Matt Hunt wrote:Hi.Ive posted a previous question about getting a datacolor spyder 4pro but Ive just seen a second hand spyder3pro. My question is, can I use a second hand spyder? Doesnt Datacolor require online activation of the serial code?

• Datacolor Spyder 3 Pro Activation

In which case would the original serial be valid for a new user, not tied to the email address/account of the original owner?Any known issues buying second hand calibrator?Many thanks.There would not be any issues. I sold a Spyder3Pro to update to Spyder4Elite and I never heard from the buyer of the Spyder3Pro regarding any software installation issues.

Matt Hunt wrote:Okay, the pro/elite has the ambient light sensor.The Elite has a dedicated module for setting screen brightness which you use before you get into the formal calibration cycle of the monitor where you can adjust the RGB sliders in the advanced mode. It shows you the white luminance level in almost real time (click to refresh). You take a reading, see it is too high, adjust lower, click to refesh, see the reading, repeat until desired level is acquired.With the Pro you only find out what the white luminance value is in the middle of the calibration. I believe that to correct it you have to leave the calibration, adjust the Brightness control, and then start a new calibration cycle. This would be a real PITA to me.

NewsyL wrote:Matt Hunt wrote:Okay, the pro/elite has the ambient light sensor.The Elite has a dedicated module for setting screen brightness which you use before you get into the formal calibration cycle of the monitor where you can adjust the RGB sliders in the advanced mode. It shows you the white luminance level in almost real time (click to refresh). You take a reading, see it is too high, adjust lower, click to refesh, see the reading, repeat until desired level is acquired.How exactly do you do that. I am using Elite but I am not sure what do you mean. I know you can measure ambient light and based on that you set your target.

Sagittarius wrote:NewsyL wrote:Matt Hunt wrote:Okay, the pro/elite has the ambient light sensor.The Elite has a dedicated module for setting screen brightness which you use before you get into the formal calibration cycle of the monitor where you can adjust the RGB sliders in the advanced mode. It shows you the white luminance level in almost real time (click to refresh).

Datacolor Spyder 3 Pro Activation

You take a reading, see it is too high, adjust lower, click to refesh, see the reading, repeat until desired level is acquired.How exactly do you do that. I am using Elite but I am not sure what do you mean. I know you can measure ambient light and based on that you set your target.Its' been a while since I looked at the software so forgive me if I simplify this too much.The Elite software has an option to calibrate using a simple mode or an advanced mode. In the advanced mode you get access to using the RGB sliders of the monitor but before you touch them it will suggest you set the monitor brightness first.In the simple mode it does not give you access to the RGB sliders and I believe you never see the brightness module though I think it works in conjunction with the ambient light sensor to set your monitor brightness automatically (might not work for older monitors). This is a great mode for laptops.I wouldn't trust the ambient light sensor to be accurate for my room lighting and would prefer to manually set the brightness, especially as I have 3 monitors side by side and want them all to be the same brightness.This review has a screen capture of the brightness module.