Datacolor 650™

Datacolor 600™
Datacolor 400™
User’s Guide
Datacolor 650/600/400 User’s Guide
Part No. 4230-0395M Rev 1, January, 2007

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this format. However,
should any errors be detected, Datacolor appreciates your efforts to notify us of these oversights.

©2007 Datacolor. Datacolor, SPECTRUM and other Datacolor product trademarks are the property of
Datacolor. Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United
States and/or other countries.

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www.datacolor.com.

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If you need help with a Datacolor product, please contact one of our top-rated technical support teams
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Contents
Datacolor Spectrophotometers ........................................................................ 1
About Datacolor Spectrophotometers..................................................................................1
Adjustable UV Filter Option ..........................................................................................2
Transmission Option (Datacolor 650/650V)..................................................................2
Vertical Mount Option (Datacolor 650V/600V/400V) ....................................................2
Electrical/Environmental Requirements ........................................................................2
Safety Features ............................................................................................................3
Light Source ..........................................................................................................3
Power ....................................................................................................................3
Feature Summary .........................................................................................................3
Accessories .........................................................................................................................4
Calibration Tiles ............................................................................................................4
Aperture Plates.............................................................................................................4
Standard Aperture Plates ......................................................................................4
Optional Aperture Plates .......................................................................................4
Optional Accessories ....................................................................................................5

Cable Installation ............................................................................................... 7

Overview .............................................................................................................................7
Power Cable ........................................................................................................................7
Serial Cable Installation .......................................................................................................8
USB Cable Installation .........................................................................................................9
Cable Installation ..........................................................................................................9
Driver Installation ........................................................................................................10
Viewing/Changing System Port Assignment ..............................................................11
Changing the COM Port Assignment in Datacolor Programs .....................................15

Controls and Indicators .................................................................................. 17

Controls and Indicators Panel............................................................................................17
Datacolor 600/650 ......................................................................................................17
Datacolor 400 .............................................................................................................18
Powering Up ......................................................................................................................18
Instrument Calibration .................................................................................... 21
Overview ...........................................................................................................................21
Installing Calibration Data...........................................................................................21
Reflectance Calibration .....................................................................................................23
Reflectance Calibration Procedure .............................................................................23
UV Filter Calibration ..........................................................................................................24
Datacolor 650 Transmittance Options ...............................................................................24
Accessing the Transmission Compartment .......................................................................25
Transmission Accessories ..........................................................................................26
Transmission Sample Holder Base .....................................................................27
Transmission Sample Holders ............................................................................27
Spill Tray .............................................................................................................28
Installing the Transmission Accessories .....................................................................28
Transmission Sample Holder Base .....................................................................28
Transmission Sample Holders ............................................................................29
Transmittance Calibration...........................................................................................31
Calibration Procedure .................................................................................................31

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Contents • i

 Sample Presentation and Measurement ........................................................ 33
Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview............................................................33
Reflectance Measurements ........................................................................................33
Sample Viewing Port ..................................................................................................34
Transmittance Measurements ....................................................................................35
Remote Measure Button .....................................................................................37

Maintenance..................................................................................................... 39
About Instrument Maintenance ..........................................................................................39
Sphere Cleaning.........................................................................................................39
Operating the Minivac Portable Cleaning System ...............................................39
Tile Handling/Cleaning ...............................................................................................40
Handling Tiles .....................................................................................................40
Cleaning Tiles .....................................................................................................40
Storage................................................................................................................41
Cleaning the Black Trap ......................................................................................41
Cleaning the Spectralon® Plaque .......................................................................41
Appendix .......................................................................................................... 43
Optical Block Diagram .......................................................................................................43
Datacolor 650/600/400 Instrument Specifications .............................................................44
Features by Model .............................................................................................................45
Dimension Comparison - Horizontal vs. Vertical Mount .............................................46
Optional Accessories .........................................................................................................46
Miscellaneous Technical Information .................................................................................47
System Requirements for USB Connection................................................................47
RS-232C Connector Pin Assignments .......................................................................47
Compliance Statements ....................................................................................................47
FCC Compliance Statement .......................................................................................47
Canadian Compliance Statement ...............................................................................48

Index ................................................................................................................. 49

ii • Contents Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Datacolor Spectrophotometers

About Datacolor Spectrophotometers

The Datacolor high performance benchtop spectrophotometers (Datacolor 650™,
Datacolor 600™, Datacolor 400™) are the newest generation of bench top color measuring
instruments, incorporating state-of-the-art CMOS integrated circuit technology in the
instrument design. All are intended for use as a device for measuring, specifying and
evaluating color in both laboratory and production settings.

Datacolor 600

Below is a summary of the standard and optional features included with instruments.

Standard features include the following:

• Pulsed xenon light source

• Multiple aperture sizes to accommodate samples of different sizes
• Automated specular port

Optional features including the following:

• Automated aperture detection

• Automated zoom lens
• Automated, adjustable ultra-violet filters for measuring fluorescent samples

Please refer to Appendix, Features by Model to determine the standard and optional
features available for a specific model.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide About Datacolor Spectrophotometers • 1

 Adjustable UV Filter Option
This option offers the ability to control the amount of UV light emitted from the light source.
This is used for applications that need to identify the presence of optical brightening
agents, or other types of fluorescent materials in the samples being evaluated.

The configuration of the adjustable UV filter is handled through the software. See also
Datacolor TOOLS user Guide for detailed instructions to configure the option and calibrate
the instrument.

Transmission Option (Datacolor 650/650V)

The Datacolor 650 includes an option to measure the transmission properties of
transparent and translucent samples. It can measure the “regular” transmittance of
transparent solid and liquid samples, as well as the “total” and “diffuse” transmittance of
translucent samples. The transmission option is also available with the Datacolor 650V
vertical mount model.

Vertical Mount Option (Datacolor 650V/600V/400V)

This is a modification to the instrument that provides the ability to mount the unit vertically.
The vertical mount unit is fitted with a viewing port to verify that the sample completely
covers the aperture.

Datacolor 650V

• The Datacolor 600V and 400V are typically used by the paper industry.
• The Datacolor 650V offers the option to make transmission measurements in a
vertical configuration.

Electrical/Environmental Requirements
Power 85 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, 80 VA peak, 35 VA typical
Absolute Operating 5º to 40º C, 20-85% RH, non-condensing
Environment
Interfaces Serial: RS232 9600/115200 baud (shipped at 19200 baud)
USB: 1.1 or higher

2 • About Datacolor Spectrophotometers Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Safety Features
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.

CAUTION
There are no user-serviceable parts for this equipment.

Light Source
Do not stare directly into the open port located in the front door panel when the
measurement is in progress. Staring directly into the light source can result in eye
discomfort similar to that of staring at a camera flash.

Power

CAUTION
Disconnect power before servicing.

The power cord supplied with the unit must be used.

Feature Summary
These instruments employ state-of-the-art features including the spectrometer, integrating
sphere, light source, and optics. Below is a summary of those features:
FEATURE DESCRIPTION PURPOSE/BENEFIT
Integrating sphere Barium coated sphere. Industry standard.
Measurement D/8º geometry, Specular Provides for more uniform
Geometry Component Included (SCI) or measurement of samples with
Excluded (SCE). irregular surfaces.
SP2000 Spectral Proprietary dual-channel Dual channel design provides
Analyzer holographic grating. 256- continuous monitoring of sample
photodiode linear arrays used illumination and compensates for
for both the reference and changes. 256-photodiode array
sample channels. enhances the precision of the
measurement.
Light source Pulsed xenon flash lamp Filtered to provide D65 illumination
including UV component.
Effective 5nm or 10nm Based on reporting interval.
Bandwidth

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide About Datacolor Spectrophotometers • 3

Accessories
All models come with the following standard accessories:

• Six foot power cable

• Serial cable with connectors on either end
• Black Trap
• White Tile
• Green Tile
• USB Cable

Calibration Tiles
A black trap, white tile and green tile are provided with all
instruments:

• The black trap and white tile are used each time the
instrument is calibrated.
• The green tile is used to perform an optional diagnostic
test.
• A CD and diskette containing the calibration values for
the white tile are also provided.

Aperture Plates
Multiple aperture plates with openings of different sizes
are included as standard accessories with all models.
The identification is engraved on each plate.

Please refer to Appendix, Features by Model to

determine the standard and optional aperture plates
available for a specific model.

Standard Aperture Plates

The apertures listed below are provided with every model:

• Large Area View (LAV)

• Ultra-Small Area View (USAV)
Optional Aperture Plates
• Medium Area View (MAV)
• Small Area View (SAV)
• Extra Ultra Small Area View (XUSAV)
• Medium Area View (MAV), barium coated (standard with the Datacolor 650)

NOTE
Some of these apertures are standard accessories, depending on instrument model.

4 • Accessories Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Below are aperture plate specifications:
Aperture Sample Area Sample Area
Identification Measured Illuminated
LAV 26mm 30mm
MAV 16mm 20mm
SAV 5mm 9mm
USAV 2.5mm 6.5mm
XUSAV 2.5mm 3.0mm

NOTE
The area illuminated is always 4mm greater than the diameter measured to reduce
translucency errors. The exception to this is the XUSAV plate.

Tips for Aperture Selection

• Always use the largest possible aperture size.

• The Large Area View (LAV) plate is recommended for averaging samples with
irregular surfaces and textured samples.
• Small (SAV) and ultra-small (USAV) plates should only be used for
measurements of samples that do not completely cover the opening of the larger
aperture plates.
• Medium (MAV) with barium coating must be used for transmission
measurements.

Optional Accessories
If you have purchased a Datacolor 650 or Datacolor 650V, you will receive the following
accessories to make transmission measurements:

Transmission sample holder base

Solid sample holder

Liquid sample holder

and cell

Barium-coated MAV aperture plate

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Accessories • 5

 Black Calibration Card
Spectralon (White)
Transmission Calibration
Standard

• Transmission Sample Holder Base. Datacolor 650 users must install this
holder into the transmission chamber. For Datacolor 650V (vertical mount) units,
the sample holder base is installed at the factory.
• Transmission Sample Holders. Used to secure the transmission sample in the
chamber. One is used for liquids and the other for solid samples. Each has two
dowels on the bottom that fit into the holes on the transmission sample holder
base.
• Transmission Cell. Used as a container for liquid materials. It is placed into the
liquid sample holder.
• Medium Area View, Barium Coated Aperture Plate. The inside of this plate
has a barium coating around the opening. This aperture plate must be used for
all transmission measurements.
• Black Calibration Card. This is used instead of the black trap for the zero
calibration.
• Spectralon® (White) Plaque. This white standard must be used for
transmission calibration. In addition, it is placed at the port for most transmission
measurements. Consult the standard procedure (ASTM, ISO, etc.) you are
following to determine if this sample should be placed at the port.

6 • Accessories Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Cable Installation

Overview
You must install a power cable, and either a USB cable or a serial cable to connect the
instrument to a computer.

NOTE
Do not connect both cables to the unit. You have a choice of using either a serial cable
or a USB cable, and both are provided with the instrument.

The connections for the cables are found on the back of the instrument.

WARNING
Read the "Electrical and Environmental Requirements” section BEFORE connecting your
instrument.

Power Cable
A six-foot power cable is provided with the instrument.

NOTE
The power cord supplied with the unit must be used.

Power is supplied to the back of the unit via a 3-prong male connector.

Power cable

Plug the female end of the power cord into the power receptacle on the rear panel of the
instrument. Insert the plug into a standard AC outlet.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Overview • 7

Serial Cable Installation
You can connect the instrument to the computer using either a serial cable or a USB cable.
Select one of them. This section provides instructions for using the serial cable.

NOTE
Do not connect both cables to the unit.

The serial cable is shown below:

1. Connect the 9-pin male connector on the serial cable to the RS-232C female
connector on the rear panel of the instrument.
2. Connect the female connector on the serial cable to a serial communications port
on the back of the computer.

3. If there is more than one serial port on the computer, make a note of the port
being used. You may need to enter this information into the program.
4. Tighten each connection securely to ensure proper signal.

See the Appendix for a description of the RS-232C connector pin assignments.

8 • Serial Cable Installation Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

USB Cable Installation
Instruments manufactured by Datacolor can now be connected to a USB port on a desktop
system. See Appendix, System Requirements for USB Cable Installation before you
attempt to connect to a USB port.

You can connect the instrument to the computer using either a serial cable or a USB
cable. Select one of them. This section provides instructions for using the USB cable.

NOTES
Do not connect both cables to the unit.

If you use the USB cable, you must install additional software to activate the USB port.
See also Driver Installation below for instructions to add this software.

Before You Begin

• Close all programs currently running on the system.

• You will need the accessories listed below to complete the installation:
− USB cable (provided by Datacolor).
− Datacolor CD ROM disk labeled, “USB Drivers and Documentation”
(Datacolor Part No. 2052-0330).
− Calibration diskette or CD included with the instrument (this is required only
when installing new instruments)

Three steps must be completed to enable the USB port for use with the instrument:

• Install the USB Driver.

• Identify the system assignment for the USB port. This is accessed through the
Control Panel included with the Windows operating system.
• Change the com port assignment in the Datacolor applications software.

Cable Installation
The USB cable provided with the system is shown below:

To Instrument

To Computer

One end of the cable connects to a USB port on the instrument. The other connects to a
USB port on the computer.

• Connect the USB cable to the instrument and to the USB port on the back of the
computer.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide USB Cable Installation • 9

 Driver Installation
To prepare your computer and the Datacolor programs to communicate with your
instrument using a USB port, you must install software files onto the computer. This is
done by following a Wizard that will appear on your computer screen when you connect the
USB cable to the instrument, and to the USB port on the back of the computer.

1. Place the USB Drivers and Documentation CD into the CD-Rom drive.
2. Connect the USB cable to both the instrument and the computer. The window
below will automatically display:

The New Hardware Wizard window displays.

3. Click on the Next button at the bottom of the window. The wizard will step you
through the installation of the USB software files. For most installations, you can
accept the defaults selected by the Wizard.

10 • USB Cable Installation Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 4. Continue to click the Finish button at the bottom of each window in the Wizard.
The program will notify you that the procedure is completed.

CAUTION
Do not remove the USB Driver CD from the drive. The Wizard will close
and then immediately reopen and then you will have to repeat the procedure
a second time to successfully copy the file.

5. When you once again see the “Welcome” screen, click the Next button.
6. Repeat the steps mentioned above as you move through the Wizard again.
When you again the last wizard screen, click Finish. At this time, the Wizard
closes and the installation is complete.

Viewing/Changing System Port Assignment

As part of the USB driver installation, a port number is assigned to the USB port. The
default selection is the next available com port. Depending on the application you are
running, you may need to know this port assignment to configure the Datacolor applications
program(s) to recognize the USB port.

NOTES
Some Datacolor programs automatically configure the USB port assignment. Others
require that you manually assign the port number. Refer to the program User’s Guide for
information to assign/edit the instrument port number.

If the computer has more than one USB port, the program will default to the first one
available. If you want to connect the instrument to a different USB port, you must assign
the port manually in the applications software.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide USB Cable Installation • 11

 The COM port assignment is accessed through the Windows Control Panel as follows:

1. Click the Start button at the bottom left of the screen. The Start menu displays.

2. Place the cursor on Settings so that the program submenu displays, and click
Control Panel.
3. When the Control Panel window displays, double-click on System.

The Systems Properties dialog box displays.

12 • USB Cable Installation Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 4. Click the Hardware Tab. The dialog box below displays:

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide USB Cable Installation • 13

 5. Click the Device Manager button. The Device Manager window displays.

6. Go to the Ports heading. Click on the plus (+) to display the port selections.
7. Click USB Serial Port. The USB Serial Port (COM3) Properties dialog box
displays.

14 • USB Cable Installation Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 8. Click Port Settings. The dialog box below displays:

9. Click the Advanced button. The Advanced Settings for COM3 dialog box
displays.

The field labeled COM Port Number displays the current assignment for the USB
port. To change the port setting, click the drop-down list arrow. The list of COM
ports is displayed.
10. Click on the port assignment to be used for the USB port.
11. When you have completed the changes, click OK.

Changing the COM Port Assignment in Datacolor Programs

To enable the USB port for color measurements, you may need to change the COM port
assignment in the applications program. Refer to the program documentation for the
specific Datacolor applications program you are running for instructions on configuring the
instrument.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide USB Cable Installation • 15

 NOTES

16 • USB Cable Installation Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Controls and Indicators

Controls and Indicators Panel

On all benchtop models, a status panel is located on the top of the instrument. It identifies
the current instrument settings being used. The indicators on the status panel vary,
depending on the model of you are operating.

Datacolor 600/650
The status panel is the same for the Datacolor 650 and 600. It is shown below:

OPTION DESCRIPTION
420 The 420nm UV cutoff filter is selected. All wavelengths below 420nm are
excluded from the light source in the instrument.
460 The 460nm UV cutoff filter is selected. All wavelengths below 460nm are
excluded from the light source in the instrument.
UV Cal The UV filter option has been properly/successfully calibrated.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Controls and Indicators Panel • 17

 OPTION DESCRIPTION
UV Inc. No UV filter is selected. All UV wavelengths from the light source are
included.
UV Exc. The UV Excluded filter is selected. No UV wavelengths from the light source
are included.
Ready Instrument is ready for use.
Spec Exc. The specular port is open and all measurements exclude the specular
reflection from the sample.
Spec Inc. The specular port is closed, and all measurements include the specular
reflection from the sample.
USAV Ultra Small Area View lens position is selected.
SAV Small Area View lens position is selected.
MAV Medium Area View lens position is selected.
LAV Large Area View lens position is selected.

Datacolor 400
Below is the status panel for a 400:

OPTION DESCRIPTION
Spec Inc. The specular port is closed, and all measurements include the specular
reflection from the sample.
Ready Instrument is ready for use.
Spec Exc The specular port is open and all measurements exclude the specular
reflection from the sample.

Powering Up

NOTE
The power cord supplied with the unit must be used.

Use this simple procedure to start using your instrument:

1. Verify all cable connections. The AC power cord should be plugged into an
outlet. The communications cable (serial or USB) should be attached to the
instrument and host computer.
2. Turn on the computer.

18 • Powering Up Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 3. Turn on the instrument power switch. This is located on the lower right side of
your instrument toward the front.

− When power is applied, all mechanisms are automatically reset.

− The red lights on the status panel will flash briefly.

NOTE
If the instrument power is not turned on before a Datacolor program is
launched, you may receive an error message.

4. Depending on the model you are using, the LED lights on the status panel may
include the status of the following mechanisms:
− Aperture plate/zoom lens position
− UV filter status
− Specular port status

When the Ready light remains on, your instrument is ready to use.

5. Launch a Datacolor program.

6. Prepare to calibrate the instrument. You will need the black trap, the white
calibration tile and the green diagnostic tile.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Powering Up • 19

 NOTES

20 • Powering Up Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Instrument Calibration

Overview
The instrument must be calibrated regularly to ensure that the measurements are accurate.
This section provides instructions for performing both reflectance and transmittance
calibrations.

NOTE
We recommend that you calibrate the instrument every 8 hours. Please refer to your
software documentation for specific calibration instructions.

Installing Calibration Data

If this is a new instrument, you will need to install the calibration data. The calibration data
can be found on a diskette or CD included with the calibration tiles. The data is installed as
part of the instrument configuration, using software options controlled by the Datacolor
program you are running. Below is an example of the installation procedure.

NOTE
Depending on the program you are running, the screens shown below may not match
those in your program. See also the User’s Guide for the program you are running to
obtain detailed information on the instrument configuration options you will use to set up
the instrument.

1. You must access the instrument setup. This is typically done from an Instrument
Setup option on a menu. You will see a screen similar to the one below:

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Overview • 21

 2. When you complete the instrument configuration and select Save Setup, the
program prompts you to place the diskette or CD containing the calibration data
in the appropriate drive. When you do this, a screen similar to the one below will
appear:

3. Two files should be displayed. If they are not, browse to the correct drive/folder
location.
4. You must load both files. Highlight both file names, and click Open. The files
will be transferred to the system. When the transfer is completed, the program
will prompt you to calibrate the instrument. A calibration screen similar to the one
below will appear:

5. Click Calibrate to start the instrument calibration or Cancel to close the window.

NOTE
Instrument calibration can also be accessed through a separate menu option
or function button in the program window. The User’s Guide for the program
you are running contains detailed instructions to access the calibration
options.

22 • Overview Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Reflectance Calibration
The instrument should be calibrated every 8 hours to compensate for changes in the
environment. A black trap, white tile and green tile are provided with all instruments to
complete the calibration:

The black trap and white tile are used each time the instrument is calibrated. The green tile
is used to perform an optional diagnostic test.

Reflectance Calibration Procedure

The software prompts for calibration vary from one program to another. All of the
procedures include two measurements:

• The black trap

• The white tile

Before you begin, verify that the aperture plate at the port matches the aperture selection in
the program you are running.

1. Access the calibration procedure in the program you are running.

2. When you are prompted by the program, place the black trap at the instrument
port.
3. When you are prompted by the program, place the white tile at the instrument
port.
4. The program may prompt you for a diagnostic tile. If prompted, place the green
tile at the instrument port, and start the measurement.
5. After these measurements are completed, the program will display a message
that the calibration is successful. You can now start measuring samples.

The Datacolor Users Guide for the program you are running (e.g., Datacolor Tools, etc.)
provides step-by-step instructions regarding the (instrument) software setup and calibration
procedure.

NOTES
If sequential total transmittance and reflectance measurements are going to be made using
the 650, the instrument should be calibrated for both transmittance and reflectance
conditions, and measurements are made using the barium-coated MAV aperture plate.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Reflectance Calibration • 23

UV Filter Calibration
The procedure for calibrating the adjustable UV filter is performed in reflectance mode, and
requires the use of a fluorescent white tile, provided with the instrument. This procedure
requires the selection of specific software options. See also the Datacolor Tools User’s
Guide contains step-by-step instructions to calibrate the adjustable UV filter.

NOTES
This calibration procedure is critical to the accurate measurement, either reflectance or
transmittance, of fluorescent samples.

If you are sharing either reflectance or transmittance data for fluorescent samples, the
adjustable UV filter in each of the instruments must be calibrated regularly.

Datacolor 650 Transmittance Options

The Datacolor 650 includes an option to measure the transmission properties of
transparent and translucent samples. The 650 can measure the “regular” transmittance of
transparent solid and liquid samples, as well as the “total” and “diffuse” transmittance of
translucent samples. The Datacolor 650 can also be used to perform the following
evaluations:

• Haze evaluations, in compliance with ASTM D1003 Standard Test Method for
Haze and Luminous Transmittance of Transparent Plastics, for materials that
exhibit slight light scattering.
• APHA evaluation, which measure the yellowness of liquids.

The transmission compartment of the Datacolor 650 is large enough to allow the colorist to
easily insert and remove samples. It has been fitted with a removable spill tray in the event
of minor spillage of liquid samples.

NOTES
The transmission option is available on both the Datacolor 650 and Datacolor 650V. See
also Datacolor 650 Vertical Mount Options in this guide for instructions to use the
transmission option in the vertical mount unit (Datacolor 650V).

To calibrate the instrument for transmittance and to make transmittance measurements, the
sample holder base and transmission sample holder base must be installed.

The transmission sample holder base is installed at the factory for Datacolor 650V units.

24 • UV Filter Calibration Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Accessing the Transmission Compartment
There are side-latch buttons on each side of the Datacolor 650 case that are used to open
the transmission case:

Button

Front Back

Depress these buttons, and slide the case toward the back of the instrument, to open the
transmission compartment. The case will lock in the Open position:

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Accessing the Transmission Compartment • 25

 Transmission Accessories
The following accessories must be installed in order to perform transmission
measurements:

Transmission Sample Holder

Base. Installed by user.

Transmission Sample Holders.

Installed by user.

Spill Tray. Installed at factory.

26 • Accessing the Transmission Compartment Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Transmission Sample Holder Base
This base is installed by the user. It is used to mount the sample holder correctly in the
chamber.

Transmission Sample Holders

Two sample holders are provided for transmission measurements. One is designed to hold
a cuvette used for measuring liquids. The other is used for solid, transparent samples such
as plastic plaques.

Solid samples Cuvette Holder

(liquid samples)

NOTE
The cuvette holder is designed to hold a cuvette 50mm X 10mm (Datacolor Part No. 2950-
0004).

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Accessing the Transmission Compartment • 27

 Spill Tray
This tray is installed at the bottom of the transmission compartment, and is used to capture
any overflow of liquid materials.

Spill Tray

Installing the Transmission Accessories

Transmission Sample Holder Base
The transmission sample holders are mounted on this base:

The base attaches to a metal bar at the bottom of the transmission compartment. It is
placed directly over the spill tray, and is secured through magnets.

28 • Accessing the Transmission Compartment Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Below is an example of the correct installation of the spill tray and sample holder base:

Installed sample
holder base

Spill tray

NOTES
Exercise care when installing the base into the transmission compartment. The design is
very tight.

The spill tray is installed at the factory.

Install the base in the transmission compartment before attaching either of the sample
holders. No special tool is required for installation.

The base must be removed to make closed-case reflectance measurements.

Transmission Sample Holders

Two sample holders are provided to accommodate various types of transparent samples.
Solid Sample Holder Cuvette Holder (Liquid Samples)

Two thumb screws provide the ability to adapt This holder is designed for use with a 50mm X
the holder to samples of varying thicknesses. 10mm cuvette.
This holder is used for transmission
measurements using the 650V.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Accessing the Transmission Compartment • 29

 These sample holders are mounted onto the transmission sample holder base via two
dowels protruding from the bottom of the holder.

Dowel pins

The base includes three positions to locate the sample between the sphere and the lens.
The location of the sample holder along the base depends on the type of material being
measured.

Position 3. Places the sample close to the lens.

It is used to measure regular transmission of
transparent materials.

Position 2. This is provided for ease of

handling when measuring regular transmission.
Can only be used with the cuvette holder.

Position 1. Places the sample close to the

sphere. Used to measure translucent samples
and to make haze measurements.

NOTES
Loosen the thumbscrews on the solid sample holder to aid in the installation of the sample
holder.

Make sure the sphere opening/lens opening is completely covered by the sample you are
going to measure.

No special tools are required to install the sample holders.

30 • Accessing the Transmission Compartment Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Transmittance Calibration
The following accessories are used to calibrate the instrument for transmittance:

White Spectralon® Plaque.

Typically placed at the
sample port for calibration
and measurement.

Black Card. Used to “block”

the lens during calibration.
Barium-coated MAV Aperture Plate

Calibration Procedure
Before you begin, you should verify the current aperture selection. The setting must be
Medium Area View (MAV) and the barium-coated MAV plate should be placed at the
instrument port.

NOTE
Transmission calibration and measurements must be made using the barium-coated
Medium Area View (MAV) aperture plate.

To calibrate the instrument for transmittance measurements, do the following:

1. Place the barium-coated MAV aperture plate at the port.

2. Open the transmission compartment and make sure the optical path between the
sphere and the lens is clear.
3. Access the calibration procedure in the program you are running. You may need
to change the selections for the aperture plate, and measurement mode
(transmission). See also the User’s Guide for the program you are running for
detailed instructions to access the instrument setup and calibration options.
4. When you are prompted by the program, block the lens using the black card:

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Accessing the Transmission Compartment • 31

 5. When the measurement is completed, remove the black card from the
transmission compartment.
6. Place the white Spectralon® plaque at the sample port, and make the next
measurement.

NOTES
The white plaque remains at the port for “Total” Transmittance measurements, and is
replaced with the black trap for “Diffuse” Transmittance measurements. See also
Sample Presentation and Measurement, Transmittance Measurements.

32 • Accessing the Transmission Compartment Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Sample Presentation and
Measurement

Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview

You must pay close attention to the positioning of the sample to insure an accurate
measurement. When positioned correctly, the sample rests between the sample holder
and the front panel door. The sample must completely cover the aperture opening.

Reflectance Measurements
1. Grasp the sample holder and pull forward.
2. Position the sample, then carefully bring arm back up to normal operating
position.

WARNING
Do not allow sample arm to spring back. For the Datacolor 600V (vertical
mount), the cylindrical, spring-loaded sample holder can be depressed to
position your sample. You can return the cylinder to its normal position with a
quarter turn of the cylinder.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview • 33

 Sample Viewing Port
When measuring small samples, you may need to check that the sample is properly
positioned at the port. To verify that the correct area of the sample is being measured:

1. Place the sample at the port. Grasp the black tab above the aperture plate.

2. Pull top of door down to its full horizontal position.

3. The backside of this door reveals the area of the sample covering the port
opening. If necessary, adjust the placement of the sample to target the portion of
the sample to be measured.

34 • Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 4. Push the door back to its normal position.

Transmittance Measurements
Three techniques are used to measure the transmittance of samples: “regular”
transmittance, “total” transmittance and “diffuse” transmittance.

When working with samples that are completely transparent (such as dyes in solution or
transparent plastics) you are measuring “regular” transmittance. These samples need to
be positioned close to the lens opening at the back of the transmission compartment:

Lens Opening

Front Back

Measuring the transmittance of translucent samples that contain particles, such as

engineered resins or opal glass, you are measuring either “total” or “diffuse” transmittance.
The samples should be positioned at the front of the transmission compartment, close to
the sphere opening.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview • 35

 Sphere opening

Front Back

“Total” transmittance measurements are made with the white Spectralon® plaque in place.
“Diffuse” transmittance measurements are made by replacing the Spectralon® plaque at
the port with a light trap.

Total Transmittance Diffuse Transmittance

Consult with your Applications Specialist regarding the measurement technique you should
use for specific evaluations.

36 • Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Remote Measure Button
The red button at the top of the instrument is used to start a measurement from the
instrument, rather than from the program.

NOTE
The remote measure button is not available on all models. For those models equipped with
it, it is active only when the software supports remote measurement.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview • 37

 NOTES

38 • Sample Presentation and Measurement Overview Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Maintenance

About Instrument Maintenance

The sections that follow provide detailed instructions for maintaining the instrument and
calibration tiles. These instructions and tips will help to insure that the instrument continues
to perform properly over its life.

CAUTION
There are no user-serviceable parts for this equipment.

Sphere Cleaning
The sphere should be examined visually for the presence of dust, sample particles, fibers,
and excessive yellowing due to environmental influences. This inspection should be
performed frequently, especially if you measure loose materials.

If you discover loose materials in the sphere, they should be removed. An optional
accessory, the Minivac portable cleaning system is a useful tool for cleaning the sphere.

Operating the Minivac Portable Cleaning System

1. Configure the instrument so that the specular port is closed (Specular
Component Included).
2. Remove the aperture plate from the front of the unit.

3. Look inside the sphere.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide About Instrument Maintenance • 39

 4. Using the Minivac portable cleaning system, carefully vacuum away any loose
materials in the sphere.

WARNING
Do not touch the inside of the sphere. The coating is very fragile.

5. When finished, replace the aperture plate.

Tile Handling/Cleaning
Handling Tiles
• Handle calibration tiles with extreme care. Do not drop them, or scratch the
glazed surface.
• Always grasp the tile using its edges.
Cleaning Tiles
• The calibration tiles should be cleaned before each use. Wiping it clean with a
soft, lint-free cloth can do this.

• A detergent, free of optical brighteners, fluorescent materials or photoactive dyes

should be used as needed to clear any oils, fingerprints, or other deposits. Liquid
dish detergent is a suitable detergent. The detergent/water solution should be
prepared as follows: 1 part detergent : 250 parts water. Use a few drops of
the detergent solution to moisten a soft, lint-free cloth, and gently wipe the tile
surface. Rinse the detergent from the tile by wiping it with a cloth, moistened
with clean water.
• NEVER use abrasive cleansers, razor blades, or other metal objects to remove
dirt or foreign substances from the calibration tiles. This will damage the tile
surface.
• NEVER immerse the tiles in water.
• Tiles that have scratches, chips, abrasions or cracks must be replaced. Signs of
wear on the tile surface will affect the accuracy of the calibration.

40 • About Instrument Maintenance Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

 Storage
• Large temperature variations will affect the accuracy of your calibration, requiring
more frequent calibration. The calibration tiles should be stored in an
environment that simulates the temperature of the samples to be measured.
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight or other sources of ultra-violet radiation will
cause the color of the tiles to change. The tiles should always be stored in a
protective case or container away from direct sunlight and environmental
contaminants.
Cleaning the Black Trap
The black trap should be kept dust-free. Dust accumulating in the black trap should be
blown out with compressed air.

Cleaning the Spectralon® Plaque

This is the white plaque used for transmission calibration and measurement. It is an optical
standard and should be handled in the same way as other optical standards. All efforts
should be made to prevent contaminants from contacting the surface of the plaque. We
recommend that you wear gloves when handling this plaque.

WARNING
Do NOT use Freon to air brush this plaque.

Cleaning Instructions

If the tile is lightly soiled, it may be air brushed with a jet of clean dry air or nitrogen. For
heavier soil, the material can be cleaned using the following procedure:
1
1. Sand the surface under running water with a 220 – 240 grit waterproof emery
cloth, until the surface is totally hydrophobic (water beads and runs off
immediately).
2. Blow dry with clean air or nitrogen, or allow the material to air dry.

1
Low reflectance Spectralon (<10% reflectance) should be dry sanded.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide About Instrument Maintenance • 41

 NOTES

42 • About Instrument Maintenance Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Appendix

Optical Block Diagram

The same optical configuration is used for the Datacolor 650, 600 and 400:

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Optical Block Diagram • 43

Datacolor 650/600/400 Instrument Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
Instrument Type Dual beam integrating sphere with xenon flash lamp.
Measuring Geometry Diffuse illumination, 8º viewing in conformance with CIE
publication No. 15.2 Colorimetry.
Illumination Source Pulsed xenon, filtered to approximate D65.
Sphere Diameter 152 mm / 6.0 inches
Specular Port Automated specular included or specular excluded
Spectral Analyzer Proprietary SP 2000 analyzer with dual 256-diode array and
high-resolution holographic grating.
Wavelength Range 360 – 700nm
Photometric Range 0 to 200%
Black Trap High performance
Aperture Configuration Large Area View. 30mm illuminated/ 26mm viewed
Medium Area View. 20mm illuminated/ 16mm viewed
Small Area View. 9mm illuminated/ 5mm viewed
Ultra-Small Area View. 6.5mm illuminated/ 2.5mm viewed
X-Ultra Small Area View*. 3mm illuminated/ 2.5mm viewed
Power 85 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz, 80 VA peak, 35 VA typical
Absolute Operating 5º to 40º C, 5% to-85% RH, non-condensing
Environment
Interface Serial: RS232, 9600/115200 baud (shipped as 19200)
USB: 1.1 or higher
Dimensions** English Metric
Height 12-13/16 inches 325 mm
Width 12-5/16 inches 312 mm
Depth 18-5/8 inches 471 mm
Weight 33 lbs. 14.97 kg
* Sample translucency may affect inter-lens agreement
** Dimensions shown are for horizontal mount instruments. The dimensions for the Datacolor 600V and Datacolor
44V (vertical mounts) can be found in Appendix, Dimension Comparison Vertical vs. Horizontal Mount.

44 • Datacolor 650/600/400 Instrument Specifications Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Features by Model
FEATURE 650 600 400
Reporting Interval 5 or 10nm** 5 or 10nm** 10nm
Effective Bandwidth 5 or 10nm** 5 or 10nm** 10nm
20 Read Repeatability on White 0.015 (max) 0.015 (max) 0.035 (max)
Tile Using Dual Flash (CIELAB)
Inter-instrument Agreement— 0.15 (max) 0.15 (max) 0.30 (max)
Reflectance Measurements* 0.08 (avg) 0.08 (avg) 0.15 (avg)
(CIEL*a*b*)
Transmittance Measurements Yes*** No No
Inter-instrument Agreement for ±0.20% at 85%T Not Available Not Available
Regular Transmittance (550
nm)* ±0.10% at 32% T

Inter-instrument Agreement for ±.40% at 42% T Not Available Not Available

Diffuse Transmittance (550
nm)*
Inter-instrument Agreement for ±0.15% at 10% TH Not Available Not Available
Transmission Haze
Measurements*
Lens 4 position auto-zoom 4 position auto-zoom 3 position auto- zoom
Aperture Plates 4 standard 3 standard 3 standard
LAV LAV LAV
SAV SAV SAV
USAV USAV USAV
MAV barium coated 2 optional 1 optional
2 optional MAV XUSAV
MAV XUSAV
XUSAV
Aperture Detection Yes Yes Not Available
Automated, adjustable UV Yes Yes Optional
Calibration
UV Cutoff Filters 400 nm 400 nm Optional
420 nm 420 nm
460nm 460nm 400 nm
420 nm
460nm
Remote Measurement Button Yes Yes Not Available
Vertical Mount**** No Optional Optional

* Measurements made at 23º C +/- 1º C.

** Software must be capable of 5nm reporting
*** Capable of measuring regular, total and diffuse transmission
**** Includes sample viewer assembly

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Features by Model • 45

 Dimension Comparison - Horizontal vs. Vertical Mount
The Datacolor 600 V and Datacolor 400 V are vertically mounted, with the sample port
facing down. This provides the option to present the sample to the instrument vertically.
These models conform to all specifications for the Datacolor 600™ and Datacolor 400™,
with the exception of the dimensions.

Below is a comparison of the dimension specifications for the horizontal and vertical mount
instruments:
Datacolor 600™ Datacolor 600 V

English Metric English Metric

Height 13 in. 325 mm Height 25 3/8 in. 644 mm
Width 12 5/16 in. 312 mm Width 12 5/16 in. 312 mm
Depth 18 1/8 in. 471 mm Depth 14 3/8 in. 371 mm
Weight 31 lbs. 14.85 kg Weight 41 lbs. 18.45 kg

Optional Accessories
Compatible Models Datacolor Part No. Accessory
Datacolor 600, 650 3775-0260 MAV Aperture Plate
Datacolor 400, 600, 650 3775-0259 XUSAV Aperture Plate
Datacolor 400, 600, 650 1035-0004 Textile Skein Holder
Datacolor 400 1035-0186 Glass Aperture Plate - LAV
Datacolor 400 1035-0189 Textile Sample Holder - SAV
Datacolor 400 1035-0190 Textile Sample Holder - USAV
Datacolor 400 1035-0185 Carpet Tube Holder - LAV
Datacolor 400 1035-0188 Textile Sample Holder - LAV
Datacolor 400 1035-0191 Compression Sample Holder
Datacolor 650 2950-0004 10mm Transmission Cell
Datacolor 650, 600, 400 5400-0036 Minivac Portable Cleaning System

46 • Optional Accessories Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Miscellaneous Technical Information
System Requirements for USB Connection
Below are the software and firmware versions required to successfully connect a Datacolor
instrument to a USB port.
Operating Systems Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro
USB Firmware 1.1 or higher

RS-232C Connector Pin Assignments

Pin # Purpose Direction
2 Transmit data Out (to host)
3 Receive data In (from host)
7 Signal ground

CAUTION
(1) DO NOT WIRE to pins other than 2, 3, and 7.
(2) For all unused inputs, the default is active high.

Compliance Statements
FCC Compliance Statement
WARNING
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with this User’s manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in

which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Miscellaneous Technical Information • 47

 Canadian Compliance Statement
English
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.

Francais
El present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

48 • Compliance Statements Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide

Index

2 G
20 Read Repeatability on White Tile Using Dual Green Tile, 4
Flash (CIELAB), 45
H
A
Horizontal Mount, 46
Absolute Operating Environment, 44
Accessories, 4
Adjustable UV Filter Option, 2
I
Aperture Illumination Source, 44
configuration, 44 Indicators, 17
detection, 45 Instrument
opening, 33 calibration, 21
plates, 4, 45 calibration data, 21
Maintenance, 39
B specifications, 44
type, 44
Black Trap, 4 Integrating sphere, 3
cleaning, 41 Interface, 44
Interinstrument Agreement, 45
Inter-instrument Agreement for Diffuse
C Transmittance, 45
Cable Inter-instrument Agreement for Regular
installation, 7 Transmittance, 45
power, 7 Inter-instrument Agreement for Transmission
USB, 9 Haze Measurements, 45
COM Port Assignment, 15
Compliance Statements, 47 L
Controls, 17
Lens, 45
Light source, 3
D
Dimension Comparison, 46 M
Dimensions, 44
Measurement Geometry, 3
Measuring Geometry, 44
E Minivac, 39
Effective Bandwidth, 3 Miscellaneous Technical Information, 47

F O
Feature Summary, 3 Optical Block Diagram, 43
Features by Model, 45 Optional Accessories, 46

Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide Index • 49

 P calibration, 4
cleaning, 40
Photometric Range, 44 handling, 40
Power, 44 storage, 41
cable, 4 Transmission
Powering Up, 18 accessories, 26
compartment, 25
option, 2
R Transmittance
Reflectance calibration, 31
calibration, 23 measurements, 35
measurements, 33 options, 24
Remote Measurement Button, 37, 45 Transmittance Measurements, 45
Reporting Interval, 45
Requirements - electrical/environmental, 2 U
RS-232C Connector Pin Assignments, 47
USB
cable, 4
S cable installation, 9
Sample Measurement, 33 connection, 47
Sample Presentation, 33 driver installation, 10
Sample Viewing Port, 34 UV
Serial Cable, 4 calibration, 45
SP2000 Spectral Analyzer, 3 cutoff filters, 45
Spectral Analyzer, 44 filter calibration, 24
Spectralon® Plaque, 41
Spectrophotometers, 1 V
Specular Port, 44
Sphere Vertical Mount, 2, 45, 46
Cleaning, 39
System Port Assignment, 11
W
T Wavelength Range, 44
White Tile, 4
Tiles

50 • Index Datacolor 650/600/400 User's Guide