Konica Minolta CM-3700A-U User manual

SPECTROPHOTOMETER
CM-3700A-U
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Before using this instrument,
please read this manual.

Safety Symbols
The following symbols are used in this manual or CM-3700A-U to prevent accidents
which may occur as a result of incorrect use of the instrument.
Denotes an instruction regarding a safety warning or note.
Read the instruction carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Denotes an instruction regarding the risk of electric shock.
Read the instruction carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Denotes an instruction regarding the risk of fire.
Read the instruction carefully to ensure safe and correct use.
Denotes a prohibited action.
This action must never be performed.
Denotes an instruction.
This instruction must be strictly adhered to.
Denotes a prohibited action.
Never disassemble the instrument.
Denotes an instruction.
Be sure to disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.
This symbol indicates A.C.
This symbol indicates D.C.
This symbol indicates class II protection against electric shock.
Trademarks
• Windows®is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Notes on this Manual
• Copying or reproduction of all or part of the contents of this manual without KONICA MINOLTA’s permis-
sion is strictly prohibited.
• The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.
• Every effort has been made in the preparation of this manual to ensure the accuracy of its contents.
However, should you have any questions or find any errors, please contact your retailer or a KONICA
MINOLTA-authorized service facility.
• KONICA MINOLTA will not accept any responsibility for consequences arising from the use of the instru-
ment.

1
Safety Precautions
To ensure correct use of this instrument, read the following points carefully and adhere to them.
After you have read this manual, keep it in a safe place where it can be referred to anytime a question arises.
WARNING (Failure to adhere to the following points
may result in death or serious injury.)
Do not use the instrument in places where
flammable or combustible gases (gasoline,
etc.) are present.Doing so may cause a fire.
Do not disassemble or modify the
instrument or the AC adapter. Doing
so may cause a fire or electric shock.
Always use the AC adapter supplied as
a standard accessory or the optional AC
adapter, and connect it to an AC outlet
of the rated voltage and frequency. If an
AC adapter other than those specified by
KONICA MINOLTA is used, it may result in
damage to the unit, fire or electric shock.
Take special care not to allow liquid or
metal objects to enter the instrument.
Doing so may cause a fire or electric
shock. Should liquid or metal objects
enter the instrument, turn the power
OFF immediately, disconnect the
AC adapter plug from the AC outlet,
and contact the nearest Konica
Minolta-authorized service facility.
If the instrument will not be used for a
long time, disconnect the AC adapter
plug from the AC outlet. Accumulated
dirt or water on the prongs of the
AC adapter’s plug may cause a
fire and should be removed.
The instrument should not be operated if it
is damaged or the AC adapter is damaged,
or if smoke or odd smells occur. Doing
so may cause a fire. In such situations,
turn the power OFF immediately,
disconnect the AC adapter plug from the
AC outlet and contact the nearest Konica
Minolta-authorized service facility.
Do not forcibly bend, twist, or pull the AC
adapter power cable. Do not scratch or alter
the power cable or place heavy objects
on it. Doing so may damage the power
cable and cause a fire or electric shock.
Always hold the plug itself when
disconnecting the AC adapter plug
from the AC outlet. Pulling on the
power cable may damage it and
cause a fire or electric shock.
Insert the power plug fully and
securely. Incomplete inserting may
cause fire or electric shock.
Do not insert or disconnect the AC adapter
plug from an AC outlet with wet hands.
Doing so may cause electric shock.
CAUTION (Failing to adhere to the following points may result in
injury or damage to the instrument or other property.)
Do not perform measurement with the
specimen measuring port
directed towards your eyes.
Doing so may damage your eyes.
Do not place the instrument on an
unstable or sloping surface. Doing so
may result in its falling or overturning,
causing injury. Be careful not to drop
the instrument when carrying it.
Be careful not to get your hand caught in
the openable section of the instrument.
Doing so may result in injury.
Make sure that the AC outlet is located
near the instrument and that the AC
adapter plug can be connected to and
disconnected from the AC outlet easily.
When cleaning, disconnect the power plug.
Connecting may cause electric shock.

2
INTRODUCTION
This spectrophotometer is designed for spectral measurement of color and color
differences in various industries. It can measure reflected color with high accuracy.
Packing Materials
General Packing Materials
Keep all packing materials (cardboard box, cushioning material, plastic bags, etc.) in a safe
place. The CM-3700A-U is a precision measuring instrument. They can be used to protect the
instrument from impact and vibration during shipment to Konica Minolta for maintenance.
Should they be lost or damaged, contact the nearest Konica Minolta-authorized service facility.
Protective cap for the specimen measuring port (integrating sphere opening)
The CM-3700A-U is delivered with no target mask attached. To protect the specimen
measuring port, a protective cap is attached to the specimen measuring port.
This protective cap must be removed before using the CM-3700A-U.
When you transport the CM-3700A-U to another place, the protective cap
must be attached. Keep the protective cap in a safe place after putting it in the accessory case (CM-A156).
Protective cap

3
Notes on Use
Be sure to use this instrument properly. Use of this instrument in ways other than those specified in
this manual may result in risk of injury, electric shock, instrument damage, or other problems.
Operating Environment
• Use the CM-3700A-U at an ambient temperature between 13°C and 33°C and relative humidity 80% or
less (at 33°C) with no condensation. Be sure to use the instrument within this range. Do not use it in areas
of rapid temperature changes.
• Do not leave the CM-3700A-U in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, such as stoves, etc. The internal
temperature of the instrument may become much higher than the ambient temperature in such cases.
• Do not use the CM-3700A-U in areas where dust, cigarette smoke or chemical gases are present. Doing
so may cause deterioration in performance or a breakdown.
• Do not use the CM-3700A-U near equipment which produces a strong magnetic field (such as speakers, etc.).
• The CM-3700A-U belongs to installation category I products (equipment which is powered by an AC adapt-
erconnected to commercially available power).
• The CM-3700A-U belongs to pollution degree 2 products (equipment which may cause temporary electrical
hazards due to contamination or condensation or products which are used in such an environment).
• Do not use the CM-3700A-U at altitudes higher than 2,000 m.
• The CM-3700A-U and the AC adapter supplied as a standard accessory have been designed exclusively
for indoor use. They should never be used outdoors because rain or other factors may damage the instru-
ment.
Measurement
• Make sure no dirt or dust get into the specimen measuring port.
• When using the instrument for long periods of time, the measurement value may change depending on
changes in the environment. Therefore, in order to achieve accurate measurements, we recommend that
white calibration be done regularly using the White Calibration Plate.
White Calibration Plate
• The calibration data for the White Calibration Plate was measured at 23°C.
To achieve the highest accuracy when measuring absolute values (colorimetric values), calibration and
measurement should be performed at 23°C.
• Do not allow the White Calibration Plate to get scratched or stained with such as fingerprints.
• Do not move the White Calibration Plate while it has been caught by the sample holder. Doing so may
damage the White Calibration Plate.
• When the White Calibration Plate is not in use, be sure to close the cover so that the White Calibration
Plate is not exposed to ambient light.
Target Mask
• Do not touch the Target Mask’s inner surface (white-coated surface) by hand, scratch it or make it dirty.
• When not in use, Target Masks should be stored in the accessory case (CM-A156) so that they will not be
exposed to ambient light.
Power Source
• Make sure that the power switch is set to OFF (“ I “) when the CM-3700A-U is not in use.
• Always use the AC adapter supplied as a standard accessory (AC-A308) and connect it to an AC outlet of
the rated voltage and frequency.
• Use an AC power supply of the rated supply voltage (within ±10%).
• Do not connect the AC adapter to an overloaded electrical circuit. In addition, do not wrap or cover the AC
adapter with cloth or other material while in use. Doing so may cause an electric shock or fire.

4
System
• Do not subject the CM-3700A-U to strong impact or vibration. Doing so may cause deterioration of perfor-
mance or breakdown.
• The specimen measuring port and integrating sphere are extremely precise components, and great care
should be taken to prevent them getting dirty or exposing them to impacts. When the CM-3700A-U is not in
use, be sure to attach a target mask to the measuring port to prevent entry of foreign matter.
• The CM-3700A-U may cause interference if used near a television, radio, etc.
• Since the CM-3700A-U uses a microcomputer, external magnetic noise may cause malfunction. In this
case, turn the power OFF, and wait 30 minutes, and then turn it ON again.

5
Notes on Storage
• The CM-3700A-U should be stored at temperatures between 0°C and 40°C, and at a relative humidity of
80% or less (35°C) without condensation. Do not store the instrument in areas subject to high tempera-
tures, high humidity, sudden changes in temperature, or where freezing or condensation may occur, be-
cause these circumstances may cause a breakdown. It is recommended to store the CM-3700A-U with a
drying agent at a temperature around 20°C.
• Do not leave the CM-3700A-U inside a car such as in the trunk. Otherwise, the temperature and/or humid-
ity may exceed the allowable range for storage during midsummer or midwinter, resulting in a breakdown.
• Keep the packing materials used for shipment and use them to transport the CM-3700A-U. This protects
the instrument from sudden changes in temperature, vibration, and shock.
• Do not store the CM-3700A-U in areas where dust, cigarette smoke or chemical gases are present. Doing
so may cause deterioration in performance or a breakdown.
• Entry of dust into the specimen measuring port will hinder accurate measurement. When the instrument is
not in use, you must attach the target mask and the sample holder, and cover the instrument with the sup-
plied Dust Cover to prevent the entry of dust into the integrating sphere.
• The White Calibration Plate may become discolored if left exposed to light. Therefore, make sure to close
the cover when it is not in use so that the White Calibration Plate is not exposed to ambient light during
storage.
• The Target Masks may discolor if they are left exposed to light. When they are not in use, keep them in a
safe place to prevent exposure to light and to protect them from scratches and dust. And store them in the
accessory case (CM-A156).
• Take care not to leave the CM-3700A-U for a long period of time with a target mask attached. The sample
holder may stick to the target mask.
• Be sure to keep all packing materials (cardboard box, cushioning material, plastic bags, etc.). They can be
used to protect the instrument during transportation to the service facility for maintenance (re-calibration
etc.).
Notes on Cleaning
• If the CM-3700A-U becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft, clean dry cloth. Never use solvents such as thinner or
benzene.
• If the White Calibration Plate becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft, clean dry cloth. If dirt is difficult
to remove, wipe it off with a cloth dampened with commercially-available lens cleaning solution.
Then remove the solution with a cloth dampened with water, and leave the plate to dry.
• If the inner surface (white-coated surface) of the Target Masks, or the inside of the integrating sphere, get-
dirty, contact a Konica Minolta-authorized service facility.
• Should the CM-3700A-U break down, do not try to disassemble and repair it by yourself. Contact a Konica
Minolta-authorized service facility.
Disposal Method
• Make sure that the CM-3700A-U and its accessories and packing materials are either disposed of or re-
cycled correctly in accordance with local laws and regulations.

6
CONTENTS
Safety Precautions .................................1
INTRODUCTION ......................................2
Packing Materials ............................................... 2
Notes on Use...................................................... 3
Notes on Storage................................................ 5
Notes on Cleaning.............................................. 5
Disposal Method................................................. 5
CONTENTS..............................................6
Using the CM-3700A-U
Standard Accessories............................8
Optional Accessories.............................9
System Diagram ...................................10
Names and Functions of Parts............11
Measurement Procedure......................12
Flow of Preparation and Measurement ............ 12
Connecting a Personal Computer.......13
Connecting the AC Adapter.................14
Turning Power ON and OFF.................15
Attaching a Target Mask.......................16
Notes on Use of Target Mask ........................... 16
Calibration.............................................17
Calibration for Reflectance Measurements ...... 17
White calibration data....................................... 17
Performing calibration....................................... 18
Attaching the Zero Calibration Box ....19
Notes on Use of Zero Calibration Box .............. 19
Attaching the White Calibration Plate ...20
Notes on Use of White Calibration Plate .......... 20
Updating White Calibration Data ...................... 20
Setting a Specimen ..............................21
Reflectance measurement ............................... 21
The sample holder for measuring the reflectance .. 22
About opacity measurements........................... 22
Cleaning the CM-3700A-U and Accessories ..23
Zero Calibration Box and White Calibration Plate ... 23
Target Mask...................................................... 23
Inside Integrating Sphere ................................. 23
Error message ......................................24
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...............26
Explanations
Illumination/Viewing System ...............28
Measuring Reflected Colors ............................. 28
Illumination area and Measurement areas ....29
Illumination area ............................................... 29
Measurement area ........................................... 29
Dimensions ...........................................30
Specifications .......................................31

7
Using the CM-3700A-U

8
White Calibration Plate CM-A154
Used to perform white calibration for measurement
of reflectance. A CD-ROM containing white
calibration data and software for writing the white
calibration data is supplied with this accessory.
Standard Accessories
Target Mask CM-A91
CM-A95
Used to change the illumination area (measurement
aperture area) according to the specimen.
Measurement and illumination (aperture
area at specimen surface) areas when each
target mask is attached are as follows.
CM-A91 (SAV): 1× 3 mm / 5 × 7 mm
CM-A95 (USAV): 1× 3 mm / 3 × 5 mm
Zero Calibration Box CM-A155
Used to perform zero calibration for
measurement of reflectance.
AC Adapter AC-A308
Used to supply power from an AC
outlet to the CM-3700A-U.
Input: 100 to 240 V 50/60 Hz
Output: 8 V 1.5 A
Plug design: Center-negative
USB Cable (3 m) IF-A21
Used to connect the instrument to
a personal computer (PC).
Accessory Case CM-A156
Dust Cover CM-A69

9
Software
SpectraMagic™NX CM-S100w*
This software provides various functions (e.g., data
processing and file management) and allows the user to
operate the CM-3700A-U using a personal computer.
*Ver. 2.6 or later
Optional Accessories
USB Cable (5 m) IF-A22
Used to connect the instrument to
a personal computer (PC).

10
System Diagram
Accessory Case
CM-A156
Dust Cover
CM-A69
Spectrophotometer
CM-3700A-U
ACAdapter
AC-A308
White Calibration
Plate CM-A154
(with CD-ROM containing
calibration data and
data-setting software)
Target Mask
CM-A91 (SAV)
USBCables
IF-A21（3m）
USBケーブル
IF-A22（5m）
Zero Calibration Box
CM-A155
Standard accessories Optional accessories
CM-S100w
Professional Edition
Basic Edition
Personal Computer
SpectraMagicTM NX
(1×3 mm measurement /
5×7 mm illumination)
Target Mask
CM-A95 (USAV)
(1×3 mm measurement /
3×5 mm illumination)

11
Names and Functions of Parts
①Measurement port baseplate lock.............. Used to release the lock of the measurement port base plate.
②Measurement port baseplate .....................Can be opened check position of specimen for reflectance
measurements.
③Power switch .............................................. Used to turn power ON and OFF.
④Sample holder ............................................ Used to hold the specimen, white calibration
plate or zero calibration box.
⑤Target mask................................................Select a suitable target mask (for 3×5 mm illumination (USAV),
5×7 mm illumination (SAV)) according to the specimen and
attach it to the CM-3700A-U.
⑥USB connection terminal ............................Used to connect the instrument to a PC with the supplied USB cable
(IF-A21 or IF-A22).
⑦AC adapter input socket.............................. Used to connect the AC adapter
supplied with the CM-3700A-U.
6
7
3
4
2
1
5

12
Measurement Procedure

¥ This manual explains how to prepare the CM-3700A-U and how to set a specimen.

¥ The CM-3700A-U is controlled by a PC to perform measurements.

¥ For a description of measuring method using SpectraMagic™ NX
(optional), refer to the SpectraMagic™ NX instruction manual.
Flow of Preparation and Measurement
Connecting the PC Connect the CM-3700A-U to the PC
with the USB cable. (P.13)
Connecting the AC adapter Connect the CM-3700A-U to the AC outlet
with the AC adapter. (P.14)
Starting the PC
(starting Windows) Turn on the PC to be used to control the CM-3700A-U.
Starting the software Start the software and set it for control of the CM-3700A-U.
Turning the power ON Turn the power ON. (P.15)
Attaching a calibration
target mask Attach the target mask (CM-A91) for calibration. (P.16)
Performing zero calibration Position the zero calibration box and
perform zero calibration. (P.19)
Performing white calibration
Position the white calibration plate and
perform white calibration. (P.20)
Attaching a measurement
target mask Attaching an appropriate measurement target mask.
Positioning a specimen Position the specimen on / in the CM-3700A-U. (P.21)
Performing measurement Perform measurements.
Turning the power OFF When measurements are complete, turn the power OFF. (P.15)

13
Connect the instrument to a PC with the supplied USB cable IF-A21 (3 m).
Memo  • ToconnecttheinstrumentwithaPC,itisrecommendedthatyouusesoftwarethatenablesconnection
and operation of the instrument (such as the optional Color Management Software SpectraMagic™ NX).
 • TheUSBcommunicationportoftheinstrumentconformstoUSB1.1.

{To connect the instrument to a PC, you need to install the USB driver dedicated to the CM-3700A-U.
Install the USB driver supplied with the software that enables connection and operation of the instrument.

{The instrument is not designed to be powered via the USB cable. You need to connect the AC adapter.

{Make sure that the USB connector plug is oriented correctly and connected securely.

{When connecting/disconnecting the USB cable, be sure to hold the connector plug. Do not pull on or
forcibly bend the cable. Otherwise, wire breakage may result.

{Make sure that the cable has sufficient length. Putting tension on the cable may cause connection failure
or wire breakage.

{To connect the USB cable connector, check the shape of the receptacle (connection terminal) and insert
the connector fully until it is secured.
Connecting a Personal Computer
Operating Procedure
In general, a USB cable can be connected/disconnected while the instrument is turned ON; however,
you need to turn OFF the instrument in the procedure below. See P.14 for how to connect the AC adapter
and P.15 for how to switch the power on and off.
1. Turn OFF the instrument (Press the “ ” side
of the Power switch.).
2. Connect the B connector of the USB cable to
the USB connection terminal (B type) of the
instrument.

{Fully insert the connector and ensure secure
connection.
3. Connect the A connector of the USB cable to
the USB port of the PC.
4. Connect the AC adapter and turn ON the
instrument (Press the “ I ” side of the Power switch.) .

{When you are prompted to install the USB driver,
specify the USB driver included with the software
or the white calibration data CD and complete
the installation.

{When using the optional Color Management
Software SpectraMagic™ NX, refer to the
SpectraMagic™ NX Installation Guide.

{After installation of the USB driver has finished,
switch the instrument off for a few seconds and
then switch it back on.

14
WARNING
Always use the AC adapter supplied as a standard accessory or specified replacement AC adapter
with the CM-3700A-U, and connect it to an AC outlet of the rated voltage and frequency. Failure
to do so may damage the CM-3700A-U or the AC adapter, causing a fire or electric shock.
If the CM-3700A-U will not be used for a long time, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet.
Accumulated dirt or water on the prongs of the AC adapter's plug may cause a fire and should be removed.
Do not insert or disconnect the AC adapter with wet hands. Doing so may cause electric shock.
Insert the power plug fully and securely. Incomplete inserting may cause fire or electric shock.
Do not disassemble or modify the AC adapter. Doing so may cause a fire or electric shock.
Do not unplug or plug in the AC adapter with the instrument’s power switch set to ON. Doing so may
cause malfunction.
Connecting the AC Adapter
Connecting Procedure
1. Make sure that the power switches of both
CM-3700A-U and host PC are set to OFF (" 
").
2. Insert the output plug of the AC adapter into
the AC adapter input socket on the rear of the
CM-3700A-U.
3. Insert the input plug of the AC adapter into an
AC wall outlet.

{The AC Adapter AC-A308 supplied as the
standard accessory must be used.

{Before disconnecting the AC adapter, the power
switch must be set to OFF (“ “).

15
WARNING
The CM-3700A-U should not be operated if the CM-3700A-U or the AC adapter is damaged, or
smoke or strange odors occur. Doing so may result in a fire. In such situations, turn the power OFF
immediately, disconnect the AC adapter from the AC outlet, and contact the nearest Konica Minolta-
authorized service facility.
Turning Power ON and OFF
Procedure
1. To turn the power ON and to light the lamp on
the power switch, set the power switch to ON
(“ I “) .
2. To turn the power OFF, set the power switch
to OFF (“ “).

16
WARNING
Do not place the CM-3700A-U on an unstable or sloping surface. Doing so may result in its
falling or overturning, causing injury. Take care not to drop the CM-3700A-U when carrying it.
Be careful around openings in the CM-3700A-U. Failure to do so
may result in fingers being trapped causing injury.
The CM-3700A-U allows you to select a target mask according to the specimen and your application.
SAV target mask CM-A91 (Measurement area: 1 x 3 mm / Illumination
area: 5 x 7 mm): for calibration and measurement
USAV target mask CM-A95 (Measurement area: 1 x 3 mm / Illumination
area: 3 x 5 mm): for measuring color differences
Be sure to use the SAV target mask CM-A91 for zero calibration or white calibration.
Attaching a Target Mask
Procedure
1. Pull the sample holder toward you and keep it
open.

{The sample holder will remain open when
opened more than 70 degrees.
2. Remove the currently attached target mask
by pulling it toward you.
Memo •Thetargetmaskisheldonbymagnets.
3. Align the target mask positioning holes of the
target mask to be attached with the target mask
positioning pins of the Spectrophotometer's
specimen port baseplate and slide the target
mask in against the specimen port baseplate.
Memo •Thetargetmaskshouldbeattachedinthedirection
that makes the white painted surface face inside
(toward the CM-3700A-U side) and position the letters
“MADE IN JAPAN” at the top.
4. Release the sample holder to close it.
Notes on Use of Target Mask

{Take care not to scratch or make the inner surface (white-coated surface) of the target masks dirty with
such as fingerprints.

{The target masks may become discolored if left in areas exposed to light. Therefore, make sure that
target masks which are currently not in use are kept inside the accessory case (CM-A156) to prevent
exposure to light.

{When not using the CM-3700A-U, attach one of the target masks or the protective cap to prevent dust
entering the integrating sphere.

{Take care not to leave the CM-3700A-U for a long period of time with a target mask attached. The sample
holder may stick to the target mask.

17
Calibration for Reflectance Measurements
After the Spectrophotometer has been switched on, zero calibration and white calibration must
be performed before spectral reflectance measurements are taken. Zero calibration is performed
using the Zero Calibration Box (which has a reflectance of 0%) to set the zero reference point for
reflectance measurements; white calibration is performed using a white calibration plate (which
has a reflectance of approximately 100% and for which spectral reflectance data are provided as
white calibration data) to set a high-reflectance reference point for reflectance measurements.
White calibration data
The white calibration data of the White Calibration Plate are provided under the following of measurement
conditions. When the CM-3700A-U is purchased, these data are already set within the instrument.
• SAV (Measurement area: 1 x 3 mm, Illumination area: 5 x 7 mm) / Specular component : SCI
• SAV (Measurement area: 1 x 3 mm, Illumination area: 5 x 7 mm) / Specular component : SCE
Calibration

18
Performing calibration
Zero calibration and white calibration is effective only while the Spectrophotometer
remains switched on. If it is switched off and then switched on again, both zero calibration
and white calibration must be performed before measurements are taken.

cThe calibration becomes effective only when being performed under six kinds of measurement conditions.
Therefore, for example, when performing the measurement of SCI and SCE alternately, or performing the
measurement by switching the measurement area in a sequential order, if you perform zero calibration
and white calibration (0% calibration and 100% calibration) in advance as to up to six kinds of necessary
measurement conditions, you do not have to perform calibration every time the measurement conditions
are changed. However, to more accurately perform measurement, it is recommended to perform zero
calibration and white calibration every time measurement conditions are changed.

cWhen the calibration has been performed under the seventh kind of measurement conditions, the oldest
calibration becomes ineffective and the calibration performed under the seventh kind of measurement
conditions becomes effective as the latest. Moreover, when the calibration is re-performed under
the same measurement conditions as one calibration that was already performed, not that the oldest
calibration becomes ineffective, but the calibration already performed under the same measurement
conditions becomes ineffective and the re-performed calibration becomes effective as the latest.

{Due to temperature changes in the surrounding environment and heat generation caused by repeated
applications, the indicated values may subtly deviate, but if the calibration is regularly performed, the
measurement accuracy will improve.