HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Tomato User manual

User’s Manual for
ColorFlex®EZ Tomato
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1014-592, Version 2.0
For CFEZ firmware version 1.11 and above

ColorFlex EZ Tomato 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.
Safety Notes
For safety when using the ColorFlex EZ Tomato, 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 TOMATO SYSTEM...................................................... 7
Accessories .................................................................................................................................. 7
Installation................................................................................................................................... 8
THE BASICS OF COLORFLEX EZ TOMATO 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 a Hitch to the Tomato Red Tile........................................................................................ 15
Setting Tolerances for Tomato Products................................................................................... 16
Defining Standard, Sample and Tolerances............................................................................... 17
Product Standard ................................................................................................................... 17
Sample.................................................................................................................................... 17
Tolerances .............................................................................................................................. 17
CONFIGURING SETUPS......................................................................................................... 19
Tomato Scores Setup................................................................................................................. 19
Custom Setups........................................................................................................................... 20
Setup Name........................................................................................................................ 21
Standard................................................................................................................................. 21
Averaging................................................................................................................................ 22
Views.................................................................................................................................. 22
VIEW ....................................................................................................................................... 23
Standard Values................................................................................................................. 28
Tolerances.......................................................................................................................... 30
AutoSearch............................................................................................................................. 30
Setup Maintenance ................................................................................................................... 31
Reset All Setups.................................................................................................................. 31
Print All Setups................................................................................................................... 31
Print One Setup.................................................................................................................. 32
Clone All Setups.................................................................................................................. 32
GLOBAL OPTIONS ................................................................................................................ 33
Language.................................................................................................................................... 33
Display Settings...................................................................................................................... 33
Screen angle........................................................................................................................... 33
Backlight................................................................................................................................. 34
Contrast:................................................................................................................................. 34
Display Dim............................................................................................................................. 34
Display Off .............................................................................................................................. 35
Setups Locked?.......................................................................................................................... 35
AutoSave.................................................................................................................................... 35
Stdz Interval............................................................................................................................... 36
AutoSearch............................................................................................................................ 36

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Color Diff ................................................................................................................................ 36
Average................................................................................................................................... 36
Date/Time.............................................................................................................................. 37
READING, STORING AND PRINTING DATA............................................................................ 39
Reading with Datalog................................................................................................................. 39
Reading with Averaging............................................................................................................. 39
Working with Saved Readings ................................................................................................... 41
Delete All Readings............................................................................................................. 41
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 COLORFLEX EZ TOMATO ......................................................... 47
Cleaning the ColorFlex EZ Tomato............................................................................................. 47
Maintaining the Instrument Standards ..................................................................................... 47
Replacing the Lamp ................................................................................................................... 47
Diagnostics................................................................................................................................. 47
White Repeatability............................................................................................................ 48
Green Tile Check................................................................................................................ 49
Signal Levels....................................................................................................................... 49
Self Test.............................................................................................................................. 49
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. 51
Operating Conditions................................................................................................................. 51
Physical Characteristics ............................................................................................................. 51
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing .................................................................................... 52
Instrument Performance........................................................................................................... 52
Measurement ............................................................................................................................ 53
Regulatory Notice...................................................................................................................... 54
Options and Sample Devices ..................................................................................................... 55
External Printer ...................................................................................................................... 55
Keyboard ................................................................................................................................ 55
Bar Code Scanner ................................................................................................................... 56
EasyMatch QC Software with Tomato Option (EZMQC-CFLX)............................................... 56
USB Flash Drive for Data Transfer.......................................................................................... 56
Port Inserts............................................................................................................................. 57
Glass Port Insert ..................................................................................................................... 57
420 nm UV Port Insert............................................................................................................ 57
Sample Cup Set for Translucent Liquids................................................................................. 58
Sample Cup Port Plate............................................................................................................ 58
64 mm (2.5 in) Glass Sample Cup........................................................................................... 58

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Sample Cup Opaque Cover .................................................................................................... 58
Ring and Disk Set.................................................................................................................... 59
EasyMatch QC Software......................................................................................................... 59
INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS ................................... 61
Warranty.................................................................................................................................... 61
Shipping Claims.......................................................................................................................... 61
Breakage or Damage.............................................................................................................. 61
Shortage..................................................................................................................................... 62
Incorrect Shipment.................................................................................................................... 62
Returns / Repairs ....................................................................................................................... 63
Packing and Shipping Instruments for Repair........................................................................ 63
When You Need Assistance....................................................................................................... 64
INDEX.................................................................................................................................. 65

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CHAPTER ONE
Introduction to the ColorFlex EZ Tomato System
The ColorFlex EZ Tomato spectrophotometer is a versatile color measurement instrument that
can be used to measure the color of fresh and processed tomato products. Color is an
indication of the quality and freshness of the product. The ColorFlex EZ Tomato instrument
provides tomato score values, colorimetric and spectral data. This instrument can also be used
to measure 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 Tomato is available with a 25.4 mm (1 in) viewing area and 45°/0° geometry. The
special port plate is designed specifically for holding in place a 64 mm (2.5 in) glass sample cup
with tomato products such as paste/puree, sauce, catsup and juice.
Accessories
The following accessories are included with the ColorFlex EZ Tomato:
•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.
•HunterLab Tomato Tile with assigned IRMM color values. This tile is used to hitch the
instrument and improve inter-instrument agreement of processed tomato products.
•USB cable for connecting the ColorFlex EZ Tomato 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 flat, solid samples.
•Sample cup port plate used to hold the 64 mm (2.5 in) glass sample cup at the
measurement port.

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•Two 64 mm (2.5 in) glass sample cups used to hold processed tomato products a the
sample port.
•Sample cup opaque cover used to cover the filled sample cup at the sample port to
eliminate the effects of ambient light.
•Standards care card - gives instructions on how to clean the standards.
•USB Flash Drive for data transfer
•AC adapter, 12 W/9V.
•ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual on CD.
Installation
Before operating the ColorFlex EZ Tomato, 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 Tomato 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 Tomato.
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 Tomato.
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 Tomato. 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 Tomato.
7. Turn the ColorFlex EZ Tomato on by pressing the GO (lightning bolt ) button on the
button pad.

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CHAPTER TWO
The Basics of ColorFlex EZ Tomato Operation
Commands are given to the ColorFlex EZ Tomato 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 Tomato, 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 Tomato’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 particular time.
Figure 2. 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 Tomato’s memory, and the number
of hours and minutes since the instrument was last standardized.
Menus and Prompts
All ColorFlex EZ Tomato functions may be accessed through its main menu. The main menu
commands lead to prompts (such as for standardization and reading), setup screens (for

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product setup and global options), or an additional menu (such as the Diagnostics, Saved
Readings, and Setup Maintenance choices), depending on the function requested.
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 3. 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 4. 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 5. Time Since Last Standardization
It is recommended that the ColorFlex EZ Tomato 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 Tomato any time there is a significant change (greater than
5°F) in ambient temperature. For example, if the ColorFlex EZ Tomato 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 6. Set Standardization Interval
Also, 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 TOMATO chapter.
Standardization Process
Standardization of a ColorFlex EZ Tomato is performed as follows:
1. 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 TOMATO.
Figure 7. Standardize

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2. The 64 mm (2.5 in) glass sample cup is needed to measure tomato products. Prior to
standardizing, install the sample cup port plate.
3. Select STANDARDIZE from the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’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.
Figure 8. Place Black Glass at Port
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.
5. Press the GO button. The ColorFlex EZ Tomato reads the glass and sets the
instrument bottom-of-scale. When it is finished, the screen prompts for the
calibrated White Tile.
Figure 9. White Tile Reading
6. Replace the Black Glass with the calibrated White Tile from the standards box.
Figure 10. Confirmation of Standarization
7. Press the button GO. The ColorFlex EZ Tomato reads the White Tile and sets the top-
of-scale. When it is finished, the screen indicates that the instrument has been
successfully standardized.
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 tomato red tile
should also be read to confirm that the instrument hitch is valid.
Reading Individual Samples
Complete the following steps to take individual readings using the ColorFlex EZ Tomato:
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 11. Main Menu > Product Setup
2. Press the UP or DOWN ARROW to select the TOMATO SCORE SETUP. Press GO to
continue.
Figure 12. Select Setup
3. Select READ from the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s MAIN MENU. Move the cursor to
highlight its position using the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons and then press the
GO button.
Figure 13. Main Menu > Read
4. When beginning measurements of tomato products, it is recommended to read the
hitched tomato Red tile as a Performance Qualification check. If the instrument is
still hitched correctly, it should read the assigned Hunter Lab C/2 values closely. If

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not, reset the hitch to the Tomato Red tile as described under USING A HITCH TO
THE TOMATO RED TILE.
5. To measure a sample, pour or spoon the sample into a 64 mm (2.5 in) glass sample
cup until the cup is almost full.
6. Place the sample cup in the recessed area of the sample cup port plate
7. Cover the sample cup with the sample cup opaque cover.
8. Measure the sample by pressing the GO key.
Figure 14. Place sample at port
9. The result is displayed.
Figure 15. Tomato Score
10. To view the next Tomato Score, press the UP ARROW.
Figure 16. Next Tomato Score
Note: If a bar code reader is installed, scan the bar code now, and the ID will appear
beneath the color measurement.
11. 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 Tomato’s memory and print the reading if a USB printer is
connected.
12. The saved readings counter in the upper left corner of the screen will be
incremented to reflect the newly saved reading.

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13. Remove the sample cup from the sample port and place the next sample at the port.
14. Press READ to take another reading using this product setup.
15. Press UP to move to the next data view for this product setup.
16. Press RIGHT ARROW to return to the main menu.
Using a Hitch to the Tomato Red Tile
The purpose of the Tomato Red Tile is to improve inter-instrument agreement in Tomato Score
values at multiple sites, or between a buyer and seller of processed tomato products. The hitch
standard is particularly important for the ColorFlex Tomato because in the first setup (“Tomato
Scores”) hitches the instrument to the assigned values of the Tomato Red tile.
At the factory, the values for the Tomato Red tile (C/2°) have been entered along with the
product views. If it is necessary to re-set the hitch, here is the procedure.
1. From the MAIN MENU, choose PRODUCT SETUP.
Figure 17. Yes to Select Setup
2. Select the TOMATO SCORES SETUP by highlighting the selection and pressing GO.
Figure 18. Select Tomato Scores
3. Make sure that the STANDARD TYPE is set to HITCH; the AVERAGE is set to OFF, then select
the VIEWS.
Figure 19. Product Setup

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4. For each Tomato Score, the VIEW is set to Absolute, the Observer to C/2°, and the scale to
Hunter L,a,b.
5. Return to the Product Setup screen and select STANDARD VALUES. The Standard Values
screen appears.
6. READ the Tomato Tile and the Hunter L,a,b values read on the ColorFlex EZ are displayed
with the first digit highlighted.
7. Modify each digit of the Hunter L,a,b C/2 values until it matches those of the values on the
back of the tile.
Figure 20. Enter Hitch Values
8. Press DONE to return to the PRODUCT SETUP SCREEN.
Setting Tolerances for Tomato Products
1. To enter Tolerances, select TOLERANCES from the PRODUCT SETUP SCREEN.
Figure 21. Select Tolerances
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.
Figure 22. Enter Tolerance Values
1. Choose READ and select the setup.
2. Select YES and select the TOMATO SCORES.

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3. 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
Tomato or a set of color values that is entered into the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory.
Sample
A sample is an object that will be measured with the ColorFlex EZ Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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
Tomato 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 Tomato memory
with a setup number and name.
The instrument options and product setups are retained in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’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 23. Product Setup
Tomato Scores Setup
The Tomato Scores are stored in the ColorFlex EZ's memory when configured at the factory.
Figure 24. Product Setups for Tomato Scores
There are two main setups and multiple views under each setup. The two Main Setups are:
TOMATO SCORES and LYCOPENE.

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The Views shows the different product types.
Figure 25. Product Setup Views
Table 1. Tomato Scores
Tomato Scores Product Views
Views
Std
Ill/ Obs
Color
Scale/Index
Tomato Paste
Hitch
C/2°
Hunter Lab, TP
Tomato Sauce
Hitch
C/2°
Hunter Lab, TSS
Tomato Catsup
Hitch
C/2°
Hunter Lab, TC
Tomato Juice
Hitch
C/2°
Hunter Lab, TJS
a/b
Hitch
C/2°
Hunter Lab, a/b
Fresh Tomato Color Index (FTCI)
Hitch
C/2°
Hunter Lab, FTCI
Custom Setups
For other applications, the setups may be modified. Up to 250 product setups may be stored in
the ColorFlex EZ Tomato memory. Product Setup screen appears. On this screen, choose to
select the product setup from a list (YES) or configure the last setup used (NO).
If YES is chosen, the Select setup to configure screen is shown. Move the cursor highlight to the
desired setup by using the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons or by scrolling through the pages
using the RIGHT ARROW button (Page). Then press the GO button to select it.
The screen that allows configuration of the setup selected (or the last setup used) appears next.
Configure each desired parameter by moving the cursor highlight to its position using the up
and down arrow buttons. When the parameter is highlighted, press the RIGHT ARROW button
to scroll through the available choices for the parameter. When the choice desired is displayed,
stop scrolling. More parameters may be configured in this same manner.
When all parameters are set, press the GO (Main Menu) button to accept the settings and
return to the main menu or LEFT ARROW (Back) to select another setup to configure.
Setups may be saved to a USB drive and uploaded into other instruments of the same model or
to the EasyMatch QC Software. The product setups are saved as ASCII Hex (.stp)
The product setup parameters that may be configured are as follows: