HunterLab MiniScan EZ User manual

User’s Manual for
MiniScan®EZ
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1014-085 Version 2.0

MiniScan EZ 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.
EasyMatch is a registered trademark of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
MiniScan is a registered trademark 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.
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. The frequency of this flashing light is in the range of sensitivity for those prone to epileptic
seizures.
Safety Notes
For your safety when using the MiniScan EZ, you should pay attention to the safety statements in this
User’s Manual.

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Contents
SETTING UP THE MINISCAN EZ............................................................................7
Standard Accessories.......................................................................................................... 8
Dust Cover................................................................................................................................ 8
Calibration Cylinder.................................................................................................................. 9
Rechargeable Batteries ............................................................................................................ 9
USB Cable ............................................................................................................................... 10
Tile data sheet........................................................................................................................ 10
Installation....................................................................................................................... 10
THE BASICS OF MINISCAN EZ OPERATION.........................................................13
The Button Pad and LCD Display....................................................................................... 13
Menus.............................................................................................................................. 14
About Your Instrument..................................................................................................... 15
Taking a Simple Measurement.......................................................................................... 15
StandardizATION.................................................................................................................... 15
Standardization Process......................................................................................................... 16
Reading Individual Samples ................................................................................................... 19
Defining Standard, Sample and Tolerances ....................................................................... 21
Product Standard ................................................................................................................... 21
Sample.................................................................................................................................... 21
Tolerances .............................................................................................................................. 21
CONFIGURING OPTIONS AND SETUPS...............................................................23
Product Setups................................................................................................................. 23
Setup Name........................................................................................................................ 24
Standard................................................................................................................................. 24
Average................................................................................................................................... 25
Views.................................................................................................................................. 25
Standard Values................................................................................................................. 30
Tolerances.......................................................................................................................... 30
Autosearch ............................................................................................................................. 31
Global Options ................................................................................................................. 32
Language ................................................................................................................................ 32
Display Settings.................................................................................................................. 32
Setups Locked?....................................................................................................................... 33
Autosave................................................................................................................................. 33
Stdz Interval............................................................................................................................ 34
Autosearch......................................................................................................................... 34
Date/Time.......................................................................................................................... 34
Setup Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 35
Reset All Setups.................................................................................................................. 35
Print All Setups................................................................................................................... 36
Print One Setup.................................................................................................................. 36

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Clone All Setups.................................................................................................................. 36
READING, STORING AND PRINTING DATA.........................................................39
Reading with Averaging.................................................................................................... 39
Working with Saved Readings........................................................................................... 41
Delete All Readings............................................................................................................. 42
Print All Readings............................................................................................................... 42
View Saved Readings.......................................................................................................... 42
Filter By Setup.................................................................................................................... 43
SAMPLE PREPARATION AND PRESENTATION....................................................45
Selecting Samples............................................................................................................. 45
Preparing Samples............................................................................................................ 45
Sample Presentation ........................................................................................................ 45
Directional Samples................................................................................................................ 46
Non-Opaque Samples ............................................................................................................ 46
Translucent Samples .............................................................................................................. 46
MAINTAINING AND TESTING MINISCAN EZ.......................................................49
Recharging/Replacing the Batteries.................................................................................. 49
Cleaning the MiniScan EZ.................................................................................................. 49
Maintaining the Instrument Standards ............................................................................. 49
Replacing the Lamp .......................................................................................................... 50
Diagnostics....................................................................................................................... 50
White Repeatability............................................................................................................ 50
Green Tile Check................................................................................................................ 51
Signal Levels....................................................................................................................... 52
Self Test.............................................................................................................................. 52
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................55
Operating Conditions ....................................................................................................... 55
Physical Characteristics .................................................................................................... 55
Conditions of Illumination ................................................................................................ 56
System Power .................................................................................................................. 56
Instrument Performance .................................................................................................. 57
Regulatory Notice............................................................................................................. 57
Options and Sample Devices............................................................................................. 59
External Printer (HL#A13-1014-259)...................................................................................... 59
Keyboard (HL#A13-1014-294)................................................................................................ 59
Bar Code Scanner ................................................................................................................... 60
Standard-A to Mini-A USB Adapter (HL#A21-1013-859) ....................................................... 60
USB mass storage devices...................................................................................................... 60
White Tile Replacement or Recalibration .............................................................................. 62
45/0 Fiber Package Adapter (HL#C02-1002-030) .................................................................. 62
Skein Holder (HL# 02-7396-00) .............................................................................................. 63

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45/0 LAV Nose Cone with Lower Glass Assembly (HL#A02-1014-374) or Nose Cone with
Lower Polycarbonate Assembly (HL# D02-1014-427) ........................................................... 64
420-nm UV Filter Assembly (HL# D02-1014-436) .................................................................. 64
EasyMatch QC Software......................................................................................................... 64
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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Setting up the MiniScan EZ
The MiniScan EZ spectrophotometer is a versatile color measurement instrument that can be used on
products of virtually any size, and in industries as diverse as paint and textiles. Because of its compact
design and portability, MiniScan EZ can be used to measure objects that would be difficult to position at
the measurement port of a larger color instrument normally found in a laboratory, and in locations
other than a laboratory.
Figure 1. MiniScan
Note: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may
impair the protection afforded by the equipment.
Note: Take care not to drop the MiniScan EZ. If it is dropped, have it evaluated for
damage before operation.
MiniScan EZ is available in four different models based on viewing area and geometry. The label on the
bottom of the instrument provides this information, which is outlined below.
Model
Geometry
Viewing Area
MSEZ-4500L
45°/0°
Large
MSEZ-4500S
45°/0°
Small
MSEZ-4000L
Diffuse/8° (Sphere)
Large
MSEZ-4000S
Diffuse/8° (Sphere)
Small

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Standard Accessories
The following accessories are included with the MiniScan EZ and can be found in the provided carrying
case:
•Dust Cover
•Calibration Cylinder with calibrated white tile, black glass or light trap and green check tile
•Rechargeable Batteries
•USB Cable
•Certificate of Traceability
Figure 2. MiniScan EZ Carrying Case
DUST COVER
This accessory screws on over the sample port to protect the instrument’s optics when it is not in use.
Figure 3. Dust Cover

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Calibration Cylinder
The Calibration Cylinder houses the NIST traceable white calibrated tile that is placed at the sample port
during standardization to set the top of scale, the black glass or light trap that is placed at the sample
port during standardization to set the zero, and the green check tile that is used to assess long-term
instrument performance during the green tile test.
Figure 4. Calibration Cylinder
Rechargeable BATTERIES
A set of 6 rechargeable AA batteries and a charger (with 110V plug and 220V adapter) are provided for
continuing use of the MiniScan EZ.
Figure 5. Rechargeable Batteries

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USB Cable
This is used for connecting the MiniScan EZ to a computer.
Figure 6. USB Cable
TILE DATA SHEET
This provides NIST-traceable calibrated values for the standard white tile and values read at factory for
the green tile.
Installation
Before operating the MiniScan EZ, you need only install the batteries. You may also wish to connect it to
a computer or to an optional component, such as a printer. Instructions are provided below.
1. Unpack the carrying case 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. Open the battery compartment on the bottom of the MiniScan EZ.
Figure 7. Insert batteries
3. Install the 6 AA batteries, observing the positive (+) and negative (-) polarity guides inside the
battery compartment.
4. Close the battery compartment.
Note: The MiniScan EZ can use six standard AA alkaline batteries or six rechargeable AA NiMH
batteries. Do not mix battery types in the instrument. To recharge the NiMH batteries, remove
them from the instrument and recharge them using the supplied charger.

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5. If the instrument is to be used connected to a computer, printer, or other USB device, plug the
hexagonal (Mini-A) end of the USB cable into the USB port on the MiniScan EZ. Some device
cables may require use of a Standard-A to Mini-A adapter.
Figure 8. Connecting the USB Cable
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 MiniScan EZ. Then the “Found new hardware” message disappears. Other devices, such as
the printer, bar code reader, and keyboard, are automatically detected by the MiniScan EZ.
7. Turn the MiniScan EZ on by pressing the center (Go) button on the button pad.
Figure 9. Go Button
Go Button

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The Basics of MiniScan EZ Operation
Commands are given to the MiniScan EZ using the five buttons on its button pad, instructional prompts
and measurements and are displayed on the 160 x 160-pixel liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. When an
item is to be measured using the MiniScan EZ, the area of interest 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.
Figure 10. Screen Display
When the read command is given using the button pad, the xenon flash lamp illuminates the sample,
and the light reflected and captured by the detector is evaluated. The calculated measurement is then
shown on the LCD. Up to 800 readings and 100 product setups may be stored in the MiniScan EZ’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 circular Go (lightning bolt) button housed in the center 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.
Figure 11. Button Pad

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In addition to operational prompts and the button pad map, the LCD display also contains a battery
power indicator in the lower right corner of the screen. As available battery power decreases, pixels are
removed from the interior of the battery indicator until only the outline remains, indicating battery
power will run out soon.
Figure 12. Battery Power Indicator
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 MiniScan EZ’s memory, the lamp flash count since the batteries
were last replaced, and the number of hours and minutes since the instrument was last standardized.
Figure 13. Top of Screen
Menus
All MiniScan EZ functions may be accessed through its main menu. The main menu command leads to
prompts (such as for standardization and reading), setup screens (for product setup and global options),
or an additional menu (such as the Diagnostics, Saved Readings, and Setup Maintenance choices).
When Return is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, you may choose
Return to go back to the last screen used before the instrument shut down.
Map of
Button
Pad
Battery
Indicator
Datalog #
Lamp Flash Count
Time since Stdz

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Figure 14. Main Menu
When Off is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, you may choose Off to
immediately turn the instrument off.
About Your Instrument
Information specific to your instrument may be viewed on the About Your Instrument screen, which can
be obtained by choosing ABOUT from the main menu. Your instrument model, serial number, firmware
version, and total flash count for this instrument lamp are displayed.
Figure 15. About Your Instrument
Taking a Simple Measurement
STANDARDIZATION
Standardization sets the top and bottom of scale for the neutral axis. During standardization, the
bottom of the scale (zero) is set first. For this, you simulate the case where all the source light is
absorbed by the sample. This is done by placing the black glass or light trap that is contained in the
calibration ‘can’at the sample port. The top of the scale is then set by scaling the light which is reflected
from the calibrated white tile also in the calibration can. Messages on the LCD screen prompt you
through the standardization process as described below.
It is recommended that the MiniScan EZ be standardized at least once every four 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 hours as the Standardization Interval. Also standardize the
MiniScan EZ any time there is a significant change (greater than 5°F) in ambient temperature. For
example, if you move your MiniScan EZ from your air-conditioned office to an outdoor site that is 90°F,
you should standardize again outdoors after the instrument has had a chance to stabilize under the new
temperature.
It is very important that the standards used in standardization be treated carefully. They must be clean
and in good condition if standardization is to be successful.

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STANDARDIZATION PROCESS
Standardization of a MiniScan EZ is performed as follows:
1. Remove the calibration cylinder from the carrying case.
2. Check that the tiles are clean and that the light trap is free of dust and scratches. If they are
dirty (including marked with fingerprints), clean them as described in Maintaining and
Testing MiniScan EZ.
Figure 16. Calibration Cylinder
Note: If your MiniScan EZ is a 45°/0° model, your cylinder will contain a black glass. If it is a
diffuse/8° (sphere) model, it will contain a light trap.
3. Select STANDARDIZE from the MiniScan EZ’s main menu by moving the cursor highlight to
its position using the up and down arrow buttons and then pressing the center (GO) button.
The Standardization screen appears, prompting you to place the black glass or light trap.
Figure 17. Begin Standardization
4. Remove the end cap of the calibration cylinder that covers the black glass and press the
nose cone of the MiniScan EZ to the shiny side of the glass. Check that the sample port is flat
against the black glass.
Figure 18. Reading the Calibration Cylinder

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OR
Remove the end cap of the calibration cylinder that covers the light trap and cover the
MiniScan EZ’s sample port with the light trap. Check that the light trap completely covers
the port.
5. Press the center button (GO). The MiniScan EZ reads the glass or trap and sets the
instrument zero.
6. When it is finished, the screen prompts you to place the white tile.
Figure 19. Prompt to Read the White Tile
7. Replace the black glass or light trap with the white tile, which is contained in the calibration
can’s end cap. Press the nose cone of the MiniScan EZ to the white side of the tile. Check
that the sample port is flat against the tile.
Figure 20. Reading the White Tile
8. Press the center button (GO). The MiniScan EZ reads the white tile and sets the top of scale.
When it is finished, the screen indicates that the instrument has been successfully
standardized.
9. Press MAIN MENU (right arrow) to return to the main menu.

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Figure 21. Standardization is Complete

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READING INDIVIDUAL SAMPLES
Complete the following steps to take individual (non-averaged) readings using the MiniScan EZ:
Note: These instructions apply when AVERAGE in the product setup is set to OFF.
1. Select READ from the MiniScan EZ’s main menu. Move the cursor highlight to its position
using the up and down arrow buttons and then press the center (GO) button.
2. The first Reading screen appears, asking to select the setup to use. To read using the last
product setup that was used, press NO (down arrow) and skip to Step 4. If you want to
select the setup for use from the list of setups, press YES (up arrow), and the Select setup to
use screen appears.
Figure 22. Selecting a Setup
3. Scroll through the list of setups using the up and down arrow buttons until the setup you
wish to use is highlighted, then press the center button (GO) to move to that setup.
4. The first reading screen appears, which prompts you to read the standard (if the product
setup uses a working standard) or sample.
Figure 23. Place Standard at Port
5. Place the standard or sample at the sample port with the side to be measured toward the
port. Make sure that the item is flat against the port and completely covers it.

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Figure 24. Reading a Standard or Sample
6. Press the center (GO) button to read. The standard or sample is read and its values (as
configured in the product setup) displayed on the screen.
Figure 25. Reading on Screen
Note: If you have a bar code reader installed, scan your bar code now, and the ID will
appear beneath the color measurement.
7. The keypad buttons have now changed slightly, as shown on the keypad map at the bottom
of the screen.
Figure 26. Keypad Buttons