X-Rite 400 User Manual

Model 400
B/W Reflection

Densitometer

Operation Manual

Dear Customer:
Congratulations! We at X-Rite, Incorporated are proud to present

you with the X-Rite 400 B/W Reflection Densitometer. This
instrument represents the very latest in microcontrollers, integrated
circuits, optics, and display technology. Your X-Rite 400 is a
rugged, reliable, finely engineered instrument whose performance is
unsurpassed.

To fully appreciate and protect your investment, we suggest that you
take the necessary time to read and fully understand this manual. As
always, X-Rite stands behind your 400 with a full one year limited
warranty and a dedicated service organization. If the need arises,
please don’t hesitate to call us.

Thank you for your trust and confidence.
X-Rite, Incorporated

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CE DECLARATION

Manufacturer's Name: X-Rite, Incorporated
Manufacturer's Address: 3100 44th Street, S.W.
Grandville, Michigan 49418
U.S.A.

Model Name: Densitometer
Model No.: 400

Directive(s) Conformance: EMC 89/336/EEC LVD 73/23/EEC

NOTE: The device complies to the product specifications for the Low Voltage
Directive when furnished with the 230VAC AC Adapter (X-Rite P/N SE30-62),
and to UL Standards when furnished with the 115VAC AC Adapter
(X-Rite P/N SE30-61).

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NOTICE

FCC Statement

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 the instruction 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 own
expense.

Canada

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences
du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

The Manufacturer: X-Rite, Incorporated
Der Hersteller: 3100 44th Street, S.W.
El fabricante: Grandville, Michigan 49418
Le fabricant:
Il fabbricante:

Declares that: Densitometer
gibt bekannt: 400
advierte que:
avertit que:
avverte che:

is not intended to be connected to a public telecommunications network.
an ein öffentliches Telekommunikations-Netzwerk nicht angeschlossen werden soll.
no debe ser conectado a redes de telecomunicaciones públicas.
ne doit pas être relié à un réseau de télécommunications publique.
non deve essere connettuto a reti di telecomunicazioni pubblici.

iiiiii

CAUTION: Operational hazard exists if AC adaptor other than
X-Rite SE30-61 (115V) or SE30-62 (230V) is used.

VORSICHT: Betriebsgefahr besteht bei Gebrauch von anderen
Adaptern als X-Rite SE30-61 (115 U) oder SE30-62 (230 U).

AVISO: No use otro adaptador C.A. que no sea la pieza X-Rite
SE30-61 (115V) o SE30-62 (230V), por el riesgo de mal
funcionamiento del equipo.

ATTENTION: Ne pas utiliser d’adaptateur autre que SE30-61
(115V) ou SE30-62 (230V) de X-Rite au risque de mauvais
fonctionnement de l’appareil.

AVVISO: Non usare un altro adattatore C.A. che non è del pezzo
X-Rite SE30-61 (115V) o SE30-62 (230V), per il rischio di
malfunzionamento dell’apparecchio.

NOTE: Shielded interface cables must be used in order to
maintain compliance with the desired FCC and European emission
requirements.

iviv

WARNING: This instrument is not for use in explosive
environment.

WARNUNG: Das Gerät darf in einer explosiven Umgebung
NICHT verwendet werden.

ADVERTENCIA: NO use este aparato en los ambientes explosivos.
ATTENTION: Cet instrument NE DOIT PAS être utilisé dans un

environnement explosif.
AVVERTIMENTO: NON usare questo apparecchio in ambienti

esplosivi.

USE ONLY: AA NICad batteries that are 600/700mAhr rated, six
required. Other types may burst causing personal injury.

VORSICHT: Verwenden Sie nur AA NiKad Akkus von
600/700mAhr (Milliampere/Stunde) Nennstrom, 6 Stück
erforderlich. Mit anderen Akkus besteht Explosions- und
Verletzungsgefahr.

ATENCION: Use solamente las pilas de AA NiCad (se requiere
seis) con condiciones de funcionamiento normales 600/700mAhr
(horas miliamperios). Es posible que los otros tipos puedan estallar y
causar daños corporales.

ATTENTION: Utiliser seulement les batteries NICad à courant
nominal de 600mAh (milliampère/heure) (6 pièces nécessaire). Il y
a danger d'explosion et de blessures avec les autres types.

ATTENZIONE: Usare solamente gli accumulatori al AA NiCad (si
richiede sei) con le condizioni di funzionamento normali
600/700mAhr (ore milliamperi). E possibile che altri tipi possano
scoppiare e causare danno personale.

vv

Contents

1 Overview and Setup

Features............................................................................ 1-1

Packaging and Parts............................................................ 1-3

Instrument Vocabulary ...................................................... 1-4

Unlocking/Locking the Shoe.............................................. 1-5

Batteries and Power.......................................................... 1-6

Adjusting the Display Angle............................................... 1-9

I/O Port Setup................................................................... 1-10

2 Calibration

Response Settings ............................................................2-1

Overview of Calibration Procedures.................................. 2-2

Long Calibration................................................................ 2-3

Quick-Cal™ ......................................................................2-4

3 Density Functions

Selecting Density Function................................................ 3-2

Density Measurement........................................................ 3-2

Density Difference Measurement ...................................... 3-3

Miscellaneous Display Messages ......................................3-4

4 Dot Functions

Dot Formula...................................................................... 4-1

Selecting Dot Area or Dot Gain ......................................... 4-4

Dot Area Function............................................................. 4-5

Dot Gain Function............................................................. 4-7

5 Range Functions

Reference Value ...............................................................5-1

Absolute Range Measurement .......................................... 5-2

Range Minus Reference Measurement.............................. 5-2

6 Technical Information

Serial Interface Information............................................... 6-1

Instrument Specifications.................................................. 6-4

Accessories.......................................................................6-6

General Cleaning.............................................................. 6-7

Optics Maintenance........................................................... 6-7

Target Window Replacement............................................ 6-8

Lamp Replacement........................................................... 6-9

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7 Appendices and Index

Proprietary Notice .............................................................7-1

Limited Warranty............................................................... 7-2

Index................................................................................. 7-3

Copyright 1998 by
X-Rite, Incorporated
“ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”

X-Rite is a registered trademark and Quick Cal™, Q Cal™, Electronic Function
Selection™, Computerized Color Response™, and CCR™, are trademarks of X-Rite,
Incorporated. All other logos, brand names, and product names are the properties of their
respective holders.

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viiiviii

1 Overview

and Setup

Features................................... 1-1

Packaging and Parts.................... 1-3

Instrument Vocabulary.............. 1-4

Unlocking/Locking the Shoe...... 1-5

Batteries and Power.................. 1-6

Adjusting the Display Angle ...... 1-9

I/O Port Setup..........................1-10

The X-Rite 400 B/W Reflection Densitometer is designed to meet
the quality control needs of the general graphic arts,
phototypesetting, and newspaper industries. This completely
portable instrument features different measurement modes for
quickly measuring ink density, density difference, dot area, and dot
gain. Measurements are taken with simple hand-held operation, and
measurement data is clearly read on the interactive display. The
three control buttons make measurement mode selection easy.

FEATURES

The X-Rite 400 features several state-of-the-art technologies that
place the instrument a step above competitive instruments in terms
of accuracy, speed, and simplicity:

QuickCal™ One-Step Calibration

The 400’s Quick-Cal feature makes calibration fast and easy. You
simply select the “Q-Cal” mode on the instrument, then measure the
white patch on the supplied calibration target card. You can also get
complete agreement with other densitometers using the three-color
response calibration.

DEN (Density)

The DEN function allows you to take absolute density and density
difference measurements.

1-11-1

400 B/W Reflection Densitometer

DOT

The DOT function allows Dot area and Dot gain measurements. Dot
is calculated with paper subtracted out using the Murray-Davies or
Yule-Nielson formulas.

Range

Range subtracts the lowest measurement from the highest and
displays the difference. Range-Reference subtracts a reference value
from the range and displays the difference.

Nonvolatile Memory

A lithium battery stores calibration data and measured values when
the densitometer’s primary rechargeable batteries are depleted or
removed.

Additional Features

Ÿ Large LCD display clearly identifies measurement data and

mode function. No need for numeric codes to identify this
information.

Ÿ Three large buttons place all function controls at operator’s

fingertips.

1-21-2

Ÿ AC adapter is provided to allow readings while batteries are

being recharged.

Ÿ Two-way RS-232 interface operates at 1200 baud, or one of

several other baud rates.

Overview and Setup

PACKAGING AND PARTS

After removing the instrument from the shipping carton, inspect for
possible damage. If any damage is noted, contact the transportation
company immediately. Do nothing more until the carrier’s agent has
inspected the damage.

If damage is not evident, check to ensure that all items are included
(refer to the parts list below).

Your Package Should Include…

1 400 B/W Reflection Densitometer
1 Carrying Case
1 Operation Manual
1 Reflection Calibration Reference 400-62
1 Warranty Registration Card
1 P/N SE30-61 Battery Charger, 115V

or P/N SE30-62 Battery Charger, 230V

1 P/N SD01-41 Certificate of Calibration
Along with this Operation Manual, several important notices are

included. You should read each of these notices before using the
instrument.

Return Packaging

Your X-Rite 400 was packaged in a carton specially designed to
prevent damage. If re-shipment is necessary, the instrument should
be re-packaged in the original carton. If the original carton is not
available, a new one can be obtained from X-Rite.

1-31-3

400 B/W Reflection Densitometer

(Charger) Jack

INSTRUMENT VOCABULARY

3 Operating Keys

Target Window

Shoe

8-character
Interactive Display

RS232
I/O Port

AC Adapter

1-41-4

FUNCTION

Button

FUNCTION

ENTER Button

ENTER ZERO

ZERO
Button

Arrows indicate button’s function for
adjusting display values up or down.

Overview and Setup

UNLOCKING/LOCKING THE SHOE

To take measurements with the instrument, you must unlock the
Shoe (see Instrument Vocabulary drawing in previous chapter).
When the instrument is not in use, the Shoe should be re-locked to
protect the instrument optics.

A sliding button on the bottom of the instrument locks the Shoe
closed.

To unlock, hold Shoe against the unit and slide the lock button back
until the button latch clears the Shoe tab. Carefully release the Shoe
to open. (Figure 1-1)

To lock, hold the Shoe against the unit and slide the lock button
forward until the button latch captures the Shoe tab. (Figure 1-2)

Figure 1-1 Figure 1-2

Shoe Tab

Button Latch

Latch
captures Tab

1-51-5

400 B/W Reflection Densitometer

BATTERIES AND POWER

Your 400 instrument’s batteries should be charged before use. It can
be operated while the batteries are being charged.

Before you begin charging, you must remove the battery isolation
insert protruding from the battery cover. (Figure 1-3)

Figure 1-3

NOTE: Make sure the voltage indicated on the AC adapter complies

with the AC line voltage in your area. If it does not, contact your
X-Rite dealer.

Battery Isolation Tab

1-61-6

To charge the battery:

1. Plug the AC Adapter Line Cord into the AC Adapter Jack on
back of instrument. (Figure 1-4)

2. Plug AC Adapter into AC wall outlet.
You can use the instrument while it recharges. The instrument

will be fully charged in approximately 14 hours.

Figure 1-4

Plug AC Adapter Cord
into AC
Adapter Jack

Overview and Setup

NOTE: If your unit has not been used for several weeks recharge for
approximately 24 hours.

NOTE: When storing the unit for a long period of time, the
batteries should be removed.

Applying Power

The instrument remains “powered down” until a measurement is
taken. When a measurement is taken, or when any key is pressed,
the instrument automatically turns on.

If no measurements are taken or keys pressed for 45 seconds, the
instrument automatically turns off again to conserve battery power.

Inserting/Removing the Batteries

Your instrument is shipped with six AA NI-CAD batteries already
installed. Should you ever need to replace the batteries, first close
and lock the Shoe (when the shoe is unlocked and open, it blocks
the battery door). Next, slide the battery door in the rear of the
instrument down and off. The batteries will spring out a bit.

To replace the batteries, insert six fresh AA NI-CAD batteries into
the instrument, three into each chamber. Note the proper polarity

of the batteries in Figure 1-5, and on the CAUTION label
beneath the instrument. You will need to press and hold the

batteries down in place while you slide the battery cover back on.
Push the cover into place until it is flush with the bottom of the
instrument.

1-71-7

400 B/W Reflection Densitometer

Figure 1-5

1-81-8

Overview and Setup

ADJUSTING THE DISPLAY ANGLE

You can most clearly read the LCD display by viewing it at a 90º
angle. The angle of the display can be adjusted to accommodate this
for different user sight lines.

To adjust the display angle:

1. Set the Display Angle Adjustment Knob on the right side of the
instrument to its midpoint setting. (Figure 1-6)

Figure 1-6

Display Angle
Adjustment Knob

2. Activate the display by taking a measurement or pressing a
control button.

3. Adjust the Display Angle Adjustment Knob until the displayed
data can be most clearly seen from your line of sight.

1-91-9