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Manual PDF
Model 577PC
Reflectometer
User’s Manual
Cautions regarding operation of the Model 577PC Reflectometer are indicated by the following
format throughout the instruction manual. Be sure to read and understand all of these cautions.
WARNING Indicates actions or conditions that pose (a) hazard(s) to the user.
This document contains information for use by owners and operators of the Photovolt Instruments
Model 577PC Reflectometer. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. This
document is considered proprietary and no part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express prior written consent of Photovolt
Instruments. If copies are then permitted, they must contain this proprietary notice.
i
Model 577PC Reflectometer
Model 577PC
Reflectometer
User’s Manual
(Revision A)
1
Model 577PC Reflectometer
2
Model 577PC Reflectometer
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Model 577PC Reflectometer system with “YA” Search Unit ........................................4
Figure 2. 577PC console shipping carton contents......................................................................5
Figure 3. Search units and related items .....................................................................................5
Figure 4. Power Adapter ..............................................................................................................6
Figure 5. Model 577PC Front Panel.............................................................................................7
Figure 6. Model 577PC Back Panel ...........................................................................................10
Figure 7. Example of a Two-Point Calibration............................................................................12
Figure 8. ZERO Calibration........................................................................................................13
Figure 9. Plaque.........................................................................................................................14
Figure 10. Format in Excel for Saved Data ................................................................................15
Figure 11. Types of Search Units...............................................................................................18
Figure 12. Search Unit Apertures...............................................................................................18
Figure 13. Tristimulus Filter Characteristics...............................................................................20
Figure 14. Applications by Search Unit and Color .....................................................................21
Figure 15. Lamp Assembly .........................................................................................................24
Figure 16. Lamp Installation........................................................................................................24
Figure 17. 577PC-S Stainless Steel Model................................................................................. D
APPENDICES
Appendix
A
-
TROUBLESHOOTING
GUIDE............................................................................................... A
Appendix
B
-
GLOSSARY
OF
TERMS........................................................................................................... B
Appendix
C
-
CONVERSION
TO
OTHER
COLOR
SPACES....................................................................... C
Appendix
D
-
577PC-S ....................................................................................................................................D
3
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The new Photovolt 577PC reflectometer is similar to older models but, contains
state-of-the-art electronics and has many new features including an embedded PC
computer, Ports for a keyboard, a mouse, two USB devices, Ethernet, RS232 serial
port, and a color display.
Figure 1 shows a typical 577PC Reflectometer system with all its’ components.
The type ‘YA’ sensor head (search unit) shown is the most common type. Other search
unit types may be supplied with black cavity standards and calibration plaques that
differ in appearance from the ones shown. Please refer to section 13 of this manual for
more information on the different search unit types available.
4
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The search unit, calibration plaque, black cavity, spare lamp, calibration certificate,
and color filter(s) are shipped in the smaller carton. There are a lot of possible options
so check the contents against the list of possibilities shown below.
5
Model 577PC Reflectometer
3. Instrument Set-up
3.1. Power Adapter Module
The Model 577PC is supplied
with a universal power adapter
that steps any common power line
voltage down to a safe 9 VDC.
The power adapter is Energy Star
rated, UL and CSA listed, and CE
marked. Figure 4. Power Adapter
Connect the adapter output connector to the “Power” socket on the backside of
the reflectometer. Connect the power cord to the adapter and plug into your power
outlet. There is a small green indicator light on the top of the adapter that is illuminated
whenever it is connected to a functioning power outlet.
NOTE
Do not attempt to power the 577PC from any source
of power other than the Photovolt provided module.
Doing so will void the warranty and may damage the
instrument.
3.3. Power on
Turn on the master power rocker switch. When it is on it lights up in a green color. This
is a master power switch like those on the power supply on the back of your PC. It should be left
on all the time. The red power button on the front of the 577PC is used to control operation of
the instrument. When the red POWER button is pushed a red light will be lit on the front panel.
If an operating 577PC is turned off with the master rocker switch it might cause a
corruption of the internal solid-state storage and a loss of saved readings and calibration
settings.
6
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The function buttons control basic reflectometer operation. The red POWER
button turns the 577PC off and on. When the red POWER button is pushed a blue light
just above the red POWER button and a red light near the number display will be lit up.
The blue light indicates that power is on and the red light indicates that the computer is
“booting up”. When the “boot up” is complete, the red light will turn off and the number
display will light. When power is on the blue light above the power button is illuminated.
Since the embedded PC controls all functions As long as the blue power light is lit
the internal computer is running.
The HOLD button freezes the reflectance display reading at its’ current value.
The display remains frozen and the red light just above the hold button stays on until the
hold button is pushed a second time.
The HOLD button also functions as a SHIFT key to change the function of the
CALIBRATE and STD buttons. Press and hold down the HOLD button and then press
CALIBRATE or STD buttons to start the functions described below.
7
Model 577PC Reflectometer
While pressing the HOLD button pushing the CALIBRATE button puts the 577PC in the
difference mode.
When the difference mode is active all three color select lights are on. The reflectance
display shows the difference in percent between the current reading and the reading at the time
this mode was started.
The difference mode can be used to directly display variations across a large sample as
the search unit is moved about. It can also be used to show variations across a group of
samples or differences from a master sample. It can also directly display the darkening of filter
paper in the ASTM fuel stability test.
To exit the difference mode just repeat the HOLD plus CALIBRATE button procedure.
Unlike other modes the 577PC does not stay in the difference mode when power is turned off
and back on again.
Turn on the master power rocker switch. When it is on it lights up in a green color. This is a
master power switch like those on the power supply on the back of your PC. It should be left on
all the time. The red power button on the front of the 577PC is used to control operation of the
instrument.
While pressing the HOLD button pushing the ZERO button tells the 577PC to
transfer the internally stored reflectance readings to a USB flash memory stick. See
section 8 of this manual for a complete description of saving and transferring reflectance
readings.
The digital display shows the sample reflectance in percent from 0.00 to 99.9%.
This display is continuously updated unless the hold button is used. When the reading is
less than 10% the hundredths digit is shown. During abnormal conditions error
messages may be shown such as: Lo Hi or Err. The display is also used during
instrument calibration.
The color select buttons select the reflectometer operation for each color:
AMBER, BLUE , or GREEN. Each color is calibrated individually and those settings are
selected with these buttons. This allows quick readings of a sample in each color
especially when using the type ‘T’ search unit that has a color filter selection wheel. The
appropriate color must be used to match the color of light emitted by the search unit.
8
Model 577PC Reflectometer
For the type ‘W’ search unit the blue color is always selected. The 577PC retains its’
color mode setting when powered down.
The calibration controls are used to set the black ZERO and standard plaque
STD calibration for each of the three colors. The calibration procedure is described in
section 6 of this manual. When used together with the HOLD button the calibration
controls have a second function as described above in section 4.2.
9
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The keyboard and display connections are needed only for special operations
such as setting time and date.
10
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The photosensor array in the search unit produces a voltage that is proportional
to the amount of light that shines on its surface. However, the photosensor does not
produce zero voltage in the absence of light. This “no light” voltage must be nulled out
or “zeroed” to produce the first calibration point. This first calibration point is then
referred to as the “dark” or “zero” offset.
When a sample is placed on the search unit, the photocell produces a voltage
that is usually between the two calibration points. Since the photosensor output is
linear, the sample voltage is directly proportional to its reflectance.
Note: For best accuracy we recommend choosing a reference plaque such that the
plaques reflectance values are near or higher than the expected brightest sample. For
best accuracy when a large range of sample reflectance values is expected, we
recommend that two different standard plaques be used, one for the brighter and one
for the darker samples. This is especially desirable when working with low reflectance
samples (less than 20%) such as roast coffee.
11
Model 577PC Reflectometer
7. Calibration Instructions
The Model 577PC uses internal flash memory to store the current mode and the
calibration values for each of the tristimulus filters. The values for one calibration
plaque are retained when the instrument is powered down. Thus it is not necessary to
reenter the plaque calibration values before each recalibration if you use the same
calibration plaque. The 577PC should be allowed to warm up for at least 30 minutes
before calibration or use. To avoid the warm up period you may leave the instrument on
continuously. If left on continuously the 577 draws less than 25 watts of power and
lamp life will exceed 1.5 years. A detailed overview of the Model 577PC’s calibration
procedure follows:
12
Model 577PC Reflectometer
POINT
The calibration curve of the 577PC will be different for each of the three filter
channels. Be sure to select the correct filter channel for the filter in the search
unit. Incorrect filter channel settings will result in erroneous reflectance
measurements.
When filters are changed in the search unit, the corresponding channel should be
selected via the Amber, Blue, or Green buttons. Filters and their corresponding
memory settings can be changed at will, once the Model 577PC has been calibrated.
Only those filter channels that are being used for samples need to be calibrated.
The normal display mode displays percent reflectance of the sample.. This is the
default display mode and is active when NOT in calibration mode (whenever the
CALIBRATE, or STD lights are extinguished).
13
Model 577PC Reflectometer
● The display will show the assigned reflectance value for the previously entered
standard plaque.
● Read the assigned plaque reflectance value for the selected color from the label on
the back of the plaque.
● Enter the standard plaque value from the plaque label into the Model 577PC by using
the Amber, Blue and Green buttons to increment the tens, units, and tenths digits
respectively. The digits will individually increment between 0 and 9 when the buttons
are depressed. Standard plaque values of between 00.0 and 99.9 may be entered.
● Once the display reads the correct standard plaque value, depress the STD button a
second time. The STD LED will extinguish, as will the CALIBRATE LED. Normal
reflectance display will resume and the display should be identical as the standard
plaque value (± 0.2%) after the standard plaque value is entered.
The reflectometer is now ready for sample measurements on the newly calibrated
color channel. For best results let the instrument warm up for at least 30 minutes before
calibration. During use calibration should be rechecked periodically by replacing the
standard plaque on the search unit. If the plaque value (± 0.5%) is displayed when the
standard plaque is replaced on the search unit, then the instrument is still in calibration.
Otherwise, calibration should be repeated.
POINT
Two-point calibration (zero offset and standard plaque entry) must be
done at least once for each filter and filter channel combination to be used.
If the search unit to be used does not require multiple filters, calibration
need be done only on the filter channel required for use with the selected
search unit. The 577PC remembers the calibration information but it is still
good practice to check it fairly often.
14
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The Model 577PC stores the current reflection reading whenever the button on
the side of the search unit is pressed. The HOLD light flashes for a second to indicate
the data have been saved. The most recent 100 readings are stored in internal flash
memory. Once 100 readings have been saved subsequent readings will be saved and
the oldest readings will be deleted.
To retrieve the stored readings plug a USB memory stick into either USB
connector. Wait a minute or two for the memory stick to be recognized. Then press the
HOLD button and keep it down while pressing the ZERO button. All of the saved
readings in internal memory will be transferred to the USB memory stick in ‘comma
delimitated format’ suitable for import into Microsoft Excel or other spread sheet
programs. This file is quite small so it takes only a fraction of a second to transfer.
Transferring the data does not erase it from the 577PC. New readings are just
added until there are 100 at which point adding a new reading erases the oldest one.
If the memory stick is full, unformatted, or write protected the data will not be
transferred. You can test the memory stick for compatibility with the 577PC by copying
some sample data to it from a PC. If it passes this test it should also work with the
577PC.
15
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The readings are in comma delimited format used with a spreadsheet program.
Each reading is one line. The image below is what Excel shows for six readings. Types
are REF for reflectance and DIF for difference. Colors are A for amber, B for blue, and
G for green.
16
Model 577PC Reflectometer
The USB, keyboard, mouse, color display, and network ports on the 577PC are
all PC standard ports. If a peripherals work on your PC they will also work with the
577PC. USB keyboards and mice can also be used.
When shipped from Photovolt the 577PC internal clock is set to universal (GMT)
time and date. To change this you will need to connect a keyboard (or USB keyboard)
and a display to the 577PC. You must start this procedure with the 577PC power turned
off. Push the red power button to turn on the 577 and immediately start repeatedly
pushing the DELete key on the keyboard. This will cause the BIOS setup page to
appear on the display. Use the arrow keys and PAGE UP and PAGE DOWN keys to set
the desired time and date and then save and exit by pushing the F10 key.
Once the BIOS setup is completed the computer will restart the reflectance
program. Unless you are sure you know what you are changing do not modify the other
BIOS settings as they may keep the reflectance program from operating properly.
The 577PC software can be easily updated by the user. Normally the updated
program is supplied on a USB memory stick or sent by email.
When the update is sent by email you will receive a file with the name:
“577_580_update.tar.gz”. Copy this file to the root directory of a USB memory stick.
The file is about 125Kb. The USB stick that is used does not have to be empty and may
contains other files on them.
Connect a PC or USB keyboard, and the memory stick to the 577PC. Connecting
a monitor to the DISPLAY connector is desirable but not necessary. Wait a couple of
minutes for the new items to be recognized by the 577PC. Then push only the U key on
the keyboard, just the U key, nothing else. The reflectance display will go blank and the
new software will be installed. This only takes a few seconds. Wait a minute for it to
17
Model 577PC Reflectometer
complete and then type: RESTART followed by [ENTER]. The new software will start
and you can disconnect the memory stick and keyboard. Or you can push the red power
button to turn off the 577PC. It will be running the new software when turned back on.
The type ‘Y’ is by far the most commonly used search unit. It uses a removable
‘tristimulus’ color filter to filter the light shining on the sample. Per CIE standards amber,
18
Model 577PC Reflectometer
blue, and green tristimulus filters can be inserted one at a time in the side of the search
unit. For full color measurements the reflectance at all three colors must be measured.
More commonly the sample only needs measurement with one color. The type ‘Y’ must
be used with a filter installed.
The type ‘Y’ along with the ‘W’, ‘X’, and ‘T’ are designed with the geometry of the
light source and the photodetector arranged to minimize or eliminate any effect on the
measurement due to the samples’ glossy or shiny surface.
Usually the type ‘Y’ is used with a green filter. This gives a generic reflectance
reading since green is near the center of the eyes’ response band and near its’ most
sensitive color frequency. When in doubt use green. A blue filter is used with near white
samples such as paper, talc, pigments and other powders. Amber is used for coffee
beans and ground coffee. Infrared and ultraviolet parts of the lamp spectrum are filtered
out before reaching the sample so optical ‘brighteners’ do not affect the readings.
The type ‘Y’ measures reflectance of the sample in a circular area 0.8 inches
(20mm) in diameter. For a smaller measurement area see type ‘X’.
The type ‘W’ search unit was designed specifically to measure the brightness of
paper samples to a old TAPPI standard. It is sometimes also used with near white
powders. The ‘W’ uses a built in blue filter for the light source. The blue filter can not be
changed or removed. Like the types ‘Y’ and ‘T’ search units the type ‘W’ measures a 0.8
inch (20mm) diameter circular area on the sample.
Like the ‘Y’ and ‘T’ the type ‘D’ search unit uses an amber, blue, or green
tristimulus filter to filter the light striking the sample. Unlike the others the type ‘D’
measures the average reflectance over a large 2.8 inch (72mm) diameter area. The
19
Model 577PC Reflectometer
common uses are changes in cloth reflectance due to soiling or cleaning and coffee
beans or ground coffee.
Because of the large area of measurement the type ‘D’ can not be used with
samples that have a glossy or shiny surface.
All the search units use some type of color filter. The types “D”,”X”,“Y”, and “T”
search units utilize amber, blue, or green tristimulus color filters. Tristimulus filters have
a wide bandpass and meet original CIE specifications allowing calculation of values in
other color coordinate systems such as Lab or WYZ. These filters also prevent the
passage of infrared and ultraviolet light to the sample. The following table outlines the
bandpass of these tristimulus filters:
20
Model 577PC Reflectometer
Type
Search Test Method or
Industry Application Unit Filter Standard
Erythema, skin color, Green-Tristimulus Numerous by
Biomedical Y/T
frog skin, etc. and others users
Burlap Grading Y/T Green-Tristimulus By user
Color classification. Y/T Varies ASTM E97
Ceramics (Tile & Opacity, or contrast ratio Varies ASTM C347
Porcelain) ASTM C346
ASTM C584
Chemical Dry powders, plastics Y/T Varies By user
Sun tan lotion by skin
Cosmetics color, lipstick, face Y/T Tristimulus By user
powders, etc.
Reflectance before and
Detergents after cleaning, both cloth Y/D Green-Tristimulus By user
and hard materials
High temperature fuel
Distillate Fuels Y/T Green- Tristimulus ASTM 6468
stability test
Color comparison of
food products such as
Coffee Brewing
coffee, potato chips,
Food & Institute, SCAA,
peanut butter, cocoa, Y/T/D Tristimulus
Agricultural etc.
catsup, tuna, sugar,
By user
browning of baked
goods or potatoes
Color of finished By user
Y/T
Industrial products. ASTM E97
Tristimulus
Products Waxes, powders, flat ASTM D1455
Y/T
solids, tiles ASTM D3052
Metal Finishing Color Y/T Tristimulus By user
Packaging Color comparison Y/T Tristimulus By user
Color Y/T Tristimulus Federal Test
Paint & Varnish Hiding power and Y/T Green Tristimulus Method No. 141;
contrast ratio ASTM D523
Powder brightness,
Pharmaceutical All types Varies
product color, packaging
By user
Plastics Color Y/T Varies
ASTM D2457
Brightness W Built-in
TAPPI Methods
Pulp & Paper Opacity Y/T Green-Tristimulus
ASTM
Color Y/T Tristimulus
Rapid and convenient
Textile Y/T/D Tristimulus By user
color matching of textiles
21
Model 577PC Reflectometer
12.1.1. Environment:
Avoid exposing the calibration plaque to sources of heat, chemicals, dust, or oil.
Contamination of the surface of the plaque will result in decreased accuracy. Avoid
damaging the surface of the plaque. Scratches, chipping of the surface, or dulling of the
surface will result in incorrect readings and make cleaning difficult.
12.1.2. Handling:
Avoid touching the reading surface of the calibration plaque. Fingerprints, dirt, oils,
or any other surface contamination will result in incorrect readings. Handle the plaque
only by the anodized plaque holder. When placing the plaque on a table or other flat
surface, keep the reading side facing up, or place it face down on a clean, soft, dirt-free
surface such as a lint-free cloth.
22
Model 577PC Reflectometer
surface for cleanliness. Never use common household or kitchen counter cleaners as
they often contain fluorescent ‘brighteners’ that are supposed to make things look
brighter or bluer in color. Methanol removes these brighteners.
23
Model 577PC Reflectometer
LAMP
BRACKET
LOCKWASHER
NUT
WIRE
CONTACT Mount lamp with bracket as shown
BLOCK leaving the 4 screws slightly loose.
24
Model 577PC Reflectometer
This manual could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes may be
periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated into new editions
of the manual. Photovolt Instruments may make modifications and/or improvements to the
products described in this manual at any time.
It is possible that this manual contains information about or makes reference to products or
services that are not released in your country. Such information or references must not be
construed to mean that Photovolt Instruments intends to announce such products or services in
your country. Contact your local Photovolt Instruments representative for further information.
The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but
not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
26 25
Model 577PC Reflectometer
A
Model 577PC Reflectometer
1. Search Unit: An optical sensor designed for a specific reflectance measurement such as
brightness or diffuse reflectance. Search units are lettered according to their function, i.e.,
“Y,” “W,” “T,” etc.
2. Filter: A piece or sandwich of colored glass that can be installed in some search units to
give it a particular optical response. The most commonly used filters are the Amber, Blue,
and Green tristimulus filters used in color matching work.
3. Standard Plaque: A small calibration plate with a surface of known reflectance.
4. Photodetector: A device that produces an electrical current proportional to the light that
shines on its surface.
5. Reflectance Photocell: The Photodetector that measures the light reflected from the sample
surface.
6. Gain: The amount of amplification applied to the photosensor output signal before it is
converted to digital information for the computer.
7. Filter Channel: One of the three electronic channels (Amber, Blue, Green) of the Model
577PC. Each channel has its own linearity settings and memory locations, which allow it to
function independently of the other two.
8. Calibration Memory: Each filter channel has three independent memory locations associated
with it. These locations are:
Zero Offset Memory: The memory locations that store the current produced by the Model
577PC when a Black cavity standard is placed on the attached search unit.
Calibration Reflectance Memory: The memory locations that store the current produced
by the Model 577PC when a standard plaque is placed on the attached search unit.
Standard Plaque Value Memory: The memory locations that store the standard plaque
reflectance values entered during calibration.
9. 4-digit LED Display: The group of four display digits that display the percent reflectance.
10. LED: Light Emitting Diode - The small, red, rectangular indicators above the HOLD, Amber,
Blue, Green, STD, and CALIBRATE buttons on the front panel.
B
Model 577PC Reflectometer
A spreadsheet template for Microsoft Excel is available from Photovolt to convert the
amber, blue, and green reflectance measurements from the PHOTOVOLT MODELS 575, 670,
577, and 577PC Reflectance Meters to tristimulus color coordinate values. Values for
yellowness, whiteness, total color difference (Delta "E"), and delta chromaticity (Delta "C") are
also calculated. A single report or a group format is available. A PHOTOVOLT "T" or "Y" search
unit must be used and each unit must be equipped with tristimulus filters to measure amber,
blue, and green percent reflectance. This template is available as a free download from our web
site at this URL: http://www.photovolt.com/pages/ss577.html
The formulas used for these calculations are shown below. In each case the A, B, and
G values are the percent readings from the reflectometer from 00.0 to 99.9.
Yellowness Index
YI = 100 (A - B) / G ASTM E 313
YI = 128X - 106Z / Y ASTM D 1925
YI = 100 (1 - 0.847 Z / Y) ASTM E 313
C
Model 577PC Reflectometer
Appendix D - 577PC-S
The Photovolt Model 577A reflectometer is available with the SS stainless steel
case option. This model has a shallow case with all controls and common connections
on the front side. This allows mounting on a wall or shelf above and away from the work
area. The case and search unit are made from stainless steel and sealed to a NEMA-4
splash proof rating. An extra long search unit coiled cable is included so samples up to
ten feet away can be easily measured.
The operation of the 577PC-S is identical to the standard instrument and all
previous sections of this manual apply to this model equally.
D
Model 577PC Reflectometer
This document contains information for use by owners and operators of the Photovolt Instruments
Model 577PC Reflectometer. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. This
document is considered proprietary and no part may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express prior written consent of Photovolt
Instruments. If copies are then permitted, they must contain this proprietary notice.
E
Photovolt Instruments
P/N: 9957710P Rev A