HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Coffee User manual

User’s Manual for
ColorFlex®EZ Coffee
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1016-181, Version 2.0
For ColorFlex EZ firmware version 1.0 and above

ColorFlex EZ Coffee User’s Manual Version 2.0
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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 the express written consent of Hunter Associates
Laboratory, Inc. is prohibited.
ColorFlex and EasyMatch are registered trademarks of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
SpectraFlect is a registered trademark of Labsphere, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries.
Sparkleen is a trademark of Fisher Scientific Company LLC.
Safety Notes
For safety when using the ColorFlex EZ Coffee, pay attention to the following types of
statements in this User’s Guide. Each description is shown in its representative typeface.
Note: General safety instruction that should always be observed while operating the
instrument.
CAUTION:
Specific 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.

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Contents
INTRODUCTION TO THE COLORFLEX EZ COFFEE SYSTEM......................................................... 7
Accessories .................................................................................................................................. 7
Installation................................................................................................................................... 8
THE BASICS OF COLORFLEX EZ COFFEE OPERATION ................................................................ 9
The Button Pad and LCD Display ................................................................................................. 9
Menus and Prompts .................................................................................................................... 9
About Your Instrument.............................................................................................................. 10
Taking a Simple Measurement.................................................................................................. 10
Standardization Process......................................................................................................... 11
Reading Individual Samples ................................................................................................... 13
Using the Coffee Tile.................................................................................................................. 15
Setting Tolerances ..................................................................................................................... 15
Defining Standard, Sample and Tolerances............................................................................... 16
Product Standard ................................................................................................................... 16
Sample.................................................................................................................................... 16
Tolerances .............................................................................................................................. 16
CONFIGURING SETUPS......................................................................................................... 17
Coffee Roast Setup .................................................................................................................... 17
SCAA ....................................................................................................................................... 18
HCCI........................................................................................................................................ 18
Notes on HCCI: ....................................................................................................................... 18
Modifying the HCCI Parameters............................................................................................. 19
Custom Setups........................................................................................................................... 21
Setup Name........................................................................................................................ 21
Standard................................................................................................................................. 22
Averaging................................................................................................................................ 23
Views.................................................................................................................................. 23
VIEW....................................................................................................................................... 24
Standard Values................................................................................................................. 29
Tolerances.......................................................................................................................... 31
AutoSearch............................................................................................................................. 31
Setup Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 32
Reset All Setups.................................................................................................................. 32
Print All Setups................................................................................................................... 32
Print One Setup.................................................................................................................. 33
Clone All Setups.................................................................................................................. 33
GLOBAL OPTIONS ................................................................................................................ 35
Language.................................................................................................................................... 35
Roast Names.............................................................................................................................. 36
Display Settings...................................................................................................................... 36
Screen angle........................................................................................................................... 36
Backlight................................................................................................................................. 37
Contrast:................................................................................................................................. 37
Display Dim............................................................................................................................. 37

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Display Off .............................................................................................................................. 38
Setups Locked............................................................................................................................ 38
AutoSave.................................................................................................................................... 38
Stdz Interval............................................................................................................................... 39
AutoSearch............................................................................................................................ 39
Color Diff ................................................................................................................................ 39
Average................................................................................................................................... 39
Date/Time.............................................................................................................................. 40
READING, STORING AND PRINTING DATA............................................................................ 41
Reading with Datalog................................................................................................................. 41
Reading with Averaging............................................................................................................. 41
Working with Saved Readings ................................................................................................... 43
Delete All Readings............................................................................................................. 43
Print All Readings............................................................................................................... 44
View Saved Readings.......................................................................................................... 44
Filter By Setup.................................................................................................................... 45
SAMPLE PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION ....................................................................... 47
Selecting Samples...................................................................................................................... 47
Preparing Samples..................................................................................................................... 47
Sample Presentation ................................................................................................................. 47
Directional Samples................................................................................................................ 48
Non-opaque Samples............................................................................................................. 48
Translucent Samples .............................................................................................................. 48
MAINTAINING AND TESTING COLORFLEX EZ COFFEE ............................................................ 49
Cleaning the ColorFlex EZ Coffee............................................................................................... 49
Maintaining the Instrument Standards ..................................................................................... 49
Replacing the Lamp ................................................................................................................... 49
Diagnostics................................................................................................................................. 49
White Repeatability............................................................................................................ 50
Green Tile Check................................................................................................................ 51
Signal Levels....................................................................................................................... 52
Self-Test.............................................................................................................................. 52
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. 55
Operating Conditions................................................................................................................. 55
Physical Characteristics ............................................................................................................. 55
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing .................................................................................... 56
Instrument Performance........................................................................................................... 56
Measurement ............................................................................................................................ 57
Regulatory Notice...................................................................................................................... 58
Options and Sample Devices ..................................................................................................... 59
Disposable Polystyrene Petri Dishes...................................................................................... 59
External Printer ...................................................................................................................... 60
Keyboard ................................................................................................................................ 60
Bar Code Scanner ................................................................................................................... 60
EasyMatch QC Software with Coffee Option (EZMQC-CFLX)................................................. 61
USB Flash Drive for Data Transfer.......................................................................................... 61

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Port Inserts............................................................................................................................. 61
Glass Port Insert ..................................................................................................................... 61
420 nm UV Port Insert............................................................................................................ 62
Sample Cup Set for Translucent Liquids................................................................................. 62
Sample Cup Port Plate............................................................................................................ 62
64 mm (2.5 in) Glass Sample Cup........................................................................................... 62
Sample Cup Opaque Cover .................................................................................................... 63
Ring and Disk Set.................................................................................................................... 63
INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS ................................... 65
When You Need Assistance....................................................................................................... 65
Service on Your Instrument....................................................................................................... 65
Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 66
Shipping Claims.......................................................................................................................... 66
Breakage or Damage.............................................................................................................. 66
Shortage ................................................................................................................................. 67
Incorrect Shipment................................................................................................................. 67
INDEX.................................................................................................................................. 69

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CHAPTER ONE
Introduction to the ColorFlex EZ Coffee System
The ColorFlex EZ Coffee spectrophotometer is a versatile color measurement instrument that
can be used to measure the color of ground coffee products. Coffee color is an indication of the
degree of roasting. There are light roasts, medium roasts, and dark roasts, which will each have
different taste characteristic for the same original set of coffee beans. The ColorFlex EZ
instrument provides HCCI HunterLab Coffee Color Index values, SCAA Number, SCAA Roast
Classification, colorimetric and spectral data. This instrument can also be used for measuring
the reflectance color of other products.
The instrument uses a xenon flash lamp to illuminate the sample. The light reflected from the
sample is then separated into its component wavelengths through a dispersion grating. The
relative intensities of the light at different wavelengths along the visible spectrum (400-700 nm)
are then analyzed to produce numeric results indicative of the color of the sample.
ColorFlex EZ Coffee is available with a regular port and 45°/0° geometry. The ground coffee will
be read through the bottom of a 90 - 100 mm disposable polystyrene petri dish (25 mm sides).
This will allow averaging of multiple readings per measurement (3 or 4 readings per
measurement are suggested) by moving the dish around on top of the port
Accessories
The following accessories are included with the ColorFlex EZ Coffee:
•Calibration tiles - A NIST traceable white calibrated tile is placed at the sample port
during standardization to set the top of scale. The Black Glass is placed at the sample
port during standardization to set the bottom of scale, and the Green Check Tile is
used to assess long-term instrument performance during the Diagnostic Green Tile
Test.
•Certificate of traceability for the standard White Tile.
•Tile data sheet - provides NIST-traceable calibrated values for the standard White
Tile and values read at factory for the Green Tile.
•USB cable for connecting the ColorFlex EZ Coffee to a computer.
Figure 1. USB Cable
•Standard 31.8 mm (1.25 in) open port insert used for the instrument diagnostic test
and measurement of coffee samples.
•Coffee tile to be used as a PQ Performance Qualification step with values Read-at-
Factory in HCCI and SCCA- Hunter Coffee Color Index; SCAA #, SCAA Roast
Classification and CIE L*, a*, b* values

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•A sleeve of 10 disposable polystyrene (100 mm diameter) petri dishes
Figure 2. Petri Dishes
•Standards care card - gives instructions on how to clean the standards.
•USB Flash Drive for data transfer
•AC adapter, 12 W/9V.
•ColorFlex EZ Coffee User’s Manual on CD.
Installation
Before operating the ColorFlex EZ Coffee, connect the instrument to a power source,
a computer or to an optional component, such as a printer. Instructions are provided below.
1. Unpack the 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 EZ Coffee on a flat, stable surface near and electrical outlet.
3. Connect the connector of the AC adapter to the acceptor on the left back of the
ColorFlex EZ Coffee.
4. Plug the female end of the power cord into the AC Adapter and the male end into a
wall outlet.
5. If the instrument is to be used connected to a computer, printer, or other USB
device, plug the hexagonal end of the USB cable into the USB port on the ColorFlex
EZ Coffee.
6. Plug the flat end of the USB cable into the appropriate USB port on the computer or
device. If connecting to a computer, Windows’ plug and play feature should
automatically find and install the ColorFlex EZ Coffee. Let it do so until the FOUND
NEW HARDWARE message disappears. Other devices, such as the printer, bar code
reader, and keyboard, are automatically detected by the ColorFlex EZ Coffee.
7. Turn the ColorFlex EZ Coffee on by pressing the GO (lightning bolt ) button on the
button pad.
CHAPTER TWO

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The Basics of ColorFlex EZ Coffee Operation
Commands are given to the ColorFlex EZ Coffee using the five buttons on its button pad, and
instructional prompts and measurements are displayed on the 320 x 240 pixel on color liquid
crystal display (LCD) screen.
When an item is to be measured using the ColorFlex EZ Coffee, the sample should be placed
flush at the sample port with the side of the sample to be measured toward the instrument.
The sample must completely cover the sample port.
When the read command is given using the button pad, the xenon flash lamp illuminates the
sample, and the light reflected into the detector by the sample is evaluated. The calculated
measurement is then shown in the display.
Up to 2000 readings and 250 product setups may be stored in the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s
memory.
The Button Pad and LCD Display
The five buttons on the button pad can be loosely defined as the LEFT,RIGHT,UP, and DOWN
buttons, with the GO (lightning bolt ) button located to the right of the arrows. These buttons
perform slightly different functions depending on the current operation. Consult the miniature
map of the button pad shown at the bottom of the LCD display for the relevant definitions of
the buttons at any time.
Figure 3. Main Menu Key Pad
Across the top of each measurement screen are numbers indicating (left to right) the Datalog
number for this reading if it was saved to the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s memory, and the number of
hours and minutes since the instrument was last standardized.
Menus and Prompts
All ColorFlex EZ Coffee functions may be accessed through its MAIN MENU. The MAIN MENU
commands lead to prompts (such as for STANDARDIZE and READ), PRODUCT SETUP screens,
GLOBAL OPTIONS, or an additional menu (such as the DIAGNOSTICS, SAVED READINGS, and
SETUP MAINTENANCE choices), depending on the function requested.

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When RETURN is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, choose
Return to go back to the last screen used before the instrument shut down.
Figure 4. Main Menu
When OFF is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, choose OFF to
immediately turn the instrument off.
About Your Instrument
Information specific to the instrument may be viewed on the ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT
screen, which can be obtained by choosing ABOUT from the main menu. The instrument
model, serial number, firmware version, and total flash count for this instrument lamp are
displayed.
Figure 5. About Your Instrument
Taking a Simple Measurement
This chapter describes the various steps performed in the course of normal instrument
operations, such as standardizing, reading, storing and printing data.
STANDARDIZATION sets the top and bottom-of-scale for the neutral axis. During
standardization, the bottom-of-scale (zero) is set first. This is done by placing the Black Glass at
the sample port. The top-of-scale is then set by reading the calibrated White Tile. Messages on
the display prompt through the standardization process as described below. The time elapsed
(in minutes) since the last standardization is shown in the upper right corner of the screen.

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Figure 6. Time Since Last Standardization
It is recommended that the ColorFlex EZ Coffee be standardized every four to eight hours. The
instrument will automatically prompt for standardization after the Standardization Interval set
in Global Options has elapsed, so it is a good idea to enter 4 to 8 hours as the Standardization
Interval.
Also standardize the ColorFlex EZ Coffee any time there is a significant change (greater than
5°F) in ambient temperature. For example, if the ColorFlex EZ Coffee is moved an air-
conditioned office to an outdoor site that is 90°F, standardization should be repeated once the
instrument has had a chance to stabilize under the new temperature. Also standardize the
instrument any time there is a change in the optical path, such as changing from using the
standard port to the sample cup port.
Figure 7. Set Standardization Interval
It is important that the standards used in standardization be treated carefully. Tiles must be
kept clean and in good condition. If there is any doubt about the standards being clean, clean
them as described in the MAINTAINING AND TESTING COLORFLEX EZ COFFEE chapter.
Standardization Process
Standardization of a ColorFlex EZ Coffee is performed as follows:
1. To standardize, place the standard 31.8 mm (1.25 in) diameter open port on the
instrument.
2. Remove the calibration tiles from the standards box. Check that the tiles are clean
and free of dust and scratches. If they are dirty (including marked with fingerprints),
clean them as described in MAINTAINING AND TESTING COLORFLEX EZ COFFEE.
3. Select STANDARDIZE from the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s main menu by moving the
cursor highlight to its position using the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons and then
pressing the GO button. The Standardization screen appears, prompting for the
Black Glass.

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Figure 8. Standardize
4. Place the BLACK GLASS on the measuring port with the shiny side of the glass
against the port. Check that the BLACK GLASS is flat and in solid contact against the
port and that the white dot is facing forward towards the operator.
Figure 9. Place Black Glass at Port
5. Press the GO button. The ColorFlex EZ Coffee reads the glass and sets the instrument
bottom-of-scale. When it is finished, the screen prompts for the calibrated White
Tile.
Figure 10. White Tile Reading
6. Replace the BLACK GLASS with the calibrated WHITE TILE from the standards box.
7. Press the button GO. The ColorFlex EZ Coffee reads the White Tile and sets the top-
of-scale. When it is finished, the screen indicates that the instrument has been
successfully standardized.
Figure 11. Successful Standardization
8. Press MAIN MENU (right arrow) to return to the main menu.

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9. Periodically (i.e. once per week), perform the WHITE TILE check and GREEN TILE
check to ensure that the instrument is operating properly. The calibrated Coffee tile
should also be read to confirm that the instrument is reading coffee color correctly.
Reading Individual Samples
Complete the following steps to take individual readings using the ColorFlex EZ Coffee:
Note: These instructions apply when Average in the product setup is set to OFF.
1. From the MAIN MENU, press the DOWN ARROW key until the PRODUCT SETUP
screen is reached. Press GO to select a setup.
Figure 12. Main Menu > Product Setup
2. Press the UP or DOWN ARROW to select the COFFEE ROAST SETUP.Press GO to
continue. The Hunterlab Coffee Color Index is stored in the ColorFlex EZ memory
when the instrument is configured at the factory. There is one setup and two views
for the Coffee Roast Setup.
Figure 13. Select Setup
3. Select READ from the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s MAIN MENU. Move the cursor to
highlight its position using the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons and then press the
GO button.
Figure 14. Main Menu > Read

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4. When beginning measurements of Coffee products, it is recommended to read the
Coffee Tile as a Performance Qualification check..
5. To measure a sample, pour the sample into an dish until it is almost full.
6. Place the dish onto the sample port.
Figure 15. Place sample at port
7. Measure the sample by pressing the GO key. It is best to average 3 readings per
measurement, moving the dish to different areas on the port.
8. The result is displayed.
Figure 16. Results of Reading
9. To view the next Coffee Roast Setup, press the UP ARROW.
Note: If a bar code reader is installed, scan the bar code now, and the ID will appear
beneath the color measurement.
10. User options are shown on the keypad map at the bottom of the screen. Press
SAVE/PRINT (down arrow) to both save the reading (if AutoSave is not enabled) in
the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s memory and print the reading if a USB printer is
connected.
11. The saved readings counter in the upper left corner of the screen will be
incremented to reflect the newly saved reading.
12. Remove the sample dish and place the next sample at the port.

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13. Press READ to take another reading using this product setup.
14. Press UP to move to the next data view for this product setup.
15. Press RIGHT ARROW to return to the main menu.
Using the Coffee Tile
The purpose of the Coffee Tile is to make sure that the instrument is correctly reading color
values for coffee.
At the factory, the values for the Coffee Tile have been entered for HCCI and SCAA.
1. From the MAIN MENU, choose PRODUCT SETUP.
Figure 17. Yes to Select Setup
2. Select the COFFEE INDEX SETUP by highlighting the selection and pressing GO.
Figure 18. Select Coffee Roasts
3. READ the Coffee Tile and the values read on the instrument are displayed. Compare to the
values on the back of the tile. The HCCI values should be ±.5 and the SCAA ± 1.
4. Press DONE to return to the PRODUCT SETUP SCREEN.
Setting Tolerances
Tolerances are limits that indicate how different a sample can be from the product standard
and still be acceptable. Positive and negative tolerances may be set for each color scale and
index paramter chosen for display. Then the ColorFlex EZ can show a PASS or FAIL ndicator
after a sample is read. No tolerances are available for the Coffee Index.
1. To enter Tolerances, select TOLERANCES from the PRODUCT SETUP screen.
2. Enter the tolerance values for each parameter using the plus or minus key. Press
NEXT to go to the next digit or next tolerance and DONE when all values have been
entered.
3. Choose READ and select the setup.

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4. Select YES.
5. Follow the prompts to READ the samples. Any measurements made in this setup will
be adjusted to match the reference instrument. Place the sample at the port in the
sample cup. Press the GO button to Read as before.
Defining Standard, Sample and Tolerances
Product Standard
A product standard is an object that represents the ideal target color for the product. This
object is the one to which others will be compared and deemed acceptable or unacceptable.
The product standard may either be a physical item that is measured using the ColorFlex EZ
Coffee or a set of color values that is entered into the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s memory.
Sample
A sample is an object that will be measured with the ColorFlex EZ Coffee and compared to the
product standard. The color of the sample is generally similar to the color of the product
standard.
Tolerances
Tolerances are limits that indicate how different a sample can be from the product standard
and still be acceptable. Positive and negative tolerances may be set for each color scale and
index parameter chosen for display. Then, the ColorFlex EZ Coffee can show a pass or fail
indicator after a sample is read.
Samples that differ from the standard by no more than the entered tolerance are said to pass.
Samples that exceed the tolerance for one or more parameter are said to fail.

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CHAPTER THREE
Configuring Setups
Before using the ColorFlex EZ Coffee to make measurements, configure the instrument’s
various options, such as the language, screen angle, and the date and time.
A product setup is a set of operating parameters that describe the operation of the ColorFlex EZ
Coffee for a specific product. Up to 250 setups may be stored in the instrument’s memory. The
parameters that must be defined for each product include the color scale for display, target
color values for the product (if applicable), and the acceptable tolerances applied to the
standard values (if applicable). Each product setup is saved in the ColorFlex EZ Coffee memory
with a setup number and name.
The instrument options and product setups are retained in the ColorFlex EZ Coffee’s memory
even when the instrument is turned off.
Maintenance may be performed on the product setups, such as resetting or printing them. This
chapter describes how to configure and maintain the instrument options and product setups.
Product Setup is selected from the main menu by moving the cursor highlight to the Product
Setup position using the up and down arrow buttons and then pressing the GO button.
Figure 19. Product Setup
Coffee Roast Setup
The Coffee Roast Color is stored in the ColorFlex EZ's memory when configured at the factory.
Figure 20. Product Setups for Coffee Roasts
There is one setup and two views. The Views shows the different product types.

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Table 1. Coffee Index
SCAA
The Specialty Coffee Association of America has produced eight visual color standards for roast
classification of ground coffee. Classification is normally done via visual inspection by
comparing the color of a roast to a set of 8 colored disks, each varying 10% in shade and
ranging from #95 (Very Light) to #25 (Very Dark). This measurement method depends on the
subjectivity of human perception, requires precise sample preparation, and can easily be
skewed by factors such as light source and texture, leading to imprecise results.
HCCI
The HunterLab Coffee Color Index measures the spectral reflectance of ground coffee at
640nm, the optimal setting for defining the degree of a roast. To optimize your roasting
process, HCCI is best measured during roasting, allowing you to end the process when the
coffee reaches its desired color and ensuring batch-to-batch consistency. This sophisticated
measuring system does not limit you to matching one of eight pre-set standards but allows
infinite possibilities for creating the perfect roast.
HCCI = [HCCI_slope * R(640 nm)] + HCCI_offset
where default coefficients for HCCI_offset = –3.32 and HCCI_slope = 1.958
Notes on HCCI:
This index comes with a user-adjustable bias and offset in each setup to allow display in
agreement with existing instruments. HCCI values are typically displayed to 1 decimal place.
HCCI correlates well with the visual SCAA Roast Standards and exhibits a 20 unit range.
To demonstrate the HCCI and its relationship to SCAA, a series of scans were taken using
EasyMatch QC.
Coffee Index Product Views
Views
Ill/Obs
HCCI
D65/10
SCAA Gourmet
D65/10
SCAA Commercial
D65/10
L*a*b*
D65/10

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Figure 21. SCAA vs HCCI
Modifying the HCCI Parameters
The HunterLab Coffee Color Index is a calculation based on the reflectance reading in the
640nm range.
HCCI = (1.958*R640nm) –3.32
At the factory, the coefficient values for the HunterLab Coffee Color Index have been entered. It
would not be a typical practice but it is possible to modify the slope and intercept for the HCCI
calculations to improve inter-instrument agreement if needed, or implement a customer roast
scale.

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1. From the PRODUCT SETUP menu, choose HCCI.
Figure 22. Select HCCI
2. Select the Coffee Index coefficient to change and press the NEXT arrow to continue.
Figure 23. Enter HCCI Parameters
3. When all coefficients have been edited, press GO to return to the MAIN MENU.
4. The HCCI metric in the display screen will have an asterisk (*) beside it indicating the
default coefficients have been modified.
Figure 24. Asterisk for New HCCI Parameters
5. To return to the original values, select SETUP MAINTENANCE from the MAIN MENU.
Press RESET ALL SETUPS.
Figure 25. Reset All Setups