HunterLab UltraScan VIS Owner's manual

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UltraScan®VIS
Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch®QC
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1017-658
Manual Version 2.0

UltraScan VIS Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch QC ver2.0
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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 and UltraScan 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 UltraScan VIS 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
ULTRASCAN VIS FEATURES ........................................................................................5
Reflectance Port................................................................................................................................. 6
Small Area View................................................................................................................................. 6
Retro-viewer ...................................................................................................................................... 7
Sample Clamp .................................................................................................................................... 7
Transmittance Compartment............................................................................................................. 8
Specular Included/Excluded Port....................................................................................................... 8
Automated UV Control ...................................................................................................................... 9
Indicator Lights .................................................................................................................................. 9
Macro Button................................................................................................................................... 10
UltraScan VIS Accessories ................................................................................................................ 10
ULTRASCAN VIS INSTALLATION................................................................................13
Install EasyMatch QC Software .......................................................................................................... 13
Activate the SoftKey License............................................................................................................. 15
Add the Sensor................................................................................................................................. 16
ULTRASCAN VIS FUNCTIONS....................................................................................19
Sensor > Standardize........................................................................................................................ 19
Sensor > Standardization Modes ..................................................................................................... 20
Sensor > Configure Multi Mode ....................................................................................................... 21
Sensor > UV Filter Calibration .......................................................................................................... 23
Sensor > Setup Mode (UV Filter)...................................................................................................... 24
Haze Measurements (Options > Read Method > Haze).................................................................... 26
ULTRASCAN VIS MAINTENANCE AND TESTING ......................................................... 31
Running the Repeatability Test........................................................................................................ 31
Running the Green Tile Test............................................................................................................. 31
Running the Didymium Filter Test ................................................................................................... 32
Replacing the Source Lamp .............................................................................................................. 32
Replacing the Fuses.......................................................................................................................... 35
Replacing the Optional View Lamp .................................................................................................. 37
Cleaning the Lens Surface and Didymium Filter............................................................................... 39
Cleaning the Sphere......................................................................................................................... 39
ULTRASCAN VIS SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................. 41
Physical Characteristics.................................................................................................................... 41
Environmental Requirements .......................................................................................................... 41
Power Required ............................................................................................................................... 41
Power Cord Wire Color Code:........................................................................................................ 42
Instrument-Computer Ground Potential Check: ............................................................................ 42
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing........................................................................................... 42
Instrument Performance.................................................................................................................. 43

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Regulatory Notice ............................................................................................................................ 43
UltraScan VIS Options and Sample Devices ..................................................................................... 44
4-mm Port Plate (A02-1011-184)................................................................................................... 44
Installation .................................................................................................................................... 44
Sample Measurements.................................................................................................................. 44
Compression Clamp Kit (L02-(D02-1011-131) ................................................................................ 45
Cylindrical Cell Holder (D02-1011-550) .......................................................................................... 47
Flow-Through Transmittance Cell Holder and Cells (D02-1009-960) .............................................. 48
Foot Switch Assembly (D02-1010-327) .......................................................................................... 50
Glass Port Insert (A02-1011-124)................................................................................................... 51
Reflectance Preform Holder (D02-1011-841)................................................................................. 51
Reflectance Sample Shelf with Light Cover (B02-1005-172) ........................................................... 52
Precision Cell Holder for Plastic Micro Cells ................................................................................... 54
Semi-Micro Powder Holder (D02-2012-313) .................................................................................. 59
Skein Holder Option (02-7396-00) ................................................................................................. 60
Holder & 10mm Small Volume Transmittance Cells (D02-1011-886 & A13-1011-613) ................... 61
Transmittance Cell Holder (C02-1005-481) .................................................................................... 63
Transmittance Cells –50mm, 33mm, 20mm, 10mm...................................................................... 63
Transmittance Cells with Two Screw Tops ..................................................................................... 64
Tall Transmittance Cells................................................................................................................. 64
Transmittance Preform Holder (D02-1011-833)............................................................................. 65
Transmittance Clamp (C02-1005-444) ........................................................................................... 66
Transmittance Spill Tray (D02-1011-568)....................................................................................... 68
WHEN YOU NEED ASSISTANCE.................................................................................69
INDEX.....................................................................................................................71

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UltraScan VIS Features
The UltraScan VIS is a dual beam xenon flash spectrophotometer with a wavelength range from 360 to
780 nanometers (nm). All tristimulus integrations are based on a triangular bandpass of ten nm and a
wavelength interval of ten nanometers. The instrument can measure both reflected and transmitted
color of a product.
The sensor uses a plastic integrating sphere that is six inches (152.4 mm) in diameter and coated with
Spectraflect™, which diffuses the light from the lamp. The light illuminates the sample and is either
reflected from it or transmitted through it. A lens is located at an angle of 8° from the perpendicular to
the sample surface. The lens collects the reflected or transmitted light and directs it to a diffraction
grating which separates the light into its component wavelengths. These components are then
measured by dual diode arrays and converted into usable data.
Figure 1. UltraScan VIS
Note: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair
the protection afforded by the equipment.
Note: Danger of electric shock if liquids are spilled and fire if volatile or flammable liquids
are spilled. Use care when measuring liquid samples.
The UltraScan VIS possesses the following default features:
•Reflectance port
•Sample Clamp
•Transmittance compartment
•Specular-Included/Excluded Port
Macro button
Indicator
lights
Reflectance
port
Transmittance
compartment
Guidance holes
Spring-loaded
sample clamp

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Reflectance Port
The reflectance port is located at the front of the sensor. The port is covered by a spring-loaded sample
clamp which is used to hold the specimen in place during measurement. Two guidance holes are also
present to aid in placement of the white tile and light trap at the reflectance port. When the small area
view lens is in use, the small area or the large area port plate can be used at the reflectance port.
Figure 2. Reflectance Port
Small Area View
The small area view feature includes a small area view lens and port plate. To use the small area of
view:
1. Remove the original port plate from the reflectance port and replace it with the small area
port plate.
Figure 3. Small Area of View
2. Standardize the instrument. Be sure to select 0.375 inch (9.525 mm) as the area view in the
Setup Mode window in EasyMatch QC. The lens will automatically adjust.
3. Place the sample at the reflectance port.
4. Be sure that the sample completely covers the reflectance port. (Use the retroviewer to
confirm.) Adjust the position of the sample if necessary.
The reflectance
port with the large
area view port
plate installed

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5. Read the sample.
Note: The instrument flashes multiple times per measurement when the
small area view option is employed.
Retro-viewer
The retro-viewer is a lamp in the sphere that allows you to view the sample that is currently at the
reflectance port on a screen. This helps you to determine when the sample is properly placed for
measurement. Turn the lamp on as described below. The sample at the reflectance port is then
illuminated and an image of it appears on the retro-viewer screen. If necessary, adjust the door above
the screen to see a mirror image of the screen display. The retro-viewer lamp must be installed at the
factory.
The retro-viewer lamp has two modes of operation. Select the desired mode of operation using the
retroviewer button as follows:
•Lamp Stay on Mode: Press and hold the retroviewer button until a beep is heard. To turn
the lamp off, press and immediately release the retroviewer button three times in a row.
•Lamp Turn Off Mode: Press and immediately release the retroviewer button. The lamp will
automatically turn itself off when you take a reading.
Note: To prevent heat build-up, the lamp will turn off automatically
after one minute of inactivity, regardless of the mode selected.
Sample Clamp
The UltraScan VIS includes a spring-loaded sample clamp that can be used to hold samples flat and
secure at the reflectance port. The clamp has two buttons, one which raises and lowers the arm, and
one that moves the clamp toward and away from the reflectance port.
Figure 4. Sample Clamp
A magnetic white ceramic disk on the face of the clamp provides a consistent white background for
measurements. A non-slip, magnetic black pad is included to replace the white disk for applications
Button to raise
and lower the
clamp arm
Button to move
the clamp forward
and back

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that require a non-slip or dark backing. To change to the pad, simply pop out the white disk and insert
the non-slip pad.
Transmittance Compartment
The transmittance compartment located in the middle of the sensor is used for measuring the
transmitted color of transparent solids or liquids. The transmission compartment door should be
closed while standardizing and taking measurements
1
.
Figure 5. Open Transmittance Compartment
Specular Included/Excluded Port
The UltraScan VIS sphere contains a specular exclusion port door which is closed during specular
included and transmittance measurements and opened during specular excluded measurements. The
position of the door is controlled through EasyMatch QC. See the ULTRASCAN VIS STANDARDIZATION
section for more information on the various measurement modes.
Figure 6. Specular Exclusion Port Closed
1
Closing the transmittance compartment door while making both reflectance and transmittance measurements is the best
practice for this instrument. For more information, see the note in the UltraScan VIS Standardization section.

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Figure 7. Specular Exclusion Port Open
Automated UV Control
The UltraScan VIS can perform a Ganz-Griesser calibration, by using a 400-nm UV filter. This filter
maintains the proper ratio of the electromagnetic energy in the UV region to that of the visible region.
This improves the agreement of the illumination between different instruments and keeps illumination
constant as the instrument’s lamp ages. This calibration should be used when measuring colors that
fluoresce due to illumination by light in the UV range of the electromagnetic spectrum (such as
optically-brightened whites).
For the Ganz-Griesser calibration, a stable, fluorescent white transfer standard marked with an
assigned Ganz whiteness (normally assigned in reflectance-specular excluded mode) is used to set the
correct illumination conditions. The assigned value is traceable to a four-step cotton white scale
calibrated by the Hohenstein Institute in Germany.
Instructions for using UV control are described in the SENSOR MENU section.
Note: It is important to know what type of fluorescence is involved for the samples being
measured. Some materials fluoresce due to excitation by visible rather than ultraviolet
wavelengths. The UV-absorbing filter does not eliminate this type of fluorescence.
Indicator Lights
The UltraScan VIS’s indicator light feature lets you know what mode of standardization is currently in
use. The top light indicates that power is on. The second light indicates that the specular exclusion port
is open. The third light indicates that small area view is in use, and the bottom light indicates that the
UV cut-off filter is 100% inserted.
Spring-loaded
sample clamp

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Figure 8. Indicator Lights
Macro Button
The macro button, also known as the “Sensor button,” activates a sample measurement.
UltraScan VIS Accessories
The following accessories are provided in the standards case:
•White calibrated tile - placed at the reflectance port (with pegs in the guidance holes)
during standardization. This tile is traceable to National Institute of Standards & Technology
(NIST).
•Light trap - placed at the reflectance port (with pegs in the guidance holes) during
standardization in reflectance modes.
•Black card device - placed in the transmittance compartment during standardization in
transmittance modes.
•Green tile - placed at the reflectance port (with pegs in the guidance holes) to check
instrument performance.
•Didymium filter - screwed into the lens as a check for wavelength accuracy.
•Tile data sheet - gives calibration information for the standard tiles.
•Non-slip pad for sample clamp - can be placed into the sample clamp as a replacement for
the white disk for applications that require a non-slip or black backing.
•Standards care card - gives instructions on how to clean the standards.
•Fuses - two 3-amp fuses (3A, SB 250 V, T ) are provided as spares.
•Allen wrench - one 1/8” wrench is provided.
•RS-232 communications cable.
•USB to serial adapter cable.
Power on
Specular excluded
Small area view
UV excluded: UV
cut-off filter is
100% inserted

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•Power cord.
•Certificate of traceability for the standard tile.
•Diagnostics software CD.
Figure 9. Accessory Case
Light trap
White
calibrated tile
Standards care
card and
certificate of
traceability
Black card device
Optional port
plates
Envelope
containing
spare fuses
and Allen
wrench
Didymium filter
Green tile
Non-slip pad for
sample clamp

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UltraScan VIS Installation
The UltraScan VIS is simple to set up and attach to your computer. The following instructions guide you
through the initial installation of your UltraScan VIS system.
1. Unpack all cartons and remove wrappings and cable ties. Inspect for damage and notify the
carrier and HunterLab immediately if any is discovered. Save the packing material in case it
becomes necessary to return the instrument to the factory.
2. Place the UltraScan VIS on a flat working surface where the measurements will be made.
Place the computer near the sensor.
3. Ensure that the on/off switch on the back of the sensor is set to off.
4. Connect the power cord to the sensor and plug it into a power outlet.
Note: Refer to the UltraScan VIS Specifications section for recommendations concerning
the power line and its conditioning.
CAUTION: Use only the power cord included with this instrument or a replacement
obtained from HunterLab (HL#A13-1002-655 for 110V, A13-1002-656 for 220V). Be certain
that the power cord is in good condition before connecting it. The UltraScan VIS is
grounded using the grounding portion of this power cord. Only plug this cord into a
properly grounded power outlet. Do not use an inappropriate adapter to plug the
instrument into an ungrounded outlet or electric shock may occur. More information on
the wiring of the power cord can be found in the UltraScan VIS Specifications section.
5. If you are using SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS, connect the female end of the 9-pin
communications cable to the appropriate communications port of the computer. Connect
the male end of the 9-pin cable to the sensor. If you are using USB COMMUNICATIONS,
connect the computer via a USB cable to the serial adapter and then to the serial cable
connected to serial port on the UltraScan VIS. It does not matter if the instrument is turned
on or off.
Note: The UltraScan VIS should be lifted from under the base plate, near the center of the
unit. It should not be carried by grasping any part of the plastic housing.
Install EasyMatch QC Software
Complete the following steps:
1. Log into the system using an account that has ADMINISTRATOR privileges for the PC —
network or local.
2. Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM drive. If the system is setup to automatically
run CD programs, the menu will appear and you may skip to Step 5. Otherwise, continue
with Step 3.
3. Select the Easy Match QC Icon or from Windows, go to START > RUN >EZMQC_MENU and

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OPEN. The following screen will be shown.
Figure 10. 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 11. 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.
Figure 12. Completed Install

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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 the figure below.
Note: EasyMatch QC functions are unavailable before key activation.
Figure 13. 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.
Figure 14. Activate License
1. 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 14), select KEY ID.

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b. Paste-in or type-in the License Key ID and click ACTIVATE.
c. An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.
2. 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 14), 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.
3. 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 11) and select SENTINEL KEY to continue.
4. 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.
Figure 15. 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:

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Figure 16. 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 17. Setup Sensor
Note: If using a typical 9-pin serial cable for communications between the sensor and PC,
select COM1. If using USB-to-serial adapter, then select the highest number COM Port No.
offered. If using USB communications, the COM port will automatically be selected.
4. Remove the tape covering the reflectance port and the exterior of the sphere in the
transmittance compartment.
5. Place the desired port plate at the reflectance port and snap it into place.
6. Locate the reflectance port sample clamp in the standards box and slide it into place at the
reflectance port. Depress the back button to slide the clamp all the way in. Depress the
front button to move the sample clamp up against the sphere. Covering the sample port
when the instrument is not in use prevents dust from accumulating inside the sphere.

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7. Turn on the UltraScan VIS 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.
Note: Do not block the vents in the top cover of the UltraScan VIS or the
instrument may overheat.
Figure 18. Rear View of UltraScan VIS
On/off switch
Power cord
receptor
Jack for foot
switch
Serial
communications
port

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UltraScan VIS Functions
Sensor > Standardize
The UltraScan VIS must be standardized on a regular basis to keep it operating properly.
Standardization sets the top and bottom of the scale for the photometric scale. During standardization,
the bottom of the scale is set first. For this, you simulate the case where all the light is absorbed by the
sample. For UltraScan VIS, the bottom of the scale is set with the light trap for reflectance modes. The
light blocker (a.k.a. black card) device is used to set the bottom of the scale for transmittance
measurements.
Figure 19. Setting Zero for TTRAN
Figure 20. Setting Zero for RTRAN
The top of the scale is then set by scaling the light which is reflected or transmitted to a calibrated
standard. This is done using a calibrated white tile for reflectance measurements and air or a solvent-
filled cell for transmittance measurements. On-screen messages prompt you through the
standardization procedure.

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Figure 21. Standardizing with the Light Trap
Figure 22. Standardizing on the White Tile
It is recommended that the instrument be standardized at least once every eight hours. Also,
standardize the instrument whenever the hardware changes, such as the placement of the UV filter, or
with environmental, such as temperature, changes. Then you may proceed with sample measurement.
Sensor > Standardization Modes
Four modes of measurement are available when you standardize the UltraScan VIS:
•RSIN: Reflectance - Specular Included
•RSEX: Reflectance - Specular Excluded
•TTRAN: Total Transmittance
•RTRAN: Regular Transmittance