Q: What advantages does the sph850 spectrophotometer have over other colour measuring systems available?

A: The sph850 has been designed as a simple to use, but still highly accurate spectrophotometer. Many of our customers compare the colour measuring instruments available before choosing the ColorLite sph850. The reasons:

• The unique concept of using a small probe head… whereby the measurement is started by simply pressing the head down on the sample.
• The easy to handle clear menu structure - Measure - Calibrate - Settings - Memory
• Excellent price/performance ratio
• We offer you a custom specific hard and software solution

Q: Why is the ColorLite sph850 less expensive than other spectrophotometers available?

A: The ColorLite sph850 has been designed with the newest optical and electronic components available. These components are compacter, more reliable and cheaper.

Q: What is the resolution of the ColorLite sph850?

A: The resolution of the ColorLite sph850 can be seen as the ability to determine the amount of electromagnetic energy at different wavelengths, within the visible range. The light sensitive array transforms the light energy into an analogue electrical signal which is converted into a 16-Bit digital value. This means the signal is divided into 2^16 = 65,536 steps. The wavelength is measured ever 3.5 nm, which means for the visible spectrum over 100 values!

Q: How does the resolution affect the results?

A: The spectral resolution determines how well colour differences can be measured. Many instruments on the market have problems measuring colour differences because the spectrum is analysed using too few spectral values.

Q: Is it possible to measure colour with LED (Light Emitting Diode) light?

A: Yes. The LED light source has fixed colour and is not used to calculate colour values. These are calculated using standardised illumination functions stored on the instrument. The LEDs illuminate the sample in the electromagnetic wavelength range between 400 to 700 nm. The amount of light absorbed in this range at the different wavelengths is measured.
The great advantage of using polychromatic white and blue LEDs to illuminate the samples is that they are practically indestructible. The light intensity stays constant for the lifetime of the instrument, which guaranties a very good long-time stability of results. Time consuming and costly lamp replacement is not needed!

Q: Does the ColorLite sph850 conform to the DIN 5033 standards?

A: Yes. It conforms to the DIN 5033 norm in particular part 4 for the spectral method.

Q: How is the ColorLite sph850 calibrated?

A: The ColorLite sph850 is calibrated using a BAM (Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung) white standard. This ideal diffuse white surface has been measured at the BAM and the values are stored on the instrument. As an option to take care of the BAM standard it is possible to calibrate with a working standard which is made of a robust ceramic which can be cleaned if necessary.

Q: Is it possible to measure powders?

A: Yes. We offer a special holder and press to compress the powders into a tablet form. The probe head is then supported using a stand and then powder samples placed on top.

Q: Is it possible to measure liquids?

A: Yes. We offer a special set for measuring opaque or translucent samples

Q: How can I visualise the results?

A: Results are first shown on the graphic display of the instrument. These values can be downloaded on a computer using our ColorDaTra software. Here the results can be viewed in different diagrams or printed as a report.

Q: Can I measure cables or small cylindrical objects with the ColorLite sph850?

A: Yes. To measure cables or other cylindrical objects we adapt the ColorLite sph850 probe head with a V-block. The head can this way be placed directly on sample at he same position.

Q: Is it possible to measure structured surfaces?

A: Yes. The circular illumination and the multiple sampling software, make it possible to measure structured surfaces such as leather or plastics

Q: How many colour standards can be stored on the sph850?

A: On the sph850 200 standards can be stored directly. Using the ColorDaTra software it is possible store an infinitive number of colours which can be downloaded onto the instrument.

Q: How many colours values can be stored on the sph850?

A: 100 colour values with spectral data or 1000 values without the spectral can be stored on the instrument.

Q: Can I measure soft surfaces?

A: Yes. To measure soft surfaces like textiles a small glass plate is used. This guaranties a constant distance between probe head and sample surface.

Q: What is the smallest sized sample that can be measured?

A: The ColorLite sph850 has measuring spot of only 3.5 mm. Samples that are smaller can be measured but steps have to be taken to ensure the results are reproducible. This can be done using a support for example.

Q: How can I measure small objects?

A: By pressing the head down onto the sample the measurement is automatically triggered. This means small samples can be held in one hand and the measurement started by pressing the probe head down with the other. For some samples a measuring head with the V-block adaptation is needed.

Q: Can I measure curved surfaces?

A: Yes. The small head with its low point of gravity make the ColorLite sph850 ideal for measuring curved surfaces.