---
title: Color QC and Matching Blog | color spectrophotometer
description: color spectrophotometer | CyberChrome - Our Color QC and Matching blog
---

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# Color QC and Matching Blog

## [Tip #8 Sample Presentation for Color Measurement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/104371/Tip-8-Sample-Presentation-for-Color-Measurement)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Fri, Apr 20, 2012

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26136441-jpg/images/paint-bucklet---offset.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/104371/Tip-8-Sample-Presentation-for-Color-Measurement)

Much of this blog series has been focused on the instrument and getting the best possible [inter-instrument agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/76644/Tip-4-Inter-Instrument-Agreement).  However, we can’t forget the basics of good practice in color measurement when it comes to sample presentation.   Some types of samples can be very repeatable to present to the instrument, while others pose more challenges. 

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/104371/Tip-8-Sample-Presentation-for-Color-Measurement)

 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/104371/Tip-8-Sample-Presentation-for-Color-Measurement#comments-listing)

 Tags: [color tolerances](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-tolerances), [electronic color standards](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/electronic-color-standards), [color matching](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-matching), [color standard](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-standard), [inter-instrument agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/inter-instrument-agreement), [translucency](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/translucency), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer), [spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/spectrophotometer)

## [Tip #4 - Inter-Instrument Agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/76644/Tip-4-Inter-Instrument-Agreement)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Mon, Oct 31, 2011

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26133189-jpg/images/bcra_tiles.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/76644/Tip-4-Inter-Instrument-Agreement)

**What is Inter-Instrument Agreement? Should I care?  How do you determine it?   How do I know what my numbers are?  Can I measure it myself?**

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/76644/Tip-4-Inter-Instrument-Agreement)

 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/76644/Tip-4-Inter-Instrument-Agreement#comments-listing)

 Tags: [electronic color standards](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/electronic-color-standards), [color standard](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-standard), [instrument profiling](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-profiling), [inter-instrument agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/inter-instrument-agreement), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer), [spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/spectrophotometer)

## [Tip #2: Measurement Conditions and Color Parameters](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60138/Tip-2-Measurement-Conditions-and-Color-Parameters)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Tue, Jul 12, 2011

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26137728-jpg/images/web_color_card-resized-600.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60138/Tip-2-Measurement-Conditions-and-Color-Parameters)

The next fundamental rule in [sharing electronic color standards ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56718/10-Tips-for-Using-Electronic-Color-Standards) is that the color parameters using in the calculation of the coloriemtric data must be the same.

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60138/Tip-2-Measurement-Conditions-and-Color-Parameters)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60138/Tip-2-Measurement-Conditions-and-Color-Parameters#comments-listing)

 Tags: [color tolerances](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-tolerances), [standard observer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/standard-observer), [illuminant](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/illuminant), [color space](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-space), [global color communication](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/global-color-communication), [instrument geometry](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-geometry), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

## [Using OnColor color matching software with a USB adapter - 64 bit PC](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60649/Using-OnColor-color-matching-software-with-a-USB-adapter-64-bit-PC)

 Posted by Myron Langer on Thu, Jun 30, 2011

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26133457-jpg/images/belkin_usb_to_serial_cable3.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60649/Using-OnColor-color-matching-software-with-a-USB-adapter-64-bit-PC)

While many of the new spectrophotometers on the market today are equipped with a USB cable to connect to the PC, most of the older models still use a serial communications cable to communicate with the PC.  USB to serial adapter cables can bridge the gap for those PC's that do not have a serial port installed on their PC. There are many such devices available, but not all work well with the high demands of data transfer of a color spectrophotometer--especially not on a 64-bit PC.

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60649/Using-OnColor-color-matching-software-with-a-USB-adapter-64-bit-PC)

 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/60649/Using-OnColor-color-matching-software-with-a-USB-adapter-64-bit-PC#comments-listing)

 Tags: [OnColor](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/oncolor), [USB adapter](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/usb-adapter), [Windows 7](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/windows-7), [color matching](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-matching), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

## [Tip #1: Instrumentation for Sharing Electronic Color Standards](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/57996/Tip-1-Instrumentation-for-Sharing-Electronic-Color-Standards)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Wed, Jun 15, 2011

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26135573-jpg/images/instrument_collage.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/57996/Tip-1-Instrumentation-for-Sharing-Electronic-Color-Standards)

 

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/57996/Tip-1-Instrumentation-for-Sharing-Electronic-Color-Standards)

 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/57996/Tip-1-Instrumentation-for-Sharing-Electronic-Color-Standards#comments-listing)

 Tags: [color standard](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-standard), [instrument profiling](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-profiling), [inter-instrument agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/inter-instrument-agreement), [instrument geometry](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-geometry), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer), [spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/spectrophotometer)

## [10 Tips for Using Electronic Color Standards](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56718/10-Tips-for-Using-Electronic-Color-Standards)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Thu, Apr 28, 2011

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26135385-jpg/images/global-communication-353931(1).jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56718/10-Tips-for-Using-Electronic-Color-Standards)

Using electronic color standards and sharing L*a*b* color values is the goal of many companies and their supply chains these days. It’s easy, fast, and convenient.  If we’re all using the same numbers for our color target, isn’t that the best way to assure that we’re all matching to the same color?  It is certainly more convenient than shipping samples around overnight.  But before you do so, you need to understand the best practices of color measurement and for setting and maintaining numerical color standards.  Many color disputes arise these days because color instruments don’t necessarily read the same.  Electronic or numerical color standards are widely used and shared within a supply chain and have many benefits, but if all of your instruments are not regularly monitored and calibrated, then problems can arise. 

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56718/10-Tips-for-Using-Electronic-Color-Standards)

 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56718/10-Tips-for-Using-Electronic-Color-Standards#comments-listing)

 Tags: [color tolerances](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-tolerances), [color standard](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-standard), [global color communication](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/global-color-communication), [instrument profiling](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-profiling), [inter-instrument agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/inter-instrument-agreement), [instrument geometry](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-geometry), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

## [Using a USB Adapter to Connect your Spectrophotometer to OnColor](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56263/Using-a-USB-Adapter-to-Connect-your-Spectrophotometer-to-OnColor)

 Posted by Tom Merck on Fri, Apr 08, 2011

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26137658-gif/images/usb_adapter.gif) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56263/Using-a-USB-Adapter-to-Connect-your-Spectrophotometer-to-OnColor)

When you buy a new PC these days, it typically doesn't come configured with a serial port.  This once standard type of port has been replaced by USB ports.  However, many spectrophotometers still use serial communication and are supplied with a serial cable to connect to the PC. Then how are you supposed to connect your spectrophotometer to the PC if ti doesn't have a serial port? The solution is to use a Serial to USB adapter cable which allows you to connect your color computer via a USB port.

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56263/Using-a-USB-Adapter-to-Connect-your-Spectrophotometer-to-OnColor)

 6 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/56263/Using-a-USB-Adapter-to-Connect-your-Spectrophotometer-to-OnColor#comments-listing)

 Tags: [OnColor](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/oncolor), [USB adapter](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/usb-adapter), [color computer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-computer), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

## [Color Measurement Accuracy: Translucent Materials](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/26751/Color-Measurement-Accuracy-Translucent-Materials)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Thu, Apr 08, 2010

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26137507-jpg/images/translucency-resized-600.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/26751/Color-Measurement-Accuracy-Translucent-Materials)

This blog article was written by Dr. John W. Root of Mt. Baker Research: 

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/26751/Color-Measurement-Accuracy-Translucent-Materials)

 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/26751/Color-Measurement-Accuracy-Translucent-Materials#comments-listing)

 Tags: [color standard](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-standard), [instrument profiling](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-profiling), [inter-instrument agreement](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/inter-instrument-agreement), [instrument geometry](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-geometry), [translucency](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/translucency), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

## [Color Geometry: A Matter of Degrees](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24766/Color-Geometry-A-Matter-of-Degrees)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Tue, Jan 05, 2010

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26132734-jpg/images/45-0_geometry.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24766/Color-Geometry-A-Matter-of-Degrees)

Long before computers were invented a radio, film, and television comedy team known as Abbott and Costello perfected a classic skit that became known as the ["Who's on First?" routine](http://www.phoenix5.org/humor/WhosOnFirstAudio.mp3); essentially a dizzying five-minute display detailing by example the pitfalls of miscommunication via homophones, homonyms, home-run hitters, and high comedic art. 

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24766/Color-Geometry-A-Matter-of-Degrees)

 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24766/Color-Geometry-A-Matter-of-Degrees#comments-listing)

 Tags: [standard observer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/standard-observer), [instrument geometry](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/instrument-geometry), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

## [Color Me Stressed Out](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24155/Color-Me-Stressed-Out)

 Posted by Elaine Becker on Mon, Dec 07, 2009

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[![](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/hs-fs/file-26136296-jpg/images/paint_into_corner.jpg) ](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24155/Color-Me-Stressed-Out)

 If we put you under the spectrophotometer now, would you show up in deep shades of recession blue? Perhaps.

Tough economic times often mean having to make do with fewer resources to handle the workload. The same workload for developing new colors, adjusting production batches, and approving colors is spread over fewer people. Staff become stressed and can easily overlook color shifts they might otherwise have caught.

[Read More](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24155/Color-Me-Stressed-Out)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/Color-QC-and-Matching-Blog/bid/24155/Color-Me-Stressed-Out#comments-listing)

 Tags: [Color correction](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-correction), [Color difference](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-difference), [color development](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-development), [color matching](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-matching), [color spectrophotometer](https://www.cyberchromeusa.com/color-qc-and-matching-blog/topic/color-spectrophotometer)

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