HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Citrus User Manual
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HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Citrus User Manual

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User's Manual for
®
ColorFlex
EZ Citrus
Hunter Associates Laboratory
11491 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190
USA
www.hunterlab.com
A60-1014-591, Version 2.0
For ColorFlex EZ firmware version 1.11 and above

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Summary of Contents for HunterLab ColorFlex EZ Citrus

  • Page 1 User’s Manual for ® ColorFlex EZ Citrus Hunter Associates Laboratory 11491 Sunset Hills Road Reston, Virginia 20190 www.hunterlab.com A60-1014-591, Version 2.0 For ColorFlex EZ firmware version 1.11 and above...
  • Page 2 Sparkleen is a registered trademark of Fisher Scientific Company LLC. Safety Notes For safety when using the ColorFlex EZ Citrus, pay attention to the following types of statements in this User’s Guide. Each description is shown in its representative typeface.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Contents INTRODUCTION TO THE COLORFLEX EZ CITRUS SYSTEM ............7 Accessories ..........................7 Installation ........................... 8 THE BASICS OF COLORFLEX EZ CITRUS OPERATION ..............9 The Button Pad and LCD Display ....................9 Menus and Prompts ........................
  • Page 4 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Color Diff ..........................37 Average........................... 37 Date/Time ..........................38 READING, STORING AND PRINTING DATA ................39 Reading with Datalog......................... 39 Reading with Averaging ......................39 Working with Saved Readings ....................41 Delete All Readings......................41 Print All Readings...
  • Page 5 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Sample Cup Port Plate ......................58 64 mm (2.5 in) Glass Sample Cup ................... 59 Sample Cup Opaque Cover ....................59 Ring and Disk Set ........................59 INSTRUMENT REPLACEMENT, REPAIR, PROBLEMS, AND QUESTIONS ........61 Warranty ............................
  • Page 6 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 7: Introduction To The Colorflex Ez Citrus System

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus is available with a 25.4 mm (1 in) viewing area and 45°/0° geometry. The special port plate is designed specifically for use in a port-forward position with a special tube holder to properly position sample tubes.

  • 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 Citrus. Turn the ColorFlex EZ Citrus on by pressing the GO (lightning bolt ) button on the button pad.

  • Page 9: The Basics Of Colorflex Ez Citrus Operation

    Across the top of each measurement screen are numbers indicating (left to right) the Datalog number for this reading if it was saved to the ColorFlex EZ Citrus’s memory, and the number of hours and minutes since the instrument was last standardized.

  • Page 10: About Your Instrument

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 3. Main Menu When OFF is shown as an available button command on the main menu screen, choose OFF to immediately turn the instrument off. About Your Instrument Information specific to the instrument may be viewed on the ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT screen, which can be obtained by choosing ABOUT from the main menu.

  • Page 11: Standardization Process

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 5. Time Since Last Standardization It is recommended that the ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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 Check that the Black Glass is flat and in solid contact against the port and that the white dot is facing forward towards the operator. Press the GO button. The ColorFlex EZ Citrus reads the glass and sets the instrument bottom-of-scale. When it is finished, the screen prompts for the calibrated White Tile.

  • Page 13: Reading Individual Samples

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Press the button GO. The ColorFlex EZ Citrus reads the White Tile and sets the top- of-scale. When it is finished, the screen indicates that the instrument has been successfully standardized. Press MAIN MENU (right arrow) to return to the main menu.
  • Page 14 SAVE/PRINT (down arrow) to both save the reading (if AutoSave is not enabled) in the ColorFlex EZ Citrus’s memory and print the reading if a USB printer is connected. The saved readings counter in the upper left corner of the screen will be incremented to reflect the newly saved reading.

  • Page 15: Using A Hitch To The Citrus Standard

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Press UP to move to the next data view for this product setup. Press RIGHT ARROW to retur to the main menu. Using a Hitch to the Citrus Standard The purpose of the Citrus Standard is to improve inter-instrument agreement in Citrus Score values at multiple sites, or between a buyer and seller of processed Citrus products.

  • Page 16: Setting Tolerances For Citrus Products

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Return to the Product Setup screen and select STANDARD VALUES. The Standard Values screen appears. Figure 18. Standard Values READ the OJ4 Standard and the X,Y,Z values read on the ColorFlex EZ are displayed with the first digit highlighted.

  • Page 17: Defining Standard, Sample And Tolerances

    Citrus or a set of color values that is entered into the ColorFlex EZ Citrus’s memory. Sample A sample is an object that will be measured with the ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus 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 Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus. This Hitch Standard is then read on the ColorFlex EZ Citrus and the target values from the reference instrument entered manually.

  • Page 23: View

    Press the RIGHT ARROW button to obtain the VIEWS screen. Figure 31. Views Up to eight different views may be displayed for the ColorFlex EZ Citrus. This is particularly helpful when you need to report in more than one color scale for each measurement.
  • Page 24 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus 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 34. Difference Values...
  • Page 25 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus 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 37. 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 Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 40. 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 Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 l:c ratio and then to the Shade Blocks. Press the LEFT ARROW button when the needed values have been entered. Press the LEFT ARROW button (Back) twice to return to the Product Setup screen.

  • Page 28: Standard Values

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Table 2. Summary of Measurement Values on ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Figure 44. 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 49. Setup Maintenance The available commands are described below.

  • Page 32: Print One Setup

    Figure 53. Printout Clone All Setups CLONE ALL SETUPS appears in the Setup Maintenance menu only when two ColorFlex EZ Citrus instruments are connected together via the standard ColorFlex EZ Citrus USB cable and a Standard-A to Mini-A adapter. When CLONE ALL SETUPS is chosen on one of the ColorFlex EZ Citrus units, the full set of 100 product setups are sent from the initiating instrument to the second connected instrument.

  • Page 33: Global Options

    The global options that may be configured are as follows: Language ColorFlex EZ Citrus can display screens and prompts in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Simple Chinese. To scroll through the languages, highlight the LANGUAGE and select the RIGHT ARROW to change.

  • Page 34: Screen Angle

    In this submenu, the following parameters can be set: Screen angle Rotate the text on the ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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 35: Contrast

    The ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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: Autosave

    Figure 63. Standardization Interval AutoSearch One of the features of the ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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...

  • Page 37: Color Diff

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Color Diff To deselect the AUTOSEARCH feature, set this parameter to (...). To use this feature, select the color difference index for comparison of the sample/standard. The choices are dE, dE*, and dEcmc.

  • Page 38: Date/Time

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Date/Time When DATE/TIME is highlighted and the RIGHT ARROW button is pressed, a submenu appears. Set the current date and time. Refer to the button pad map at the bottom of the screen for selection options.

  • Page 39: Reading, Storing And Printing Data

    Reading, Storing and Printing Data Reading with Datalog The ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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 Citrus’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 Citrus’s memory during the read process may be viewed, printed, and deleted later, if desired. Figure 73. Select Saved Readings...

  • Page 42: Print All Readings

    View Saved Readings VIEW SAVED READINGS allows the user to view and scroll through the readings saved in the ColorFlex EZ Citrus’s memory. The first reading stored in memory (which was assigned an ID of 0001 by default) will be shown first.

  • Page 43: Filter By Setup

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0...

  • Page 45: Sample Preparation And Presentation

    When taking readings, make sure that the sample surface is flat against the ColorFlex EZ Citrus sample port. This may be difficult if the sample is curved or irregularly shaped. Look at the instrument from all angles to make sure the port makes as much contact as possible with the product.

  • Page 46: Directional Samples

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 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 Citrus

    Cleaning the ColorFlex EZ Citrus Clean the outside surfaces of the ColorFlex EZ Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus’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 Citrus Citrus 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 85. 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 Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus 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 Citrus. HunterLab part numbers are provided for convenience in ordering.

  • Page 56: Keyboard

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

  • Page 57: Easymatch Qc Software With Citrus Option (Ezmqc-Cflx)

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

  • Page 58: Glass Port Insert

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Glass Port Insert This option provides a snap-in port plate (D02-6624-05) with an opening one inch in diameter that is covered with glass. Also available is a CMR-2587 Port Insert with polycarbonate. The glass insert protects the inside of the instrument from sample and airborne particles.

  • Page 59: 64 Mm (2.5 In) Glass Sample Cup

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 64 mm (2.5 in) Glass Sample Cup The sample cup is ideal for the analysis of powders, granules, pellets, and translucent samples. It is recommended for use with the instrument in the port-up orientation. The cup can be filled with the desired sample and placed at the measurement port so that the sample is measured through the glass bottom of the cup.
  • Page 60 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus 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 Citrus).

  • Page 65: Index

    ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 INDEX About Your Instrument ......10 Green Tile Check ........49 Absolute display ........23 Hitch standard ........... 22 AC adapter ..........8 Ill/Obs ............25 Accessories ..........7 Illumination ..........52 Autosave ...........
  • Page 66 ColorFlex EZ Citrus Citrus User’s Manual Version 2.0 Repairs ............63 Shipment Shortage ........62 Replacing the Lamp ........47 Shipping Claims ......... 61 Reset All Setups ......... 31 Shipping instrument ........63 Returns ............63 Signal Levels ..........49 Ring and Disk Set ........

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