Techkon SpectroPlate Manuale utente
TECHKON
Manual
Digital MicroScope
SpectroPlate
Software
SpectroPlate Connect
TECHKON manuals, technical documentation and programs are copyrighted. Reproduction,
translation or transfer to an electronic medium - in whole or in parts - is prohibited.
TECHKON software is the intellectual property of TECHKON GmbH. Purchase of the soft-
ware grants the user a license for the use on one computer only. Programs may only be copied
for back-up purposes. TECHKON can not be held liable for any damages that may occur by the
use of the software.
The TECHKON team takes great care in producing this manual. Nevertheless, we can not fully
guarantee the complete absence of errors. TECHKON GmbH and the authors can not be held
liable neither for any possibly incorrect statements nor their consequences.
Products that are not made by TECHKON GmbH are mentioned for information purposes
only and such statements do not represent trademark infringement.
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are recognized.
TECHKON products and product names are registered internationally under several intellec-
tual patents and trademarks.
Specications can be subject to change without notice.
Version 1.4, March 2007
You can reach us at the following address:
TECHKON GmbH
Wiesbadener Str. 27 • D-61462 Königstein/Germany
Telephone: +49 (0)6174 92 44 50 • Telefax: +49 (0)6174 92 44 99
E-mail: info@techkon.com • http://www.techkon.com
Welcome
We welcome you among the worldwide community of users of TECHKON products.
We are happy that you have selected this high-quality measurement instrument. It will
be a valuable tool for your day-to-day quality control tasks. With this manual we invite
you to learn how to use SpectroPlate.
The manual is divided into three chapters:
Chapter 1: How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions
Chapter 3: How to use the Windows software SpectroPlate Connect
For the rst steps we recommend to read chapter 1; in particular paragraph 1.4.
You will be fascinated that after only ten minutes you will know how to work with
SpectroPlate. The second chapter will show you detailed insight into the measure-
ment functions and chapter 3 is about the Windows software SpectroPlate Connect
which is part of the package.
Please get the device registered by using the detachable registration card, which is the
last page of this manual. That way we can keep you updated about product news.
Please visit us as well on the internet at http://www.techkon.com.
You will nd useful information about the complete product range and new software
versions.
Do you have any suggestions for improvements or do you require information that
goes beyond the contents of this manual? We will be glad to hear from you. Your sug-
gestions or questions make an important contribution to the continuous optimization
of our documentation and products.
Your TECHKON Team
Content
Chapter 1: How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
1.2 Product descripition ...............................................................................5
1.2 Packing list.................................................................................................8
1.3 Design of SpectroPlate...........................................................................9
1.4 Working with SpectroPlate ................................................................ 10
1.5 Care and maintenance ........................................................................ 16
Chapter 2: Description of measurement functions
2.1 Measurement functions in SpectroPlate „Start“ ........................... 19
2.2 Additional functions of the „Expert“-model .................................. 20
2.3 Additional functions of the „All-Vision“-model............................. 24
Chapter 3: How to use the Windows software SpectroPlate Connect
3.1 Software description ........................................................................... 25
3.2 Installation.............................................................................................. 25
3.3 Overview................................................................................................ 26
3.4 Software module „SpectroPlate Settings“....................................... 27
3.5 Software module „Transfer Curve“ ................................................. 28
3.6 Software module „Data Export“ ...................................................... 29
3.7 Software module „Digital Microscope“........................................... 30
Appendix:
Technical specications
Manufacturer certicate
Registration card
Chapter 1
How to use TECHKON SpectroPlate
1.1 Product description
TECHKON SpectroPlate – Printing plate measurement right on the spot!
Today in the age of Computer-to-Plate it is obvious: Without quality control in pre-
press, there is no guarantee for quality in print.Thus the measurement of the right
dot transfer on offset printing plates is a key segment of comprehensive process
control in the printing industry.
However, measurement is only useful if the appropriate measurement technology is
applied. Some years ago using densitometers on printing plates was common practice.
But densitometers are designed for measuring on printed papers leading to limits
when reading on plates. At present, plate measurement devices based on microscopic
image capture and processing are the established standard.
SpectroPlate unies all advantages of this modern measurement technology in a
compact, hand-held instrument. This product series and all other TECHKON products
are the result of many years of expertise in designing and manufacturing high-quality
measurement devices for the printing industry. Our four TECHKON guidelines for
perfect measurement technology are consequently applied:
1. easy and quick operation
2. high measurement accuracy
3. robust engineering and reliability
4. ergonomic and functional design
The measurement accuracy of a plate measuring device is determined by the quality
of the optical system and the performance of the image processing algorithms.
SpectroPlate meets the highest standards in this respect. The sample is illuminated
uniformly with spectral broadband light.The microscopic image is captured by a
precision optical lens system and a high resolution CMOS color matrix sensor with
high dynamic range.The processing of the detailed color image is performed by a
powerful graphic signal processor and sophisticated imaging algorithms. All relevant
quality parameters for correctly manufactured printing plates are shown on
the LCD display.
Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 - How to use SpectroPlate Page 5
Thanks to the excellent image capture quality and the ingenious graphic calculations,
SpectroPlate can read precisely any screen size and screen technology: FM, AM or
Hybrid screen. The spectrally white illumination and dynamic color evaluation permits
reading all kinds of plate types and coated surfaces.
SpectroPlate lets you see things normally hidden to the human eye. It shows the
raster dots on a lm or a printing plate in large magnication on the device display or
optionally on a computer screen. It lets you visually judge printing plates and discover
any soiling or exposure errors now that the structure of the raster dots is visible.
A specic strength is the image transfer of uncompressed high-resolution les to the
PC where they can be stored, edited or sent over the internet. Geometric sizes of
dots or lines can be retrieved in micrometer- or mils dimensions.
The supplied Windows software connects the device to a PC. Measured values and
transfer curves are displayed and stored. The display of comparisons to target values,
the data export to Microsoft Excel and the compatibility to RIP-applications are
additionally useful functions of SpectroPlate Connect. An exceptional feature is the
enlarged view of the mircoscopic images.
All devices are factory-calibrated to the ofcial reference Fogra Measuring Bar FMB
resulting in high long-term absolute accuracy and an excellent inter-instrument agree-
ment. Additionally, time-consuming calibration procedures prior to measurements are
obsolete.
The Technical specications are listed on the last pages of this manual.
Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 - How to use SpectroPlatePage 6
• accurate measurements on all popular offset plate types
• for AM, FM, Hybrid, from low- to high-res screening
• measures lm in reection and transmission
• can be used as „Digital Microscope“
• measurement on CMYK-print
• with digital ruler
• measurement time
approx. 1 second !
• immediately ready to
use after switching on
• highest absolute accuracy thanks
to direct reference to absolute
standard Fogra Measuring Bar FMB
• devices are factory-made calibrated
permanently to accredited reference FMB
• no time-consuming calibration necessary
• high-resolution CMOS color matrix sensor
• high precision optical system „Made in Germany“
• homogeneous, spectral-broadband LED illumination
• sophisticated image calculation and powerful signal processing
• mobile, portable unit, also for remote use without PC
• quickly rechargeable high-capacity batteries, with charging console
• upgrade from Start- to Expert-version via rmware upload from the PC
• USB port for the speedy transfer of measurement data to the PC
• comprehensive software SpectroPlate Connect included
All advantages at a glance:
• operation self explanatory
• several menu languages selectable
• aesthetically appealing and ergonomic,
functional design
• lightweight and compact; ts like a glove
• direct, secure positioning on the sample
• solid, rugged design; works well in
harsh industrial environments
• no mechanically moving parts;
therefore no wear and tear,
i.e. maintenance free
Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 - How to use SpectroPlate Page 7
1.2 Packing List
Three different performance packages
SpectroPlate is available in three different types of performance packages:
The entry-level model Start is for dot percentage measurements on all popular
types of printing plates, lm and CMYK-print. The Expert-version additionally
features the recording of complete transfer curves and the possibility to analyze
geometric objects within the device. The Start-version can easily be upgraded to
the Expert-model by a post-purchase upload from the PC. The All-Vision version
measures precisely on low-visible, processless offset printing plates.
SpectroPlate Start SpectroPlate Expert
• % Dot percentage same as „Start“ and additionally:
• Screen angle in ° • Dot % transfer curve
• Screen frequency in l/cm and lpi • Dot gain transfer curve
• Geometric analysis: diameter, distance
SpectroPlate All-Vision in micrometer and mils
same as „Expert“ and additionally: • Memory for 100 data sets
• Measurement of chemistry-free, • Average measurement
low-visible printing plates
Contents of delivery:
• Measurement device SpectroPlate
• Carrying case
• Charging console with white standard
• AC adapter with universal plugs
for Europe, UK and USA
• this manual with ISO 9000 certicate
• USB cable for PC-connection
• CD with software SpectroPlate Connect
(the CD is attached on the last page of the manual)
Optional accessories:
• Software upgrade from „Start“ to „Expert“; Hardware upgrade to „All-Vision“
• Replacement parts: Charging console with white standard, rechargeable battery
• Offset printing plate reference Fogra Measuring Bar FMB
(can be purchased at fogra Forschungsgesellschaft, www.fogra.org)
The carrying case protects SpectroPlate
Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 - How to use SpectroPlatePage 8
1.3 Design of SpectroPlate
SpectroPlate is a solidly designed measurement device which is very functional and
easy to use. It is compact in size; the buttons can be reached with the right index n-
ger when the device is held with the right hand. The LCD display is inclined towards
the user, so the display information can be read clearly. SpectroPlate can be easily
positioned on the measurement sample.
The measurement sample is illuminated uniformly by spectrally white LEDs.
The viewnder helps selecting the right positioning of the measurement aperture.
Additionally, the magnied live-image in the LCD display veries the validity of the
right spot to measure.
charging contacts
device base
battery case
USB-connector
for PC connection
navigation buttons
right hand grip zone
device label
with serial number
visible
measurement
aperture
green measurement
button (also
for switching on)
device display
Connect the plug of the AC adapter with
the charging console. The AC adapter can
be used universally for 100 - 240 V and
47-63 Hz. Use only the original TECHKON
SpectroPlate AC adapter. The use of other
power sources is hazardous!
There are three adapter plugs for different
countries. To change an adapter plug, just
pull it off the AC adapter and push in the
new one. Make sure it is connected rmly!
ceramic
white standard
UK USA
Europe
charging console
Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 - How to use SpectroPlate Page 9
1.4 Working with SpectroPlate
Switching on and off
SpectroPlate is switched on by pressing the green measurement button.
It is immediately ready to measure.
If no button is pressed within two minutes, the device will switch off automatically.
Switching it on again with the green measurement button will show on the display the
last measurement done. There is no button to turn SpectroPlate off.
Charging
The battery status is displayed as a battery symbol in the lower left corner of the
LCD screen, when the unit is turned on.
When the battery turns empty, the battery symbol starts to ash. In this state several
measurements still can be obtained; but it is time to put it on the charging console.
Charging starts automatically by placing the device on the charging console. Please
keep the charging contacts on the console and under the device always clean.
If oxidized, use a special metal contact cleaner.
Five seconds after placing the device on the console the display will show a clock and
an animated battery symbol. When the symbol displays a full battery, the charging is
completed and the battery is fully charged. Completely charging an empty battery will
take approx. four hours.
SpectroPlate has a regulated charging management. This means it will power-charge
an empty battery, so the device can be used again after a few minutes. On the other
hand, there is no overcharging of full batteries. Thus it makes sense to park the device
always on the charging console when not in use. This way it is guaranteed to have
always an operational measurement instrument at hand.
Up to 10.000 measurements can be carried out with one battery charge.
Manual TECHKON SpectroPlate Chapter 1 - How to use SpectroPlatePage 10
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