X-Rite 500 Series User manual

500 Series
SPECTRODENSITOMETER
Operator's Manual

i
Dear Customer:
Congratulations! We at X-Rite, Incorporated are proud to
present you with X-Rite 500 Series Spectrodensitometer. This
instrument represents the very latest in microcontrollers,
integrated circuits, optics, and display technology. As a result,
your X-Rite instrument is a rugged and reliable instrument
whose performance and design exhibit the qualities of a finely
engineered instrument, which is not surpassed.
To fully appreciate and protect your investment, we suggest that you
take the necessary time to read and fully understand this manual. As
always, X-Rite stands behind your instrument with a three-year
limited warranty, and a dedicated service organization. If the need
arises, please don’t hesitate to call us.
Thank you for your trust and confidence.
X-Rite, Incorporated

ii
Federal Communications Commission Notice
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
NOTE: Shielded interface cables must be used in order to maintain compliance with
the desired FCC and European emission requirements.
Industry Canada Compliance Statement
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003
du Canada.
WARNING: This instrument is not for use in explosive environment.
WARNUNG: Das Gerät darf in einer explosiven Umgebung NICHT verwendet
werden.
ADVERTENCIA - NO use este aparato en los ambientes explosivos.
ATTENTION: Cet instrument NE DOIT PAS être utilisé dans un environnement
explosif.
AVVERTIMENTO - NON usare questo apparecchio in ambienti esplosivi.

iii
CAUTION: Operational hazard exists if battery charger other than SE30-177
(100-240V) is used. Use only X-Rite battery pack SE15-26, other types may burst
causing personal injury.
VORSICHT: Betriebs- und Verletzungsgefahr besteht bei Gebrauch von anderen
Adaptern als X-Rite SE30-177 (100-240 V). Verwenden Sie nur den X-Rite
Akkupack SE15-26.
ADVERTENCIA: No use otro cargador de las pilas que no sea la pieza X-Rite
SE30-177 (100-240V), por el riesgo de mal funcionamiento del equipo. Use
solamente las pilas SE15-26 de X-Rite, es posible que los otros tipos puedan
estallar y causar daños corporales.
ATTENTION: Pour ne pas causer un mauvais fonctionnement de l'appareil,
veillez à utiliser uniquement les chargeurs de batterie X-Rite SE30-177 (100-240
V). Utiliser seulement le bloc de batteries SE15-26 de X-Rite, il y a danger
d’explosion et de blessures avec les autres types.
AVVERTENZA: Non usare un altro caricabatterie che non è del pezzo X-Rite
SE30-177 (100-240V), per il rischio di malfunzionamento dell'apparecchio. Usare
solamente gli accumulatori SE15-26 di X-Rite, è possibile che altri tipi possano
scoppiare e causare danno personale.
The Manufacturer: X-Rite, Incorporated
Der Hersteller: 4300 44th Street, S.E.
El fabricante: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
Le fabricant:
Il fabbricante:
Declares that: Spectrodensitometer
gibt bekannt, daß: 500 Series
advierte que:
avertit que:
avverte che:
is not intended to be connected to a public telecommunications network.
an ein öffentliches Telekommunikations-Netzwerk nicht angeschlossen werden soll.
no debe ser conectado a redes de telecomunicaciones públicas.
ne doit pas être relié à un réseau de télécommunications publique.
non deve essere connettuto a reti di telecomunicazioni pubblici.

iv
CE DECLARATION
Manufacturer's Name: X-Rite, Incorporated
Authorized Representative: X-Rite, Incorporated
Siemensstraße 12b • 63263 Neu-Isenburg
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Model Name: Spectrodensitometer
Model No.: 500 Series
Directive(s) Conformance: EMC 89/336/EEC LVD 73/23/EEC
RoHS/WEEE
X-Rite products meet the Restriction of Hazardous Substances
(RoHS) Directive 2002/95/EC and European Union – Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
2002/96/EC. Please refer to www.xrite.com for more information on
X-Rite’s compliance with the RoHS/WEEE directives.
Warning:
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.

v
Table of Contents
Proprietary Notice
Warranty Information
Section 1 – Overview and Setup
Instrument Description 1-1
Features 1-2
Automatic Shut-Off 1-2
Patch-Smarts Recognition 1-2
Drag-n-Drop Override 1-2
Hi-Fi Color Capability 1-2
Unpacking and Inspection 1-3
Shoe Lock Operation 1-3
Applying Power 1-4
Charging the Battery Pack 1-5
Instrument I/O Serial Interface 1-6
Attaching the Optional Security Cable 1-7
Section 2 – User Interface
What to Expect 2-1
Navigation – Basic Key Operation 2-1
Tab Down Key 2-2
Tab Up Key 2-2
Enter Key 2-2
Escape Key 2-2
Main Menu Key 2-2
Function Screen 2-3
Active Function 2-3
Options Menu 2-3
Measurement List 2-3
Measurement Data 2-4
User Dialog 2-4
Current Status or Illum/Obs 2-4
Using the Instrument 2-5
Opening a Menu or Function 2-5
Opening an Editor 2-5
Selecting From a List 2-6
Editing a Value 2-6
Important Measurement Techniques 2-6

vi
Section 3 – Instrument Calibration
General Information 3-1
White Calibration 3-1
Full Calibration 3-3
Section 4 – Setting Instrument Configuration
General Information 4-1
Language Option 4-2
Active Functions 4-2
Color Options (520, 528, 530 only) 4-3
L*a*b* Method 4-3
L*C*h° Method (528, 530 only) 4-4
CMC Tolerancing (528, 530 only) 4-4
CIE94 Tolerancing (528, 530 only) 4-5
Precision 4-6
Density Options 4-7
Status 4-7
Precision 4-8
Gray Set 4-9
Calibration Options 4-10
Enter Reflectances 4-11
Cal Alert 4-12
Serial Port Options 4-12
Baud Rate 4-13
Hand Shake 4-13
Auto Xmit 4-14
Separator 4-15
Delimiter 4-15
Protocol 4-15
Emulation 4-16
Power Down Option 4-16
Speed Read 4-17
Display Options 4-18
Contrast 4-18
Orientation 4-19
Security 4-19
Beeper Option 4-20
Patch Smarts 4-20
User Configuration 4-21
Load Factory Defaults 4-22

vii
Section 5 – Instrument Functions
General Information 5-1
Density Function 5-2
Density Measurement Mode 5-2
Setting Options 5-2
Measuring Paper 5-3
Measuring/Editing a Density Reference 5-4
Measuring a Density Sample 5-6
Color Function (520, 528, 530 only) 5-9
Color Measurement Mode 5-9
Setting Options 5-9
Selecting Illuminant (528, 530 only) 5-11
Measuring/Editing a Color Reference 5-12
Measuring a Color Sample 5-13
Viewing L*a*b* Data in the Graph Mode 5-15
Viewing Reflectance Data and
Reflectance Graph (530 only) 5-16
Match Function (528, 530 only) 5-17
Setting Options 5-17
Measuring References 5-20
Matching Samples 5-21
Dot Function (508, 518, 520, 528, 530 only) 5-23
Dot Measurement Mode 5-24
Setting Options 5-24
Measuring Paper 5-27
Measuring Dot Procedure 5-28
Trap Function (518, 528, 530 only) 5-31
Trap Measurement Mode 5-31
Setting Options 5-31
Measuring/Editing Dmax Procedure 5-32
Measuring Paper 5-33
Measuring Trap Procedure 5-34
Saving Trap Data as a Reference 5-35
Print Contrast Function (518, 528, 530 only) 5-37
Print Contrast Measurement Mode 5-37
Setting Options 5-37
Measuring Paper 5-38
Measuring Print Contrast Procedure 5-39
Saving Print Contrast Data as a Reference 5-40
Hue/Grayness Function (518, 528, 530 only) 5-42
Hue/Grayness Measurement Mode 5-42
Setting Options 5-42

viii
Measuring Paper 5-43
Measuring/Editing a Hue/Gray Reference 5-44
Measuring a Hue Error/Grayness Samples 5-45
Paper Indices Function (528, 530 only) 5-46
Paper Indices Measurement Mode 5-46
Measuring/Editing Indices Reference 5-46
Measuring Paper Indices Samples 5-48
Statistical Data 5-49
Compare Function (520, 528, 530 only) 5-51
Compare Ref Mode 5-51
Setting Options 5-51
Setting Up Compare References 5-52
Comparing Samples 5-54
Electronic Function Selection - EFS (518, 528, 530 only) 5-56
Setting Options 5-56
Measuring Samples 5-57
Section 6 – Service and General Maintenance
Repair Information 6-1
Reading Lamp Replacement Information 6-1
Cleaning the Instrument 6-2
General Cleaning 6-2
Cleaning the Optics 6-2
Cleaning the White Calibration Reference 6-2
Replacing the Battery Pack 6-3
Aperture and Polarization Kit Installation 6-4
UV Filter Cap Kit Installation 6-7
Appendices
Instrument Specifications 7-1
Error Messages 7-2

ix
Proprietary Notice
The information contained in this manual is derived from patent and
proprietary data of X-Rite, Incorporated. This manual has been
prepared solely for the purpose of assisting in the use and general
maintenance of this instrument.
The contents of this manual are the property of X-Rite, Incorporated
and are copyrighted. Any reproduction in whole or part is strictly
prohibited. Publication of this information does not imply any rights to
reproduce or use this manual for any purpose other than installing,
operating, or maintaining this instrument and software. No part of this
manual may be reproduced, transcribed, transmitted, stored in a
retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language,
in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic, mechanical, optical,
manual, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of an officer
of X-Rite, Incorporated.
This instrument may be covered by one or more patents. Refer to the
instrument for actual patent numbers.
Copyright © 20 by X-Rite, Incorporated
“ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”
X-Rite is a registered trademark of X-Rite, Incorporated. PANTONE® is a trademark of
Pantone, Inc. All other logos, brand names, and product names are the properties of their
respective holders.

x
Warranty Information
X-Rite, Incorporated (“X-Rite”) warrants each instrument manufactured to
be free of defects in material and workmanship (excluding battery pack) for
a period of 36 months. This warranty shall be fulfilled by the repair or
replacement, at the option of X-Rite, of any part or parts, free of charge
including labor, F.O.B. its factory or authorized service center.
This warranty shall be voided by any repair, alteration, or modification, by
persons other than employees of X-Rite, or those expressly authorized by
X-Rite to perform repairs, and by any abuse, misuse, or neglect of the
product, or by use not in accordance with X-Rite’s published instructions.
X-Rite reserves the right to make changes in design and /or improvements
to its products without any obligation to include these changes in any
products previously manufactured. Correction of defects by repair or
replacement shall constitute fulfillment of all warranty obligations on the
part of X-Rite.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPLICITLY IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY OBLIGATION IS
LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE UNIT
RETURNED TO X-RITE OR AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER
FOR THAT PURPOSE.
This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State
of Michigan and jurisdiction and venue shall lie with the courts of Michigan
as selected by X-Rite, Incorporated.

SPECTRODENSITOMETER
1-1
1. Overview and Setup
Instrument Description 1-1
Features 1-2
Unpacking and Inspection 1-3
Shoe Lock Operation 1-3
Applying Power 1-4
Charging Battery Pack 1-5
Instrument I/O Serial Interface 1-6
Attaching the Optional Security Cable 1-7
Instrument Description
The X-Rite 500 Series Spectrodensitometer is the most
versatile and revolutionary hand-held color measurement
instrument available today. The instrument relies on an
integrated spectrophotometric engine, allowing accurate and
precise measurements. The instrument also incorporates
intuitive keys and a high-contrast graphic display.
Instrument Shoe
Target Window
Enter Key
Graphic Display
I/O Port
Power Input
Escape Ke
y
Main Menu Ke
y
Tab Key
Tab Key
Battery Switch
Read Switch

CHAPTER ONE
1-2
Features
Automatic Shut-Off
To increase battery life, the instrument automatically
turns itself off if it is not used within a user-defined
time—between 10 and 120 seconds. See Setting
Instrument Configuration, Section Four for more
information. The instrument turns back on whenever a
key is pressed, measurement taken, or when the adapter is
plugged in.
Patch Smarts Recognition
Several functions within the instrument incorporate a
feature that automatically recognizes patch types. This
"patch smarts" feature attempts to characterize a paper,
solid, tint, or overprint patch. After a measurement, the
highlight cursor in the measurement list automatically
moves to the predicted measurement item, regardless of
its previous placement. This feature can be disabled in the
instrument configuration menu.
Drag-n-Drop Override
Several functions incorporate a "drag-n-drop" feature,
allowing you to reassign measured data to a different
measurement item. To do this, simply move the highlight
cursor with the tab keys to the appropriate measurement
item while holding the instrument down to the shoe. For
example, if a tint measurement is taken and the data
appears as a solid, you could override the result by
keeping the instrument down and tabbing the highlight
cursor to the tint measurement item.
Hi-Fi Color Capability
The instrument does more than just measure the density
of special colors—such as HiFi Color™. Instead, it
captures their unique spectral identities and transforms
them into useful color information.

OVERVIEW AND SETUP
1-3
Unpacking and Inspection
After removing the instrument from the shipping carton,
inspect it for damage. If any damage has occurred during
shipping, immediately contact the transportation
company. Do not proceed with installation until the
carrier’s agent has inspected the damage.
Your instrument was packaged in a specially designed
carton to assure against damage. If shipment is necessary,
the instrument should be packaged in the original carton.
If the original carton is not available, contact X-Rite to
have a replacement carton shipped to you.
Shoe Lock Operation
To take measurements with the instrument, you must
unlock the shoe. When the instrument is not in use, the
shoe should be re-locked to protect the instrument optics.
A rotating latch on the bottom of the instrument locks the
shoe closed.
• To unlock, hold shoe against the instrument and
rotate latch. Align latch so that it fits through the
cutout in the shoe. Carefully release the shoe to open.
• To lock, hold shoe against the instrument and rotate
latch to catch the detents in the shoe.
Lock Position
Latch
Detent
Unlock Position

CHAPTER ONE
1-4
Applying Power
The Battery switch—located on the bottom of the
instrument—turns the instrument off and on during battery
operation. When the AC adapter is attached, the instrument
remains on and the battery switch has no affect.
As an added feature to conserve battery life, the
instrument automatically powers down when it is not in
use. You can define the amount of time it takes to initiate
a power-down within the instrument configuration
options, see Section Four. Taking a measurement or
pressing a key turns the instrument back on during a
power-down.
Battery Switch

OVERVIEW AND SETUP
1-5
Charging the Battery Pack
Four, AA nickel-metal hydride batteries fastened in a
removable battery pack power the instrument. The battery pack
must remain in the instrument at all times for proper operation.
Before initial “remote” use of the instrument, charge the battery
pack for approximately three hours. However, if immediate use
is required, the instrument can be operated “tethered” to the AC
adapter after a short period of battery charging.
NOTE: Only use the AC Adapter supplied or the optional battery
charger (X-Rite P/N 500CHG) to charge the battery pack. A "Low
Battery" message appears on the display when the battery falls
below approximately 25% of full charge. Measurements are still
possible, but the battery should be charged soon. A "Charge Battery"
message appears when not enough battery power remains to take a
measurement. The battery must be charged immediately.
To attach the AC adapter:
1. Verify that the voltage indicated on the adapter complies
with the AC line voltage in your area. If not, contact
X-Rite or an authorized representative.
2. Insert the small plug from the adapter into the power-
input connector on the instrument. (If you are using Serial
Cable SE108-92, you can plug the small plug into the
power connector at the end of the cable.)
3. Plug the detachable line cord into the adapter.
4. Plug the line cord into an AC wall receptacle.
Power Input
Small Plug
A
dapte
r
Detachable
Line Cord

CHAPTER ONE
1-6
Instrument I/O Serial Interface
Your instrument can be connected to a computer or
printer using an interface cable and adapter. X-Rite
carries a variety of adapters to meet your requirements.
To install the interface cabling:
1. Insert the modular end of the interface cable into the
I/O port located on the back of the instrument. The
cable connector “clicks” when properly attached.
2. If required, attach an additional adapter to the cable.
Serial I/O Port

OVERVIEW AND SETUP
1-7
Attaching the Optional Security Cable
An optional security cable is available from X-Rite for
attaching the instrument to a fixed location.
To install the security cable:
1. Lock shoe in closed position next to instrument.
2. Decide which side of the instrument you want the
cable to protrude from, and remove the appropriate
shoulder bolt from the shoe with the hex wrench.
NOTE: A metal wave washer and plastic washer exists in the
opening once the shoulder bolt is removed. If washers are removed,
make sure to install them in the correct order, plastic washer first
followed by the metal wave washer.
3. Insert the new shoulder bolt with the cable attached
into the shoe and secure it with an open end or
adjustable wrench.
4. The Looped end of the cable can be secured by either
a padlock or bolted to a stationary object.
Security Cable
Shoulder Bolt
Metal Wave Washer
Plastic Washer
Shoulder Bolt Opening

CHAPTER ONE
1-8