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User’s Manual for Agera ® and EasyMatch Essentials ® Hunter Associates Laboratory 11491 Sunset Hills Road Reston, Virginia 20190 USA www.hunterlab.com A60-1018-812 Version 1.0 For EasyMatch Essentials 100.0051 and Above...
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The frequency of this flashing light is in the range of sensitivity for those prone to epileptic seizures. For your safety when using the Agera, you should pay attention to the following types of statements in this User’s Manual: ▪...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Contents SETTING UP THE AGERA ..................7 Standard Accessories ..........................7 Selecting A Space for the Agera ........................ 7 Power Jack ..............................7 Power Switch............................. 7 Port Forward Orientation .......................... 8 Keyboard and Mouse ..........................
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Jobs > Help .............................. 27 Jobs > About ............................27 TOOL BAR: WORKSPACE & SYSTEM SETTINGS ........... 29 Workspace > Color Scales ........................29 Workspace > Read Options ........................33 Read Options > Options ........................33 Read Options >...
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Option A: Connect to a network hub using an Ethernet ..............67 Optional B: Connect to a hotspot through the WiFi connection ............69 Auto-Exporting Data via Direct Connection between Agera and a Computer ........71 Connect Agera to Computer: ....................... 71 Open Command Prompt in the PC ......................
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Shortage ..............................84 Incorrect Shipment ..........................84 Returns for Repair ........................... 84 When You Need Assistance ........................86 INDEX ..................87 TABLE OF FIGURES ..................89...
USB Flash Drive Selecting A Space for the Agera The Agera can be setup in a laboratory setting with controlled, consistent temperature (10°C to 40°C) and humidity. A laboratory bench is recommended with easy access to the rear connectors. Power Jack •...
Front and Rear USB Connectors • There are two USB connectors on the Agera. The one in the front is typically used to connect a printer or a keyboard to the Agera. If the user wants to connect multiple devices at the same time, a USB hub can be plugged in to the front of the instrument.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Navigating the Essentials Screen The EasyMatch Essentials Tools and Status features are shown below. Figure 3. User Interface Screen for Agera & Essentials Tools: Status Bar This area shows the current mode settings.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Tools: View Flippers View Flippers Icon • Switching between Views can be accomplished by using the semi-transparent NEXT and PREV buttons placed at the side edges of the screen or by swiping left or right with two fingers on the screen.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Tools: Workspace & System Settings Workspace/Systems Settings Icon • The Workspace menu sets up the data screen with measurement color scales, read options, standards, tolerances and views. • Systems Settings initiates Standardization, Diagnostics, Preferences, and the User Manager for System Security.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0...
EasyMatch Essentials quality control software, which includes most color scales, indices and Illuminant/observer combinations desired for industrial applications. With Ethernet, wireless and USB connectivity, data results can be saved, emailed directly from the Agera instrument, printed to local or networked printers, and streamed to LIMS and SPC systems.
Make sure that the line on the tile matches the port plate white line. Figure 6. Read the Black Glass for Bottom-of-Scale ▪ Read White Tile: Remove the black glass and place the Agera white tile at the port. Press READ to continue. Figure 7. Read the White Tile for Top-of-Scale ▪...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 8. Standardization Status Bar • To update Standardization Status for a new port plate, place the new port plate on the instrument and click the READ button. The standardization status will be updated. If the standardization of this new mode is valid, then the sample will be read.
The configured tolerances can be applied to the Job and Pass/Fail results will also be displayed. Note: Agera includes a built-in 60-degree gloss meter with a single LED illumination ...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • A long press on the Standard name will show a menu with the following options: ▪ EDIT – to edit the standard. If Edit is selected, the WORKSPACE > STANDARD AND TOLERANCES dialog box is presented to allow for editing the name, assigning tolerances or changing the type of standard.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Tool Bar: Jobs Function Jobs Icon Under the Job function, the following tasks can be accomplished: Figure 13. Job Menu Jobs Jobs vs. Workspace: A job consists of samples measured according to a specific workspace. A workspace is a template with measurement conditions such as standard &...
• PRINT an open Job using the parameters set up under WORKSPACE & SYSTEMS SETTINGS > PREFERENCES. For Agera, if the user selects the Color Data Table, then the saved images will also be printed. Figure 16. Workspace & System Settings > Preferences > Print...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • Drivers included in the Agera are shown below. Additional printer drivers can be added under WORKSPACE > DIAGNOSTICS > ADVANCED. Table 2: Printer Drivers Included Printer Driver Canon Canon Print Service 4.4+ HP Print Service Plugin 4.1+...
▪ DELETE Job(s), Standard(s), Workspace(s), Diagnostics, pdf reports and others. ▪ BACKUP the HunterLab folder (all jobs, database and user manager settings) into a USB Flash drive. ▪ RESTORE the HunterLab folder (all jobs, database and user manager settings) from a USB Flash drive.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • JOBS > DATA MANAGEMENT > RECALL Recall measurements that have been stored to a job. This feature enables the user to recall the Standard/Sample(s) stored in the Database into the current running Job.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 ▪ IMPORT JOB This option allows the user to browse and select a Job file(s) (.ezm) from the USB flash drive and import into the instrument. If a file name already exists, then the name will be incremented numerically.
▪ Workspace ▪ Diagnostics ▪ Others (e.g all files in Hunterlab folder, and all pdf reports in Download folder) ▪ EXPORT JOB: This option allows the user to browse and select an existing Job(s) (.ezm) or the current active Job data and copy into a USB flash drive either in CSV or EZM file format.
All selected files for one email should be in the same file path location. You can email any file in HunterLab folder as well as in the downloads folder. Figure 27. Enter an Address to Email a Job ▪...
• JOBS > DATA MANAGEMENT > BACKUP/RESTORE. The Backup function will copy the entire HunterLab folder to a thumb drive. Restore enables the user to copy the backup folder of a thumb drive and upload to the Agera. Jobs > Help To access the onboard manual, use JOBS >...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 For detailed information on firmware and more, please press the INFO button on the screen. Figure 30. Instrument Info...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Tool Bar: Workspace & System Settings Workspace Icon Under the WORKSPACE & SYSTEMS SETTINGS, the following tasks can be accomplished: Figure 31. Workspace Parameters Workspace > Color Scales Color Scales provide four tabs in which the SCALES, INDICES, DIFFERENCES AND ILLUMINANT/OBSERVER (ILL/OBS) can be configured.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • The ILLUMINANT/OBSERVER tab displays combination selections for these parameters. To see all of the choices, you can scroll through the selections by viewing the screen. Figure 33. Illuminant/Observer Configuration •...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • To select differences, go to the DIFFERENCES tab and check the corresponding box on the right side. Press APPLY to continue. Figure 36. Color Measurement Differences...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Table 3. Overview of Color Measurement Parameters for EZ View, Color Data Table, Trend Plot & Color Plot Illuminant Observer Scales Differences Indices View Options 2/10 CIE Lab dL*a*b* 457nm Brightness...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Workspace > Read Options Read Options > Options Shows a dialog box to configure AVERAGING, CONTINUOUS READ INTERVAL, AUTO SAVE, IMAGE VIEWER, INDEX BIAS CONFIGURATION, SAMPLE NAME, and STANDARD NAME. The Read command performs the operation based on the configured options.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 ▪ CONTINUOUS READ INTERVAL This feature performs measurements continuously. In CONTINUOUS READ mode, measurements are initiated and stopped using the READ Button. The minimum value of the Read interval is 5 seconds and it will read as fast as it can update. When in CONTINUOUS READ mode, the Read Button is enhanced with a checkmark.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Note: The Camera preview dialog can only last 30 seconds maximum each time. This dialog will automatically close and take sample measurement once it passes 30 seconds. • To take an image of a sample, place the sample on the port plate, and click the READ button.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 To calculate the slope and bias correction, read a series of samples around the target values of interest. Three methods can be used to provide corrected values: 1. One standard data point: In this case, the single data point is compared to the expected value.
Read Options > Measurement Configuration • UV Mode Agera uses LEDs to determine UV-nominal, UV-excluded and UV-calibrated. UV compare will take two measurements automatically; one by UV-excluded mode and UV-calibrated mode for one sample. Both measurements will be saved with the same name. If the Image View is captured, the sample image will be saved for both measurements.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 47. UV Mode Settings ▪ UV-Nominal - This mode includes UV. The UV for this mode can only be calibrated/updated at HunterLab. ▪ UV-Excluded - This option allows the user to negate the effect of optically- brightened agents or when used in multi-mode with UV-nominal or UV-calibrated, determines the amount of optical brightening agents present.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 49. Select UV Compare Read the sample for results UV-excluded and UV-calibrated. Figure 50. UV-compare Measurement Workspace: Standard and Tolerances Standard and Tolerances. Standards can be one of four types: retrieved from database, physical (measured), and ad hoc and numeric.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 51. Tolerances Configuration • Tolerances can be entered manually for a selected scale, index and difference. Figure 52. Enter Tolerances Figure 53. Index Selection and Tolerances • Tolerances will be displayed on the measurement screen if enabled under VIEW OPTIONS for...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 54. Indices & Tolerances on CDT • Pass/Fail based on these tolerances can be used on the EZ View as well as Color Data View. • Hitch Standardization ▪ Hitch Standardization is a process by which two or more instruments of similar design can be made to read the same color values on a group of specimens.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 55. Hitch Standardization Table 4. Hitch Standardization by Additive or Ratio Application Calculate Calculate Apply Hitch Apply Hitch Hitch Standard Additive Ratio Additive Ratio Target Measured Hitch Hitch New Read...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Tolerances Tolerances can be manually entered for Scales, Indices and Differences. Tolerances will be displayed on the measurement screen if enabled under VIEW OPTIONS for the Color Data and EZ View Screens.
Area of View (LAV1, LAV2, and SAV). Each Agera has a specific set of Black Glass and White Tile unique to the instrument. These are not interchangeable with other instruments. Position the standard tiles on the instrument with the white line matching the white line on the port plate.
Read Samples. Multi-Standardization Mode Agera can save multiple modes with UV Modes and Area of View (Port Plate Settings). Based on the UV- status and the port plate standardization, the nine modes can be stored and recalled for measurement.
Standardization and Port Plate/Area of View Each Agera can determine the port plate in view and adjust accordingly. The sizes are as follows: • LAV 1 - 54 mm (2.125 in) illumination; 51 mm (2.0 in) measured • LAV 2 - 28.6 mm (1.125 in) illumination; 25.4 mm (1.0 in) measured •...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • READ the Agera black glass and then the Agera white tile. Figure 65. Standardize the Instrument Figure 66. Read White Tile • Leave the white tile at the port and press OK to initiate the repeatability readings. The white tile is read 30 times and the individual results reported.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 68. Diagnostics Repeatability Test Results Reading the Green Tile • This test requires entry of the target values for the green tile. Figure 69. Input Target Values for Green Tile •...
Figure 71. Green Tile Readings Advanced Tests Advanced Tests are primarily for use by HunterLab’s Service Department. However, this menu supports the upload of Printer Drivers, Parking of the sensor for Shipping, and remote support setting. Figure 72. Advanced Menu •...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • PRINTER DRIVERS: To upload a new print driver or apk file, download the apk file needed from the internet onto a flash drive. Place the flash drive into the instrument (front port) so that it can access the list of apk files.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • The Agera will install the new printer driver. Figure 76. Printer Driver Installed Figure 77. Printer Page • RESTART COMM can be used to reset the ethernet communications for EasyMatch QC.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 78. Select Region • RESTART SUPPORT to view the Netops Host Screen. From the top right side of the Netops Host screen, select the 3 dots. From the list menu, select RESTART.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 System Settings: Preferences Preferences: General This allows the user to set preferences to: Figure 81. System Settings > Preferences > General Page • To Load the LAST WORKSPACE AT STARTUP check this box and press APPLY.
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• REVERSE SCREEN ORIENTATION. The Essentials screen is default setup for port up Agera. If port forward orientation is required, then go to WORKSPACE > PREFERENCES and check REVERSE SCREEN ORIENTATION and click APPLY. Power off/on Agera to get the screen orientation changed.
Figure 86. System Settings > Preferences > Configure Print Page System Settings: User Manager Security can be enabled on the Agera to ensure that operators cannot modify/delete folders or files and limit their functionality. An administrator is identified to set up the users/groups with selected privileges.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 87. Create a Group • Once the groups have been established, then individual users with USER NAMES and PASSWORDS can be setup for both Administrator and User Groups. Figure 88. Setup Administrative & General Users •...
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• After enabling security, each user must enter a name and password when logging into the Agera. For convenience, the user can check the box under WORKSPACE > PREFERENCES > GENERAL to use the LAST LOGIN CREDENTIALS. Figure 91. Login Credentials Figure 92.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Toolbar: View Options View Options Icon Views are selected using a dialog box under Workspace. Simply check on the box of the screen needed. Press APPLY to save one or all of the screens. The default screen is the Color Data Table. To navigate between screens once the selections have been applied, use the VIEW FLIPPERS on the left and right of the screen.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 95. EZ View Options • Selecting the IMAGE VIEW allows you to see an image of the sample as well as a histogram of the same image. Figure 96. Image View for EZ View...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 98. Color Data Screen: View Options • IMAGE VIEW allows you to see the captured image of your sample along with a histogram of the image. IMAGE STATUS shows the status whether the sample or standard is saved with the image - False means no image and True means with image.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 101. Delete the Sample Measurement • A long press on the STANDARD will enable the user to edit or delete the standard. Edit opens the Standard and Tolerances dialog box. Delete will delete the standard from the current workspace.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Views: Spectral Plot This view provides a plot of wavelength vs. spectral measurement parameter. Figure 104. Spectral Plot View • Press CLEAR ALL to remove all the samples to display. Press SELECT ALL to enable display of all samples.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • Check OPTIONS: AUTO RANGE to automatically scale the contents to fit. If AUTO RANGE is not selected, then enter the Y-and X-axis range to display. Views: Trend Plot This tool can be used to study the trends in production and identify color variations. There are four parameters of color measurement (three scale values and optional indice) which can be represented in four traces.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • VIEW OPTIONS > TRACES set the ranges for the traces or allow selection of AUTO RANGE. Trace 1 to 3 uses the current Color Measurement Scale and Trace 4 will allow for measurement of differences or an index.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 110. Color Plot Options • The Tolerance Plot is available in rectangular and elliptical color space. The PASS/FAIL sample points are shown in green and red when in difference mode, respectively. In...
Auto-Exporting Data through a Network Connection Connect Agera to a network. You can connect Agera to a network hub using the Ethernet cable or connect Agera to a network hotspot through a WiFi connection. The computer must be connected to the same network as the Agera.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 113. Select DCHP • Go to WORKSPACE > PREFERENCES and select AUTO NETWORK DATA EXPORT MEASUREMENT using a check and select Config. Choose ACT AS SERVER and PORT NUMBER AS 11111. You can also choose a delimiter to mark your data.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 ▪ Set the PORT NUMBER as 11111. ▪ After all have been set, the data is ready to be exported from Agera to the computer. Figure 116. Data Export Optional B: Connect to a hotspot through the WiFi connection •...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 • Please search and connect to the available WiFi and write down the IP address showing in this dialog. After the WiFi configuration, please click the floating BACK BUTTON to go back to Essentials app.
Auto-Exporting Data via Direct Connection between Agera and a Computer Ethernet cable is plugged into the back of the Agera and the other end is connected to the computer. Ethernet adapter USB can be applied here if the computer does not have available Ethernet port.
Figure 125. Command Prompt ipconfig Configure the Agera Open Agera Essentials, go to WORKSPACES > PREFERENCES > CONFIGURE NETWORK SETTINGS. First, select the ETHERNET CONFIGURATION. Uncheck USE DHCP FOR ETHERNET CONFIG. Type in IP ADDRESS and SUBNET MASK manually. The IP address here should be same as the autoconfiguration IPv4 Address in the PC, except changing the last number.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 127. Read Options> Auto Export Measurements • For a direct connection between Agera and data collection computer, set up the Agera as a CLIENT. • Enter the computer IP address here, in this case 169.254.113.144 and the PORT as 11111.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Send Data from the Agera: • CONFIGURE THE COLOR DATA TABLE with the color scale and parameters to be measured. Figure 129. Data Output Tips & Tricks: Recover Unsaved Measurement Data In the case where the application is closed unexpectedly, the data is temporarily stored in a table along with the Job details.
The operating conditions (temperature and humidity ranges) are given in the Operating Conditions section below. Note: Do not leave Agera in an area where temperature or humidity extremes are possible. Operating Conditions Storage Temperature (3weeks) -20°C to 65°C (-5°F to 150°F)
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Features, Accessories & Maintenance Agera Maintenance & Safety The Agera is engineered to be virtually maintenance free. This section outlines the few parts of the sensor that are to be maintained for the instrument to function properly. •...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 based on color standard. Advanced features include multiple configurable data views, customized templates for color data and display, customizable print job reports, data records stored to data base with standard and user defined search fields, automatic data output to Microsoft Excel, and data protection with definable user and supervisor access privileges.
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Ring Only (04-4230-00) From Ring and Disk set (92-4579-00) to hold light inside sample cup. Figure 134. Ring Only Glass Sample Cup (04-7209-00) Optically clear glass cup for sample presentation of liquids, powders, granules and pellets. The sample cup measures 64mm (2.5 inch).
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Foot switch Assembly (D02-1010-327) The footswitch is used to initiate sample measurement without the use of hands. Figure 138. Foot Switch Sample Clamp (D02-1018-462) Used to hold sample in place in standard and port-forward orientation.
The HunterLab warranty does not cover consumable items such as lamps, fuses, batteries, etc. An instrument registration card is available online at https://www.hunterlab.com/ras-registration.html. It is important that the instrument owner fills this out on receipt of equipment.
Hold incorrect items until return shipping instructions are received. Returns for Repair A service request order (SRO) number is required before any items can be returned to HunterLab. Contact HunterLab’s Order Processing Department to obtain an SRO for damaged or incorrect parts, or the HunterLab Service Department to obtain an SRO to return an instrument for service.
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Service for maintenance or repair instructions. Many times, this on-the-spot diagnosis is all that is required. If repair is required, the instrument may be returned to a HunterLab service facility. For schedule and terms for repairs, call HunterLab Service. Please read the next section, “When You Need Assistance,”...
When you have a problem with an instrument or software, or need technical advice concerning a specific application, you may want to consult the support.hunterlab.com webpage. If you need to contact HunterLab for assistance, please have the following information available: •...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Index Auto Save Job, 34 Multi-Mode Function, 46 Average, 33 New Workspace, 43 Backup/Restore, 27 Operating Conditions, 75 Color Data screen, 17 Options, 79 Color Data Table, 13, 32, 43, 59, 60...
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0...
User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Table of Figures Figure 1. Rear View with Connectors Figure 2. USB Port on Front of Instrument Figure 3. User Interface Screen for Agera & Essentials Figure 4. Sensor Serial Number Figure 5.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 50. Tolerances Configuration Figure 51. Enter Tolerances Figure 52. Index Selection and Tolerances Figure 53. Indices & Tolerances on CDT Figure 54. Hitch Standardization Figure 55. AutoTolerance Configuration Figure 56. Difference Tolerance Configuration Figure 57.
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User’s Manual for Agera and EasyMatch Essentials v 1.0 Figure 103. Spectral Plot View Figure 104. Spectral Plot Options Figure 105. Trend Plot Figure 106. Trend Plot Options Figure 107. Trend Plot Traces Figure 108. Color Plot View Figure 109. Color Plot Options Figure 110.
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