1. Color meter, general view
2. Measurement method
The color sensor and two electroluminescent diodes create a system based on a 45°/0° geometry. The sam-
ple’s surface is illuminated at 45 degrees. The sensor is placed at 0 degrees parallel to the sample’s surface.
The sample’s color is mapped out with dE2000, a color-diff erence formula based on the CIELab color spa-
ce, which describes the numerical diff erence between the sample’s surface color and reference.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
3. General information
Model FMG-30
Illuminating system 45°/0°
Light source white LED
Sample’s minimum size 32mm x 20mm
Power supply 2 x AA Batteries
Dimensions 128mm x 79mm x 25mm
Weight with batteries 162g
Weight without batteries 116g
Work conditions 10°C to 40°C
Storage conditions -30°C to 55°C
4. Contents
• Manual
• Guarantee
• Batteries
5. Available color palettes
Color meter enables measurement of a sample against the following color palettes: Ral Classic, Ral Eff ect,
Ral Design, Sikkens 5051, NCS, Pantone, PPG The Voice of Color, PPG Chromatic, Caparol 3D System-
-PLUS, Unik’colors, Naé par Unikalo, Nuancier Colorimix, Ral Unikalo.
6. Initial settings of the instruments
When turned on for the fi rst time, the instrument operates on the Ral Classic color palette. The instrument
automatically turns off after 3 minutes of not being used. When turned on, the instrument operates on the
previously used color palette, display mode and language.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
5
4
1
3
26
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a
b
c
7. Description of the instrument
Figure 2. Front panel Figure 3. Back panel
1. Menu navigation button for scrolling up.
2. Turn-on/off button or menu option confi rmation.
3. Menu navigation button for scrolling down; if held down, it will rotate the display upside down.
4. LCD dispaly that shows:
a. color closest to the sample under examination,
b. color second closest to the sample under examination,
c. L*a*b / RGB values,
d. currently selected color palette,
e. battery charge indicator.
5. Color sensor.
6. Battery holder.
Figure 4. Main display Figure 5. Display with a measurements
result

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
8. Menu description
To enter the menu, press and hold down both for 3 seconds. To navigate through the menu, use
to select the illuminated item, press „OK” .
Menu options:
• Back
• Multiple measure
• Display mode
• Color Palette
• USB
• Language
• Back
„Back“ brings you back o the main display.
• Multiple measure
„Multiple measure“ starts an alternative measurements mode. The results of subsequent measurements
with measured L*a*b/RGB values are presented in the consecutive lines of the display, which allows for
a simultaneous comparison of up to 4 samples. Pressing will deactive the function.
Figure 6. Multiple measure

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
• Display mode
„Display mode“ enables changing values of measurement. Use to select L*a*b (CIELabcolor space
values) or RGB (the percentage of the components of the RGBs color space).
Figure 7. RGB[%] values Figure 8. Lab values
• Color Palette
Use to change the color palette to which the measurement will be compared. You may choose between
Ral Classic, Ral Eff ect, Ral Design, Sikkens 5051, NCS, Pantone, PPG The Voice of Color, PPG Chroma-
tic, Caparol 3D System-PLUS, Unik’colors, Naé par Unikalo, Nuancier Colorimix, Ral Unikalo.
• USB
Enables connecting the colorimeter to a computer by means of a microUSB – USB.
• Language
Use to change the language between German, Dutch, French, Italian, English, Czech or Swedish.
9. Quick selection of color palette
From the main window (Figure 4) or the measurements result (Figure 5) you can quickly change the current
color palette. To see the list of available palettes, press one of the buttons selecte the desired element
in the color palette and confi rm with “OK” .
10. LRV (contrast) measurement
The contrast between colors is based on the LRV value. From the main window (Figure 4) or the measure-
ment result (Figure 5), you can start the contrast function. To activate the function, press the left button
for a longer time. A message will appear with instructions on how to perform the measurement.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
11. Making measurements
The sample to be examined should be dry and opaque. The samples can be placed horizontally (on the ta-
ble), vertically (on the wall) or at an angle.
This instrument contains a sensitive optical system that must be kept dry and dust free preferably at room
temperature and in the case if not used. Clean it only with a microfi ber cloth and gently blow off dust from
the optical system. Any contamination may aff ect readings.
1. Turn the instrument on by means of .
2. Select the desired color palette by means of the fast selection menu.
3. Place the instrument on the surface under examination. Caution! The part with the sensor must
touch the surface with all edges.
4. To make a measurement, press the button “OK” . Caution! While making a measurement, take
care that the instrument remains motionless.
5. After the measurement has been fi nished, the result will show in the display.
6. You can make another measurement by pressing “OK” .
When the measurement is complete, two color numbers will appear on the screen that best match the sam-
ple being tested.
Factors that may aff ect the measurement result:
• Optical system obstruction
• Low or high temperature
• Inappropriate use of the instrument
• Measurement carried out incorrectly
• The instrument was not stable
• Contaminated sample
• Uneven sample surface
• A sample that changes appearance depending on the viewpoint
• Metallic or husked dye content
• Samples with extremely high brightness (can contain fl uorescent pigments)
The colors matched by the instrument are for guidance only. Visually confi rm that the color given by the
instrument is similar to that of the sample. Depending on the environmental conditions, color identifi cation
may not be accurate. Final color confi rmation should be based on the physical template.

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
12. Turning the instrument off
• To turn the instrument off , press and hold down for 3 seconds , and then release the button.
• The colorimeter turns off automatically within 3 minutes of not being used.
• If the battery charge is too low, an icon will pop up, showing a discharged battery and the instru-
ment will turn off . The battery must be replaced.
13. Maintenance and service
The color meter is designed and constructed to provide many years of reliable operation. However,
if a fault occurs that impairs the instrument’s correct functioning, remove the batteries to prevent the risk
of further damage. For more information about preventing faults or damage to your color meter, please read
the Instrument Care section below.
Warranty
• Use of force, damage caused by external factors or foreign bodies such as sand or water;
• Damage caused by failure to comply with the instructions for use;
• Normal wear and tear.
The warranty does not cover instruments that are partially or entirely disassembled.
Instrument Care
• Protect the instrument from impact. Do not drop it or subject it to rough handling. Transport it in
the supplied carrying case.
• Do not immerse the instrument in liquids.
• Do not look directly at the measuring optics when the instrument is turned on.
• Never mix fresh and partially-used batteries.
• Protect the instrument from water, dust, extreme temperatures, high humidity and direct sunlight
during storage and use.
• For long-term storage, remove the batteries. Do not leave discharged batteries in the instrument,
as they may leak and cause damage
Notwithstanding the statutory warranty claims, CAISSON provides a warranty in accordance with the laws
of the Customer’s country for a period of at least two years from the date of sale of the instrument to the
end user. The warranty covers only those faults which are caused by defects in material or workmanship.
A warranty claim must be accompanied by a proof of purchase with the date of sale specifi ed. Warranty
repairs shall only be performed by an authorized distributor of CAISSON. The following are excluded from
the warranty:

CAISSON ELEKTRONIK GmbH
Boschstrasse 16, D-47533 Kleve, Deutschland
T: [phone]
[email protected] www.caisson-gmbh.de
• If the instrument casing becomes dirty, then wipe it with a lightly dampened cloth. Do not use abra-
sive cleaners and solvents. Do not allow moisture to enter connectors, sensor or casing.
14. Power supply
The color meter is powered by two AA batteries. You may use either disposable or rechargeable batteries.
The battery status indicates the battery charge level. If an empty battery icon is displayed, replace the bat-
teries. Batteries should be replaced with a new set of batteries of the same kind. Do not use a rechargeable
battery in combination with a disposable battery or a partially discharged battery with a full battery.
15. Specifi cations
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS:
Storage temperature: -30 to 55°C.
Operating temperature: 10 to 40°C.
Low and high ambient temperatures can aff ect the data display speed and color matching accuracy.
Do not expose the instrument to high temperature, do not leave it directly in the sun.
MEASUREMENT ACCURACY:
The average color recognition basis of two results is 99,5%. For the fi rst best fi t the accuracy
is approx. 95%. The device may not recognize unambiguously about 0,5% of the colors.
BATTERIES:
Two 1.5 V LR6/AA-size alkaline batteries.
Power consumption during normal operation: 350 mW.
Lifetime (at room temperature): approximately 18 h.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Dimensions: 128 mm x 79 mm x 25 mm.
Weight: 162 g with or 116 g without batteries.