Simplified Integrated Amount of
Solar Radiation Measuring System

OptoLeaf Measuring Instrument
D-Meter RYO-470M
Instruction Manual（2018.10.05）

Before use, read this instruction manual carefully and understand the contents.
Save this manual for future reference.

Contents
Introduction ............................................................... 2
Directions for use ...................................................... 3
Packing contents (basic set) ...................................... 4
Names and functions of the Components of the
D-Meter RYO-470M..................................................... 5
For correct use .......................................................... 6
How to use D-Meter, OptoLeaf measuring instrument 7
1. How to turn on the power ....................................7
2. How to turn off the power ....................................7
3. How to set OptoLeaf to be measured .................8
4. Before measurement............................................9
5. Zero adjustment ................................................. 10
6. OptoLeaf measurement ..................................... 11
7. MEMORY Mode ................................................... 12
8. Deletion of Memory Data ...................................13
9. Error message .................................................... 14
Warranty .................................................................. 15

Taisei Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
Function Product Division

http://www.taisei-fc.co.jp

Instruction Manual

Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing our simplified integrated amount of solar radiation measuringsystem, OptoLeaf and the OptoLeaf measuring instrument. This system is an instrument to measure theamount of solar radiation based on the degree of color fading of a colored film. Before use of this system,
please read this manual carefully and handle this system appropriately to make this system function
properly.

Make sure to note the following points:

 The specifications of this instrument and the contents of this manual are subject to change
without notice.
 Be aware that we will not bear any responsibility for any damage caused by the use of this
instrument.
 Be aware that we will not bear any responsibility for the results produced by abuse, misuse,or improper use of this instrument.
 Our responsibility for the guarantee shall not exceed the cost of repairing this instrument or
replacing any part in any case.
 We try to ensure the accuracy of the information in this manual; however, if any point isunclear or incorrect, please contact us.
 Reproduction or transcription of all or any part of this document without permission isprohibited.

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Directions for use

Warning
Failure to observe the following may cause breakdown, smoking, ignition, injury, and more.
1. Do not disassemble or remodel the product.
2. Do not insert a foreign substance, such as an iron plate, plastic, or paper.
3. Do not expose this product to dust or moisture .
4. Do not throw the product into a fire.
5. Keep this product out of the reach of infants.

CautionFailure to observe the following may cause performance deterioration, breakdown, damage,deformation, and discoloration.
1.

Keep this product away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, andhumid environments.

2.

Use this product only within the temperature range of 20°C ± 15°C (5°C
to 35°C).

3.

When “Low-Batt” is displayed on the screen, replace the existing
batteries with new ones.

4.

Do not apply excessive force to this product; for example, do not put anobject on this product.

5.

Do not expose this product to strong impacts; for example, do not drop
this product from the top of a desk.

6.

Do not put this product into a place where excessive force is appliedsuch as a pants hip pocket.

7.

Do not use thinner, benzene, alcohol, or the like to clean this product.

Be advised that we will not bear any responsibility for the results produced by abuse,misuse, or improper use of this product.

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Instruction Manual

Packing contents (basic set)
Simplified integrated amount ofsolar radiation measuring system

OptoLeaf measuring instrument, D-Meter RYO-470M

OptoLeaf ( R-3D・Y-1W・O-1D )・・・roll(s)・・・1 pc.

* The rolls ordered with the main unit will be included.

Leaf holder

・・・2 pcs.

* The explanation of how to use OptoLeaf and OptoLeaf

Transparence ref. leaf

・・・2 pcs.

color fading curves are packed with OptoLeaf.

Instruction manual (this book)・・・1 copy

Application Software Operation Manual・・・ 1 copy

USB cable

・・・ 1 pc.

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Instruction ManualNames and functions of the Components of the D-Meter RYO-470M

LCD panel

USB cable inlet
Connect
the
instrument with a PC

Leaf holder
Holds the leaf to be measured.

Displays absorbance.

Leaf selection slide switch
Selects the leaf to be measured
from R-3D, Y-1W, and O-1D.

ZERO ADJUST button
Starts Zero Adjustment.

Mode-switching button
Switches modes.

ON/OFF/MEASURE switching button

Turns the power on/off and starts
measurement.
Leaf inlet
Accepts a leaf with the leaf holder tothe end.

Battery box
Holds two AA batteries.
The lid can be opened by sliding.

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For correct use
1. Operating temperature
D-Meter is a microcomputer-embedded precision instrument; use this instrument under a normal
temperature environment.
Because the CPU of the microcomputer is heat sensitive, be careful not to raise the temperature of
D-Meter.
Be aware also to keep this product out of direct sunlight. In addition, be careful not to use this product inextremely low temperatures.
*Normal temperature: 20°C ± 15°C (5°C to 35°C) ... according to the definition of “normal temperature” by
the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS Z 8703)
2. Measurement range
The measurement range of D-Meter is 2.2 to 0.6.
OptoLeaf measurement shall be performed with absorbance of not less than 0.6 as a guideline.
Deviation from this range deteriorates the accuracy of measurement. Try to measure the OptoLeaf within
the range wherever possible.
(An error with a spectrophotometer is usually within ±0.05, but when the range is exceeded, the error
may be within ±0.10 in some cases)
A value more than 2.3 for a high concentration and a value less than 0.5 for a low concentration aredisplayed as errors.
The measurement range of D-Meter is approximately equivalent to the range where an OptoLeaf color
fade curve (calibration curve) is effective.
3. Measurement of OptoLeaf’s initial value
Be sure to measure the initial values of all OptoLeaf pieces before use.
OptoLeaf is manufactured so that the initial value falls within 2.0 ± 0.2, but a uniform concentration isconsiderably hard to make, and even for the same OptoLeaf, the values may vary depending on themeasuring points. That is why, when plural OptoLeaf pieces are used to perform multipoint
measurements at the same time, be sure to measure the initial value for each OptoLeaf before use.
OptoLeaf is used to measure the degree of color fading based on the initial value; therefore, even if thecolor of OptoLeaf fades slightly, OptoLeaf can be used by measuring a new initial value.
4. How to place OptoLeaf on leaf holder
Measure the same points of OptoLeaf before and after exposure.
Set an OptoLeaf on the leaf holder in the same direction as before exposure. As the D-Meter measuresabsorbance by means of the volume of light that passes through the leaf, which side of the OptoLeaf
faces outward does not affect the result as long as the same part of the leaf is measured.
5. OptoLeaf color fade curve (calibration curve)
Be aware that measurement accuracy is reduced if exposure is insufficient or too great.
The provided color fade curves (calibration curves) are ones of OptoLeaf that have faded to some extent,
and they can be represented by an approximate formula (on an attached sheet). However, theapproximate formula does not apply to the stages of beginning and late fading—those stages are omitted
from the curves on purpose. The tendency of the values for beginning or late fading is different from thetendency of the intermediate stage, and it can be said that another curve (or expression) may exist. The
measurement range of D-Meter represents the intermediate stage of color fading (color fade curves).

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Instruction Manual

How to use D-Meter, OptoLeaf measuring instrument
1. How to turn on the power
Hold down the ON/OFF button in the center of the panel for one second to turn on the power.
If the button is released within one second, the operation becomes invalid. In such a case, hold down the
button again for one second.
When the power is turned on, the LCD shows the currently selected OptoLeaf type that is selected withthe slide switch.

Keep on pressing the ON/OFF button.
Hold down the
ON/OFF button for

one second.

R-3D

Keep on pressing the button until the characters on theleft are displayed. This is an example when “R-3D” isselected with the slide switch.

*Other indications are shown as follows:
Case of selecting “Y-1W” with the slide switch

Y-1W

Case of selecting “O-1D” with the slide switch

O-1D

2. How to turn off the power
There are two ways to turn off the power: manually and automatically.
Hold down the
ON/OFF button forthree seconds(1) Turning off the power manually
Hold down the ON/OFF button for three seconds.
A message on the display changes from “----” to “--”. The message is cleared when the power isturned off.

----

--

If the button is released within three seconds, the MEASURE function is activated, and themeasurement result is displayed.
(2) Turning off the power automatically
When three minutes have passed without any operation (without pressing any button), the power is
automatically turned off, and the message is cleared.
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Instruction Manual

3. How to set OptoLeaf to be measured
Set the OptoLeaf to be measured on the leaf holder and cut it into the appropriate size.
The size should be appropriate for setting it on the leaf holder and hiding the entire hole in the center ofthe holder with it.
Correct setting
Recommended size: 35 mm x 20 mm
The dimensions of the OptoLeaf roll are 35
mm in width and 10 m in length, and cutting it
into 20 mm in length is the right size.
20 mm

Set OptoLeaf horizontally whenviewed from the side

Wrong setting(1) The opening of the holeleads to the wrong result(2) Not nipping OptoLeaf may
cause OptoLeaf to move(3) Because of too large a size,
it cannot enter the leaf inlet(4) Warped OptoLeaf leads to the wrong result

Insert the leaf holder with the OptoLeaf side upward into the leaf inlet to load it into the D-Meter main unit.
At this moment, insertion should be performed as far as it will go.
If the leaf holder is not successfully inserted, correct measurement cannot be obtained.

Insert the leaf holder all the way
into the inlet.

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4. Before measurement
・Measurement shall be performed as follows:(1) Zero adjustment (for the purpose of obtaining correct measurement results)
・ Insert a transparent reference film and perform the measurement.
・ The results are saved even after the power is turned off. It is still recommended to performzero adjustment once after turning on the power to grasp the instrument state.
(2) OptoLeaf measurement
・ Insert OptoLeaf and perform the measurement.

・The OptoLeaf measurement flow is shown as follows:

Power onZero adjustment can be
performed anytime.

Insert a transparent reference film and hold down
the ZERO ADJUST button for one second. Then,zero adjustment is performed.

Zero adjustment

Hold down the ZEROADJUST button

for one second.

Insert an OptoLeaf and press the
MEASURE button once. Then, theOptoLeaf measurement

measurement of the leaf starts.

Press the MEASURE
button once.

No
Measurement end?

Yes
Hold down the MEASURE button for three seconds to turn off thepower. If the button is not pressed for three minutes, the power is
automatically turned off.

Measurement end-9-Instruction Manual

5. Zero adjustment
For the purpose of obtaining correct measurement results, zero adjustment shall be performed before
OptoLeaf measurement.
Establish a reference value using the transparent reference film.
Place the transparent reference film on the leaf holder and insert it into the leaf inlet.
* Insertion shall be performed as far as it will go.
Next, hold down the ZERO ADJUST button for one second. Then, the message on the LCD panelchanges as below.
Press the ZERO ADJUST
button.

Hold down the ZEROADJUST button
for one second.

０ ADJUST
Wait 03

This means the measurement has started.
You may release the ZERO ADJUST button now.
It is a countdown to completion.

Wait 02
Wait 01
Wait 00
0.00
R-3D

Measurement is now completed.
Do not pull out the film before completion.

Ready for measurement.
This is an example when “R-3D” is selected.

Note: (1) If the ZERO ADJUST switch is released before “Wait 03“ is displayed, zero adjustment iscanceled. In such a case, the reference used the last time is active.
When zero adjustment is successfully completed, the reference value is saved in memory andremains even after the power is turned off.
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Instruction Manual

6. OptoLeaf measurement
Select an OptoLeaf type with use of the leaf selection slide switch depending on the OptoLeaf to bemeasured.

* If the selected type of the leaf selection slide switch
does not match the actual type of OptoLeaf to bemeasured, correct measurement cannot be
obtained.

Place the OptoLeaf you want onto the leaf holder, insert it into the leaf inlet of the main unit, and press
the MEASURE button once, and the absorbance is displayed on the LCD panel.

Place OptoLeaf

Press
once.

the

MEASURE

Press theMEASURE button

buttononce.

Calculating…

Absorbance is displayed.

r1.88This is an example when
“R-3D” is selected.

Note: (1) If the selected type of the leaf selection slide switch does not match the actual type of the
OptoLeaf to be measured, correct measurement cannot be obtained.
(2) Zero adjustment and OptoLeaf measurement can be always performed while the power is in the
ON state.
(3) If the color of the OptoLeaf is excessively faded (with the concentration close to the transparent
reference film), a measurement error occurs.

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7. MEMORY Mode
This is a function to store the measurement result in memory. It is saved even after D-Meter is poweredoff.
Data in memory can be transferred to a PC through dedicated D-Meter application software and saved
there as a file.
Hold down the MODE button for one second when the power is ON. Then, the MEMORY mode becomes
active.
Memory is divided into 10 blocks from A to J.
In each block, 99 measurement data sets can be stored.
When the selected number already has data, it is overwritten.
To move from the MEMORY mode to the BASIC (normal measurement) mode, power off and then reboot
the instrument.
To change the selection of a block used in memory, power off and then reboot the instrument.

Press the MODE button.

Hold down the
MODE button

MEMORY
Entry！
Block AA01

for one second.

Hold down the MODE
button for one second.

When one of the block names is displayed, you canselect the block by pressing the MODE button (▼) or
the ZERO ADJUST button (▲).
To determine the block, press the ON/OFF button.
When a block name and number are displayed, you
can start the measurement.
Press the MEASURE button. The result is saved
when the measurement is complete.
Data of R-3D is saved as the number one data in the
A block.
If you want a different number, press the MODE
button or ZERO ADJUST button to choose thenumber before measurement.

Memory status displayed:
Either of the following messages is displayed.

A01ｒ2.09
1. There is measurement data.
(When R-3D is selected).

A01

A01ｒ * * * *2. There is no measurement data.

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3. There is an error in the measurement data.
(When R-3D is selected).

Instruction Manual

8. Deletion of Memory Data
This is a function to delete all measurement data stored in the MEMORY mode.
Press the MEASURE and MODE buttons at the same time for one second, when the D-Meter is powered
off.
Press the MEASURE and MODE
buttons at the same time for one
second,When the D-Meter is powered
off, press the MEASURE and MODE
buttons at the same time for one
second.

EraseAll

Press the MEASURE button to proceed to the next
step.
Press the ZERO ADJUST or MODE button to cancel
data deletion.

Sure?

Press the MEASURE button to execute the deletion ofmemory data.
Press the ZERO ADJUST or MODE button to cancel datadeletion.

Deleting data…

Finished

Completion message is displayed.
The power is automatically turned off.

To confirm the deletion, turn on D-Meter and move to the MEMORY mode. If the following (meaning that
there is no measurement data) is displayed, it means the data is deleted.

A01

When the number one data in the A
block is selected-13-

Instruction Manual

9. Error message
An error message may be displayed on the LCD panel.

[Low-Batt]: Low voltage is detected. (Replace the batteries.)[E: Under]: The measurement value is abnormal. The value is lower than the predetermined range.
(Check if the type of an actual leaf and the type selected with a slide switch are thesame.)
There is a possibility of excessive light received because of excessive exposure.
(Execute the measurement again.)[E: Over]: The measurement value is abnormal. The value is higher than the predetermined range.
(Check if the type of an actual leaf and the type selected with a slide switch are thesame.)[E: Photo]: Error in adjustment.
(Check if the transparent reference film was correctly inserted when adjustment was
made.)
The wrong film may have been inserted instead of the transparent reference film.

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Warranty
This warranty shall apply based on the warranty provisions described below; fill in the date of purchase,the addresses, and the telephone numbers below.

－ Warranty Provisions －(1) In the event of product failure under normal operating conditions according to the instruction
manual, we will repair or replace this instrument without charge based on this warranty; therefore,
please do not hesitate to contact us below.
(2) We shall bear no responsibility for any damage directly or indirectly caused by the failure of this
instrument or the use of this instrument.
(3) The following cases require a fee to repair even in the warranty period:(1) Failure or damage caused by the customer’s inappropriate handling, such as dropping thisproduct and impact on this product during transportation or movement(2) Failure or damage caused by the customer’s misuse, improper modification, or repair(3) Failure or damage caused by natural disaster, such as fire, salt damage, gaseous damage,earthquake, lightning strike, or storm and flood damage, and external factors such as abnormal
voltage(4) This warranty is valid only in Japan.
(5) This warranty is not reissued. Please keep this warranty in a safe place.

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Instruction Manual

OptoLeaf Measuring Instrument, D-Meter RYO-470M

Product name/Model
Product No.

Date of purchaseWarranty period

One year warranty from Y /M /D

Company name or
your name
Customer〒
Address

Telephone No.

DealerShop
Address
Telephone No.

If a failure occurs during the period described above from the date of purchase, ask us for repair or
replacement by presenting the product and this warranty. This warranty is our promise to repair or replace theinstrument without charge based on the period and conditions specified in this document. This warranty shallnot limit the legal rights of the customer. For repair, replacement, or others even after the warranty period
expires, please do not hesitate to contact us.
For inquiries about unclear points or consultation, contact us as follows:

Taisei Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
Function Product Division
3-5-1, Nishi-shinkoiwa, Katsushika-ku,
Tokyo 124-8535 JAPANTEL：03-3691-7577 FAX：03-3691-3035

http://www.taisei-fc.co.jp* OptoLeaf is a registered trademark of Taisei Fine Chemical Co., Ltd.
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