PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: (561) 320-9162
Fax: (561) 320-9176
info@pce-americas.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
South Point Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: (0) 2380 98703 0
Fax: (0) 2380 98703 9
info@pce-instruments.com
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
Manual
Thermometer PCE-TC 9
Version 1.0
Date of creation: 11.11.2015
Date of last change: 13.11.2015
Contents
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 4
2 Safety notes ............................................................................................................. 4
3 Specification ............................................................................................................ 5
4 System description ................................................................................................. 7
4.1 Battery and charger .................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1 Charge battery ............................................................................................................................... 7
4.2 Direct charging ........................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Controls ...................................................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Inserting the battery .................................................................................................................. 10
4.5 Quick operation ........................................................................................................................ 11
4.6 Measure the temperature of the desired object........................................................................ 11
4.7 Infrared pictures and audio comment ....................................................................................... 11
4.8 Show infrared picture ................................................................................................................ 11
4.9 Wide-angle- and tele-lens......................................................................................................... 11
4.10 Connect the instrument to a computer ..................................................................................... 11
4.11 Video and audio output ............................................................................................................. 11
4.12 Display description ................................................................................................................... 12
4.13 Main menu and submenus ....................................................................................................... 13
4.13.1 The main menu: ........................................................................................................................... 13
4.14 Submenus................................................................................................................................. 14
4.14.1 File................................................................................................................................................ 14
4.14.2 Manage ........................................................................................................................................ 14
4.14.3 Save ............................................................................................................................................. 15
4.14.4 Voice ............................................................................................................................................ 15
4.14.5 Delete ........................................................................................................................................... 16
4.14.6 Format .......................................................................................................................................... 16
4.15 Measure .................................................................................................................................... 16
4.15.1 Spot measurement ....................................................................................................................... 17
4.15.2 Characteristics of spot measurement .......................................................................................... 17
4.15.3 Line measurement ....................................................................................................................... 17
4.15.4 Area measurement (Rect) ............................................................................................................ 20
4.15.5 Characteristics of the line measurement ..................................................................................... 20
4.15.6 Parameters ................................................................................................................................... 21
4.15.7 Save settings ................................................................................................................................ 22
4.16 Image ........................................................................................................................................ 22
4.16.1 Image settings .............................................................................................................................. 22
4.16.2 Analysis setup .............................................................................................................................. 27
4.16.3 Invert palette ................................................................................................................................ 27
4.16.4 Delete display ............................................................................................................................... 27
4.16.5 L&S (Auto/Manual mode) ............................................................................................................. 28
4.17 Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 28
4.17.1 System setup ............................................................................................................................... 28
4.17.2 Time & Date ................................................................................................................................. 29
4.17.3 Factory settings ............................................................................................................................ 30
4.17.4 System information ...................................................................................................................... 30
4.17.5 Disc information ........................................................................................................................... 31
5 Troubleshooting .................................................................................................... 31
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6 Emissivity of different materials .......................................................................... 32
7 Contact ................................................................................................................... 33
7.1 PCE Instruments UK ................................................................................................................ 33
7.2 PCE Americas .......................................................................................................................... 33
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1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a PCE-TC 9 thermal camera from PCE Instruments.
The lightweight thermal camera PCE-TC 9 (393g), with a sensitive infrared microbolometer (NETD <65
mK) and an ergonomic design, is the ideal choice for professional thermographs. The thermal camera
PCE-TC 9 convinces with an easy handling, high performance and acceptable acquisition costs. The
integrated 3.0 megapixel camera simplifies documentation and reporting. The IR- and real-images are
taken from a safe distance and can then be stored on the SD card in JPEG format. The included 2 GB
memory card is capable for storing 5000 images taken by the thermal camera PCE-TC 9. Then, these
images can be analyzed on a PC by means of the software package which is also included. The 3.5-inch
color LCD of the thermal camera can be rotated by 270 °. The LCD of the thermal camera shows the
min., max., and average temperature, 3 selectable measuring ranges (each with min., max. and average
value) and 4 measuring points. With these features, the thermal camera is suitable for performing
thermography. Additional functions such as setting isotherms, or the point-, line-, and area-functions
facilitate image analysis and increase the flexibility of the thermal camera PCE-TC 9.
2 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. There is no
warranty of damages or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual.
- The device may only be used in the approved temperature range.
- The case should only be opened by qualified personnel of PCE Instruments.
- 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.
- Do not drop the device.
This user's handbook is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly refer to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments.
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3 Specification
Lens of the thermal camera
Field of view (FOV)
21 ° x 16 ° / 0,4 m
38 ° x 28 ° / 0.3 m (optional available)
11 ° x 8.5 ° / 1.2 m (optional available)
Microbolometer of the thermal camera
IR resolution of the thermal camera
384 x 288 Pixel
Geometrical resolution /IFOV
1.2 mRad
Spectral range
8 ... 14 µm
Thermal sensitivity
<0.65 mK at 30 °C
Pixel pitch
25 µm
Focal Plane Array (FPA)
uncooled microbolometer
Image representation of the thermal camera
Modes
IR image, real-image, thermal Fusion, picture-inpicture
Display
3.5 " color LCD, 270 º, rotatable
Zoom
digital, 1 ... 8 x (continuously variable)
Digital camera
3.0 MP (permanently installed in thermal
camera)
Focus
auto / motorised
Refresh rate
50 Hz (PAL) / 60 Hz (NTSC)
Measurement with the thermal camera
Object temperature range
-20 ... +250 °C
Accuracy
±2 °C oder ±2 %
Measuring spot
4 adjustable measuring spots
Measuring area
3 adjustable measuring areas (max., min., avg.)
Line profile
horizontal / vertical
Hot / cold spot
max., min. and avg. temperature
Emissivity
0.01 ... 1.0
Quantity of color palettes
6
Image storage of the thermal camera
Storage medium
SD card, attached flash memory
Storage capacity
2 GB SD card (5000 images)
Flash (600 images)
Storage format
JPEG
Laser pointer of the thermal camera
Type
class II, 1 mW / 35 nm
Power supply of the thermal camera
Battery type
Li-Ion rechargeable battery
Battery life
more than 3 hours of continuous use
AC power supply
110 ... 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, output 5 V DC
Power off
adjustable
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Environmental conditions of the thermal camera
Operating temperature range
-20 ... +50 °C
Storage temperature range
-40 ... +70 °C
Protection class (case)
IP 50
Humidity
<90 %
Shock
25 G, IEC60068-2-29
Vibration
2 G, IEC60068-2-6
Physical data of the thermal camera
Dimensions
126 x 62 x 154 mm
Weight
393 g including battery
Data communication of the thermal camera
USB
thermal camera <--> PC
Video output
PAL / NTSC
Audio output
2.5 mm jack
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4 System description
The thermal camera makes good thermal pictures and allows determination of temperatures so that it can
be used in multiple areas and industries. The efficiency in industrial fields can also be optimised by using
this camera.
4.1 Battery and charger
It is recommended to charge the instrument immediately when the battery symbol is displayed on the
screen. Delivery content includes two sets of batteries and one charger. The instrument may only be used
with the delivered batteries.
4.1.1 Charge battery
- Insert the batteries into the device correctly.
- Connect the charger to the power socket. When in charging mode, a red LED will flash. When the
instrument is fully charged, the LED will be green.
- Charging takes approximately 4 hours.
4.2 Direct charging
It is possible to charge the batteries with the delivered adaptor directly. This will take about 5 hours.
During that time, an orange LED will flash and it will turn green when the instrument is fully charged.
4.3 Controls
1. Power LED
2. Hot key 1:
Press for auto focus. Press and hold to activate / deactivate LED.
3. Hot key 2:
Press to switch between objects to be measured (spot, line, area) and fusion zones and also to
set the overlay temperature, the colour code and the upper and lower temperature limits.
Press and hold the key to activate / deactivate the laser pointer.
4. 5., 6., 7: direction keys
˂,˃,˄,˅ have different functions in the different modes. In main menu the keys have the function
of scrolling through the menu and to adjust the slide-bar value. In real-time-mode the keys allow
direct access.
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In fusion mode and overlay mode:
- press ˃ to optimize the overlay and infrared picture
- press ˂ and ˃ to view the pictures
- press ˂ to freeze the infrared picture and press again to cancel
- press ˅ and ˄ to zoom in and out
After pressing hot key 2, the instrument is in area measurement mode (LED flashes yellow):
- to choose the measuring spots:
press the arrow keys to move the measuring spot in the desired direction.
- to choose measurement and scan line:
press arrow keys to move measurement and scan line in the desired direction
- to choose the area:
use arrow keys to set the area (move area). Use arrow keys to set the size of the area (size of
area).
- to choose and set the thermal overlay area:
use left and right arrow keys to set the limit of the temperature overlay. Use up and down arrow
keys to set the slide bar of the thermal image.
- to choose the colour palette or temperature limit:
press left / right to set the colour palette and up / down to set the temperature limit.
8. Menu / Enter key:
The key has different functions in different modes:
o real-time infrared mode: opens the main menu
o menu-mode: confirms a function
o real-time infrared mode: press and hold to correct a measurement value manually
o image mode: press and hold to leave the mode
9. and 10.: manual focus: (T/W) key:
Press to get a better picture if the auto focus function is not sufficient.
11. and 12. CW /CCW picture mode:
Press to choose between different modes.
13. Shutter key:
Save current picture.
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14. Power key:
Switch on / off the instrument.
15. Multifunctional interface for audio / video output
Insert the converter cable. Headphones may be inserted to listen to the audio notes. A screen
can also be attached to view the videos.
16. SD card slot
Micro SD cards up to 2 GB can be inserted to increase the storage volume.
17. USB interface
Standard USB interface for data transfer.
18. External DC input
The input requires DC 5 V.
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19. Thread for tripod (¼ “):
20. 270 ° tiltable colour LCD (3.2 “)
4.4 Inserting the battery
Insert the battery.
Remove the battery.
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4.5 Quick operation
- Insert battery properly.
- Press and hold the power key until the LED lights up and wait until the system initialization is
completed.
- Remove the lens cover, point the camera at your desired object and adjust the focus so that you
have a clear picture.
- Hit the Enter key to optimize the picture.
4.6 Measure the temperature of the desired object
- Point the instrument at the object that needs to be measured and hit hot key 1 to activate auto
focus. In the upper right corner of the LCD the measurement result (spot) will be displayed. To
get more exact values, hold the Enter key in order to make manual adjustments.
- Choose area measurement mode to determine the min./max./average-value within the rectangle.
- It is recommended to first press ˂ in order to freeze the picture and analyse it then. Press ˂ again
to cancel freezing.
- If the measurement values exceed or falls below the measurement range, the display will show ˂
or ˃.
4.7 Infrared pictures and audio comment
For each infrared picture an audio comment of 40 seconds can be saved. The picture and the
comment can be transferred to your PC afterwards using the IRsee software. To save the thermal
pictures hit the Shutter key. After that, your “voice recording” is displayed. Then you can choose
whether you want to make a recording or not. Confirm your selection by using the Enter key.
4.8 Show infrared picture
- Press the Enter key to enter the main menu.
- When in main menu, choose “main menu” –“file” – “manage” and choose the directory and the file
name. The thumbnail will be displayed. Press the Enter key to view the image.
- Press ˃ and ˂ when the image is displayed to switch between the taken pictures in the directory.
- shows that an audio comment has also been added. Press the Enter key to enter “file”- “voice
recording” and choose “play” to the audio comment.
- Press and hold the Enter key to return to real-time-measurement-mode.
4.9 Wide-angle- and tele-lens
- The instrument can be equipped with a wide-angle- or tele-lens Put on the lens according to the
marked spots and turn the lens clockwise until the marking spots match.
- To choose the lens, press the Enter key, choose “picture” - “analyse settings” - “choose lens” and
press ˂ or ˃ to choose the desired lens.
4.10 Connect the instrument to a computer
Connect the instrument and your computer using the USB cable. You can now transfer, erase or format
the measured data.
4.11 Video and audio output
Insert the converter cable into the multifunctional interface. After that, connect the monitor to the
converter cable. Choose “enter” - “settings” - “system settings” - “display”. Press ˃ and ˂ to choose the
monitor. The thermal picture will now appear on the monitor.
You can also connect headphones via the converter cable in order to listen to the audio comment.
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4.12 Display description
All objects can be chosen by using the hot key 2. The chosen object will flash yellow. If no action has
been taken after two seconds, the hot key mode will be ended automatically.
1. Auto focus: Press hot key 1 to activate auto focus.
2. Area measurement box: Three areas can be chosen in the area measurement mode.
3. AF area: Objects that are focussed can be limited to a certain area to get the auto focus effect.
4. Horizontal measurement line: Press the Enter key and go to “main menu” – “measurement” –
“line” to choose the function.
5. Linear temperature mode
6. Cursor for spot measurement: 4 measurement spots can be selected. Go to “main menu” –
“measure” – “spot”.
7. Zoom: Shows the set zoom value. When in real-time measurement mode, you can set the zoom
using ˄ and ˅.
8. Spot measurement: The reticles show the measurement value of the relevant spot.
9. Picture mode: The different modes can be selected using ˅ and ˄.
10. Line measurement: Shows the temperature value of the intersection of the measurement line and
the cursor line.
11. Area measurement: Measurement spots within a certain area can be determined (MAX / MIN /
Average)
12. Upper temperature limit: Displays the upper temperature limit and the upper limit of the colour
code.
13. Storage media: IN means that all data is stored on the internal storage. SD means that the SD
card is used to save the data. To change it, go to the main menu, then select “setup” – “setup
menu” – “USB” and choose between the two options.
14. USB symbol: USB0 means that data is transferred, USB1 means that a video is transferred. To
change it, go to the main menu, then select “setup” – “setup menu” – “USB” and choose between
the options.
15. Colour code: colour palette.
16. Time and date.
17. Battery level indicator.
18. Lower temperature limit: Displays the lower temperature limit and the lower limit of the colour
code.
19. Temperature unit: There are three different units to select from: °C, °F and Kelvin. To choose the
right one, go to the main menu and select “Image” – “analysis setup” – “temperature unit”.
20. Emissivity: see appendix (emissivity of raw materials).
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4.13 Main menu and submenus
4.13.1 The main menu:
Press and hold the Enter key (if you are not in hot key mode) to enter the main menu which is displayed
as follows:
Use ˄ and ˅ to choose the right menu element. The selected one will be highlighted in white. Press ˃ to
get to the chosen submenu and use ˂ to get back.
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4.14 Submenus
4.14.1 File
Use the file menu to save, view and delete thermal images. Also you can add audio comments or format
the storage.
4.14.2 Manage
Choose “manage submenu” to get an overview of the thermal pictures. Add audio comments or edit them.
Thermal images can also be deleted.
If no directory exists, it will be added automatically during the storage of the images. The directory name
is MYYMMDD where YYMMDD stand for year, month, day. As an example: The 26th September 2012 will
have the file name M120926. All taken pictures will be saved in that directory. The name of the file will be
saved following the scheme PHHMMSS which stands for hours, minutes and seconds. All names refer to
the time set in the system.
In the window where you can manage the files you can use ˄ and ˅ to select the objects. Use ˂ and ˃ to
switch between the different directories and files. Chosen objects are highlighted. After you have chosen
a thermal image you need to press the Enter key to view the image. Press Enter again to delete the
image or press Exit to leave the submenu.
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4.14.3 Save
Save an image in real-time measurement. This function equals the Shutter key.
4.14.4 Voice
The submenu for the audio comments may be used to record, play, save and delete the audio comments.
The symbol shows that an audio comment has been added to the thermal image. If an audio comment
has been added already, a new one will be recorded by pressing “Record”. The old one will be
overwritten. By pressing “Cancel” this will be stopped and the new recording will be deleted. When you
press “Save”, the new one will be stored.
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4.14.5 Delete
Enter the submenu “Delete” to get a dialogue box. Choose “OK” and press the Enter key to confirm the
deletion.
Press and hold the Enter key to leave the preview mode.
4.14.6 Format
This function will format the internal storage or the SD card. When in main menu, choose “settings” –
“system settings” – “storage media” – “internal” to delete the internal storage or choose “SD” to format the
SD-card.
Note: If the storage has been formatted, all data will be lost.
4.15 Measure
In this menu you will be able to choose between 5 measurement options: “Spot”, ”Line”, ”Rect” (Area),
”Parameters” and ”Save Setting”.
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4.15.1 Spot measurement
First press the Enter key and then press ˃ or ˂ to enable or disable a spot. You can choose up to four
points at the same time.
The results are displayed in the top right corner with a reticle.
4.15.2 Characteristics of spot measurement
Press hot key 2 until the spot mark flashes yellow. Use the arrow keys to change the position of the
measurement spot. Press the Enter key to set the attributes emissivity and reference. If you choose this
option, all measured values will be relative to this spot.
4.15.3 Line measurement
There are two types of line measurement: horizontally and vertical.
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4.15.3.1 Horizontal line measurement
The horizontal line is a scan line for the temperature. In the upper right corner the current temperature
value of the horizontal line in intersection with the cursor line is displayed. After pressing hot key 2, you
will get to line measurement mode. You can use ˄ and ˅ to set the scanning position. ˂ and ˃ set the
position of the cursor line. Press the Enter key to choose the settings menu. After two seconds of
inactivity the instrument will return to real-time measurement mode.
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4.15.3.2 Vertical line measurement
The vertical line is a scan line for the temperature. In the upper right corner the current temperature value
of the vertical line in intersection with the cursor line is displayed. After pressing hot key 2, you will get to
line measurement mode. You can use ˂ and ˃ to set the scanning position. ˄ and ˅ set the position of the
cursor line. Press the Enter key to choose the settings menu. After two seconds of inactivity the
instrument will return to real-time measurement mode.
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4.15.4 Area measurement (Rect)
First, press the Enter key and then press ˃ and ˂ to enable or disable the areas. You can choose up to
three areas at the same time.
The measurement value in the top right corner of the LCD is the temperature value of the chosen
rectangle. There are three types of measurements: MIN / MAX / Average.
4.15.5 Characteristics of the line measurement
Press hot key 2 until the area indicator flashes yellow. Press the Enter key to set the attributes emissivity,
reference, measure type and adjust.
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Emissivity: see appendix.
Set reference: Set the current value as a reference.
Measurement type: choose between minimum- / maximum- and average value.
Adjust: set the size and position of the rectangle
4.15.6 Parameters
Here you can adjust the settings to improve the temperature measurement. Use the arrow keys to make
the settings (˅ and ˄ to choose what settings need to be adjusted; ˂ and ˃ to adjust).
4.15.6.1 Emissivity
The emissivity is based on the target material, the surface temperature the surface roughness, the
measurement angle and multiple other factors. Press ˂ or ˃ to adjust the emissivity with the factor of
0.01. Press and hold the left and right arrow keys to adjust the emissivity with the factor of 0.1.
4.15.6.2 Distance
This value can be hidden if the target is very close to the instrument (<10 m). Otherwise you need to
adjust the distance to get exact measurement values. The distance can be set using the ˂ and ˃ keys left
and right. Pressing them once adjusts the value in steps of 0.1 m. Pressing and holding them adjusts
them in 1 m steps.
4.15.6.3 Humidity
This value can be hidden if the target is very close to the instrument (<10 m). Otherwise you need to
adjust the humidity to get exact measurement values. Using the ˂ and ˃ keys adjusts the humidity. By
pressing them briefly, the humidity will be adjusted by steps of 1 %. By pressing and holding the keys, the
humidity will be adjusted in steps of 10 %.
4.15.6.4 Adjust ratio
After a long time of using the camera, the sensitivity of the IR detector may decrease. If that is the case,
the ratio needs to be adjusted to get more precise measurement values. If the measured value during
calibration differs from the actual target temperature, you need to adjust the value. This is done by
pressing and holding the ˂ and ˃ keys in steps of 0.01 or 0.1.
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4.15.6.5 Adjust temperature
Usually this option remains unchanged. Under certain circumstances, it will be necessary to adjust the
measured value. Use the ˂ and ˃ keys to make adjustments. Pressing the keys shortly will lead to
adjustments in steps of 0.1 and pressing and holding them will lead to adjustments in steps of 1.
4.15.7 Save settings
All changes made in the parameters need to be saved before turning the device off. Otherwise the data
will not be available after turning on the device again.
4.16 Image
The are 5 elements within this submenu: “Image Setup”, “Analysis Setup”, ”Image Reverse”, “Clear
Screen” and ”L&S” (Level and Span).
4.16.1 Image settings
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4.16.1.1 Alarm Switch
Pressing ˂ or ˃ switches the alarm function on or off. In case the alarm is switched on and the
temperature is above the alarm temperature, there will be a signal and the location of the high
temperature will be marked in the alarm colour (if set).
4.16.1.2 Alarm Temp
If the alarm switch is turned off, this function is deactivated. If the alarm switch is turned on, you can
adjust the alarm temperature. Use ˂ or ˃ to set the temperature. The standard value is 37.0 °C.
4.16.1.3 Alarm Colour
The following alarm colours can be selected: black, white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, grey and
purple. It is set to “AUTO” by standard, which means that it is deactivated.
4.16.1.4 Isotherm Colour
If this function is set to “AUTO”, the isothermal display is deactivated. Otherwise, the infrared image of the
target within the area of the isothermal temperature ±isothermal-width/2, is displayed in the chosen
colour.
4.16.1.5 Isotherm Temp
Press ˂ or ˃ to adjust the value in 0.1 K steps. If you press and hold them, the temperature will be
adjusted in 1 K steps.
4.16.1.6 Isotherm Width
The isothermal width can be adjusted to set the range of the isothermal colour display. Press ˂ or ˃ to set
the value in 0.1 K steps. Press and hold these keys to adjust it in 1 K steps. The standard value is 1 K.
4.16.1.7 Superpose Position
The superpose of the infrared image with the camera image makes it easier to analyse and identify the
infrared areas. Three different modes allow the adjustment of the infrared image and the camera image.
Use ˂ or ˃ to choose between “OVER”, “UNDER” or “INTERVAL” of the thermal superposition. In order to
switch between the normal thermal image and superposition mode, use the keys 11 and 12.
- Interval:
In this mode, the upper and lower interval limit needs to be defined. By pressing ˂ or ˃ the
temperature range is adjusted in 0.1 K steps. When you press and hold these keys, the
adjustment will be made in 1 K steps. The infrared image superposes the camera image within
the set temperature interval.
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- Over:
In this mode, you need to set the upper temperature range. Press ˂ or ˃ to change the
temperature range in steps of 0.1 K. By pressing and holding ˂ or ˃, the value is changed in 1 K
steps. The infrared image superposes the camera image within the set temperature interval.
- Under:
In this mode, you need to set the lower temperature range. Press ˂ or ˃ to change the
temperature range in steps of 0.1 K. By pressing and holding ˂ or ˃, the value is changed in 1 K
steps. The infrared image superposes the camera image within the set temperature interval.
4.16.1.8 Settings for hot superposition
Press hot key 2 in superposition mode. The interval area will start flashing yellow. Press Enter key to
open the pop-up-dialogue-box. Here, you can set the upper and lower limit of the interval as well as the
highest and lowest temperature.
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4.16.1.9 Fusion
The fusion of the infrared image and the camera image can be scaled in four different steps: automatic, ½
mix, ¼ mix and ¾ mix.
Automatic
½ mix
¼ mix
¾ mix
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4.16.1.10 Settings for fusion
Press hot key 2 until “fusion” flashes yellow. Press the Enter key to switch to the settings mode. Here you
can set the parameters “Mixing proportion” and “Adjust”. If there has been no activity for two seconds the
instrument will return to the real-time-measurement mode.
- Mixing Proportion:
Press ˂ or ˃ to change the modes.
- Adjust:
In order to confirm, please choose the size. To adjust the box size, use ˂, ˃, ˄ and ˅. Then you
can choose the position of the box by using the same keys. If there has been no activity for two
seconds, the instrument returns to real-time-measurement mode.
4.16.1.11 Dew point temperature alarm
Use ˂ or ˃ to enable or disable the dew point temperature function. If the alarm is activated, the ambient
conditions (temperature and relative humidity) need to be set. The dew point temperature will then be
displayed in the lower left corner of the LCD. If the dew point temperature exceeds the pre-set value, the
temperature value will switch to the warning colour.
4.16.1.12 Alarm colour
There are different warning colours. You can choose between AUTO (no warning colour), black, white,
red, orange, yellow, green, blue, grey and purple. AUTO is set as standard.
Note: The dew point temperature is the temperature of the surface of an object at which there is balance
of condensing water and vaporized water. At this temperature the formation of condensate begins.
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4.16.2 Analysis setup
4.16.2.1 Temp Range
Choose the temperature interval in the submenu “Temp Range”. The standard interval is between -20 °C
and +250 °C. The temperature ranges 200 °C / 600 °C and 200 °C / 1000 °C can be set if the customers
wishes to have them.
4.16.2.2 Choosing the lens
There are three lenses available for the PCE-TC 9:
- 21.5 mm (standard lens)
- 11 mm (wide-angle lens)
- 40 mm (tele lens)
Use ˂ or ˃ to choose the right lens to get best measurement results. If you remove the tele lens or the
wide-angle lens, the standard lens will be used by the instrument. Accordingly, a value of “11 mm” or
“21.5 mm” needs to be set within the setup.
Note: The camera may need up to 20 seconds to adapt to the new lenses. After that time, it will deliver
reliable measurement results.
4.16.2.3 Temperature unit
Use ˂ or ˃ to choose between the units C°, F° and K. F=((TCelsius x9 / 5) +32; K=273.15+ TCelsius
4.16.2.4 Ambient temperature
The ambient temperature should be adjusted to the current ambient temperature to get reliable values.
Use ˂ or ˃ to set the temperature. Short-time pressing them will adjust the value in steps of 0.1. Pressing
and holding them will adjust it in steps of 1.
4.16.2.5 Reference
Set one reference point or one reference zone to show the measured values as relative values.
4.16.2.6 Reference temperature
Use ˂ or ˃ to adjust the value in steps of 0.1. If you press and hold them, it will adjust the temperature in
steps of 1. This will only be active if the reference temperature is set as a reference.
4.16.3 Invert palette
Press the Enter key to turn the infrared image around. By pressing the Enter key again, the image will be
turned back around.
4.16.4 Delete display
Hit the Enter key to delete all elements in the display area.
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4.16.5 L&S (Auto/Manual mode)
Hit the Enter key to switch between manual and automatic correction. When in manual correction mode,
the display will show L&S in the upper left part of the display. Use ˂ or ˃ to adjust the upper and lower
temperature limit.
4.17 Settings
There are five submenus in the setup menu: System settings, time & date, factory settings, system
information, and disc information.
4.17.1 System setup
The system setup has 10 submenus: Language, Auto Rectify, Auto save, video, Transparence, Display
Device, Screen Save, Power Save, USB and Storage Medium. Use the keys ˄ and ˅ to choose the
submenu and ˂ and ˃ to set the value. The active submenu will be highlighted in red.
4.17.1.1 Language
There are 11 different languages to choose from: Chinese (simplified), traditional Chinese, English,
Korean, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
4.17.1.2 Auto rectify
When you enter the value 0, automatic comparison will be deactivated. The next automatic comparison
will be made according to the amount of seconds you enter. You can choose a value between 1 and
3000.
4.17.1.3 Auto Save
Choose a time interval in which you want the instrument to save data on its own. You can choose a value
between 7 and 3600 seconds. The auto-save function will be deactivated when it is set to 0. To set the
value, use ˂ and ˃. Short-time pressing them will set the value in steps of 1 second, whereas pressing
and holding them leads to adjustment in steps of 10 seconds.
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4.17.1.4 Video
Make your choice between PAL and NTSC.
4.17.1.5 Transparence
Enables or disables the transparent function.
4.17.1.6 Display Device
Choose between the LCD and an external monitoring system. It is only possible to run one display
device. The other one will be switched off automatically. If – accidentally – the external monitor was
chosen and the display has been switched off, you need to restart the device.
4.17.1.7 Screen Saver
The screen is able to switch itself off automatically. You can enter a period starting from 5 minutes. Other
possible periods are 10 minutes, 30 minutes and none.
4.17.1.8 Power Saving
The instrument is able to switch itself off automatically. You can enter a period starting from 5 minutes.
Other possible periods are 10 minutes, 30 minutes and none.
4.17.1.9 USB
Use ˂ and ˃ to choose between the options. When in file transmission mode, the instrument serves as a
data carrier. The files that have been stored on the internal flash or on the SD card can be transferred to
a PC. They may also be deleted or formatted.
4.17.1.10 Storage medium
The camera has an internal flash memory (256 MB) and a slot where an SD card can be inserted (max. 2
GB). The storage format is FAT.
Note: The instrument only recognizes FAT-format.
4.17.2 Time & Date
Here you can set the time and date of the camera. Use ˄ and ˅ to select the submenu and use ˂ and ˃ to
set it correctly. Press the Enter key to confirm your settings. In case the battery has been removed for a
longer period of time, you will need to reset time and date.
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4.17.3 Factory settings
This function resets the camera to its factory settings completely.
Overview of the factory settings
Item
Parameter
Value / Function
Targets
Measurement spots 1, 2, 3, 4
deactivated
Field 1, 2
deactivated
Field 3
activated
Measurement line
None
Measuring parameters
Emissivity
0.96
Distance
1.5
Humidity
60
Correction factor
1.00
Correction temperature
0.0 °C
Image settings
Alarm
deactivated
Alarm temperature
37.0 °C
Alarm colour, Isothermal colour
etc.
Auto
Isothermal temperature
37.0 °C
Isothermal height
1.0 °C
Thermal superpose type
Interval
Fusion
Auto
Dew point alarm
deactivated
Analysis settings
Dew point area
-20 … +250 °C
Lens
21,5 mm
Unit of temperature
°C
Backlight
Manual
Reference measurement
deactivated
Reference temperature
30.0 °C
System settings
Language
English
Autocorrect
150 s
Auto save
0 s
Video format
PAL
Menu transparence
Enabled
Display mode
Screen
Screen offset
USB
None
Storage medium
Flash
Time settings
Time
No change
4.17.4 System information
The system information includes the items: serial number, software version, date of production etc.
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4.17.5 Disc information
Here you will get information about the free and occupied space on the two storage mediums.
5 Troubleshooting
Problem
Cause and solution
Camera does not switch on
- no battery inserted or inserted incorrectly
→ insert the battery properly
- battery voltage too low
→ change battery or recharge it
- device in energy-saving mode
→Restart the device
Instrument switches itself off automatically
- flat battery
→change / recharge battery
Battery discharges itself quickly
- ambient temperature too high or low
- battery not completely charged
- working life of battery is exceeded (300 charges)
→insert new battery
No thermal image
lens cover closed
→remove lens cover
Thermal image is displayed in black and white
- black / white mode activated
→restore factory settings
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6 Emissivity of different materials
Material
Surface
Temperature (°C)
Emissivity (έ)
Aluminium
Unoxidised
100
0.20
Oxidised
100
0.55
Brass
Brown polished
20
0.40
Unpolished
38
0.22
Oxidised
100
0.61
Copper
Oxidised
20
0.78
Iron
Oxidised
100
0.74
Rusty
25
0.65
Cast iron
Oxidised
200
0.64
Unoxidised
100
0.21
Welding rod
Rough
25
0.94
Polished
38
0.28
Nickel
Oxidised
200
0.37
Stainless steel
Oxidised
60
0.85
Steel
800 °C oxidised
200
0.79
Brick
-
20
0.93
Concrete
-
20
0.92
Glass
Smooth
20
0.94
Lacquer
White
100
0.92
Black
100
0.97
Coal
Smoky black
25
0.95
Candle smoke
20
0.95
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7 Contact
If you have any questions about our range of products or measuring instruments please contact PCE
Instruments.
7.1 PCE Instruments UK
By post:
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13 South Point Business Park
Ensign Way, Southampton
Hampshire
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
By phone:
02380 987 035
7.2 PCE Americas
By post:
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
33458 FL
USA
By phone:
561 320 9162
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