Lovibond RT 400 User Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Lovibond Manuals
  4. Measuring Instruments
  5. RT 400
  6. User manual

Lovibond RT 400 User Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
RT 400/500
User Guide
Part No: 400041

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the RT 400 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for Lovibond RT 400

Summary of Contents for Lovibond RT 400

  • Page 1 RT 400/500 User Guide Part No: 400041...
  • Page 3 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Consult this documentation in all cases where the Attention symbol appears. This symbol is used to inform you of any potential HAZARD or actions that may require your attention. CE Declaration Hereby, X-Rite, Incorporated, declares that this RT Series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive(s) EMC 2004/108/EC and LVD 2006/95/EC.
  • Page 4 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER If your device is equipped with a Bluetooth wireless transmitter, it contains the following module. Roving Networks RN42 Roving Networks, Inc. 809 University Ave. Los Gatos, CA 95032 TEL: 408-395-6539 FAX: 603-843-7550 Module meets the following standards: EN 300328-2 V1.7.1 (10-2006) EN 301489-1 V1.8.1 (04/2008) EN 301489-17 V2.1.1 (05-2009)
  • Page 5 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Proprietary Notice The information contained in this manual is derived from patent and proprietary data and are copyrighted. Any reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Publication of this information does not imply any rights to reproduce or use this manual for any purpose other than installing, operating, or maintaining this instrument.
  • Page 6 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER THESE WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN SOLELY TO BUYER AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR APPLICATION, ® AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.

  • Page 7: Table Of Contents

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Table of Contents Introduction and Setup Packaging Attaching the Safety Strap Powering On and Off Locking the Navigation Control Power Save Modes Charging the Battery Pack Connecting the AC Adapter Connecting the USB Cable Changing the Aperture Setting (RT 520 & RT 530 only) User Interface Instrument Controls Navigation Control (up, down, left, right and center)
  • Page 8 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Language Instrument Orientation Default Tolerance Date Format Instrument Date/Time Clear All Samples Restore Factory Settings Calibration Mode Calibration Notes White and Black Calibration Procedure Measure Mode Entering Measure Mode Measure Mode Icons Selecting Measurement Mode Selecting Color Space Selecting Illuminant/Observer Projects Selecting a Project...
  • Page 9 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Job Mode (RT520 & RT 530 only) Job Mode Icons Accessing Job Mode Selecting and Running a Job Appendices Service Information Cleaning the Instrument General Cleaning Cleaning the Optics Cleaning the Calibration Reference Replacing the Battery Pack Troubleshooting Screen Messages Technical Specifications...

  • Page 10: Introduction And Setup

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER INTRODUCTION AND SETUP The spectrophotometer is a compact, rugged and reliable color measurement instrument that reports spectral data. This manual covers the installation, operation and maintenance of the instrument. Specific instructions for using the instrument with your software application can be found in the software documentation.

  • Page 11: Attaching The Safety Strap

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Attaching the Safety Strap A safety strap is included with your instrument. The strap attaches to the back of the instrument and around your wrist. The strap should not be used to carry the instrument. 1. Feed the small looped end of the strap around the post at the back of the instrument. Small loop 2.

  • Page 12: Powering On And Off

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Powering On and Off The power button is used to initiate the instrument from a power off state. Simply press and hold the button for three seconds to turn on the instrument. If the instrument does not power up after pressing the power button, the batteries may require charging.

  • Page 13: Power Save Modes

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Power Save Modes The instrument utilizes two power save modes to conserve battery life during nonuse times. The power save mode option is preset in the Configuration Mode. Standby Mode: The instrument is ready to measure, however the display is not on. A button press, measurement, power connection (if not connected), or USB connection will wake up the instrument.

  • Page 14: Connecting The Ac Adapter

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Connecting the AC Adapter NOTE: The instrument can operate from the AC adapter only. The battery pack does not need to be installed. The AC adapter overrides any charge condition of the battery pack in the instrument. Measurements can be taken even with a very low battery condition when using the AC adapter.

  • Page 15: Changing The Aperture Setting (Rt 520 & Rt 530 Only)

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Changing the Aperture Setting (RT 520 and RT 530 only) If available, the instrument can take measurements using either a 4 mm aperture or 8 mm aperture. Simply rotating the aperture knob and switching target windows changes the setting. 1.

  • Page 16: User Interface

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER USER INTERFACE Instrument Controls The instrument controls are used to navigate the screen, select options, and perform measurements. Navigation Control (up, down, left, right and center) The navigation control moves the focus of the highlight around the You can also use the screen.

  • Page 17: General Sample Measurement

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER General Sample Measurement The instrument can take measures from just about any clean, dry surface that is reasonably flat. The instrument shoe should be able to rest flat and steady on the sample area. If the item to be measured is smaller than the shoe, you may want to make a platform—at the same height as the item—for the rest of the instrument’s shoe to sit on.

  • Page 18: Main Screen Menu

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Main Screen Menu When the instrument is powered-up, the main (top level) screen appears after the diagnostics test is complete. The main screen consists of the header bar and operation modes. The operation modes are selected by using the navigation buttons located to the side of the display screen. Measure mode Calibration mode Configuration mode...

  • Page 19: Header Bar

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Header Bar The header bar at the top displays various icons showing the current instrument setup and condition. Refer below for a description of each. Controls Lock: Displays a locked or unlocked icon for the instrument controls. •...

  • Page 20: Main Column

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Indicates that battery pack is removed and the instrument is operating from the AC adapter only. Main Column The main column is used to access the main instrument screen and configuration mode. View Column The view column lists options that may be available for the selected mode. The highlighted option is the one that is currently displaying in the content area.

  • Page 21: Configuration Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER CONFIGURATION MODE Configuration mode is used to adjust and view the instrument’s settings. You should set the configuration options before using the instrument for the first time. However, you can go back and change these settings at any time. Each configuration option is explained in detail on the following pages.

  • Page 22: Measurement Trigger

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Exiting Configuration Mode After configuring options, use the Left navigation button to move the highlight focus to the Main screen icon in the Main column and tap the Select button to exit. NOTE: If a setting has a checkmark save icon it must be selected before exiting or any changes that were made will be lost.

  • Page 23: Sample Deletion

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Sample Deletion This option is used to enable or disable (default) the ability to delete stored samples in the measure mode. NOTE: The option requires sample storage to be enabled. Enabled: Allows sample deletion. Disabled: Disallows sample deletion. Sample History This option is used to enable (default) or disable the ability to view stored samples in the measure mode.

  • Page 24: Power Management Scheme

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Power Management Scheme This option is used to set the power save method. The explanation for each setting is listed below. Shut off times are ignored when the AC adapter is plugged into the instrument. No Power Save Mode: The instrument goes into standby mode after 24 hours and shuts completely off after 48 hours of inactivity.

  • Page 25: Metamerism Illum/Obs Pairs

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Metamerism Illum/Obs Pairs These options are used to select the illuminant/observer combinations pairs that are used in calculating the metamerism index. NOTE: Illum/obs combinations that appear here are the same as the combinations selected for the Allowed Illum/Obs combinations option. Metamerism index must be a selected color space for these options to appear.

  • Page 26: Language

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Language This option is used to set the language that is displayed on the instrument. The available settings are English (default), German, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Korean, and Japanese. Instrument Orientation This option is used to change the display direction to accommodate both right and left handed users.

  • Page 27: Instrument Date/Time

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Instrument Date/Time This option is used to set the instrument date and time. 1. Use the Right/Left and Up/Down buttons the select the month, day, year, hour, or minute option. 2. Tap the Select button to access the parameter. 3.

  • Page 28: Calibration Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER CALIBRATION MODE The calibration consists of a ceramic plaque for white measurements and a trap opening for black measurements. A calibration should be performed when prompted for by the instrument or when desired. The calibration timeout is set in Configuration mode. Refer to Cleaning section in the Appendices for information on cleaning the optics area and references.
  • Page 29 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 3. Use the Right navigation control to move the highlight focus to the Progress column. Use the Down navigation control to highlight the Next arrow icon (→) if not highlighted and tap the Select button. 4. Remove the protective cap from the white ceramic plaque in the calibration reference. 5.

  • Page 30: Measure Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER MEASURE MODE The measure mode is the main operation mode of the instrument used to select the measurement mode, analyze and collect sample data. After taking a measurement, you can view the results under various color spaces and illuminant/observer combinations. NOTE: You must select a standard if auto standard is disabled before measuring.

  • Page 31: Selecting Measurement Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Exits the averaging measurement sequence for the current sample. Pages through the list of color spaces allowed in the Configuration mode. Pages through the list of illuminant/observer combinations allowed in the Configuration mode. Toggles between SPIN and SPEX specular components. Toggle between graph view screen and data screen.

  • Page 32: Selecting Color Space

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Selecting Color Space The instrument has several colorimetric systems (absolute and difference) to choose from. Any color space can be selected after a measurement to view the measurement results under a different method. The color space page icon is used to quickly page through the list of allowed color spaces without leaving the current view.

  • Page 33: Selecting Illuminant/Observer

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Selecting Illuminant/Observer The instrument has several illuminant/observer combinations to choose from. Any combination can be selected after a measurement to view the measurement results under various conditions. The illuminant/observer page icon is used to quickly page through the list of allowed illuminant/observers without leaving the current view.

  • Page 34: Projects

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Projects The project icon lists available projects that contain grouped standards. Projects and standards are typically created and downloaded from a software application. When multiple projects are available, you must select the desired project before taking a measurement when using auto standard.

  • Page 35: Adding Standards To A Project

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 4. Tap the Left navigation button to move the highlight to the Add Project screen. 5. Tap the Select button to access the option. 6. Use the Up or Down navigation buttons to page through the alphanumeric list for the first character of the name.

  • Page 36: Deleting Projects, Standards, And Samples

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 3. Tap the Select button and then tap the Left navigation button to move the highlight to the select standards screen. 4. Use the Up or Down navigation buttons and the Select button to choose the standards. 5.

  • Page 37: Standards

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 2. Highlight the Edit icon and tap the Select button to view the select option screen. 3. Select the Edit icon and tap the Select button to view the Enter Project Name screen. 4. Tap the Left navigation button to move the highlight to the Enter Project Name screen. NOTE: Select the backspace character () and use the Left navigation button to delete the unwanted characters.

  • Page 38: Creating Standards

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 2. From the Measure screen, use the Up or Down navigation buttons to move the highlight focus to the Standard icon 3. Tap the Select or Right navigation button to access the standard selection area. Selecting No Standard causes no standards to be used during sample measurements.
  • Page 39 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 4. Select the Add icon and tap the Select button to view the Measure Standard screen. NOTE: The Add icon will not appear if the maximum of 250 standards is reached for the selected project. 5. Position the target window over the sample and take the measurement. 6.

  • Page 40: Editing Standard Name

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 10. When finished, tap the Right navigation button and highlight the Checkmark icon in the Progress Column. The new standard now appears in the selected project. The newly created standard can now be used for sample comparison.

  • Page 41: Editing Standard Tolerances

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER NOTE: You can also use the navigation control to rapidly scroll through a list by touching the control between the arrows and circle left or right. 6. Tap the Select button set the character. 7. Tap the Left or Right navigation button to move the two arrows to the next character space and tap the Select button.

  • Page 42: Editing Tolerances

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Editing Tolerances To edit standard tolerances: 1. Select the standard (if not already selected) that you want to rename and move the highlight to the Progress Column. 2. Highlight the Edit icon and tap the Select button to view the tolerance screen. 3.
  • Page 43 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER fields determines the reference box size. A smaller value is entered for a tighter tolerance. Values range from .01 to 9.99. The shade sort range determines the range of the 555 shade tag boxes to be used and displayed. The range can be set from 1 to 9 in the three dimensional space.

  • Page 44: Basic Operation

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Basic Operation Measuring a Sample The measurement results displayed depend on how the instrument configuration is set, and color space and illuminant/observer selections. Measurement results can display as absolute or color difference compared to a standard. If tolerance values are included with the standard, pass/fail status appears for each measured sample.

  • Page 45: Renaming A Sample

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Renaming a Sample The last measured sample can be renamed from the default time and date stamp if desired. To rename a sample: 1. Select the Edit icon and tap the Select button. 2. Tap the Left navigation button to move the highlight to the Enter Sample Name screen. 3.

  • Page 46: Viewing Stored Measurements

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 1. Select the project, standard (if required), measurement mode, illum/obs, and color space as previous explained. 2. Position the instrument on the first area of the sample and take a measurement. After the measurement, the instrument displays "Averaged 1 of 2" in the screen, indicating one more measurement is required for results.

  • Page 47: Viewing Pass/Fail Data

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Content area highlighted Viewing Pass/Fail Data A red or green bar displays for a sample on the instrument screen, based on the tolerances assigned to the standard. Two “green” or “red” lights also illuminates, indicating the sample’s acceptability.

  • Page 48: Graph View

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Yellow checkmark and green bar indicated at least one attribute has exceeded the warning limit. Pass/Warning Example The “L* attribute exceeded the 80% warning for the 1.00 tolerance set. Pass/Fail Option The Pass/Fail display option located in the color space group gives you a quick pass/fail view of a sample.

  • Page 49: Reflectance View

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 3. To exit the graph view, highlight the Graph View icon and tap Select. The screen returns back to the data display. Reflectance View The instrument can display reflectance graphs for the standard and sample at the same time. Reflectance values (actual or difference) are displayed in 10 nm increments, from 400 to 700 nanometers.

  • Page 50: Verbal Difference View

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 5. After viewing is complete, tap the Select button to deactivate the selection mode (data point turns gray) allowing you to exit the Content area. Verbal Difference View The instrument can display color differences numerically (default setting) or as a verbal description, depending on the setting in Configuration.
  • Page 51 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Shade Sort Out of Range Indication If an up arrow or a down arrow appears in the place of a shade sort number, this indicates that the number is out of range. The way the arrow is pointing indicates the failure direction. An up arrow indicates above and a down arrow indicates below.

  • Page 52: Compare Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER COMPARE MODE The Compare mode is a quick method for comparing measurements without storing the data. After entering the mode, the first measurement is set as the standard and each measurement thereafter is compared to it. The standard can be re-measured whenever desired. Compare Measurement To perform a compare measurement: 1.
  • Page 53 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Sample Data Difference Data 6. Continue with additional sample measurements if required. To measure a different standard: 1. Tap the Right navigation button to highlight the Progress column. 2. Use the Up or Down navigation buttons to select the Standard/Sample toggle icon Standard/Sample toggle icon 3.

  • Page 54: Strength Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER STRENGTH MODE The Strength mode calculates the color strength of the measured sample compared to the current standard. Strength is calculated using the method selected in the instrument configuration (Apparent, Chromatic, or Tristimulus). Once measured, the color data can be calculated and displayed for color at equivalent strength (@ 100%) and minimum Delta E*.

  • Page 55: Opacity Mode

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER OPACITY MODE The Opacity mode is used for making multiple measurement calculations to determine Contrast Ratio or Percent Opacity. Each measurement requires three readings (over-black, over-white, and a measurement of the white backing). The final data can be stored and displayed either as over- white, over-black, or color at 100%.
  • Page 56 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER 6. Measure the sample over the white portion of the opacity card. Release the instrument after data is displayed. 7. Measure the white backing of the opacity card. Release the instrument after data is displayed. Data display type (over black, Sample opacity percentage over white or color at 100%)

  • Page 57: Job Mode (Rt520 & Rt 530 Only)

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER JOB MODE (RT 520 & RT 530 only) The Job mode is used to select and run a job downloaded from a software application. A typical job displays a sequence of measurement steps on the instrument screen followed by measurement results in the color space selected for the step.

  • Page 58: Selecting And Running A Job

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Selecting and Running a Job The following sample job consists of three measurement steps. NOTE: If required, you can re-measure the sample before proceeding to the next step. This option must be activated when the job is created in the software application. 1.
  • Page 59 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER step image step instruction 6. Data for the second measurement appears on the display in the color space selected. Make sure the Next arrow icon is selected and tap the Select button. step measurement results Next arrow icon 7.

  • Page 60: Appendices

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER APPENDICES Service Information ® The Tintometer Group provides repair service to their customers. Because of the complexity of the circuitry, all warranty and non warranty repairs should be referred to an authorized service center. For non warranty repairs, the customer shall pay shipping and repair cost to the authorized service center, and the instrument shall be submitted in the original carton, as a complete unaltered unit, along with all the supplied accessories.

  • Page 61: Cleaning The Instrument

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Cleaning the Instrument Your instrument requires very little maintenance to achieve years of reliable operation. However, to protect your investment and maintain reading accuracy, a few simple-cleaning procedures should be performed from time to time. General Cleaning The exterior of the instrument may be wiped clean with a cloth dampened in water or mild cleaner.

  • Page 62: Cleaning The Calibration Reference

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Cleaning the Calibration Reference The calibration reference consists of white and green ceramic plaques, and a black trap opening. The calibration reference should be cleaned periodically. Ceramic Plaque Cleaning Procedure 1. Remove the protective plastic cap from the ceramic plaque. Protective cap 2.
  • Page 63 RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Black Trap Cleaning Procedure 1. Take apart the two sections by compressing the two locking tabs on both sides with your fingers and separating. 2. Clean with clean, dry air, or wipe clean with a lint-free cloth to remove any dust or contamination.

  • Page 64: Replacing The Battery Pack

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Replacing the Battery Pack Use the rechargeable Li-ion battery pack provided; other types may burst causing personal injury. 1. Carefully turn the instrument over and rotate the shoe back until it is completely open. 2. Using your finger, pull back on the battery access cover latch while lifting upwards on the cover to remove it from the instrument housing.

  • Page 65: Troubleshooting

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Troubleshooting Prior to contacting the support department for instrument problems, try the applicable solution(s) described below. If the condition persists, contact us using one of the methods listed in the Service Information section. Problem Cause/Solution Instrument not Battery pack is very low or bad.

  • Page 66: Technical Specifications

    Avg. 0.13 ΔE* ab , based on avg. of 12 BCRA series II tiles (specular component included) Max 0.25 ΔE* ab on any tile (specular component included) Short-Term Repeatability (RT 400) .10 ΔE* ab on white ceramic (standard deviation) Short-Term Repeatability (RT 500/505) .05 ΔE* ab on white ceramic (standard deviation) Short-Term Repeatability (RT 520/530) .04 ΔE* ab on white ceramic (standard deviation)

  • Page 67: Green Tile Color Check

    RT 500 SERIES SPECTROPHOTOMETER Green Tile Color Check 1. Perform a calibration procedure if you have not already done so. Refer to the Calibrating section. 2. Select the appropriate option in the application to initiate the green tile color check. 3.
  • Page 68 The Tintometer Ltd Tintometer Inc Lovibond House 6456 Parkland Drive Sun Rise Way, Amesbury Sarasota Wiltshire SP4 7GR FL 34243 Tel.: +44 (0)1980 664800 Tel.: +1 941 758 8671 Fax.: +44 (0)1980 625412 Fax.: +1 941 727 9654 sales@tintometer.us sales@tintometer.com www.lovibondcolour.com...

This manual is also suitable for:

Rt 500Rt505

Table of Contents