PhotoScale Software Questions

1. What do I do if a calibration fails?

Check the difference in values. If the difference is very big, it is most likely that something affected your measurements and caused the calibration to fail. Check calibration lamp, room lights were off, positions and system offsets. If everything is OK but still there is a big difference, it is possible the lamp needs to be recalibrated at STS with a new value. If the difference is small, it is possible to set the system with a new multiplier which will make the system "read" the correct value but it should be done by your system administrator.

2. Why is the system reading negative values?

The sensor offset value need to be re-stored. Check the Prompt for Sensor Offsets option on the front panel for a Function if run by itself or in the Sample if run as part of a Sample. but could be done manually using the System | Store Sensor Offsets menu items. Please note that there are two types of sensor offsets- Reflex and Non-Reflex.

3. Can I save reports as PDF files?

Yes, we configure the user station with a license for PDF995 which is similar to PDF creator. It will be listed as a printer which, when chosen to print to, will prompt for a file name and location. These files will have the pdf extension. When saved from within PhotoScale at the end of a test, these files will be located in the default results folder.

4. Why does the Goni have an offset while PhotoScale does not show it?

Positional offsets, either Aiming or Fixture, are stored into the Goni and affect the positions. It is possible that a test is run which applies an offset into the Goni and then PhotoScale is restarted or changed which might not report the fact that the system has an offset stored. Clear either stored offsets types using the Clear to 0 buttons in the aiming and fixture offsets section of PhotoScale panel. If running Samples, set the last Function’s Clear Aiming/Fixture offsets after execution option to be checked. This will remove any offsets after the Sample is finished before you run any other tests.

5. Why does a test prompt me to take sensor offsets even though that option is not selected?

PhotoScale has two types of sensor offsets- Reflex and Non-Reflex. When it starts, offset values are 0. Even if the option to prompt to take sensor offset is not selected, application will ask if either it is the first run and no offset was taken yet or the last Function was of a different type (Reflex or Non-Reflex) which requires a new sensor offset for the current test type.

6. Is LED testing different than testing non-LED lamps?

Yes, there are special requirements when testing LEDs, especially regarding stabilization and the ability to test Pass/Fail for both the stabilized and non-stabilized states. Please refer to the LED_Startup test point type and the LED_MULTIPLY special field entry.

7. Can I automatically save results to multiple locations?

Yes, on the SYSTEM SETUP | GENERAL tab, there is a list of Results Folders Paths. The first entry is usually the default location (...\STS PhotoScale\Results\). Click on the little folder icon in the next entry which is empty and navigate to any folder on that computer or anywhere on the network.

8. Can PhotoScale perform full-spectral measurements?

Yes, with the optional Spectro100 spectroradiometer. Full spectral curve, x-y chromaticity values and NVIS can be measured. Please refer to the Spectral test point type.