PCE Instruments PCE-CSM 3 User Manual

Manual

PCE-CSM 3 Colorimeter

Version 1.0

Date of creation: 25.09.2015

Date of last change: 08.02.2017

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]

www.pce-instruments.com/english

www.pce-instruments.com

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.

Units 12/13

Southpoint Business Park

Ensign way

Hampshire / Southampton

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF

From outside UK: +44

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

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Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 3

2 Safety notes ................................................................................................ ............. 3

3 Specification ................................................................ ................................ ............ 4

3.1 Technical specifications .............................................................................................................. 4

3.2 Contents of delivery .................................................................................................................... 4

4 System description ................................................................................................. 5

4.1 Button description ....................................................................................................................... 5

4.2 Interfaces .................................................................................................................................... 5

4.3 Battery ........................................................................................................................................ 6

5 Operation ................................................................................................................. 7

5.1 Turn on the device ...................................................................................................................... 7

5.2 Take a measurement .................................................................................................................. 7

5.3 Additional functions .................................................................................................................... 8

5.3.1 Records .......................................................................................................................................... 8

5.3.2 Calibration ...................................................................................................................................... 9

5.3.3 Connection to a PC or printer ...................................................................................................... 10

5.3.4 Tolerances ................................................................................................................................... 10

5.3.5 Delete recorded data.................................................................................................................... 10

5.3.6 Averaging ..................................................................................................................................... 10

5.3.7 Display mode ............................................................................................................................... 11

5.3.8 Language ..................................................................................................................................... 11

6 Settings .................................................................................................................. 11

6.1 Auto save .................................................................................................................................. 11

6.2 Time setting .............................................................................................................................. 12

6.3 Print settings ............................................................................................................................. 12

6.4 Backlight time ........................................................................................................................... 12

6.5 Brightness setting ..................................................................................................................... 12

6.6 Battery capacity ........................................................................................................................ 12

6.7 Restore factory ......................................................................................................................... 12

7 Optional Accessories............................................................................................ 13

7.1 Powder test box PCE-CSM PTB .............................................................................................. 13

7.1.1 Build-up ........................................................................................................................................ 13

7.1.2 Operation ..................................................................................................................................... 13

7.2 Measuring device for liquids, pastes and powders PCE-CSM UTC ........................................ 14

7.2.1 Build-up ........................................................................................................................................ 14

7.2.2 Operation ..................................................................................................................................... 15

8 Contact ................................................................................................................... 17

8.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 17

8.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 17

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1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a colorimeter from PCE Instruments.
The colorimeter PCE-CSM 3 is an ideal measuring device for application in the range of quality control
and offers a high accuracy. When using the colorimeter, there are two different colour spaces available
(CIE L*a*b*C*h, CIE L*a*b*). After a measurement with the PCE-CSM 3, the reading can be used as a
standard value. Other readings can be recorded as a sample and later be compared to the reference
value. In addition to the individual colour space coordinates, the deviation between the readings is also
displayed. On the internal memory of the colorimeter, you can store up to 100 reference values and up to
20000 samples. The measured data can also be transferred to a PC via USB and analysed with the
included PC software.

2 Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device
may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. There is no
warranty of damages or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.

 This colorimeter is a precise measuring device. Please avoid strong changes in the

environmental conditions. This includes flickering lights as well as changes of the air temperature
or air humidity.

 The device may only be used in the approved temperature range.
 Make sure the device is standing right on the measuring spot. Do not move it while the measuring

procedure is in progress. Avoid shocks.

 Do not expose the device to water. Only use it in areas which fulfil the permitted environmental

conditions.

 Keep the device clean and prevent dust or other particles from entering the measuring aperture.
 To clean the device, use a damp cloth. Do not use solvent-containing materials for cleaning.

 The case should only be opened by qualified personnel of PCE Instruments.

 You must not make any technical changes to the device.
 The instrument should never be placed with the user interface facing an object (e. g. keyboard

side on a table).

 Only use the battery which is included in the package (3.7 V, 0.5 A).

 If you do not need the device for a longer period of time, please reset the white calibration and

store it in in the carrying case.

This user's handbook is published from PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms, they can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.

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3 Specification

3.1 Technical specifications

Measuring aperture

Ø 8 mm

Measuring geometry

8°/d

Sensor

Silicon photoelectric diode

Colour spaces

CIE L*a*b*C*h
CIE L*a*b

Colour difference formula

ΔE*ab
ΔL*ab
ΔE*C*h

Errors between each equipment

≤0,50 ΔE*ab

Repeatability

average of 30 measurements of standard white plate

Light source

Blue LED (D65)

Lamp life

3 years, more than 1 million measurements

Storage

100 reference values (standards), 20,000 samples

Interface

USB / RS-232

Power supply

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

3.7 V at 3,200 mAh

Charging time

2 h (8 h at first use)

Battery life

> 3,000 measurements

Operating conditions

Temperature: 0 … +40 °C
Humidity: 0 … 85 % RH, non-condensing

Dimensions

200 x 70 x 100 mm

Weight

500 g

3.2 Contents of delivery

1 x colorimeter PCE-CSM 3
1 x USB cable
1 x lithium-ion battery
1 x mains adaptor
1 x calibration plate (white)
1 x PC software
1 x instruction manual

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4 System description

4.1 Button description

4.2 Interfaces

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 Power button: Press this button to turn the device on (button lock in place). Press the button

again to turn the device off (button unlocks).

 DC interface: Only use the mains adaptor included in the package. If it breaks down, only use

substitutions with the following characteristics: output 5 V DC, 2 A.

 USB/RS-232 interface: By using the USB interface, you can transfer data from the colorimeter to

a PC. The baud rate is 115,200 bps.

4.3 Battery

Installing the battery

1. Make sure that the colorimeter is turned off.

2. Open the cover of the battery compartment.

3. Insert the battery into the allocated space.

4. Close the cover of the battery compartment.
Charging the battery
The battery can only be charged when the colorimeter is connected to a PC or to the mains adaptor.

Note: If the battery is damaged, the device can still be used via an external power source (PC / mains
adaptor).

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5 Operation

5.1 Turn on the device

1. Make sure the battery is installed or the device is connected to an external power source.

2. Turn on the device by pressing the power button. After a few seconds, you are automatically

directed to the “Standard Measurement” screen. The default setting for this measuring mode is

L*a*b*C*h.

5.2 Take a measurement

If you turn on the device, you are directed to the “Standard Measurement” screen. To take a

measurement, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the testing button (see chapter 4.1). Next, a light cone appears to help you aim at

the measuring point.

2. Move the device as close to the measuring point as possible.

3. Release the testing button. The colorimeter now takes a measurement.
After the measuring procedure is finished, you can the results on the following screen:

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A reading which has been determined by using the “Standard Measurement” automatically serves as a

reference value. You can add one or more sample measurements to this reading. To do so, you have to
switch to the “Sample Measurement” screen:

1. Press the Enter button , if you are in the result screen of the standard measurement function.

Now you get to the “Sample Measurement” screen.

2. Take a measurement (just like in you took the standard measurement).

3. Now you can see the results and the deviation to the standard in the following screen:

Note: While the measurement is in progress (time duration: ~ 1 second), all buttons are inactive.

To go back to the standard measurement screen, press Back .

5.3 Additional functions

5.3.1 Records

All measuring results are recorded and saved to the internal memory of the colorimeter (if auto save is
active). To view the recorded data, press the Menu button , select “Record” and press Enter to

confirm. Now, you get to the following screen:

Here you can navigate between the different readings by using the arrow keys ( and )

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 If there are any samples attached to a standard, you can view those by pressing Enter .

If there is more than one sample, you can use the arrow keys ( and ) for selection.

 If you want to delete a sample, select it and hold the Back button for ca. 3 seconds.

If you press Back shortly, you get back to the main screen of the record function.

 If you want to subsequently add samples to an existing standard, select the standard and press

the Menu button . You are now redirected to the standard measurement screen. Press Enter

to go to the sample measurement screen. Now you can perform a sample measurement,

which will be automatically added to the selected standard.

 If you want to turn a sample into a standard, select the standard which the sample is attached to

and press Enter . Now, select the sample and press the Menu button . The sample has now
turned into a standard.

5.3.2 Calibration

To get to the calibration menu, press the Menu button , select “Calibrate“ and press Enter .

Here you can select between white and black calibration. Use the arrow keys ( and ) to select and
press Enter to confirm. A confirmation screen with instructions will appear.

White calibration

If you want to perform a white calibration, place the white calibration plate on the measuring aperture.
After that, press the Testing button to start the calibration.

Black calibration

If you wish to perform a black calibration, remove the calibration plate and place the device with the
measuring aperture oriented upwards. Make sure that this calibration is carried out in a dark environment.
Additionally, keep the device away at least 1 meter from reflecting objects like walls, tables or other
objects. To start the calibration process, press the Testing button.

Note: A calibration is only reasonable in the following cases: when first using the device, after strong
changes in the environmental conditions, when the device has been used for a long time or when the
measurement results are inaccurate.

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5.3.3 Connection to a PC or printer

To connect the device to a PC or printer, press the Menu button , select “Comm“ and press Enter .
Now, you will get to the communication screen.

After that, use the USB cable to connect the device to a PC and press Enter . If the connection was
successful, the screen shows “Communicating…”

The device can also be connected to a printer. In this case, all measuring results are printed
automatically.

5.3.4 Tolerances

To set up or adjust tolerances, press the Menu button , select “Tolerance“ and press Enter . Now,
you get to the tolerance screen.

Here you can set up tolerances. To do so, use the arrow keys ( and ) to adjust the selected digit.
Press Enter to go to the next digit. After confirming the last digit by pressing Enter , the tolerance is

set up.

5.3.5 Delete recorded data

To delete the recorded data, press the Menu button , select “Delete“ and press Enter . Now, you get
to the deletion screen.

Here you have two different options. You can either delete all sample measurements (“Delete ALL
Samples”) or all records (“Delete ALL Records”).

Select the desired option by using the arrow keys ( and ) and press Enter . A confirmation screen
appears. Press Enter to confirm or Back to cancel.

Note: If you delete all records, all sample measurements will be deleted as well.

5.3.6 Averaging

You can set the number of measurements which are performed during the measuring procedure. From
these particular measurement results, the average value is generated.

To get to the averaging settings, press the Menu button , select “Average“ and press Enter .
Here, you can set the number of measurements. Use the arrow keys ( and ) to adjust the selected
digit. Press Enter to go to the next digit. After confirming the last digit by pressing Enter , the

averaging is set.

Note: If you set “00” or “01”, there will be no averaging.

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5.3.7 Display mode

To change the display mode, press the Menu button , select “Display“ and press Enter . Now, you
get to the display mode settings.
Here you have three different options: “CIE L*a*b*C*H*”, “CIE L*a*b*” and “CIE XYZ”. Use the arrow keys

( and ) to select the desired option and press Enter to confirm.

Note: CIE L*a*b*C*H* is set by default.

5.3.8 Language

To adjust the language of the colorimeter, press the Menu button , select “Language” and press Enter

. Now you get to the language selection. You can choose between English and Chinese. Select an

option by using the arrow keys ( and ) and press Enter to confirm.

6 Settings

To get to the settings, press the Menu button , select “Setting“ and press Enter .
Here you have different options. Use the arrow keys ( and ) to navigate and confirm the selection by
pressing Enter .

6.1 Auto save

Here you choose if the measured data is recorded automatically or not. Choose the desired option by
using the arrow keys ( and ) and press Enter to confirm. If auto save is inactive, you can
manually save the data by pressing the Down/Save button .

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6.2 Time setting

Here you can set the time (“Set time”), date (“Set date”) and how time and date are displayed (“Time
format” / “Date format”). Select the desired option by using the arrow keys ( and ) and press Enter

to confirm.

Set time / date

Here you can set the individual digits of the time and date. Adjust the selected digit by using the arrow
keys ( and ) and press Enter to get to the next digit. After confirming the last digit by pressing
Enter , the time / date is set.

Time format

Here you can choose between 24 h format and 12 h format. Use the arrow keys ( and ) for selection
and press Enter to confirm.

Date format

Here you can choose between year-month-day, month-day-year and day-month-year. Use the arrow keys
( and ) for selection and press Enter to confirm.

6.3 Print settings

Here you can choose if the measurement results are printed automatically or not when a printer is
connected to the colorimeter. Choose the desired option by using the arrow keys ( and ) and press
Enter to confirm. If automatic printing is turned off, you can print the data by pressing and holding the
Up/Print button .

6.4 Backlight time

Here you can choose how long the backlighting shall be active. Choose the desired option by using the
arrow keys ( and ) and press Enter to confirm.

6.5 Brightness setting

Here you can adjust the brightness of the display. Use the arrow keys ( and ) to select an option and
press Enter to confirm.

6.6 Battery capacity

Here you can check the battery status.

6.7 Restore factory

Here you can restore the factory settings. To do so, press Enter in the confirmation screen. Press
Back to cancel.

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7 Optional Accessories

7.1 Powder test box PCE-CSM PTB

With the optional powder test box PCE-CSM PTB you can determine the colorimetric parameters of
powders.

7.1.1 Build-up

The PCE-CSM PTB is built up of a base plate (1), a measuring plate with a powder compartment (2), a
lens (3) and a mounting ring (4).

7.1.2 Operation

1. Calibration: Put the lens on the white calibrations plate and perform a white calibration. After

that, perform a black calibration.

2. Fill in the powder: Fill the powder into the powder compartment of the measuring plate.

After that, put the powder test box back together (see 7.1.1). Make sure the screw joint is straight.

3. Measure: Place the measuring hole of the colorimeter on the hole of the powder test box and

perform a measurement. Make sure the colorimeter is stable.

4. Clean the test box: After using the powder test box, disassemble and clean it. If needed, you

can use alcohol for cleaning. After the cleaning, let the box dry and store it properly until the next
use.

Powder compartment

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7.2 Measuring device for liquids, pastes and powders PCE-CSM UTC

With the optional measuring device PCE-CSM UTC, you can determine the colorimetric parameters of
liquids, pastes and powders.

7.2.1 Build-up

The PCE-CSM UTC is built up of a base plate (1), an alignment plate for the colorimeter (2), a measuring
chamber (3) with a measuring hole (31), a tank with filling level indication (4), a cover plate (5) and an
adjuster plate (6) with safety screws (7).

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7.2.2 Operation

1. Put the colorimeter in the measuring device PCE-CSM UTC (as seen on the picture below) and

tighten it by using the adjuster plate (6) and the safety screws (7). The Measuring hole should
align with the measuring hole of the measuring chamber (3). Make sure that the colorimeter is in
the right place and tightened properly before moving on.

2. Fill the tank (4) with the desired medium and put it into the measuring chamber (3). Make sure

the filling level lies between the MIN and the MAX indication of the tank.
The tank has two sides with a dull surface. Only touch it on those two sides to prevent
measurement errors due to dirt.

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3. Put the cover plate (5) on the measuring chamber of the PCE-CSM UTC. There is an indication

on the cover plate, as well as on the measuring chamber. Please make sure that these
indications are aligned properly (see picture below).

4. Perform a measurement with the colorimeter.

5. Clean the measuring device before each use. Do not use abrasive or corrosive materials to

prevent tank from being scratched.
After cleaning, put the cover plate back on the measuring chamber to keep it clean during
storage.

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8 Contact

If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.

8.1 PCE Instruments UK
By post:

PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13 Southpoint Business Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire

United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
By phone:

02380 987 035

8.2 PCE Americas
By post:

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA

By phone:
561 320 9162