X-Rite eXact User Manual

Instrument

User Guide

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Consult this documentation in all cases where the Attention symbol appears.
This symbol is used to inform you of any potential HAZARD or actions that may require
your attention.

CE Declaration

Hereby, X-Rite, Incorporated, declares that this NGH (eXact) Series is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive(s) EMC 2004/108/EC, LVD
2006/95/EC, and RoHS 2011/65/EU.

Bluetooth equipped devices additional comply with R & TTE 1999/5/EC.

Federal Communications Commission Notice

NOTE: 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.

Industry Canada Compliance Statement

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

Equipment Information

Use of this equipment in a manner other than that specified by X-Rite, Incorporated may
compromise design integrity and become unsafe.

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

Do not look directly into the measurement optics when the instrument is on.

Instructions for disposal: Please dispose of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at
designated collection points for the recycling of such equipment.

1

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

If your device is equipped with a Bluetooth wireless transmitter, it contains the following
module.

Roving Networks RN42

Roving Networks, Inc.
102 Cooper Court
Los Gatos, CA 95032
TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone]

Modules meets the following standards:
EN 300328-2 V1.7.1 (10-2006)
EN 301489-1 V1.8.1 (04-2008)
EN 301489-17 V2.1.1 (05-2009)
EN 60950-1:2006 ITE General Requirement

RN42

2200

FCC Regulatory Information

The Federal Communication Commission Radio Frequency Interference Statement includes the
following paragraph:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and radiates radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communication.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio / TV technician for help.

FCC RF Radiation Exposure Statement:

This device complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
End users must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance. This
transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or
transmitter.

FCC-ID: T9JRN42

IC: 6514A-RN42

2

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Proprietary Notice

The information contained in this manual is derived from patent and proprietary data of X-Rite,
Incorporated. The contents of this manual are the property of X-Rite, Incorporated and are
copyrighted. Any reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Publication of this information
does not imply any rights to reproduce or use this manual for any purpose other than installing,
operating, or maintaining this instrument. No part of this manual may be reproduced, transcribed,
transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or computer language,
in any form or by any means, electronic, magnetic, mechanical, optical, manual, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of an officer of X-Rite, Incorporated.

This product may be covered by one or more patents. Refer to the instrument for actual patent
numbers.

Copyright © 2013 by X-Rite, Incorporated
“ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”

X-Rite, the X-Rite logo, eXact, and the eXact logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of X-Rite, Incorporated in the United States
and/or other countries. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Warranty

X-Rite warrants this Product against defects in material and workmanship for a period of twelve
(12) months from the date of shipment from X-Rite’s facility, unless mandatory law provides for
longer periods. During such time, X-Rite will either replace or repair at its discretion defective
parts free of charge.

X-Rite’s warranties herein do not cover failure of warranted goods resulting from: (i) damage
after shipment, accident, abuse, misuse, neglect, alteration or any other use not in accordance
with X-Rite’s recommendations, accompanying documentation, published specifications, and
standard industry practice; (ii) using the device in an operating environment outside the
recommended specifications or failure to follow the maintenance procedures in X-Rite’s
accompanying documentation or published specifications; (iii) repair or service by anyone other
than X-Rite or its authorized representatives; (iv) the failure of the warranted goods caused by
use of any parts or consumables not manufactured, distributed, or approved by X-Rite; (v) any
attachments or modifications to the warranted goods that are not manufactured, distributed or
approved by X-Rite. Consumable parts and Product cleaning are also not covered by the
warranty.

X-Rite‘s sole and exclusive obligation for breach of the above warranties shall be the repair or
replacement of any part, without charge, which within the warranty period is proven to X-Rite‘s
reasonable satisfaction to have been defective. Repairs or replacement by X-Rite shall not revive
an otherwise expired warranty, nor shall the same extend the duration of a warranty.

Customer shall be responsible for packaging and shipping the defective product to the service
center designated by X-Rite. X-Rite shall pay for the return of the product to Customer if the
shipment is to a location within the region in which the X-Rite service center is located. Customer
shall be responsible for paying all shipping charges, duties, taxes, and any other charges for
products returned to any other locations. Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or
receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the Warranty period must be presented
to obtain warranty service. Do not try to dismantle the Product. Unauthorized dismantling of the
equipment will void all warranty claims. Contact the X-Rite Support or the nearest X-Rite Service
Center, if you believe that the unit does not work anymore or does not work correctly.

3

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

THESE WARRANTIES ARE GIVEN SOLELY TO BUYER AND ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER
WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR APPLICATION,
AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. NO EMPLOYEE OR AGENT OF X-RITE, OTHER THAN AN OFFICER OF X­RITE, IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY WARRANTY IN ADDITION TO THE FOREGOING.

IN NO EVENT WILL X-RITE BE LIABLE FOR ANY OF BUYER’S MANUFACTURING COSTS,
OVERHEAD, LOST PROFITS, GOODWILL, OTHER EXPENSES OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES BASED UPON BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY, BREACH
OF CONTRACT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY. IN ANY EVENT OF
LIABILITY, X-RITE’S MAXIMUM LIABILITY HEREUNDER WILL NOT EXCEED THE PRICE OF THE
GOODS OR SERVICES FURNISHED BY X-RITE GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

4

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Table of Contents

Introduction and Setup 9

User Manual Information 10
Packaging 10
Target Base Lock Operation 11
Measurement Conditions Selection 11
Power Button 12
eXact Software Applications 13

System Requirements 13

Installing the Software 13
Charging the Battery Pack 14
Connecting the Power Supply 15
Connecting the USB Cable 16
Bluetooth Wireless Mode 16

User Interface 17

Navigating the Screen 17

Opening Tools 17

Viewing Menus 17

Viewing the Functions 17

Scrolling through Options 18

Accessing Current Options 18

Naming Screen 19
Icon Descriptions 19
Main Measurement Screen 23
Initial Wizard Setup 24
Measuring a Sample 25
Calibration 26

Performing a Calibration 26

Measurement Tool Setup 27

Active Functions 27
Settings 28

Change Name 28

Restore Tool Default Settings 28

Color Settings 28

Measurement Condition 29
Illuminant/Observer 29
∆E Method 29
Density Status 29
Density White Base 29
Density Format 29
Ink Order (Auto Patch tools only) 29
Pass/Fail Indication 30
Averaging 30

Function Settings 30

5

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Measurement Functions 31

Density 31

Density Measurement 31
Density Trend 31
All Densities 32

All Densities Tool Function 32
CMY Balance 32

CMY Balance Function Setting 32

CMY Balance Measurement 32
Tone Value (Dot Area) Function 33

Tone Value Function Setting 33

Tone Value (Dot Area) Measurement 33
Tone Value Increase (Dot Gain) Function 34

Tone Value Increase Function Setting 34

Tone Value Increase (Dot Gain) Measurement 34
Trapping Function 34

Trapping Function Setting 35

Trapping Measurement 35
Print Characteristics Function 35

Print Characteristics Function Setting 35

Print Characteristics Measurement 36
Contrast Function 36

Contrast Measurement 36
Hue Error and Grayness Function 37

Hue Error and Grayness Measurement 37
Colormetric Functions 37

CIE L*a*b* 37

CIE L*C*h° 37

CIE XYZ 38

CIE Yxy 38

Colormetric Measurement 38
Paper Indices Function 38

Paper Indices Function Setting 38

Paper Indices Measurement 39
Opacity Function 39

Opacity Measurement 39
Printing Plate Function 39

Printing Plate Function Setting 40

Printing Plate Measurement 40
Reflectance Graph Function 40

Reflectance Graph Function Setting 40

Reflectance Graph Measurement 40
BestMatch Function 41

BestMatch Function Setting 41

BestMatch Measurement 41

∆E Trend Function 42

∆E Trend Measurement 42

Metamerism Function 43

Metamerism Function Setting 43

6

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Metamerism Measurement 43
Absolute Color Strength Function 44

Color Strength Function Setting 44

Absolute Color Strength Measurement 44
Relative Color Strength Function 44

Color Strength Function Settings 45

Relative Color Strength Measurement 45
Paper QC Function (Job tools only) 45

Paper QC Function Setting (Job only) 45

Paper QC Measurement 45
BestMatch Table (Job tools only, Solid functions) 46

BestMatch Function Setting 46

BestMatch Table Measurement 46
Inks QC (Job tools only, Overprint and Solid functions) 46

Inks QC Measurement 46
TVI Table (Job tools only, Tint functions) 46

TVI Table Function Setting (Job only) 47

TVI Measurement 47
Gray Balance QC (Job tools only, Gray Balance functions) 47

Gray Balance QC Function Setting (Job only) 47

Gray Balance QC Measurement 47

Measurement Tool Option Icons 48

Paper icon 48
Function icon 48
Measure Standard icon (Compare tool only) 49
Sheet Selection icons (Job tools only) 49
Patch Type icons (Job tools only) 50
Color Mode icons 50
View Standard or Patch icon 51
Change Standard or Patch icon 52

Basic Tool 53

General Information 53

Compare Tool 54

Basic Compare Measurement 54
Pass/Fail Measurement 55
Averaging Measurement 56

Search Tool 57

Search Measurement 57
Changing the Standard 58

Auto Patch Tool 59

General Information 59

Job Tool 60

General Information 60
Reviewing/Editing Job Parameters 61
Sample Storage 62

7

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Other Job Options 62
Running a Job 64

Add Tool 67

Creating a Tool 67
Additional Tool Options 67

Users Tool 68

Creating a New User 68
Editing a User 68

Account Settings 69

Change User Name 69

Delete 70

Copy 70

My Settings Tool 71

Account 71
Language 71
Color Defaults 72
Function Defaults 72
Instrument 73

Diagnostics Tool 74

Calibration Summary 74
Regional Settings 74
Instrument Summary 75
Instrument Condition 75
Battery Summary 75

Appendices 76

Information 76

Recertification 76

Warranty Registration 76

Service 76

Support 76
Cleaning the Instrument 77

General Cleaning 77

Cleaning the Touch Display 77

Cleaning the Target Window 77

Cleaning the Optics 77

Cleaning Calibration Plaque 78
Replacing the Battery Pack 79
Bluetooth Installation 80

Windows XP 80

Windows 7 82
Troubleshooting 84
Technical Specifications 86

8

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

INTRODUCTION AND SETUP

The X-Rite eXact™ addresses the specific need of color measurement in the pressroom and ink labs.
Key features are:

• Color display with touch screen operation

• Automated calibration with Integrated Tile

• Bluetooth technology (optional) for wireless communication

• Supports all measurement modes according to ISO standards (M0, M1, M2, M3) (full M1

part 1 offering true D50 measurement).

• “BestMatch” function to quickly and easily determines if satisfactory matches on-press can

be achieved

• Integrated tools to determine if prints are within variety of standards (ISO, JPMA, G7,

PSO), as well as in-house standards/processes

• Full solution including software to manage instrument and transfer measurement data

Touch screen display

Target base lock

Power input

USB input

Security cable opening

Docking Station

Target base

Power button

Measurement
conditions
lever

Calibration plaque

Target window

9

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

User Manual Information

This manual is intended to provide setup, overview, operation and general maintenance of the
instrument. Specific software application information is available in the software help system.

Certain functions and options described in this manual are not available on all eXact models and
can be disregarded. These functions and options are noted with the following symbols:

This symbol indicates that the function or option is NOT available on the X-Rite eXact
Densitometer instrument.

This symbol indicates that the function or option is NOT available on the X-Rite eXact
Densitometer and X-Rite eXact Standard instruments.

Packaging

Your instrument packaging should contain all the items listed below. If any of these items are
missing or damaged, contact X-Rite or your Authorized Representative.

• X-Rite eXact™ instrument

• Docking station

• USB interface cabling

• AC adapter (X-Rite P/N SE30-177) and line cord

• Carrying case

• Documentation and software CD package

• Bluetooth adapter kit (optional)

10

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Target Base Lock Operation

The instrument is shipped with the target base in the locked position. A toggle button on the side
of the instrument is used to lock and unlock the target base.

Releasing the Target Base

Place the instrument on a flat surface. Press in on the front edge of the target base lock (1). The
instrument should now lift freely.

Locking the Target Base

Close the instrument to the target base and press on the back edge of the target base lock (2).

(1)

(2)

The target base lock is also used to lock the instrument to the target window when measurements
are activated from the software application.

Measurement Conditions Selection

A switch is available to select the measurement conditions.

To set multi-mode measurements (multiple spectra out of one measurement) M0, M2 and M3
measurement conditions, slide the switch to the back position (0) until it stops. To set M1
measurement condition, slide the switch to the forward position (1) until it stops.

• M0: Reflectance measured with A Illuminant, previously called: No-Filter, UV-included

• M1: Reflectance measured with D50 Illuminant, previously called: Daylight or D65-Filter

• M2: Reflectance measured with A Illuminant excluding UV component, previously called:

UV Cutoff Filter, UV excluded

• M3: Reflectance measured with cross-polarized A Illuminant excluding UV component,

previously called: Polarized-Filter

(0)

(1)

11

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Power Button

The power button is used to initiate the instrument from a power off state. Simply press the
button to turn on the instrument. If the instrument does not power up after pressing the power
button (1), the batteries may require charging. Refer to Charging the Battery Pack.

Powering Off
The instrument can be
manually powered off by
pressing and holding the
power button until it
shuts off.

(1)

When powered up, the instrument goes through a diagnostics test, displays a splash screen before
the main menu screen appears. Note: Main menu tools may vary depending on model.

Splash Screen Main Menu

For the very first power up, the instrument displays a setup wizard screen after the splash screen.
Refer to the User Interface section for information on completing the Setup Wizard.

Splash Screen 1st Setup Wizard Screen

12

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

eXact Software Applications

The eXact CD contains two software applications.

X-Rite eXact™ Manager

Allows you to run and set several instrument configuration options in the instrument, such as:

• View and edit all configuration settings

• Backup/Restore configuration settings

• Review instrument condition and run diagnostics

• Update instrument firmware, color libraries, process tools and more

NOTE: It is recommended that you regularly backup the instrument settings with the X-Rite
eXact™ Manager. Refer to the application help file for the procedure.

DataCatcher

Allows you to capture measurements from tethered eXact instruments and transfer the data
directly to an application, such as Microsoft® Excel.

NOTE: You should install the software applications before connecting the instrument to your
computer.

System Requirements

• Windows XP SP3 (32 bit), RAM 1 GB

• Windows Vista SP2 (32 or 64 bit), RAM 2 GB

• Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit), RAM 2 GB

• Monitor screen resolution of 1024 x 768

• 4 GB hard disk free

Installing the Software

IMPORTANT: You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators

group in order to install the software on a Windows XP, Vista Business, or 7 Professional system.

1. Insert the software CD into the optical drive and browse to the desired application.
Double-click the .exe file.

2. Follow the on screen prompts to install the software.

3. Install remaining applications.

4. Refer to the on-line help for information on using the applications.

13

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack for your new instrument comes in a low to medium charge state and should be
charged a minimum of three hours before use.

A charged battery pack may eventually lose partial charge if not used for an extended amount of
time. You should charge the battery from time to time and store in a cool environment when not
in use to maintain battery performance.

The battery pack can be charged in the instrument by connecting the power supply directly to the
instrument, or by use of the docking station. Refer to Connecting the Power Supply later in this
section.

Battery Lifespan Expectations

Lithium-ion batteries typically decay to 80% capacity after 400 charge cycles (see chart below). A
charge cycle can be defined as several partial charges equaling 100%. Partial charge and discharge
cycles will help maintain the life of the battery. It is best to avoid full discharge and charge cycles.
After roughly 400 charge cycles are reached, the amount of measurements you can expect to
achieve from one full charge is reduced. At this point, you may wish to replace the battery pack.

Cycle Life Characteristics

1.0 C Discharge C/2 Discharge

Capacity (Ah)

1.25 A CC/CV Charge, 4.2 V, 3 hrs.

Cycles

Battery Disposal

Dispose of the battery pack in a designated disposal location for recycling.

14

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Connecting the Power Supply

The power supply can be connected directly to the instrument or to the docking station. The
docking station is convenient for storing and charging the instrument when not in use.

Verify the voltage indicated on the AC adapter complies with the AC line voltage in your area.

Operational hazard exists if an AC adapter other than X-Rite SE30-177 is used.

AC Adapter Ratings, Input: 100-240V 50-60 Hz, Output: 12VDC @ 2.5A

Instrument Connection

1. Insert the small plug from the power supply into the input connector on the instrument (1).

2. Plug the detachable line cord in the power supply and plug the line cord into the wall

receptacle.

(1)

Docking Station Connection

1. Turn the docking station over and feed the small plug from the power supply through the
strain relief (1) in the middle of the station.

2. Plug the small plug into the input connector (2). The power supply cable can be feed out any
side of the docking station at the bottom.

3. Plug the detachable line cord in the power supply and plug the line cord into the wall
receptacle.

4. Position the instrument on the docking station to charge.

(2)

(1)

15

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Connecting the USB Cable

IMPORTANT: You must install the software driver before connecting the instrument to your computer.

The instrument communicates with the software through the USB cable or over a wireless

®

Bluetooth

connection (if applicable). Refer to the Wireless Mode section for more information.

1. Install the software application if not already installed. Refer to the software documentation
for additional information.

2. Plug the square end of the USB cable into the back of the instrument (1).

3. Plug the USB cable into an available port on your computer.

(1)

Bluetooth Wireless Mode

If available, the instrument uses Bluetooth® technology and can communicate wirelessly with your
computer. Data from the application can be transmitted to/from the instrument. Connecting a
USB cable to the instrument disables the wireless connection.

Many PCs have built in Bluetooth capability. If this is the case with your computer you may use
the built in hardware. If not, we have provided a USB Bluetooth device that you may use.

Refer to the Appendices for instructions on installing the Bluetooth device on both Windows XP
and Windows 7.

16

Bluetooth icon appears in the
status bar when searching and
while connected.

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

USER INTERFACE

The section will cover the basic use of the touch screen, as well as icon definitions, setup wizard
procedure and measurement techniques.

Navigating the Screen

The X-Rite eXact instrument contains a graphical touch screen display. All functionality is
accessed directly through the screen.

Opening Tools

The instrument has three main menu screens. The most left is used for Settings and Diagnostic tools, the
other 2 are used for measurement tools.

Tap an icon to open the corresponding tool on the screen menu. For this example, Densitometer

icon
icon

was tapped. A blue glow appears around the icon when it is tapped. Tapping the Home

in the upper right corner returns the screen back to the main menu.

Home icon

Viewing Menus

Switch between main menu screens by swiping the screen to the right or to the left using your
finger. You can tell what main menu screen you are currently on by the row of dots at the bottom
center of the screen. The left dot highlighted indicates you are at the main menu on the left. The
center dot indicates the center screen and right dot indicates the right main menu screen.

Viewing the Functions

Dots also appear on various measurement tool screens to indicate the number of functions
activated for that particular tool. In the example below, four functions are activated for the Basic
tool. Just like at the main menu, you swipe the screen to the other available function screens.

17

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Scrolling through Options

A scrolling bar appears on screens when all options cannot be accessed at the main view. A scroll
bar on the left indicates additional options are available. Swipe the screen up to view the
additional options.

Scroll bar

Scrolling can also occur on options screen where values or parameters are selected. In the
example below, the wheel would be swiped up or down to select the desired illuminant.

Accessing Current Options

The triangle icon located in the status bar at the bottom of the screen is used to access the
instrument settings for the selected user or selected tool. At the main menu level, instrument
settings appear when the triangle icon is tapped. When the triangle icon is tapped at a tool
screen, tool setup and instrument settings appear for the user. To go back to the previous screen,
tap the triangle in the status bar at the top of the screen. The user options are covered in greater
detail later on in this manual.

18

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Naming Screen

Naming screens appear where a tool or user name can be changed. Tap the backspace arrow
button (<-) to delete one character at a time, or tap the CLEAR button to delete the entire name.
Tap the 123 button to access the numeric screen. After entering the new name, tap the OK
button to save and exit.

Icon Descriptions

Note: Certain tool availability may vary, depending on the eXact model purchased.

Main Menu Tools

User Accounts: Setup new user accounts and edit existing user accounts.

My Settings: Access current user settings where you can edit account

options, color defaults, function defaults, operating language and other
instrument settings.

Diagnostics: View instrument conditions and run various instrument checks.

Basic: Make simple measurements where no standards are used.

Compare: Make measurements and compare with a standard.

Search: Make measurements and search for the closest color within a color

library.

Auto Patch: Make simple measurements with automatic patch recognition,
where no standards are used.

Generic Job: Measure jobs with multiple standards (option) and automatic
patch type recognition.

PSO Job: Special version of the Job tool, according to the PSO process
specifications.

G7 Job: Special version of the Job tool, according to the G7 process
specifications.

JapanColor Job: Special version of the Job tool, according to the JapanColor
process specifications.

Add: Add new tools to the main menu screens.

19

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Status Bar Symbols

USB: Appears when the instrument is connected to a computer via USB.

Bluetooth: Appears when Bluetooth is activated. Also appears “blue” when

the instrument is connected to a computer via Bluetooth.

Battery: Indicates the status of the battery charge.
Charge: Appears, when the instrument is connected to main power.
NetProfiler: Appears “gray” when NetProfiler is activated. Also appears “red”

when the profile is expired and needs to be renewed.

Security Lock: Appears when security is activated and enabled.

Security Temporarily Unlocked: Appears when security is activated and

temporarily disabled.

One or more of the icons that follow may not appear for various reasons. One of these reasons is
that only the icons actually required for the selected measurement or option are displayed. There
are also certain icons for optional functions which may not be installed on your instrument. These
icons are only available if the optional function has been purchased and installed.

Navigation Bar

Measure Standard: Measure the standard.

Paper Measurement: Measure the paper white for densitometric functions.

Sheet Selection (with number): Job is in “Production Mode”. Number denotes

which “sheet” samples are currently stored with.
Sheet Selection: Job is in “Make Ready Mode”. Sample storage is temporarily

disabled.

Function Selection: Select the measurement function (e.g. Density, L*a*b*).

Job Report: View the current job report.

Home: Return the screen to the main menu.

Patch Type (for Jobs tools)

Paper: Display or select a paper patch.

Solid: Display or select a solid patch.

Overprint: Display or select an overprint patch.

Tint: Display or select a tint patch.

Gray Balance: Display or select a gray balance patch.

Setup Wizard

Language: Select the operation language.

20

Screen Direction: Set the hand preference (screen direction).

Region: Select the region and preset the instrument with the according settings.

Date: Set the date.

Time: Set the time.

Main Settings

Language: Select the operation language.

Change User: Log out the current user or log in a new user.

Security: Define the security level.

Bluetooth: Access Bluetooth selection options.

Power Setting: Access battery power saving options.
Beeper Volume: Access beeper volume setting options.

Measurement Screen

Standard: Access the standard selection and view screen.

Change Standard (for Compare and Search tools) or Change Patch (for Job

tools): Change the selection in case the automatic recognition assigned the
measurement to the wrong standard or patch.

Back: Go back to the previous screen.

Auto Color: Indicates auto color or auto patch is selected. Also used to access the

color mode or patch recognition screen.

Color: Access the color mode or patch recognition screen.

Delta/Absolute: Switch between Delta and absolute values.

Pass/Fail Indication

Tolerance Pass: Indicates that the sample is within the tolerance set.

Tolerance Action Alert: Indicates that the sample passed. However, it is within

the action limit set.

Tolerance Fail Alert: Indicates that the sample failed the tolerance set.

Standard Screen

Color Library: Select a color library.

Information: View information on the current standard (e.g. recipe information).

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

21

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Tolerance: Access the tolerance settings for the current standard. Values can be
edited from this screen.

Library Sort and Search

Search: Access the search a color by name.

Sort Classic View: Sort the standards as they are stored in the library.

Sort Delta E: Sort the standards by delta E.

Sort Alphabetically: Sort the standards alphabetically.

Tool Configuration

Delete: Delete the currently selected tool.

Copy: Copy the currently selected tool.

Move: Move a tool.

Cancel: Cancel a selected action.

Instrument Diagnostics

Calibration: View calibration information and options.

Regional Setting: Access to regional setup option for the instrument.

Information: View instrument type, serial number, firmware version and more.

Hardware Diagnostics: Starts the hardware diagnostic routine and used to obtain

an error log.

Battery information: View current battery condition and options.

Message/Information

Alert: Indicates an alert/error message.

Measuring Indication: Indicates a measurement is in progress.

Measuring Complete Indication: Indicates a measurement was ok.

Measurement Condition

M0

(No)

Reflectance measured with A Illuminant, previously called: No-Filter, UV-Included.

M1 Reflectance measured with D50 Illuminant previously called: Daylight or D65-Filter

M2

Reflectance measured with A Illuminant excluding UV component, previously called:

22

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

(UVC) UV Cutoff Filter, UV excluded.

M3

(Pol)

Reflectance measured with cross-polarized A Illuminant excluding UV component,
previously called: Polarization-Filter.

Main Measurement Screen

The main measurement screen consists of four main elements: navigation bar icons (1), data and
options area (2), measurement screen icons (3), and status bar icons (4).

Refer to the eXact Icons section earlier in this manual for a description of all icons.

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

Navigation Bar Icons (1)

The icons along the top of the screen are used to access screens where measurement or
selections can occur. As with the menu tools, simply tap the icon to open its screen.

Data and Options Area (2)

This area displays a simulated color patch of the measurement, measurement data and option
selections for the currently selection tool. Data and options vary depending on the tool, settings
or analyses.

Measurement Screen Icons (3)

The icons along the right side of the screen are used to change data views or enable further
settings. These icon’s color changes based on the tool being used. This helps to quickly identify
what tool is currently active. Magenta indicates the Basic tool, orange indicates the Compare tool,
green indicates the Search tool, and cyan indicates the Job tool.

Status Bar (4)

The status bar displays the current function selected, connection method (USB or Bluetooth),
battery gauge, etc. The triangle icon at the bottom is used to access the settings screen.

• Tool Indication: Displays the name of the tool selected.

• USB or Bluetooth Connection: The USB icon appears when the instrument is plugged

®

into the USB port on the computer. The Bluetooth

icon appears when searching for a

connection and when a connection is established to the computer.

• Security Icon (locked or unlocked): Indicates if the security is active for the current user,

and if the user currently has security temporarily disabled (unlocked) or active (locked).

• NetProfiler Icon: Indicates if the NetProfiler is active, out of date, etc.

• Battery Gauge: Depicts the current condition of the battery pack.

Indicates the battery pack is fully charged.

23

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

Indicates the battery pack has a sufficient charge for a substantial number
of measurements.

Indicates the battery pack is low, but measurements are still possible.
Battery pack should be charged soon.

Indicates the battery pack is very low and only a few measurements
remain. Battery pack should be charged immediately. Indicator will appear
red during this condition.

Indicates the AC adapter is plugged in and the battery pack is charging.

Indicates the AC adapter is plugged in and no battery pack is installed.

• Triangle Icon: Accesses the instrument settings screen for the current user or tool.

• Time: Displays the current time.

Initial Wizard Setup

Upon initially startup, the eXact instrument requires you to specify some basic settings. The
settings can be individually changed at a later time.

1. Tap the desired language in the list that you want the instrument to operate in. Tap OK to set
and continue.

2. Tap the left or right hand icon for the operational direction of the screen. Tap OK to set and
continue.

3. Tap the region icon that the instrument is used in. Tap OK to set and continue.
NOTE: After this setting, certain color and function settings will be pre-configured to the

regional preference.

4. Swipe the minute, hour, and AM/PM icons in the direction needed to set the current time. Tap

OK to set and continue.

24

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

5. Swipe the month, day, and year icons in the direction needed to set the current date. Tap OK
to set and time.

6. Tap OK to close the setup screen.

Note: You can access these regional settings in the Diagnostics tool if you would like to change

them at a later time.

Measuring a Sample

Sample Criteria

The instrument can take measures from just about any clean, surface that is reasonably flat. The
instrument target base should be able to rest flat and steady on the sample area. If the item to
be measured is smaller than the target base, you may want to make a platform—at the same
height as the item—for the rest of the instrument’s target base to sit on.

Basic Measurement Procedure

1. Clear the sample surface of any dirt, dust, or moisture.

2. Select the tool and function.

3. Position the target window over the sample to measure. If
possible, place the entire instrument on the sample.

4. Press the instrument firmly to the target base. Measuring
appears in the display along with the Measurement
Condition selected.

5. Hold steady until “Complete!” and measurement data is
displayed. This is an indication that the measurement was
successful.

6. Release the instrument and view measurement results.

25

X-Rite eXact™ Instrument

An unsuccessful measurement will be indicated by an error message. See the
Troubleshooting section for more details.

Calibration

IMPORTANT: The calibration plaque is dramatically affected by smudge marks and dust, and

must be kept clean. It is recommended that the instrument is cleaned regularly. Refer to the
Cleaning section later in this manual for procedure on cleaning the calibration plaque and optics.

The instrument has an integrated calibration plaque and will calibrate automatically when
required. When calibration is required before a measurement, the instrument will prompt you.
This occurs when the instrument is in the open position (not locked) and the previous calibration
has timed out. This can also occur when the measurement condition switch is changed and a
calibration has not been performed in that position or has timed out.

The calibration plaque is located directly below the optics when the instrument is in the open
position (not locked). When a measurement is taken, the calibration plaque swings back out of
the way of the optics.

Measurement condition
switch

Cal plaque

Performing a Calibration

When a calibration is required and the instrument is in the open position (not locked) the
following message appears on the instrument. Locate the instrument on a flat surface and tap the
START button. The instrument will display a countdown screen and then perform the calibration.

A calibration is also required when the Measurement Condition switch is changed and calibration
has not been performed, or has timed out for that position. In this case, tap the START button on
the screen to begin the procedure and follow the remaining screen prompts.

26