1. Introduction
The 3nh ST-700d Plus is an advanced array spectrophotometer designed for precise color measurement across various industries. Utilizing a built-in silicon photodiode array (40 sets of dual columns) sensors and an industrial-grade MCU, it delivers stable and accurate measurement data. This instrument is capable of controlling repeatability ΔE*ab within 0.02 and inter-instrument error ΔE*ab within 0.18, ensuring high reliability for critical color analysis tasks. Its large-size touch screen facilitates easy viewing of measurement results.
Figure 1: ST-700d Plus Spectrophotometer and Charging Base
2. Setup
2.1 Unboxing and Components
Carefully unpack the spectrophotometer and verify that all standard accessories are present:
- ST-700d Plus Spectrophotometer Unit
- Power Adapter
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- Calibration Box
- Protective Cover
- Wrist Strap
- Measuring Apertures (Ø8mm platform, Ø8mm tip, Ø4mm platform, Ø4mm tip, 1x3mm)
2.2 Charging the Device
Before initial use, ensure the device is fully charged. Connect the power adapter to the charging base and place the spectrophotometer onto the base. The device uses a 3.7V, 5000mAh Lithium battery, providing approximately 8500 measurements within 8 hours on a full charge.
Figure 2: Device on Charging Base
2.3 Initial Calibration
The ST-700d Plus features an intelligent calibration base for automatic whiteboard calibration. For optimal accuracy, perform an initial calibration upon setup and regularly thereafter. Place the device on its calibration base, ensuring the measuring aperture is correctly aligned with the whiteboard. The system will guide you through the automatic calibration process.
Figure 3: Automatic Whiteboard Calibration
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Powering On/Off
Press and hold the power button located on the side of the device to turn it on or off. The 3.5-inch TFT True Color Capacitive Touch Screen will illuminate upon startup.
Figure 4: Ergonomic Design for Handheld Operation
3.2 Interface Navigation
Navigate through the device's functions using the capacitive touch screen. The intuitive interface allows access to data management, measurement settings, color space selection, and system settings.
3.3 Measurement Preparation
- Select Measuring Aperture: Choose the appropriate aperture for your sample from the five available options: Ø8mm platform, Ø8mm tip, Ø4mm platform, Ø4mm tip, or 1x3mm.
- Positioning: Utilize the built-in camera for precise framing and positioning. The real-time camera view on the screen helps ensure the measured area is accurately centered, enhancing measurement efficiency and accuracy.
Figure 5: Interchangeable Measuring Apertures
Figure 6: Camera Framing for Accurate Positioning
3.4 Performing a Measurement
Once the sample is positioned, press the measurement button. You can choose between single measurement or average measurement (2 to 99 times) for enhanced stability. The measurement time is approximately 1.5 seconds.
Figure 7: Performing a Measurement
3.5 Viewing and Managing Results
Measurement results, including spectrograms, chromaticity values, color difference values, and PASS/FAIL results, are displayed on the screen. The device supports mass storage of data (500 standard samples, 20,000 samples) via APP/PC.
3.6 Connecting to Software
The ST-700d Plus can connect to a computer or mobile device via USB or Bluetooth® 5.0. It is equipped with SQCX software for comprehensive color management, allowing for quality monitoring, color data analysis, comparison of color differences, generation of test reports, and customized color management solutions. The software supports Android, iOS, Windows, WeChat APPlet, and Harmony OS.
4. Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning
Regularly clean the device's exterior, especially the measuring apertures and the calibration whiteboard, with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents that could damage the surface or optical components.
4.2 Calibration
To maintain measurement accuracy, perform automatic whiteboard calibration regularly, especially before critical measurements or if the device has been stored for an extended period.
4.3 Storage
Store the spectrophotometer in a clean, dry environment within the specified temperature range of -20℃ to 50℃ and humidity of 0% to 85% RH (non-condensing). Avoid extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, and high humidity.
4.4 Battery Care
To prolong battery life, avoid fully discharging the device frequently. If storing for a long time, charge the battery to about 50% and recharge every few months.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 Inaccurate Readings
- Recalibrate: Perform an automatic whiteboard calibration.
- Clean: Ensure the measuring aperture and sample surface are clean and free of dust or debris.
- Positioning: Verify that the sample is correctly positioned using the camera framing feature.
- Sample Condition: Ensure the sample is flat and opaque if required for accurate measurement.
5.2 Connectivity Issues (USB/Bluetooth)
- Check Cable/Bluetooth: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected or Bluetooth is enabled and paired correctly.
- Software: Verify that the SQCX software is correctly installed and updated on your computer or mobile device.
- Restart: Try restarting both the spectrophotometer and the connected device.
5.3 Device Not Powering On
- Charge Battery: Connect the device to the power adapter and charging base to ensure the battery is not depleted.
- Power Button: Ensure the power button is pressed and held sufficiently.
6. Specifications
The following table details the technical specifications of the 3nh ST-700d Plus Array Spectrophotometer:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Array Spectrophotometer ST-700d Plus |
| Optical Geometry | D/8 (diffused illumination, 8-degree viewing angle); SCI & SCE; Include UV & Exclude UV. Conform to Standards: CIE No.15, GB/T 3978, GB 2893, GB/T 18833, ISO7724-1, ASTM E1164, DIN5033 Teil7 |
| Integrating Sphere Size | Φ40mm |
| Light Source | Combined Full Spectrum LED Lamp, UV Lamp |
| Spectroscopic Method | Plane Grating |
| Sensor | Large-area silicon photodiode array (40 pairs of dual columns) |
| Wavelength Range | 360~780nm |
| Wavelength Interval | 10nm |
| Reflectance Range | 0~200% |
| Measuring Apertures | Five Apertures: 8mm Platform + 8mm Tip + 4mm Platform + 4mm Tip + 1*3mm |
| Locating Method | Cross Locating + Camera Locating |
| Whiteboard Calibration | Non-contact automatic whiteboard Calibration |
| SCI/SCE | Measure SCI+SCE at the same time |
| Color Spaces | CIE LAB, XYZ, Yxy, LCh, CIE LUV, s-RGB, HunterLab, βxy, DIN Lab99 Munsell(C/2) |
| Color Difference Formula | ΔE*ab, ΔE*uv, ΔE*94, ΔE*cmc(2:1), ΔE*cmc(1:1), ΔE*00, DINΔE99, ΔE(Hunter) |
| Other Colorimetric Index | Spectrum Reflectance Rate, WI (ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73, CIE/ISO, AATCC, Hunter, TaubeBergerStensby), YI (ASTM D1925, ASTM E313-00, ASTM E313-73), Metamerism Index Mt, Staining Fastness, Color Fastness, Strength (dye strength, tinting strength), Opacity, 8-degree Gloss, 555 Index, Blackness (My, dM), Color Density CMYK (A, T, E, M), Tint (ASTM E313-00), Munsell (Some functions are realized through the computer) |
| Observer Angle | 2°/10° |
| Illuminants | D65, A, C, D50, D55, D75, F1-F12, B, U35, NBF, ID50, ID65, LED-B1-B5, LED-BH1, LED-RGB1, LED-V1-V2, LED-C2-C3, LED-C5. Light source can be customized (a total of 41 kinds of light sources, some of which are realized through the host computer/APP) |
| Displayed Data | Spectrogram/Values, Samples Chromaticity Values, Color Difference Values/Graph, PASS/FAIL Result, Color Simulation, Color Offset |
| Measuring Time | About 1.5s |
| Repeatability | Chromaticity Value: MAV/SCI, within ΔE*ab 0.02 (after warm-up and calibration, the average value of measuring 30 times on the whiteboard at intervals of 5s); Spectral reflectance: MAV/SCI, standard deviation within 0.07% (400~700nm) |
| Inter-instrument Error | MAV/SCI, ΔE*ab within 0.18 (The average value of measuring BCRA series Ⅱ 12 color tiles) |
| Display Accuracy | 0.01 |
| Measurement Mode | Single measurement, average measurement (2~99 times) |
| Data Storage | 500 pcs standard samples, 20,000 pcs samples (one piece of data can include SCI+SCE at the same time), APP/PC mass storage |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Guarantee passing the Grade 1 metrology |
| Dimension | Length X Width X Height = 114 X 70 X 208mm |
| Weight | About 435g (Calibration Base not included) |
| Battery | Lithium battery, 3.7V, 5000mAh, 8500 times measurements within 8 hours |
| Illuminant Life Span | More than 1.5 million measurements in 10 years |
| Display | TFT True Color 3.5inch, Capacitive Touch Screen |
| Data Port | USB, Bluetooth® 5.0 |
| Software Support | Android, iOS, Windows, WeChat APPlet, Harmony OS |
| Language | Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English |
| Operating Environment | 0~40℃, 0~85%RH (no condensing), Altitude < 2000m |
| Storage Environment | -20~50℃, 0~85%RH (no condensing) |
| Standard Accessory | Power adapter, USB cable, Manual, Quality Management Software (official website download), Calibration Box, Protective Cover, Wrist Strap, Measuring Apertures |
| Optional Accessory | Micro-printer, Powder Test Box |
Note: Technical parameters are for reference only and subject to actual sales specifications.
Figure 8: Full Waveband Balanced LED Light Source Principle
Figure 9: Applications in Printing and Textile Industries
Figure 10: Diverse Industrial Applications
7. User Tips
- Precise Positioning: Always utilize the camera framing feature to ensure the exact area of interest on your sample is measured, especially for small or irregularly shaped objects.
- Leverage Software: Connect your spectrophotometer to the SQCX software for advanced data analysis, report generation, and comprehensive color management. This unlocks the full potential of the device.
- Regular Calibration: Perform automatic whiteboard calibration frequently to maintain the highest level of measurement accuracy and consistency over time.
- Optimal Aperture Selection: Choose the smallest possible aperture that covers your measurement area to minimize interference from surrounding colors.
8. Warranty and Support
8.1 Product Warranty
The 3nh ST-700d Plus Array Spectrophotometer comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects and malfunctions under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
8.2 Software Support
The accompanying SQCX color management software is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, WeChat APPlet, and Harmony OS. Updates and additional resources for the software can typically be found on the official 3nh website.
8.3 Technical Support
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or service inquiries, please contact your authorized dealer or the manufacturer's customer support. Contact details can usually be found on the product packaging or the official brand website.