1

micro-TRI-glossmicro-gloss

Operating instructionsBetriebsanleitungMode d’emploi

Patent pendingPatent angemeldetDemande de brevet en cours

2

Byk - Gardner GmbHLausitzer Straße 8D - 82538 GeretsriedGermanyTel. 0-800-gardner

(0-800-4273637)+49- 8171-3493-0

Fax +49- 8171-3493-140

BYK - Gardner USA9104 Guilford RoadColumbia, MD 21046USAPhone 800-343-7721

301-483-6500Fax 800-394-8215

301-483-6555

www.bykgardner.com

3

Table of contents

1 Description of the system 10

2 Safety instructions 11

3 General Information 12

4 Commissioning and power supply 13

5 Control elements 14

6 Getting started 16

7 Overview of main menu 20

8 Mode and sample measurement 21

9 Statistics 22

10 Continuous 27

11 Basic mode 28

12 Geometry selection 29

13 Save 30

14 Difference measurement and Pass/Fail 34

15 Calibration and Autodiagnosis 40

16 Setup 46

17 Practical measuring suggestions 48

18 Standards 50

19 Interface 51

20 Technical data 52

21 Delivery notes 53

22 Errors and warning messages 54

Specifications subject to change without notice

4

Inhaltsverzeichnis

1 Systembeschreibung 56

2 Sicherheitshinweise 57

3 Allgemeine Hinweise 58

4 Inbetriebnahme und Energieversorgung 59

5 Bedienelemente 60

6 Erste Schritte 62

7 Übersicht Hauptmenü 66

8 Messmodus und Einzelmessung 67

9 Statistik 68

10 Dauermessung 73

11 Basismodus 74

12 Geometriewahl 75

13 Speicherung 76

14 Differenzmessung und Pass/Fail 80

15 Kalibration und Autodiagnose 86

16 Setup 92

17 Messpraxis 94

18 Normen 96

19 Schnittstelle 97

20 Technische Daten 98

21 Lieferhinweise 99

22 Fehler und Warnhinweise 100

Technische Änderungen vorbehalten

5

Sommaire

1 Principe 102

2 Consignes de sécurité 103

3 Informations Générales 104

4 Mise en service et alimentation en énergie 105

5 Éléments de commande 106

6 Premières étapes 108

7 Aperçu Menu principal 112

8 Modes mesurage et échantillon 113

9 Mode statistique 114

10 Mesure en continu 119

11 Mode basique 120

12 Sélection de l’angle de mesure 121

13 Mémorisation 122

14 Mesure de la différence et Pass/Fail 126

15 Étalonnage et Autodiagnostic 132

16 Réglage 138

17 Mesurage dans la pratique 140

18 Normes 142

19 Interface 143

20 Caractéristiques techniques 144

21 Livraison 145

22 Erreurs et messages d'alerte 146

Sous réserve des modifications techniques

6

1 Description of the system

Measurement units of the micro-gloss family can be used todetermine the gloss level of paintcoatings, plastics, ceramics andmetal surfaces.

Light is directed at the surface ofthe sample at a defined angle andthe reflected light is measuredphotoelectrically (reflectometer).

Depending on the typical glosslevel of the test object,reflectometers that direct light ontothe surface at different angles(geometry) can be used.

Measurement units are equippedwith standard geometries of 20°,60° or 85°. All three of thesegeometries are integrated into themicro-TRI-gloss. Functionsdescribed in this manual in terms ofgeometry selection are onlyavailable with the three angledevice.

In addition to measuring individualgloss values, it is also possible torecord, save and statisticallyevaluate series of measurementsconsisting of up to 999 values.

The operate button and scrollwheel are used to control thesystem. System operation issupported by display messages(autodiagnosis and errormessages). You can selectGerman, English, French, Spanish,Italian or Japanese (Katakana) asthe display language.

The measurement unit conforms tothe standards DIN 67530, ISO2813, ASTM D 523 and BS 3900Part D 5.

In addition, it was tested by the“Bundesanstalt für Material-forschung und -prüfung (BAM)”(German Federal Institute for Mate-rials Research and Testing) andfound to be properly categorizedand to meet requirements as set byDIN 67530.

7

Safety instructions 2

If you use the unit properly, there are no hazards to fear – none of amechanical nature and none caused by electrical shock.

The manufacturer assumes no liability for damages caused byfailure to observe the safety and general instructions.

Please use only accessories that are available for the unit.Improper use of accessories will render the warranty null and void.

If there is reason to believe that the unit can longer be operatedwithout presenting a hazard, it should be taken out of operationand prevented from being turned on unintentionally. Operationwithout presenting a hazard is no longer possible if the unit showsvisible signs of damage or if it is no longer working.

Do not perform any repairs on the unit, neither mechanical norelectrical yourself. The unit must be opened by trainedprofessionals only. Please contact our customer servicedepartment in such cases. They will be happy to assist you asquickly as possible.

8

2 Safety instructions

Only instruments complying with the requirements for safety extralow voltage may be connected to the RS 232 interface.

In case an external power supply is used, please pay attention thatthe nominal voltage of the power supply (see identification plate onthe power supply) corresponds to the mains voltage of the mainssocket.

Your instrument is cutt off from power supply by

a) taking out the battery or

b) in case of external power supply by pulling the power supply outof the mains socket.

Please take care that the power supply is accessible at any time.

In case you intend not to use the instrument for a longer period oftime, take out the battery in order to avoid that the battery leaksinside the instrument and thus causes damage.

9

General Information 3

• The measurement unit consists of sensitive optical andelectronic precision parts. Provent it from being dropped or bumpedor jostled!

• Do not hold the unit by the measurement aperture. You shouldnot allow any foreign objects to get into this opening.

• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight for extended periods oftime. Do not store it in a hot or dusty environment. The case thatcomes with the unit offers the best protection when the unit is beingstored.

• Avoid prolonged high relative humidity and do not allow waterto form from condensation (see Technical data).

• Protect the measuring unit from moisture, chemicals andcorrosive vapors.

• The holder and the unit housing are resistant to many solvents.However, we cannot guarantee resistance to all chemicals. Youshould therefore use a soft, moist cloth for cleaning. For cleanexcessive dirt and dust, use ethanol or cleaning alcohol. Do notuse any acetone!

• Please note that batteries are special refuse and shall not bedisposed of together with household refuse. Pay attention to theproducers instruction or how to dispse of the battery.

10

4 Commissioning and power supply

Before putting the unit inoperating, read the operatinginstructions and pay attention tooperation the safety instructionsand general instructions in Section2. Unpack the device and check tomake certain all pieces have beenincluded with delivery (for scope ofdelivery, see Section 21).

a) Power supplybattery - operated

The battery must be placed in themeasuring unit for operationservice. The device runs on oneAA 1.5-V alkaline battery.

Use only alkaline batteries asthe primary battery type MignonAA or Mignon LR6!

Depending on the exact brand, thecapacity of each battery issufficient for about 10,000measurements. When the batteryvoltage falls below the requiredminimum voltage in the course ofoperation, the following messageappears on the display

Battery low!

To ensure that the unit is alwaysready for operation, it isrecommended to have a sparebattery handy, especially whenperforming measurements in thefield.

Changing the battery

To insert or change the batteryopen the battery compartment.The easiest way to do this is byturning the cover with a coin one-eighth of a rotation to the left. Turnthe device back around and allowthe old battery and the batterycompartment cover to slide intoyour hand.

Insert the new battery with the po-sitive (top) end first into the batterycompartment and set the batterycompartment cover in place again.Lock the cover by turning it one-eighth of a rotation to the right.

Changing the battery

11

Commissioning and power supply 4

b) Power supply by external po-wer supply (optional) seeDelivery notes, Accessories

Please note: In case you operatethe instrument with a powersupply, it is vital that you takethe battery out of the batterycompartment. Else theinstrument is continued to bepowered by the battery.

In order der connect the instrumentto the external power supply, thesuitable end of the power supplycable has to be inserted in theinterface of the instrument.

The connection to the PC is donevia the sub-D 9-pins plug of the po-wer supply cable.

For more information about theoperation with RS 232 please referto the chapter Interface.

12

Measurement unit and protective holder

1 Mode scroll wheel: used to turn the unit on and for menu selection

2 Display for user guidance and displaying measurement values

3 Green signal lamp: measurement active; red: error

4 Operate button (measurement button): used to activatemeasurements

5 Protective holder

6 Calibrating standard

7 Mark for the measurement aperture

8 Interface for connecting to a PC

12

4

3

78

56

5 Control elements

13

Control elements 5

The basic system consists of themeasuring device and theprotective holder.

The protective holder is used forcalibration and to store themeasurement unit. Calibration isperformed inside the holderautomatically at the touch of abutton. The gloss standardrequired for this purpose is kept inthe holder and is positioned in sucha manner that calibration is alwaysperformed at the same point.

When the device is turned on insidethe holder, it performs a self-test(autodiagnosis).

If you will not be using themeasuring unit, please store it inthe protective holder. In this waythe measurement optics areprotected from dirt and dust andthe calibration standard is alwaysreadily available.

The operate button and scrollwheel are used to control thesystem. Pressing the wheel turnsthe unit on and causes a menu tobe displayed. All settings within themenus are made by turning andpressing the wheel.

Pressing the operate button startsmeasurements or performsfunctions that are displayed. Inaddition, you can return from thevarious menus to mode with theoperate button. System operation issupported by an autodiagnosistest, comments and errormessages. Measurement valuesand comments appear in thedisplay.

14

6 Getting started

Turning on the unit andmeasuring

To turn on the unit, press the modescroll wheel.

Information on the date and lastcertification appears in the display.If the device was turned on in itsholder, the autodiagnosis test isperformed (see the section onCalibration).

Then the unit switches into the lastmeasurement mode to be selected.

Pressing operate initiatesmeasurements.

The display of measurement resultson the screen may be broken downinto the following elements:

A: When Difference measurementis turned on, the name of thereference that is selected isdisplayed here.

B: If Save is selected, the memoryarea that is selected appears at thetop left and for

C: the sample name (block name).

D: If Statistics or Continuous isturned on, the number of measure-ments performed or selected isdisplayed here.

15

Getting started 6

The measurement values appear inthe lower part of the display area.The size of the numbers dependson whether Statistics or Differencemeasurement has been activatedand on the number of geometriesdisplayed. Depending on themeasurement mode, a header linealso appears for the measurementvalues.

Navigation

All control functions are controlledby the mode scroll wheel. Pressingthe wheel causes a menu to appearin the display. Turning the wheelallows you to move the black markto the desired function and to selector activate it by pressing the wheel.

What functions are displayed in themenu depends on the settings inthe main menu. The main menu isthe “central” level and can alwaysbe reached quickly.

Certain rules apply within themenus to make it easier tonavigate:

A black triangle to the right of afunction indicates that selecting thisfunction will take you to a sub-menu.

A check mark on the right indicatesthat the function in question hasbeen activated.

16

6 Getting started

You can use the arrow at the topright to switch the display back byone level.

Arrows pointing up or downindicate that there are other menuoptions above or below the part ofthe menu that is visible. To reachthese menu options, simply turn thescroll wheel in the direction inwhich the arrow is pointing.

You can quickly switch back fromthe menus to the measurementdisplay by using the operatebutton. In some cases this buttonalso has another function, but thatwill be indicated in the display (forexample Confirm -> operate).

Change names/numbers

For some functions, you can enteror change the date or name. Thearrow pointing upward marks theposition that can be changed. Tochange the character, turn thescroll wheel. When you press thewheel, the arrow jumps to the nextcharacter.

After you have adjusted the lastcharacter or number, confirm yourinput by pressing the wheel.

17

Getting started 6

When you enter the name, thearrow jumps to the first character.This allows you to correct anyinadvertent incorrect entries. Youcan confirm the name in thesemenus at any time with the operatekey.

18

7 Overview of main menu

Measurement without statistical evaluation.Multiple measurement with statistics.Measurement repetition (measuring interval adjustable).Simplest mode: without saving and differenceOpens the “Mode” menu again with the previoussetting.

Geometry selection (available only with three angledevice).Save functions for samples:Turn saving on/off.Select memory area from list.Up to 50 memory areas can be created.Pre-set memory areas (M60°...) cannot be deleted.Bring up contents of memory (use scroll wheel).

Settings for difference mode:Turn difference measurement on/off.Measure reference.Select reference (if saved).Save up to 50 references and enter limit values for Pass/Fail.Delete individual references.Enter/change limit values for Pass/Fail.

Calibrate, change cal. values GU - % scale.

The following can be used together simultaneously:

• Save with:• Difference with:

ModeSample modeStatisticsContinuousBasic mode Advanced mode

Geometry

SaveSaveSelect memoryCreate memoryDelete memoryDisplay memory

DifferenceDifferenceMeasure referenceSelect referenceCreate reference

Delete referenceChange reference

Calibration

Setup

Sample mode, Statistics, ContinuousSample mode, Statistics

Language, Display time, Date/Time, Beeper.

19

Mode and sample measurement 8

You can select from among diffe-rent types of measurementrecording and evaluation in theMode menu. The mode that isactivated is identified by a checkmark.

Single measurements can beperformed without statisticalevaluation in Sample mode.

The results can be saved andcompared with a reference.

When Save is turned on, a name issuggested after everymeasurement. You can confirmthis name directly or change it.

If you would like to delete the lastmeasurement, press the scrollwheel and select the appropriatemenu item.

20

9 Statistics

You can make multiplemeasurements with each sample inStatistics mode. Thesemeasurements will be evaluatedstatistically and displayed.

The results can be saved andcompared with a reference. Thesefunctions must be previouslyactivated:

When Save is turned on, a name issuggested after all measurementsof a sample (block). You canconfirm this name directly orchange it.

21

Statistics 9

When the Statistics function isturned on, additional functions areavailable depending on the contextafter you press the scroll wheel.

Number of measurements

You can adjust the number ofmeasurements per sample or perblock with this option, from 2 - 99.

You can find this value in themeasurement display by lookingfor “n=” after the forward slash.The number of measurements(which increases by one each timea measurement is performed)appears before the slash.

22

9 Statistics

Display

In the Statistics measurementdisplay, you can assign thefollowing data freely to threecolumns:

Value:

Last value to be measured

Mean value:

Arithmetic mean of the sample(block).

Maximum:

Highest measurement value of thesample

Minimum:

Lowest measurement value of thesample

Range:

The difference between themaximum and minimum value.

23

Statistics 9

Std. Dev.:

The standard deviation of thesample

Difference*:

The difference between the sampleand a target value.

Pass/Fail*:

Pass is displayed if the samplevalue falls within the specifiedlimits, or Fail if it falls outside.

Off:

Turns off the display of the selectedcolumn.

* To be able to use thesefunctions, a reference must bemeasured, created or selected. Inparticular, a limit value must bedefined.

24

9 Statistics

Exit block

This function terminates the blockbefore it reaches the requirednumber of measurements n. It isuseful if you have selected a highnumber of measurements for n, forexample in the case of largesamples.

If Save is turned on, a displayappears to enter a block name forthe sample.

Delete block

This function deletes the currentblock.

Delete measurement

This function deletes the lastmeasurement value.

25

Continuous 10

You can use this function to performup to 99 measurements at anadjustable measurement interval.This is helpful when you arecovering large samples and youwant to evaluate the homogeneity ofthe surface.

If you select this function, you willfirst be asked to enter the time thatdefines the interval. The longestmeasurement interval possible is 9seconds. A setting of 0 secondsindicates the shortest intervalpossible, one that is identical to theduration of the measurement, whichis about 0.5 seconds per geometry.

To start a continuous measurement,press the operate button (a note inthe display also tells you this). If youwould like to exit the continuousmeasurement, press mode.

To start the measurement, pressoperate. The unit now performsmeasurements up to 99 times at theset interval. Measurement values areshown in the display after eachmeasurement. You can interrupt thecontinuous measurement bypressing the operate button (hold itdown briefly). The number ofmeasurements, the mean value, theminimum and the maximum appearin the display. Press the operatebutton to continue with thecontinuous measurement. To endthe measurement, press mode.

26

11 Basic mode

The selection options are limited tothe most essential in basic mode.This also greatly simplifiesoperation in this mode.

You can select the geometry andperform calibration. In addition, allfunctions in the Setup menu itemare available.

Basic mode is useful if you want tointerrupt a series of measurementsand quickly perform some othermeasurements in the middlewithout leaving the series ofmeasurements.

Once these other measurementsare complete, you can use

to return to the point where youinterrupted the series ofmeasurements.

27

Geometry selection 12

Geometry selection is only possiblewith the three angle device. Youcan select between display of one,two or all three geometries in themeasurement display.

The currently set anglecombination is indicated in theGeometry menu by a check mark.

Select the desired combination withthe scroll wheel and then confirmby pressing mode.

When Save is turned on, switchingthe geometry automatically causesthe program to switch to theappropriate predefined area ofmemory.

28

Up to 999 measurements can bestored. To save measurementvalues, you must activate the Savefunction before measuring or elseselect or create an area in memory.A fixed memory area is alreadycreated for each geometry orcombination (e.g. M60°). Thesememory areas cannot be deleted. Atotal of 50 memory areas can becreated.

The Save function can be used forsample mode, Statistics andContinuous measurements. Thelayout of the memory is such thatthe measurement mode andreference can be changed within amemory area, but not thegeometry.

Save

You can use this function to turnsaving on or off. A check markindicates if the function has beenactivated.

Turning on Save automaticallyselects the area in memory that ispredefined for the currently setgeometry (for example M20°60°).

13 Save

29

Save 13

Select memory

All available areas of memory arelisted in this menu, beginning withthe one that is predefined.

The number of measurementssaved for each area in memory isshown on the right.

Select the appropriate memoryarea with the scroll wheel andactivate the selection by pressingmode.

This automatically turns on Saveand switches the geometry ifnecessary (if the selected memoryarea is defined for other geometriesthan what was previously set).

Create memory

Users can set up their own memoryareas with this function. Select therequired geometry before youactivate this function. Then youmust enter the name of a memoryarea. You can confirm thesuggested name directly with theoperate button or change it with thescroll wheel. After you confirm,Save is automatically turned on.

30

13 Save

Delete memory

This menu lists all memory areasthat have been created with thenumber of values stored in eachone.

Use the scroll wheel to move themark to the memory area youwould like to delete and press thewheel.

A menu appears in which you candecide whether you would like todelete just the content of thememory area or the entire memoryarea.

For pre-defined memory areas, youcan only delete the measurementvalues.

Display memory

You can transfer data that has beensaved to a PC via the interface. Thevalues can also be shown in thedisplay at any time.

The “Display memory” functionopens a menu in which all memoryareas that have been created arelisted. Select the desired area ofmemory with the scroll wheel.

31

Save 13

The values of the first measurementappear in the display. The samplename is displayed in thehighlighted field.

Turning the wheel switches thedisplay to the next sample with itscorresponding values.

Which values are displayed in thecolumns (for example mean value,min., max.) depends on the displaycurrently selected for Statistics.

32

14 Difference measurement and Pass/Fail

You can compare the measurementvalue of a sample with the targetvalue of a saved reference. You canalso display whether the testspecimen falls within the limits(Pass) or outside (Fail).

Up to 50 references can be saved.They are stored in a separate areaof memory. For each geometry youcan determine:

- The target value for thedifference

- Maximum and/or minimum forPass/Fail

The target value can also be setequal to the maximum or minimumvalue (see Create reference orChange reference).

Difference

You can use this menu option toturn Difference measurement on oroff. A check mark indicates if thefunction has been activated.

When Difference is turned on, thelast reference to be used isautomatically selected.

33

Difference measurement and Pass/Fail 14

Measure reference

You can use this function tomeasure a standard to be used asa reference for later measurements.

We recommend you perform anumber of measurements on thestandard with Statistics turned on.

Activate “Measure reference”.Initiate the measurement withoperate. After the lastmeasurement, a window appearswhere you can enter the referencename.

If you inadvertently select a namethat has already been used, amessage will appear in the displayto this effect and the marker arrowwill jump back to the first position ofthe name.

Measured values are saved as atarget value of the reference. At thesame time, Differencemeasurement is turned on and themeasured reference is activated. Ifyou would like to define additionallimit values, you can use the“Change reference” function.

34

14 Difference measurement and Pass/Fail

Select reference

To select an existing reference, usethe arrow to move the mark toSelect reference and then press thewheel.

The first reference appears in thedisplay. The target value, minimumand maximum are displayed. Forvalues that are not defined, 0.0 or2000 is displayed. The name of thereference appears inverted at thetop right.

Turning the scroll wheel causes thenext reference to be displayed.

When you have selected thedesired reference in the display,activate it by pressing on the wheel.

A reference to the selected data willappear in the display.

In addition, Differencemeasurement is turned on and theselected reference is activated.

35

Difference measurement and Pass/Fail 14

Create reference

References can also be saved byentering the limit and target valuewith the scroll wheel. Move themark to “Create reference” andactivate the function.

A display appears in which youmust assign a name for the newreference. If you inadvertentlyselect a name that has alreadybeen used, a message will appearto this effect and the marker arrowwill jump back to the first position ofthe name. Confirm the name withthe operate button.

In the next step you can define thetarget and limit values of yourreference.

Define reference

With the three angle device, amenu first appears in which youcan select the geometry.

After that, the menu appears forselecting the target value, minimumand maximum.

Select the desired variable andpress on the scroll wheel.

36

14 Difference measurement and Pass/Fail

Now you can adjust thecorresponding value.

After the last number is activated,the display jumps back to theprevious menu.

In this manner you can enter addi-tional target and/or limit values forthe reference one after the other ifneed be. After the entries arecomplete, Difference measurementis turned on with the new reference.

Change reference

You can use this function to changetarget values and limit values ofsaved references. You can also useit to define limit valuessubsequently (for example for ameasured reference). Use the scrollwheel to move the mark to Changereference and press the wheel.

All references are listed one afterthe other in the following menu.Select the desired reference andpress the scroll wheel.

In the next step you can define thetarget and limit values as describedabove.

37

Difference measurement and Pass/Fail 14

Delete reference

Use the selection wheel to movethe mark to Delete reference in theDifference menu and then pressthe wheel.

The Delete reference menuappears. All saved references arelisted in this menu.

If there are more references thancan be shown in the display, arrowson the right edge of the display willpoint to additional references.

Use the scroll wheel to move themark to the desired reference andpress the wheel.

The reference to be deleted is listedagain in the display. Confirm bypressing the mode scroll wheel.

The unit then reverts to theprevious menu.

38

15 Calibration and Autodiagnosis

Calibration

The holder with the integrated glassstandard is used for calibration.Always keep the measurement unitin the holder. This protects themeasurement optics and ensuresthat the standard is always at hand.

If you have several devices of thistype, you must put the unit in theholder which belongs to the unit(see the serial number).

Make certain that the standard isclean and there are no cracks onit.

When you place the device in theholder, make certain that it shipsfirmly into place.

Autodiagnosis

Whenever you turn on the device inthe holder, it first performs a self-test. During this test, any changesin the measurement signal aretested against saved calibrationdata. This allows for a long-termcalibration so that a new calibrationis required only about once a week.Beyond that, calibration is onlynecessary if there are significantweather changes (see underCalibrate). It is recommended thatyou perform the self-test in the hol-der regularly (every day).

39

Calibration and Autodiagnosis 15

The autodiagnosis generally takesabout 2 seconds. “Please cleanstandard” or “Please test standard”may be displayed. For moreinformation on cleaning, seepage 43.

A message will appear in thedisplay informing you that theautodiagnosis has been completedsuccessfully.

In some cases, the system maysuggest that you repeat thecalibration. The reason for this maybe changed ambient conditions. Itis also possible, however, that thestandard still has small amounts ofresidue left over from cleaning. Thisproblem can generally be alleviatedby cleaning with a dry opticalcleaning cloth.

Calibrate

You should recalibrate the device ifambient conditions have changed.This applies especiallywhenchanging location if majorchanges in temperature and relati-ve humidity may be expected as aresult (for example inside/outside).

When moving from cold areas towarm areas, there is a danger ofcondensation. For this reason, afterthere has been a change ina3mbient conditions, you shouldwait for an appropriate amount of

40

15 Calibration and Autodiagnosis

time to allow the opticalcomponents to adjust beforecalibrating and using the unit.

You can use the path shown on theleft side to reach the Calibratemenu option.

To begin calibration, press thescroll wheel.

The calibration process isperformed automatically for allthree geometries. The savedcalibration values of the standardappear in the display.

The unit then switches intoMeasurement mode (Mode).

State

This menu item provides you withinformation on the calibration statusof the unit.

In particular, you can check herewhether the saved calibrationvalues match those of the holder.The display also indicates if anerror message was generated as aresult of the last autodiagnosis orcalibration. If this has happened,further information is availableunder Section 22: Errors andwarning messages.

41

Scale

You can use the Scale menu optionto switch back and forth betweenGloss Units and Reflectance (seethe Section on Practical measuringsuggestions). Move the mark to thedesired entry and press mode. Acheck mark identifies the Scale thatis selected. After you switch theScale, the unit must not berecalibrated.

Change cal.values

The gloss values of the calibrationstandard in the holder includedwith delivery are saved in themeasuring device. Duringautomatic calibration, this data isassigned to the standard in the hol-der.

In some cases it will be necessaryto enter data for a new calibrationstandard, for example if theprevious standard has beendamaged or scratched.

To ensure exact calibration, onlyoriginal standards from themanufacturer should be used.

You can use the path shown on theright side to reach the Changecal.values menu option.

Calibration and Autodiagnosis 15

42

15 Calibration and Autodiagnosis

After you have entered the newvalue, a warning message appearsagain in the display. You can againabort the process with operate.

If you confirm the new value bypressing the scroll wheel, the valuewill be accepted.

After you have changed allnecessary values, you shouldrecalibrate the measurementdevice as usual.

In some cases, a selection menumay appear for geometries. Selectthe desired geometry and press thescroll wheel.

A warning message appears. Youcan cancel this process by pressingthe operate button.

If you press the scroll wheel, youwill continue with the process ofchanging calibration values.

In the next display you can enternew calibration values.

43

Calibration and Autodiagnosis 15

Calibrating standards

To ensure exact calibration, onlyoriginal standards from themanufacturer should be used.These are calibrated against testedprimary standards. Their surfacemust not be touched and must beprotected against scratches. Due toenvironmental influences, however,the values of standards can changeover the course of time even if theyare handled gently. For this reason,you should have the calibrationstandards tested by themanufacturer at regular intervals(we recommend annually).

Checking standard

We recommend the regular use ofa separate test standard for controlof test equipment. The frequency ofthis verification depends on theconditions of usage (for examplemonthly). The gloss standards areintegrated into an aluminum guidein which the measurement device ispositioned exactly. Perform themeasurement as you wouldnormally, for example in Basicmode. The displayed measurementvalue must not deviate from thevalue printed on the standard bymore than one unit. Otherwise youshould check whether there is dirtand dust on the high gloss stan-dard in the holder or test standard.

Cleaning standards

The accuracy of the measurementcan be significantly impaired byusing dirty or damaged standards.

Since the surfaces of the standardsare highly sensitive, cleaning mustbe undertaken with great care.

To clean standards, use a new lint-free cloth, dust-free lens paper oran optical cloth as included with thedevice.

Apply only slight pressure as youclean and make certain there areno large particles stuck in the cloththat could damage the surface. Donot use any acetone!

For dirt that is difficult to remove,use an optical cloth dipped in li-quid. Then wipe the surface with adry optical cloth.

Exact calibration is not possibleunless the standard is in perfectcondition. If the condition of thestandard seems doubtful becauseof its appearance or measurementerrors, we will be happy to check itfor you.

If cleaning and recalibration do notoffer any improvement, please getin touch with our Customer Service.

44

16 Setup

You can make general settings inthe Setup menu, for exampleLanguage or Display time.

Date/Time

The unit contains an integratedclock. This makes the date andtime of the measurement availablefor data transfer to a PC. The dateand time are not lost even when thebattery is changed. If you wouldlike to change the time setting, usethe scroll wheel to move the markto Date/Time and then press mode.The display for setting the date andtime appears.

Beeper

You can use this menu option toturn the beeper on or off. Use thescroll wheel to move the mark toBeeper and press the wheel.

When the beeper is turned on, acheck mark appears at the end ofthe line.

45

Setup 16

Display time

To save electricity, the unitautomatically turns off after acertain amount of time. You candetermine this time yourself withDisplay time.

Language

You can use this menu to select thedisplay language.

Use the scroll wheel to move themark to the desired language andpress the wheel.

Info

You can use this menu option tofind the following information:

• Catalog No.

• Serial No.

• Version number of the firmware

• Date of the factory calibration

• Date of the last calibration

• Date of the last certification

46

17 Practical measuring suggestions

In accordance with the standard,the reflectometer value is related toa black glass standard at a definedindex of refraction (generally 1.567)which is thus equal to 100 units.

Reflectometers are differentiated bythe angle of incidence of theilluminating mechanism.Geometries are set in the standardsat 20°, 60° and 85°.

Paints and varnishes, plasticsand similar materials

The various geometries aredistinguished according to theirfields of application as follows:

Semi-gloss surfaces are measuredat an angle of incidence of 60° andshould fall within a range from 10 to70 gloss units.

Highly reflective surfaces withmeasurement values exceeding 70units in the 60° geometry should bemeasured at 20°.

On the other hand, matte surfaceswith less than 10 gloss units (at 60°)should be measured at the 85°geometry.

47

Practical measuring suggestions 17

Anodized aluminum and othermetal surfaces

The measuring unit is equippedwith an extended measuring rangefor measuring samples with a veryhigh reflectance.

The reflectance of non-metallicsurfaces increases with the angle ofincidence. The reflective propertiesof metals do not always behave inthis manner. Because of doublereflection, the light is partiallyreflected on the coating andpartially on the metal underneath.For a complete understanding ofthe reflective properties of suchsurfaces, it is recommended tomeasure them at all geometries.

In addition to the reference to ablack glass standard (gloss units),it is also common in the area ofmetals to relate the reflectometervalue to the amount of irradiatedlight and to express it as a %(reflectance). You can select this inthe Scale menu.

Notes

Proper measurements are onlypossible on level surfaces.

Measurements on dirty, scratchedor otherwise distorted areas of thetest specimen are not meaningfulexcept as a way of determining thedegree of such imperfections bymeans of a gloss measurement.

Since it cannot be assumed thatthe gloss capacity is not constantover the entire surface of the testspecimen, the reflectometer valuecan be measured at several diffe-rent places and the standarddeviation can be determined.

If the sample exhibits structures ordirectionally dependent glossproperties, the structural featuresand the direction of the incidentlight should be specified for themeasurement in the test report.

Samples that must be measuredseveral times over the course of anexamination (for exampleweathering samples) should bemarked accordingly to ensure thatthe measurement is made at thesame point during repeated tests.

48

18 Standards

DIN 67 530 The reflectometer as an aid in evaluating gloss on levelpaint and plastic surfaces (Reflektometer als Hilfsmittelzur Glanzbeurteilung an ebenen Anstrich - undKunststoffoberflächen).

ISO 2813 Paints and varnishes - Measurement of specular gloss ofnon-metallic paint films at 20°, 60° and 85°

(Peintures et vernis - Mesurage de la réflexion spéculairede feuils de peinture non métallisée à 20°, 60° et 85°).

ASTM D 523 Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss

ASTM D 2457 Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss of Plastic Film

BS 3900 British Standard Methods of Test for Paints(Part D5) Gloss (Specular Reflection Value)

JIS Z 8741 Method of Measurement for Specular Glossiness

ISO 7668 Anodized aluminium and aluminium alloys - Measurementof specular reflectance and specular gloss at angles of20°, 60° and 85°.

(Aluminium et alliages d’aluminium anodisés - Mesuragedes caractéristiques de réflectance et de brillantspéculaires à angle fixe de 20°, 45°, 60° ou 85°).

BS 6161 British Standard Methods of Test for Anodic oxidation(Part 12) coatings on aluminium and its alloys.

Measurement of specular reflectance and specular glossat angles of 20°, 45°, 60° and 85°.

49

Interface 19

The measurement device isequipped with a serial interface thatallows for direct communicationwith a PC.

Measurement data can be transfer-red from memory or directly aftereach measurement.

The easy-link program is includedwith delivery for this purpose. Yourtransferred data is displayedimmediately in a test report.

You can make the connection toyour PC with the enclosed PCcable. Plug the side with the flatconnector (designed so it can onlybe connected with the correctpolarity) into the measurementdevice and the 9-pin sub-D pluginto the PC.

A USB adapter is also available.You will find ordering informationordering in the delivery notes.

Please also note the section 4Commissioning and power supplywhen operating the device with anexternal plug power supply.

50

20 Technical data

Measurement geometry 20° 60° 85°

Size of measurementspot (mm) 10 x 10 9 x 15 5 x 38

Color sensitivity in spectral adjustment to CIE luminosityfunction (2°) under CIE illuminat C

Memory 999 measurements with date and time, in upto 50 memory areas

Difference measurement Memory for 50 references

Interface Serial RS 232

Evaluation software easy-link included

Power supply 1,5V DC 0,1 A

Battery operation 1,5V DC Alkaline battery Mignon AA orMignon LR6 about 10,000 measurements

Mains operation External plug power supply for technical data.Please refer to the information on the plugpower supply

Dimensions (WxLxH) 48 x 155 x 73 mm

Weight 400 g

Temperature range - 10 °C to +60 °C for storage

+15 °C to +40 °C for operation

Rel. humidity Up to 85% non-condensing

Measurement range 0-2000 GE (20°)

0-1000 GE (60°)

0- 160 GE (85°)

Precision

Range Repeatability Reproducibility

0 – 99.9 GE 0,2 GE 0,5 GE

100 -2000 GE 0,2 % 0,5 %

51

Delivery notes 21

Description Order number

Reflectometer according to DIN, ISO, ASTM

micro-gloss 20° 4420

micro-gloss 60° 4460

micro-gloss 85° 4485

micro-TRI-gloss 4430

Comes complete with:

Measurement device, holder with integrated calibration standard, tracablecertificate, easy-link software, PC cable, operating instructions, battery,carrying case.

Checking standards

Test standard 20° 4422

Test standard 60° 4462

Test standard 85° 4487

Test standard TRI 4432

Test standard mirror 4433

Accessories and spare parts

Power supply, European plug 4403

Power supply, plug for USA 4404

USB adapter 4401

easy-link software 4545

PC cable 4400

52

Memory full Transfer the content of memory to a PC and thendelete the contents of memory.

Reference memory full A maximum of 50 references can be saved. Itmay be necessary to delete old references.

You will also find an error number for the following messages in theCalibration/Status menu to provide support for diagnostics:

Tolerance Generally occurs only with major changes inError 01 climatic or weather conditions. The deviation was

successfullycompensated for by calibration andcorrect measurements are still possible. Youshould still recalibrate the device as soon as it isoperating in normal climatic conditions again.However if a change in climate cannot beconsidered as the cause of the problem, youshould check whether the standard is clean.

Please call Customer Autodiagnosis has determined an impermissibleService (invalid) deviation in the measurementsignal that cannot be remedied by recalibrating.

Error 02 Generally occurs when there is a significantamount of dirt or dust on the standard or optics.First try to clean the standard. You should onlyhave the optics cleaned by our Customer Servicedepartment, for example as part of a yearlyrecertification.

Error 03 Defect in the electronics or operating error. Firstcheck whether the standard is clean and whetherthe device is properly snapped into the holder.

Error 04 Defect in the lamp or electronics.

Error 05 Defect in the electronics.

Please observe the instructions on cleaning standards in the section onCalibration.

22 Errors and warning messages

53

Errors and warning messages 22

Fluctuations in measurement values

Was the same point on the sampleused for all measurements?

Yes. It may help to test thecalibration with an additionalstandard if one is available.

Calibration correct:

Is the test surface completely evenand does the measuring devicehave good contact with thesample?

Yes: Device defective

No. Check how high thedeviations are on the sample itself.

Calibration not correct:Recalibrate and clean the standardif necessary (Section 15)

No: In this case, major deviations

Please contact our Customer Ser-vice department.

Do not attempt to make any repairs yourself! If a malfunction occurs onyour measuring device, our Customer Service department will be happyto help you as quickly as possible.