Techkon SpectroDrive User manual

TECHKON
Manual
Scan-Measurement-System
SpectroDrive
Software
ExPresso 3

TECHKON manuals, technical documentation and programs are copyrighted. Reproduction,
translation or transfer to an electronic medium – in whole or in parts – is prohibited.
TECHKON software is the intellectual property of TECHKON GmbH. Purchase of the soft-
ware grants the user a license for the use on one computer only. Programs may only be copied
for back-up purposes. TECHKON can not be held liable for any damages that may occur by the
use of the software.
The TECHKON team takes great care in producing this manual. Nevertheless, we can not fully
guarantee the complete absence of errors. TECHKON GmbH and the authors can not be held
liable neither for any possibly incorrect statements nor their consequences. TECHKON can not
be held liable for any damages that may occur by the use of the software.
Products that are not made by TECHKON GmbH are mentioned for information purposes
only and such statements do not represent trademark infringement. All registered trademarks
are recognized.
TECHKON products and product names are registered internationally under several intellec-
tual patents and trademarks.
Specifications can be subject to change without notice.
Version 2.2, July 2012
You can reach us at the following address:
TECHKON GmbH
Wiesbadener Str. 27 • D-61462 Königstein / Germany
Telephone: [phone] • Telefax: [phone]
[e-mail] • www.techkon.com

Welcome
We welcome you among the worldwide community of users of TECHKON products.
We are happy that you have selected this high-quality measurement instrument. It
will be a valuable tool for your day-to-day quality control tasks. With this manual we
invite you to learn how to use SpectroDrive, the software ExPresso 3 and Spectro-
Connect.
The manual is divided into four chapters:
Chapter 1: General description of the measurement system
Chapter 2: Installation of SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 3
Chapter 3: How to use SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 3
Chapter 4: How to use the Windows software SpectroConnect
You will be fascinated how easy the system is to use. You will know how to work
with SpectroDrive after only a few minutes. The third chapter will show you detailed
insight into the measurement functions.
Please get the device registered by using the detachable registration card, which is the
last page of this manual. That way we can keep you updated about product news.
Please visit us as well on the internet at www.techkon.com.
You will find useful information about the complete product range
and new software versions.
Do you have any suggestions for improvements or do you require information that
goes beyond the contents of this manual? We will be glad to hear from you. Your sug-
gestions or questions make an important contribution to the continuous optimization
of our documentation and products.
Your TECHKON Team

Contents
Chapter 1: General description of the measurement system
1.1 Product description ..............................................................................5
1.2 Packing list .............................................................................................9
Chapter 2: Installation of SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 3
2.1 Assembly of SpectroDrive ..................................................................10
2.2 Installation of the software ExPresso 3 ...........................................11
Chapter 3: How to use SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 3
3.1 Operation of SpectroDrive ................................................................ 12
3.2 Care and maintenance .........................................................................15
3.3 Software overview ................................................................................20
3.4 Software settings ...................................................................................23
3.5 Defining and running a print job ....................................................... 41
Chapter 4: How to use the Windows software SpectroConnect
4.1 Software description ...................................................................... 63
4.2 Installation ......................................................................................... 63
4.3 Overview .......................................................................................... 64
4.4 Software module “SpectroJet settings” ...................................... 65
4.5 Device update .................................................................................. 66
4.6 Software module “Export” ............................................................ 67
4.7 Software module “ColorCatcher” .............................................. 68
4.8 Software module “PhotoLab” ....................................................... 69
4.9 Software module „MediaWedge“ ................................................ 72
Appendix:
Technical specifications
Manufacturer certificate
EC-Declaration of Conformity
Registration card

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 1 – General description Page 5
Chapter 1
General description of the measurement system
1.1 Product description
TECHKON SpectroDrive, with its automatic color and density measurement capabili-
ties, is the perfect solution to substantially increase press productivity by ensuring
consistent print-to-print color accuracy throughout the press run.
The system consists of the following components: The motorized measurement
system scans the complete color bar on a printed sheet within seconds and simulta-
neously sends the spectral measurement data wirelessly to the PC where all relevant
information for controlling the printing press is displayed.
The measurement device has only one button to start the measurement process.
The PC-software ExPresso 3 has a self-explanatory user interface which can be oper-
ated via touch-screen. Installation is simple as well. After a few minutes the system
is operable and ready to take measurements.
SpectroDrive can be used as a scanning device as well as a hand-held instrument for
single measurements. Just take the device from the horizontal track and position it
wherever you want to take a color measurement.
The TECHKON ExPresso 3 software offers a comprehensive tool-set comprising
measurement of spot colors, support of up to 16 print units, face- and reverse-print-
ing, display of color density, dot gain, gray balance, CIE L*a*b*-values and recommen-
dations on how to adjust the ink on the press. This is only an excerpt of the complete
functionality.
Thanks to its modularity, ExPresso 3 is expandable and versatile. The measurement
data can be exported into other software applications that connect real-time to
printing presses to enable a ‘close loop’ turn-key solution. In addition, TECHKON
ExPresso can export measured data to standard applications such as Microsoft Excel™.

Page 6 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 1 – General description
All advantages at a glance:
Easy to handle
• Fast, motorized scanning by pressing
the green measurement button on the
touch-screen or on the device itself
• Automatic white calibration
• TECHKON ExPresso PC-software
can be operated with or without the
touch-screen
• The device can easily be used as hand-
held device for spot measurements
as well
Modular and compact
• Works with any sheet or press format
• Horizontal track can be shipped in any
length up to 1800 mm
• Space-saving measurement device fits
on any table
• The mounting table can be inclined up
to 45°
• Delivery contains all components
supplied in a practical carrying case
Easy to install
• Installation is made within five minutes
without any major assembly effort
• Complete system is maintenance free
• Measurement system can be flipped
180°, if the color bar is on the opposite
side of the printed sheet
• Wireless, fast data transmission;
no cable required
• No vacuum air suction is necessary to
hold down the printed sheet
Complete measurement information
• Any color bar can be measured
(patch size has to match aperture size)
• Color bar can be at any location on the
printed sheet
• No limitation in paper thickness
• Automatic polarizing filter function for
densitometric and colorimetric mea-
surements

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 1 – General description Page 7
Accurate
• Precise spectral engine with automati-
cally insertable polarizing filter
• Patented measurement head for easy
positioning conforming to ISO and
DIN standards
• UV cut filter option available
• Robust design for reliable function in
a harsh industrial environment
Fast
• High resolution spectral measurement
of a complete color bar within seconds
(e.g. 500 mm sheet length in about 3
seconds!)
• On-line time wireless data transmission
to the PC during scan
• Information overview displays relevant
parameters for quality control
Using SpectroDrive as a
hand-held unit is simple.
Just position the compact
measurement head above
the sample and press
the green measurement
button. The measure-
ment value is transmitted
instantly to the PC.
SpectroDrive is the ideal
extension to TECHKON’s
renown hand-held mea-
surement instruments:
SpectroPlate is the
perfect tool for accurately
reading printing plates and
SpectroDens is the mo-
bile, multi-purpose spectro-
densitometer which can be
used at any location.
TECHKON SpectroDrive
is delivered as a complete
turn-key system. Within a
few minutes the system is
up and running.
One unique feature of
SpectroDrive is its flexi-
bility to be used with any
press type or format.

Page 8 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 1 – General description
52: 750 mm
74: 970 mm
102: 1250 mm
105: 1280 mm
95 mm
52: 370 mm 74: 530 mm 102: 720 mm 105: 780 mm
170 mm
Dimensions
Two different performance packages
The scan-measurement device SpectroDrive and the Microsoft Windows software
ExPresso form a complete quality control system for increasing productivity and qual-
ity of a printing press.
There are two different versions available:
SpectroDrive + ExPresso Basic
consists of the spectral measuring device
SpectroDrive and the Microsoft Windows
software ExPresso Basic with the follow-
ing functions:
• Ink zone specific density display
• Color density for CMYK and spot
colors (spectral density)
• Densitometric gray balance
• Dot area, dot gain and printing contrast
• Slur/doubling value
• Target values, references, tolerances,
OK-sheet
• Front- and reverse-printing
• Works with any color bar length
• Display of single measurements when
used as a hand-held device
• Measurement data export (e.g. JDF-format)
• Statistical analysis and report generator
• Supports up to 6 printing units
Formats:
52: for printed sheet 00 (B3+, 370 x 520 mm)
74: for printed sheet 0B (B2+, 520 x 740 mm)
102: for printed sheet 3B (B1+, 720 x 1020 mm)
105: for printed sheet 3B+ (B1+, 780 x 1050 mm)
Special formats (up to 2100 mm system length/
1800 mm scan length) on request
SpectroDrive + ExPresso Pro
contains the same functions as the Basic
package and additionally:
• Ink zone specific colorimetric ∆E*a*b*-
display, CIE L*a*b*, ∆L*a*b*, L*C*h*,
∆L*C*h*
• “InkCheck” recommendation for ink
key setting
• Display and evaluation according to
ISO 12647, Gracol G7™
• Supports up to 16 printing units
A post-purchase software-upgrade from
the Basic- to the Pro-version can be
done easily.

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 1 – General description Page 9
The carrying case protects SpectroDrive and
parts
1.2 Packing list
Optional accessories:
• Print control strips TECHKON TCS, available as EPS- and pdf-files on CD
(can be downloaded free of charge at www.techkon.com)
• Software-upgrades from ExPresso Basic to ExPresso Pro
• Replacement parts: left holder with charging console and white standard,
rechargeable battery, measurement lamp.
All parts are easy to exchange.
• Color reference SpectroCheck for checking the measuring accuracy
Contents of delivery:
• Measurement device SpectroDrive
• Left holder incorporating charging
console and white standard,
horizontal track, right holder,
Two vertical bars
• AC adapter with universal plugs
• WLAN-Module for wireless data
transmission, USB cable
• Carrying case, manual with ISO 9000
compliant certificate
• Screwdriver, 4 screws.
• Optional: CD with software ExPresso 3,
USB-dongle (software protection key)
System requirements: for TECHKON
software: Microsoft Windows XP, Vista
or 7; 32- and 64-bit;
Minimum: IBM-compatible PC with Intel
Core Duo processor or comparable
processor, 1 GB RAM, 2 USB-ports
Recommended touch-screen:
Elotouch 1727L 17"

Page 10 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 2 – Installation
Chapter 2
Installation of SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 3
2.1 Assembly of SpectroDrive
• Connect the horizontal track with the left
and right holder as shown on the images.
Before placing the holders upside down, put
a soft material underneath to avoid scratches.
Before tightening the first screw, insert the
second screw and assure that the holder is
correctly aligned.
• The two vertical bars are attached ver-
tically at the right and left side on a flat
table. Before adhering them, it is important
to check that they are parallel and have the
right distance to each other. We advise to
mark the position with a pencil first. Now
attach the two vertical bars, which have self-
adhesive tape on the backside to the table or
console. The surface has to be flat and with
uniform color. Preferably the table will have a
lay-on edge for positioning the printed sheet.
Assure, that the vertical bars are parallel and
well aligned in order to hold the left and right
holder which will attach magnetically to the
vertical bars.
• Connect the plug of the AC adapter with
the charging console.
The AC adapter can be used universally for
100 – 240 V. Use only the original TECHKON
SpectroDrive AC adapter!
(Part no.: FRIWO FW 75550/08).
• There are three adapter plugs for different
countries. For changing, just pull the plug and
push in the new one. Make sure that the plug
adapter has a tight fit.

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 2 – Installation Page 11
2.2 Installation of the software ExPresso 3
PC
Module for wireless data transmission
System requirements:
• PC with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista
or 7; 32- and 64-bit;
Minimum: IBM-compatible PC with
Intel Core Duo processor or compa-
rable processor, 1 GB RAM
• 2 USB ports
• Screen resolution: min. 1024 x 768
The software is optimized to be oper-
ated with a touch sensitive screen
(for example: Elotouch 1727L 17").
However, working without a touch-
screen by using a conventional mouse /
trackpad and keyboard is also possible.
Recommended color bar:
Print control strip TECHKON TCS Digi-
tal (included with ExPresso 3 software).
Installation:
It is important to carry out the following
steps in the right order, to make sure
that the USB device drivers will be in-
stalled properly.
1. Make sure that the USB-dongle (software
protection key) and the module for wireless
data transmission are NOT connected to the
PC. Insert the TECHKON CD into the CD
drive of the computer.
2. Select “ExPresso Installation” from the
menu. The installation routine will start auto-
matically. Follow the steps of the installation,
until it is completed.
3. Now, after the installation was finished
successfully you can connect the module
for wireless data transmission with the USB
cable and the USB-dongle to the PC.
4. TECHKON ExPresso can now be launched.
Module
for wire-
less data
transmis-
sion

Page 12 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive
Chapter 3
How to use SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 3
3.1 Operation of SpectroDrive
Automatic measurement
• Place the measurement device on the
horizontal track.
• The module for the wireless data trans-
mission has to be positioned as close as pos-
sible to the measurement device with the
front pointing to the measurement system as
shown on the image. Please connect it to the
PC via the USB cable AFTER the installation
of the software (see p. 11).
• By pressing the green measurement button
the device will move into the charging station
at the left, where it is automatically charged,
which is indicated by a green-flashing LED.
• You can align the measurement system
in vertical direction. By keeping the black
buttons on the left and right holder pressed
you reduce the magnetic adhesion of the
holders.
• First, position the printed sheet at the
lower lay-on edge.
• Then move both holders vertically, so
that the measurement head is exactly on
top of the color patches. It can be helpful
to slide the measurement device from one
side to the other in order to check that the
measurement aperture covers the complete
color bar during a scan.
Place sheet within
measurement zone

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Page 13
Spot measurements
It is important that the measurement aper-
ture always covers the color patches com-
pletely during the entire scan.
• When using color bars with a patch height
smaller than 4,5 mm, the edge of the mea-
surement head of the device has to be placed
exactly at the upper edge of the color bar, to
ensure that the measurement head is posi-
tioned correctly on the patches.
• When using color bars with a patch height
higher than 4,5 mm, the measurement head
has to be placed with the measurement aper-
ture at the bottom edge of the color bar.
• To carry out a spot measurement just
remove the measurement device from the
horizontal track, position it with the mea-
surement head on a single measurement
patch and press the green measurement but-
ton shortly. An acoustic signal confirms, that
the measurement is completed and the mea-
surement data are displayed by the ExPresso
software in the window “Spot measurement”.
How to measure
Please ensure that the sample is located on a solid and flat surface. There must not
be a distance between the measurement head and the sample where light could pass
through, because this can influence the measurement. The color of the background
material underneath the measurement sample can have an influence on the measure-
ment result. Different technical standards describe which backing material to use. In
the printing industry the following procedure is widely used: White backing for single
printed papers and black backing for double printed sheets in order to avoid that the
back printed side might shine through the paper and influence the measurement.

Page 14 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive
Paper white calibration
A paper white calibration can be carried out by keeping the green button pressed for
a few seconds. The measurement aperture has to be on top of a non-printed area of
the sheet.
When SpectroDrive is on the track, the paper white calibration is performed by
software command (see p. 35).
Automatic turn off
When the device is not located at the left holder in the charging position and is
not in use, it will switch off automatically after two minutes. It can be reactivated by
pressing the green button on the device.
LED Indicator
The rectangular LED on top of the device will appear in different colors dependent
on the device status:
In home position the device is in contact with the charging station. During charging
the LED will be green and flashing. It will turn to a short-flashing green when
the battery is fully charged. Thanks to the charging management there will be no
overcharging of the battery.
Home position: Green (flashing)
Scan-Mode: Blue (+ multicolor)
Spot measurement: Magenta
Paper calibration: White
Error: Red (flashing)

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Page 15
3.2 Care and maintenance
SpectroDrive is a highly-precise optical instrument. It is designed to work in harsh,
industrial environments. However, it should be handled with care. Avoid mechanical
shocks, heat, dusty or humid environments!
Cleaning
The measurement head with the optical system is sealed against dust and dirt.
Nevertheless take care that the visible, open measurement aperture is always free of
dust. You can clean the measurement aperture with oil-free, clean compressed air and
a brush used for cleaning photographic equipment.
Clean the device casing only with a soft cloth and a non-aggressive plastic cleaner.
Never use alcohol or chemically aggressive solvent-based cleaners which can destroy
the surfaces.
The same procedure is valid for the white standard which is integrated in the charg-
ing console. A soft cloth made of micro-fibers is especially well suited for cleaning the
white ceramic tile.
If the white standard should be defective, it has to be replaced completely.
The charging contacts at the device and on the charging console can be kept clean
with a cotton bud soaked in metal contact spray.
Please do not stick any labels at the bottom of the device. This could lead to faulty
measurements, because the defined distance – which is important for the correct
optical field of depth – might not be maintained.

Page 16 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive
Error handling
• Should SpectroDrive do not work properly, first check, if the ExPresso software is
running correctly.
The status bar in the lower right corner will display, if the device, the module for
wireless data transmission and the USB-dongle communicate correctly with the PC.
It can be helpful to plug-off and re-connect the module for the wireless data trans-
mission from the USB connection when problems occur.
Restarting the software ExPresso is also recommended to solve software problems.
• Check that the right measurement device is selected in the software settings.
If “SpectroDrive Simulator” is selected, no real measurements will be carried out.
• Check if the AC adapter is connected correctly to the mains plug and the charging
station. Check if SpectroDrive is charged (LED is flashing in green during charging and
short-flashing green when fully charged).
• If the device does not communicate with the software and does not work by press-
ing a button, but the LED is on, move it manually from the charging position. Now,
wait until it switches off automatically after two minutes. Then, turn it on again by
pressing the green button.
Warranty
The warranty for TECHKON products is 24 months starting with the date of pur-
chase. The invoice is the certificate of warranty. The warranty is invalid if the damage
is caused by inadequate use of the device.
Should a TECHKON product do not work according to the specification, please
contact us before sending us the device. In most cases we can solve the problem over
the phone or via E-mail.

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Page 17
Inspection intervals
TECHKON SpectroDrive is to a large extend maintenance free. Nevertheless we
recommend to validate the complete functionality of the devices in a 24
months time interval in the TECHKON service center. We offer a complete device
check as a service package. Please contact us for details.
For a flat fee the device will be cleaned, checked and recalibrated. In case a repair or
exchange of components should be necessary we will inform you. Please send the
device always securely in the carrying case with complete accessories.
How to change the battery
1. Open the SpectroDrive device.
A TORX™ T10 screwdriver was shipped
with the SpectroDrive unit. Use it to unscrew
the four screws as shown in the picture.
2. Disconnect the battery. To prevent dam-
ages to the battery make sure to pull only
the plug, not the cable.
3. Remove the two screws and pull out the
bridge.
4. Change the battery. Please ensure that the
cable faces the mainboard.
5. Mount the bridge (see also 3.).
6. Mount the plastic housing using the four
screws (see also picture 1).
7. Make sure that the measurement head
moves freely between its stoppers.
1.
2.
3.

Page 18 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive
How to change the lamp
1. Open the SpectroDrive device.
A TORX™ T10 screwdriver was shipped
with the SpectroDrive unit. Use it to unscrew
the four screws as shown in the picture.
2. Disconnect the battery from the main-
board. To prevent damages to the battery
make sure only to pull the plug, not the cable.
3. Disconnect the lamp as shown in the
picture. Be sure to disconnect the black cable
only.
1.
2.
3.

Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Page 19
4. Unscrew the lamp.
A TORX™ T6 screwdriver is shipped with
the new lamp. There are four screws, two on
top and two at the round of it.
5. Change the lamp.
Pull it firmly to the side and make sure not to
tilt it, because it may jam.
6. Slide in the new lamp.
Move it completely to the end of the groove.
7. Reassemble the four screws to hold the
lamp in place as shown in picture 4).
8. Reconnect the plug of the lamp as shown
in picture 3. Make sure that the plug is not
wedged; it can only be mounted in one way.
IMPORTANT: It is necessary to clamp the
black cable between the mainboard and the
metal housing, as shown in picture 3. Other-
wise it may rub against the plastic housing or
disturb the movements of the measurement
head.
9. Reconnect the battery. Make sure that the
plug is not wedged; it can only be mounted in
one way.
10. Mount the plastic housing using the four
screws as shown in picture 1.
11. Make sure that the measurement head
moves freely between its stoppers
12. Recalibrate the device on the white
calibration standard. Open the window at
“Settings  Measuring conditions  Mea-
surement devices and press “Absolute White
Calibration” (see p. 34).
4.
5.
12.

Page 20 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Chapter 3 – How to use SpectroDrive
3.3 Software overview
The software ExPresso is clearly structured. The menu bar comprises the three sec-
tions “Print job” (blue buttons), “Settings” (yellow buttons) and “Exit” (gray button).
The appropriate submenu layers follow this color system persistently.
Print job:
* ExPresso Pro only
P. 41
P. 42
P. 48
P. 57
P. 42 P. 43
P. 44 P. 46
P. 48 P. 51 (GrayGuide P. 52)
P. 53* P. 54*
P. 57* P. 58*
P. 60 P. 61