X-Rite 890 User manual

890
AUTOMATIC STRIP READING DENSITOMETER
Operation Manual

i
Dear Customer:
Congratulations! We at X-Rite, Incorporated are proud to present you with
X-Rite 890 Auto Strip Reading, Color Photographic Densitometer. 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 one 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

I N T R O D U C T I O N
ii
FCC
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.
Canada
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du
Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
NOTE: Shielded interface cables must be used in order to maintain compliance
with the desired FCC and European emission requirements.
CAUTION: Operational hazard exists if AC adapter other than X-Rite SE30-77
(100-240V) is used.
VORSICHT: Betriebsgefahr besteht bei Gebrauch von anderen Adaptern als
X-Rite SE30-77 (100-240 V).
AVISO: No use otro adaptador C.A. que no sea la pieza X-Rite SE30-77 (100-
240V), por el riesgo de mal funcionamiento del equipo.
ATTENTION: Ne pas utiliser d’adaptateur autre que SE30-77 (100-240V) de X-
Rite au risque de mauvais fonctionnement de l’appareil.
AVVISO: Non usare un altro adattatore C.A. che non è del pezzo X-Rite SE30-
77 (100-240V), per il rischio di malfunzionamento dell'apparecchio.
The Manufacturer: X-Rite, Incorporated
Der Hersteller: 4300 44th Street, S.E.
El fabricante: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
Le fabricant:
Il fabbricante:
Declares that: Densitometer
gibt bekannt: 890
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 télécommunication publique.
non deve essere connettuto a reti di telecomunicazioni pubblici.

U S E R I N F O R M A T I O N
iii
CE DECLARATION
Manufacturer's Name: X-Rite, Incorporated
Manufacturer's Address: 4300 44th Street, S.E.
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
U.S.A.
Model Name: Densitometer
Model No.: 890
Directive(s) Conformance: EMC 89/336/EEC LVD 73/23/EEC
WEEE
As of August 13, 2005, X-Rite products meet the European Union – Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive. Please refer to www.xrite.com for more information on
X-Rite’s compliance with the WEEE directive.
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.
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 and operating the
equipment described herein.
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 © 2007 by X-Rite Incorporated
“ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”
X-Rite®is a registered trademark of X-Rite, Incorporated
All other logos, product names, and trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective holders.

I N T R O D U C T I O N
iv
LIMITED WARRANTY
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 12 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..

v
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This manual is organized into eight sections and four appendices. In order to
make the best use of your instrument, it is recommended that you read all
sections and appendices.
SECTION ONE -Getting Started
Unpacking and Inspection__________________________________1-1
Packing Drawing and Parts List_______________________1-1
Product Description_______________________________________1-2
Applying Power _________________________________________1-3
User Interface ___________________________________________1-4
Channel and Function Menus_________________________1-4
Display and Keyswitch Definition_____________________1-5
Menu Keys _______________________________________1-5
Help Messages ____________________________________1-5
Adjusting the Paper Guides_________________________________1-6
Strip Measurement Techniques______________________________1-7
Strip Information __________________________________1-7
Paper Strip _______________________________________1-7
Film Strip ________________________________________1-10
Printer Balance Strip _______________________________1-10
SECTION TWO - Instrument Calibration
Calibration Information____________________________________2-1
Frequency of Calibration ____________________________2-1
Auto Calibration Procedure_________________________________2-2
Manual Calibration Procedure_______________________________2-3
SECTION THREE - Setting System Configuration
Instrument Configuration __________________________________3-1
Page 1 Configuration Options ________________________3-1
Page 2 Configuration Options ________________________3-2
Page 2a Configuration Options _______________________3-2
Page 2b Configuration Options _______________________3-3
Page 2c Configuration Options _______________________3-3
Page 2d Configuration Options _______________________3-3
Configuration Setup Procedure _______________________3-3

I N T R O D U C T I O N
vi
SECTION FOUR - Strip Operation
Measuring Strips _________________________________________4-1
View Strip Data ___________________________________4-3
Manually Transmitting Strip Data____________________________4-5
SECTION FIVE - Service and General Maintenance
Repair Information _______________________________________5-1
Cleaning the Instrument ___________________________________5-2
General Cleaning __________________________________5-2
Cleaning the Optics ________________________________5-2
Cleaning the Calibration Strip ________________________5-3
Replacing the Read Lamp __________________________________5-4
Troubleshooting Tips _____________________________________5-5
APPENDIX A - Technical Specification
APPENDIX B - Display Messages
APPENDIX C - Term Abbreviations
APPENDIX D - Parts List and Packaging Drawing
APPENDIX E - 890 Instrument Firmware Update

1-1
S E C T I O N O N E
Getting Started
This section covers unpacking, inspection, and general set up of your
instrument. Product description, paper guide adjustments, and measurement
techniques are also include.
Section One Contents
•Unpacking and Inspection
•Product Description
•Applying Power
•User Interface
•Adjusting the Paper Guides
•Strip Measurement Techniques
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
After removing the instrument from the shipping carton, inspect for possible
damage. If any damage 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 reshipment 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 shipped to you.
Packaging Drawing and Parts List
Check your packaging contents against your packing list and your original
order. Detailed packaging drawing and parts list is included in this manual as
Appendix D.

SECTION ONE
1-2
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The X-Rite 890 automated instruments measures paper, film, and printer
balance control strips. Simply insert the strip into the instrument for
motorized, automatic measurements. Red, green, and blue density data is
sorted for fields such as HD, LD, and Stain, then simultaneously displayed
and transmitted to a minilab printer for analysis.
To accommodate the different size control strips, the instrument has adjustable
paper guides on each side of the control strip entrance. Adjustment is made by
simply sliding the paper guides to the settings displayed for the selected strip.
The instrument communicates through a standard RS-232 interface. If you
wish to remotely control your instrument, you must use the remote control
interface protocol discussed in the RS-232 Interface Manual—available from
X-Rite, Incorporated.
2 x 16 Character
Display
Operating Key l
Paper Guide
35mm Strip Entrance Power Input
RS-232 Serial
Interface
Paper Guide
Operating Key ll
Operating Key lll
Operating Key llll

GETTING STARTED
1-3
APPLYING POWER
To apply power to the instrument:
1. Verify that the voltage indicated on the adapter complies with the AC
line voltage in your area. If not, contact X-Rite or your authorized
representative.
2. Insert the small plug from the adapter into the power-input connector on
the instrument.
3. Plug the detachable line cord into the adapter.
4. Plug the line cord into an AC wall receptacle.
IMPORTANT: To extend the life of the internal memory battery, it is
recommended that the instrument remain plugged into AC power. If you are
using a modem, AC power must be applied in order to transmit or receive data.
At initial power-up, the instrument performs a “boot memory test.” The
testing sequence is displayed on the instrument screen. If all internal tests are
OK, Page 1 Main Menu displays—see next page.
Testing Program
boot memory...3
XRite 890 vXXXX
Copyrt 1989—1997
2
1
Power Input
Detachable Line Cord
Adapter

SECTION ONE
1-4
USER INTERFACE
The 890 instrument incorporates a three page menu system. Menu pages are
displayed by continually pressing keyswitch l(p#) on the instrument. The
first page contains all the predefined control strips. The last two pages
provide access to the instrument setup options and strip measurement data.
Main Menu
•pap (paper) - accesses the paper measurement channel. The format
selected remains selected until changed.
•film - access the film measurement channel. The format selected remains
selected until changed.
•bal (printer balance) - accesses the printer balance measurement channel.
The format selected remains selected until changed.
Function Menus
•view -used to view data of the last strip measured.
•xmit (transmit)- used to manually transmit data of the last strip
measured—via RS-232 port.
•cal (calibration) - used for calibration.
•cnfg (configuration) - used to access system configuration options.
•load - for updating the instrument’s firmware (see Appendix E).
MAIN MENU
p1 pap film bal
FUNCTION MENU
p2 view xmit
FUNCTION MENU
p3 cnfg load
cal

GETTING STARTED
1-5
Display and Keyswitch Definition
The characters in the bottom row of the display dictate which function is
selected or which action takes place when a corresponding keyswitch is
pressed. Normally, upper-case lettering in the top row of the display is used
for messages, and lower-case lettering in the bottom row is used for menu
options that are selectable.
Each keyswitch is embossed with identification marks signifying its number.
The left-most key is labeled “I”, center-left key is labeled “ll”, and so on.
Keyswitches that are used to select a function or perform an action are tinted
(grayed) throughout this manual.
MAIN MENU
film
p1 pap bal
Menu Keys
Keyswitch lll and llll have the word “MENU” printed above them. Pressing
these two keys simultaneously at any location in the menu structure causes
the display to return to page 1 of the main menu.
MAIN MENU
film
p1 pap bal
MENU
Help Messages
Built-in help messages are available for most functions. Help messages are
activated by pressing and holding down a key until the message appears. To
temporarily pause a message, press the key again.
MAIN MENU
filmp1 pap bal
MENU
PAPer
"pap" key select
Messages (top row)
Functions (bottom row)
Press keys simultaneously
Press and hold keyswitch to see help message
Keyswitch identification marks

SECTION ONE
1-6
ADJUSTING THE PAPER GUIDES
To accommodate various size paper strips, the instrument has an adjustable
paper guide on each side of the strip entrance. Each paper guide has a pointer
(triangle) that is aligned with a number on the guide rail. The guide setting
numbers are shown on the instrument display when a paper strip is selected.
The paper guide rail has setting marks that range from “9-30” to the left and
right of the center diamond. Each mark (stop) is 1/10”increment—10 stops
equal one inch. The instrument automatically displays the proper guides
settings for the selected strip (see below).
20 10 10
30
READ k:RA–4 ALL
AT<18 18>other
20 30
The paper guides are moved by sliding them to the left or right.
To accommodate 35mm wide strips, the instrument has a special stationary
guide located above the diamond
Instrument Display
Paper Guide Pointer
Center Diamond
Center Alignment Line
35mm Slot
Stationary Guide
35mm Film
Paper Strip
Film Strip

GETTING STARTED
1-7
STRIP MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
All control strip types should have at least a 30.5mm (1.25”) leader before the
first measurable patch. However, strips with less than a 30.5mm leader can
also be measured reliably if required. Refer to your Control Strip and
Balance Print Format Guide for leaderless strip measurement procedure.
Supported strip definitions and strip insertion direction information is
available in your Control Strip and Balance Print Format Guide shipped with
your instrument.
Strip Information
•If a strip becomes “jammed” in your instrument during a measurement,
simultaneously press key lll and key llll labeled “MENU.” This should
cause the instrument to feed-out the strip. If this method does not work,
slowly pull strip out from the front of the instrument.
•A strips is inserted into the instrument until it rests against the drive
rollers.
•After a strip is initially inserted into the instrument, a one second delay
occurs before the drive mechanism is activated to allow time for proper
alignment.
•Due to the amount of variation in printer balance strips, no guide setting
numbers appear in the display in the printer balance categories.
•Due to the configuration of the instrument drive mechanism, 16mm wide
film control strips cannot be measured.
•The instrument does measure strips that are creased.
Paper Strip
When a particular paper strip is selected, one or both of the displayed paper
guide setting numbers flash. If only one guide setting number is flashing, this
indicates the guide that the strip rests on first when measuring. In most cases
this only occurs on a strip that required multiple passes such as, Fuji CP-21.
Both guide setting numbers flash on single pass strips.
READ k:RA–4 ALL
AT<18 18>other
READ f:CP21 CYN
AT<17 26>other
Indicates strip type
Indicates ALL patches are
read on one pass
Both guide setting number
flash, indicating a single
pass strip
Indicates CYN patches are
read one the first pass
Indicates strip type
One guide setting number
flashes, indicating strip
placement on this guide first
Multi
Pass
Single
Pass

SECTION ONE
1-8
Single Pass
Single pass strips require the strip to be inserted into the instrument once.
In this example, the strip—Kodak RA4—can be inserted in either direction.
Refer to your Control Strip and Balance Print Format Guide for information
on all strips supported.
20 10 10
30 20 30
Multi Pass
Typically, a multi pass strip requires three pass through the instrument to
obtain measurement data. The instrument displays what color patches are
measured and what guide is used to insert the strip from.
In this example, the cyan—Fuji CP21—row of patches is measured first,
followed by the magenta and yellow. Refer to your Control Strip and
Balance Print Format Guide for information on strip insertion direction.
20 10 10
30 20 30
READ k:RA–4 ALL
AT<18 18>other
READ f:CP21 CYN
AT<17 26>other
Indicates cyan patches are measured
Guide number flashes, indicting
strip positioning
PASS ONE
Indicates ALL patches are measured

GETTING STARTED
1-9
20 10 10
30 20 30
20 10 10
30 20 30
The third pass requires the strip to be rotated to take the measurement.
READ f:CP21 MAG
AT<17 26>other
READ f:CP21 YEL
AT<17 26>other
Indicates magenta patches are
Guide number flashes, indicting
strip positioning
PASS TWO
Indicates yellow patches are measured
Guide number flashes, indicting
strip positioning
PASS THREE

SECTION ONE
1-10
Film Strip
The Film category requires that the film strip be inserted into the 35mm slot
located above the center diamond. In this example—Kodak C41—the strip
can be inserted in either direction. Refer to your Control Strip and Balance
Print Format Guide for information on all strips supported.
20 10 10
30 20 30
Printer Balance Strip
The Printer Balance category in the instrument has five basic strip formats:
Wht-Eye, Blk-Eye, No-Ring, K:3510, and Small-BE. Each category has six
print options to choose from. Refer to your Printer Balance and Control
Guide for detailed information on all aspects of the printer balance strips.
Due to the amount of variation between printer balance strips, no guide
setting numbers appear in the display.
In this example—Blk-Eye, UNO 1-Pass—the Under patch is inserted first.
20 10 10
30 20 30
NORMAL
OVER
UNDER
O N
U
READ k:C41 ALL
AT 35mmSlot other
READ Blk–Eye UND
UNO 1–Pass other
Indicates ALL patches are measured
Indicates the strip is inserted
into the 35mm slot
Indicates the under patch is inserted first
Indicates the strip type to measure

2-1
S E C T I O N T W O
Instrument Calibration
This section covers the calibration procedures for your instrument.
Section Two Contents
•Calibration Information
•Auto Calibration Procedure
•Manual Calibration Procedure
CALIBRATION INFORMATION
The instrument has two types of calibration procedures available, automatic
and manual. AUTO is the standard method of calibration. If you want your
instrument to measure the same as another densitometer that has the same
response, you would use the MANUAL procedure. When the instrument
automatically calibrates, the density values are set precisely to that of the
paper measured for reflection, and to no film (air) for transmission.
The instrument has many self checking algorithms built in to verify the
accuracy of calibration. If you wish to maintain accuracy verification, we
suggest that you obtain a C41 reference strip and a paper reference strip.
Measure each strip and record the density values. Place the strips in an
envelope and store them in a dry, cool environment. Periodically, measure
them to verify accuracy. Note, reference strips tend to drift in density with
time, consult the manufacturer's specifications for expected density changes.
If your Auto-Cal strip gets ruined or worn, you can order a replacement from
X-Rite or your local dealer. Order Part Number 880-100.
Frequency of Calibration
Under normal operating conditions, the instrument should be calibrated
once a week or when instrument displays a message regarding calibration.

SECTION TWO
2-2
AUTO CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
NOTE: Make sure the Auto-Cal strip is free of dust, dirt, and smudgemarks.
Refer to Section Eight for cleaning procedure. Handle cal strip by the edges.
1. Press key lll (cal) located on Function Menu page (p3) to initiate calibration.
FUNCTION MENU
p3 cnfg cal load
•The instrument screen momentarily displays CALIBRATING
TRANSMISSION during automatic transmission calibration
(reading air), and CALIBRATING MOTOR SPEED.
CALIBRATING
TRANSMISSION CALIBRATING MOTOR SPEED...
•After this is complete, the instrument screen asks you to INSERT CAL
STRIP. Make sure the key labeled AUTO is upper-case lettering. If not,
press key l(AUTO) to toggle to upper-case. Note, lower-case lettering
denotes manual calibration (MANUAL) is activated.
INSERT CAL STRIP
AUTO manual
2. Insert the designated end of the Auto-Cal strip into the 35mm slot until it
comes to rest against the drive rollers.
10 10
X-RITE Auto-Cal Strip P/N 880-100 Patent Pending
INSERT THIS END
SERIAL #: XXX-XXX
CAL R= 0.04 G= 0.07 B= 0.08
•READING is momentarily displayed on the screen followed by
calibration density values. Auto calibration is now complete and the
instrument screen returns to the Main menu.
NOTE: If UNRECOGNIZEABLE STRIP momentarily appears on the screen
when a cal strip is measured, the strip may be dirty—refer to Section Eight
for procedure. However, if cleaning the strip does not resolve the problem,
enter calibration manually then re-measure the strip.
Auto must be
displayed in upper-
case. If not, press
key l to toggle on.
Note insertion direction
35mm slot