X-Rite ATD User manual

ATD
AUTO-TRACKING DENSITOMETER
Scanning Instrument Manual
(covers ATD Sheet and ATD News Systems)

i
I N T R O D U C T I O N
User Information
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.
NOTE: Shielded interface cables must be used in order to maintain compliance with
the desired FCC and European emission requirements.
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.
AVERTISSEMENT : Des câbles d'interface blindés doivent être utilisés afin de se
conformer aux règlements européens et FCC (USA)sur l'émission
Keep Cal Plaques Clean At All Times.
Kalibrierstandard stets sauber halten!
Siempre mantenga la placa de calibración limpia.
Tenir le plaque de calibration propre tout le temps.
Sempre mantenga la placca della calibrazione pulita.
Do Not Oil Moving Parts.
Bewegliche Teile nicht ölen!
No lubrifique las peizas en movimiento
Ne pas lubrifier les pièces en mouvement
Non lubrificare le parti mobili.

ii
CAUTION: Use only the 24v Adapter (P/N ATS40-109) to supply power to the
Docking Station.
VORSICHT: Benutzen Sie nur den X-Rite- 24V-AC-Adapter (P/N SE30-75) als
Stromanschluß zur Kopplerstation.
ADVERTENCIA: Use solamente el Adaptador de 24v (pieza Nº ATS40-109) para
suministrar la energía al mecanismo de conexión.
AVERTISSEMENT: Utiliser seulement l’adaptateur de 24v (P/N ATS40-109) pour
fournir l’alimentation au mécanisme de connexion.
AVVERTIMENTO: Usare solamente l’adattatore di 24v (parte n. ATS40-109) per
fornire l’alimentazione al meccanismo del collegamento.
The Manufacturer: X-Rite, Incorporated
Der Hersteller: 4300 44th Street, S.E.
El fabricante: Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
Le fabricant:
Il fabbricante:
Declares that: Auto Tracking Densitometer
gibt bekannt: ATD
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.
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: Auto Tracking Densitometer
Model No.: ATD
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.

I N T R O D U C T I O N
iii
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.
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
purposes other than installing, operating, or maintaining this instrument. 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.

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 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.
Always include serial number in any correspondence concerning the unit.
Serial numbers are located on the bottom of the scanning head and right end
plate of the track.

I N T R O D U C T I O N
v
INSTRUMENT TRACEABILITY
The spectral reflectance values for the supplied white reference are
traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology through the
RIT Munsell Color Laboratory. The RIT Laboratory maintains standards to
which NIST assigned values. These standards were used in assigning values
to X-Rite’s two primary standard white porcelain on steel plaques.
A calibration report (MCSL-18) issued by Munsell Color Science
Laboratory contains measurement methods, measurement values, and
verifies the ceramic plaques’ NIST traceability path. These two plaques are
used to generate the supplied white reference.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This document covers the installation, operation, calibration and general
maintenance of your instrument. Refer to your software documentation and
on-line help for complete software installation and operation instructions.
This manual is organized into four sections and two appendices. In order to
make the best use of your system, it is recommended that you read all
sections and appendices.

vi
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Table of Contents
SECTION ONE—Installing the System
Unpacking and Inspection..........................................................1-1
Packaging Drawing and Parts List.......................................1-1
System Description.....................................................................1-2
Track and Docking Station................................................... 1-3
Scanning Head ....................................................................1-4
Vacuum Pump......................................................................1-4
Reattaching the Scanning Head................................................. 1-5
System Connections...................................................................1-6
Vacuum Pump Connections ................................................1-6
RS-232 Interface Connection ..............................................1-8
Connecting Power................................................................1-9
SECTION TWO—Operating the System
Calibrating the Scanning Instrument..........................................2-2
Sheet Loading and Alignment....................................................2-3
Standard Track Positioning.................................................. 2-3
Feed-Through Track Positioning .........................................2-4
Taking a Measurement with the ATD Sheet Instrument ............ 2-5
Taking a Measurement with the ATD News Instrument............. 2-6
SECTION THREE—General Maintenance
Repair Information......................................................................3-1
Overview..................................................................................... 3-1
Scanning Head...........................................................................3-1
Cleaning...............................................................................3-2
Maintenance......................................................................... 3-3
Scanning Track...........................................................................3-3
Cleaning...............................................................................3-3
Maintenance......................................................................... 3-3
Cleaning the Scanning Instrument Calibration Disks.................3-4
SECTION FOUR—Troubleshooting Tips ................. 4-1
APPENDIX A—Technical Specifications................A-1
APPENDIX B—Parts List and
Packaging Drawing ......................................................... B-1

1-1
S E C T I O N O N E
Installing the System
This section covers unpacking, inspection, and installation of your system.
System description and vocabulary illustrations are also included. You
should read through this entire section to familiarize yourself with your
instrument.
Section Contents
•Unpacking and Inspection................ 1-1
•System Description.......................... 1-2
•Reattaching the Scanning Head...... 1-5
•System Connections........................ 1-6
UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
The main system components are packaged separately:
•Track/Docking Station, Scanning Head, Cabling, Software,
Documentation, and Accessories
•Vacuum Pump
After removing the components from each shipping carton, inspect them for
damage. If any damage has occurred during shipping, immediately contact
the transportation company that shipped them. Do not proceed with
installation until the carrier’s agent has inspected the damage.
Your components were packaged in specially-designed cartons to help
prevent damage. If reshipment is necessary, the components should be
packaged in the original carton. If the original carton is not available,
contact X-Rite to have replacements shipped to you.
Packaging Drawings and Parts Lists
Check your package contents against your packing list and original order. A
detailed packaging drawing and parts list is included in this manual as
Appendix B.

S E C T I O N O N E
1-2
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The ATD Sheet instrument provides density measurements while
automatically locates and center itself on a color bar that is within 38mm of
the paper’s edge.
The ATD News instrument scans news print gray balance rules or
continuous color mastheads that are manually aligned to the track LED’s.
Docking Station
Scanning Head
Scanning Track
Operation Button
Indicator Lamp

I N S T A L L I N G T H E S Y S T E M
1-3
Track and Docking Station
The press sheet or news paper is held securely to the track with a series of
vacuum holes while the Scanning Head measures. The Operation button is
used to activate a measurement sequence.
The indicator light on the Docking Station illuminates three separate colors
for varies mode conditions:
•Solid Green Light—indicates that the scanning head is docked and
ready for use.
•Solid Yellow Light— indicates that the scanning head is away from
the docking station.
•Solid Red Light— indicates that an error or problem exists with the
system.
•Flashing Yellow Light—indicates unit powered up to take reading.
•Flashing Red Light—indicates there is a problem and unit needs
service.
•Flashing Yellow & Green—indicates system needs to be reset.
Pressing and holding Operation button for 5-seconds performs reset.
Operation Button
Indicator Lamp
Vacuum Holes
Scanning Head Contact
System Connections

S E C T I O N O N E
1-4
Scanning Head
The ATD Sheet scanning head scans a color bar at a rate of 100mm a
second using a 4.5mm color patch size.
The ATD News scanning head scans a gray balance rule or continuous
color bar at a rate of 8in./sec. The head take approximately five
measurements per inch and averages all the reading across the user-defined
zone.
Vacuum Pump
A series of small holes located in the surface of the Track are used to hold
the press sheet in place during a measurement. This is accomplished by the
use of a Vacuum Pump. The Vacuum Pump is connected to the Docking
Station allowing automatic activation during a measurement cycle.
Interconnect Box
V
acuum Inlet Port

I N S T A L L I N G T H E S Y S T E M
1-5
REATTACHING THE SCANNING HEAD
In the event that the scanning head is removed, follow the procedure below
to reattach it to the Trolley.
1. Position the Scanning Head Trolley approximately 12 inches from the
Docking Station. This is accomplished by sliding the Trolley away
from the Docking Station with your hand.
2. Position the Scanning Head over the Trolley and slide forward
allowing the Holding Disks to insert into the Scanning Head.
3. Align the Mounting Plate Thumbscrews with the Posts and Post Holes
in the Scanning Head.
4. Loosely secure the thumbscrews to the Scanning Head. Alternately
tighten until firmly seated.
NOTE: Scanning Head must be securely fastened to Trolley to allow
proper operation of instrument.
Scanning Head
Thumbscrew
Holding Disks
Trolley
Docking Station
Posts
Head Connector
Post Hole

S E C T I O N O N E
1-6
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
The System requires a few simple connections before operating. Connection
procedures for the individual components are covered on the following pages.
Vacuum Pump Connections
1. Push one end of Vacuum Hose onto the Barbed Adapter at back of the
Docking Station.
2. Push other end of Vacuum Hose onto the Barbed Adapter on Vacuum
Pump.
NOTE: To obtain up to 15% more vacuum from the pump, remove the
exhaust port barbed adapter.
IN
OUT
Back of Dockin
g
Station
Vacuum Pump I/O Port
Computer I/O Port
Power Input
Vacuum
Pump Hose
Connection
V
acuum Hose
Docking Station
Exhaust Port

I N S T A L L I N G T H E S Y S T E M
1-7
3. Make sure the Voltage Selection Switch—located below Line Cord
Receptacle—has been set to the proper line voltage for your region.
4. Connect one end of I/O Interface Cable to the Vacuum Pump I/O Port
on the Docking Station.
5. Connect other end of I/O Interface Cable to an I/O Port on the Vacuum
Pump Connect Box (either port can be used).
6. Connect the Line Cord to the Vacuum Pump AC Cord Receptacle.
7. Plug Line Cord into AC wall receptacle.
NOTE: Vacuum Pump only operates during a measurement sequence.
Vacuum Pump I/O Port
Vacuum Pump
Connect Box
I/O Interface Cable
I/O Port
AC Cord Receptacle
Voltage Selection Switch
Line Cord
To AC Wall
Receptacle

S E C T I O N O N E
1-8
RS-232 Interface Connection
1. Connect one end of the DB-9 Interface Cable to an available Serial
Port on back of your computer. Secure with thumbscrews.
2. Connect opposite end of DB-9 Interface Cable to Serial I/O Port on
back of Docking Station. Secure with Thumbscrews.
Computer Serial
I/O Port
Thumbscrews
DB-9 Interface
Cable
Serial I/O Port
Thumbscrews

I N S T A L L I N G T H E S Y S T E M
1-9
Connecting Power
The system must be allowed to stabilize at room temperature before
plugging the adapter into an AC wall receptacle.
CAUTION: Use only the 24v Adapter (P/N ATS40-109) to supply
power to the Docking Station.
Power is applied to the Scanning System when the 24v Adapter is plugged
into an AC wall receptacle. The System does not have an ON/OFF switch.
NOTE: Scanning Head must be attached before power is applied.
1. Insert the adapter jack of the 24v Adapter into the Power Input on back
of Docking Station.
2. Insert the Detachable Line Cord into the socket on the 24v Adapter.
3. Plug the three-prong plug from the Line Cord into an AC Wall
Receptacle.
Detachable Line Cord
Power Input
24v Adapter Jack
24v Adapter

S E C T I O N O N E
1-10

2-1
S E C T I O N T W O
Operating the System
Now that you have made all the necessary connections (and loaded your
software) you are ready to operate your system. The heart of the Scanning
Instrument is the compact, scanning head. The ATD Sheet head moves along
the track at approximately 150mm/sec. The ATD News head moves along
the track at approximately 8in./sec. After a measurement, the scanning head
uploads the data to the computer via RS-232 communications.
This section covers instrument calibration, sheet loading and alignment, and
measurement procedures.
Refer to your software documentation or on-line help for information
regarding software operation.
Section Contents
•Calibrating the Scanning
Instrument........................................ 2-2
•Sheet Loading and Alignment.......... 2-3
•Taking a Measurement
with the ATD Sheet Instrument........ 2-5
•Taking a Measurement
with the ATD News Instrument ........ 2-6

S E C T I O N T W O
2-2
CALIBRATING THE SCANNING INSTRUMENT
Calibrating the Scanning Instrument is virtually automatic, there is no
calibration reference to position. The Calibration References are a
permanent part of the Track assembly—located near the Docking Station.
The references are covered by a retractable cover when the Scanning Head
is away from the Docking Station, and exposed when the scanning head is
next to the docking station.
The Scanning Head automatically calibrates to the references when required
or when you request it.
NOTE: The calibration references should be cleaned periodically to
maintain calibration accuracy. Refer to Section Three, General Cleaning for
procedure.
Retractable Cover