Datacolor 20D User manual

Datacolor 20D

Datacolor 20D User’s Guide
Part No., 008-400666 Rev A
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this format. However, should any errors be detected,
Datacolor appreciates your efforts to notify us of these oversights.
Changes are periodically made to this information and are incorporated into forthcoming versions. Datacolor reserves the right to make
improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or program(s) described in this material at any time.
For more information, please visit www.datacolor.com.
Committed to Excellence, Dedicated to Quality. Certified to ISO 9001:2008 in Manufacturing Centers Worldwide.
© Datacolor Inc. 2016
Datacolor and other Datacolor product trademarks are the property of Datacolor Inc.
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Bluetooth is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG.
To obtain information on local agents, contact either of the offices listed below, or visit our website at www.datacolor.com.
Support Questions?
A complete user guide is provided with this product. However, there are also resources regarding color education on the Datacolor website.
http://industrial.datacolor.com/support/contact-us-2/
Below is contact information for local Datacolor offices:
Email Addresses
Asia
[e-mail]
Europe, Middle East and Africa
[e-mail]
North and South America
[e-mail]

Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A 
Contents
PRODUCT OVERVIEW .............................................................................................................1
FEATURE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................... 2
ELECTRICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 3
CABLE INSTALLATION AND POWER SWITCH ........................................................................................................... 4
DATACOLOR 20D STAND-ALONE OPERATION....................................................................6
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ............................................................................................................................... 6
NAVIGATING THE DISPLAY ................................................................................................................................... 7
FIELDS ON THE SCREEN...................................................................................................................................... 7
ROUTINE FUNCTIONS...........................................................................................................12
INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION.................................................................................................................................12
MEASURE SAMPLES ..........................................................................................................................................13
CIEL*A*B*COLOR COORDINATES.......................................................................................................................14
MAINTENANCE FEATURES ..................................................................................................................................15
CUSTOMIZING THE SYSTEM ................................................................................................19
SETTINGS PAGE................................................................................................................................................19
OPTIONS PAGE.................................................................................................................................................22
DATACOLOR 20D AND DATACOLOR PAINT ......................................................................27
PCACCESS......................................................................................................................................................27
USB CABLE CONNECTION..................................................................................................................................27
BLUETOOTH®WIRELESS CONNECTION ...............................................................................................................28
USING DATACOLOR PAINT ..................................................................................................31
INSTRUMENT COMMUNICATIONS .........................................................................................................................31
LAUNCHING DATACOLOR PAINT.........................................................................................................................31
INSTRUMENT CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................................32
INSTRUMENT CALIBRATION.................................................................................................................................34
SAMPLE MEASUREMENT ....................................................................................................................................35
RETRIEVING SAMPLES FROM DATACOLOR 20D.....................................................................................................36
APPENDIX...............................................................................................................................38
DATACOLOR 20D INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................38
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS FOR DATACOLOR PAINT ...............................................................................................39
SYSTEM INFORMATION.......................................................................................................................................40
INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................................................41

Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
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Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 1
Product Overview
The Datacolor 20D is an easy-to-use, portable spectrophotometer that enables accurate color measurement on a wide
variety of sample shapes and sizes - anywhere in the store or at a customer job site.
Measure with high accuracy
Best-in-class matching performance for portable retail paint
oThe sphere geometry of Datacolor 20D enables accurate color measurement of both flat and textured
samples. Gloss detection enables determination of sample sheen to assure perfect color formulation.
oThe Datacolor 20D shares the same high accuracy SP2000 spectrometer as Datacolor’s world-
renowned benchtop spectrophotometers to enable lab-gradecolor matching accuracy for paint retailers.
Easy Measurement Wherever & Whenever
oPortable design enables measurements of any sample, anywhere within the store or at a customer job
site.
oInitial instrument installation is simple with all required set-up data loaded at the factory. Just connect to
your computer, start the Paint v 2.x Software and you are ready to go.
oLarge color LCD screen with an intuitive user interface makes the Datacolor 20D easy to learn and easy
to handle.
oPrecisely position your sample for measurement using the illuminated sample alignment port.
Bluetooth®and USB Peripheral Support Allows Flexible Connectivity Wherever You Are
oUse Bluetooth or USB to seamlessly transfer measurement data from the Datacolor 20D to Datacolor
Paint v 2.x software.
Support for USB keyboards and bar code scanners.
Get it right the first time with Datacolor 20D and Paint v 2.x
Datacolor 20D turns paint retailers into experts in matching color on a wide variety of sheens and sample sizes.
Highly accurate measurements combined with the powerful algorithms of the Paint v 2.x software yield the best
first shot match on the market, saving time and money.

2Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Feature Summary
The Datacolor 20D employs state-of-the-art features that include:
Feature
Description
Measurement Geometry
Diffuse illumination 8º viewing in
conformance with CIE publication No. 15.2
Colorimetry
SP2000 Spectral Analyzer
Proprietary dual-channel holographic
grating, 256-photodiode linear arrays used
for both the reference and sample channels
Light Source
Pulsed xenon
Wavelength Resolution
2nm
Effective Bandwidth
10nm
Aperture Size
Type
SAV
Illuminated
10 mm
Measured
6.5mm
Sphere Diameter
51mm/2 inches
See also Appendix, Instrument Specifications for complete device specifications.
Caution
Disconnect power before servicing
There are no user-serviceable parts for this equipment
Accessories
Below are the accessories supplied with the unit:
USB Drive (User
Guide & back-up of
calibration data)
Calibration
Accessories
(black trap and tiles)
20D Instrument
AC Power Adapter
Wrist Strap

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 3
USB Host Port Technology
The USB host port enables USB peripherals.
Allows easy export of data to a USB flash drive
Connection to USB HID keyboards or USB barcode scanners allows easy naming of samples
The keyboard layout currently supported is US101.
Not supported for terminal server environment
About This User’s Guide
This guide is provided in a PDF format for easy access. To return to the page previously viewed when using
the hyperlinks, press the following key combination:
<ALT> <left arrow key>
Electrical/Environmental Requirements
Input Power Requirements
5VDC, 2.0A
50/60 Hz
Battery
Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery,
Maximum Charge Current: 4.0A
Absolute Operating Environment
Temperature: 5°C to 40°C
Maximum Relative Humidity: 20%-85% non-condensing
Altitude: Up to 2,000 meters
Do not store above 140F (60C)
Indoor Use
Do not crush, short circuit, mutilate, reverse polarity,
disassemble, or dispose. In fire, might explode, cause burns, or
release toxic materials
Safety Warnings
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment might be impaired.
Battery: Do not store above 140F (60C), crush, short circuit, mutilate, reverse polarity, disassemble, or
dispose
Light Source: Do not stare directly into the open port located in the bottom of the instrument when the
measurement is in progress. Staring directly into the light source can result in the eye discomfort similar to
that of staring at a camera flash.
Battery Replacement: Unit must be returned to factory or to an authorized Datacolor Service Center
Power Supply: The power supply provided with the unit must be used.
In Fire: Might explode, cause burns or release toxic materials

4Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Cable Installation and Power Switch
Safety Warnings
TURN OFF THE POWER BEFORE WORKING WITH ANY CABLES
Refer to Electrical/Environmental Requirements section before connecting your instrument.
The Datacolor 20D requires the use of two cables, a power cable for recharging the instrument battery, and
a USB cable to connect the instrument to a computer. The connections for these cables are found on the
rear of the unit:
Standard USB Port. For data export to a USB flash drive, or connection to a USB HID keyboard or bar
code scanner.
Mini USB Connection. Used to connect the instrument to the pc.
Power Supply
A power supply is provided with the instrument. Power is supplied to the back of the unit via an AC adaptor
jack.
WARNING
The power cord supplied with the unit must be used. No other cords are acceptable.
Power Adapter
You need a power adapter that is specific to your geographical location. This is specified as part of the
shipment. Four adapters are available. Only one is shipped with the unit.
Power Supply Connection
Power Switch
Wrist Strap Connector
Mini USB Cable Connection
Standard USB Port

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 5
Connecting the Power Supply
1. Connect the power cord to the power supply.
2. Connect the AC adapter to the power supply connector on the back of the Datacolor 20D.
3. Plug the power cord into the outlet.
Powering the Instrument
To start the instrument:
Press the rocker switch on the back of the instrument from the “0” position to the “|” position. The
instrument will power up and the main screen will display.
NOTE
If the instrument calibration has expired, the program will automatically prompt you to calibrate the
instrument.
Power Switch
The power switch is located on the rear panel of the instrument.
NOTE
The instrument does NOT charge on the USB cable. The AC adapter must be used to charge the
instrument.
Charging the Instrument
Datacolor 20D must be fully charged before using. It takes 8 hours to fully charge the unit.
NOTES
The instrument does NOT charge through the USB connection. You must use the AC adapter to charge the
instrument.
The unit includes a selection of AC adapter plugs to enable proper connection regardless of geographical
region.
The instrument must be switched to the ON position before attaching the power connector.
To Datacolor 20D power
supply connection
To outlet
(1)
1
(2)
(3)
Power Supply
Connection
Power Switch
1. Switch the instrument to the On (-) position.
2. Connect the power supply to the power
adapter.
3. Connect the power supply to the unit.
4. Plug the adapter into the outlet.

6Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Datacolor 20D Stand-Alone Operation
The Datacolor 20D can be used either as a stand-alone data collection device, or interfaced to a computer
to be used with Datacolor PAINT. This section will provide detailed instructions regarding the stand-alone
operation of the instrument.
NOTE
When used with the Datacolor PAINT program, you can transfer measurement data from the instrument to
the computer, and use it to match and correct colors. See also Working with Datacolor PAINT for
instructions to use Datacolor 20D with Datacolor PAINT.
Controls and Indicators
Buttons on the unit are used to make software selections and measurements.
Measure Button
Measure Button
Software Navigation Button

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 7
Navigating the Display
Below is an example of a display screen for Sample mode. Use the black program navigation button on the
unit to navigate to specific fields and screens, and to make selections.
Push the black button in the direction of the up/down arrows to scroll through the field selections at
the top of the screen, including Sample Name, colorimetric (CIELab) output and
Illuminant/Observer condition.
Push the black button in the direction of the left/right arrows to scroll through the options on the
Live bar at the bottom of the screen, and to enter sample names using the digital keyboard.
Press the black button to complete a selection.
Fields on the Screen
In stand-alone mode, the Datacolor 20D displays the Sample screen and reports the CIEL*a*b* coordinates
for the sample, and the current measurement conditions selected.
Below is an explanation of the output display:
Title Bar
Color Coordinates
Live Bar
Program Navigation Control

8Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Title Bar
Along the title bar are a series of icons that indicate the current hardware and software selections and
instrument status.
NOTE
The icons on the title bar indicate the current instrument conditions. These are the conditions that will
be used when you press the measure button. These conditions are not necessarily the same conditions
used to generate the data that is displayed.
Title Bar Legend
Current screen identification
Sample: Displays the color data for the last sample measured or selected
Options: Displays the Options page
Settings: Displays the Settings page
PC Access: Displays current status of connection between instrument and computer
Measurement Mode
Specular Component Included (SCI). Specular port is closed. Measurement includes the
specular component
Specular Component Excluded (SCE). Specular port is open. Measurement excludes
the specular component
Current Aperture Selection
The aperture selection is always Small Area View
Gloss Determination
Gloss enabled. Two measurements are made of each sample; gloss value displayed.
Gloss disabled. One measurement is made of each sample; no gloss value displayed.
Instrument Calibration
Red: Instrument calibration has expired. Youmust recalibrate the instrument.
Green: Instrument is calibrated.
Remaining Battery Life
Empty. Battery needs to be recharged.
1-4 (green) bars. As the battery discharges, the icon changes from 4 bars to 0 bars.

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 9
Configurable Fields
The fields immediately below the title bar identify the sample selected, the colorimetric data displayed and
the Illuminant/Observer selected.
See also Navigating the Display for instructions to navigate to these fields and to change the selections.
Sample Name. This selection can be
changed.
Colorimetric Output. For Datacolor
20D it is always CIEL*a*b*.
Illuminant/Observer condition. This
selection can be changed.
NOTE: When you change the
Illuminant/Observer, the color
coordinates will change.
The rows in the center of the screen display the colorimetric data (L*a*b*) for the standard and batch:
Gloss Determination
When the Gloss option is enabled, the estimated gloss (G) of the sample is included with the color
coordinates. See also Gloss Feature.

10 Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Gloss Determination Enabled
Gloss Determination Disabled
LRV Index
Datacolor 20D will also display an LRV value for the sample. This is used in paint applications to evaluate
the overall lightness of the sample. When this is enabled, the output selection automatically changes to
CIELab LRV, and the LRV value is included :
See also LRV Option for instructions to enable/disable this evaluation.
Live Bar Options
A live bar at the bottom of each screen provides access to maintenance options in the on-board software.
When an option is selected, it turns red.
Live Bar

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 11
Unselected
Selected
Live Bar Legend
The live bar contains a series of icons used to access the on-board software options.
Below is the legend for the Live bar icons:
PC Access
Starts the communication between the Datacolor 20D and the computer. When
connected, you can transfer data from the stand-alone instrument to the computer, and/or
use the instrument as a measuring device for Datacolor PAINT. See also PC Access for
information on this feature.
Instrument Calibration
Starts the stand-alone calibration procedure. See also Instrument Calibration.
Delete Samples
Delete sample data as needed. See also Delete Samples
Sample Data
Displays colorimetric data for a sample. Select/measure a sample to view the colorimetric
data.
Options Page
Display/edit software configuration options. See also Options Page.
System Information
Display/edit system information including software version, instrument serial number etc. Also
accesses options for updating and/or restarting the system. See also System Information.
Settings
Display and edit system configuration settings including date, time, language, etc. See also
Settings Page.
Edit Options
When you select an option from the Live bar, editing icons may display at the bottom of the screen:
Below is the legend for these options:
Return to the previous screen.
Display a keyboard for searching data.
Start the editing function.
In the example above, the Sample
Mode is active.

12 Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Routine Functions
Instrument Calibration
The instrument must be calibrated regularly to ensure the measurement data is accurate. If the calibration
interval has expired, you will not be able to make a measurement. The measurement is started from the
button on the right side of the instrument.
NOTE
If you used the Datacolor PAINT program to calibrate the instrument while it is attached to the
computer, you may be required to recalibrate it in stand-alone mode to update the calibration data
stored on the unit.
To calibrate the instrument:
1. Turn on the instrument.
2. Using the black button, navigate to the calibration icon on the live bar and select it:
3. The program will prompt you to measure the black
trap. Position the trap over the aperture and press
the Measure button.
When the black trap measurement is complete the
instrument will beep, and the program will prompt
you to measure the white tile.
4. Place the white tile over the aperture and
press the Measure button.
The instrument will beep when the measurement is completed, and
the program will notify you that the calibration is successful.

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 13
Measure Samples
Once the instrument is calibrated, you can measure samples
and display CIEL*a*b* color coordinates.
NOTES
The Measure button is located on the right side of the
instrument. Press the Measure button to start a measurement.
You can configure the instrument to autoname the samples, to
number the samples, or to enter a custom name. See also
Sample Naming for instructions to editing the naming options.
When measuring samples with irregular surfaces, you may need
to average a series of scans. See also Options Page, Average
for instructions to enable the averaging feature.
Sample Mode
The instrument has one mode for measurement, Sample mode. The icon is found on the live bar.
Measure Samples
You can measure new samples or retrieve samples stored on the instrument. See also Recall Sample Data
for instructions to retrieve a stored measurement.
To measure a new standard:
1. From the Live bar, select the Sample icon to activate the measurement mode:
2. Position the sample to be measured at the instrument port.
3. Press the Measure button on the side of the instrument.
When the measurement is complete, the colorimetric data for the standard will display.
NOTE
When the Autosave option is enabled, the measurement is
stored automatically. When it is not, the program will prompt
you to save the measurement. See also Options Page,
AutoSave for instructions to enabled.
Measure Button

14 Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
Measurement Averaging
Datacolor 20D includes the feature to average a series of scans. When you are measuring samples with
irregular surfaces, averaging a series of scans improves the repeatability of the measurement.
1. Set the number of measurements to be greater than 1. See also Options Page, Average for
instructions to enable measurement averaging.
2. Measure a sample. The program will prompt you for multiple scans. Following each scan, it will
update the display and include the data for each individual scan.
Contact Datacolor Service for full applications support for this feature.
CIEL*a*b* Color Coordinates
In stand-alone mode, you can display the CIEL*a*b* coordinates for the sample. When the Gloss option is
enabled, the estimated gloss of the sample is included with the color coordinates.
Gloss Determination Enabled
Gloss Determination Disabled
NOTES
Color coordinates are dependent upon the current Illuminant/Observer selection. When you change the
Illuminant/Observer, the color coordinates for the standard and batch will change.
See also Configurable Fields for instructions to select a different Illuminant/Observer combination.
See Options page, Gloss Determination page for instructions to enable/disable the gloss feature.
Scan Number
Colorimetric data
for each scan, and
the average.

Datacolor 20D User's Guide008-400666 Rev A 15
Maintenance Features
Overview
The software provides several options for setting the defaults and editing the display selections. This
section provides detailed instructions for viewing and changing these selections.
The Sample Name and Illuminant/Observer selections are edited directly from the screen.
Push the black navigation button up/down to navigate to one of these fields.
Press the black button to display the choices.
Push the black navigation button up/down to move through the list.
Press the black button to make the selection.
The live bar at the bottom of the screen accesses current instrument settings, output display configuration
and other configuration features. Use the left/right and up/down program navigation buttons on the
instrument to select these options and to change the selections
Recall Sample Data
1. Use the program navigation button on the instrument to navigate to, and select the Sample field.
The Sample list can also be accessed using the Live bar.
Sample Name
Illuminant/Observer
Live Bar
Program Navigation Button

16 Datacolor 20D User's Guide 008-400666 Rev A
2. Use the black navigation button to scroll through the list, and press the black button to make the
selection. The data display will update.
Name Sample
The instrument can be configured to autoname the samples. When enabled, the sample is automatically
named. When this option is not enabled, the program will prompt you for a sample name. See also Options
page for instruction to configure the naming options.
Sample Search
If you have a large number of samples on the unit, you can search for a sample by name.
1. Use the black navigation button to navigate to the Sample Name field or to select the Sample mode
on the live bar.