GTC FF310 User Manual

User’s Manual

for electrical and electronic circuits

Table of contents.

1 Check out list Page 1
2 Start-up Page 1
3 Turning on and off the FF310T and FF310R Page 1
4 Setting the sensitivity level Page 2
5 How to use the sensor Page 3
6 Locating short circuits Page 3
7 Wire tracing Page 4
8 Locating current leaks Page 4
9 Locating open circuits Page 5
10 Wire identifi cation Page 5
11 Hook up reference chart Page 6
12 General procedures Page 7
13 Special tracing procedures Page 8
14 Technical specifi cations Page 10
15 CT8002AA Professional Circuit Tester Page 10
16 CT6100 Fuse Socket Connectors Page 11
17 Care of the unit Page 11
18 Warranty Page 12

Caution

Very Important: Read this fi rst

•

For use only with DC voltage. Do not connect to circuits exceeding 42 volts DC under
any circumstances.

•

DO NOT USE on AC voltage.

•

Do not use on any circuit directly or indirectly connected to AC lines or any other AC
power source.

•

Do not use with any component or part of the ignition system.

•

Before using this device check the vehicle’s electrical wiring and disconnect any part
or subsystem sensitive to voltage and current pulses such as air bags, electronic
control modules, etc.

•

Always follow the instructions and procedures indicated in the vehicle’s
service manual before attempting to disconnect any part or subsystem of the
electrical circuit.

Exceeding the limits listed above when using this apparatus, or not observing
the precautions listed above can expose you to physical injury and permanently
damage your instrument and parts and components of the vehicle under test.

“V Ready” and “GTC” are registered trademarks of General Technologies Corp.

1 - Check out list

The FF310 FaultFinder set consists of:

FF310R - Receiver
FF310T - Transmitter
CT8002AA Professional Circuit Tester
CT6100 Fuse Socket Connectors
 2 factory supplied 9 volt alkaline batteries, type Duracell MN1604
Foam padded polypropylene carrying case.
User’s manual.

2 - Start Up

Both the FF310T and FF310R are factory supplied with batteries. To install the batteries
follow the steps below:

1. Open battery drawer at back of each unit (factory supplied batteries
are disconnected).

2. Remove the battery, and connect it observing the polarity of the battery connector,
repeating the operation on both units.

3. Press the On/Off button on the FF310T, green LED will start fl ashing. If green LED
does not starts fl ashing, check the battery polarity and reinstall if necessary . To turn
the unit off, press the On/Off button again.

4. Press the On/Off button on the FF310R, green LED will turn on. If the green LED
does not turn on, check the battery polarity and reinstall if necessary. To turn the
unit off press the On/Off button again.

3 - Turning On and Off the FF310T and FF310R

FF310T

The transmitter is turned on and off by momentarily pressing the On/Off
button, and it must be turned off manually after use by pressing the On/Off button. Before
storing the unit check to make sure that all lights are off, failure to do so will result in a
much shorter battery life.

FF310R

The receiver can be turned on and off manually by momentarily pressing the On/Off button,
however after 3 minutes of not being used, it will turn off automatically to conserve battery
power. Turning the unit off manually will prolong battery life.

Low battery indicator

From time to time the batteries on both units will need to be replaced. When the battery
is below the minimum operating voltage, upon turning the unit on (FF310T and FF310R)
both lights will fl ash for 1 second and the unit will turn off automatically . In this case replace
the batteries with a new set of 9 Volt alkaline batteries. To install the new batteries, follow
the instructions in the preceding section: 2 – Start Up.

Page 1

Page 2

4 - Setting the sensitivity level

The FF310R has three user selectable sensitivity ranges: ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ and ‘High’.
These ranges allow the technician to choose the degree of sensitivity most suitable to
the particular detection being performed.

4.1 Checking the current sensitivity setting:

The FF310R’s current sensitivity setting is displayed when the On/Off button is pressed
for 2 or 3 seconds while the unit is ‘ON’ (steady green indicator on). The high sensitivity
setting generates a quick triple fl ashing of the green LED, a double fl ashing in the medium
sensitivity range and a single fl ashing indicates a low sensitivity level setting.

Green LED shows a: FF310R set to:

Single (1) fl ash and beep Low sensitivity
Double (2) fl ash and beep Medium sensitivity
Triple (3) fl ash and beep High sensitivity

When turned off, the FF310R will retain the last selected sensitivity setting.

4.2 Procedure to select the FF310R’s range :

1. Unit should be on, if not, turn it on by momentarily pressing the
On/Off button.

2. Press and hold On/Off button for approximately 3 seconds until a beeping and fl ashing
occurs. This initial beeping and fl ashing indicates the current sensitivity level setting.
By holding the On/Off button pressed, the FF310R will cycle to the next sensitivity
setting following the pattern indicated below:

I- Low Sensitivity: single (1) fl ash and beep.
II- Medium Sensitivity : double (2) fl ash and beep.
III- High Sensitivity : Triple (3) fl ash and beep.

The sensitivity level is selected in the following sequence:

LOW MEDIUM HIGH
Sensitivity Adjustment Sequence

For example: If the FF310R unit is set to ‘MEDIUM’, in order to set the sensitivity to LOW,

press the On/Off button until a double beep and fl ashing occurs (current
setting), keep holding the button pressed and a triple beeping and fl ashing
occurs (setting now is HIGH), keep holding the button pressed, until a single
fl ash and beep indicates that the new setting is LOW.

Page 3

5 - How to use the sensor:

The probe of the FF310R is built of coiled steel equipped with a sensor (yellow
cylinder), and can be bent as needed, in order to reach wires in congested
or difficult areas. Depending on the circuit characteristics and the sensitivity
setting, the probe’s sensor will pick-up the signal from the wire in a wide range of
positions . However for the best possible range, the FF310R’s sensor (yellow cylinder)
should be positioned perpendicular ( at 90°) to the wire being traced and either above or
below it, as shown in Fig. 1 below.

Fig. 1 - Sensor positioning

6 - Locating Short Circuits

Refer to the Hook Up Reference Chart in Page 6.

6.1 Observe the limits and safety precautions at all times (refer to the beginning of
this handbook).

6.2 Connect the FF310T in series with the short-circuited wire, making sure one
of the unit’s clips is connected to the circuit’s positive supply (or vice versa for
vehicles with positive supply connected to chassis). A fuse socket connector (in place of
the blown fuse), a connector, etc., provides a convenient hook up as shown in Fig. 2 and
Fig. 3 in Page 6.

6.3 Switch the FF310T on by pressing the On/Off button and observe if the red LED on
the FF310T starts fl ashing. If not check the connections, power supply, and in the
case of having connected the unit to any place other than the fuse socket, check
that the circuit’s fuse is installed and in working condition (not open). If necessary
replace with a new fuse with the same ratings.

6.4 Switch the FF310R on, insuring the green LED turns on.

6.5 Verify that the FF310R is set to the lowest sensitivity level (single green
LED fl ash).

6.6 Slowly sweep the wire, conduit, etc., ensuring the FF310R’s sensor is
perpendicular and above or below the wire being traced and as close as
possible to it .

6.7 Follow the wire or check it at different points, starting from the FF310T and moving
towards the load (accessory, light , etc.) observing the positioning of the sensor as
indicated above. Continue this procedure while the audio signal (beeping sound) and
visual signal (fl ashing red LED light) indicates the integrity of the circuit. If beeping
and fl ashing slows down or stops it indicates that the sensor is either moving away
from the faulty wire or it has passed beyond the short circuit point.

6.8 If diffi cult or impossible to get the FF310R to pick-up any signal, then increase the
sensitivity level, and start again from step 6.6.

6.9 Double check positioning the sensor before and after the suspected place. If the
short circuit point has been located, the audio/visual indicators will show circuit
integrity on for one position, but not for the other.