BOSCH GTC 400 C Professional Thermo Camera Instruction Manual

BOSCH GTC 400 C Professional Thermo Camera Instruction Manual

Safety Instructions

All instructions must be read and observed. The safeguards integrated into the measuring tool may be compromised if the measuring tool is not used in accordance with these instructions. STORE THESE INSTRUCTIONS IN A SAFE PLACE.

• Have the measuring tool serviced only by a qualified specialist using only original replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the measuring tool is maintained.

• Do not use the measuring tool in explosive atmospheres which contain flammable liquids, gases or dust. Sparks may be produced inside the measuring tool, which can ignite dust or fumes.

• Do not open the battery. There is a risk of short-circuiting.

• In case of damage and improper use of the battery, vapours may be emitted. The battery can set alight or explode. Ensure the area is well ventilated and seek medical attention should you experience any adverse effects. The vapours may irritate the respiratory system.

• If used incorrectly or if the battery is damaged, flammable liquid may be ejected from the battery. Contact with this liquid should be avoided. If contact accidentally occurs, rinse off with water. If the liquid comes into contact with your eyes, seek additional medical attention. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

• The battery can be damaged by pointed objects such as nails or screwdrivers or by force applied externally. An internal short circuit may occur, causing the battery to burn, smoke, explode or overheat.

• When the battery is not in use, keep it away from paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that could make a connection from one terminal to another. A short circuit between the battery terminals may cause burns or a fire.

• Only use the battery with products from the manufacturer. This is the only way in which you can protect the battery against dangerous overload.

• Only charge the batteries using chargers recommended by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery may pose a fire risk when used with a different battery.
  Protect the battery against heat, e.g. against continuous intense sunlight, fire, dirt, water and moisture. There is a risk of explosion and short- circuiting.

• Remove the rechargeable battery/non-rechargeable batteries from the measuring tool before carrying out work on the measuring tool (e.g. assembly, maintenance, etc.). The battery/batteries should also be removed for transport and storage. There is risk of injury from unintentionally pressing the on/off switch.

• The battery adapter is intended only for use in designated Bosch measuring tools and must not be used with power tools.

• Take the batteries out of the measuring tool when you are not using it for a prolonged period of time. The batteries can corrode and self-discharge during prolonged storage in the measuring tool.

• Protect the measuring tool, particularly the area around the camera and infrared lens, from moisture, snow, dust and dirt. The reception lens could fog up or become contaminated and distort the measurements. Incorrect settings on the tool and other atmospheric influences may make the measurements inaccurate. Object temperatures could be shown to be hotter or colder than they are, which may present a danger if touched.

• High temperature differences in a thermal image may cause even high temperatures to be shown in a colour associated with low temperatures. Coming into contact with such an area may cause burns.

• Temperature measurements will only be correct if the emissivity setting matches the emissivity of the object. Otherwise, object temperatures could be shown to be hotter or colder than they are, which may present a danger if touched.

• Do not point the measuring tool directly at the sun or at high-performance CO lasers. This may damage the detector.

• The measuring tool is equipped with a wireless interface. Local operating restrictions, e.g. in aeroplanes or hospitals, must be observed.

Product Description and Specifications

Please observe the illustrations at the beginning of this operating manual.
Intended Use
This thermal imaging camera is designed for the contactless measurement of surface temperatures. The displayed thermal image shows the temperature distribution in the thermal imaging camera’s field of view and therefore enables temperature deviations to be depicted in different colours.
When used correctly, this makes it possible to examine areas and objects in a contactless manner for temperature differences and discrepancies in order to make components and/ or any weaknesses visible, including:
-­ Thermal insulation and other types of insulation (e.g. locating thermal bridges)
-­ Active heating and hot water pipes (e.g. underfloor heating) in floors and walls
-­ Overheated electrical components (e.g. fuses or terminals) ­
– Faulty or damaged machine parts (e.g. overheating due to faulty ball bearings) The measuring tool is not suitable for measuring the temperature of gases. The measuring tool must not be used for human medical purposes. Please find out about veterinary application at www.bosch-professional.com/thermal. The measuring tool is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Product Features
The numbering of the product features shown refers to the illustration of the measuring tool on the graphic page.

1. Protective cap for visual camera and infrared sensor
2. Serial number
3. Micro-USB port flap
4. Micro-USB port
5. Up arrow button
6. Measuring functions button Func
7. Switching temperature scale between automatic and fixed/right-hand function button
8. Right-hand arrow button
9. On/off button
10. Down arrow button
11. Save button
12. Left-hand arrow button
13. Gallery button/left-hand function button
14. Display
15. Visual camera
16. Infrared sensor
17. Pause/start measurement button
18. Battery bay
19. Rechargeable battery/battery adapter release button
20. Battery adapter capa)
21. Battery adapter covera)
22. Cover recessa)
23. Rechargeable batterya)
24. Micro-USB cable
25. Battery adaptera)
26. L-Boxxa)
    a) The accessories illustrated or described are not included as standard delivery.

Display elements

• (a) Date/time
• (b) Reflected temperature indicator
• (c) Emissivity indicator
• (d) WiFi® switched on/off indicator)
• (e) Charge-control indicator
• (f) Maximum surface temperature in the measuring range indicator
• (g) Scale
• (h) Minimum surface temperature in the measuring range indicator
• (i) Fix temperature scale symbol
• (j) Hotspot indicator
• (k) Crosshairs with temperature indicator
• (l) Cold spot indicator
• (m) Gallery symbol
  a) WiFi® is a registered trademark of the WiFi Alliance®.

Technical Data

• A) At an ambient temperature of 20 to 23 °C and an emissivity of > 0.999, measuring distance: 0.3 m, operating time: > 5 min, aperture of 60 mm
• B) Plus use-dependent deviation (e.g. reflection, distance, ambient temperature)
• C) Depends on battery in use
• D) At an ambient temperature of 20­30 °C
• E) Only non-conductive deposits occur, whereby occasional temporary conductivity caused by condensation is expected.
• F) In accordance with standard VDI 5585 Technical data determined using the battery that comes with the product.
  The serial number (2) on the type plate is used to clearly identify your measuring tool.

Assembly

Power supply
The measuring tool can be operated either with conventional non-rechargeable batteries or with a Bosch lithium-ion battery.
Operation with battery adapter (removable) (see figures A and B) The batteries are inserted into the battery adapter.

• The battery adapter is intended only for use in designated Bosch measuring tools and must not be used with power tools.
  To insert the batteries, slide the receptacle (21) of the battery adapter into the battery bay (18). Place the batteries in the receptacle as shown in the picture on the cap (20). Push the cap over the receptacle until you feel it click into place.
  To remove the batteries, press the release buttons (19) on the cap (20) and pull the cap off. Hold the measuring tool with the battery bay (18) facing upwards to ensure that the batteries do not fall out when you do this. Remove the batteries. To remove the receptacle (21) from inside the battery bay, reach into the receptacle and pull it out of the measuring tool, applying light pressure to the side wall as you do so.
  Note: Do not use any tools (e.g. a screwdriver) to remove the battery, as this could break the cover.
  Always replace all the batteries at the same time. Only use batteries from the same manufacturer and which have the same capacity.

• Take the batteries out of the measuring tool when you are not using it for a prolonged period of time. The batteries can corrode and self-discharge during prolonged storage in the measuring tool.
  Operation with rechargeable battery (see figure C) Note: The use of batteries unsuitable for your measuring tool can lead to malfunctions or damage to the measuring tool.

• Use only the chargers listed in the technical data. Only these chargers are matched to the lithium-ion battery of your measuring tool.
  The lithium-ion battery can be charged at any time without reducing its service life. Interrupting the charging process does not damage the battery.
  To insert the charged battery pack (23), slide it into the battery bay (18) until you feel it click into place and it is flush with the handle of the measuring tool.
  To remove the battery pack (23), press the release buttons (19) and pull the battery pack out of the battery bay (18). Do not use force to do this.

Operation

• Protect the measuring tool from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Do not expose the measuring tool to any extreme temperatures or variations in temperature. For example, do not leave it in a car for extended periods of time. In case of large variations in temperature, allow the measuring tool to adjust to the ambient temperature before putting it into operation. The precision of the measuring tool may be compromised if exposed to extreme temperatures or variations in temperature.
• Make sure that the measuring tool is correctly acclimatised. In case of large variations in temperature, acclimatisation can take up to 60 minutes. This may be the case, for example, if you store the measuring tool in a cool car and then perform a measurement in a warm building.
• Avoid hard knocks to the measuring tool or dropping it. After severe external influences and in the event of abnormalities in the functionality, you should have the measuring tool checked by an authorised Bosch aftersales service agent.

Switching On and Off
To take a measurement, fold the protective cap (1) upwards. Make sure that the infrared sensor is not closed off or covered while working.
To switch on the measuring tool, press the on/off button (9). A start sequence will appear on the display (14). The measuring tool begins to take measurements as soon as the start sequence has finished and does so continuously until it is switched off.

Note: In the first few minutes, the measuring tool may self calibrate several times, as the sensor temperature and ambient temperature have not yet been brought into line. Performing sensor calibration again enables precise measurement. During this time, the temperature indicator may show ~. The thermal image will freeze briefly during sensor calibration. If the ambient temperature fluctuates significantly, this effect is increased. If possible, you should therefore turn on the measuring tool a few minutes before starting to measure, so that the tool can stabilise thermally.
To switch off the measuring tool, press the on/off button (9) again. The measuring tool saves all settings and then switches itself off. Close the protective cap (1) to transport the measuring tool safely.
In the main menu, you can choose whether and after how long the measuring tool automatically switches off (see “Main Menu”, page 22).
If the battery pack or the measuring tool is not within the operating temperature range specified in the technical data, the measuring tool will switch off automatically after a brief warning (see “Errors ­ Causes and Corrective Measures”, page 23). Allow the measuring tool to reach the correct temperature and then switch it back on.

Measurement Preparations
Setting the emissivity for surface temperature measurements
The emissivity of an object depends on the material and the structure of its surface. This specifies how much infrared thermal radiation the object emits compared with an ideal radiant warmer (black body, emissivity = 1) and accordingly has a value between 0 and 1.
To determine the surface temperature, the tool performs a contactless measurement of the natural infrared thermal radiation emitted by the object at which the tool is aimed. To ensure correct measurement, the emissivity setting on the measuring tool must be checked before every measurement and adapted to the measuring object if necessary.
The preset emissivity’s in the measuring tool are reference values.
You can select one of the preset emissivity’s or enter an exact numerical value. Set the required emissivity via the menu (see “Main Menu”, page 22).
Temperature measurements will only be correct if the emissivity setting and the emissivity of the object match.
The lower the emissivity, the greater the effect of the reflected temperature on the measuring result. Always adjust the reflected temperature when changing the emissivity. Set the reflected temperature via the <Reflected temp.> menu (see “Main Menu”, page 22).
Temperature differences allegedly shown by the measuring tool may be caused by different temperatures and/or different emissivity levels. If the emissivity levels are very different, the depicted temperature differences may differ considerably from the actual temperature differences.
If there are multiple objects made of different materials or that have different structures in the measuring range, the displayed temperature values are only accurate for the objects that match the emissivity setting. For all other objects (with different emissivity levels), the displayed colour differences can be used as an indication of temperature relationships.

Information about the Measuring Conditions
Highly reflective or shiny surfaces (e.g. shiny tiles or polished metals) may significantly distort or impair the results shown. If necessary, mask the measuring surface with a dark, matt adhesive tape that conducts heat well. Allow the tape to briefly reach the correct temperature on the surface.
Make sure that a favourable measuring angle is used on reflective surfaces in order to ensure that the thermal radiation reflected by other objects does not distort the result. For example, the reflection of your own emitted body heat may interfere with the measurement when measuring head-on from a perpendicular position. On a level surface, the outline and temperature of your body could therefore be displayed (reflected value), and these values do not correspond to the actual temperature of the measured surface (emitted value or real value of the surface).
Measuring through transparent materials (e.g. glass or transparent plastics) is fundamentally not possible.
Consequently, the more suitable and stable the measuring conditions are, the more accurate and reliable the measurement readings are. Not only do significant fluctuations in the temperature of the environmental conditions have an impact, the accuracy can also be impaired by significant fluctuations in the temperatures of the object being measured.
Infrared temperature measurement is impaired by smoke, steam/high humidity or dusty air.
Information for achieving improved measurement accuracy: ­ Move as close as possible to the object to be measured to minimise interfering factors between you and the surface to be measured.
­ Ventilate indoor areas prior to measurement, especially when the air is contaminated or extremely steamy. Once ventilated, allow the room to reacclimatise a while until it returns to the usual temperature.

Assigning Temperatures on the Basis of the Scale
A scale (g) is shown on the right-hand side of the display. The values at the top and bottom end are oriented to the maximum (f) and minimum (h) temperature recorded in the thermal image. For the scale, 99.8 % of the total pixels are evaluated. Colours are assigned to temperature values with a uniform distribution in the image (linearly).
Different shades can therefore be used to assign temperatures within these two limit values. For example, a temperature that is exactly between the maximum and minimum value is assigned to the centre colour range of the scale.

To determine the temperature of a specific area, move the measuring tool so that the crosshairs with temperature display (k) are aimed at the required point or area. In the automatic setting, the colour spectrum of the scale is always distributed linearly (= uniformly) across the entire measuring range between the maximum and minimum temperatures. The measuring tool displays all measured temperatures in the measuring range in relation to one another. If heat is displayed as blue in the colour palette in an area, for example in a colour representation, this means that the blue areas are among the colder measured values in the current measuring range. However, these areas may still be in a temperature range which could cause injuries in certain circumstances. You should therefore always note the temperatures displayed on the scale or at the crosshairs themselves.

Functions

Adjusting the Colour Display
Depending on the measurement conditions, different colour palettes may make it easier to analyse the thermal image and display objects or circumstances more clearly in the display. This does not affect the measured temperatures. The only change is the way in which the temperature values are displayed. To change the colour palette, remain in measuring mode and press the right-hand (8) or left-hand (12) arrow button.

Superimposition of Thermal Image and Real Image
For improved orientation (= local assignment of the thermal image displayed), with matched temperature ranges, a real visual image can additionally be inserted. Note: The superimposition of the real image and thermal image corresponds exactly at a distance of 0.55 m. If the tool is closer to or further away from the object being measured, this fundamentally results in misalignment of the real image and thermal image. This misalignment can be compensated for with the GTC Transfer Software.

The measuring tool camera offers you the following options:
– ­ Complete infrared image
Only the thermal image is displayed.
–­ Picture-in-picture The thermal image displayed is cropped and the surrounding area is shown as a real image. This setting improves the local assignment of the measuring range.
–­ Transparency The thermal image displayed is placed on top of the real image in such a way that it is transparent. This enables improved detection of objects.
You can select the setting by pressing the up (5) or down (10) arrow buttons.

Fixing the Scale
The colour distribution in the thermal image is adjusted automatically but can be fixed by pressing the right-hand function button (7). This enables a comparison to be made between thermal images taken under different temperature conditions (e.g. when checking several rooms for thermal bridges). It also allows an extremely cold or hot object to be hidden in the thermal image. This object would otherwise distort the image (e.g. a radiator as a hot object when searching for thermal bridges).
To switch the scale back to automatic, press the right-hand function button (7) again. The temperatures are now dynamic again and adapt to the measured minimum and maximum values.

Measuring Functions
To call up further functions that may be helpful for the display, press the Func (6) button. Use the left-hand arrow button (12) or the right-hand arrow button (8) to navigate through the displayed options to select a function. Select a function and press the Func (6) button again.
The following measuring functions are available: ­
–
Colours are distributed automatically in the thermal image.
-­ Only the warmer temperatures in the measuring range are displayed as a thermal image in this measuring function. The area outside these warmer temperatures is shown as a real image in grey scale. The depiction in grey scale prevents coloured objects from being wrongly associated with temperatures (e.g. a red cable in the control cabinet when searching for overheated components). Adjust the scale using the up arrow button (5) and down arrow button (10). This expands or reduces the temperature range, thereby expanding or reducing the thermal image. The measuring tool continues to measure minimum and maximum temperatures and displays these at the ends of the scale (g).
-­ Only the colder temperatures in the measuring range are displayed as a thermal image in this measuring function. The area outside these colder temperatures is shown as a real image in grey scale to prevent coloured objects from being wrongly associated with temperatures (e.g. a blue window frame when searching for faulty insulation). Adjust the scale using the up arrow button (5) and down arrow button (10). This expands or reduces the temperature range, thereby expanding or reducing the thermal image. The measuring tool continues to measure minimum and maximum temperatures and displays these at the ends of the scale (g).
-­ If greatly deviating temperatures are measured in the thermal image (e.g. a radiator as a hot object when searching for thermal bridges), the available colours are distributed among a large number of temperature values in the range between the maximum and the minimum temperature. This can result in a situation where subtle temperature differences can no longer be shown in detail. To obtain a detailed depiction of the temperature range to be examined, take the following steps: After switching to mode, you can set the maximum and the minimum temperature. Doing this enables you to set the temperature range that is relevant to you and in which you would like to detect subtle differences. The setting automatically readjusts the scale to the measured values in the infrared sensor’s field of view.
Main Menu
To access the main menu, first press the Func (6) button to call up the measuring functions. Now press the right-hand function button (7).
­ –

• (c) A selection of saved emissivities is available for some of the most common materials. Select the relevant material in the menu item. The corresponding emissivity is shown in the line beneath. If you know the exact emissivity of the object you want to measure, you can also set it as a numerical value in the menu item.
• (b) Setting this parameter can improve the accuracy of the measuring result, especially with low-emissivity (= high-reflection) materials. In some situations (especially in indoor areas) the reflected temperature corresponds to the ambient temperature. If there are objects with greatly deviating temperatures close to highly reflective objects, this value should be adjusted as the measurement may be affected. -­
• (k) The point is displayed in the centre of the thermal image and shows you the measured temperature value at this point.
• (j): / The hottest point (= measuring pixel) is indicated by red crosshairs in the thermal image. This facilitates the search for critical areas (e.g. a loose contact terminal in the control cabinet).
• (l): / The coldest point (= measuring pixel) is indicated by blue crosshairs in the thermal image. This facilitates the search for critical areas (e.g. a leak in a window).
• (g): / ­ (d): / (see “Data Transfer”, page 23) -­
• Under this menu item, you can select the language used in the display.
• <Time & Date> (a) To change the time and date shown in the measuring tool, call up the <Time & Date> submenu. This submenu not only allows you to set the time and date but also to change their respective formats. To exit the and
• submenu, press either the righthand function button (7) to save the settings, or the left-hand function button (13) to discard the changes.
• Under this menu item, you can select the time interval after which the measuring tool will automatically switch off if no buttons are pressed. You can also deactivate automatic switch-off by selecting the setting.
• Under this menu item, you can delete all the files in the internal memory at once. Press the right-hand arrow button (8) for to enter this submenu. Then press either the left-hand function button (13) to delete all files, or the right-hand function button (7) to cancel.
• Under this menu item, you can access information about the measuring tool. There you will find the serial number of the measuring tool and the installed software version. You can also press the measuring button (17) to exit any menu and return to the home screen.

Documenting Measurements
Saving Measurements
The measuring tool begins to take measurements as soon as it is switched on and does so continuously until it is switched off.
To save an image, point the camera at the required measuring object and press the “Save” button (11). The image is saved in the internal memory of the measuring tool. Alternatively, press the measuring button (17) (pause). The measurement is frozen and shown in the display. This enables you to carefully view the image and to make retrospective adjustments (e.g. to the colour palette). If you do not wish to save the frozen image, restart measuring mode by pressing the measuring button (17). If you wish to save the image in the internal memory of the measuring tool, press the “Save” button (11).

Calling Up Saved Images
Proceed as follows to call up saved thermal images: ­ Press the left-hand function button (13). The most recently saved photo now appears in the display. ­ Press the right-hand (8) or left-hand (12) arrow button to switch between the saved thermal images. You can also display the thermal image taken as a full-screen image by pressing on the up arrow button (5).

Deleting saved images
Change to the gallery view to delete individual thermal images: ­ Press the right-hand function button (7) under the waste paper basket symbol. ­ Confirm the process by pressing the left-hand function button (13) or cancel the deletion by pressing the righthand function button (7).