FibreTrace® Scanner Signal Strength

Watch this tutorial, How to: Use Your FibreTrace Bluetooth Scanner

When scanning a fabric, you may get a reading between 1 to 5 lights on the scanner, 1 being the lowest strength and 5 being the highest.

Image showing 5 lights on, indicating the strongest reading

It is important to know that the different coloured fabrics give different readings when scanned with our scanner. Lighter-coloured fabrics may give stronger readings as they reflect more light back, than darker ones. Even if it's the same exact fabric, after being in contact with bleach/dye, you may get a different single strength compared to before the bleaching/dying process. 

This is nothing to be concerned about. You could get a lower signal strength (between 1 to 3 lights) if the dye has a particular quantity of carbon black, since the inferred light utilized by the scanner makes it more difficult to read at the pre-washed levels. In contrast to heavier carbon levels seen in darker washes or raw denim, washed-down cloth clearly takes up the stronger signal more easily.

If you find yourself in a situation in which your scanner is not lighting up; please try reading the dark and raw fabric's backside. The natural weft will provide a stronger read than the fabric's indigo face.

Also note, Signal strength can also vary depending on the ratio of FibreTrace® pigment in the raw fibre. Your account managers will advise you on the ratio of pigment to be used, depending on whether you're using 100% fabric or blending the fabric.