Ethos 4420 User Manual

1

Table of Contents

Table of Contents………………….……..……..1

Introduction……………....………………..……3

Limited Warranty, Rights and Responsibilities….4
Open-package inspection…………….…………4
Safety information………………………………5
1 Introduction……………………….…………8

1.1 Product description……………….…..……..8

1.2

Outstanding features of MS6612

multi-function

light meter…………………..…….

9

1.3 Name and function of components………...10

1.3.1 Plan view

……………………………..……….

.10

1.3.2 LCD display interface…………….……...11
2 Measurement methods……………………..12

2.1 Notices prior to measurement……………...12

2.2 Action principles………………..………….13

2.2.1 Concepts of illuminance scales..................13

2.2.2 Unit conversion for illuminance scales…..13

2.2.3 Conversion formula for illuminance
and light intensity…………..….….…..…13

2.3 Typical practice cases……………….......…13

2

3 Specific Application……………….………17

3.1 Application of manual switchover
of range measurement mode………..…….17

3.2

Application of relative/peak value

measurement mode…………..…………..….19

3.3 Application of maximum/minimum
value inquiry mode………………..………21

3.4 Application of data hold and zero
calibration mode…………..………………22

4 Other Functions……………………………24

4.1 Auto power-off…………………………….24

5 Technical Data……………..………………25
6 Maintenance and Service………….……….27

6.1 Service……………………….…….………27

6.2 Cleaning…………………………..….…….27

6.3 Battery replacement………………….…….28

6.4 Calibration Interval………………….……..29

7 Reference Table for Illumination

Standard of Various Locations………….…30

3

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the ETHOS 4420

multi-functional light meter. This meter will, with proper
use, provide years of reliable service; therefore, it is
recommended that the user read carefully the user’s
manual before using the light meter and keep it in right
place for reference.

4

Limited Warranty, Rights and Responsibilities

The product is guaranteed for one year from date of

purchase against defects in material or workmanship. This
warranty does not extend to damage caused by fire
(fusing), disposable battery (exhausted), accidents,
negligence, misuse, modification, pollution and abnormal
operation. Dealers are not authorized to extend the
warranty coverage on ETHOS’s behalf. During the
applicable limited warranty period, the user may contact
the nearest ETHOS service center to obtain approval of
information, and send the product to the center along with
fault description.

Open-package inspection

Upon reception of the light meter, inspect it
to ensure no damage happened during shipping. If
the user finds obvious damage or malfunction in
operation, please contact the supplier.

Attachments

Instruction manual×1

One 9 V alkaline cell, GL6F22A 1604A

5

Safety information

Warning

Do not use the light meter in the environment
full of dusts or having gas substances and
flammable steam substances!

Safety mark description

This manual contains basic information for 4420 safety
operation and maintenance. Please read carefully
following safety information before use.

Table 1: Safety information

Important information which the user
must read before using the light meter

Mark of conformity

Table 2: Warning message

Warning

It indicates that incorrect operation will
lead to serious injury or even fatal
accidents

Notice

It indicates that incorrect operation o

negligence will lead to meter

damage or

wrong measurement results, etc.

Tips

Operation suggestions or prompts

6

Operation considerations

User should observe the following notices to
guarantee safe operation and obtain optimum
performance.

1: Preliminary check

Before initial use, please check if the light meter
operates normally and if it is damaged during storage and
transportation. In case of any damage, please contact the
supplier.

2: Placement

Operation
al
temperatu
re and
humidity
range

-10～50℃ (14～122°F)
<80%RH (non-condensed)

Storage
temperatur
e and
humidity
range

-10～+50℃ (14～122°F)
<70%RH (non-condensed)

To avoid faults, please DO NOT place the light
meter in following environments:

7

3:Use
Notice

1. The operation temperature range for the light meter is

-10-50℃ (14-122°F).

2. In order to avoid damage, especially falling accidents,

handling and use should be avoided during severe
mechanical vibration.

3. The light meter can only be calibrated and repaired by

professional personnel.

4. Before each use, the opto-sensor of light meter should

be checked for damage and dust. Make sure the meter is
in good, smooth and clean conditions. If one or more
functions of the light meter are irregular or not ready
for operation, avoid using the meter.

5. During the operation of the light meter, the meter

measurement value should not be at OL for long time.

6. Keep the meter out of direct sunlight to guarantee its

normal operation and long-term service life.

7. If the meter is subject to effect of intensive

electromagnetic field, its functions will be affected.

8. Only use batteries specified in technical data.

9. Batteries should avoid damp. If the low battery symbol

appears on the display, the user should replace batteries.

8

Tips

1. The sensibility of the optical detector will be lessened

due to operation conditions or time. It is recommended
to make periodic calibration to maintain the basic
accuracy.

2. Please keep original package for future mailing (such

as for light meter calibration).

1 Introduction

1.1 Product description

Whether you are a professional or amateur
photographer, while shooting, you pay more attention to
the surrounding illuminance rather than the setting,
because this will help you taking the best shot. Although
the illuminance can be estimated by the photographer,
there is a difference in perception between human and
camera about the requirement for supplementing
illuminance. This difference will lead to a big contrast of
the expected image effect against the actual one. In face of
this, do you wish to possess a light meter? When you
intend to buy a house, you require both good location and
indoor brightness during the day. So, do you wish to
possess a light meter to measure the illuminance in every
corner of the house?

With the progress of human civilization, more and
more people emphasize low carbon life. Architects tend to
figure out how to bring more natural light into the house
while putting up a residential building. However, in many

9

cases, fluorescent lights will be used when the natural light
is not enough. In response to the slogan of energy saving
and emission reduction advocated by the state, we should
use the fluorescent lamps based on the actual needs. So, a
professional and convenient light meter can provide you
with a reference regarding illuminance.
The 4420 multi-functional light meter has a friendly
human-machine interface and can be activated by a simple
press of keys. The buzzer activates upon key press to
notify that it is effective. This light meter is able to
measure the visible light produced by fluorescent lamp,
metal-halide lamp, high voltage sodium lamp or electric
incandescent lamp for a vivid and intuitive image display.

1.2 Outstanding features of the MS6612
multi-function light meter

 Automatic and manual range switching;
 Inquiry function for maximum and minimum values;
 Data hold function;
 Peak value measurement function;
 Relative value measurement function;
 Zero calibration function;
 3 1/2 bit LCD display, with analog bar display;
 Fc/Lux unit conversion function;
 Outrange indication (When the measured value

exceeds the current range, LCD will display the signal
“OL” to indicate that the range is overreached);

 High precision. Measurement range (0.00~200000Lux);

10

 Low battery indicator;
 Touch tone and mute function;
 Auto power-off function (The machine will be

powered off automatically keys are not operated for
more than 10 minutes)

 Compact design, durable, and portable.

13 Name and function of components

1.3.1 Plan view



Opto-sensor protection cover



Opto-sensor



LCD display screen



Compound key for main

power and touch tone:
Power on/off: Short press the
key to activate the machine
and long press for 1 second to
shut it down.
Touch tone on/off: Under
working mode, short press
the key to turn
on and off the touch tone.



max and min values inquiry key



Lux/Fc unit conversion key



Compound key for data hold

and zero calibration:

Data hold: Short press the key to enter/exit data hold mode.

Zero calibration: Long press for 1 second to perform zero

MS6612 plan

11

calibration function.



Compound key for relative value and peak value

measurement:

Relative value measurement: Short press the key to enter/

exit relative value measurement mode.
Peak value measurement: Long press for 1 second to

enter/exit peak value measurement mode.

⑨

Key for manual range switching: Short press the key for

20.00Lux  200.0Lux  2000Lux  20000Lux 
200000Lux (or 20.00Fc  200.0Fc  2000Fc 
20000Fc) circulation; Long press for 1 second to exit
manual range switching mode.

1.3.2 LCD display interface

1. Prompt for manual

range switching

mode

2. Prompt for data

hold mode

3. The analog bar

shows the current
measurement value
information.

4. The digit shows the current measurement value

information.

5. Lux unit

6. FC unit

LCD

display

interface

12

7. Prompt for auto measurement mode

8. Prompt for peak value measurement mode

9. Prompt for low battery

10. Prompt for relative value measurement mode

11.12 Prompt for max and min values inquiry

2 Measurement methods

2.1 Notices prior to measurement

Warning

1: Do not use the light meter in environments full of

dusts or having gas substances and flammable
steam substances!

2: Do not use the light meter for measurement in the

place with high temperature and high humidity.

3: Do not use the light meter in environments with

intense infrared or ultraviolet rays!

Tips

1: The opto-sensor of this meter is designed by simulating

the sensitive curve of light obtained through human
eyes. The spectral coverage is between 320mm and
730mm. When it is used for measurement within the
infrared range, there will be a large data deviation.

2: The opto-sensor is calibrated by common electric

incandescent lamp required by CIE under the color
temperature of 2854°K; the provided reading number

13

may be different for the spectrum of other lamps.

3: The reference level of light source test is at the top of

the spherical surface illuminated.

4: The optical detector should expose to light for 2 minutes

before measurement.

5: Influence of tester's shadow and other factors on the

optical detector should be avoided.

2.2 Action principles

2.2.1 Concepts of illuminance scales

One lux (lumen) indicates the illuminance got on a
surface of one square meter, all points of which are one
meter from a uniform source of one candela.

One foot-candle (Fc) indicates the illuminance got on
a surface of one square foot, all points of which are one
foot from a uniform source of one candela.

2.2.2 Unit conversion for illuminance scales

1 Fc = 10.764 lux
1 lux = 0.09290 Fc

2.2.3

onversion formula for illuminance and light intensity

E = I / r

2

Wherein E --- illumination value (Unit: Lux)；
I --- Light intensity of the light source（Unit: cd）；
r --- Distance from the luminous surface of light source to
the optical detector (Unit: m）.

During the measurement, the minimum distance

between the luminous surface of light source and the

14

opto-sensor should be more than 15 times greater than
maximum size of the luminous surface (or opto-sensor).

2.3 Typical practice cases

In the following practice cases, the user stands under
a light source. Remove the protection cover of the 4420
multi-functional light meter sensor and place it at right
angle to the light source, as shown in figure 2-1.

Press and hold the 4420 power key ④ for a short
time to power on the light meter. The LCD screen will
illuminate（about 5 seconds）with the buzzer beeping twice,
and “AUTO” will appear on the middle of LCD display.
This indicates that the auto measurement mode is ON.
Press and hold the manual range switching key ⑨ of the
MS6612 for a short time, “MANU” will appear on the top
left position of the LCD display, indicating that the manual
range switching mode has been activated. In this mode,
each time press and hold the key for a short time, the
meter will switch to

20.00Lux—>200.0Lux—>2000Lux—>20000Lux—>200
000Lux (or 20.00Fc—>200.0 Fc—>2000 Fc—>20000 Fc)
in sequence; pressing the key for one second will result in
the inscription “MANU” disappearing from top left
position of LCD display, replaced by “AUTO” appearing
in the middle, to indicate that the meter has switched the
manual range switching mode to the auto range switchover.
Press and hold the REL/PEAK key ⑧ of the MS6612 for
a short time, “REL” will appear on the top left position of

15

the LCD interface, indicating the activation of the relative
value measurement mode. Press and hold the key ⑧ for a
short time again, the device will exit the relative value
measurement mode and return to the original measurement
mode, and “REL” on the top left position of the LCD
interface will disappear; pressing the key for one second
will lead to the peak measurement mode, “PEAK” and
“MANU” will appear on top right position of LCD display;
press and hold the key for one second once again,
“PEAK” will disappear from the top right position of the
LCD interface, and “AUTO” will appear in the middle of
LCD, and the mode will return to auto measurement mode.
Press and hold max/min value inquiry key ⑤ for a short
time, “MAX” will appear on top position of LCD interface,
switching the device to the max/min value inquiry mode;
in this mode, each short press of the key causes the mode
to change from MAX to MIN or from MIN to MAX; press
and hold the “MAX/MIN” key ⑤ for one second,
“MAX/MIN” on top position of the LCD interface will
disappear, and the mode will exit. Press and hold the data
hold/zero calibration key ⑦ of the MS6612 for a short
time to enter the data hold mode, which will be indicated
by the apparition of “HOLD” on the top left position of
the LCD interface; press and hold the key for a short time
once again, “HOLD” will disappear from the top left
position of the LCD interface, and the device will exit the
data hold mode. In any mode with sensor covered, press

16

and hold data hold/zero calibration key ⑦ for one second,
“ADJ” will appear on the LCD interface, and the device
will enter the zero calibration mode: several seconds later
“ADJ” will disappear from the LCD interface, and the
device will exit the data hold mode and return to auto
measurement mode.

Tips

1: The reference position of light source test is at top of

sphere surface under light.

2: In various measurement modes, analog bar in the

middle of the LCD screen will change with figures of
Nixie tubes.

3: When reading, existing data can be locked by pressing

and holding “HOLD/ZERO” key for a short time;

4: In zero calibration mode, the opto-sensor must be

covered by opto-sensor visor before calibration.

5: After completing the test, the sensor protection cover

should be put back to protect light filter and sensor.

17

Figure 2-1

3 Specific Application

3.1 Application of manual switchover of range
measurement mode

 Press and hold the RAN key (range manual switchover

key) for a short time, “MANU” will appear on the top
left position of the LCD interface, and the meter will
enter the manual switchover measurement mode (as
shown in figure 3-1-1);

 When entering manual switchover of range function,

press RAN key for a short time each time, it will
switch to 20.00Lux—>200.0Lux—>2000Lux—>

18

20000Lux—>200000Lux (or 20.00Fc—>200.0 Fc—>
2000 Fc—>20000 Fc) in sequence;

 Press and hold RAN key for one second, “MANU” on

the top left position of the LCD interface will
disappear, and “AUTO” will appear in middle of LCD
interface, and manual range switchover function will
exit and the device will return to auto range
switchover mode;

Figure 3-1-1 20.00Lux interface

19

200.0Lux interface 2000Lux interface

20000Lux interface

200000Lux interface

Tips

1: Only in peak value measurement mode, relative value

measurement mode and max/min value inquiry mode, it
will be effective to press RAN key for a short time.

2: In relative value measurement mode and max/min value

inquiry mode, press and hold the key for one second, it
will return to auto switchover of range.

3: In peak value measurement mode, data hold mode and

zero calibration modes, it will be effective to press and
hold RAN key for a long time.

4: In this mode, when measurement value exceeds present

range, “OL” will appear on LCD interface to indicate

20

over-range, and the user should switch over the
measurement range at this time.

3.2

Application of relative/peak value measurement

mode

 Press and hold REL/PEAK key for a short time

(composite key for relative/peak value measurement),
“REL” will appear on the top left position of the LCD
interface (as shown in figure 3-1-2A), and the device
will enter the relative value measurement mode;

 Press and hold REL/PEAK key for a short time again,

“REL” on the top left position of the LCD interface
will disappear, and the device will exit the relative
value measurement mode and return to original
measurement mode;

 Press and hold “REL/PEAK” key for one second, the

device will enter the peak value measurement mode,
“PEAK”LCD will appear on the top right position of
the LCD interface, and at the same time, “MENU”
will appear on the top left position of the LCD
interface (as shown in figure 3-1-2B);

 Press and hold the key once again for one second,

“PEAK” on top right position of LCD interface will
disappear, and “AUTO” will appear on the middle of
LCD interface, and the device will exit the peak value
measurement mode and return to auto measurement
mode (as shown in 3-1-2C).

21

Figure 3-1-2A Figure 3-1-2B

Figure 3-1-2C

Tip

1: Only in auto measurement mode, peak value

measurement mode, max/min value inquiry mode and
data hold mode, it will be effective to press and hold
REL/PEAK key for a short time.

2: In non-zero calibration mode, press and hold

“REL/PEAK” for one second, the device will enter the
peak value measurement mode.

3.3 Application of maximum/minimum value
inquiry mode

 Press and hold “MAX/MIN” key for a short time,

22

“MAX” will appear on top LCD interface (as shown in
figure 3-1-3);

 In max/min value inquiry mode, press “MAX/MIN” key

once, you will switch MAX to MIN or MIN to MAX;

 Press and hold “MAX/MIN” for one second,

“MAX/MIN” on top LCD interface will disappear, and
the max/min value inquiry mode will exit.

Figure 3-1-3

Tips

In non-zero calibration mode, press and hold “MAX/MIN”
key for a short time to use the max/min value inquiry
functions;

23

3.4 Application of data hold and zero
calibration mode



Press and hold “HOLD/ZERO” key for a short time,

“HOLD” will appear on the top left position of the

LCD interface (as shown in 3-1-4A), then the device

will enter the data hold mode;
 Press and hold the key again, “HOLD” on the top

left position of the LCD interface will disappear, and

the meter will exit the data hold mode;
 Cover the opto-sensor with the visor, and press and

hold “HOLD/ZERO” key for one second, “ADJ”

will appear on LCD interface (as shown in figure

3-1-4B), then the device will enter the zero

calibration mode. Several seconds later, “ADJ” on

LCD interface will disappear, and zero calibration

mode will automatically exit and return to auto

measurement mode.

Notice

Before zero calibration, the opto-sensor must be covered
with the opto-sensor visor.

24

Figure 3-1-4A Figure 3-1-4B

Tips

1. In non-zero calibration mode, press and hold

“HOLD/ZERO” key for a short time to enter the

data hold mode.

2. Zero-calibration can be made in any mode.

25

4 Other Functions

4.1 Auto power-off

If there is no action on keys of the MS6612 for a long
time, the meter will automatically power off about 10
minutes later.

26

5 Technical Data

 Temperature range:

Operation:-10～50 OC, max 80 % HR（Non-Condensed）

Storage:-10～50

O

C，max 80 % HR (Non-Condensed)

(removing batteries)

 Sampling rate: ≥2 times/s。
 Display: 3½ digits, max reading of 1999, with

analog bar display;

 Sensor: silicon photoelectric diode
 Measured spectral range: 320～730nm

 Measurement ranges: 20, 200, 2000, 20000, 200000 Lux

20, 200, 2000, 20000 FC

 Operating environment: indoor use
 Height: 2000m highest
 Battery life: Approx. 200 hours
 Power supply: 1×9 V，IEC 6LR61
 Dimensions (H×W×D): 190 mm×89 mm×42.5 mm
 Weight: Approx. 360 g without batteries

Approx. 420 g with batteries

 Accuracy: ±3% (calibrated with incandescent lamps

in 2854K)

±6% other visible light source

27

Cosine angle deviation characteristics

Cosine angle Deviations

30° ±2%
60° ±6%

Tips: cosine angle is corrected in accordance with JIS C
1609:1993 and CNS 5119 Grade A General Specification.

 Luminous sensitivity characteristics:

28

6 Maintenance and Service

6.1Service

Notice

When the meter seemingly fails during operation,
following steps should be followed to check the fault
problem:

1: Check up batteries. If “ ” appears on the LCD

display, batteries should be replaced.

2: Refer to the operation instructions to check if operation

steps are wrong.

3: Before sending the meter to manufacturer for repair, the

user should remove out the batteries and describe faults
in details, and pack the meter to avoid damages in
transportation. Our company will assume no
responsibility for damages in transformation.

4: Repair on the meter should be performed by service

centers or other qualified servicemen.

6.2 Cleaning

First wipe the meter with a damp soft cloth with clean
water or neutral detergent and then with a dry cloth.

Notice

1: Please make sure the light meter is turned off before

cleaning.

2: Do not use benzene, alcohol, acetone, ethyl ether,

ketones, thinners and gasoline, etc. in cleaning, because

29

they will transform or fade the light meter.

3: The light meter can only be used again when it is

completely dry after cleaning.

6.3 Battery replacement

If the battery symbol appears on the LCD accompanied by
buzzer alarm, batteries must be replaced.
Batteries should be replaced as follow:

 Turn off the meter;
 Remove the screw on the back of the meter and open

the battery compartment;

 Remove exhausted batteries;
 Replace new batteries observing polarity;
 Replace the battery compartment cover and secure

the compartment screw.

Warning

1: Do pay attention to the right polarity of battery when

putting in or replacing batteries. In case of polarity
reversal, the light meter will be damaged, and can even
cause explosion or fire.

2: Neither connects one polarity of the battery to the other

one with wire, nor throws batteries into fire, or it will
cause explosion.

3: Do not attempt to discompose the battery! The battery’s

intensively alkaline electrolyte is corrosive and
endangers the user. In case of contact of the electrolyte

30

with skin or clothes, immediately rinse touched parts
with clean water; in case of contact of the electrolyte
with eyes, immediately rinse eyes with clean water and
seek medical advice.

Notice

1: The light meter should be turned off before replacing

batteries.
2: Use batteries specified in technical data only.
3: If the meter is not to be used for a long time, take out

the batteries. In case the meter is polluted due to battery

leak, the meter should be sent by post to the

manufacturer for cleaning and checking.
4: For disposal of used batteries, follow existing

specifications on battery recycling, reuse and treatment.

6.4 Calibration Interval

In order to ensure the accuracy of the meter, periodic
calibration should be performed by our debugging
personnel. It is recommended to make calibration every
year. If the meter is in frequent use or used in poor
environments, the calibration interval should be
accordingly shorten. If the meter is less used, the
calibration interval may prolong to three years.

31

7 Reference Table for Illumination

Standard of Various Locations

Fc illuminance value can be got from Lux
illumination value divided by 10.6.

Schools:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

1500~300

Drafting classroom, sewing classroom,
computer classroom

750~200

Classroom, laboratory, practice workshop,
research room, reading room, stack room,
office, staff lounge, conference room,
health center, restaurant, kitchen, pantry,
radio room, printing room, switchboard
room, guard room, indoor stadium

300~150

Large classroom, auditorium, storage
cabinet room, lounge, staircase

150~75

Corridor, elevator corridor, toilet, duty
room, workers room, bridge, school
outdoor playground

75~30 Warehouse, garage, fire escape

Office:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

2000~1500 Design office, clerk's office

32

1500~750

Hall information channel (daytime),
parlor, drawing office, punching, typing

750~300

Calculator room, conference room,
printing room, switchboard room, control
room, reception room, recreation room,
restaurant

300~150

Stack room, entertainment room, dining
room, lounge, guard room, elevator
(passway), washroom, toilet

150~75

Tea room, changing room, warehouse,
nightwatchmen office (entrance)

75~30 Fire escape

Factories:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

3000~1500

Ultra-precision operation, design,
drafting, precision inspection

1500~750

Design office, analysis, assemble line,
coating

750~300

Packaging, measurement, surface
treatment, warehouse office

300~150 Dyeing, casting, electrical room

150~75

Entrance and exit, corridor, information
channel, staircase, dressing room,
toilet, 、operation warehouse

75~30 Fire escape, warehouse, outdoor power

33

equipment (loading and unloading,
inventory move operation)

Hospital:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

10000~5000 Visual function test chamber

(ophthalmology light room)
1500~750 Operating room
750~300 Consulting room, treatment room,

pharmacy room, prescription room, drug

store, dissection room, pathological

bacteria room, emergency rooms,

maternity ward, dean’s office, offices,

nursing room, conference room
300~150 Ward, medicine room, bed reading,

medicine changing, plaster bandage for

fractures, infant room, record room,

waiting room, consulting room,

outpatient corridor
150~75 Locker room, physical therapy room,

X-ray room, ward corridor, medicine

room, sterilization room, ward room,

stairs, endoscopy room
75~30 Animal room, dark room (photo), fire

escape

34

Hair salon:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

1500~750 Haircut, perm, hair dyeing, cosmetics

750~300

Shave, hairdressing, lobby registration

counter, makeup

300~150 Toilet in salon

150~75 Corridor, stairways

Hotel, restaurant, recreation ground:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

1500~750 Counter

750~300

Halfway, banquet hall, business room,

parking lot, kitchen

300~150

Restaurant, toilet, a large Japanese-style

room

150~75

Recreation room, corridor, stairways,

guest room, bathroom, accent lighting for

gardens, changing room

75~30 Fire escape

35

Shop, department store:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

3000~750

Indoor display, decorative window

display, demonstration area, checkout

counter, packaging table

750~300 Elevator lobby, escalators
300~150

Discussion room, dressing room, toilet,

stairs, walkways

150~75 Lounge, general lighting in store

House:

Illuminance

(Lux)

Locations

2000~750 Handcraft, tailoring
1000~500 Writing, work

750~300

Reading, makeup, kitchen table,
processing area, telephone

300~150

Wash sink, entertainment room, living
room, family reunion, entrance (inside)
mirror

150~70

Wardrobe, bedroom, bathroom, stairs,
corridor

75~30 Doorplate, mailbox, doorbell key, terrace