HunterLab EasyMatch User manual

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
1
User’s Manual for Aeros®
and EasyMatch®Essentials
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1018-193 Version 1.1

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
2
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.
Aeros and EasyMatch are registered trademarks of Hunter Associates Laboratory, 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 Aeros, 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.
▪This instrument sensor moves up and down during standardization and creating a
measurement profile. Please keep fingers and other items out of the way of the sensor.
▪The turntable will rotate if turned on in Read Options > Measurement configuration. Please
take care to remove fingers, jewelry and clothing to prevent damage.
▪The Aeros is for indoor use only at an altitude of up to 2000m and pollution degree 2.

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
3
Contents
SETTING UP THE AEROS ......................................................................................7
Standard Accessories................................................................................................................................7
Power Jack ................................................................................................................................................7
Power Switch ............................................................................................................................................8
Keyboard and Mouse................................................................................................................................8
Front and Rear USB Connectors ...............................................................................................................8
Ethernet Port ............................................................................................................................................8
Moving the Unit........................................................................................................................................9
TAKING A SIMPLE MEASUREMENT....................................................................11
What is HunterLab Aeros & EasyMatch Essentials? ...............................................................................11
Connecting the Sensor and Taking a Measurement...............................................................................11
NAVIGATING THE ESSENTIALS SCREEN..............................................................17
Tools: Read.............................................................................................................................................17
Tools: View Flippers ...............................................................................................................................17
Tools: Information...................................................................................................................................18
Tools: Jobs Status/Workspace Status ....................................................................................................18
Tools: Move Sensor to Top ....................................................................................................................18
Tools: View Options ...............................................................................................................................18
Tools: Workspace & System Settings.....................................................................................................18
Tools: Jobs..............................................................................................................................................19
TOOL BAR: JOBS FUNCTION .............................................................................21
Jobs .........................................................................................................................................................21
Jobs: New ...............................................................................................................................................21
Jobs: Open..............................................................................................................................................21
Jobs: Save & Save As ..............................................................................................................................22
Jobs: Print...............................................................................................................................................22
Jobs: Data Management ........................................................................................................................24
Jobs: Help...............................................................................................................................................29
Jobs: About.............................................................................................................................................29
TOOL BAR: WORKSPACE & SYSTEM SETTINGS..................................................31

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
4
Workspace: Color Scales........................................................................................................................31
Workspace: Read Options.......................................................................................................................33
Read Options: Options.........................................................................................................................33
Read Options: Measurement Configuration .......................................................................................37
Workspace: Standard and Tolerances ....................................................................................................39
AutoTolerances Setting........................................................................................................................41
Tolerances............................................................................................................................................42
Workspace: Views..................................................................................................................................43
Workspace: New Workspace .................................................................................................................43
System Settings: Standardization ...........................................................................................................44
System Settings: Diagnostics..................................................................................................................45
Testing the Aeros for Colorimetric Repeatability ................................................................................45
Reading the Green Tile ........................................................................................................................47
Advanced Tests....................................................................................................................................48
System Settings: Preferences.................................................................................................................52
Preferences: General...........................................................................................................................52
Preferences: Print ...............................................................................................................................54
System Settings: User Manager.............................................................................................................55
TOOLBAR: OPTIONS (VIEWS)............................................................................59
Views: EZ View .......................................................................................................................................59
Views: Color Data Table .........................................................................................................................60
Views: Spectral Data Table.....................................................................................................................62
Views: Spectral Plot................................................................................................................................63
Views: Trend Plot ...................................................................................................................................64
Views: Color Plot....................................................................................................................................65
SPECIAL FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................67
Auto-Exporting Data through a Network Connection ............................................................................67
Option A: Connect to a network hub using an ethernet ....................................................................67
Optional B: Connect to a hotspot through the WiFi connection.........................................................69
Auto-Exporting Data via Direct Connection between Aeros and a Computer .......................................71
Option A: Connect to a network hub using an ethernet ....................................................................71
Tips & Tricks: Recover Unsaved Measurement Data.............................................................................74
SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................75

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
5
Operating Conditions..............................................................................................................................75
Physical Characteristics...........................................................................................................................75
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing..................................................................................................76
Instrument Performance ........................................................................................................................76
Measurement..........................................................................................................................................76
Regulatory Notice ...................................................................................................................................77
FEATURES, ACCESSORIES & MAINTENANCE ......................................................79
Aeros Maintenance & Safety ..................................................................................................................79
Instrument Replacement, Repair, Problems, and Questions ..............................................................81
Warranty.................................................................................................................................................81
Shipping Claims.......................................................................................................................................81
Shortage..................................................................................................................................................82
Incorrect Shipment .................................................................................................................................82
Returns for Repair...................................................................................................................................82
When You Need Assistance ....................................................................................................................84
INDEX ......................................................................................85
TABLE OF FIGURES ......................................................................................87

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
6

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
7
Setting Up the Aeros
The Aeros system contains two major components –the sensor head and the turntable base. The
sensor head contains the spectrophotometer with an LED light source, distance measuring components
and a touch screen for Essentials. The turntable base provides the electronics and the mount for the
sensor with automated vertical positioning and horizontal manual adjustment. The turntable rotates
the product under the optical sensor.
Standard Accessories
•Calibration Box with calibrated white tile, black glass and green diagnostics tile
•Certificate of Traceability
•Power Supply
•Aeros Quick Start Guide
•12-in and 6-in Sample Dishes
•USB Flash Drive
Figure 1. Calibration Box
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
Power
Power
Supply
Connection

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
8
CAUTION
Note: 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.
Keyboard and Mouse
•The Aeros works with the following keyboard and mouse:
▪L02-1017-434 Wireless keyboard and mouse kit.
•To use this accessory, turn the power off. Plug in the micro USB adaptor to the rear of the
instrument and then attach the nano-receiver for the keyboard into the USB port. Install
the batteries into the keyboard/mouse and turn the power back on.
Front and Rear USB Connectors
•There are two USB connectors on the Aeros. The one in the front is typically used for
exporting jobs and workspaces, backing up the instrument and updating software. The USB
port on the back of the instrument is typically used to connect a printer or a keyboard to the
Aeros.
Figure 3. USB Port on Rear of Instrument
Ethernet Port
•This port is used to connect the Aeros to:
▪Computer or to a network with the purpose of sending data (ASCII) to a server.
▪Connect with EasyMatch QC and EasyMatch ER Validation and Compliance
▪Remote Support
▪Network printer.
USB Data Port
Ethernet Port

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
9
Moving the Unit
•Use care in moving the instrument which weighs 50 lbs. Training on lifting heaving objects is
recommended. To lift from the box, a two person lift is suggested. When moving it from a
table to another location, balance this instrument by lifting from behind and by the base.
•If moving the Aeros any distance, please secure the optics using Diagnostics > Advanced >
Park for Shipping.

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
10

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
11
Taking a Simple Measurement
What is HunterLab Aeros & EasyMatch Essentials?
Aeros is a reflectance-only color measuring instrument capable of measuring the color of irregularly
shaped/textured products. All samples are measured by placement in a tray or container under the
sensor head. With features like Auto Height Positioning, a rotating sample platform, large touch-screen
display, and smart communications, the innovative Aeros can measure products like coffee beans, snack
foods, plastic pellets, even industrial minerals.
Connecting the Sensor and Taking a Measurement
After unpacking and setting up the instrument, turn on the power using the rocker switch on the back of
the instrument base.
•Once inside the software, the main measurement screen is displayed –Color Data Table
(D65/10).
Figure 4. Measurement Screen
•The instrument is automatically connected and this connection is reported on the status bar.
Next, the unit must be Standardized.
•There are two ways to initiate Standardization.
▪Press the Workspace icon and select Standardization. User will be prompted
to remove all samples from under the sensor.
▪Alternately, press the Standardization status area on the status bar to initiate
Standardization.
•Move sensor to Top: Press OK to move the sensor to the highest position.

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
12
Figure 5. Sensor Moves to Top
▪Read Black Glass: When the sensor stays at the top, attach the standardization box
to the sensor. Then attach the black glass to standardization box and press Read.
Figure 6. Read the Black Glass for Bottom-of-Scale
▪Read White Tile: Remove the black glass and attach the calibrated white tile to
standardization box. Press Read to continue.
Figure 7. Read the White Tile for Top-of-Scale
▪Remove the calibration box when standardization is completed. Click OK.

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
13
Figure 8. Completed Standardization
▪Standardization is updated and reported as Standardized on the bottom of the
screen.
Figure 9. Standardization Status Bar
•Create a workspace for your product
▪Prepare sample: Place sample/sample dish on the turntable.
▪To Create A New Workspace.
1. From the Workspace Menu, press New Workspace and enter a name for
this Workspace. A new job will be opened together with this new
workspace.
Figure 10. New Workspace

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
14
Figure 11. Name New Workspace
Note: The active workspace name is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen.
▪Configure the New Workspace: With this new workspace open, you can start to
change the settings in Color Scales, Read Options, Standard and Tolerances, Views
and View Options. All these changes will be automatically saved in this new
workspace.
▪Default Settings: Following are the default settings for a new workspace:
Table 1. Workspace Parameters
Parameter
Selection
ColorScales
CIE L*a*b*
Illuminant
D65/10
Indices
None
Differences
None
Read Options > Options
Prompt for Sample Name, Auto Save
Read Options > Measurement
Configuration
Turntable ON, Auto Height selected,
Measurement time = 5 sec
Standard and Tolerances
None
Views
Color Data Table only
View Options for Color Data Table
Latest Data First selected, Precision = 2
▪When Auto Height is selected as default, the sensor head will adjust its position
automatically for each sample measurement. Users can also choose to read
samples with the sensor head at a fixed distance. Create Sample Profile is covered
in Workspace > Read Options > Measurement Configuration portion of this
manual.

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
15
Figure 12. Read Options: Measurement Configuration
▪Now your instrument is ready to read your product under this new workspace. If
you’d like to start a new job for this product, you can press New Job and load this
configured workspace to continue.
•Main Measurement Screen:The Color Data Table view shows the configured Color Scale
results for the standard and sample measurements in the job. The configured tolerances
can be applied to the Job and Pass/Fail results will also be displayed. To add the color
differences, indices and tolerances to the Color Data Screen, see Workspace > Color Scales
and Workspace > Standard and Tolerances.
•To add a product standard and tolerances, see Standards and Tolerances.To change the
color scale, etc., see Workspace: Color Scales. The setups are saved automatically in
Workspace.
•A long press on the Sample name will show a menu with the following options:
▪Set as Standard –to set the sample as Standard
▪Rename –to rename the sample
▪Delete –to delete the sample.
Figure 13. Changing, Renaming or Deleting a Sample

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
16
•A long press on the Standard name will show a menu with the following options:
▪Edit –to edit the standard. If Edit is selected, the Workspace > Standard and
Tolerances dialog box is presented to allow for editing the name, assigning
tolerances or changing the type of standard.
▪Delete –to delete the standard. The deleted Standard is reverted into the samples
list with its original name.
Figure 14. Edit/Delete a Standard

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
17
Navigating the Essentials Screen
The EasyMatch Essentials Tools and Status features are shown below.
Figure 15. User Interface Screen for Aeros & Essentials
Tools: Read
•Samples are read using this key.
•This tool can be moved around the screen by pressing and moving the icon.
Tools: View Flippers
•Switching between Views can be accomplished by using the semi-transparent Next and Prev
buttons placed at the side edges of the screen or by swiping left or right with two fingers on
the screen.
Moves
Sensor
to Top
Workspace
& System
Settings
View
Options
Jobs
View
Flippers
Read
Standardization
Status &
Shortcut
Sensor Information
Current Job &
Shortcut to
Open Job
Current
Workspace &
Shortcut to
New Job

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
18
Tools: Information
•The sensor type and serial number is shown at the bottom left side of the System Bar when
the iis pressed. When application security is enabled and the user logs into Essentials, the
User Account will also be shown in the Information box.
Figure 16. Sensor Serial Number
Tools: Jobs Status/Workspace Status
•Job > Workspace Status is reported on the bottom right side of the System Bar.
Tools: Move Sensor to Top
•This tool moves the sensor head to the top.
Tools: View Options
•This menu shows the configuration options for the active view. A total of six views are
available. Each view shows a different option. Views can be added or removed in
Workspace > Views.
Tools: Workspace & System Settings
•The Workspace menu sets up the data screen with measurement scales, read options,
standards, tolerances and views.
i

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
19
•Systems Settings initiates Standardization, Diagnostics, Preferences, and the User Manager
for System Security.
Tools: Jobs
•A job is a collection of all the sample measurements and a workspace used for a task,
product, or customer. Jobs are the ‘readings’of EasyMatch Essentials. Jobs can be created
for many different reasons, such as to hold data for a certain customer or a specific product
line. Each operator may maintain their own job with preferences or create separate jobs for
different operations. A workspace is a collection of the measurement parameters for a job
along with tolerances and the standard, i.e. analogous to word processing documents
containing text and formatting. Each job has only one workspace.

User’s Manual for Aeros and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.1
20