HunterLab Agera EasyMatch QC Owner's manual

Agera®
Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch®QC
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1019-083
Manual Version 1.2
For EasyMatch QC 4.95 and Above

Agera Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch QC ver. 1.2
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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 and Agera 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. The frequency of this flashing light is in the range of sensitivity for those prone to epileptic seizures.
For your safety when using the Agera, you should pay attention to the following types of statements in
this User’s Manual:
▪General safety instruction that should be observed at all times while operating the
instrument.
▪Specific safety instruction critical to the type of instrument operation being explained in the
manual where the caution appears.
▪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.
▪The Agera is for indoor use only at an altitude of up to 2000m and pollution degree 2.

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Contents
SETTING UP THE AGERA............................................................................................... 5
Standard Accessories .....................................................................................................................5
Selecting a Space for the Agera ......................................................................................................5
Power Jack.....................................................................................................................................6
Power Switch.................................................................................................................................6
Front and Rear USB Connectors......................................................................................................6
Port Forward Orientation...............................................................................................................6
Ethernet Port.................................................................................................................................7
Agera Options and Sample Devices ................................................................................................7
AGERA INSTALLATION ................................................................................................. 9
Install EasyMatch® QC Software .......................................................................................................9
Activate the SoftKey License .........................................................................................................11
Connect the Agera to a Computer ................................................................................................13
Sensor > Install and Setup ............................................................................................................13
Sensor > Standardize....................................................................................................................15
TAKE SAMPLE OR STANDARD MEASUREMENT ...........................................................17
Using Agera and Easymatch QC to Take Measurements................................................................17
Agera Multiple Read Modes.........................................................................................................18
Gloss Measurements ...................................................................................................................24
AGERA MAINTENANCE AND TESTING .........................................................................27
Routine Maintenance ..................................................................................................................27
System Warm-Up.........................................................................................................................27
Cleaning the Instrument Standards ..............................................................................................27
Diagnostics on the Agera..............................................................................................................28
Green Tile Test ................................................................................................................................... 28
Repeatability Test............................................................................................................................... 30
Gloss Test ........................................................................................................................................... 33
AGERA SPECIFICATIONS..............................................................................................35
Operating Conditions...................................................................................................................35
Physical Characteristics................................................................................................................35
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing........................................................................................36
Instrument Performance..............................................................................................................36
Measurement..............................................................................................................................36
Regulatory Notice ........................................................................................................................37
Agera Sample Accessories............................................................................................................37
HunterLab Flash Drive (A10-1013-423).............................................................................................. 37
USB Flexible Keyboard (A13-1014-294) ............................................................................................. 37
USB Barcode Scanner (A13-1018-566)............................................................................................... 37
USB Adapter Cable (A21-1014-375)................................................................................................... 38
Disk Assembly (02-4522-00)............................................................................................................... 38

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Ring and Disk Set (02-4579-00).......................................................................................................... 38
Sample Cup Opaque Cover (04-4000-00) .......................................................................................... 38
Ring Only (04-4230-00) ...................................................................................................................... 39
Glass Sample Cup (04-7209-00) ......................................................................................................... 39
Sample Cup Set (Agera-SC-Assy)........................................................................................................ 39
Skein/Swatch Holder (02-7396-00).................................................................................................... 39
Foot switch Assembly (D02-1010-327) .............................................................................................. 40
Sample Clamp (D02-1018-462) .......................................................................................................... 40
Gloss Check Tile (D02-1018-997) ....................................................................................................... 40
INSTRUMENT ASSISTANCE, SERVICE, WARRANTY, SHIPPING CLAIMS .........................41
When You Need Assistance..........................................................................................................41
Service on Your Instrument..........................................................................................................41
Warranty.....................................................................................................................................42
Shipping Claims............................................................................................................................42
Breakage or Damage.......................................................................................................................... 42
Shortage ............................................................................................................................................. 43
Incorrect Shipment............................................................................................................................. 44
APPENDIX A................................................................................................................45
Connecting Agera to EasyMatch® QC............................................................................................45
Connect Agera and PC with EasyMatch QC to the same network..................................................... 45
Connect Agera and PC with an Ethernet cable directly. .................................................................... 48
INDEX .........................................................................................................................51

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Setting Up the Agera
The Agera system contains the spectrophotometer with an LED light source and a touch screen for
Essentials. The Agera is a 0-degree illumination / 45-degree circumferential detection
spectrophotometer. The optical delivery and collection system combined with port openings of
nominally 2 in, 1 in, and 0.625 in delivers measurement of semi non-homogenous samples such as
pellets, granules, and textured flat samples including textiles, plastics, paper. The multiple viewing area
accommodate powders, opaque and semi-opaque sauces and liquids.
Figure 1. Agera Instrument
Standard Accessories
•Calibration Box with Agera calibrated white tile, Agera calibrated black glass standard and
Agera green diagnostics tile
•Area of View Port Plates - Set of 3: XLAV: 51 mm (2 in),
LAV: 25.4 mm (1 in),
MAV 16.9 mm (0.625 in)
•Certificate of Traceability
•Power Supply
•Agera Quick Start Guide
•USB Flash Drive
Selecting a Space for the Agera
The Agera can be setup in a laboratory setting with controlled, consistent temperature (10°C to 40°C)
and humidity. A laboratory bench is recommended with easy access to the rear connectors.

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Power Jack
•The instrument is supplied with a 24 VDC (3.75A) power supply. The power supply is
plugged into the back of the instrument as shown along with the Ethernet port and the USB
port.
Figure 2. Rear View with Connectors
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.
Power Switch
•To turn the instrument on, press the rocker switch on the back of the instrument.
Front and Rear USB Connectors
•There are two USB connectors on the Agera. Both can be used for exporting jobs and
workspaces, backing up the instrument data and updating software. If the user wants to
connect multiple devices at the same time, a USB hub can be plugged in to the front of the
instrument.
Figure 3. USB Port on Front of Instrument
Port Forward Orientation
•The Essentials screen is default setup for port up Agera. If port forward orientation is
required, then go to WORKSPACE > PREFERENCES and check REVERSE SCREEN
ORIENTATION and click APPLY. Power off/on Agera to get the screen orientation changed.
Power
Ethernet Port
Power
Supply
Connection
USB Port

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Ethernet Port
•This port is used to connect the Agera to:
▪Computer or to a network with the purpose of sending data (ASCII) to a server
▪Connect with EasyMatch QC and EasyMatch QC Electronic Records
▪Remote Support
▪Network printer
▪Email data
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.
Agera Options and Sample Devices
For the latest information, please refer to support.hunterlab.com.

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Agera Installation
The Agera is simple to set up and attach to your computer. The following instructions guide you
through the initial installation of your Agera 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 Agera 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 supply to the sensor and plug it into a power outlet.
Note: Refer to the Agera Specifications section of this chapter for recommendations
concerning the power line and its conditioning.
CAUTION: Use only the power supply included with this instrument or a replacement
obtained from HunterLab. Be certain that the power supply is in good condition before
connecting it. The Agera is grounded using the grounding portion of this power supply.
Only plug this supply 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 supply can be found in
the Agera Specifications section of this chapter.
Note. Since the Agera uses an ethernet cable to communicate with the computer,
select the highest number COM Port No. offered.
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 EasyMatch QC Icon or from Windows, go to START > RUN > EZMQC_MENU and
OPEN. The following screen will be shown.

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Figure 4. 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 5. 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 6. 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 8.
Note: EasyMatch QC functions are unavailable before key activation.
Figure 7. 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 8. 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 9), 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 9), 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 6)
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 9. Request 30-day Trial
Connect the Agera to a Computer
1. See Appendix A
Sensor > Install and Setup
1. Open EasyMatch QC in the computer.
2. From the SENSOR MENU, select ADD SENSOR.
Figure 10. Add Agera Sensor
3. Select Agera as the Sensor Type and use the Ethernet (selected as default) to connect Agera
to the network and EasyMatch QC. Click NEXT to search available Agera.

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Figure 11. Setup Sensor in EasyMatch QC
4. Edit the SETUP MODE for your instrument,
a. Edit the MODE NAME in the first dialog box.
b. The area view information is updated based on the current port plate attached. To
change to another PORT PLATE/AREA VIEW, place the new port plate on the
instrument and click the UPDATE button.
c. The UV STATUS can also be selected. The instrument should be standardized in the
chosen configuration before measurements are made. For the measurement of
optical brighteners or UV-induced fluorescence, the calibration and control of the
UV energy is important. For some applications, the elimination of fluorescence from
a measurement is important. Fluorescence is caused by ultraviolet (UV) excitation of
the sample, where a material absorbs nonvisible wavelengths of energy and re-emits
the energy as light in the visible spectrum. Since UV light is part of the normal
sample illumination, measurements may include UV excitation. To eliminate
fluorescence from the measurement, select UV-excluded.
I. UV-Nominal - This mode includes UV. The UV for this mode can only be
calibrated/updated at HunterLab.
II. UV-Excluded –This option allows the user to negate the effect of optically-
brightened agents or when used in multi-mode with UV-nominal or UV-
calibrated, determines the amount of optical brightening agents present.
III. UV-Calibrated –When UV-Calibrated is configured in a mode, users need to
do UV calibration under Sensor/ UV calibration. This UV calibration
procedure optimizes the UV content to match D65 Daylight over time using a
Fluorescent Standard with an assigned whiteness index value such as WI
Ganz [D65/10] and WI E313 [D65/10]. When UV calibration is done correctly

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(i.e. the measurement is <0.5 from the calibration value), it will show port
plate size, calibrate date and Whiteness index in this dialog as a stamp. If the
measurement is >0.5, then the user will be asked to re-standardize and re-
read the fluorescent standard. If the tolerance is not met after three
standardization and measurement, then UV calibration will be failed and
users need to start the UV calibration process again. Please see the detail
process of UV calibration at Page 19.
5. After adding the sensor into EZMQC successfully, please restart EZMQC.
Figure 12. Restart EasyMatch QC
6. You are now ready to use EasyMatch QC with the Agera.
Sensor > Standardize
The Agera 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 Agera. The top-of-scale is set using a white tile.
It is recommended that the instrument be standardized at least once every eight hours. Only
reflectance is available on the Agera.
The instrument can be standardized at any time by selecting SENSOR > STANDARDIZE 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 and the top-of-scale.
Figure 13. Read Bottom-of-Scale

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Figure 14. Read Top-of-Scale

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Take Sample or Standard Measurement
Using Agera and Easymatch QC to Take Measurements
1. Select a mode under SENSOR > SET MODES and APPLY.
2. Click SAMPLE/STANDARD measurement. Make sure that the right port plate is attached for the
current mode. Otherwise, it will prompt the error message below.
Figure 15. Port Plate Error Message
3. In the COLOR DATA TABLE View, right click to select CONFIGURE to select indices and
information that you want to use.
Note: Gloss is listed under indices. UV status and port plate information is listed under
Text field.
Figure 16. Color Data Table Configuration

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Figure 17. Measurement
Agera Multiple Read Modes
EasyMatch QC supports multiple read mode for the Agera sensor. Multiple modes can be configured if
using the the same area of view. A sample can be read by all modes at once by pressing the READ
button. For example, user can measure the contribution of optical brighteners on paper sample using
Multi-Read Modes: 1’’Area View - UV calibrated and 1’’ Area View - UV excluded modes.
Here are the steps to use multiple read mode in Agera:
1. From SENSOR > SET MODES, add modes that are needed. e.g. 1’’ UV-calibrated, 1’’ UV-
nominal and 1’’ UV-excluded.
Figure 18. Configure UV-calibrated Mode

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Figure 29. Setup Another Mode
Figure 30. Completed Set Modes
If UV calibrated mode is added, continue to calibrate under SENSOR > UV CALIBRATION for
this mode. Here are the steps to do UV calibration:
a. Once UV-Calibration is selected, the SENSOR > UV CALIBRATION selection will
change from gray to black on the Sensor Menu. Select this action and continue.
Figure 31. Select UV Calibration
b. The UV-calibration screen is shown. Press UV CALIBRATE to complete this action.

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Figure 19. Press UV Calibrate
c. When prompted, select the INDEX to be measured and enter the TARGET VALUE for
the fluorescence standard. Press CALIBRATE UV to continue. Next, the user will be
prompted to standardize and then read the fluorescent standard.
Figure 33. Select Index and Input Target Value