Colortrac SmartLF Installation and Operating Manual
PAS144 P/N: P002038 Colortrac Ltd © 2004
16
AUTOMATIC & MANUAL CALIBRATION OF SMARTLF
When the SmartLF Windows driver first communicates with SmartLF it activates the automatic calibration or
normalisation process. The period between these calibrations is set for 1 hour (default) by the driver but can be
altered using the Calibration program. Automatic calibration is internal to the scanner and needs no operator
intervention or white target. Calibration starts automatically when more than 1 hour elapses since the last calibration.
When SmartLF needs to calibrate it will delay the next requested scan by approximately 25 seconds. SmartLF informs
the operator that a calibration is taking place by displaying the word ‘Calibrating’ on the scanner display panel. There
is no indication that calibration is occurring at the computer display.
Why calibrate?
Calibration for SmartLF is needed mostly because the colour produced by the Contact Image Sensors (CIS) can alter
slightly with small changes in ambient room temperature. Automatic calibration keeps SmartLF working with optimum
image quality.
The Calibration Program
The period between calibrations can be altered, or where the room temperature is very stable (as in an air-conditioned
office) it can be turned off completely. This is useful where a short delay before scanning every hour might be
inconvenient, for example in a batch-scanning environment. Go to the program Start bar and select Programs, then
Colortrac and then SmartLF Calibration. The SmartLF User Normalisation program interface will now display.
The program allows control over the is dual function:
It is important to understand that SmartLF only has one calibration memory. This means that if a User Normalisation is
carried out the Auto Normalisation Period must then be set for ‘
Never’
or the User Normalisation will be replaced by the
Automatic one when the set period is reached and the scanner calibrates automatically.
ESSENTIAL CALIBRATION INFORMATION
SmartLF will carry out an overdue calibration immediately after a scan is requested.
Automatic Calibration will delay a scan by approximately twenty-five (25) seconds. This is normal.
If a User Normalisation is carried out, always set the Automatic Normalisation Period to Never and move the VPHD
(Variable Paper Hold Down) to its highest pressure position (to the left)
User Normalisation (external)
Insert a piece of clean white paper or card
approximately 1067mm (42”) x 508mm (20”) into
the scanner long edge first. Feed the paper until it
is visible at the back of the scanner AND CHECK
THE VPHD IS IN ITS HIGHEST PRESSURE
POSITION (LEFT). Press the User Normalisation
button to start the scanner normalisation process.
Auto Normalisation (internal)
Run this program to install a new calibration period
within SmartLF or turn it
OFF
completely (to enable
User Normalisation).
In this example SmartLF
Normalisation is being changed from ‘Every Hour’ to
‘Never’. To change the calibration frequency scroll
the list and select a different period.
