HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Tomato User Manual
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HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Tomato User Manual

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User's Manual for
®
ColorFlex
EZ Tomato
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1014-592, Version 2.0
For CFEZ firmware version 1.11 and above

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  • Page 1 User’s Manual for ® ColorFlex EZ Tomato Hunter Associates Laboratory 11491 Sunset Hills Road Reston, Virginia 20190 www.hunterlab.com A60-1014-592, Version 2.0 For CFEZ firmware version 1.11 and above...
  • Page 2 Safety Notes For safety when using the ColorFlex EZ Tomato, pay attention to the following types of statements in this User’s Guide. Each description is shown in its representative typeface. Note: General safety instruction that should always be observed while operating the instrument.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Contents INTRODUCTION TO THE COLORFLEX EZ TOMATO SYSTEM ............7 Accessories ..........................7 Installation ........................... 8 THE BASICS OF COLORFLEX EZ TOMATO OPERATION ............. 9 The Button Pad and LCD Display ....................9 Menus and Prompts ........................
  • Page 4 Sample Presentation ......................... 45 Directional Samples ........................ 46 Non-opaque Samples ......................46 Translucent Samples ......................46 MAINTAINING AND TESTING COLORFLEX EZ TOMATO ............47 Cleaning the ColorFlex EZ Tomato ..................... 47 Maintaining the Instrument Standards ..................47 Replacing the Lamp ........................47 Diagnostics ..........................
  • Page 5 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Sample Cup Opaque Cover ....................58 Ring and Disk Set ........................59 EasyMatch QC Software ......................59 INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS ........61 Warranty ............................ 61 Shipping Claims .......................... 61 Breakage or Damage ......................61 Shortage .............................
  • Page 6 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 7: Introduction To The Colorflex Ez Tomato System

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato is available with a 25.4 mm (1 in) viewing area and 45°/0° geometry. The special port plate is designed specifically for holding in place a 64 mm (2.5 in) glass sample cup with tomato products such as paste/puree, sauce, catsup and juice.

  • Page 8: Installation

    NEW HARDWARE message disappears. Other devices, such as the printer, bar code reader, and keyboard, are automatically detected by the ColorFlex EZ Tomato. Turn the ColorFlex EZ Tomato on by pressing the GO (lightning bolt ) button on the button pad.

  • Page 9: The Basics Of Colorflex Ez Tomato Operation

    CHAPTER TWO The Basics of ColorFlex EZ Tomato Operation Commands are given to the ColorFlex EZ Tomato using the five buttons on its button pad, and instructional prompts and measurements are displayed on the 320 x 240 pixel on color liquid crystal display (LCD) screen.

  • Page 10: About Your Instrument

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 product setup and global options), or an additional menu (such as the Diagnostics, Saved Readings, and Setup Maintenance choices), depending on the function requested. When RETURN is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, choose Return to go back to the last screen used before the instrument shut down.

  • Page 11: Standardization Process

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 5. Time Since Last Standardization It is recommended that the ColorFlex EZ Tomato be standardized every four to eight hours. The instrument will automatically prompt for standardization after the Standardization Interval set in Global Options has elapsed, so it is a good idea to enter 4 to 8 hours as the Standardization Interval.
  • Page 12 Replace the Black Glass with the calibrated White Tile from the standards box. Figure 10. Confirmation of Standarization Press the button GO. The ColorFlex EZ Tomato reads the White Tile and sets the top- of-scale. When it is finished, the screen indicates that the instrument has been successfully standardized.

  • Page 13: Reading Individual Samples

    Reading Individual Samples Complete the following steps to take individual readings using the ColorFlex EZ Tomato: Note: These instructions apply when Average in the product setup is set to OFF.
  • Page 14 User options are shown on the keypad map at the bottom of the screen. Press SAVE/PRINT (down arrow) to both save the reading (if AutoSave is not enabled) in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory and print the reading if a USB printer is connected.

  • Page 15: Using A Hitch To The Tomato Red Tile

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Remove the sample cup from the sample port and place the next sample at the port. Press READ to take another reading using this product setup. Press UP to move to the next data view for this product setup.

  • Page 16: Setting Tolerances For Tomato Products

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 For each Tomato Score, the VIEW is set to Absolute, the Observer to C/2°, and the scale to Hunter L,a,b. Return to the Product Setup screen and select STANDARD VALUES. The Standard Values screen appears.

  • Page 17: Defining Standard, Sample And Tolerances

    Tomato or a set of color values that is entered into the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory. Sample A sample is an object that will be measured with the ColorFlex EZ Tomato and compared to the product standard. The color of the sample is generally similar to the color of the product standard.
  • Page 18 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 19: Configuring Setups

    (if applicable), and the acceptable tolerances applied to the standard values (if applicable). Each product setup is saved in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato memory with a setup number and name.

  • Page 20: Custom Setups

    For other applications, the setups may be modified. Up to 250 product setups may be stored in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato memory. Product Setup screen appears. On this screen, choose to select the product setup from a list (YES) or configure the last setup used (NO).

  • Page 21: Setup Name

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Setup Name Press the right arrow button to obtain the PRODUCT NAME screen and enter any descriptive name for the product setup. Up to 15 characters may be entered using all the letters and numbers, as well as the space character.

  • Page 22: Averaging

    This Hitch standard is then placed on a second instrument such as the ColorFlex EZ Tomato. This Hitch Standard is then read on the ColorFlex EZ Tomato and the target values from the reference instrument entered manually.

  • Page 23: View

    Press the RIGHT ARROW button to obtain the VIEWS screen. Figure 32. Views Up to eight different views may be displayed for the ColorFlex EZ Tomato. This is particularly helpful when you need to report in more than one color scale for each measurement.
  • Page 24 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 DIFFERENCE Difference allows the most recent sample read to be compared to the standard and the difference in color between them (such as dL, da, db) to be displayed. Figure 35. Difference Values...
  • Page 25 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 SPECTRAL PLOT Spectral Plot graphs the raw reflectance values for each wavelength for the most recent standard or sample. Figure 38. Spectral Plot DIFF PLOT Spectral Difference plots the raw reflectance difference between the standard and the most recent sample at each wavelength.
  • Page 26 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 41. Ill/Obs COLOR SCALE Choose the color scale to be used. Use the DOWN ARROW button to move down to the Color Scale parameter, then scroll through the choices using the RIGHT ARROW button.
  • Page 27 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Press the LEFT ARROW button (Back) twice to return to the Product Setup screen. Figure 44. CMC Parameters...

  • Page 28: Standard Values

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Table 1. Summary of Measurement Values on ColorFlex EZ Tomato Illuminant/Observer Scales Differences Indices A/2, A/10 CIE Lab dL*a*b* C/2, C/10 CIE LCh dL*C*h YI D1925 D50/2, D50/10 Hunter Lab dLab YI E313 (YIE)
  • Page 29 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 45. Standard Values For a PHYSICAL standard, place the standard at the sample port and press the GO button (Read) to read the standard and place its measurement values (in the selected color scale) in the product setup.

  • Page 30: Tolerances

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 As a PQ Performance Qualification step, measure the physical hitch standard as a sample and verify that the read values closely match the reference values. Tolerances When Tolerances is highlighted, press the RIGHT ARROW button to move to the Tolerances configuration screen.

  • Page 31: Setup Maintenance

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Setup Maintenance Setup Maintenance is selected from the main menu by moving the cursor highlight to its position using the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons and then pressing the GO button. Figure 50. Setup Maintenance The available commands are described below.

  • Page 32: Print One Setup

    Standard-A to Mini-A adapter. When CLONE ALL SETUPS is chosen on one of the ColorFlex EZ Tomato units, the full set of 100 product setups are sent from the initiating instrument to the second connected instrument. This process takes several minutes. Press...

  • Page 33: Global Options

    In this submenu, the following parameters can be set: Screen angle Rotate the text on the ColorFlex EZ Tomato screen so that it may be easily read from either side of the instrument. 0° keeps the text in its normal position and 180° flips the text upside down.

  • Page 34: Backlight

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 (i.e., what was previously the up arrow will become the down arrow if the text is flipped upside down). Each press of the RIGHT ARROW button increases the displayed value 180°. Backlight Press the RIGHT ARROW button to increase the brightness of the LCD’s backlight or the left arrow button to decrease the brightness.

  • Page 35: Display Off

    The ColorFlex EZ Tomato will turn off entirely (display and processor) once 5 minutes has elapsed since the last button press. Press any button to re-activate. Press BACK (the lightning bolt) to return to the GLOBAL OPTIONS screen.

  • Page 36: Stdz Interval

    Figure 62. Standardization Interval AutoSearch One of the features of the ColorFlex EZ Tomato is that it can find the closest physical, numeric, or hitch standard stored in the instrument’s memory to a sample read. When AUTOSEARCH is highlighted and the RIGHT ARROW button is pressed, a submenu appears.

  • Page 37: Date/Time

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 ARROW button to decrease the number. Values between 2 and 20 may be selected in increments of 1. To deselect the average measurements used in AutoSearch, set this parameter to OFF. Figure 64. Average Press BACK (the Go button) to return to the GLOBAL OPTIONS screen.
  • Page 38 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 39: Reading, Storing And Printing Data

    Reading, Storing and Printing Data Reading with Datalog The ColorFlex EZ Tomato can manually or automatically save measurements to the Datalog on a USB flash drive in CSV (.csv) or ASCII (.dtg) format. The precision is 3 decimal places for colorimetric data, 5 for chromaticity values and 4 for spectral data.
  • Page 40 After all readings in the averaging sequence have been made press SAVE/PRINT (down arrow) to both save the reading in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory and print the reading (if a USB printer is connected).

  • Page 41: Working With Saved Readings

    Working with Saved Readings Readings stored in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory during the read process may be viewed, printed, and deleted later, if desired. Figure 72. Select Saved Readings...

  • Page 42: Print All Readings

    Print All Readings causes all the measurements stored in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory to be output to the device (such as a computer) or printer connected to the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s USB port. When complete, return to the SAVED READINGS menu.

  • Page 43: Filter By Setup

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Filter By Setup Filter By Setup views the readings by choosing the product setup. The SAVED READINGS screen is shown first. Scroll through the setups using the UP and DOWN ARROW buttons until the selected setup is highlighted, then press GO (center button).
  • Page 44 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 45: Sample Preparation And Presentation

    CHAPTER SIX Sample Preparation and Presentation The ColorFlex EZ Tomato spectrophotometer is a versatile color measurement instrument that can be used on products of virtually any size and in diverse industries. With its compact design, it can be used to measure objects that would be difficult to position at the sample port of a larger color instrument.

  • Page 46: Directional Samples

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 does not pillow into the sample port. Average several readings when measuring samples that are textured, patterned, or irregular in color. Examples of ways to measure several types of samples are given below.

  • Page 47: Maintaining And Testing Colorflex Ez Tomato

    Cleaning the ColorFlex EZ Tomato Clean the outside surfaces of the ColorFlex EZ Tomato using a soft cloth. Do not spray liquids directly on the instrument. Maintaining the Instrument Standards Before standardizing, inspect the calibrated White Tile and Black Glass for dust and fingerprints.

  • Page 48: White Repeatability

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Choose the desired function by scrolling using the up and down arrow buttons until the desired test is highlighted and then pressing the right arrow button. Note: When running all Diagnostic Tests the standard port plate must be installed.

  • Page 49: Green Tile Check

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Green Tile Check The first Green Tile Check screen allows you to compare the values in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s memory to the values read at factory on the back of the diagnostic Green Tile. If the values match, press the GO button to continue.
  • Page 50 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 successful, the versions of the firmware present would be displayed. Also shown is the value of the checksum of the instrument’s calibration data as four hexadecimal digits. Figure 84. Self-Test The value of the checksum of the calibration data should remain constant unless the White Tile’s assigned reflectance is updated, or the instrument is serviced.

  • Page 51: Specifications

    The operating conditions (temperature and humidity ranges) are given in the Operating Conditions section below. Operating Conditions Do not leave ColorFlex EZ Tomato in an area where temperature or humidity extremes are possible. Storage Temperature -20°C to 65°C (-5°F to 150°F)

  • Page 52: Conditions Of Illumination And Viewing

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Conditions of Illumination and Viewing Light Source Pulsed xenon Lamp Life >1 million flashes Geometry 45° Illumination/ 0° Viewing 256-element diode array and high- Spectrophotometer resolution concave holographic grating 31.8 mm (1.25 in) illuminated/ Port Diameter/View Diameter 25.4 mm (1 in) measured...

  • Page 53: Measurement

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Measurement Data Views Color Data, Color Difference Data, Tristimulus Color Plot, Spectral Data, Spectral Difference Plot, Spectral Plot, Spectral Difference Plot Illuminants A, C, D50, D65, D75, F2, F7, F11 Observers 2° and 10°...

  • Page 54: Regulatory Notice

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Regulatory Notice...

  • Page 55: Options And Sample Devices

    There are many options and devices available for positioning samples at the measurement port of the ColorFlex EZ Tomato and for making the instrument easier to use. Any of the following options and sample devices may be purchased for use with the ColorFlex EZ Tomato.

  • Page 56: Bar Code Scanner

    The up, down, left, and right arrow keys on the keyboard correspond to the same buttons on the ColorFlex EZ Tomato button pad. The Enter key on the keyboard emulates the center Go button on the ColorFlex EZ Tomato’s button pad. Numbers and letters may be typed on the keyboard as usual.

  • Page 57: Port Inserts

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Port Inserts Port inserts with various-sized openings may be purchased and placed at the reflectance port to change the area of view. Remove the standard port insert by pulling it out of the port insert retainer.

  • Page 58: Sample Cup Set For Translucent Liquids

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Sample Cup Set for Translucent Liquids This set provides a device for holding powders, pellets, granules, and translucent liquids at the sample port. It includes a 64 mm (2.5 inch) glass sample cup, plastic ring and ceramic disk set, special port plate insert, and sample cup cover.

  • Page 59: Ring And Disk Set

    Measurements may be made and stored in the ColorFlex EZ Tomato memory and then uploaded into the software, or the ColorFlex EZ Tomato may be directly controlled by the software. Instructions for EasyMatch QC are provided in its separate...
  • Page 60 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 61: Instrument Replacement, Repair, Problems, And Questions

    • Technical assistance. Warranty HunterLab warrants that all instruments it manufactures are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use. This warranty is limited to repairing or replacing any defective hardware or software that may cause the instrument to perform outside of its specified tolerances.

  • Page 62: Shortage

    Advise HunterLab regarding replacement. Parcel Post Shipment Notify HunterLab at once in writing, giving details of the loss or damage. This information is required for filing a claim. Hold the damaged goods with their container and packaging for possible inspection by postal authorities.

  • Page 63: Returns / Repairs

    HunterLab Service Support 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 Support. Please read the next section, When You Need Assistance prior to contacting HunterLab.

  • Page 64: 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: The type of sensor for which you need assistance (ColorFlex EZ Tomato).

  • Page 65: Index

    ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 INDEX About Your Instrument ......10 Glass Sample Cup Absolute display ........23 ColorFlex EZ Tomato ......58 AC adapter ..........8 Global Options .......... 33 Accessories ..........7 Green Check Tile ......... 7 Autosave ...........
  • Page 66 ColorFlex EZ Tomato User’s Manual Version 2.0 Product Standard ........17 Setups Locked? ......... 35 Prompts ............. 10 Shade Sort ..........26 Questions ..........61 Shipment Shortage ........62 Reading ............. 13 Shipping Claims ......... 61 Repairs ............63 Shipping instrument ........63 Replacing the Lamp ........

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