Hunter SpectraProbe XE Instructions for use

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An ISO 9001 Certified Company
SpectraProbe®XE Hardware User's Manual
A60-1008-554
Manual Version 2.1
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Copyrights and Trademarks
This documentation contains proprietary information of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. Its
reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written consent of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
is prohibited.
Spectralon is a registered trademark of Labsphere, Inc.
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Safety Notes
For your safety when using the SpectraProbe XE, you should pay particular attention to the following
types of statements in this User’s Manual. Each description is shown in its representative typeface.
Notice: General safety instruction that should be observed at all times while operating
the instrument.
CAUTION
Specific safety instruction critical to the type of instrument operation being
explained in the area of the manual where the caution appears.
Note: Additional clarification of instructions, not safety-related.
The following symbol indicates that there may be a danger of electric shock from high voltage if the
given instructions are not followed carefully.
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SpectraProbe XE Hardware User's Manual
November 2002
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
A60-1008-554
Manual Version 2.1
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i
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................... 1-1
System Overview.................................................................................................................................1-1
The Sensor ...........................................................................................................................................1-4
How the Sensor Works......................................................................................................................1-4
Mounting the Sensor..........................................................................................................................1-5
The Support Unit ................................................................................................................................1-6
The Host Computer ............................................................................................................................1-7
Options.................................................................................................................................................1-8
Automatic Tile Holder.......................................................................................................................1-9
Manual Sample Holder......................................................................................................................1-9
Positive-pressure Air Purge for Sensor Window and Automatic Tile Holder ................................1-10
Sensor Vortex Cooler ......................................................................................................................1-11
Source UV Control ..........................................................................................................................1-13
100-264V, 47/63 Hz Computer .......................................................................................................1-13
100-264V, 47/63 Hz Printer ............................................................................................................1-13
Computer-Controlled Traversing System........................................................................................1-13
Fixed Mounting Assembly ..............................................................................................................1-14
Product Backing Strip......................................................................................................................1-14
Upper/Lower Guide Bar Assembly.................................................................................................1-15
Upper Guide Bar Assembly.............................................................................................................1-15
Length (Lineal) Counter ..................................................................................................................1-16
Standard Edge Detectors .................................................................................................................1-16
Diagonal Edge Detectors .................................................................................................................1-17
Four Movable Edge Detectors.........................................................................................................1-17
Motion Alarm (Traversing systems only) .......................................................................................1-17
Sheet Break/Seam Detector.............................................................................................................1-18
4-Channel Alarm Relay...................................................................................................................1-18
Analog Output Board ......................................................................................................................1-18
Blue Denim Check Tile ...................................................................................................................1-18
INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................... 2-1
Sensor...................................................................................................................................................2-1
Proper Positioning of the Sensor Over the Product...........................................................................2-2
Support Unit........................................................................................................................................2-4
Supervisory Computer .......................................................................................................................2-5
The Software........................................................................................................................................2-6
External Devices (Optional) ...............................................................................................................2-7
Cable Requirements............................................................................................................................2-8
SpectraProbe XE Installation Drawings...........................................................................................2-9
OPERATION.................................................................................................................. 3-1
Product Setup ......................................................................................................................................3-1
Standardization...................................................................................................................................3-2
Taking Readings .................................................................................................................................3-3
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ii
MAINTENANCE ........................................................................................................... 4-1
System Warm-up ...............................................................................................................................4-1
Lamp Changes.....................................................................................................................................4-2
Fuse Changes.......................................................................................................................................4-5
Care of Instrument Standards...........................................................................................................4-7
White and Black Tiles .......................................................................................................................4-7
Spectralon Fluorescent Standards (optional).....................................................................................4-7
Calibration Check Using Instrument Standards .............................................................................4-8
The Check Tile ..................................................................................................................................4-8
The Fluorescent Standard ..................................................................................................................4-8
Sensor Cleaning...................................................................................................................................4-9
Replacing the Sensor Port Cover Glass ..........................................................................................4-10
Routine Maintenance Schedule .......................................................................................................4-11
SPECIFICATIONS........................................................................................................ 5-1
Physical Characteristics .....................................................................................................................5-1
Input/Output (I/O)..............................................................................................................................5-2
Power Required...................................................................................................................................5-3
Fuse Specifications ..............................................................................................................................5-4
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing...........................................................................................5-5
Instrument Performance ....................................................................................................................5-6
INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS . 6-1
Warranty .............................................................................................................................................6-1
Shipping Claims ..................................................................................................................................6-2
Breakage or Damage .........................................................................................................................6-2
Shortage.............................................................................................................................................6-2
Incorrect Shipment ............................................................................................................................6-3
Returns.................................................................................................................................................6-4
When You Need Assistance................................................................................................................6-5
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11/02 Introduction 1-1
Introduction
Notice: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may
impair the protection afforded by the equipment.
HunterLab’s SpectraProbe XE is a flexible system designed for the on-line measurement of the color of
a wide variety of products, including textiles, plastics, paper, and coatings. The basic system consists of
the spectrophotometer sensor, support unit, and computer. Either an automatic or a manual tile holder
will also be included. There are also various configurations and optional components. All available
system components are discussed in greater detail in the rest of this chapter.
System Overview
The drawing below shows overall system configuration.
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1-2 Introduction 11/02
The table below indicates the various configuration options for fixed and traversing systems.
System Component Traversing System Fixed System
Sensor All systems will contain a sensor that
may be:
Large Area View (LAV) with UV
Control (L01-1009-316)
LAV without UV Control (L01-1009-
317)
Small Area View (SAV) with UV
Control (L01-1009-318)
SAV without UV Control (L01-1009-
319)
All systems will contain a sensor that
may be:
Large Area View (LAV) with UV
Control (L01-1009-316)
LAV without UV Control (L01-1009-
317)
Small Area View (SAV) with UV
Control (L01-1009-318)
SAV without UV Control (L01-1009-
319)
Support Unit All systems will contain a support unit
with motor control capabilities (L02-
1009-469)
All systems will contain a support unit
without motor control capabilities
(L02-1009-824)
Host Computer All systems will contain a computer
that will operate the MultiSensor
Software or SheLyn software
All systems will contain a computer
that will operate the MultiSensor
Software or SheLyn software
Tile Holder All systems will contain a tile holder
that may be:
On the sensor (Automatic) (D01-1009-
461)
Manual Sample Holder (D02-1010-
216)
All systems will contain an On-sensor
(Automatic) tile holder (D01-1009-
461) or Manual Sample Holder (D02-
1010-216)
Rail Assembly All systems will contain a traversing
rail assembly of 59.0-250.9 inches
(1500-6375 mm). A dual-position rail
with on-line and off-line positioning
only is also available (FUTURE).
All systems will contain a fixed
mounting assembly (D02-1009-812).
Specific Options The system may contain one or more of
the following options:
Positive-pressure air purge for sensor
window and automatic tile holder
(D02-1011-473)
Sensor vortex cooler (D02-1011-474
with heat shield, D02-1011-504
without heat shield)
Product backing strip (D02-1010-781)
Motion alarm (L01-1010-274)
Sheet Break/Seam Detector (L01-1009-
748)
Standard Edge Detectors (L02-1009-
533)
Diagonal Edge Detectors (L02-1009-
534)
The system may contain one or more
of the following options:
Positive-pressure air purge for sensor
window and automatic tile holder
(D02-1011-473)
Sensor vortex cooler (D02-1011-474
with heat shield, D02-1011-504
without heat shield)
Product backing strip (D02-1010-781)
Standard Edge Detectors (L02-1009-
533)
Diagonal Edge Detectors (L02-1009-
534)
Four Movable Edge Detectors (D02-
1011-475)
Sheet Break/Seam Detector (L01-
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11/02 Introduction 1-3
System Component Traversing System Fixed System
Four Movable Edge Detectors (D02-
1011-475)
Upper/Lower Guide Bar Assembly
(FUTURE)
Upper Guide Bar Assembly (L01-
1010-044)
Blue denim check tile (A11-1011-296)
1009-748)
Upper/Lower Guide Bar Assembly
(FUTURE)
Upper Guide Bar Assembly (L01-
1010-044)
Blue denim check tile (A11-1011-296)
Support Unit
Options
The system may contain one or more of
the following options:
Length (lineal) Counter (L01-1009-
749)
4-Channel Alarm Relay (L01-1010-
191)
Analog Output (L01-1009-747)
The system may contain one or more
of the following options:
Length (lineal) Counter (L01-1009-
749)
4-Channel Alarm Relay (L01-1010-
191)
Analog Output (L01-1009-747)
Peripheral Options The system may contain one or more of
the following options:
100-264V, 47-63 Hz Computer (A02-
1005-711)
100-264V, 47/63 Hz Printer (A13-
1005-721)
The system may contain one or more
of the following options:
100-264V, 47/63 Hz Computer (A02-
1005-711)
100-264V, 47/63 Hz Printer (A13-
1005-721)
Miscellaneous
Components
All systems will include software
(either MultiSensor Software or
SheLyn software), a Standards box and
standards, User’s Manuals, a Service
Manual, and QA and Shipping
checklists
All systems will include software
(either MultiSensor Software or
SheLyn software), a Standards box
and standards, User’s Manuals, a
Service Manual, and QA and Shipping
checklists
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1-4 Introduction 11/02
The Sensor
The SpectraProbe XE sensor is rugged and designed for use in industrial applications. It is mounted
with the sensor window facing the product. The sensor monitors the product’s reflected light and sends
color information to the computer. The sensor is insensitive to ambient light and so does not need to
make direct contact with the product.
How the Sensor Works
Color measurements are taken at a rate of twenty readings per second using a xenon pulse lamp.
Depending upon the instrument configuration, the transmitted light illuminates an area of either 30 mm
(1.25” small area view) or 65 mm (2.5” large area view ) in diameter on the moving product at a 0°
(normal) angle. Reflected light from the product is viewed circumferentially at 45° through a ring of
nine symmetrically-spaced optical fibers. The reflected light is then directed into the polychromator
assembly where a holographic diffraction grating disperses the light into its spectral component
wavelengths. A 128-channel silicon detector array captures the diffracted light and converts the light
energy into electrical signals representing the reflectance of the product at 10 nm intervals from 400 to
700 nm wavelengths. The signals are amplified and processed by a digital signal processor (DSP) to
generate color values based on a user-selected illuminant, observer angle, and color scale.
The optics of the sensor are illustrated below.
Tile holder
Z-axis bellows
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11/02 Introduction 1-5
Mounting the Sensor
The choice of mount for the sensor depends on the product being measured, the type of sensor
purchased, and the on-line environment. The guidelines in Chapter Two, “Installation,” and the supplied
installation drawing will help you determine an appropriate location for the sensor. Important factors to
consider when mounting the sensor are:
•The maximum allowable ambient temperature is 50° C (122° F).
•The maximum allowable temperature change is 2° F per hour.
•The operating humidity should be between 5% and 95% relative non-condensing humidity.
The sensor can be positioned with the port facing up, down, or in any other direction.
Beam Splitter
Lamp +
Reflector
Iris
UV Filter
Monitor
Fiber Ring Pick-
Up
Window
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1-6 Introduction 11/02
The Support Unit
The support unit contains two 24V, 4A power supplies that provide DC power to the sensor. If the
system is a traversing system, a motor controller will also be installed in the support unit to control the
traversing rail motor. The Power OK light on the front of the support unit indicates that the 24V power
is on and in an acceptable range. The support unit also relays messages and commands between the
sensor and the computer. An isolated RS-232 module is supplied for the PC interface. Various
peripheral devices, such as I/O options and the length counter, are wired through the support unit. An
embedded PC may control the computer.
The choice of mount for the support unit depends on the product being measured and the on-line
environment. The guidelines in Chapter Two, “Installation” and the supplied installation drawing will
help you determine an appropriate location for the support unit. Important factors to consider when
mounting the support unit are:
•The allowable ambient temperature range is 10°C (50° F) to 50° C (122° F).
•The exterior dimensions of the support unit are 24” H x 20” W x 10” D (610 mm x 508 mm x 254
mm).
•The mounting pattern is 25.25” H x 14.0” W (641 mm x 356 mm).
•The mounting hardware should be 3/8”, Grade 3 or better.
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11/02 Introduction 1-7
The Host Computer
The host computer runs HunterLab MultiSensor XE Software or SheLyn software, both of which
provide a wide range of colorimetric data, or OEM DSP software, which provides calibrated reflectance
data and XYZ values. The computer interfaces to the PC board inside the support unit via a full-duplex
serial port.
The host computer and MultiSensor XE Software or SheLyn software allow the display of data from the
sensor in any color scale or index using any illuminant and observer combination. They also allow for
archiving and retrieval of run data and performance of system diagnostics.
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1-8 Introduction 11/02
Options
There are many options which may be installed as part of your SpectraProbe XE system. These options
are listed and then briefly described below. HunterLab part numbers are also listed for your
convenience.
•Automatic tile holder (D01-1009-461)
•Manual sample holder (D02-1010-216)
•Positive-pressure air purge for sensor window and automatic tile holder (D02-1011-473)
•Sensor vortex cooler (D02-1011-474 with heat shield, D02-1011-504 without heat shield)
•Source UV control (UV Option-SPXE)
•100-264V, 47/63 Hz computer (A02-1005-711)
•100-264V, 47/63 Hz printer (A13-1005-721)
•Computer-controlled traversing system (Various part numbers)
•Fixed mounting assembly (D02-1009-812)
•Product backing strip (D02-1010-781)
•Upper/lower guide bar assembly (FUTURE)
•Upper guide bar assembly (L01-1010-044)
•Length (lineal) counter (L01-1009-749)
•Standard edge detectors (L02-1009-533)
•Diagonal edge detectors (L02-1009-534)
•Four movable edge detectors (D02-1011-475)
•Motion alarm [Traversing systems only] (L01-1010-274)
•Sheet break/seam detector (L01-1009-748)
•4-channel alarm relay (L01-1010-191)
•Analog output board (L01-1009-747)
•Blue denim check tile (A11-1011-296).
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11/02 Introduction 1-9
Automatic Tile Holder
The internal tile holder automatically positions calibration and check tiles at the measurement port at a
distance equal to that of the product being measured. This holder is attached to the sensor housing.
Along with the black and white standardization tiles, it also holds a green ceramic check tile and the
fluorescent tile in systems with the optional source ultraviolet (UV) control. The presence of a tile
holder is automatically detected at power-up or instrument reset.
The tile holder contains two motors, one for opening and closing the tile drawer, and one for rotating the
platter on which the tiles are held. Up to four tiles may be stored in the holder at any given time. Tiles
to be read and/or used in standardization may be placed wherever desired in the tile holder, although
default positions are indicated in the software.
Manual Sample Holder
The manual sample holder snaps onto the sensor using ball studs and ball detents and has a spring-
loaded sample clamp to hold small samples and standardization tiles in the proper position under the
viewing window. The sample clamp is adjustable toward and away from the viewing window with its
spring action and the clamp arm rotates away from the viewing window for measurement of large
samples.
Side view Installation area with two ball studs
The tile
holder in the
open position
Ball studs
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1-10 Introduction 11/02
Installation area of sensor window with ball detents Sample holder installed
Positive-pressure Air Purge for Sensor Window and Automatic Tile Holder
The air purge assemblies provide positive pressure to blow airborne particulates away from the viewing
port and the moving parts of the tile holder. This option consists of the following components:
•Air fitting in the wall of the sensor enclosure
•Air fitting in the wall of the tile holder enclosure
•Required modifications to the sensor enclosure
•Required modifications to the tile holder enclosure
•Pressure regulator mounted on the sensor for localized air pressure adjustment
•180° - 220° air purge ring that snaps onto the sensor window
•40 feet of air line to connect from the sensor window to the air filtration panel near the support unit
•25 feet of air line to connect from the tile holder to the air filtration panel near the support unit
•Air filtration system.
The required modifications are made to the system when it is built.
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