General IRTC50 User Manual

SCANNING IR THERMOMETER WITH

STAR BURST LASER TARGETING

USER’S MANUAL

IRTC50

99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176

Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431

Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 –4

Key Features & Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Install Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8

Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7

Conventional IRT Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Operating Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –8

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

General’s Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Manual del Usuario en Español . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 18

Manuel de L'utilisateur en Français . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 – 28

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) IRTC50 Scanning
IR Thermometer with Star Burst Laser Targeting. Please read this manual carefully
and thoroughly before using the instrument.

The IRTC50 is a pistol-grip instrument that measures the surface temperature of an
object from a distance by using an infrared (IR) sensor to quantify its thermal
radiation. This remote measurement capability allows you to safely determine the
temperature of very hot or cold surfaces, inaccessible or hard-to-reach objects, and
toxic substances. A laser pointer in the shape of a starburst defines the target area
(spot) whose temperature is actually being measured, improving the accuracy of
readings. All measurements are displayed on a backlit LCD.

The IRTC50’s scanning function, which is made possible by the three-color light
panel on the top of the instrument, is an especially convenient and time-saving
feature. In many applications—such as detecting thermal leaks in a house or a
batch of undercooked food—the absolute temperature of a surface is less
important than the temperature of the surface relative to surfaces around it.

What the IRTC50 does extremely well and quickly is place scanned targets into one
of three color-coded categories: green for targets within a temperature band (or
window) centered on a reference (normal) temperature, red for targets hotter than
the upper edge of the band, and blue for targets colder than the lower edge of the
band. The instrument simultaneously uses sound to categorize scanned targets by
temperature. Colder-than-normal targets generate a slow beeping sound, hotter­than-normal targets produce fast beeping, and targets close to the reference
temperature do not activate the beeper.

The IRTC50 automatically enters scanning mode when you squeeze and hold the
trigger for three seconds. Doing so sets the reference temperature to the measured
temperature of the laser’s target at that time. In practice, what most professionals
use as a reference is something they consider at “normal” temperature—an interior
wall of a room, for example. After you squeeze and hold the trigger for three
seconds, the word “REF” appears on the LCD next to the measured temperature.
More importantly, however, the light panel on the top of the IRTC50 initially glows
green to indicate that the surface being scanned is within the temperature window.

In scanning mode, the “setpoint bandwidth”—the technical term for the width of
the temperature window centered on the reference temperature—is preset at 1°F
(0.5°C), but you can widen the window to 5°F (3°C) or 10°F (5.5°C) if a wider
window would better suit your application. Typically, the narrowest setpoint band
(1°F/0.5°C) is used to monitor the temperature of processes requiring precise
quality control (food preparation, for example). The wider bands of ±5°F (3°C) and
±10°F (5.5°C) are used to detect wider deviations, for example in energy auditing.

What distinguishes the IRTC50 from other scanning IR thermometers is that one
squeeze of its trigger simultaneously captures a reference temperature and

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launches scanning mode. Once you have established a reference temperature and a
setpoint bandwidth, you can begin to scan other objects within view and quickly
determine by sight and sound whether they are hotter or colder than the reference
temperature ± the setpoint bandwidth.

The advantage of using the color of the light panel (red, green or blue) and the
speed of the beeper (fast, silent or slow) to indicate whether the surface you’re
targeting is above, at or below the reference temperature ± the setpoint bandwidth
is that you keep your eye on the target—rather than the display reading—while you
scan. With practice, you can learn to correlate the beeper’s frequency with
temperature and to note the color of the light panel out of the corner of your eye
while maintaining focus on your targets.

KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS

• In scanning mode, IRTC50 lets you focus on the laser’s target instead of the
display reading. The color of the light panel (red, green or blue) and the speed
of the beeper (fast, silent or slow) tell you—without having to look at the LCD—
whether the temperature of the surface you’re targeting is above, within or
below the reference temperature ± the setpoint bandwidth.

• Choice of three setpoint bandwidths: 1°F (default), 5°F and 10°F (0.5°, 3° and

5.5°C)

• Ideal for making relative temperature measurements—such as in energy
auditing

• One pull of the trigger automatically captures a reference temperature and
launches scanning mode

• Star Burst laser pattern helps determine the optimum distance to a target

• Large backlit LCD automatically holds its reading when the trigger is released

• 3% or better accuracy in conventional IRT mode

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein may result indangerous radiation exposure.

The IRTC50 is a Class 3R laser product that emits less than 3mW of radiation. Avoid
looking directly at the laser pointer. U.S. law prohibits pointing a laser beam at
aircraft; doing so is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment.

The laser may cause discomfort if viewed directly. Your eyes’ natural aversion reflex
will prevent you from looking at the beam long enough to cause harm. However,
keep the IRTC50 out of the hands of children, especially if you have pets.

Never stare at the laser beam through binoculars or a magnifying glass.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Fig. 1 shows all of the controls, indicators and
physical features of the IRTC50. Fig. 2 shows all of
the icons and text that may appear on the LCD.
Familiarize yourself with the locations and functions
of the controls and the meanings of the display icons
before moving on to the Setup Instructions and
Operating Instructions.

A.Star Burst laser pointer
B.Infrared sensor and lens
C.Measurement trigger: Squeeze to power unit on;

squeeze and hold for 3 seconds to power unit on
and acquire a reference temperature

D.Battery compartment
E.Light panel (glows green/red/blue to indicate

whether temperature of target is
within/above/below reference temperature
± setpoint bandwidth

F. Backlit LCD
G. Laser identification/certification/

warning/safety Labels (on left side);
see above right

G

Fig. 1

A. Reference temperature line
B. Low battery icon
C. Temperature unit (°F or °C)
D. Indicates measurement in progress
E. Scanned/held temperature
F. Selected setpoint band indicators

(each points to label directly below)

G. 욼T setpoint bandwidth selectors
H. Two-function button: Pressed briefly with instrument

on, toggles unit of scanned/held and reference
temperatures between °F (default) and °C;
pressed and held for 3 seconds,
powers instrument off

G

G

Fig. 2

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SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL BATTERY

The IRTC50’s battery compartment (Fig. 1, Callout D) is below the trigger and
accessible from the front of the grip. Before installing the “9V” battery included in
the blister pack, remove the plastic covering its terminals.

To install the battery:

1. Open the battery compartment by placing your thumb and forefinger in the
indentations on the sides of the grip and pulling the top of the compartment
forward.

2. Plug the “9V” battery into the wired socket inside the compartment. The
terminals of the battery and the socket mate in only one way, with the smaller
male terminal plugging into the larger female terminal.

3. Close the battery compartment cover by pushing its top against the grip until the
cover snaps shut.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

SCAN MODE

1. Point the IRTC50 at an interior wall of the room you are in. (If the LCD does not
illuminate, the battery is dead and must be replaced; see above for instructions.)

2. Squeeze and hold the yellow measurement trigger for more than three
seconds, until the light panel on the top of the unit glows green. The unit will
acquire the temperature of the wall as a reference and select 1°F (0.5°C) as the
default setpoint bandwidth. The wall’s temperature and the word SCAN will be
displayed on the LCD in large digits below the reference temperature, indicated
by the text REF. Until you aim at another surface, the light panel on the top of the
IRTC50 will continue to glow green to indicate that the target’s temperature is
within 1°F (0.5°C) of the reference temperature.

3. Keep squeezing the trigger as you scan other surfaces or objects in the room.
Aim at a lit lamp or overhead light and watch the color of the light panel change
from green to red. Red indicates that the lamp or light is at least 1°F (0.5°C)
hotter than the wall. Hear the beeper sound.

4. Keep squeezing the trigger as you scan the interior of your refrigerator or a
register of an operating air conditioner. Watch the color of the light panel change
to blue, indicating that the new target is at least 1°F (0.5°C) cooler than the wall.
Hear the beeper sound, but more slowly than before.

5. Release the trigger and watch and wait. The word SCAN will disappear from
the LCD, but the reference temperature and the last measurement will remain.
After 15 seconds, the LCD backlight will silently turn off while both temperature
readings remain visible. After 60 seconds, the unit will sound two beeps and
power off to extend battery life.

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6. To change the setpoint bandwidth while continuing to operate in Scan Mode,



press the yellow

button (Fig. 2, Callout G) once to choose 5°F (3°C) or twice to
choose 10°F (5.5°C). Note that the setpoint bandwidth indicator (Fig. 2, Callout F)
moves to track your change(s).

7. To change the reference temperature, you must first power off the IRTC50 by
pressing and holding the green C/F button (Fig. 2, Callout H). Then repeat Steps 1
and 2.

CONVENTIONAL IRT MODE

1. Power on the IRTC50 by squeezing and holding the yellow measurement trigger.

2. When the LCD illuminates, exit Scan mode (the instrument’s default state at



power on) by pressing the yellow

button once to move the setpoint band

indicator (Fig. 2, Callout F) above the word OFF.

3. In Conventional IRT mode, the light panel will remain dark as you measure and
display absolute temperatures without relating them to a reference. The beeper
will sound once and the word SCAN will appear each time you squeeze the
trigger to make a measurement.

4. To change the measurement unit from the default °F to °C, briefly press the
C/F button (Fig. 2, Callout H). To return to Fahrenheit units, press the button
again.

OPERATING TIPS

The first few times you use the IRTC50 in Scan mode, don’t be too concerned about
which setpoint bandwidth to choose. With experience you will learn whether a
narrow (1°F), normal (5°F) or wide (10°F) setpoint bandwidth is best for your
particular application. As part of your education, experiment with the setpoint
bandwidth. For example, widen it from 1°F to 5°F and note that some targets that
caused the light panel to glow red before produce green lights now.

Remember that the reference temperature you acquire and the setpoint bandwidth
you choose disappear if you allow just one minute to go by without pulling the
trigger. For this reason, you can expect to repower the IRT often.

Practice using the Star Burst laser to define the size of your targets with the goal of
improving your measurement accuracy. The diameter of the Star Burst is about half
that of the overall spot diameter. For best results, move close enough to the target
so its diameter appears about twice the diameter of the Star Burst.

The IRTC50 cannot make accurate measurements if there is glass or plastic
between it and the target.

When the ambient temperature exceeds the IRTC50’s maximum operating
temperature (104°F/40°C), the beeper will sound quickly (at 2 Hz) and the display
will show the following error message: ErAH.

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When the ambient temperature falls below the IRT’s minimum operating
temperature (32°F/0°C), the instrument will beep slowly (at 1 Hz) and the display
will show the following error message: ErAL.

When the temperature of a target exceeds the specified maximum (428°F/220°C),
the beeper will sound quickly and the display will show the following error
message: ErOH.

When the temperature of a target falls below the specified minimum
(-40°F/-40°C), the beeper will sound quickly and the display will show the following
error message: ErOL.

SPECIFICATIONS

Temperature Measurement Range -40° to 428°F (-40° to 220°C)
Temperature Measurement Accuracy ±4°F/C or ±2% of reading >32°F (0°C)

±3°F/C or ±3% of reading <32°F (0°C)
Sensitivity 1°F (0.5°C)
Repeatability ±1.5°F (1°C)
Display Resolution 0.1° (F or C)
Distance-to-Spot Ratio 8:1
Emissivity Fixed at 0.95
Response Time 500 ms
Laser Pointer Wavelength 655nm
Laser Power <3mW
Operating Temperature 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) @ 10 to 90% RH
Storage temperature -40° to 122°F (-20° to 50°C)

(not including battery)
High Temperature Beeper Frequency 2 Hz
Low Temperature Beeper Frequency 1 Hz
Current Consumption <30mA, max
Backlight Auto Shutoff Trigger 15 seconds of inactivity
Instrument Auto Power Off Trigger 60 seconds of inactivity
Dimensions 5.31 x 1.65 x 6.81 in. (135 x 42 x 173mm)
Weight 6.24 oz. (177g) (without battery)
Power Source (1) “9V” battery (included)

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MAINTENANCE TIPS

Clean the infrared sensor lens (Fig. 1, Callout B) often—but never use a solvent.
Abrupt temperature changes will cause condensation and possible vapor

penetration. Clean the LCD after the vapor evaporates. Blow off loose particles with
clean, compressed air. Gently brush remaining debris away with a lens hair brush.

To clean the housing, use a moist cotton swab or wet sponge. Avoid excessive
amounts of water and corrosive gas or liquids.

Remove the battery if you don’t expect to use the IRT for an extended period of time
(months or years).

Do not drop or disassemble the unit or immerse it in water.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) IRTC50 Scanning IR Thermometer with Star
Burst Laser Targeting is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects
in material and workmanship for a period of one year. Subject to certain restrictions,
General will repair or replace this instrument if, after examination, the company
determines it to be defective in material or workmanship. The warranty period
begins on the date of purchase. You are encouraged to register your product online.
General will extend your warranty an additional 60 days if you register at
www.generaltools.com/Product Registry..

This warranty does not apply to damages that General determines to be from an
attempted repair by non-authorized personnel or misuse, alterations, normal wear
and tear, or accidental damage. The defective unit must be returned to General
Tools & Instruments or to a General-authorized service center, freight prepaid and
insured.

Acceptance of the exclusive repair and replacement remedies described herein is a
condition of the contract for purchase of this product. In no event shall General be liable for
any incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for any cost, attorneys’ fees,
expenses, or losses alleged to be a consequence of damage due to failure of, or defect in
any product including, but not limited to, any claims for loss of profits.

Register now at www.generaltools.com/ProductRegistry to receive a 60-day extension to
your warranty.

RETURN FOR REPAIR POLICY

Every effort has been made to provide you with a reliable product of superior quality.
However, in the event your instrument requires repair, please contact our Customer
Service to obtain an RGA (Return Goods Authorization) number before forwarding the
unit via prepaid freight to the attention of our Service Center at this address:

Remember to include a copy of your proof of purchase, your return address, and
your phone number and/or e-mail address.

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General Tools & Instruments

GeneralToolsNYC

99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176

Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431

Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

Specifications subject to change without notice

©2015 GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS

NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.

MAN# IRTC50

5/26/15