Techkon SpectroDrive Manual
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Techkon SpectroDrive Manual

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Scan-Measurement-System
SpectroDrive
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ExPresso 4
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  • Page 1 Scan-Measurement-System SpectroDrive Software ExPresso 4 Manual...
  • Page 2 Purchase of the software grants the user a license for the use on one computer only. Programs may only be copied for back-up purposes. TECHKON can not be held liable for any damages that may occur by the use of the software.
  • Page 3 You will be fascinated how easy the system is to use. You will know how to work with SpectroDrive after having read this manual for only a few minutes. The second chapter describes the assembly of SpectroDrive and the installation of the software ExPresso 4.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Installation of SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 4 Assembly of SpectroDrive ......................11 2.2 Installation of the software ExPresso 4 .................12 CHAPTER 3: How to use SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 4 Operation of SpectroDrive ......................13 3.2 Care and maintenance ........................16 3.3 Software overview ExPresso 4 ....................18 Software settings ..........................21...

  • Page 5: Chapter 1: General Description Of The Measurement System

    Hence, during the development of SpectroDrive great care was taken in delivering a system that is easy to use and fast, to make working with SpectroDrive even more intuitive and convenient.
  • Page 6 Due to its aluminum unibody case the new SpectroDrive is particularly robust and reliable. Of course SpectroDrive is able to handle variable scan lengths and fits to any printing press format. The battery charging is inductive, fast and sustainable.
  • Page 7 Complete system is maintenance free  Automatic white calibration Measurement system can be flipped   Windows-software TECHKON 180°, if the color bar is on the opposite  side of the printed sheet ExPresso 4 can be operated with or without the touch-screen ...
  • Page 8 Information overview displays all rel-  evant parameters for quality control Using SpectroDrive as a hand-held unit is simple. Just position the compact mea- surement head above the sample and press the green measurement button. The measurement value is transmitted instantly to the PC.
  • Page 9 52: 750 mm, 74: 970 mm, 102: 1250 mm,105: 1280 mm Performance packages The scan-measurement device SpectroDrive and the Microsoft Windows software Ex- Presso form a complete quality control system for increasing productivity and quality of a printing press. There are two different versions available:...

  • Page 10: Packing List

    USB-dongle (software protection key) System requirements: for TECHKON software: Microsoft Windows 10; 64-bit, minimum: IBM-compatible PC with Intel Core Duo or comparable processor, 4 GB RAM, 2 USB ports; screen resolution for TECHKON ExPresso: minimum 1280 x 1024 pixel Optional accessories Color reference SpectroCheck for checking the measuring accuracy ...

  • Page 11: Assembly Of Spectrodrive

    CHAPTER 2 – Installation Chapter 2 Installation of SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 4 2.1 Assembly of SpectroDrive Connect the horizontal track with the left  and right holder as shown on the images. Be- fore placing the holders upside down, put a soft material underneath to avoid scratches.

  • Page 12: Installation Of The Software Expresso 4

    It is important to carry out the following steps in the right order to make sure that the USB device drivers will be installed properly. 1. Plug the TECHKON data media into the USB Module for port of the running computer. Make sure...

  • Page 13: Operation Of Spectrodrive

    CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Chapter 3 How to use SpectroDrive and the software ExPresso 4 3.1 Operation of SpectroDrive Automatic measurements Place the measurement device on the hori-  zontal track. WLAN-module Measurement area The module for the wireless data transmis- ...
  • Page 14 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive It is important that the measurement aper- ture always covers the color patches com- pletely during the entire scan. When using color bars with a patch height  smaller than 4,5 mm, the edge of the mea-...
  • Page 15 A paper white calibration can be carried out by keeping the green button pressed for a few seconds. The measurement aperture has to be on top of a non-printed area of the sheet. When SpectroDrive is on the track, the paper white calibration is performed by soft- ware command (see p. 34). Charging Completely charging an empty battery will take approximately four hours.

  • Page 16: Care And Maintenance

    (non-condensing); storage temperature: -20 to 50 °C. 3.2 Care and maintenance Cleaning SpectroDrive is a highly-precise optical instrument. It is designed to work in harsh, industrial environments. However, it should be handled with care. Avoid mechanical shocks, heat, dusty or humid environments.
  • Page 17 Check if the AC adapter is connected correctly to the mains plug and the charging  station. Check if SpectroDrive is charged in the home position (The battery symbol is animated during charging). If the device does not communicate with the software and does not work by press- ...

  • Page 18: Software Overview Expresso 4

    Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive 3.3 Software ExPresso 4 overview The software ExPresso is clearly structured. The menu bar comprises the four sections Print job (blue buttons), Settings (red buttons), Exit (blue button) and Scoring (when active). The appropriate submenu layers follow this color system.
  • Page 19 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive SETTINGS: P. 24 P. 25 P. 24 P. 27 P. 29 P. 31 P. 33 P. 37 P. 29 P. 38 P. 39 P. 39 EXIT: P. 63...
  • Page 20 The bottom area of the screen is a status line (4.), showing at the right side the con- nection status of the module for wireless data transmission, of the measurement device (SpectroDrive, SpectroDrive Simulator or SpectroJet) and of the USB-dongle. When moving the mouse pointer on the icons of one of these components, you get additional information, e.

  • Page 21: Software Settings

    – How to use SpectroDrive 3.4 Software settings When the software is started by a double click on the TECHKON ExPresso icon, the software routine checks first, while displaying the intro icon, whether a measurement device, a dongle and a module for wireless data transmission are connected.
  • Page 22 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive If you have not defined any printing machine in the menu section Settings  Printing conditions  Presses up to now, you will see the following info window: You can set up a printing machine which fits to your print job, by clicking on the New button in the menu item Presses.
  • Page 23 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Certain settings are done only once, after the software is installed or have to be changed only occasionally when fundamental parameters have altered. For example the menu language, the selection of the measurement device or the definition of a new printing press will be set once and do not have to be set for each and every print job to be carried out later.
  • Page 24 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive The following settings can be made in the Printing conditions section: Printing conditions – Presses Name: text box to define a name of the printing press  Manufacturer: text box (not mandatory)  Type: text box (not mandatory) ...
  • Page 25 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Printing conditions – Inks The list of inks included in the database is displayed. The four process colors C, M ,Y and K as well as the trapping colors M+Y, C+Y, C+M, C+M+Y (1.) and paper white are pre-installed.
  • Page 26 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Now enter an ink name (1.) for the spot color. Additionally the manufacturer (2.) can  be defined. You can choose an already existing color book for the new ink or generate a new  one. You edit a new color book by clicking on the button Edit color books (3.). In the win- dow which opens now you choose New, enter a name for the new color book and confirm the process with OK.
  • Page 27 In this menu section the list of color bars included in the database is displayed. We recommend the use of the TECHKON TCS print control strips, because their design is based on ink zones and covers all relevant measurement patches. Other definitions can be loaded by using the Import function.
  • Page 28 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive The window Edit color bar patches opens, which is divided into the three section Settings (1.), Color bar patches (2.) and Information (3.). First define in Settings three percentage values for the dot percentage patches and ...
  • Page 29 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive The following settings can be made in the in the Measuring conditions section: Measuring conditions – Target values / Tolerances A list of data sets for target values and tolerances for the paper classes 1 - 5 resp. 1 - 8 will be displayed.
  • Page 30 Additionally you can change the target values and tolerances of this color manually  by editing the text boxes or take the measurement data of SpectroDrive by pressing the Measure button (2.). Confirm the color and eventually set changes with OK. Now the color appears in the ...
  • Page 31 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Measuring conditions – Scoring In this menu section the defaults are set, to which the scoring of a measurement refers The menu window is divided into three sections: Scoring (1.), Scoring Ranges (2.) and Trapping Settings (3.).
  • Page 32 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive The section Scoring allows to set parameters which are essential for printing, like for example density, ∆E, substrate and trapping. The sliders can be reset to their initial position quickly and completely by using the button Reset values (4.).
  • Page 33 By clicking on the Settings button in the right lower corner, of the Measurement de- vices menu, the window TECHKON SpectroDrive opens, which is divided into four sections and offers basic settings options.
  • Page 34 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive In Measurement settings the fundamental settings for density- (1.) and colorimetric- measurements (2.) are displayed. The standard pre-settings for density measurement are for Europe: polarization filter on, white reference is paper white, density filter is ISO E, ...
  • Page 35 After a calibration has been carried out properly, it will be confirmed by the information window. TECHKON SpectroCheck (optionally available) is a color reference used to check the measuring accuracy of the SpectroDrive device.
  • Page 36 You can download the latest firmware for you device free of charge in the internet: www.techkon.com  Support  Download area  SpectroDrive  TECHKON SpectroDrive Firmware. The firmware version of the connected SpectroDrive can be seen in the information window Measurement device.
  • Page 37 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Measuring conditions – Measurement export After each measurement, the values can be exported to other applications. The most popular export formats e. g. CSV (Microsoft Excel™) are already pre-installed (1.). In the left section of the window further information about the target file and the target folder are displayed (2.).
  • Page 38 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Measuring conditions – GrayGuide targets If in Settings  System / Software the option Gracol G7™ was selected to be the preferred Gray mode display (see picture p. 39), Settings  Measuring conditions  GrayGuide targets opens now a menu window, which allows to adjust the target values or let them be calculated automatically.
  • Page 39 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive The following settings can be made in the System / Software section: The menu item is divided into the two sections Information (1.) and Settings (2.). Information: Displays the type of software (ExPresso Basic or Pro), the software version, the dongle- ID, the expiration date of time-limited dongles, and if extension modules are installed.
  • Page 40 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Gray mode display: This selection defines, whether the analysis of the gray balance  shall be carried out densitometrically or according to Gracol G7™.  Printer: Defines the connected printer for printing the report.  Language: Sets the language.

  • Page 41: Defining And Running A Print Job

    CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive 3.5 Defining and running a print job Before running a print job, certain selections have to be made. Everything related with a Print job is indicated by the blue screen color. ExPresso has an “autosave” function. Every Print job will be saved automatically. This applies also for Print jobs which are not completed and will be resumed later.
  • Page 42 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive The Search for function supports the fast research for already existing print jobs. Clicking in the Edit button (3. in picture p. 41) provides a direct access to the submenu Print job  Make ready  Print job info.
  • Page 43 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Make ready – Press / Inks Select a press, which you have already defined in Settings  Measuring conditions  Presses (see p. 22 and 25) and fill the printing units virtually with ink (1.).
  • Page 44 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive The picture on page 43 shows an 8-color press, with two empty printing units. Printing unit no. 7 contains the spot color HKS 17 K (3.), what can be seen at a glance by the screen color and the color name on the printing unit.
  • Page 45 By pressing the green measurement button (2. in picture p. 44), SpectroDrive scans the printing sheet an sets the length of the color bar. The green arrow disappears, if a color bar length has been scanned and captured successfully.
  • Page 46 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive The button Change plate assignment (4. on p. 45) opens a new window, where the assignment of a printing plate in regard to a printing unit can be defined individually. A change of the plate assignment is always necessary, when the order of the inks has been changed or if spot colors are used.
  • Page 47 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Besides the already pre-installed target sets for the five paper classes (1.), the list can also contain individual target sets (2.), which have been already edited using Settings  Measuring conditions  Target values / Tolerances (see p. 29 f.). The information box on the left side of the menu window shows all colors which belong to a target set and their target values.
  • Page 48 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Measurement of a print job Measure – Density This screen will display all relevant information after a scan measurement. The scan measurement can be started by pressing either the green measurement button on the device or the Start measurement button in the left lower section of the screen.
  • Page 49 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive The info section of the menu item den- sity measurement shows in detail the fol- lowing parameters: 1. Solid density 2. Printing contrast 3. Dot area 80 % 4. Dot area 40 % 5.
  • Page 50 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive 4. These buttons can optionally delete the current measurement or all measurements of a print job. 5. The button Mask ink zones opens a window, where optionally single inks within the ink zones or complete ink zones can be masked. Please note that the masked ink zones will not be taken into account for the calculation of the report statistics.
  • Page 51 C = 50 %, M = 40 % and Y = 40 %. The color bars TECHKON TCS Digital include a gray balance patch compliant with ISO 12647 in every ink zone. The gray balance display will show densitometric gray balance values for CMY in a bar graph.
  • Page 52 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Measure – GrayGuide (according to Gracol G7™) The GrayGuide function is a very useful feature when controlling a printing press ac- cording to the Gracol G7™ method, which is especially common in the USA. It requires the use of an appropriate color bar.
  • Page 53 – How to use SpectroDrive Measure – Colorimetric (ExPresso Pro) Thanks to the spectral performance of SpectroDrive it is possible to calculate and dis- play colorimetric values as well. Measurements in colorimetry modes have the advan- tage of an absolute description of color based on characteristic values. So it is possible to measure spot colors as well.
  • Page 54 ISO 12647 are absolute values, but they are not suited to use them for handling the printing process. Thanks to the spectral measurement technology of SpectroDrive, the very useful Ink- Check function combines the best of both worlds: Spectrally based recommenda- tions how to set the ink keys as used from density in order to meet colorimetric targets required for printing within ISO standards.
  • Page 55 – How to use SpectroDrive Spot measurement To carry out a spot measurements just position the SpectroDrive device with the mea- surement head on a single measurement patch and press the green measurement button shortly. The measurement data are instantly displayed by the ExPresso soft- ware in the window Spot measurement in the submenu Sample.
  • Page 56 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Spot measurement Reference Spot measurement Deviation ∆ Spot measurement OBA-Check...
  • Page 57 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Analyze The functions in the Analyze menu serve to analyze single measurements or com- plete series of measurements (print jobs). Single measurement report and Job report are used in regard to individually de- fined target sets and tolerances.
  • Page 58 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive ISO-report single measurement includes two sections: ∆E*a*b*-solid density and dot gain. The dot gain is documented for 40 % and 80 % and the midtone spread is visual- ized graphically. 1. Green dots indicate that the values are within tolerance 2.
  • Page 59 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Window: with detailed information ISO job report for ∆E and selected measurement no. 6: A green dot indicates, that the measurement value meets the tolerance. The example shows a red dot in the measurement series no. 1 (1.), which signalizes a measurement value which is out of tolerance.
  • Page 60 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Using the button Mask ink zones in the lower part of the menu window (see p. 58) you will switch to the Mask ink zones function. Here you can define which OK-sheet will be the starting point for the evaluation of the print job. Optionally a measurement can be selected to serve as starting point.
  • Page 61 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Analyze – Job report Job report is an evaluation of the whole print job in regard to the target values and tolerances according to customer standards. You can choose between a summary (see the picture below) and the display of single parameters e.
  • Page 62 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Analyze – Single measurement report As soon as the menu Measure is active, the button Scoring appears in the menu bar, showing the total scoring result of a measurement in percent. After a double click on this button, the menu sublayer Scoring Single Measurement opens directly. You can reach this sublayer also by choosing Print Job ...
  • Page 63 CHAPTER 3 – How to use SpectroDrive Analyze – Scoring Job Comparable to the scoring analysis of single measurements (see p. 62) this menu sec- tion displays the scoring results of a job in detail. Exit Just press the Exit button to quit the ExPresso application. A window for confirmation will appear.

  • Page 64: Chapter 4: How To Use The Windows Software Spectroconnect

    It is important to carry out the following steps in the right order to make sure that the USB device drivers will be installed properly. 1. Plug the TECHKON data media into the USB port of the running computer. Make sure that the WLAN-module for wireless data transmission is not connected to the PC.

  • Page 65: Overview / Software Module: Compare Colors

    4.3 Overview / Software module: Compare colors The application will be installed in the Windows program files section in the folder TECHKON GmbH / TECHKON SpectroConnect. After starting the program the main screen Compare colors will appear. It is divided...

  • Page 66: Software Module: Spectrodrive Settings

    1. SpectroDrive: All settings concerning the SpectroDrive device can be carried out with this software feature. The Serial number of the device and the installed Firmware version as well as the Firmware date are displayed. The software module SpectroDrive settings is very convenient for choosing density and colorimetric settings and accord- ing references as well as scan measurement settings.

  • Page 67: Device Update

    CHAPTER 4 – SpectroConnect 4.5 Device update By the application of this module SpectroDrive can be loaded with a new internal firmware which is selected by Device update. The procedure is explained in the program window:...

  • Page 68: Software Module: Export

    Excel™, Word™ or other programs which can handle color data, e. g. a RIP calibration software. SpectroDrive works like the keyboard: Pressing the measurement button will insert the measurement value at the location where the cursor is active. This can be either the Export window (2.) or another application.

  • Page 69: Software Module: Colorcatcher

    CHAPTER 4 – SpectroConnect 4.7 Software module: ColorCatcher Based on a L*a*b*-measurement and referring to selected ICC profiles the program module ColorCatcher displays the conversion into the color models L*C*h*, RGB and CMYK. Furthermore an automatic search for the closest matching color of a pre-set or self created color book is carried out.

  • Page 70: Software Module: Photolab

    Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive 4.8 Software module: PhotoLab TECHKON PhotoLab is a program module for evaluating and displaying L*a*b* color data graphically. Selected measurements can be displayed and analyzed. 1. In the upper section of the module win- Furthermore, color values and complete color...
  • Page 71 CHAPTER 4 – SpectroConnect 1. Masters and references can be selected di- 2. Different modes of the L*a*b*-display can rectly with a mouse click or by choosing from be selected: the pull-down menu. The modes Bargraph and Quality Cer-  tification Chart show the trend of ∆L*-, Delete and renaming is done via the menu.
  • Page 72 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive PhotoLab settings When you open the pop-up window PhotoLab settings in the menu bar of the pro- gram module PhotoLab, you can select and edit three areas. 1. General settings: This is the window for setting the dimensions of the L*a*b*-color circle and the ∆L*a*b*-...

  • Page 73: Software Module: Media Wedge

    CHAPTER 4 – SpectroConnect 4.9 Software module: Media Wedge The program module Media Wedge serves the fast, colorimetric analysis of the Ugra/ Fogra media wedge. This digital control element is available from Fogra, the Ger- man “Graphic Technology Research Association” (www.fogra.org). The test element is placed at the border of a proof.
  • Page 74 Manual TECHKON SpectroDrive Media wedge evaluation: Label and report...

  • Page 75: Software Module: Spectrocheck

    TECHKON SpectroCheck (optionally available) is a color reference used to check the measuring accuracy of the SpectroDrive advice. Connect SpectroDrive and SpectroCheck via the USB cable with the computer. The program module SpectroCheck will now lead you step by step through the checking procedure of the measurement device.

  • Page 76: Appendix

    Microsoft Windows 10; 64-bit, minimum: IBM-compatible PC with Intel Core Duo or comparable processor, 4 GB RAM, 2 USB ports; screen resolution for TECHKON ExPresso: min. 1280 x 1024 pixel Specifications can be subject to change without notice. All mentioned trademarks and copyrights are recognized.

  • Page 77: Manufacturer Certificate

    T D 16-0032 202 Notice: Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by TECHKON GmbH may void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment. The supplied AC adapter is according to regulations UL, IP 40, IEC 950 and VDE EN-EC10. The device is to be used only with the origi-...
  • Page 78 It can be cleaned with clean, compressed air and an optics brush. We recommend a functionality check-up every 24 months at the TECHKON service center, which includes the issue of a new Manu- facturer certificate. Warranty: The warranty for TECHKON products is 24 months starting with the date of purchase.

  • Page 79: Ec-Declaration Of Conformity

    D-61462 Königstein erklärt, dass das Produkt: Declares that the product / déclare, que l e produit / si dichiara che il prodotto Typ: SpectroDrive (WLAN Version) Type / tipo Verwendungszweck: Farbmessungen Intended use / utilisation prévue / Color measurements / mesure de la...
  • Page 80 2. Sicherheit (Artikel 3.1.a der R&TTE-Richtlinie) Safety / sécurité électrique / sicurezza elettrica angewendete Normen: IEC 60950-1:2005 (2. Edition)/ applied standards / standards appliqués / A1:2009 norme applicate / édition pubblicato EN 60950-1:2006/A11:2009/ A1:2010/A12:2011 3. Elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit (Artikel 3.1.b der R&TTE-Richtlinie) Electromagnetic compatibility / compatibilité...
  • Page 82 Erfolg ist messbar TECHKON GmbH Wiesbadener Str. 27 ∙ D-61462 Königstein T +49 (0) 6174 / 92 44 50 ∙ F +49 (0) 6174 / 92 44 99 info@techkon.com ∙ www.techkon.com...

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