X-Rite FlexoDot Operator's Manual

FlexoDot
Operator’s
Manual

X-RITEDOT®

i

Federal Communications Commission Conformity

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 it is not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it 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.

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

Industry Canada Compliance Statement

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
Réglement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

CE DECLARATION

Manufacturer's Name:

Barric Ltd.

Manufacturer's Address:

Vinces Road

Diss, Norfolk IP22 4WY

U.K.

Model Name: X-RiteDot
Model No.: CTP50

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

Warning:

This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.

X-RITEDOT®

ii

CAUTION: Operational hazard exists if battery charger other than X-Rite
SE30-102 (100-240V) is used. Use only X-Rite battery pack SE15-34, other
types may burst causing personal injury.

VORSICHT: Betriebs- und Verletzungsgefahr besteht bei Gebrauch von

anderen Adaptern als X-Rite SE30-102 (100-240 V). Verwenden Sie nur den

X-Rite Akkupack SE15-34.

ADVERTENCIA: No use otro cargador de las pilas que no sea la pieza
X-Rite SE30-102 (100-240V), por el riesgo de mal funcionamiento del equipo.
Use solamente las pilas SE15-34 de X-Rite, es posible que los otros tipos
puedan estallar y causar daños corporales.

ATTENTION: Ne pas utiliser d’adaptateur autre que SE30-102 (100-240V)
de X-Rite au risque de mauvais fonctionnement de l’appareil. Utiliser
seulement le bloc de batteries SE15-34 de X-Rite, il y a danger d’explosion et
de blessures avec les autres types.

AVVERTENZA: Non usare un altro caricabatterie che non è del pezzo X-Rite
SE30-102 (100-240V), per il rischio di malfunzionamento dell'apparecchio.
Usare solamente gli accumulatori SE15-34 di X-Rite, è possibile che altri tipi
possano scoppiare e causare danno personale.

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.

CAUTION: When using the PosiDot solution, avoid contact with eyes and

mouth. Keep away from children. Stains cloth.
In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water until
irritation subsides.

X-RITEDOT®

iii

Proprietary Notice

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

Copyright © 2004 by X-Rite, Incorporated

“ALL RIGHTS RESERVED”

X-Rite® and X-RiteDot® are registered trademarks of X-Rite, Incorporated. All other logos,
brand names, and product names mentioned are the properties of their respective holders.

Warranty Information

X-Rite, Incorporated warrants each instrument manufactured to be free of
defects in material and workmanship (excluding battery pack) for a period of
twelve months. If the fault has been caused by misuse or abnormal
conditions of operation, repairs will be billed at a nominal cost. In this case,
an estimate will be submitted before work is started, if requested. The unit
shall be returned with transportation charges prepaid.

THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS. THIS
WARRANTY OBLIGATION IS LIMITED TO SERVICING THE UNIT
RETURNED TO X-RITE, INCORPORATED OR AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE
DEALER FOR THAT PURPOSE.

X-Rite, Incorporated offers a repair program for instruments out of warranty. For
more information, contact X-Rite Customer Service Department.

Always include serial number in any correspondence concerning the unit. The serial
number is located on the bottom of the instrument housing.

This agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of
Michigan and jurisdiction and venue shall lie with the courts of Michigan as selected
by X-Rite, Incorporated.

X-RITEDOT®

iv

Table of Contents

Section 1: Overview and Setup ................................................ 1-1

Instrument Description....................................................................................1-1

Unpack and Inspect.........................................................................................1-1

Apply Power ...................................................................................................1-2

Charging/Discharging the Battery ..................................................................1-2

Charging Conditions ...................................................................................1-2

Battery Indicator Status...............................................................................1-3

Attaching the AC Adapter ..........................................................................1-3

Instrument I/O Serial Interface .......................................................................1-3

Section 2: User Interface........................................................... 2-1

Operation Keys ...............................................................................................2-1

Left Side key...............................................................................................2-1

Right Side key.............................................................................................2-1

Center key...................................................................................................2-1

Instrument Screens..........................................................................................2-1

Key Icons ....................................................................................................2-2

Primary Screen Icons..................................................................................2-2

Secondary Screen Icons ..............................................................................2-3

Typical Measurement Screen......................................................................2-4

Measurement Options .....................................................................................2-4

Setting Measurement Options.....................................................................2-5

Adjusting the Screen Contrast.....................................................................2-5

Setting the Measurement Type ...................................................................2-5

Setting Substrate Type................................................................................2-6

Section 3: Editing Instrument Utilities..................................... 3-1

Fast Charge Mode...........................................................................................3-2

Screen Ruling Units........................................................................................3-2

Screen Saver Timeout.....................................................................................3-2

Local Electrical Supply Frequency.................................................................3-3

Feature Upgrade..............................................................................................3-3

Time & Date ...................................................................................................3-4

Section 4: Operation.................................................................. 4-1

Film % Dot Measurement...............................................................................4-1

Flexo Plate % Dot Measurement ....................................................................4-3

Zoom Mode ....................................................................................................4-5

X-RITEDOT®

v

Image (frame) Storage and Transfer ...............................................................4-7

Storing Images ............................................................................................4-7

Transferring Images....................................................................................4-8

Percentage (%) Dot Storage..........................................................................4-10

Storing % Dot Samples.............................................................................4-10

Download Stored % Dot Samples.............................................................4-12

Erasing Stored % Dot Measurements .......................................................4-12

Section 5: Service and General Maintenance ......................... 5-1

Repair Information..........................................................................................5-1

Cleaning the Instrument..................................................................................5-1

General Cleaning ........................................................................................5-1

Cleaning the Target Glass...........................................................................5-1

Replacing the Battery Pack.............................................................................5-2

Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................5-3

Accessory Items..............................................................................................5-4

Instrument Upgrades.......................................................................................5-5

Instrument Specifications................................................................................5-6

X-RITEDOT®

vi

X-RITEDOT®

1-1

1. Section 1: Overview and Setup

Instrument Description

FlexoDot brings the ability to measure exact dot sizes and
screen rulings on CTP and conventional flexo printing plates.

Unpack and Inspect

After removing the instrument from the shipping carton,
inspect it for damage. If any damage has occurred during
shipping, immediately contact the transportation company. Do
not proceed with operation until the carrier’s agent has
inspected the damage.

Your instrument was packaged in a specially designed rigid
case and carton to assure against damage. If shipment is
necessary, the instrument should be packaged in the original
case and carton. If the original packaging materials are not
available, contact X-Rite to have replacements shipped to you.

Graphical Display

Viewer

Operation Keys

Serial/Power Port

Interface Cable

Mac Connector (optional)

AC Adapter

Black Mat

PosiDot Solution

Wipes

SECTION ONE

1-2

Apply Power

The Center key is used to turn the instrument on. The
instrument automatically powers itself down after approx. one
minute of nonuse.

NOTE: To start the instrument when either ”fast charging” or ”trickle
charging“ message is displayed, press and hold the Center key for
approx. two seconds.

Charging/Discharging the Battery

Only use the AC Adapter supplied to charge the battery pack. The
battery pack must remain in the instrument at all times to operate.

Your new X-RiteDot battery comes in a discharged condition
and must be charged before use (up to 14 hours for full charge).
Upon initial use (or after a prolonged storage period), the
battery may require three to four charge/discharge cycles before
achieving maximum capacity. It is normal for a battery to
become warm during charging and discharging.

It is important to condition (fully discharge and then fully
charge) the battery every two to three months. Failure to do so
may significantly shorten the battery's life. To discharge,
simply operate your instrument under the battery's power until
it shuts down or until you get a low battery warning. Then
recharge the battery for up to 14 hours.

A charged battery will eventually lose its charge if unused. It
may therefore be necessary to recharge the battery after a
storage period.

Charging Conditions

No battery charging will take place when the instrument is
connected to the AC adapter after it is already powered down.
You must turn on the instrument to initiate charging.

After the instrument powers down (when connected to the AC
adapter), the following charge conditions occur:

• If the battery is charged, the instrument will automatically

go into trickle charge and the message “trickle charging”
will be displayed.

• If the battery charge is low, the instrument will charge in

the following sequence: “discharging” followed by “fast
charging”, followed (after about three hours) by “trickle
charging.”

OVERVIEW AND SETUP

1-3

NOTE: A fast charge may be manually invoked if desired. Refer to
Fast Charge Mode in Section 3 for additional information.

Battery Indicator Status

The battery icon located in the status bar displays the following
conditions.

Indicates the battery is fully charged.

Indicates the battery has sufficient charge for a substantial

number of measurements.

Indicates the battery is low and will provide approximately

50 additional measurements.

(icon flashing) Indicates the battery is extremely low and

must be charged immediately.

Attaching the AC Adapter

1. Verify that the voltage indicated on the adapter complies

with the AC line voltage in your area. If not, contact
X-Rite or an authorized representative.

NOTE: Older X-RiteDot models, labeled ccDot4 and earlier use a
different AC adapter than the newer ccDot5 and X-RiteDot models.
Never use your X-RiteDot power supply with an older ccDot4
model or you will permanently damage the ccDot 4 instrument.

2. Insert the mini-DIN plug from the interface cable into the

back of the instrument.

3. Insert the small plug from the adapter into the power-input

of the DB9 plug on the interface cable.

4. Plug the appropriate detachable line cord into the adapter

and then plug the line cord into an AC wall receptacle.

Instrument I/O Serial Interface

Your instrument connects to a PC or Mac computer using a
serial RS-232 interface cable. To connect to a Mac, you will
need to purchase an optional serial adapter or USB converter.

Mini-DIN

Interface Cable

DB9 Plug

AC Adapter Plug

SECTION ONE

1-4

To install the interface cable:

1. Insert the mini-DIN end of the interface cable into the I/O

port located on the back of the instrument.

2. For a PC, attach the DB9 plug to an available COM port.

For a Mac, attach the optional Mac serial adapter (P/N
SE108-DB9PA) to the DB9 plug. Then plug the other end
into a modem port.

NOTE: An optional USB to Serial converter is available from X-Rite. The
converter is plugged into the DB9 connector and then into the
computer’s USB port. Order P/N SE108-USBSERADB9.

PC Connection Diagram

MAC (legacy) Connection Diagram

Optional USB to serial converter

(P/N SE108-USBSERADB9)

X-RITEDOT®

2-1

2. Section 2: User Interface

Operation Keys

Perform measurements and screen/option navigation with the
three keys located below the display screen.

Left Side key

Use to navigate through the available options. Each time the
key is pressed, the highlighted square (reverse image) moves to
the next option. Navigation generally follows a left-to-right and
top-to-bottom sequence. Press this key to decrease numeric
values when editing.

Right Side key

Use to toggle an option’s status or access a screen where
additional options exist. Press this key to increase numeric
values when editing.

Center key

Use to turn the instrument on and take measurements. Press this
key to return the instrument to the main screen when at the
primary or secondary screens.

Instrument Screens

When the instrument is powered-up, the main screen appears.
The startup screen contains the status bar and firmware version.
The status bar displays the current settings for the instrument.
You can edit the measurement setup functions from the
Primary screen. The Secondary screen contains additional
options you can use in conjunction with the software packages.

Status Bar

Right Key

Center Key

Left Key

Firmware Version

SECTION TWO

2-2

Press the Left key to see the primary screen option icons. Press
the Right key to see the secondary screen option icons.

Key Icons

The icons located above the keys indicate a specific action
when the key below it is pressed. See Operation keys later in
this section for additional information on the keys.

Navigate icon. Moves the highlighted square to the next option

when the key (left) below this icon is pressed.

Return icon. Returns the instrument screen to the previous

screen when the key (center) below this icon is pressed.

Select/Toggle icon. Toggles an option’s status or accesses a

screen where additional options exist when the key (right)
below this icon is pressed.

Primary Screen Icons

The upper portion of the screen displays the available options
of the instrument. Depending on the instrument model, all
options shown may not appear. The key icons along the bottom
of the screen are used to describe the actions of the instrument
buttons below.

Positive or Negative material (negative film). Indicates

the measurement type.

Option Icons

Key Icons