HunterLab EasyMatch QC Owner's manual

D25®NC
Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch®QC
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1018-095
Manual Version 1.0

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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 express written consent of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
is prohibited.
EasyMatch QC and D25 are registered trademarks for Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Duraflect, Spectraflect, and Spectralon are trademarks of Labsphere, Inc.
Teflon and Lucite are registered trademarks of DuPont Company.
Caution: If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the HunterLab, the overall safety may
be impaired. - The instrument is for indoor use only and not suitable for a wet location.
Caution: There is a potential of a UV Light hazard in using this instrument. Please avoid looking
directly at the light.

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Contents
D25 NC FEATURES........................................................................................................ 5
Standard Accessories: ....................................................................................................................5
D25 NC Options and Sample Devices ..............................................................................................6
D25 NC INSTALLATION................................................................................................. 7
Install EasyMatch® QC Software .......................................................................................................8
Activate the SoftKey License ...........................................................................................................9
Connecting D25 NC to EasyMatch® QC and a Computer................................................................11
Connect D25 NC to the computer via a USB cable. ........................................................................... 11
D25 NC Standardization ...............................................................................................................11
Standardization Mode .................................................................................................................13
D25 NC MAINTENANCE AND TESTING.........................................................................15
Routine Maintenance ..................................................................................................................15
System Warm-Up.........................................................................................................................15
Cleaning the Viewing Window......................................................................................................16
Cleaning the Instrument Standards ..............................................................................................16
Replacing the Fuses......................................................................................................................16
Diagnostics on the D25 NC ...........................................................................................................17
Green Tile Test ................................................................................................................................... 17
Repeatability Test............................................................................................................................... 18
Hardware Check ................................................................................................................................. 19
D25 NC SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................21
Physical/ElectricalPhysical/Electrical ............................................................................................21
Environmental Requirements.......................................................................................................21
Instrument Performance..............................................................................................................22
Regulatory Notice ........................................................................................................................22
INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS .........................25
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................25
Shipping Claims............................................................................................................................25
Breakage or Damage .......................................................................................................................... 25
Shortage ............................................................................................................................................. 26
Incorrect Shipment............................................................................................................................. 26
Returns........................................................................................................................................27
Packing and Shipping Instruments for Repair.................................................................................... 27
When You Need Assistance..........................................................................................................28
INDEX .........................................................................................................................31

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D25 NC Features
The D25 NC is a continuous, automated, non-contact color measurement instrument with height
detection and color compensation. For use in laboratory environments, the D25 NC uses LED
illumination technology to measure samples and monitor color on a rotating tray. Pour, place and
measure single or multiple samples on the tray, with easy cleanup and maintenance.
D25 NC makes real-time color measurements of products with irregular shapes, and in industries as
diverse as paint, food, building products and industrial minerals. This instrument is designed to work as
a stand-alone unit with an easy-to-read display or connected to EasyMatch QC software on a personal
computer.
Figure 1. Front of D25 NC
The D25 NC possesses the following features:
Standard Accessories:
•Calibrated instrument white tile
•Certificate of traceability
•Black glass

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•Green diagnostic tile
•Calibration box
•12 in and 6 in sample dishes
•Power cord
•D25 NC User’s Manual on CD
Note: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the
protection afforded by the equipment. Danger of electric shock if liquids are spilled and
fire if volatile or flammable liquids are spilled. Use care when measuring liquid samples.
D25 NC Options and Sample Devices
For the latest information, please refer to support.hunterlab.com and D25 NC.

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D25 NC Installation
Note: The D25 NC should be lifted from under the base plate, near the center of the unit. It
should not be carried by grasping any part of the plastic housing.
The D25 NC is simple to set up and attach to your computer. The following instructions guide you
through the initial installation of your D25 NC system.
1. Unpack all cartons and remove wrappings and cable ties. Inspect for damage and notify the
carrier and HunterLab immediately if any is discovered. Save the packing material in case it
becomes necessary to return the instrument to the factory.
2. Place the D25 NC on a flat working surface where the measurements will be made. Place
the computer near the sensor.
3. Ensure that the on/off switch on the back of the sensor is set to off.
4. Connect the power cord to the sensor and plug it into a power outlet.
Note: Refer to the D25 NC Specifications section of this chapter for recommendations
concerning the power line and its conditioning.
CAUTION: Use only the power cord included with this instrument or a replacement
obtained from HunterLab. Be certain that the power cord is in good condition before
connecting it. The D25 NC is grounded using the grounding portion of this power cord. Only
plug this cord into a properly grounded power outlet. Do not use an inappropriate adapter
to plug the instrument into an ungrounded outlet or electric shock may occur. More
information on the wiring of the power cord can be found in the D25 NC Specifications
section of this chapter.
Note. Since the D25 NC uses a USB cable to communicate with the computer, select the
highest number COM Port No. offered.

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Install EasyMatch® QC Software
Complete the following steps:
1. Log into the system using an account that has ‘Administrator’ privileges for the PC —
network or local.
2. Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM drive. If the system is setup to automatically
run CD programs, the menu will appear and you may skip to Step 5. Otherwise, continue
with Step 3.
3. Select the Easy Match QC Icon or from Windows, go to Start > Run >EZMQC_Menu and
Open. The following screen will be shown.
Figure 2. EasyMatch QC Installation
4. Select ‘Install EasyMatch QC Software’ and follow the screen prompts.
5. Select ‘SoftKey License’ as the type of key to use with the software.
Figure 3. Software Key License
6. When the EasyMatch QC installation is finished, select the Option Button next to ‘Yes, I
want to restart my computer now’and then Finish to restart the computer and log back in.

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Figure 4. Completed Install
7. The CD can now be removed.
Activate the SoftKey License
1. From the Desktop, select the EasyMatch QC Icon or from the Windows Start menu, choose
the following to open the software:
Start > Programs > HunterLab > EasyMatch QC
2. A warning message to activate the license will be displayed as shown in Figure 5.
Note: EasyMatch QC functions are unavailable before key activation.
Figure 5. No License Warning
3. The SoftKey License is uniquely associated with the sensor serial number and is provided
on a thumb drive supplied with EasyMatch QC or via email from HunterLab.
4. Go to Help> License Registration > Activation.
5. Select Activate License.

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Figure 6. Activate License
i. Option #1: Key ID.
This method is for copying the ID from an email or writing down the 32-digit code.
This requires an internet connection.
a. From the Choose an Option page (Figure 5), select Key ID.
b. Paste-in or type-in the License Key ID and click Activate.
c. An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.
ii. Option #2: Key File (.skl)
This method is for using the SoftKey License (.skl file) on the thumb drive.
a. Place the thumb drive with the SoftKey License in the USB port.
b. From the Choose an Option page (Figure 5), select Key File (.skl).
c. Browse the USB to find the SoftKey License (.skl) file, then click Activate.
d. An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.
iii. Option #3: Sentinel Key
a. If the user has a HunterLab USB hardware key, then it can be used with a new
sensor on the same computer. Return to Install the Software, Step 5 (Figure 3)
and select the Sentinel Key to continue.
iv. Option #4: 30-day trial
a. Fill out the registration form provided for the 30-day trial. Connect to the
internet. HunterLab will approve the trial and email the SoftKey license back.
Follow the directions for Option #1 or #2 to complete.

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Figure 7. Request 30-day Trial
D25 NC Standardization
The D25 NC must be standardized on a regular basis to keep it operating properly. Standardization sets
the top and bottom of the photometric scale. During standardization, the bottom of the scale is set
using a black tile read on the D25 NC. The top-of-scale is set using a white tile.
It is recommended that the instrument be standardized at least once every eight hours.
Connecting D25 NC to EasyMatch® QC and a Computer
EasyMatch QC and EasyMatch QC-ER Version can connect with D25 NC through a USB printer cable.
Connect D25 NC to the computer via a USB cable.
1. Connect both the D25 NC and the computer with EasyMatch QC via a USB cable 2.0
(A male to B male).
2. Locate the toggle switch below the USB port on the back of the instrument, and
select the computer by toggling right.
Figure 8. USB Port
3. Open EasyMatch QC in the computer.

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4. From the Sensor Menu, select Add Sensor.
Figure 9. Add D25 NC Sensor
5. Select D25 NC as the Sensor Type and use the USB (selected as default) to connect
D25 NC with EasyMatch QC. Click Next to search available D25 NC.
Figure 10. Setup Sensor in EasyMatch QC
6. If there are multiple D25 NC units, then a list of available sensors and ports are
shown.
Figure 11. Multiple Sensor Select

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7. Select Next to standardize.
8. You are now ready to use EasyMatch QC with the D25 NC.
Standardization Mode
Only reflectance is available on the D25 NC.
The instrument can be standardized at any time by selecting Sensor Menu > or by clicking the
Standardize button on the default toolbar. You are first prompted to indicate the instrument
configuration.
To standardize, read the Bottom-of-Scale, Top-of-Scale and Green Tile.
Figure 12. Read Bottom-of-Scale
Figure 13. Read Top-of-Scale

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Figure 14. Read Green Tile

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D25 NC Maintenance and Testing
The D25 NC is engineered to be virtually maintenance free. This section outlines the few parts of the
sensor that are to be maintained for the instrument to function properly.
Routine Maintenance
The following schedule outlines recommended maintenance procedures for the D25 NC. The actual
frequency of maintenance required will be determined by the measurement application and plant
operating conditions.
Daily (or once per shift)
Check and wipe the sensor viewing window clean with mild cleaning solution and then a dry
soft cloth.
Weekly
Clean the exterior of the sensor and mounting. The D25 NC is NOT waterproof, but the exterior
of the case may be wiped with a damp cloth. Standardize the sensor.
Monthly
Clean the standards (slide-on calibrator and sensor window monitor) using a laboratory-grade
detergent and a nylon brush. Wipe dry with a lint-free paper towel containing no FWAs. If a
Hitch Standard has been used, then compare hitch standard values for the D25 NC to those of
the off-line colorimeter. Re-hitch the D25 NC if necessary or desired.
As Needed
Replace the sensor window.
Replace the fuses.
Perform the diagnostics.
System Warm-Up
If power to any of the system components has been turned off, it must be restored to all components
before operation can resume. If power to the support unit has been turned off, a 30-minute warm-up
period is required for sensor temperature stabilization. If power to the support unit has been turned
off for more than an hour, a two-hour warm-up period is required.
When restoring power to system components:
•Restore power to the support unit and computer (if included).
•Allow at least thirty minutes of warm-up time.
•Standardize.
•Select the desired product setup and begin operation.

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Cleaning the Viewing Window
To ensure proper operation of the sensor it is recommended that the abrasion-resistant LUCITE®
viewing window of the sensor be wiped clean with household glass cleaner on a soft lens tissue or
lintless cloth at the start of each shift.
Cleaning the Instrument Standards
It is extremely important that the standard tile (the slide-on calibrator) be treated with great care. It
should be protected from physical damage and dirt at all times.
Be sure the standards are clean before using it for standardization. Once a month, use a soft nylon
brush and a Sparkleen (Fisher Scientific Catalog Number 4-320-4) in water solution (1 tablespoon per
gallon), followed by a running hot water rinse. Wipe dry with a clean, lint-free paper towel
manufactured without fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) to remove water marks.
Replacing the Fuses
If unusual electrical line activity should ever cause the fuse in the D25 NC Workstation to fail, it can be
replaced.
To replace a fuse:
•Turn off the power and disconnect it from the power source.
•The fuse is a pair of 2 Amp Slow Blow fuses (HL# S2338) supplied by HunterLab or
equivalent.
•Flip up the plastic fuse holder and open the cover panel.
Figure 15. Fuse is located beside I/O rocker switch.
•Using a fuse removal tool, lift the faulty fuse out of its fuse holder and discard it.
•Snap a replacement fuse into the operational fuse holder.
Note: Use only the fuse specified above for your instrument or one which is identical in
type, voltage rating, and current rating. Otherwise, there may be a risk of fire.
•Replace the plastic cover panel and flip the fuse holder back into the original position.
•Close the support unit cover.
•Restore power to the support unit.
•Allow the sensor and support unit to warm up for five minutes.
•Standardize the instrument and proceed with measurements.

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•Order additional spare fuses for potential future use.
Diagnostics on the D25 NC
Diagnostics are included with the D25 NC Easy Match QC. To initiate, select Diagnostics from the
Sensor Menu. The Green Tile Test, Repeatability Test and Hardware checks are the available tests.
Green Tile Test
To begin the Green Tile Test, standardize the instrument and leave the Green Tile at the port.
The instrument will read the green tile.
Figure 16. Screen Display for Test Results
Figure 17. Green Tile Test Results

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Repeatability Test
The repeatability test is initiated by standardizing and leaving the white tile in view.
Each white tile reading is reported along with a pass/fail evaluation.
Figure 18. Repeatability Readings
When the test is complete, results are shown in several screens.
Figure 19. Repeatability Screen Results

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Figure 20. Repeatability Report
Hardware Check
This tests the signal level values for the sample and monitor as shown in the figure below.
Figure 21. Signal Level Test

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