PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera User Manual

: June 12, 2024
: PCE

Table of Contents

PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Safety notes
Specifications
System description
Getting started
Charging the battery
Display description
Control panel
Menu
Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Contact
Disposal
PCE Instruments contact information
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera

Product Information

The PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera is a device used for capturing and analyzing thermal images. It is designed for use by qualified personnel and is repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. The camera has various technical specifications and features that enhance its functionality.

Technical Specifications

Optical specifications:
- Temperature range: [temperature range]
- Accuracy: [accuracy]
- Field of view (FOV): [FOV]
- Smallest focus distance: [smallest focus distance]
- Infrared resolution: [infrared resolution]
- Thermal sensitivity: [thermal sensitivity]
- Wavelength range: [wavelength range]
- Focus: [focus]
- Calibration of the measurement: [calibration of the measurement]
- Number of spots: [number of spots]
- Representation: [representation]
Display:
- 2.8″ TFT; resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
- Adjustable picture-in-picture function
- Frame rate: 9 Hz
- Colour palettes: Spectrum / Iron / Cold / White / Black
Memory:
- Emissivity: Variable 0.01 … 1.0
- Internal SD card: 3 GB for more than 20000 images
- Image format: JPG
Settings:
- Automatic Shutdown
- Intensity (brightness)
- Language
- Temperature unit
- Time
- Spot
Languages : English, German, Chinese, Italian
Power supply:
- Battery: Internal rechargeable battery, approx. 2800 mAh
- Operating time: 2 … 3 h
- Voltage supply: 100…240 VAC 50/60 Hz
- Interface: Micro USB for charging and memory readout on a PC
Environmental conditions:
- Automatic Shutdown: Adjustable, after 5 or 20 minutes or off
- Temperature: [temperature range]
- Relative humidity: [relative humidity]
Dimensions : [dimensions]
Weight : [weight]

Product Usage Instructions

Before using the PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera, please read the safety notes in the user manual carefully. Only qualified personnel should operate the device, and any repairs should be done by PCE Instruments personnel. Failure to follow the manual may result in damage or injuries that are not covered by the warranty.

To use the camera:

Ensure that the device is fully charged or connected to a power supply.
Press the power button to turn on the camera.
Adjust the settings according to your preferences, such as language, temperature unit, and display intensity.
Point the camera towards the object or area you want to capture thermal images of.
Observe the thermal images displayed on the 2.8″ TFT screen.
Use the adjustable picture-in-picture function if desired.
Press the capture button to save images to the internal SD card.
If necessary, connect the camera to a PC using the Micro USB interface for charging or transferring images.

After using the camera, it is important to properly maintain and clean it. Refer to the maintenance section in the user manual for instructions on cleaning and troubleshooting. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact PCE Instruments using the provided contact details.

User manuals in various languages can be found by using our product search on: www.pce-instruments.com

Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non- observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and not covered by our warranty.

The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
You must not make any technical changes to the device.
The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the device.
Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.
Never aim the laser beam at people or animals.
Never look directly into the laser beam.
If the product is found to have smoke, sparks and a burning smell during use, stop using it immediately.
In such a case, first disconnect the meter from the power supply. After the smoke and the peculiar smell have completely disappeared, contact PCE Instruments.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Specifications

Technical specifications

Delivery scope

1 x thermal imaging camera PCE-TC 30N
1 x USB cable
1 x USB mains adaptor
1 x user manual
1 x carrying bag

System description

Device

Getting started

Please note that the instrument should acclimatise to the current environmental conditions before connecting it to the charger. Do not charge the instrument in hot or cold places. Charging in extreme temperatures will reduce the capacity of the battery. The micro USB cable can be used for charging but also for transferring images.

Charging the battery

The PCE-TC 30N thermal imaging camera has a built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
If the battery level is low, this is indicated by the symbol at the top right of the screen. Charge the thermal imaging camera via the micro USB interface.

To do this, proceed as follows:

Connect the supplied USB cable to the micro USB interface of the thermal imaging camera.
Connect the other side of the USB cable to the supplied mains adaptor.
Now plug the mains adaptor into a protected contact socket designed for this purpose.

Note
Before charging, make sure that the battery, charger and camera are acclimatised to the current environmental conditions. Charging under extreme temperatures can have a negative impact on the battery life.
Do not charge the battery for more than 24 hours.

Display description

PCE-TC-30N-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-
fig-14

Colour palette
The colour palette is used to distinguish the temperature zones from high to low. Different colour palettes are available. The colour scale on the right edge of the screen automatically scales between the highest and lowest measured temperature in the screen section.

Temperature in the centre of the image
The white crosshairs in the centre of the image indicate the temperature at the focus of the thermal imaging camera.

Maximum temperature in the current image section

The red mark appears where the highest temperature is measured in the current image section.
At the same time, this is shown in the lower left area of the display.

Minimum temperature in the current image section

The green mark appears where the lowest temperature is measured in the current image section.
At the same time, this is shown in the lower left area of the display

Control panel

Switching the instrument on and off
Press and hold the menu key for more than 3 seconds to switch the thermal imaging camera on or off. After switching on, the display shows the last selected image mode.

Switching the LED on and off
Press and hold the trigger key for at least 5 seconds to turn the LED on or off.

Picture-in-picture function
This function enables the IR image to overlap the image from the integrated digital camera. In this way, measured objects can be clearly assigned. The overlapping can be adjusted in 25 % steps by pressing the left or right navigation key in normal measuring mode.

Saving images

To do this, press the key on the handle of the thermal imaging camera in normal measuring mode.
A dialogue window appears, which can be confirmed with the menu key or cancelled with the select/enter key.

Note
If the thermal imaging camera is connected to a PC via USB, it is not possible to save screen captures.

Show/hide the minimum and maximum temperature
To do this, press the upper navigation key in normal measuring mode. In addition to the minimum or maximum measured temperature, the current time is also shown or hidden in the lower right corner of the display

Image overlapping
To exactly overlap the real image of the integrated digital camera with the images from the infrared camera, carry out the following steps:

First open the menu with the menu key. Select the menu item “Image registration” and confirm it with the select/enter key. A large crosshair appears in the centre of the screen. Now the infrared image can be adjusted exactly to the image of the digital camera using the navigation keys (up, down, left, right).

Note
For very precise adjustment of the infrared image, it is recommended to set image overlapping to a maximum of 50 % as otherwise, no digital image may be recognisable. Furthermore, the exact positioning of the infrared image depends on the distance of the object to be examined.

Show saved images
Open the menu with the menu key and navigate with the navigation keys up or down to the menu item “Image”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All saved pictures are now displayed here as a continuous list. The following functions are now available:

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: view the highlighted image
Navigation key left or right: view previous or next image
Navigation key to: delete current image; confirm dialogue window with menu key; cancel with select/enter key
- Select/enter key: Exit view
Navigation key left: Exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

PCE-TC-30N-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-fig-6

Colour palettes
5 different colour palettes are available for displaying thermal gradients on targeted objects. The gloss or surface texture of objects may require a change of colour palette so that distinct thermal gradients become visible. The colour palettes rainbow, iron, cold, white and black are available. If the temperature differences of the targeted object are high, a coloured palette should be selected. PCE-TC-30N-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-
fig-7

Set colour palette
Open the menu using the menu key and use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Color palette”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. Here, all available colour palettes are displayed in a list. The following functions are available:

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: apply currently selected colour palette
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Emissivity
Every object with a temperature above absolute zero emits thermal radiation. The emissivity is the indicator of how much thermal radiation this object emits in contrast to an ideal thermal radiator, the black body. The emissivity is therefore always between 0 … 1 (0 … 100 %).

Set emissivity
Open the menu using the menu key and use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Emissivity”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. Here, all available emissivities are displayed in a list. The following functions are available:

4 standard emissivities are available:
- matt (e=0.95)
- semi-matt (e=0.85)
- slightly glossy (e=0.60)
- glossy (e=0.30)
- individual (e=0 … 1)
Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept currently selected emissivity
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Note
When selecting individual emissivity, the emissivity can be set between 0 … 1 with the navigation keys up or down; the decimal place can be changed with the navigation keys left or right; to accept, press the select/enter key

Emissivities of common materials

PCE-TC-30N-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-fig-10

Open the menu using the menu key and use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Setting”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list. The following functions are available: PCE-TC-30N-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-
fig-11

Automatic shutdown
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Automatic Shutdown”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept current selection
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Brightness
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Brightness”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept current selection
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Language
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Language”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept current selection
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Unit
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Unit”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are shown here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept current selection
Navigation key: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Time format
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Time format”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept current selection
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Time
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Set time”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: edit current selection
- Navigation key up or down: change number at marked decimal place
- Navigation key left or right: change decimal place
- Select/enter key: save edit
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Spot
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Cold/hotspot”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.

Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
Select/enter key: accept current selection
Navigation key left: exit submenu
Menu key: back to measuring mode

Maintenance

Cleaning
The meter should be stored at room temperature. The lens of the infrared sensor is the most sensitive part of the instrument. Make sure that it is always clean. If the lens ever becomes dirty, it should only be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth or stick. Use only water or medical alcohol for cleaning. The lens should be completely dry before the meter is used again. Do not immerse the instrument in water.

Troubleshooting

The following problems may occur during operation of the thermal imaging camera. If the suggested solutions are not helpful, please contact PCE Instruments. PCE-TC-30N-Thermal-Imaging-Camera-fig-14

Contact

If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.

Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose. In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law. For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations. If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

PCE Instruments contact information

United Kingdom
PCE Instruments UK Ltd
Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Ensign Way, Southampton Hampshire
United Kingdom, S031 4RF
Tel: +44 (0) 2380 987030
Fax: +44 (0) 2380 98703 9
info@pce-instruments.co.uk www.pce- instruments.com/english