Model 400 B/W Reflection Densitometer Operation Manual
Dear Customer: Congratulations! We at X-Rite, Incorporated are proud to present you with the X-Rite 400 B/W Reflection Densitometer. This instrument represents the very latest in microcontrollers, integrated circuits, optics, and display technology. Your X-Rite 400 is a rugged, reliable, finely engineered instrument whose performance is unsurpassed. To fully appreciate and protect your investment, we suggest that you take the necessary time to read and fully understand this manual.
CE DECLARATION Manufacturer's Name: Manufacturer's Address: X-Rite, Incorporated 3100 44th Street, S.W. Grandville, Michigan 49418 U.S.A. Model Name: Model No.: Densitometer 400 Directive(s) Conformance: EMC 89/336/EEC LVD 73/23/EEC NOTE: The device complies to the product specifications for the Low Voltage Directive when furnished with the 230VAC AC Adapter (X-Rite P/N SE30-62), and to UL Standards when furnished with the 115VAC AC Adapter (X-Rite P/N SE30-61).
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NOTICE FCC Statement 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.
CAUTION: Operational hazard exists if AC adaptor other than X-Rite SE30-61 (115V) or SE30-62 (230V) is used. VORSICHT: Betriebsgefahr besteht bei Gebrauch von anderen Adaptern als X-Rite SE30-61 (115 U) oder SE30-62 (230 U). AVISO: No use otro adaptador C.A. que no sea la pieza X-Rite SE30-61 (115V) o SE30-62 (230V), por el riesgo de mal funcionamiento del equipo. ATTENTION: Ne pas utiliser d’adaptateur autre que SE30-61 (115V) ou SE30-62 (230V) de X-Rite au risque de mauvais fonctionnement de l’appareil.
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. USE ONLY: AA NICad batteries that are 600/700mAhr rated, six required. Other types may burst causing personal injury.
Contents vi 1 Overview and Setup Features............................................................................ 1-1 Packaging and Parts ............................................................ 1-3 Instrument Vocabulary ...................................................... 1-4 Unlocking/Locking the Shoe .............................................. 1-5 Batteries and Power .......................................................... 1-6 Adjusting the Display Angle.................................
7 Appendices and Index Proprietary Notice ............................................................. 7-1 Limited Warranty............................................................... 7-2 Index.................................................................................
viii
1 Overview and Setup Features ................................... 1-1 Packaging and Parts.................... 1-3 Instrument Vocabulary.............. 1-4 Unlocking/Locking the Shoe...... 1-5 Batteries and Power.................. 1-6 Adjusting the Display Angle ...... 1-9 I/O Port Setup..........................1-10 The X-Rite 400 B/W Reflection Densitometer is designed to meet the quality control needs of the general graphic arts, phototypesetting, and newspaper industries.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer DOT The DOT function allows Dot area and Dot gain measurements. Dot is calculated with paper subtracted out using the Murray-Davies or Yule-Nielson formulas. Range Range subtracts the lowest measurement from the highest and displays the difference. Range-Reference subtracts a reference value from the range and displays the difference.
Overview and Setup PACKAGING AND PARTS After removing the instrument from the shipping carton, inspect for possible damage. If any damage is noted, contact the transportation company immediately. Do nothing more until the carrier’s agent has inspected the damage. If damage is not evident, check to ensure that all items are included (refer to the parts list below).
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer INSTRUMENT VOCABULARY 3 Operating Keys 8-character Interactive Display Target Window RS232 I/O Port Shoe FUNCTION ENTER ZERO ZERO Button FUNCTION Button ENTER Button 1-4 AC Adapter (Charger) Jack Arrows indicate button’s function for adjusting display values up or down.
Overview and Setup UNLOCKING/LOCKING THE SHOE To take measurements with the instrument, you must unlock the Shoe (see Instrument Vocabulary drawing in previous chapter). When the instrument is not in use, the Shoe should be re-locked to protect the instrument optics. A sliding button on the bottom of the instrument locks the Shoe closed. To unlock, hold Shoe against the unit and slide the lock button back until the button latch clears the Shoe tab. Carefully release the Shoe to open.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer BATTERIES AND POWER Your 400 instrument’s batteries should be charged before use. It can be operated while the batteries are being charged. Before you begin charging, you must remove the battery isolation insert protruding from the battery cover. (Figure 1-3) Figure 1-3 Battery Isolation Tab NOTE: Make sure the voltage indicated on the AC adapter complies with the AC line voltage in your area. If it does not, contact your X-Rite dealer. To charge the battery: 1.
Overview and Setup NOTE: If your unit has not been used for several weeks recharge for approximately 24 hours. NOTE: When storing the unit for a long period of time, the batteries should be removed. Applying Power The instrument remains “powered down” until a measurement is taken. When a measurement is taken, or when any key is pressed, the instrument automatically turns on. If no measurements are taken or keys pressed for 45 seconds, the instrument automatically turns off again to conserve battery power.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer Figure 1-5 1-8
Overview and Setup ADJUSTING THE DISPLAY ANGLE You can most clearly read the LCD display by viewing it at a 90º angle. The angle of the display can be adjusted to accommodate this for different user sight lines. To adjust the display angle: 1. Set the Display Angle Adjustment Knob on the right side of the instrument to its midpoint setting. (Figure 1-6) Figure 1-6 Display Angle Adjustment Knob 2. Activate the display by taking a measurement or pressing a control button. 3.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer I/O PORT SETUP Your X-Rite 400 has a serial port that allows data to be transmitted toor received from an external device. With this I/O connection made, the 400 can controlled externally by Serial Input Commands. If you do not plan to use the I/O port at this time, you can skip ahead to Chapter 2, “Calibration.” You can configure different functions of your I/O port using the instrument’s MODE selection procedures.
Overview and Setup 5. Press FUNCTION to advance to HDR. Each depression of ZERO will alternate between HDR ON and HDR OFF. HDR ON When HDR ON is selected, a header will appear above transmitted or printed data indicating the data typeeither DEN (density) or DOT. DEN C 1.24 —When HDR OFF is selected, no header appears. C 1.24 6. Press FUNCTION to advance to COMP. Each depression of ZERO will alternate between COMP ON and COMP OFF.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer RS232 Connector Interface Your X-Rite 400 instrument can be connected to a computer or printer using a standard RS232 9-pin connector. For more information on Serial Input Commands and remote control operation of the 400 contact X-Rite Technical Services.
2 Calibration Response Settings.................... 2-1 Overview of Calibration Procedures ............................... 2-2 Long Calibration ....................... 2-3 Quick-Cal™.............................. 2-4 Frequency of Calibration Under long operating conditions, the instrument should be calibrated once per week, or whenever the instrument displays a message regarding calibration. You should perform a “long calibration” whenever possible.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer Descriptions of Available Responses There are two basic versions of the 400, the 400B and the 400R. The 400B allows B-Response. The 400R allows R-Response. B –X-Rite “Orthochromatic” Response This response is blue-green sensitive with insensitivity to red light, making it ideal for use in analyzing color prints for exposure to orthochromatic film. This is also the response generally used for typesetting and B/W printing operations.
Calibration LONG CALIBRATION 1. If this is your first time calibrating, you should plug your instrument in using its AC adapter. This will prevent the microprocessor from going into “sleep” mode to save battery power. With the instrument plugged in, you’ll be free to take your time learning this procedure. 2. Unlock the Shoe. 3. Press the FUNCTION and ENTER buttons simultaneously until N calX Y appears in the display. X stands for the default optic. N calX Y 4.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 16. Read patches on the Reference. 17. Place the instrument target window crosshairs over the alignment marks on the white target patch, then lower the head down onto the shoe. A filter value appears in the display and READ BLK (BLACK) appears. Then read the black target patch. 18. The values that appear for each Step measurement should match the values listed on the envelope for that Step. If they do not, repeat the calibration procedure.
3 Density Functions Selecting Density Function ....... 3-2 Density Measurement ............... 3-2 Density Difference Measurement............................ 3-3 Miscellaneous Display Messages ................................. 3-4 Your 400 instrument can be used for density measurement functions, for dot area and dot gain measurement functions, and for calculating measurement range. This chapter covers density functions, and the following chapters cover dot and range functions, respectively.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer SELECTING DENSITY FUNCTION 1. If this is your first time selecting a measurement function and mode, you should plug your instrument in using its AC adapter. This will prevent the microprocessor from going into “sleep” mode to save battery power. With the instrument plugged in, you’ll be free to take your time learning this procedure. 2. Next, make sure you have the desired response setting selected, and that the instrument is properly calibrated.
Density Functions DENSITY DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENT Density difference measurement uses the same parameters as density measurement. To set up for density difference measurement, follow the procedures earlier in this chapter for selecting density function, mode, and color measurement method.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer MISCELLANEOUS DISPLAY MESSAGES During normal operation, some additional display messages may appear. Following are these messages, what these messages mean and what action must be taken when they appear. BAT LO indicates that the batteries are getting low and will soon need to be charged. BAT LO only appears while the measurement is in progress. Once BAT LO is displayed, you will have approximately 100-200 measurements remaining before charging is required.
Density Functions momentarily press ZERO before releasing the read head. If no, release the read head and the display will show normal operation. SOLID Indicates that a measurement on a Solid Ink density is necessary. The SOLID should be measured first followed by the appropriate TINT. SOLID? Z The 400 is asking if the area measured is a Solid. This message appears when measuring a Dot value of 80% or greater, and ZERO is depressed.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 3-6
4 Dot Functions Dot Formula ............................. 4-1 Selecting Dot Area or Dot Gain. 4-4 Dot Area Function..................... 4-5 Dot Gain Function..................... 4-7 For dot measurements, you need to set some measurement parameters. You need to select: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ The desired formula for dot measurementsthe Murray-Davies formula or the Yule-Nielson formula (page 4-1); and the desired measurement functiondot area or dot gain (page 4-3); NOTE: All dot function measurements are minus paper.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer The Murray-Davies formula for calculating Dot is: 1 - 10 - ( Dt ) x1 0 0 1 - 1 0 - (Ds) Where: Dt = Density of tint minus density of paper Ds = Density of solid minus density of paper Apparent Dot Area = The Yule-Nielson formula for calculating Dot is: 1- 1 0 - ( Dt )/ n x1 0 0 - Ds / n 1- 1 0 ( ) Where: Dt = Density of tint minus density of paper Ds = Density of solid minus density of paper n = “n” Factor Apparent Dot Area = Selecting Murray-Davies Formula If you
Dot Functions 3. Press ZERO to indicate yes, you do want to set mode. ↓ I/O Y appears in the display. ^ I/O Y 4. Press FUNCTION three times to advance the mode selection until ←N=1.00 appears.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer SELECTING DOT AREA OR DOT GAIN 1. If this is your first time selecting a measurement function, you should plug your instrument in using its AC adapter. This will prevent the microprocessor from going into “sleep” mode to save battery power. With the instrument plugged in, you’ll be free to take your time learning this procedure. 2. Next, make sure you have the desired response setting selected, and that the instrument is properly calibrated.
Dot Functions DOT AREA FUNCTION Once dot area measurement (DOT AREA) mode is selected, PAPER appears in the display. PAPER 1. Center the instrument target window over a sample of the paper, then lower the instrument head to take a reading and hold. If the instrument recognizes the measurement as a paper reading, the display flashes DOT B (or DOT R) momentarily, then becomes ready for the first SOLID reading. If the instrument does not recognize the measurement as a paper reading, PAPER? Z appears.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 3. Read a tint of the solid color you just measured. During measurement, DOT is displayed. Then, the Dot value is displayed. DOT 75 % 4. Measure additional tints of that color. The instrument automatically recognizes the measurements as tint values and displays the tint percentage. 5. When you are ready to measure another color, simply measure the solid and repeat the procedures beginning with #2. The instrument automatically recognizes the measurement as a solid.
Dot Functions DOT GAIN FUNCTION Dot gain measurement compares the tint percentage of a color patch on paper to the intended tint percentage produced on the film. Your first dot gain measurement compares the dot percentage of the measured patch to the first reference value (r1). The difference between the reference value and the measured value is calculated as dot gain the amount the ink dots have spread on the paper. If needed, you can adjust the Reference values to meet your specific needs.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 4. Repeat #2 and #3 until all reference values are set to your preferences. 5. Press FUNCTION to return to dot gain measurement mode. Measurements at each tint will be compared to the appropriate reference value. Dot Gain Measurement Once dot gain measurement (DOT GAIN) mode is selected, PAPER appears in the display. PAPER 1. Center the instrument target window over a sample of the paper, then lower the instrument head to take a reading and hold.
Dot Functions 3. Read the first tint of the solid color you just measured. This should be the color patch with the lowest tint percentage, such as the 25% patch. During measurement, DOT X is displayed. Then, the Dot Gain value is displayed. st Mark indicates 1 tint measured 25' % DOT X A mark before the percentage symbol indicates which tint percentage in the sequence has been measured. nd 2 dot gain measurement 3rd measurement 50'' % 4. 75''' % Measure the remaining tints of that color.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 4-10
5 Range Functions Reference Value ...................... 5-1 Absolute Range Measurement.. 5-2 Range Minus Reference Measurement ..................... 5-2 The Range function subtracts the lowest measurement from the highest and displays the difference. Range = Dmax – Dmin where Dmax = Maximum (highest) density and Dmin = Minimum (lowest) density The Range function can have a reference value (if selected) subtracted form the measurement, giving you a difference value.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer key in conjunction with FUNCTION (to decrease the value) or ENTER (to increase). After entering the reference value, or if you want to exit the reference function at anytime, momentarily press FUNCTION and the display will return to normal operation. To enter a reference value: Ÿ Press FUNCTION to select RANGE –R. If RANGE appears, press ZERO to turn Reference on. READ NEW is displayed. With unit up, depress and hold ZERO until REF is momentarily displayed.
Range Functions RANGE MINUS REFERENCE MEASUREMENT 1. Press Function to select RANGE –R. If RANGE appears, press ZERO to turn Reference on. READ NEW is displayed. 2. Measure Patch. RANGE X is displayed while measuring, where X is the installed optics. When the read head is down, current density value is displayed. In addition, a ∧,∨, or D is displayed to indicate Dmax, Dmin, or a density within range, respectively. 3. When the read head is released, the range value minus the reference is displayed.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 5-4
6 Technical Information Serial Interface Information ...... 6-1 Instrument Specifications.......... 6-4 Accessories .............................. 6-6 General Cleaning...................... 6-7 Optics Maintenance .................. 6-7 Target Window Replacement.... 6-8 Lamp Replacement .................. 6-9 SERIAL INTERFACE INFORMATION The connector used for serial input/output is a Modular 10 circuit type. Figure 5-1 is the connection diagram.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer An RS232 to modular interface adapter is available from X-Rite which performs as shown in the diagram on the previous page. This adapter also provides a jack for the AC adapter so that only one cable need be connected to the 400. Also, when the adapter is not connected to the jack, the +V CHARGER is connected to pin 9 of the DB25 in the diagram. The charger ground is connected to the jack ground only.
Technical Information A typical interconnection between the 400 and a computerin its simplest form is shown in Figure 5-2. Figure 5-2 Serial Output The data format that is transmitted from the 400 is determined by the I/O PORT options found in Chapter 1 under “I/O Port Setup.” Data transmitted by the 400 shall have one start bit (Logic 0), 7 bits of ASCII, one parity bit (set to Logic 0), and then one stop bit (Logic 1).
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS Display Dot Matrix LCD Measuring Geometry ANSI PH 2.17/DIN 16536 multi-sensor array Light Source Filament bulb 3000ºK DIN approx. 2856ºK ANSI Receiver Silicon Photodiode Color Response B optics with X-Rite Orthochromatic Response. R optics with X-Rite Red (Laser) Response. Measuring Range 0.00D-2.5D for B & R 0.00D-2.20D for BS & RS 0-100% dot Reproducibility ±0.01D ±1% for dot area (10-100%) Linearity ±0.01D or ±1% Inter-Instrument Agreement ±0.
Technical Information Zero Stability ±.01D maximum per 8 hours Slope Stability ±1% maximum per year Power Supply Six rechargeable AA NI-CAD batteries 7.2v total rated @600m Ah (included) Charge Time Approximately 14 hours AC Adapter Requirements 400 90-130VAC, 50-60Hz, 15W Maximum 400X 180-260VAC, 50-60Hz, 15W Maximum Operating Temperature Range 50º-104ºF /10º-40ºC Measurements Per Charge Approx. 4500 (usage dependent) Measuring Time Approximately 0.5 seconds Weight 800 grams Dimensions 7.4cm H x 8.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer ACCESSORIES Accessories Included Reflection Reference Operation Manual AC Adapter Carrying Case Specifications and design subject to change without notice. Accessories and Replacement Parts Available Security Cable .............................................................. P/N 418-75 1.7mm Target Window...................................P/N 418-21-017-KIT 3.4mm Target Window...................................P/N 418-21-034-KIT 1.7mm Aperture .............................
Technical Information GENERAL CLEANING The exterior of the instrument can be wiped clean with a cloth dampened in water or a mild cleaner whenever required. NOTE: Do not use any solvents to remove ink from the cover. OPTICS MAINTENANCE 1. Remove Optics assembly by removing sensor nose screws from densitometer housing, and then lifting the assembly upward. (Figure 5-3) Figure 5-3 5 4 3 2 1 2.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 7. Carefully reinstall optional polarizing filter (if used) and IR Glass [3] (holding both by edges) into sensor nose, making sure filter(s) are properly seated. 8. Align flat edge of sensor nose [2] with flat edge on Lamp assembly P.C.B [5] and secure sensor nose [2] to Optics assembly [4] with three inner screws [1]. 9. Carefully reinstall Optics assembly into densitometer by facing flat edge of sensor nose to front of densitometer.
Technical Information 4. Place one taped edge of target window [2] on indent [4] at bottom of shoe [1]. 5. Align hole of target window [2] exactly in center of hole in sensor nose [3] and press remaining three sides of target window into place. 6. Unlock shoe. LAMP REPLACEMENT Lamp Removal 1. Remove Optics assembly by removing sensor nose screws [1] from the densitometer housing, and then lifting assembly upward. THE THREE INNER SCREWS ON SENSOR NOSE ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer Figure 5-6 4 3 2 3. Carefully remove old Lamp assembly [3] by lifting upward and discarding. Lamp Installation 1. Align the flat edges of Optics PCB [2] and new Lamp PCB [3], and insert into Optics assembly. (figure 5-6) NOTE: EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE TAKEN WHEN INSTALLING NEW LAMP. DO NOT BEND LAMP LEADS. 6-10 2. Insert and tighten the two lamp screws [4]. 3.
7 Appendix and Index Proprietary Notice....................... 7-1 Limited Warranty........................ 7-2 Index .......................................... 7-3 PROPRIETARY NOTICE The information contained in this manual is derived from patent and proprietary data from X-Rite, Incorporated. This manual has been prepared solely for the purpose of assisting operation and maintenance personnel in their use and general maintenance of the X-Rite 400.
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer LIMITED WARRANTY X-Rite, Incorporated warrants each instrument manufactured by them to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of 12 months. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS. THIS WARRANTY OBLIGATION IS LIMITED TO SERVICING THE UNIT RETURNED TO THE FACTORY FOR THAT PURPOSE AND EXCLUDES THE LAMP AND NI-CAD BATTERIES. The instrument shall be returned with transportation charges prepaid.
Index Absolute Range Measurement, 5-2 Maintenance, 6-7 Accessories, 6-6 Murray-Davies formula, 4-2 Adjusting the display angle, 1-9 Batteries and Power, 1-6, 1-7 Calibration, 2-2 Long Calibration, 2-3 Quick Cal, 2-4 Charging the battery, 1-6 Packaging and Parts, 1-3 PAPER, 3-4 Powering the Instrument, 1-6 Quick Cal™, 2-4 Range Minus Reference Measurement, 5-2 Cleaning, 6-7 Reference / Paper value, 5-1, 5-2 Density functions, 3-1, 3-2 Response settings, 2-1 Density difference measurement, 3-3 Re
400 B/W Reflection Densitometer 7-4
X--Rite, Incorporated—World Headquarters 3100 44th Street S.W. • Grandville, Michigan 49418 • USA www.x-rite.com • (616) 534-7663 Toll-Free U.S. Numbers Tel: 1-888-826-3059 • Fax: 1-888-826-3061 Toll-Free International Numbers Tel: 1-888-826-3039 • Fax: 1-888-826-3041 X-Rite GmbH Stollwerckstraße 32 • 51149 Köln • Germany Tel: (49) 2203-91450 • Fax: (49) 2203-914519 X-Rite GmbH Sochorova 705 • CZ-682 • 11 Vyskov • Czech Republic Tel: (420) 507-328197 • Fax: (420) 507-328138 X-Rite Asia Pacific Ltd.
