General Tools MSV350D User Manual [en, es, fr]

MSV350D

USER’S MANUAL

DIGITAL 3-IN-1

STUD/VOLTAGE/METAL

DETECTOR

This digital 3-In-1 Stud/Volt/Metal Detector is
an unique instrument combining 3 tools in one
unit. It detects wood studs, metal studs, objects
carrying voltage, metal pipes and conduits
behind walls, floors and ceilings. By employing
the latest CPU technology, it will give an
accurate visual reading shown on the LCD
screen along with an audio signal. Ideal for the
Professional Technician, Handyman, Homeowner,
and Hobbyist.

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 1

2

DESCRIPTION

1. Metal/Voltage Sensor Location

2. Marking Hole for Stud Edge

3. LCD Screen

4. Power & Function Selector Switch

5. Scan Switch

6. “SCAN” Symbol (This icon will appear when
calibration is completed)

7. Scanning Indicators (Full scale reading will
display when a target is being detected)

8. Battery Level Indicator

9. Metal Symbol (This icon will appear when
metal detector is being used or when metal
object is detected when auto mode is
selected)

10. Voltage Symbol & Warning Indicator (These
icons will appear when voltage detector is
being used or when voltage is detected
during auto mode)

11. Stud Symbol (This icon will appear when
stud detector is being used or when a stud
edge is detected during the auto mode
selection)

12. Auto Mode (This icon will appear when
performing metal, voltage and stud
detections simultaneously)

13. Stud Sensor Location

14. Battery Cover

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

BATTERY INSTALLATION

This unit is operated by one “9V” battery which is
not included.

• Slide open the battery cover on the back of the

instrument

• Attach the battery to the battery connector and

insert it into the battery compartment.

• Slide the battery cover back into place.

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 2

3

9

10 11 12

6

8
7

2

3

5

13

14

4

FRONT

BACK

2

1

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 3

Hold down
the button

“STUD”

Figure 1

4

POWER

Power on the instrument by pressing the power
switch on the left side of the unit.

SET-UP

Hold the instrument against the wall surface in a
vertical position (see Figure 1). Press and release
selector switch until the stud icon appears on the
LCD screen.At this moment, auto calibration for
stud detection will start by displaying the
scanning bars from the bottom of the scanning
indicators. This procedure will be complete when
the scanning indicators show a full scale and
then disappear quickly. At the same time, the
scan symbol will display on the LCD screen with
a short “beep” tone. The instrument is now ready
for stud scanning. (See “Notes for Stud Seeking”)

For locating a vertical batten or wall stud:

Place the instrument against the wall in a
vertical orientation (see Figure 1). Move the
instrument horizontally across the wall. As the
instrument moves towards a stud, the scanning
bars Icon will appear progressively from the
bottom. When the full scanning bars Icon with
steady tone sound appears, a stud edge has
been detected. Mark the first spot at the marking
position at the head of the instrument. Continue
moving the instrument in the same direction until
the arrow bar disappears and the sound ceases,
mark the second spot. The stud is now located
and the middle of stud is at the center between
the two marks.

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 4

Figure 2

For locating the horizontal batten or wall stud:

Place the instrument against the wall in a
horizontal position (see Figure 2). Repeat the
same procedure for locating a vertical wall stud
but move the instrument in a vertical (top to
bottom) direction.

NOTES FOR STUD SEEKING

• In case of the instrument is placed over a

dense wall surface material, such as concrete
wall, during calibration procedure; the reading
only shows difference of wall density on the
surface. It is actually not a stud.

• If by chance the instrument is placed over the

wall batten or stud during calibration, the other
studs may be hard to detect. It is suggested
that you frequently re-calibrate on various
place on the same wall to avoid the false
readings. To do so, press Scan button once and
repeat the above procedures.

• The stud detection can be carried out normally

on wallpapered walls. However, it may not
function on some types of foil-backed or
metallic fabric surfaces.

• A double width of stud will be detected around

door or window frames as a double batten or
double stud is encountered.

• A solid wood header may exist in some doors.

The stud location will not be found if the
instrument is calibrated over the header.
However, if the unit is calibrated on a normal
wall first and then moved to the header area, it
will indicate the presence of the header.

• If the wall material is especially dense or thick,

the top arrow bar icon may not appear. Instead,

Hold down
the button

“STUD”

5

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 5

Water Pipe

Figure 3

6

the other scanning bars might appear which
will actually be the “PEAK”.

• It is recommended to perform metal/voltage

detection to make sure the detected wood stud
or batten is not a metal pipe or energized
cable. Please note that some small securing
screws or nails may be detected.

METAL DETECTION

Check that there is no metal in the immediate
vicinity. Turn on the instrument by pressing the
Power Function selector button once which is
located on the left side of main body of the unit.
The icon will appear on the LCD screen.

At this moment, auto calibration for metal
detection will start by displaying the scanning
bars from the bottom of the scanning indicator.
This procedure will complete when the scanning
Indicator shows a full scale of reading and then
quickly disappears. At the same time, the scan
symbol will display on the LCD screen with a
short “beep” tone. The instrument is ready for
metal scanning now.

Metal Scanning

Hold the instrument horizontally with the sensor
head pointing towards the wall (see Figure 3) and
sweep systematically over the required area. If a

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 6

7

metal object is detected, the scanning bars Icon
will appear from bottom. When the full scanning
bars Icon with steady tone sound appears, a
metal object is close to the sensor head. To
pinpoint the exact position after the metal has
been located, press the scan button once which
is located on the left side of main body of the
unit and repeat the above procedures.

VOLTAGE DETECTION

Check that there is no source of electricity in the
immediate vicinity. Then press and release
selector switch until icons appears on the LCD
screen. At this moment, auto calibration for
voltage detection will start by displaying the
scanning bars from bottom of the scanning
indicators. This procedure will complete when
the scanning Indicators show a full scale of
reading and disappear quickly. At the same time,
the scan symbol will display on the LCD screen
with a short “beep” tone. The instrument is now
ready for voltage scanning.

Voltage Scanning

Hold the instrument horizontally with the sensor
head pointing towards the wall (see Figure 4) and
sweep systematically over the required area. If a
source of voltage is detected, the scanning bars
Icon will appear from bottom. Once a full
scanning indicators icon with steady tone sound
appears. This represents a source of voltage is
close to the sensor head. To pinpoint the exact
position after a voltage carrying object has been
located, press the scan button once and repeat
the above procedures.

Electrical
Wire

Figure 4

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 7

8

NOTES FOR VOLTAGE DETECTION

• Some walls may contain metallic fiber for

fireproofing; this will spread the area of voltage
pick-up. Placing your free hand on the wall
may cancel the effect.

• Rubbing or banging the instrument on the wall

may generate static electricity and cause a
false reading.

• Only a small amount of electricity will trigger

the detector and can cause false readings,
such as a badly insulated cable touching a
damp wall.

• When the instrument gives a “No Voltage”

reading, check the unit on a known voltage
source before touching any conductor.

• It will not detect shielded conductors (i.e. those

in metal conduct, the unit only shows presence
of METAL).

• Never take risks! If unsure, consult a qualified

electrician.

• The instrument can operate both Metal

Detecting and Stud Seeking simultaneously.
Since plumbing may exist at same location
inside the wall (see Figure 5), Metal as well
as Stud Indicators will come on together. If the
wiring that is carrying voltage is located at
the wall batten or stud inside the wall
(see Figure 5), Voltage as well as Stud
indicators will come on together.

In case of abnormal performance when
operating the unit, replace with a fresh battery.

Figure 5

Water Pipe
and Stud

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 8

9

AUTO MODE

When this mode is selected, the instrument can
detect STUD, VOLTAGE & METAL simultaneously.
Press and release selector switch until icon
appears on the LCD screen. At this moment, auto
calibration will start by displaying the scanning
bars from bottom of the scanning indicators. This
procedure will complete when the scanning
indicators show a full scale of reading and
disappear quickly. At the same time, the scan
symbol will display on the LCD screen with a
short “beep” tone. The instrument is ready for
Auto Mode Scanning. For scanning procedure,
please refer to Sections 1, 2 & 3. In case of Stud,
Voltage and Metal being detected at the same
time, all four icons will show on the display.

BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR

This shows current status of battery. Full
segments indicate battery in perfect condition.
Three segments indicate battery in good
condition and two segments indicate battery in
normal condition. When one segment or no
segment appears, replace battery immediately.

AUTO-POWER OFF

The instrument will turn off automatically when
not in use in about 3 minutes.

MSV350D-FINAL- 033009:Layout 1 3/30/09 9:36 AM Page 9