Vista with Essentials 2 (Serial #VTS2xxxx)

Video Link : Vista with Essentials 2.0 - Getting Started.mp4

Click the link above to view the Video.

Please Note: The Original Vista instruments (serial numbers VTS0xxxx ) cannot be updated to the new Essentials 2 software. Only Vista Instruments serial numbers beginning with VTS2xxxx use Essentials 2.

The "Vista with Essentials 2.0" video introduces the updated software for the Vista instrument. It covers the initial setup, including physical connections and software configuration like language and date. The video demonstrates the quick start wizard that assists users in understanding the basics of the Essentials 2 software. A key function highlighted is the standardization process required before measurements. The video then shows how to take a measurement, enter sample information, and view lab values. Finally, it explains data exporting options, including saving data automatically in the software and exporting to a CSV file using a flash drive.

The Vista instrument has several ports on the back, including an Ethernet port for network connection, a power cord connection, an optional foot switch connection, and a USB port for connecting a keyboard and mouse. To set up, the user needs to plug in the instrument, connect it to power, and turn it on using the rocker switch on the right side.

Key Themes and Important Ideas:

• Hardware Compatibility: The new "Vista with Essentials 2.0" maintains hardware compatibility with older Vista models. "There are no optical or hardware differences between the original Vista with Essentials and the Vista with Essentials 2 software. So, any accessories used with the Vista, like the foot switch, can be compatible with this Vista as well." This ensures users can leverage existing accessories.
• Initial Setup: The initial setup process is guided by a quick start wizard within the Essentials 2.0 software. This includes setting language, region, date, and time. The wizard can be accessed at any time by pressing the help icon in the top right corner.
• Standardization: The instrument requires standardization before taking measurements. The software guides users through the standardization process, including clearing the compartment and utilizing base plates and cells. The software prompts you to "select the standardize button in green"
• Measurement Process: Taking a measurement involves placing a sample cell in the compartment, selecting "measure", and entering a sample name, product ID, or additional notes. The "measure" function initiates the lab value calculations.
• Data Storage and Export: All measurement data is automatically stored within the Essentials 2.0 software. Data can also be exported as a CSV file via a flash drive. "All data is automatically stored in the Essentials 2 software. But if you would like to export to a CSV file via a flash drive, can insert that just as before."
• User-Friendliness: The video emphasizes the user-friendliness and intuitiveness of the Vista with Essentials 2.0 software. The presenter highlights the speed and ease with which the instrument can be set up, standardized, used for measurement, and data can be exported. "The Vista with Essentials 2 software is user friendly and intuitive. It took us only a few minutes to plug in, turn on, standardize, take a measurement, and export."

Key Steps and Procedures:

• Physical Setup: Plug in and turn on the Vista instrument.
• Connect to a network via the Ethernet port (optional, for data export).
• Connect accessories (e.g., foot switch) as needed.
• Connect keyboard and mouse via USB (optional).
• Software Setup: Turn on the Vista using the rocker switch.
• Set language, region, date, and time when prompted.
• Utilize the quick start wizard for initial guidance (accessed via the help icon).
• Standardization: Select the "standardize" button.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to clear the compartment and utilize base plates/cells as necessary.
• Measurement: Place the sample cell in the Vista compartment.
• Select "measure."
• Enter the sample name, product ID, or additional notes.
• Select "measure" to start the measurement.
• Data Export (Optional): Insert a flash drive into the USB port.
• Select the job to export.
• Select "export."
• Confirm the export.

Conclusion:

The Vista with Essentials 2.0 offers a user-friendly and efficient system for taking measurements. The software guides users through the initial setup, standardization, and measurement processes, and allows for easy data storage and export. The hardware compatibility with older Vista models ensures a smooth transition for existing users.

Frequently asked Questions:

Are accessories from older Vista models compatible with the Vista with Essentials 2.0?

Yes, accessories used with older Vista models, like the foot switch, are compatible with the Vista with Essentials 2.0. There are no hardware differences between the old and new Vistas.

How do I initially configure the Vista with Essentials 2.0 software after turning on the instrument for the first time?

The first time the Vista loads, the software prompts you to set up your language, region, date, and time. Once these settings are configured, you can select "done" to proceed.

What is the purpose of the Quick Start Wizard, and how do I access it?

The Quick Start Wizard provides a step-by-step guide to the basics of the Essentials 2 software. You can access the Quick Start Wizard by tapping the help icon located in the top right corner of the screen.

How do I standardize the Vista instrument before taking measurements, and what is the standardization process?

To standardize the instrument, you need to select the "standardize" button in green within the Essentials 2 software. The software will guide you through clearing the compartment and utilizing the necessary base plates and cells according to the instrument's requirements. Then select "continue" and the standardization process will begin.

How do I take a measurement using the Vista with Essentials 2.0 software, and what data is collected?

To take a measurement, place your sample cell into the Vista compartment and select the "measure" button. The software will prompt you to enter a sample name, product ID, and/or additional notes. After entering the required information, select "measure" again to start the measurement. The software will then display the lab values of the sample.

How do I export data from the Vista with Essentials 2.0 software, and what file format is used?

All data is automatically stored in the Essentials 2 software. To export the data, you can insert a flash drive into the USB port on the back of the instrument. Then select the job, select "export" and confirm. The data will be exported to a CSV file on the flash drive.

Video Link : Vista with Essentials 2 - WorkSpace vs Job.mp4

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 The video differentiates between workspaces and jobs within the software. Workspaces serve as templates, storing measurement parameters like standards, tolerances, and color scales, and contain only one standard. Jobs, on the other hand, store sample data and are housed within workspaces. The video guides users through creating new workspaces by adjusting measurement modes, color scales, and measurement options. It also demonstrates creating new jobs and explains how measurements are stored within these jobs.

Vista with Essentials 2 FAQ
1. What is a workspace in Vista with Essentials 2? A workspace in Vista with Essentials 2 acts as a template, storing measurement parameters such as standards, tolerances, color scales (e.g., CIE Lab, Hunter Lab), illuminant/observer settings (e.g., D65/10, C/2), and indices. Crucially, it also functions as a folder that contains multiple jobs. Only one standard can be set per workspace.

2. What is a job in Vista with Essentials 2? A job is where all of your individual sample measurement data is stored. Each workspace can contain multiple jobs.

3. What is the primary difference between a workspace and a job? A workspace is a template and container for settings and jobs, while a job is where the actual measurement data for individual samples is stored. Think of a workspace as a folder, and a job as a file within that folder.

4. How do I create a new workspace? To create a new workspace, click the workspace icon in the bottom right of the screen. Then, select the plus (+) button to add a new workspace. You can model the new workspace after an existing one or create it from scratch.

5. What parameters can I configure when creating a new workspace? When creating a new workspace, you can configure the measurement mode (e.g., Tran for transmission, RAR for reflected measurements), choose a standard, select a color scale (e.g., CIE Lab, Hunter Lab), specify an illuminant/observer combination (e.g., D65/10, C/2), enter target values and tolerances for your standard, enable color differences and/or indices, and add a wavelength index.

6. What measurement options can I configure in a workspace? Within a workspace, you can configure measurement options such as manual measurement (requiring you to click the measurement icon each time), averaging (averaging multiple measurements), or automatic/continuous measurement. You can also select or unselect options to prompt you for a sample name, product ID, or notes before each measurement.

7. How do I create a new job? To create a new job, click on the job icon on the bottom left side of the screen. The pop-up will display all the jobs listed in your workspace. From that point, you can create a new job or choose to delete or export an existing one. Measurements taken within a workspace will be saved under the currently selected job.

8. Can I transfer existing jobs from one workspace to another? Yes, when creating a new workspace, you can enable an option to send jobs and measurements from the default workspace to the new workspace.