HunterLab Vista Owner's manual

Vista®
Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch®QC
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190 USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1017-657
Manual Version 3.0

Vista Supplemental Manual for EasyMatch QC ver3.0
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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 Vista 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 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.

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Contents
HUNTERLAB VISTA FEATURES ...................................................................................... 5
Transmittance Compartment.................................................................................................................. 6
Automated Haze Measurement.............................................................................................................. 6
Vista Accessories ..................................................................................................................................... 6
VISTA INSTALLATION ................................................................................................... 7
Install EasyMatch QC Software.................................................................................................................. 7
Activate the SoftKey License .................................................................................................................... 9
Connecting Vista to EasyMatch QC and a Computer ............................................................................ 10
Method 1: Connect Vista to a Network through an Ethernet port. .................................................. 11
Method 2: Directly Connect Vista and PC with an Ethernet Cable.................................................... 12
Method 3: Connect Vista to a Computer through a Wireless Access Point ...................................... 13
Add the Sensor ...................................................................................................................................... 15
VISTA FUNCTIONS.......................................................................................................17
Sensor > Standardization....................................................................................................................... 17
Haze Measurements.............................................................................................................................. 17
VISTA MAINTENANCE AND TESTING...........................................................................19
Cleaning the Vista.................................................................................................................................. 19
Haze Standard Care ............................................................................................................................... 19
Didymium Standard Care....................................................................................................................... 19
Power Required ..................................................................................................................................... 19
Safety..................................................................................................................................................... 19
Diagnostics using EasyMatch QC........................................................................................................... 20
Repeatability ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Didymium Filter Test .......................................................................................................................... 21
Diagnostics on the Vista ........................................................................................................................ 22
VISTA SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................23
Physical/Electrical.................................................................................................................................. 23
Environmental Requirements................................................................................................................ 23
Conditions of Illumination and Viewing ................................................................................................ 24
Instrument Performance....................................................................................................................... 24
Regulatory Notice.................................................................................................................................. 25
VISTA OPTIONS AND SAMPLE HOLDERS......................................................................27
Self-Centering Sample Holder (D02-1017-193)..................................................................................... 27
Universal Adapter Base Plate (D02-1017-223)...................................................................................... 27
Multi-Function Sample Holder (D02-1017-192).................................................................................... 27
Cell holder for 20mm Flow through Cell (D02-1017-715)..................................................................... 27
Cell holder for 10mm Flow through Cell (D02-1018-678)..................................................................... 27
Thin Film Holder (L02-1017-749)........................................................................................................... 27
Macro Cell Holder for Haze Measurement (D02-1017-344)................................................................. 27

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Semi-Micro Cell Holder for Haze Measurement (D02-1017-390)......................................................... 27
Ultra-Micro Cell Holder (Plastic Cells) (D02-1017-391)......................................................................... 28
Semi-Micro Cell Holder (Glass Cells) (D02-1017-429)........................................................................... 28
Haze Standard Holder (D02-1017-544) ................................................................................................. 28
Round Vial & Preform Holder (L02-1017-471) ...................................................................................... 28
Precision Cell Holder Baseplate (D02-1017-224) .................................................................................. 28
Precision Cell Holder for Plastic Macro Cells (D02-1016-913) .............................................................. 28
Precision Cell Holder for Macro Cells (D02-1017-048).......................................................................... 28
Precision Cell Holder - Semi-Micro Cells (D02-1017-050)..................................................................... 28
Precision Cell Holder - Ultra-Micro Plastic Cell (D02-1017-051 ............................................................ 29
Glass Cell Holder, 10 mm to 50 mm (D02-1017-122)............................................................................ 29
Vial Holder, 25mm Nominal Path Length (D02-1017-576) ................................................................... 29
24mm Vial Holder for Haze (D02-1018-759)......................................................................................... 29
Holder for ISO 2R and 4R Vials (D02-1017-129).................................................................................... 29
ISO 2R/4R Vial Holder for Haze (D02-1018-077)................................................................................... 29
Didymium Diagnostic Filter for Vista (D02-1017-167) .......................................................................... 29
Haze Standard Holder (D02-1017-544) ................................................................................................. 30
Haze Check Standard for Vista (D02-1019-161).................................................................................... 30
ND 50% T Diagnostic Filter (D02-1017-419).......................................................................................... 30
ND 90% T Diagnostic Filter (D02-1017-480).......................................................................................... 30
HunterLab 2 GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive (A10-1013-423)........................................................................... 30
USB Barcode Scanner (A13-1018-566).................................................................................................. 30
USB Cable (Standard A receptacle to Micro A) (A21-1016-453)........................................................... 30
Vista Grounding Wire Assembly (D02-1017-515) ................................................................................. 30
USB Wireless Keyboard and Mouse (L02-1017-434)............................................................................. 30
Cover Glass Kit (L02-1017-505) ............................................................................................................. 30
WHEN YOU NEED ASSISTANCE....................................................................................31
INDEX .........................................................................................................................33

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HunterLab Vista Features
The Vista is a transmittance-only spectrophotometer with a wavelength range from 400 to 700
nanometers (nm). The instrument can simultaneously measure transmittance color and haze of liquids
and non-opaque films.
The on-board software (EasyMatch Essentials) is preloaded with most scales and indices, including Pt-
Co/Hazen/APHA, Gardner Color, 3 Pharmacopoeia Standards, and more. The touch screen display is
customizable with multiple data views including color data, color view, spectral data, spectral plot and
trends and standardization is done with one press of the screen. The footprint is compact and data
output can be made to a USB or through the Ethernet port.
Figure 1. Front of Vista
The Vista possesses the following features:
•Simultaneously measures the transmission color and haze of liquids and non-opaque films
•One-touch standardization
•400-700nm visible range spectrophotometer
•Touchscreen display with customizable workspaces
•EasyMatch Essentials color measurement software
•Preloaded with most scales and indices, including: Pt-Co/Hazen/APHA, Gardner Color, three
Pharmacopoeia Standards- US, EU, and Japanese, Haze %, Opalescence, Y Total
Transmission, CIE Spectral Data, and more.
•Multiple data views –color data, color view, spectral data, spectral plot, among others
•Small compact footprint
•Digital haze meter
Transmission
compartment

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Note: 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.
Transmittance Compartment
The transmission compartment located in the middle of the sensor is used for measuring the
transmitted color of transparent solids or liquids. The transmission compartment door can be closed or
open while standardizing and taking measurements.
Automated Haze Measurement
The Vista can perform haze measurements automatically using the haze mechanism inside of the
instrument. To accomplish HAZE, first standardize on TTRAN (Total Transmittance) and Haze. Then
select Haze under indices. For more information, see Standardization for Haze Measurements.
Vista Accessories
The following accessories are provided with the Vista system and can be found in the standards case:
•Didymium filter
•Cleaning cloth
•Stylus
•USB Flash Drive

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Vista Installation
Note: The Vista 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.
The Vista is simple to set up and attach to your computer. The following instructions guide you through
the initial installation of your Vista 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 Vista 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 Vista Specifications section of this chapter 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. Be certain that the power cord is in good condition before
connecting it. The Vista 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 Vista Specifications
section of this chapter.
Note. Since the Vista uses a USB cable to communicate with the computer, select the
highest number COM Port No. offered.
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
OPEN. The following screen will be shown.

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Figure 2. EasyMatch QC 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 3. 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 4. Completed Install
7. The CD can now be removed.

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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 5.
Note: EasyMatch QC functions are unavailable before key activation.
Figure 5. 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 6. 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.

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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 3)
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.
Figure 7. Request 30-day Trial
Connecting Vista to EasyMatch QC and a Computer
EasyMatch QC and EasyMatch QC-ER Version 4.88 and above can connect with Vista. Vista with serial
number less than VTS00135 probably need to have some hardware added and the software updated
(Vista Essentials 1.00.14 and above). WiFi option is only available for VTS00388 and above.
There are three methods to connect the Vista to EasyMatch QC. . Please select the right method and
following the corresponding instruction to connect.
1. Through a Network
2. Direct Connection using an Ethernet Cable
3. Through a Wireless Access Point

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Note that instruments built before VTS00135 may need additional hardware or Essentials
update (1.00.14 and above).
Method 1: Connect Vista to a Network through an Ethernet port.
1. Plug Ethernet cable into the back of the Vista and the other end to a network hub. Plug the
PC to this network hub as well.
Figure 8. Ethernet Cable
Figure 9. Ethernet Port
2. Connect Vista to network, go to JOBS > PREFERENCES > CONFIG NETWORK SETTINGS.
Select CONFIGURE ETHERNET SETTINGS. Check USE DHCP FOR ETHERNET CONFIG and click
APPLY. If you used the other network setting before, please restart Vista to apply the new
network setting.
3. Open EasyMatch QC in the computer.
4. In SENSOR> ADD SENSOR > VISTA. Select ETHERNET and check the box DISCOVER AND
SELECT A SENSOR IN THE NETWORK and then click SEARCH to automatically search.
There will be a drop-down list of all available Vista sensors. If the sensor in the list including
IP address as well as sensor name, then it is connectable. If the sensor in the list with
“??????” instead of sensor name, it means that EasyMatch QC can find the VISTA, while
VISTA is not free to connect to EasyMatch QC. If you meet this problem, you can restart
VISTA and click search again. Also, you can go to Vista Essentials, WORKSPACE >
DIAGNOSTICS > ADVANCED and click RESTART COMM to have Vista communication
available, and then go back to EasyMatch QC and click search again. RESTART COMM is
available in Vista Essentials Rev 21 and higher. Please download our latest Vista Essentials
from our support website.

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Figure 10. Sensor Setup
5. Select NEXT to standardize.
Method 2: Directly Connect Vista and PC with an Ethernet Cable
1. Connect the Ethernet cable to the Vista and the computer. You can apply Ethernet adapter
here to connect the Ethernet cable to one USB port of the computer.
2. Open Command Prompt in the computer.
3. Type in IPCONFIG. Under the Ethernet adapter information, review the autoconfiguration
IPV4 ADDRESS and SUBNET MASK.
Figure 11. Configuration for EasyMatch QC
4. Open Vista Essentials, go to JOBS > PREFERENCES > CONFIGURE NETWORK SETTINGS.
Uncheck USE DHCP FOR ETHERNET CONFIG. Type in the IP ADDRESS and SUBNET MASK
manually, then press APPLY. The IP address here should be exact same as the

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AUTOCONFIGURATION IPV4 ADDRESS in the PC, except changing the last two digits. Press
APPLY on the Ethernet Configuration and then APPLY on the Preferences Page to complete.
Figure 12. Configure IP Address & Subnet in Essentials
5. Restart Vista to apply the network settings
6. Open EasyMatch QC and from the menu, click SENSOR > ADD SENSOR and select VISTA.
Select ETHERNET and uncheck the box to DISCOVER AND SELECT A SENSOR IN THE
NETWORK. Then type in the IP address which has been set up in Vista Essentials.
Figure 13. Setup Sensor in EasyMatch QC
You are now ready to use EasyMatch QC with the Vista.
Method 3: Connect Vista to a Computer through a Wireless Access Point
Note: This option only works for VTS00388 and above. All Vista below this serial
number does not have WiFi ability built-in. Also, WiFi network option is only available
for Vista Essentials Rev 1.05 and above.

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1. To connect Vista to a network, go to JOBS > PREFERENCES and select CONFIG NETWORK
SETTINGS. Select CONFIGURE WIFI SETTINGS and the WiFi configuration dialog will be
prompted.
2. Please search and connect to the available WiFi and write down the IP address showing in
this dialog. After the WiFi configuration, please click the floating BACK BUTTON to go back
to Essentials app.
Figure 14. Select WiFi Network
Figure 15. Verify Connection to WiFi
3. Open EasyMatch QC on the computer. From the menu, select SENSOR > ADD SENSOR and
select VISTA. Select ETHERNET and check the box DISCOVER AND SELECT A SENSOR IN THE
NETWORK and then click SEARCH. There will be a drop-down list of all available Vista
sensors. If the sensor in the list includes an IP address as well as the sensor name, then it is
connectable. If the software returns with ‘??????’ instead of the sensor name, it means that
the Vista is not free to connect. If you meet this problem, restart the Vista and click SEARCH
again. Also, you can go to Vista Essentials, WORKSPACE > DIAGNOSTICS > ADVANCED and
click RESTART COMM to have Vista communication available. Go back to EasyMatch QC and
click SEARCH again. RESTART COMM is available in Vista Essentials Rev 21 and higher.
Please download our latest Version of Vista Essentials in our support website.

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Figure 16. Discover Vista
4. Click NEXT to standardize.
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 17. 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.

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Figure 18. Setup Sensor
4. Next, configure a STANDARDIZATION MODE for the sensor. The Vista will support TTRAN
and RTRAN.
Figure 19. Setup Mode
5. Select the option next to STANDARDIZE NOW to proceed immediately to standardization
upon completion of sensor configuration. Select NEXT to complete the installation.
Figure 20. Standardization Menu

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Vista Functions
Sensor > Standardization
The Vista must be standardized on a regular basis to keep it operating properly. Standardization sets
the top and bottom of the photometric scale. During standardization, the bottom of the scale is set
first but is automatically read on the Vista. The top-of-scale is set using a blank cell or empty
transmittance compartment.
Two transmittance modes of measurement available with the Vista:
TTRAN: Total Transmittance –sample against the sphere opening
RTRAN: Regular Transmittance –sample close to the lens
The instrument can be standardized at any time by selecting SENSOR MENU > or by clicking the
STANDARDIZE button on the default toolbar. It is recommended that the instrument perform
standardization at least once every eight hours.
When the instrument is to be used for transmission measurements of liquids, a clear liquid (distilled
water for water-based samples, toluene or benzene for resins, or mineral oil for oils) in a cell of the
desired size should be used to set the top of the scale.
Place the cell in the transmission compartment against the sphere for measuring total transmittance.
Place it as close to the lens as possible when measuring regular transmittance.
Note: Closing the transmission compartment door while making transmittance
measurements is a best practice for this instrument. However, it is not necessary to
eliminate ambient room light with the Vista.
Haze Measurements
A transmission haze measurement is a ratio of the diffuse light to the total light transmitted by a
specimen. Useful measurements of haze can be made on the HunterLab Vista instrument listed above,
although the results do not conform exactly to ASTM method D1003 because of differences in
instrument geometry. Haze is calculated as follows:
100x
Y
Y
Haze
onTransmissiTotal
onTransmissiDiffuse
=
Haze measurements can be made only in a transmission mode on a benchtop sphere instrument
(UltraScan PRO, UltraScan VIS or Vista).

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In order to measure and display haze values, follow the steps outlined below:
1. Select OPTIONS > READ METHOD.
2. Select HAZE from the dialog box that appears. The screen changes to allow additional
options.
Figure 21. Read method: Haze
3. Haze is automatically selected for display in your Color Data Table. Check the boxes next to
Y Total and/or Y Diffuse to also show these components of the haze calculation. Click the
radio button next to the illuminant/observer combination you wish to use. Then click OK.
4. Standardize the instrument in TTRAN mode. Go to SENSOR > SET MODES and select TTRAN.
Next, select HAZE using the check box. Then press STANDARDIZE to initiate.
Figure 22. Haze Standardization Check Box
5. Read the standard or sample by choosing MEASUREMENTS > READ STANDARD OR
MEASUREMENTS > READ SAMPLE, clicking the READ STANDARD or READ SAMPLE button
on the toolbar, or pressing F2 or F3. The following prompt appears.
6. Place your sample against the transmission port next to the sphere. Click READ.
7. The instrument reads. You may be prompted to enter an ID for the measurement as usual.
After you do so, Haze and the other parameters you chose to display will be shown in your
Color Data Table.
Figure 23. Haze Readings Reported

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Vista Maintenance and Testing
The Vista is engineered to be virtually maintenance free. This section outlines the few parts of the
sensor that are to be maintained for the instrument to function properly.
Cleaning the Vista
The Vista is NOT waterproof, but the exterior of the case may be wiped with a damp cloth.
Lift the light cover to access the transmittance compartment. The inside may be cleaned with a lens
brush or with a small amount of soapy water on a lint-free cloth or towel.
Note: Do not spray directly into the instrument chamber.
Haze Standard Care
The Assigned % Haze for this standard is a combination of the surface and internal scattering
properties of this material. To maintain the surface properties, it is important that the surfaces of this
standard are not damaged during normal usage. If the surface is contaminated, a cotton cloth
moistened with isopropyl alcohol, or a laboratory glass cleaner such as Sparkleen can be used to gently
wipe the surface. After wiping allow to dry for a minimum of 60 minutes.
Didymium Standard Care
Check the filter for fingerprints, dust, and other contaminants. If necessary, gently clean the didymium
filter with a cotton cloth moistened with Sparkleen. After wiping allow the filter to dry for at least one
hour.
Power Required
Voltage: 100-240 VAC,1.5A, 47/63 Hz
Single Phase: 180 VA maximum
Fuse: 1.4A, SB
Installation Category (Over Voltage): II
Safety
•Do not view the instrument LED’s directly as it may be damaging to the eyes.
•Do not submerge the instrument in water.
•Do not take the instrument apart as there are ‘no user serviceable parts’ in the instrument.
•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 or under the direction of HunterLab Technical Support.

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Diagnostics using EasyMatch QC
Performance Diagnostics for Repeatability and Didymium Filter Test for Wavelength Accuracy are
included with EasyMatch QC Version 4.93 and above. To begin, select Sensor > Diagnostics and select
Repeatability or Didymium Filter Test.
Figure 24. Diagnostics Menu
Repeatability
Each of the 30 measurements must pass the tolerance of dE* < 0.025. If any of the
measurements fail, then the test will fail.
To begin, clear the transmittance compartment and press Start when ready to initiate
standardization.
Figure 25. Repeatability Start
When standardization is complete, press FINISH to begin Repeatability.
Figure 26. Press Finish to Initiate Repeatability