HunterLab SpectraTrend HT User manual

SpectraTrend®HT User’s Manual
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1014-954
Manual Version 3.2
Firmware Version 1.01.19.043A & Above

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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.
LUCITE is a trademark of ICI Acrylics Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
EasyMatch and SpectraTrend are registered trademarks of Hunter Associates Laboratory, Inc.
Safety Notes
For your safety when using the SpectraTrend HT, you should pay particular attention to the
following types of statements in this User’s Manual. Each description is shown in its
representative typeface.
Note: General safety instruction that should be observed at all times while
operating the instrument.
CAUTION
Specific safety 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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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO YOUR SPECTRATREND HT.....................................................7
Product Applications and Key Features............................................................................... 7
System Components........................................................................................................... 9
System Components ........................................................................................................... 9
Communications ............................................................................................................... 11
EasyMatch® OL-ST............................................................................................................. 11
Additional Components and Accessories........................................................................... 11
The Basics of SpectraTrend Operation .............................................................................. 15
The Button Pad and LCD Display....................................................................................... 15
Menus and Prompts.......................................................................................................... 15
About Your Instrument..................................................................................................... 16
INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................17
Mounting the SpectraTrend Sensor .................................................................................. 17
Presentation of the product to the sensor ........................................................................ 17
Access to the sensor ......................................................................................................... 17
Sensor environment.......................................................................................................... 17
Clearance for plant maintenance ..................................................................................... 17
Connecting the SpectraTrend Sensor ................................................................................ 17
The Metal Support Unit.................................................................................................... 18
Support Unit Environment:............................................................................................... 18
The Slide-On Calibrator .................................................................................................... 19
The EasyMatch OL ST Software......................................................................................... 20
The Computer ................................................................................................................. 20
Access to the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse ................................................ 20
Environment...................................................................................................................... 20
Proximity of the computer to the support unit................................................................ 20
SpectraTrend HT Installation Drawings ............................................................................. 20
PRODUCT SETUP...............................................................................................29
Setup Parameters for the Front Panel Display................................................................... 29
Product Setups................................................................................................................. 29

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Product Name Setup......................................................................................................... 31
Product Standards............................................................................................................. 32
Average ............................................................................................................................. 33
Views................................................................................................................................. 34
Standard Values ................................................................................................................ 39
Tolerances......................................................................................................................... 41
AutoSearch........................................................................................................................ 44
Global Options .................................................................................................................. 44
Run Configuration............................................................................................................. 49
Setup Parameters for EasyMatch OL-ST Software ............................................................. 55
Product Setup ................................................................................................................... 55
Product Standard, Tolerances and Corrections................................................................ 58
CMC Parameters ............................................................................................................... 59
Belt Distance, Height, Color Tracking ............................................................................... 60
OPERATION ......................................................................................................65
Standardization Using the Front Panel Display.................................................................. 65
Taking Readings ............................................................................................................... 68
Reading Individual Samples.............................................................................................. 68
Reading With Averaging ................................................................................................... 71
Run Mode Operation........................................................................................................ 73
DIAGNOSTICS....................................................................................................77
White Tile Repeatability ................................................................................................... 77
Green Tile Check .............................................................................................................. 79
Signal Levels ................................................................................................................. 80
Distance Sensor................................................................................................................ 81
Self Test ................................................................................................................. 81
MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................83
Routine Maintenance Schedule ........................................................................................ 83
Cleaning the White Tile .................................................................................................... 83
Cleaning the Black Glass and Green Tile............................................................................ 84
System Warm-Up ............................................................................................................. 84

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Cleaning the Sensor.......................................................................................................... 84
Replacing the Fuses.......................................................................................................... 85
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................87
Physical Characteristics .................................................................................................... 87
Environmental ................................................................................................................. 87
Electrical Characteristics................................................................................................... 88
Input/Output (I/O) ........................................................................................................... 88
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing ............................................................................ 88
Illumination....................................................................................................................... 88
Viewing.............................................................................................................................. 88
INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS AND QUESTIONS.................89
Warranty ................................................................................................................. 89
Shipping Claims................................................................................................................ 89
Breakage or Damage ........................................................................................................ 89
Freight or Express............................................................................................................. 89
Parcel Post Shipment........................................................................................................ 90
United Parcel Service ........................................................................................................ 90
Shortage ................................................................................................................. 90
Incorrect Shipment........................................................................................................... 90
Returns ................................................................................................................. 90
INDEX ...............................................................................................................93
APPENDIX A: MEASUREMENT VALUES..............................................................95

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INTRODUCTION TO YOUR SPECTRATREND HT
The SpectraTrend HT is the newest in HunterLab’s versatile and cost-effective on-line color
measurement instruments. The SpectraTrend HT is a continuous, online, non-contact color, and
height measurement instrument. Designed for use in production environments, the
SpectraTrend HT uses LED sample illumination technology to measure and monitor color on the
production line. Like a bench spectrophotometer, the instrument can output both colorimetric
and spectral values for the visible spectrum, along with a measurement of product height.
Production runs are monitored continuously, from beginning to end, to identify color variation
and out-of-spec product, without contact or intrusion.
Product Applications and Key Features
SpectraTrend HT takes real-time color measurements of products of virtually any size, and in
industries as diverse as paint, food, building products and industrial minerals. Current
applications include:
•Building Products -- glass, siding, plastic, lumber, insulation and roofing.
•Food -- processed, baked, fried, and roasted.
•Paint -- coated aluminum and steel
•Paper -- lightweight low opacity paper, coated board, fine paper, and colored/white
paper
•Plastic -- pellets, film, and extruded sheet products.
•Textile -- denim dyeing, automotive fabric, carpet, dyeing/finishing and continuous
dyeing for apparel fabrics.
•Other –crushed stone, fertilizer.
This instrument functions optimally when used to measure color differences between samples
and an ideal product standard. Table 1 lists the key features and benefits of the device.

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Table 1: SpectraTrend HT Features and Benefits
Features
Description
Benefits
Spectrometer
Solid state 256 element diode
array, concave holographic grating
True dual beam spectrophotometer for on-line
applications with optimal agreement with bench top
color instruments.
Spectral Range/date output
400-700nm/10nm output
Spectral values output over full range.
Wavelength Resolution:
bandpass
<3nm: 10nm true triangular
Superior wavelength precision and inter-instrument
agreement.
Measurement Time
6 flashes/second
Rapid measurements for high speed product lines.
Measurement Report Time
1 update/second to several
minutes
Users can select quick updates or average readings
for non-uniform products.
LED Light Source
Full spectrum, balanced solid
state LED system
Enhanced light output with long lamp life.
Geometry
0°/30º
Directional viewing matches true visual appearance
for textured or glossy products.
Sealed Design
NEMA4/IP66
Can be used in harsh, dirty environments.
Distance to Product
2.5in-4.5in(63.5mm-114.3mm)
Large operating range means no need for precise
sensor placement or alignment relative to product.
Spot Size
25mm
Large Viewing area
Product Detection
Built-in red Laser height sensor
Enables individual measurements using built-in
height detection. Also provides automatic detection
when product flow rises above or falls below the
user-set levels.
Product Height Output
On-screen height measurement
Provides user with height of individual products and
can be used to determine flow rates based on height.
Background Discrimination
User selectable viewing distance
based on height
Ability to ignore product transport structures such as
conveyor belts, buckets, and framework.
Communications
Ethernet
Ability to connect to any PC on the network.
Digital I/O
3-Color Tolerance; 1-Input; 2-User
Defined
Easy connection to control systems.
Front Panel Display
3.7” Diagonal Color LCD (320x240
pixels)
Provides local color monitoring and operation at the
location of measurement.
Operating Range
0º-50º C
Versatile sensor placement on the production line for
quick feedback of any color changes.
Multiple Language Support
Chinese, English, French German,
Italian, Japanese, and Spanish on
front panel
Ability to use a language that is native or known to
the operator.
Clean Window Alert
Auto Test View Window Option
Alerts operator if window becomes dirty or
obstructed.
Windows based Graphic User
Interface
EasyMatch® OL-ST
Provides user customizable data viewing, process
control charts, trend screens, alarms and event logs
and product standards storage.

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System Components
The following sections provide a brief description of the SpectraTrend HT basic system
components. Numbered images of each system component are located at the end of Chapter 1.
Please refer to Chapter 2 for installation instructions.
System Components
The SpectraTrend HT sensor (Figure 1-6) head is housed in a National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA) 4/Ingress Protection Rating (IP) 66 enclosure and is designed to be
mounted above the product. The sensor monitors the product and sends color and height
information to the fixed terminal, EasyMatch OL ST software, or other external device. The
sensor does not need to make direct contact with the product. The sensor window should be
located at least 2.5 inches (63.5 mm) and not more than 4.5 inches (114.3 mm) from the
product.
How the Sensor Works
The color-monitoring process is controlled by a microprocessor. Measurements are
taken at a frequency of approximately 5 Hz using a solid-state, LED illumination and
detection system.
The light illuminating the product is produced by 4 LEDs: 2-white, 1-cyan (499nm), and
1- UV (402nm). The LEDs produce light in the visible region of the electromagnetic
spectrum. The light is directed toward the product, and a relay lens gathers the
reflected light and transmits it to the spectrophotometer. Each light source is switched
on with modulation at a preset frequency. In addition to the LED light source(s), there is
a receiving lens and a detector in the sensor.
The receiving lens collects light diffusely reflected from the product and focuses it onto
a position-sensitive spectrophotometer. The information from the detector is then used
for calculation of colorimetric data. A separate Laser detector also provides signals from
which the distance from the sensor window to the top of the product being measured is
computed via optical triangulation. This information is converted so that the height of
the product itself is displayed. The distance is also used to calculate a mathematical
compensation for the way in which the reflected color signal changes when the product
position varies.
NOTE: The minimum reflectance that the laser detector on this instrument can
detect is about 15%. Therefore, it is not recommended for height compensated
measurement of black or near-black samples.
The Slide-On Manual Calibrator
The slide-on calibrator allows easy installation and removal of the standard tiles. It slides
onto the track under the sensor window to allow consistent and accurate placement of
the standard tile during standardization.

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The calibrated values for the white tile and green tile, in XYZ using D65/10°, are
recorded on the front of the calibrator as shown below in Figure 1-2. These tile values
are traceable to reflectance standards held at the National Physical Laboratory (England)
and the National Institute of Standards and Technology [N.I.S.T.] (U.S.A.).
Figure 1. Slide on Calibrator
Figure 2. Calibrated Values for the Slide-On Calibrator
The Metal Support Unit
Housed in a NEMA 4/IP66 enclosure with a hinged cover the metal support unit provides
DC power to the sensor. Various communications options are also accessible at the
support unit if installed.

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Power Cords (110V and 220v)
Figure 3. Power Cords for the SpectraTrend HT
Communications
Ethernet Communications Cable
Twenty meters of Ethernet cable are provided for communication between the sensor
and the personal computer. An optional digital output for Pass, Warning, and Fail stack
light is available.
System Power I/O Cable
Thirty meters of System Power I/O cable are provided for connection between the metal
support unit and the sensor. Additional lengths of extension cable may be purchased
separately.
EasyMatch® OL-ST
The EasyMatch OL-ST Software is designed to run on a standard personal computer running
Windows. The software allows the user to enter instructions to the sensor using the keyboard
and mouse. The computer monitor then displays all results, prompts, and diagnostics messages.
The EasyMatch OL ST software allows you to perform the following SpectraTrend HT functions:
•Select product setups,
•Modify product setup parameters, and
•Save readings and event information to a file.
The computer monitor shows the product name, the height of the product or the color index, a
trend plot illustrating the differences between samples and a product standard.
Additional Components and Accessories
There are also various optional components/add-ons available for purchase for use with your
SpectraTrend. HunterLab part numbers are provided for each item listed below for your
convenience in ordering.

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Table 2. SpectraTrend Accessories
Accessory
Part No.
Function
Tri-Color Light Stack
L02-1014-761
Green, amber and red LED lights indicate “in-
tolerance”, “out-of-tolerance” or “in-warning” range.
Includes 30m unterminated cable.
Computer and Monitor
COMPUTER
Windows® Computer to run the system.
Ink Jet Color Printer and
Cable
A13-1005-721
To connect to the computer.
4 Channel Analog Output
Kit
L02-1014-757
Individually isolated 4-20mA analog outputs for
connection to PLC devices.
Glass Sensor Window Kit
D02-1014-745
Replacement window for use in environments
unsuitable for the standard polycarbonate window.
Sensor Window Monitor
D02-1014-603
Automatic white tile measurement indicates sensor
window is free of debris.
Cables, extra length
Call for info
HunterLab, 11491 Sunset Hill Road, Reston, Virginia 20190
703-471-6870 www.hunterlab.com
[email protected] or [email protected]

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TriColor Stack Light
Figure 4. Tricolor Stack Light
The Computer
A personal computer is available for those systems running the utility software. Models
and configurations may vary; refer to the computer documentation for more
information.
The Table 3 lists the minimum configuration your computer must meet in order to run
the utility software. The Recommended column lists the configuration suggested for
optimal operation of the software. The minimum system will operate, but performance
may be hampered.

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Table 3: Computer Requirements
Component
Minimum
Recommended
Processor
32-bit (x86) or 64-bit
(x64)
32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)
Clock Speed
1 Gz
1GHz +
RAM
2 GB
4 GB+
Operating System
Windows XP
Professional
WindowsXP Professional or
Windows 7 Professional
Installation Medium
CD-ROM drive
16x CD-ROM drive
Video Adapter
SVGA
SVGA or higher
Monitor
19” color
19” color or larger
Communication Ports
Ethernet
Ethernet
Pointing Device
Serial bus, or USB
mouse
Serial bus, or USB mouse
Keyboard
Enhanced
Enhanced
Surge Protection
Surge protector
Line conditioner or surge
protector
Backup Medium
50 GB Harddrive
Network backup
-In addition, 1G of free space is required on the installation disk for initial installation. Additional
hard drive space will be required for saving data files.

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The Basics of SpectraTrend Operation
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. In actuality,
however, 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 5. SpectraTrend HT Sensor
Figure 6. Button Keypad for the SpectraTrend HT
Menus and Prompts
All SpectraTrend HT functions may be accessed through its MAIN MENU. The main menu
commands lead to prompts (such as for STANDARDIZATION and READING), setup screens (for
PRODUCT SETUP and GLOBAL OPTIONS), or an additional menu (such as the DIAGNOSTICS,
SAVED READINGS, and SETUP MAINTENANCE choices), depending on the function requested.
When RETURN is shown as an available button command on the MAIN MENU screen, you may
choose RETURN to go back to the last screen used before the instrument shut down. When OFF
is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, you may choose OFF to
immediately turn the instrument off.

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About Your Instrument
Information specific to your instrument may be viewed on the ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT
screen, which can be obtained by choosing About from the main menu. The LCD Screen displays
the model, serial number, firmware version, and total flash count for your instrument.
More details on SpectraTrend HT operation are given the next sections.

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INSTALLATION
Mounting the SpectraTrend Sensor
The sensor box is equipped with a mounting plate which can be used to mount the sensor in a
variety of ways. The sensor must be installed in accordance with the applicable HunterLab
installation drawing, which is included at the end of this chapter for reference. The following
factors, as well as the details shown in the installation drawing, should be considered in making
this installation.
Presentation of the product to the sensor
The sensor must be located where it can view the product in a stable condition representative
of the product color. If the product is carried on a flexible belt conveyer, the sensor should be
located at or close to a point where the conveyer is supported from below. The sensor window
must be located 2.5 to 4.5 inches (63.5-114.3 mm) from the product, with the optimum
distance being 3.25 inches (82.5 mm).
Access to the sensor
It will be necessary to have physical access to the sensor for standardization and maintenance
at regular intervals, so convenient access should be available.
Sensor environment
While the sensor is rugged and sealed, accumulated contamination on the sensor window will
eventually degrade performance. The more contaminants to which the sensor is subjected
(dust, oil, crumbs, etc.), the more frequently it will need to be cleaned to maintain
performance. The ambient air temperature and relative humidity must remain within the
intervals specified in Chapter One. The sensor window must not be facing into any type of
bright light.
Clearance for plant maintenance
The sensor and mount should be sited so that they are neither in the way nor vulnerable during
plant maintenance.
Note: Welding near the SpectraTrend HT system can cause damage to the
sensor and will void your warranty.
Connecting the SpectraTrend Sensor
Insert the black round connector-end of the grey 24V I/O System Cable (as shown in Figure 2-1)
into the round pronged slot located on the top side of the sensor. Align the holes on the I/O
cable connector with the prongs on the sensor to connect.

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Insert the black round connector end of the blue Ethernet Cable into the Ethernet jack on the
bottom side of the sensor.
The Metal Support Unit
The support unit must be installed in accordance with the applicable HunterLab installation
drawing, which is included at the end of this chapter for reference. The following factors, as
well as the details shown in the installation drawing, should be considered in making the
installation.
Support Unit Environment:
The ambient air temperature and relative humidity must remain within the intervals specified
for the sensor in Chapter One. The support unit is sealed and can withstand normal factory
floor environments.
This equipment has an ON/OFF switch with a terminated power cable not longer than 3 meters.
It is left to the customer’s knowledge and discretion to properly connect the 3-meter cable to
plant AC power and the support unit ground wire to system ground. Failure to properly connect
plant power and ground to the SpectraTrend HT system will void all warranties and may expose
you to dangerous voltages.
The support unit-sensor combination must be installed in such a way so that no ground loops
are created. The sensor has an isolating bracket which should be used for mounting. The
support unit should be mounted to a wall or other support that is not connected electrically to
ground. Testing for isolation from ground is highly recommended after installation.
System
Power I/O
Cable
Connection
Ethernet
Connection
Figure 7.. Connecting the SpectraTrend Sensor to Power and Ethernet

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Figure 8. Support Unit Connectors
The Slide-On Calibrator
Install the slide-on calibrator when required for standardization by sliding it onto the track
below the sensor window. The calibrator is attached from the right side of the sensor. Follow
the onscreen prompts to standardize to the black tile and white tile. The green tile is provided
to check the standardization.
Figure 9. Slide on Calibrator

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The EasyMatch OL ST Software
Install the utility software as follows:
Insert the installation CD into your CD-ROM drive. Navigate to the EasyMatch OL ST folder and
select the EasyMatch OL ST Unicode.exe to begin installation of the Software. Follow the
prompts to complete the installation.
Open EasyMatch OL ST software by selecting the EasyMatch OL ST icon on the desktop or by
selecting it from the Program Files/HunterLab using the Windows Start Menu. The default user
name is ‘Admin’. The default password is ’hunterlab’.
The Computer
Access to the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse
Routine operation requires observation of displays on the monitor, use of the keyboard and
mouse, and access to the disk drives for routine file backups. Thus, the location and height of
the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse should be convenient.
Environment
The supervisory computer is a standard, non-hardened system, and requires a normal
computer environment. The ambient temperature around the computer and monitor must be
between 15° C (59° F) and 30° C (86° F).
Proximity of the computer to the support unit
The computer must not be any farther from the support unit than the length of the cable
connecting the two.
SpectraTrend HT Installation Drawings
All the installation drawings relevant to the SpectraTrend HT system, including its various
configurations and options, are listed and shown in the next few pages.