Aeros EasyMatch QC Installation Guide

Aeros EasyMatch QC Installation Guide

Aeros Features

The Aeros is a continuous, automated, non-contact color measurement instrument with height detection and color compensation. For use in laboratory environments, the Aeros uses LED illumination technology to measure samples and monitor color on a rotating tray. Pour, place and measure single or multiple samples on the tray, with easy cleanup and maintenance.

Aeros makes real-time color measurements of products with irregular shapes, and in industries as diverse as paint, food, building products and industrial minerals. This instrument is designed to work as a stand-alone unit with an easy-to-read display or connected to EasyMatch QC software on a personal computer.

Standard Accessories

• Calibration Box with calibrated white tile, black glass and green diagnostics tile
• Certificate of Traceability
• Power Supply
• Aeros Quick Start Guide
• 12-in and 6-in Sample Dishes
• USB Flash Drive

Power Jack

The instrument is supplied with a 24 VDC (3.75A) power supply. The power supply is plugged into the back of the instrument as shown along with the Ethernet port and the USB port.

CAUTION

Note: Use only the power cord included with this instrument or a replacement obtained from HunterLab. Be certain that the power cord is in good condition before connecting it.

Power Switch

To turn the instrument on, press the rocker switch on the back of the instrument.

Front and Rear USB Connectors

There are two USB connectors on the Aeros. The one in the front is typically used for exporting jobs and workspaces, backing up the instrument and updating software. The USB port on the back of the instrument is typically used to connect a printer or a keyboard to the Aeros.

Ethernet Port

This port is used to connect the Aeros to:

• Computer or to a network with the purpose of sending data (ASCII) to a server.
• Connect with EasyMatch QC and EasyMatch ER Validation and Compliance
• Remote Support
• Network printer

Note: Use of this equipment in a manner not specified by the manufacturer may impair the protection afforded by the equipment. Danger of electric shock if liquids are spilled and fire if volatile or flammable liquids are spilled. Use care when measuring liquid samples.

Aeros Options and Sample Devices

For the latest information, please refer to support.hunterlab.com and Aeros.

Aeros Installation

Note: The Aeros should be lifted from under the base plate, near the center of the unit. It should not be carried by grasping any part of the plastic housing.

The Aeros is simple to set up and attach to your computer. The following instructions guide you through the initial installation of your Aeros system.

1. Unpack all cartons and remove wrappings and cable ties. Inspect for damage and notify the carrier and HunterLab immediately if any is discovered. Save the packing material in case it becomes necessary to return the instrument to the factory.
2. Place the Aeros on a flat working surface where the measurements will be made. Place the computer near the sensor.
3. Ensure that the on/off switch on the back of the sensor is set to off.
4. Connect the power cord to the sensor and plug it into a power outlet.

Note: Refer to the Aeros Specifications section of this chapter for recommendations
concerning the power line and its conditioning.

CAUTION: Use only the power cord included with this instrument or a replacement obtained from Hunter Lab. Be certain that the power cord is in good condition before connecting it. The Aeros is grounded using the grounding portion of this power cord. Only plug this cord into a properly grounded power outlet. Do not use an inappropriate adapter to plug the instrument into an ungrounded outlet or electric shock may occur. More information on the wiring of the power cord can be found in the Aeros Specifications section of this chapter.

Note. Since the Aeros uses an ethernet cable to communicate with the computer, select the highest number COM Port No. offered.

Install EasyMatch® QC Software

Complete the following steps:

1. Log into the system using an account that has ADMINISTRATOR privileges for the PC — network orlocal.

2. Insert the installation CD into the CD-ROM drive. If the system is setup to automatically run CD programs, the menu will appear and you may skip to Step 5. Otherwise, continue with Step 3.

3. Select the Easy Match QC Icon or from Windows, go to START > RUN > ZMQC_MENU and OPEN. The following screen will be shown.
   

4. Select INSTALL EASYMATCH QC SOFTWARE and follow the screen prompts.

5.  Select SOFTKEY LICENSE as the type of key to use with the software. Figure 6. Software Key License
   

6.  When the EasyMatch QC installation is finished, select the OPTION BUTTON next to YES, I WANT TO RESTART MY COMPUTER NOW and then FINISH to restart the  computer and log back in.
   

7. The CD can now be removed.

Activate the SoftKey License

• From the Desktop, select the EasyMatch QC Icon or from the Windows Start menu, choose the following to open the software:
  START > PROGRAMS > HUNTERLAB > EASYMATCH QC

• A warning message to activate the license will be displayed as shown in Figure 8.
  

• The SoftKey License is uniquely associated with the sensor serial number and is provided on a thumb drive supplied with EasyMatch QC or via email from HunterLab.

• Go to HELP > LICENSE REGISTRATION > ACTIVATION.

• Select ACTIVATE LICENSE.
  

• i. Option #1: Key ID.
  This method is for copying the ID from an email or writing down the 32-digit code. This requires an internet connection.

  • From the CHOOSE AN OPTION page (Figure 9), select KEY ID.
  • Paste-in or type-in the License Key ID and click ACTIVATE.
  • An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.

• Option #2: Key File (.skl)
  This method is for using the SoftKey License (.skl file) on the thumb drive.

  • Place the thumb drive with the SoftKey License in the USB port.
  • From the CHOOSE AN OPTION page (Figure 9), select KEY FILE (.skl).
  • Browse the USB to find the SOFTKEY LICENSE (.skl) file, then click ACTIVATE.
  • An acknowledgement will be displayed showing the activation status.

• Option #3: Sentinel Key

  • a. If the user has a HunterLab USB hardware key, then it can be used with a new sensor on the same computer. Return to Install the Software, Step 5 (Figure 6) and select the Sentinel Key to continue.

• Option #4: 30-day trial

  • Fill out the registration form provided for the 30-day trial. Connect to the internet. HunterLab will approve the trial and email the SoftKey license back. Follow the directions for Option #1 or #2 to complete.
    

Sensor > Install and Setup

EasyMatch QC and EasyMatch QC-ER Version can connect with Aeros through an ethernet cable.

1. Connect both the Aeros and the computer with EasyMatch QC via an ethernet cable.

2. Open EasyMatch QC in the computer.

3. From the SENSOR MENU, select ADD SENSOR.
   
   

4. Select Aeros as the Sensor Type and use the USB (selected as default) to connect Aeros with Easy Match QC. Click NEXT to search available Aeros.
   

5. Select NEXT to standardize.

6. You are now ready to use EasyMatch QC with the Aeros

Sensor Manager > Standardization

The Aeros must be standardized on a regular basis to keep it operating properly. Standardization sets the top and bottom of the photometric scale. During standardization, the bottom of the scale is set using a black tile read on the Aeros. The top-of-scale is set using a white tile.

It is recommended that the instrument be standardized at least once every eight hours. Only reflectance is available on the Aeros.

The instrument can be standardized at any time by selecting SENSOR > STANDARDIZE or by clicking the STANDARDIZE button on the default toolbar. You are first prompted to indicate the instrument configuration.

To standardize, read the bottom-of-scale and the top-of-scale.

Sensor Manager > Measurement Configuration 

To adjust the measurement parameters for the Aeros, go to SENSOR MANAGER > MEASUREMENT CONFIGURATION. Select TURNTABLE MOTION to enable rotation. When AUTO HEIGHT is selected as a default, the sensor head will adjust its position to read samples automatically for each sample measurement. The CREATE SAMPLE PROFILE button will allow the Aeros to look at the specimen and select the optimum fixed distance from the turntable. When this is pressed, the Sensor will move to the Top position. When profile is complete, press OK to continue. The sample height will be shown next to the CREATE SAMPLE PROFILE button.

The MEASUREMENT TIME is the amount of time used to average the readings together. The longer the time, the more the averaging.

Aeros Maintenance and Testing

The Aeros is engineered to be virtually maintenance free. This section outlines the few parts of the sensor that are to be maintained for the instrument to function properly.

Routine Maintenance

The following schedule outlines recommended maintenance procedures for the Aeros. The actual frequency of maintenance required will be determined by the measurement application and plant operating conditions.

• Daily (or once per shift)
  Check and wipe the sensor viewing window clean with mild cleaning solution and then a dry soft cloth.

• Weekly
  Clean the exterior of the sensor and mounting. The Aeros is NOT waterproof, but the exterior of the case may be wiped with a damp cloth. Standardize the sensor.

• Monthly
  Clean the standards (slide-on calibrator and sensor window monitor) using a laboratory-grade detergent and a nylon brush. Wipe dry with a lint-free paper towel containing no FWAs. If a Hitch Standard has been used, then compare hitch standard values for the Aeros to those of the off-line colorimeter. Re- hitch the Aeros if necessary or desired.

• As Needed
  Replace the sensor window. Replace the fuses. Perform the diagnostics.

System Warm-Up

If power to any of the system components has been turned off, it must be restored to all components before operation can resume. If power to the support unit has been turned off, a 30-minute warm-up period is required for sensor temperature stabilization. If power to the support unit has been turned off for more than an hour, a two-hour warm-up period is required.

When restoring power to system components:

• Restore power to the support unit and computer (if included).
• Allow at least thirty minutes of warm-up time.
• Standardize.
• Select the desired product setup and begin operation.

Cleaning the Instrument Standards

It is extremely important that the standard tile (the slide-on calibrator) be treated with great care. It should always be protected from physical damage and dirt .

Be sure the standards are clean before using it for standardization. Once a month, use a soft nylon brush and a Sparkleen (Fisher Scientific Catalog Number 4-320-4) in water solution (1 tablespoon per gallon), followed by a running hot water rinse. Wipe dry with a clean, lint-free paper towel manufactured without fluorescent whitening agents (FWAs) to remove water marks.

Diagnostics on the Aeros

Diagnostics are included with the Aeros EasyMatch QC. To initiate, select DIAGNOSTICS from the S ENSOR MENU. THE GREEN TILE TEST, REPEATABILITY TEST and HARDWARE CHECKS are the available tests.

Green Tile Test

To begin the Green Tile Test, standardize the instrument and place the Green Tile at the port. The software first prompts for the values on the back of the tile.

Remove all samples from the instrument and attach the standardization box. The sensor will move to the top.

Attach the standardization box to the sensor. Then attach the black glass to the standardization box. Press NEXT to continue.

Remove the black glass and attach the white tile. Press NEXT to continue.

Attach the green tile and press NEXT to continue. Ten readings of the green tile are made and averaged. The average reading and its Pass/Fail status will be shown. Confirm that the result is PASS. The Pass/Fail tolerance for the Aeros is ± 0.30.

Repeatability Test

The repeatability test is initiated by standardizing and leaving the white tile in view. Each white tile reading is reported along with a pass/fail evaluation.

Remove all samples from the instrument and attach the standardization box. The sensor will move to the top.

Attach the standardization box to the sensor. Then attach the black glass to the standardization box. Press NEXT to continue.

Remove the black glass and attach the white tile. Press NEXT to continue.

Leave the white tile at the port press NEXT to continue.

When the test is complete, results are shown and output as a report.

Aeros Specifications

The specifications and characteristics of the instrument are given in this chapter. For best performance, the instrument should be placed where there is ample work space with medium or subdued illumination and no drafts. The operating conditions (temperature and humidity ranges) are given in the Operating Conditions section below.

Note: Do not leave Aeros in an area where temperature or humidity extremes are
possible.

Operating Conditions

Standard Accessories

| Calibrated instrument White Tile, Certificate of Traceability, Black Glass Standard, Green Diagnostic Tile, Standards Box, 30.5 cm (12-in) and 15.2 cm (6 in) sample pans, Power Supply, Quick Start

Guide, Aeros User’s Guide on CD

Physical Characteristics

Dimensions

(Height x width x depth)

| 56 cm x 38 cm x 51 cm

(22.0 in x 15 in x 20 in)

Maximum Sample Height| 65 – 140 mm (2.5 – 5.5 in)
Communications I/O: USB Front & Rear Panel ****

Ethernet RJ45

**** Remote Access Support

| Connectivity to printer, keyboard, mouse and other peripherals;

Print directly to standalone or network printers; email directly from the instrument; stream data to LIMS and SPC systems; Enabled

System Power| 100 – 240 VAC, 47 – 63 Hz to universal power supply @ 24 VDC/3.75A
Display| 7” Touch screen ,high resolution, color 1280 x 800 pixels

Conditions of Illumination and Viewing

concave holographic grating
Measurement Principle| Dual-beam Non-Contact Reflectance Spectrophotometer
Measurement Method| Rotating platter @ 12 RPM
Area Measured per Rotation| 177.25 cm2 (27.5 in2)
Sample Height| 65 mm – 140 mm (2.5 in – 5.5 in)
LED Life| 5 years typical

Instrument Performance

Spectral Data| Range: 400-700 nm
Reporting Interval (nm): 10 nm
---|---
Specular Component| Excluded
Spectral Resolution| <3 nm
Reporting Interval| 10 nm
Sampling Rate| Continuous at 7 measurements per second
Photometric Range| 0-150%
Measurement Duration| 5 seconds (1 rotation)
Measurements per Rotation| 35
Inter-instrument Agreement on BCRA II Tile Set| ∆ELab < 0.30 (Avg)
∆E (Lab) < 0.50 (Max) on
Colorimetric Repeatability| ∆E*< 0.025 Max on White Tile

Measurement

Data Views| Color Data, Spectral Data, Spectral Plot, EZ View, Tristimulus Color Plot, Trend Plot
---|---
Illuminants| A, C, D50, D55, D65, D75, F02, F07, F11, TL84, ULT30, ULT35
Observers| 2° and 10°
Color Scales| CIE Lab, Hunter Lab, CIE LCh, CIE Yxy, CIE XYZ and differences
Color Difference Indices| ∆E, ∆E, ∆E CMC, ∆E 2000

Indices and Metrics

| E313 Yellowness, E313 Whiteness, YI D1925, Y Brightness, Z%, 457nm Brightness, Baking Contrast Units, Tint, HCCI, SCCA
Data Storage| 500,000 Records max

Regulatory Notice

Aeros Sample Accessories

HunterLab Flash Drive (A10-1013-423)

2 GB USB 2.0 flash drive formatted for customer use with customized code for Setup backup and CSV Datalog export.

USB Flexible Keyboard (A13-1014-294)

This 88 character keyboard allows the user to enter IDs directly into the instrument.

USB Barcode Scanner (A13-1018-566)

Barcode Scanner scans product IDs directly into the instrument.

USB Adapter Cable (A21-1014-375)

Standard-A receptacle to Standard B plug, 1 meter long. This allows connection to the USB receptacle on the instrument to other peripherals such as a Personal Computer or the A13-1014-259 USB Printer.

Sample Holder, Offset, 3.5″ Dish (D02-1016-773)
Black Anodized Aluminum Sample Dish for use with offset 3.5″ petri dish holder to measure spice blends/seasoning mixtures/powder.

Sample Holder 145mm and 90mm Petri Dishes (D04-1018-680)

Sample Holder provides easy and repeatable positioning of 145 mm and 90 mm Petri dishes. Bottom of holder has molded spindle to allow quick positioning of sample holder in center turntable platter.

Sample Handling Package for Chips (L02-1014-741)

This three-piece kit provides the ideal accessories for preparing and presenting for color measurement of any large particulate products, such as: crushed potato, corn and vegetable chips. Includes (1) Black Anodized Aluminum Sample Dish 180 mm OD; 165 mm ID (D04-1013-402) and (1) Collar and Compressor (A13-1013-901).

90mm Plastic Petri Dish, 10-Pack (L02-1016-781)

Sample Trays

When You Need Assistance

If you need for technical or sales assistance on applications, troubleshooting, , service, warranty, accessory pricing and more, please contact the office nearest you:

For the Americas, Support@hunterlab.com
For Asia, AsiaSupport@hunterlab.com
For Europe, EuropeSupport@hunterlab.com
For India, Middle East and Africa, IMEASupport@hunterlab.com
For all other regions, Support@hunterlab.com

Additionally, our global support website offers 24/7 assistance with a library of information on various color measurement and appearance topics such as applications, instrument operation, and troubleshooting. The HunterLab global support website is located at support.hunterlab.com.

For personalized assistance, go to support.hunterlab.com and locate the Create   A Ticket button on the menu. A subsequent form gathers information on your request for response from our Customer Experience Teams around the globe.

Index

Add Sensor, 12
Cleaning
Instrument Standard, 18
Diagnostics, 18
Ethernet Port, 7
Features, 5
Green Tile Test, 18
Installation, 9
Instrument Power, 6
Maintenance, 17
Measurement Configuration, 15
Operating Conditions, 23
Repeatability Test, 21
Standardization, 13
Testing, 17
USB Connectors, 6
Using EasyMatch QC, 12

References

• Color Measurement Spectrophotometer Supplier & Manufacturer

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