Techkon SpectroPlate User manual

Manual
Digital MicroScope
SpectroPlate
Software
SpectroConnect
TECHKON

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
software 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 TECHKON
products.
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.
Product that are not made by TECHKON GmbH are mentioned for information purposes
only and such statements do not represent trademark infringement. All registered trade-
marks are recognized.
TECHKON products and product names are registered internationally under several intel-
lectual patents and trademarks.
Specifications can be subject to change without notice.
Version 1.5, May 2011
You can reach us at the following address:
TECHKON GmbH
Wiesbadener Str. 27 • D-61462 Königstein/Germany
Telephone: [phone] • Telefax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] • http://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 SpectroPlate.
The manual is divided into three chapters:
Chapter 1: How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions
Chapter 3: How to use the Windows software SpectroConnect
For the first steps we recommend to read chapter I; in particular paragraph 1.4.
You will be fascinated that after only ten minutes you will know how to work with
SpectroPlate. The second chapter will show you detailed insight into the measure-
ment functions and chapter 3 is about the Windows software SpectroConnect,
which is part of the package.
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 http://www.techkon.com.
You will find useful information about the complete product range and new soft-
ware 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
suggestions or questions make an important contribution to the continuous optimi-
zation of our documentation and products.
Your TECHKON Team

Content
Chapter 1: How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
1.1 Product description ....................................................................... 5
1.2 Performance packages and packing list ..................................... 8
1.3 Design of SpectroPlate .................................................................. 9
1.4 Working with SpectroPlate ......................................................... 10
1.5 Care and maintenance ................................................................... 18
Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions
2.1 Measurement functions of SpectroPlate Start ........................ 21
2.2 Additional functions of SpectroPlate Expert ........................... 22
2.3 Additional functions of SpectroPlate All-Vision ..................... 29
Chapter 3: How to use the Windows software SpectroConnect
3.1 Software description ..................................................................... 31
3.2 Installation ........................................................................................ 31
3.3 Overview .......................................................................................... 32
3.4 Software module “SpectroPlate settings” ............................... 33
3.5 Software module “Transfer curve” ............................................ 35
3.6 Software module “Export” .......................................................... 36
3.7 Software module “Digital Microscope” .................................... 37
Appendix:
Technical specifications
Manufacturer certificate
EC-Declaration of Conformity
Registration card

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlate Page 5
Chapter 1
How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
1.1 Product description
TECHKON SpectroPlate – printing plate measurement right on the spot !
Today in the age of Computer-to-Plate it is obvious: Without quality control in pre-
press, there is no guarantee for quality in print. Thus the measurement of the right
dot transfer on offset printing plates is a key segment of comprehensive process
control in the printing industry.
However, measurement is only useful if the appropriate measurement technology
is applied. Some years ago using densitometers on printing plates was common
practice. But densitometers are designed for measuring on printed papers leading
to limits when reading on plates. At present, plate measurement devices based on
microscopic image capture and processing are the established standard.
SpectroPlate unifies all advantages of this modern measurement technology in
a compact, hand-held instrument. This product series and all other TECHKON
products are the result of many years of expertise in designing and manufacturing
high-quality measurement devices for the printing industry. Our four TECHKON
guidelines for perfect measurement technology are consequently applied:
1. Easy and quick operation
2. High measurement accuracy
3. Robust engineering and reliability
4. Ergonomic and functional design
The measurement accuracy of a plate measuring device is determined by the quality
of the optical system and the performance of the image processing algorithms.
SpectroPlate meets the highest standards in this respect. The sample is illuminated
uniformly with spectral broadband light. The microscopic image is captured by a
precision optical lens system and a high resolution CMOS color matrix sensor with
high dynamic range. The processing of the detailed color image is performed by a
powerful graphic signal processor and sophisticated imaging algorithms. All relevant
quality parameters for correctly manufactured printing plates are shown on the
LCD display.

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlatePage 6
Thanks to the excellent image capture quality and the ingenious graphic calculations,
SpectroPlate can read precisely any screen size and screen technology: FM, AM
or Hybrid screen. The spectrally white illumination and dynamic color evaluation
permits reading all kinds of plate types and coated surfaces.
SpectroPlate lets you see things normally hidden to the human eye. It shows the
raster dots on a film or a printing plate in large magnification on the device display
or optionally on a computer screen. It lets you visually judge printing plates and
discover any soiling or exposure errors now that the structure of the raster dots is
visible.
A specific strength is the image transfer of uncompressed high-resolution files to
the PC where they can be stored, edited or sent over the internet. Geometric sizes
of dots or lines can be retrieved in micrometer- or mils dimensions.
The supplied Windows software connects the device to a PC. Measured values and
transfer curves are displayed and stored. The display of comparisons to target val-
ues, the data export to Microsoft Excel™ and the compatibility to RIP applications
are additionally useful functions of SpectroConnect. An exceptional feature is the
enlarged view of the microscopic images.
All devices are factory-made calibrated to the official reference Fogra Measuring Bar
FMB resulting in high long-term absolute accuracy and an excellent inter-instrument
agreement. Additionally, time-consuming calibration procedures prior to measure-
ments are obsolete.
The technical specifications are listed on the last pages of this manual.

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlate Page 7
• Accurate measurements on all popular offset plate types
• For AM, FM, Hybrid, from low- to high-res screening
• Measures film in reflection and transmission
• Can be used as „Digital Microscope“
• Measurement on CMYK-print
• With digital ruler
• Measurement time
approximately 1 second !
• Immediately ready to
use after switching on
• Highest absolute accuracy thanks
to direct reference to absolute
standard Fogra Measuring Bar FMB
• Devices are factory-made calibrated
permanently to accredited reference FMB
• No time-consuming calibration necessary
• High-resolution CMOS color matrix sensor
• High-precision optical system “Made in Germany”
• Homogeneous, spectral-broadband LED illumination
• Sophisticated image calculation and powerful signal
processing
• Mobile, portable unit, also for remote use without PC
• Quickly rechargeable high-capacity batteries, with charging console
• Upgrade from Start- to Expert-version via firmware upload from the PC
• USB port for the speedy transfer of measurement data to the PC
• Comprehensive software SpectroConnect included
All advantages at a glance
• Operation self explanatory
• Several menu languages selectable
• Aesthetically appealing and ergonomic,
functional design
• Lightweight and compact; fits like a glove
• Direct, secure positioning on the sample
• Solid, rugged design; works well in
harsh industrial environments
• No mechanically moving parts;
therefore no wear and tear,
i. e. maintenance free

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlatePage 8
1.2 Performance packages and packing list
Three different performance packages
SpectroPlate is available in three different types of performance packages:
The entry-level model Start is for dot percentage measurements on all popular
types of printing plates, film and CMYK-print.
The Expert-version additionally features the recording of complete transfer curves
and the possibility to analyze geometric objects within the device.
The Start-version can easily be upgraded to the Expert-model by a post-purchase
upload from the PC. The All-Vision version measures precisely on low-visible, pro-
cessless offset printing plates.
SpectroPlate Start
• % dot measurement
• Screen angle in °
• Screen frequency in l/cm and lpi
SpectroPlate All-Vision
same as Expert and additionally:
• Measurement of chemistry-free,
processless plates with very low visible
contrast
Contents of delivery:
• Measurement device SpectroPlate
• Carrying case
• Charging console with white standard
• AC adapter with universal plugs for
Europe, UK and USA
• This manual with ISO 9000 compliant
certificate
• USB cable for PC connection
• CD with software SpectroConnect
Accessories:
• Software upgrade from SpectroPlate Start to Expert; Hardware upgrade to All-Vision
• Replacement parts: charging console with white standard, rechargeable battery
• Offset printing plate reference Fogra Measuring Bar FMB; (can be purchased at
Fogra Forschungsgesellschaft, www.fogra.org)
The carrying case protects SpectroPlate and
parts
SpectroPlate Expert
same as Start and additionally:
• Dot transfer curve
• Dot gain curve
• Geometrical analysis: diameter,
distance in micrometer and mils
• Memory for 100 data sets
• Average measurement

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlate Page 9
1.3 Design of SpectroPlate
SpectroPlate is a solidly designed measurement device which is very functional and
easy to use. It is compact in size; the buttons can be reached with the right index
finger when the device is held with the right hand. The LCD display is inclined
towards the user, so the display information can be read clearly. SpectroPlate can be
easily positioned on the measurement sample.
The measurement sample is illuminated uniformly by spectrally white LEDs.
The viewfinder helps selecting the right positioning of the measurement aperture.
Additionally, the magnified live-image in the LCD display verifies the validity of the
right spot to measure.
Connect the plug of the AC adapter (1.)
with the charging console (2.). The AC
adapter can be used universally for 100 –
240 V and 47 – 63 Hz. Use only the original
TECHKON SpectroPlate AC adapter. The
use of other power sources is hazardous !
There are three adapter plugs for different
countries. To change an adapter plug, just
pull it off the AC adapter and push in the
new one. Make sure it is connected firmly !
Charging contacts
Device base
Battery case
USB-connector
for PC connection
Navigation buttons
Right hand grip
zone
Device label
with serial number
Visible
measurement
aperture
Green
measurement
button (also for
switching on)
Backlit device
display
UK USA
2.
1.
Europe
Ceramic
white standard

Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 – How to use SpectroPlatePage 10
1.4 Working with SpectroPlate
Switching on and off
SpectroPlate is switched on by pressing the green measurement button. It is imme-
diately ready to measure.
If no button is pressed within two minutes, the device will switch off automatically.
Switching it on again with the green measurement button will show on the display
the last measurement done. There is no button to turn SpectroPlate off.
Charging
The battery status is displayed as a battery symbol in the lower left corner of the
LCD screen, when the unit is turned on.
When the battery turns empty, the battery symbol starts to flash. In this state
several measurements still can be obtained; but it is time to put it on the charging
console. Charging starts automatically by placing the device on the charging console.
Please keep the charging contacts at the bottom of the device and on the charging
console clean. To avoid scratches, always use a soft cloth or a similar soft material. If
oxidized, we recommend to use a cotton bud soaked with metal contact spray.
Five seconds after placing the device on the console the display will show a clock
and an animated battery symbol. When the symbol displays a full battery, the charg-
ing is completed and the battery is fully charged. Completely charging an empty
battery will take approximately four hours.
SpectroPlate has a regulated charging management. This means it will power-charge
an empty battery, so the device can be used again after a few minutes. On the
other hand, there is no overcharging of full batteries. You can park the device on
the charging console when not in use. This way it is guaranteed to have always an
operational measurement instrument at hand.
Up to 10.000 measurements can be carried out with one battery charge.