HunterLab LabScan XE Owner's manual

LabScan®XE
Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch®QC
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1017-661
Manual Version 1.0

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Copyrights and Trademarks
This documentation contains proprietary information of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc. Its
reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written consent of Hunter Associates Laboratory,
Inc. is prohibited.
EasyMatch QC and LabScan 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 is a registered trademark of Dupont.
Caution: If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the HunterLab, the overall safety may
be impaired. - The LabScan is for indoor use only and not suitable for a wet location.
Caution: There is a potential of a UV Light hazard in using this instrument. Please avoid looking
directly at the light.

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Contents
LABSCAN XE FEATURES ................................................................................................ 5
Indicator Lights ..............................................................................................................................5
Macro Button ................................................................................................................................6
LabScan XE Accessories ..................................................................................................................6
LabScan XE Options and Sample Devices ........................................................................................6
INSTALL EASYMATCH® QC SOFTWARE ........................................................................... 7
Activate the SoftKey License ...........................................................................................................8
Add the Sensor ............................................................................................................................10
LABSCAN XE STANDARDIZATION ................................................................................13
Standardization Modes ................................................................................................................13
Standardization Options ..............................................................................................................14
UV Filter.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Variable Sample Illumination (VSI)..................................................................................................... 15
Translucent Sample Measurement .................................................................................................... 15
LABSCAN XE MAINTENANCE AND TESTING .................................................................17
Running the Repeatability Test ....................................................................................................17
Running the Green Tile Test .........................................................................................................17
Cleaning the LabScan XE...............................................................................................................18
LABSCAN XE SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................19
Physical Characteristics ................................................................................................................19
Environmental Requirements.......................................................................................................19
Power Required ...........................................................................................................................19
Power Cord Wire Color Code: ............................................................................................................ 20
Instrument-Computer Ground Potential Check:................................................................................ 20
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing........................................................................................20
Instrument Performance..............................................................................................................21
Regulatory Notice ........................................................................................................................21
INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS .........................23
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................23
Shipping Claims............................................................................................................................23
Breakage or Damage .......................................................................................................................... 23
Shortage ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Incorrect Shipment............................................................................................................................. 24
Returns........................................................................................................................................25
Packing and Shipping Instruments for Repair.................................................................................... 25
When You Need Assistance..........................................................................................................26
INDEX .........................................................................................................................29

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LabScan XE Features
The LabScan XE is a full-scanning spectrocolorimeter with a wavelength range from 400 to 700
nanometers (nm). It is designed for use with the sample port facing up or forward. It can also be used
port-down with an optional stand.
The sample is illuminated by a xenon flash lamp and reflected light is collected by a 15-station fiber
optic ring. For maximum stability, the instrument is automatically standardized to an internal
reference tile whenever measurements are made. The picture below shows the instrument in the
port-up configuration.
Figure 1. Photo of LabScan XE
Note: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the
protection afforded by the equipment
Indicator Lights
The LabScan XE’s indicator light feature lets you know what mode of standardization is currently in use.
There is also an “In progress” light next to the indicator lights that flashes when a reading is in progress
or a motor is in motion.
Figure 2. Indicator Lights
Indicator
lights
Port plate
Macro button
Retroviewer
(optional)

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The lights shown here are (L-R): Power on, Small Area View In-Use, UV completely-excluded, and In-
Progress.
Macro Button
The macro button, also known as the Sensor button, activates a sample measurement.
LabScan XE Accessories
The following accessories are provided with the LabScan XE system and can be found in the standards
case:
•Instrument Standard White tile with calibrated values - placed at the sample port during
standardization.
•Black glass - placed at the sample port during standardization.
•Diagnostic Check Green tile - used to check instrument performance.
•White backup tile - used to back samples during measurement or cover the port when the
instrument is not in use.
•Tile data sheet - Gives calibration information for the standard tiles.
•Fuses - Two fuses are provided as spares.
•Communications cable.
•Power cord.
•Standards care card - gives instructions on how to clean the standards.
•Certificate of traceability for the calibrated white tile.
LabScan XE Options and Sample Devices
There are many options and devices available for positioning samples at the measurement ports of the
LabScan XE and for making the instrument easier to use. For the latest information, please refer to
https://support.hunterlab.com/hc/en-us/articles/218375923-Accessories-for-HunterLab-
Instruments.

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Install EasyMatch® QC Software
Complete the following steps:
1. Log into the system using an account that has ‘Administrator’ privileges for the PC —
network or local.
2. Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM drive. If the system is setup to automatically
run CD programs, the menu will appear and you may skip to Step 4. Otherwise, continue
with Step 3.
3. Select the Easy Match QC Icon or from Windows, go to Start > Run >EZMQC_Menu and
Open. The following screen will be shown.
Figure 3. EasyMatch 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 4. 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 5. 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 4.
Note: EasyMatch QC functions are unavailable before key activation.
Figure 6. 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 7. Activate License
i. Option #1: Key ID.
This method is for copying the ID from an email or writing down the 32-digit code.
This requires an internet connection.
a. From the Choose an Option page (Figure 5), select Key ID.
b. Paste-in or type-in the License Key ID and click Activate.
c. An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.
ii. Option #2: Key File (.skl)
This method is for using the SoftKey License (.skl file) on the thumb drive.
a. Place the thumb drive with the SoftKey License in the USB port.
b. From the Choose an Option page (Figure 5), select Key File (.skl).
c. Browse the USB to find the SoftKey License (.skl) file, then click Activate.
d. An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.
iii. Option #3: Sentinel Key
a. If the user has a HunterLab USB hardware key, then it can be used with a
new sensor on the same computer. Return to Install the Software, Step 5
(Figure 7) 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 8. Request 30-day Trial
Add the Sensor
1. Upon initial startup, the following message will be displayed: ‘Sensor not yet installed.
Please install a sensor to take measurements’. This message will remain until you
proceed to the Install/ Configure command in the Sensor menu and install a new sensor.
2. The Sensor Manager appears first:
Figure 9. Sensor Manager
3. Select Add Sensor to install a new sensor. The Setup Sensor screen allows selection of
the instrument model and the communications port. Select Next when ready.
Figure 10. Setup Sensor
4. Place the desired port plate at the reflectance port and snap it into place.

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5. Turn on the LabScan XE by switching the on/off switch on the back of the sensor to the
on position. Allow the instrument to warm up for two hours prior to standardizing and
making measurements.

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LabScan XE Standardization
The LabScan XE must be standardized on a regular basis to keep it operating properly.
Standardization Modes
There is only one measurement type available when you standardize the LabScan XE:
•Reflectance and due to the instrument geometry of 0/45, this measurement is:
RSEX: Reflectance - Specular Excluded
With varying hardware configurations such as UV filter in/out and the different areas of view, there are
many mode options for standardizing the LabScan XE. The instrument can be standardized at any time
by selecting Sensor > Standardize or by clicking the Standardize button on the default toolbar.
•Place black glass at the port to begin and press Next to continue.
Figure 11. Standardization Steps: Black Glass
•Please the calibrated white tile at the port and press Next to continue.
Figure 12. Standardization Steps: White Tile

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Standardization Options
UV Filter
Each LabScan XE is factory fitted with a UV filter to exclude UV content in a measurement.
The procedure is to standardize in 2 modes –one with the UV Filter Out-Of-View and one
with the UV Filter In-View for comparison. In this way, a numerical value for the ultraviolet
contribution can be documented.
Figure 13. UV Calibration Mode Settings
oUV Filter Nominal position is set at factory and never changed. All Diagnostic test
programs are run with the UV Filter in the Nominal position to establish a consistent
optical path for the test across a model line. Some instrument models have
motorized UV Control as an option. If the instrument does not have the option, the
UV Filter will be fixed at the Nominal position. The instruments with motorized UV
Control move the UV Filter insertion to that position.
oUV Filter IN creates a UV-excluded measurement for UV optically-brightened agents.
The UV Filter is inserted 100% to exclude UV. This option allows the user to negate
the effect of optically-brightened agents or when used in multimode with UV Filter
Nominal or UV Filter Calibrated, determines the amount of optical brightening
agents present.
oUV Filter Calibrated creates a UV-included measurement for UV optically-brightened
agents). This UV calibration procedure optimizes the UV content to match D65
Daylight over time using a Fluorescent Standard with an assigned WI Ganz value.
Once calibrated to the Fluorescent standard (available as an option) with the UV
filter inserted into the light path such that the measured WI Ganz value matches
assigned WI Ganz value for the Fluorescent standard. This UV CAL filter position is
fixed and user-set until the next UV Calibration.
oUV Filter Custom can create one of more UV Filter states where the UV Filter
insertion point is custom set by the User.

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Variable Sample Illumination (VSI)
Each LabScan XE can measure in large area of view or 44 mm (1.75 in illuminated) and
50 mm (2 in) measured. If your instrument has VSI, then it can also measure as follows:
o25 mm (1.0 in) illumination; 30 mm (1.2 in) measured
o13 mm (0.5 in) illumination; 17 mm (0.7 in) measured
o6 mm (0.25 in) illumination; 10 mm (0.4 in) measured
o3 mm (0.13 in) illumination; 5 mm (0.2 in) measured
To use VSI, it is important to select the port size in use and standardize with the lens zoom
and the correct port plate in view. This can be saved as a mode.
Translucent Sample Measurement
All diffusely reflecting objects scatter light internally, but with translucent objects the
scattering points are far apart allowing incident light to travel a long distance before it
reemerges. This can make a translucent object appear to glow when illuminated at one
spot. Orange juice, milk and plastics are examples of translucent materials.
Normally a translucent object is seen entirely illuminated, and the viewer tends to
concentrate on a portion of the surface away from the edges to form a judgement of color.
To have the instrument reading correlate well with visual, the open port area should extend
well beyond the area of view. Using a smaller area of view from the port size allows the
externally scattered light to leave the sample and become part of the measurement.
When standardizing for translucent measurements, insert the port plate needed and select
the illumination as a mode.

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LabScan XE Maintenance and Testing
The LabScan XE is engineered to be virtually maintenance free. There are no fans with air filters to
change and the lamp is unlikely to need replacement over the normal expected instrument life. This
section outlines the few parts of the sensor you must maintain in order for the instrument to function
properly and tests that you may run to assess its performance.
Note: Do not disassemble the instrument and attempt to clean the optical components. Do
not open the instrument or remove any covers except using the instructions given in this
User’s Manual, your EasyMatch QC help file, or under the direction of HunterLab Technical
Support.
Running the Repeatability Test
You may test the repeatability of your LabScan XE as follows:
1. Turn the LabScan XE on and allow it to warm it up for two hours. Meanwhile, clean the
black glass and white tile and allow the tiles to return to room temperature.
2. Follow the instructions given in the Sensor Menu > Diagnostics to run the repeatability test
that is built into EasyMatch QC.
Running the Green Tile Test
The green tile is not used during the standardization process. Instead, the green tile is used to verify
the long-term performance of your instrument. Perform the green tile test described in the Sensor
Menu chapter, Diagnostics section once a week. You can then examine all green tile readings
periodically and see any trends that develop over time.
The LabScan XE should be in its standard configuration, with the largest port plate installed and the UV
filter nominal, when these readings are made. The illuminant and observer used in your display must
match those on the green tile.
Figure 14. Diagnostic Green Tile

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The green tile reading should vary by no more than  0.15 XYZ units from the values given on the tile. If
your reading is out of this specification, first clean the standard tiles. Then standardize and measure
the green tile again. If the reading still does not meet this specification, contact HunterLab Technical
Support for assistance. Please read “When You Need Assistance” prior to contacting HunterLab.
Cleaning the LabScan XE
The LabScan XE is NOT waterproof, but you may wipe the exterior of the case with a damp cloth.
Also remove the port plate and clean the glass underneath with the included lens brush or with a small
amount of soapy water on a lint-free cloth or towel.

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LabScan XE Specifications
The specifications and characteristics of your instrument are given in this section.
For best performance, your instrument should be placed where there is ample work space with
medium or subdued illumination and no drafts. For optimum results, a clean, air-conditioned area is
recommended with a relative noncondensing humidity of 20-80% [10-90% for sensor only] and
relatively constant temperature not exceeding 90°F (32°C) [104°F (40°C) for sensor only]. For
specification performance, the recommended temperature range is 70-82°F (21-28°C).
The instrument should be connected to a stable, instrument-grade power line. If other equipment is
connected to the same power line, a transient power surge may be produced when the other
equipment is turned on. If this happens, restandardize the instrument before making measurements.
HunterLab recommends using a line conditioner with a minimum 600 VA rating and a battery back-up
system.
Physical Characteristics
Length
36.9 cm (14.5 in)
Width
19.1 cm (7.5 in)
Height
30.5 cm (12.0 in)
Weight
10.4 kg (23 lbs)
Computer system
Depends upon system purchased. Refer to
manufacturer’s documentation for information.
Environmental Requirements
Operating temperature
10-40°C (50-104°F)
Storage temperature
-21-66°C (-5-150°F)
Operating humidity
10-90%(relative, non-condensing)
Power Required
Voltage:
100-240 VAC, 47/63 Hz Single Phase 180 VA
maximum
Fuse:
1.4A, SB
Installation Category
(Over Voltage): II

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Power Cord Wire Color Code:
Color
Definition
220V Cord
Brown
LINE
Blue
NEUTRAL
Green/Yellow
SAFETY
110V Cord
Black
LINE
White
NEUTRAL
Green
SAFETY
Instrument-Computer Ground Potential Check:
Perform this check if the power cord wiring is being changed, such as for replacement of the
cord or if changing the plug.
The instrument serial port ground connection is referenced to the instrument’s internal frame
and safety ground. Before connecting the communication cable to the instrument serial port,
apply power to the instrument and the host computer. Check the ground potential (voltage)
between the serial port ground pins on the computer and the instrument. The ground
connection is pin 5 on DB-9 connectors and pin 7 on DB-25 connectors. Voltages in excess of
5VAC at 110V input power, or in excess of 10VAC at 220V input power may indicate a difference
in ground wiring and can damage the instrument and/or the computer. Check the wiring and
take other steps as needed to reduce this difference before connecting the communications
cable. You may also use a data optoisolator.
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing
Geometry
0° from normal via a circumferential fiber optic ring degree
illumination; 45° from normal via a 15-station circumferential fiber
optic ring
Illumination
Pulsed xenon lamp with 1 billion flashes minimum
Interface Mode
Serial RS-232 or USB with adapter.
Area of View
(Port Size/Measured Area
in Diameter)
50 mm (2.0 in) / 44 mm (1.75 in)
30 mm (1.2 in) / 25 mm (1.0 in)
17 mm (0.7 in) / 13 mm (0.5 in)
10 mm (0.4 in) / 6 mm (0.25 in)
5 mm (0.2 in) / 3 mm (0.13 in)
Measurement Modes
Reflectance - Specular Excluded (RSEX)