SPX TIPS001 Users Manual

User
Guide

Model TIPS003

Pro

Manufactured under US Patent # xxxxxxxxxx, International Patents Pending

1104

Table of Contents

IMPORTANT: In order to assure that you receive product support services, technical updates and
information pertaining to upgrades, please take a few minutes to properly register your T.I.P.S.
Tool. Please either complete the warranty registration card shipped with your tool or register
online at www.tipstool.com.

Page

Important Safety Information X

Introduction X

Operating Instructions

T.I.P.S. Pro Tool Overview X

Using the T.I.P.S. Tool X

Low Battery Indication X

Battery Replacement X

Software Upgrades X

Cleaning X

Storage X

Trouble Shooting X

Customer Support X

Specifications X

Limited Warranty X

2

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

g

Do not discard. Retain for future reference

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) FOR SERVICE. NO
SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

MANUFACTURER OR AUTHORIZED SERVICE CE

The exclamation point with an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance

NTER.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product enclosure that may be of sufficient
ma

nitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

WARNING: This product emits magnetic and ectromagnetic

waves that may interfere with the safe operation of
pacemakers. Individuals that have pacemakers should never
use this product.

WARNING: Risk of Explosion. This equipment has internal
arcing or sparking parts that should not be exposed to
flammable vapors. This equipment should be used at least
460 mm (18 inches) above the floor.

FCC Notice: Id RN8TIPS001

This tool complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) This tool may not cause harmful interference, and

2) This tool must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired or

This equipment is an intentional transmitter. Any changes or modifications not approved by the manufacturer
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

improper operation.

Notice

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. G-5 Electronics, LLC may have patents, copyrights,
trademarks, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Information in this document may
not be reproduced without the written consent of G-5 Electronics, LLC. Except as expressly provided in any license
agreement, the furnishing of this document does not provide the user any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or
other intellectual property.
Patent Pending

3

CAUTION

READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING

Your Tire Inflation Positioning Switch (T.I.P.S.) Tool has been designed to be durable, safe, and
reliable when properly used. All T.I.P.S. Tools are intended to be used only by qualified and
trained personnel in a Laboratory or a light industrial repair shop environment.
This equipment is an intentional transmitter. Any changes of modifications not approved by the
manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Please read all instructions below before using. Always follow these safety instructions. If you
have any question that pertains to the safe or reliable use of this tool, please call [phone]
between 9:00 am - 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. If calling from outside the USA please call 01-586-

726-5525 or email your question to [e-mail].

1. Read all instructions.

All warnings on the tool and in this manual should be adhered to. All operating and use
instructions should be followed.

2. Retain Instructions

The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future use.

3. Heed Warnings

All warnings on the tool and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions

All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning

Clean with a soft dry cloth, or if necessary, a soft damp cloth. Do not use any harsh chemical
solvents such as acetone, thinner, alcohol, etc as this may damage the plastic surface.

6. Water & Moisture

Do not use this tool where contact or immersion in water is a possibility. Never spill liquid
of any kind onto tool.

7. Storage

Do not use or store the tool in an area where it exposed to direct sunlight or excessive
moisture, i.e. outdoors, near wash systems, etc.

8. Use

To reduce the risk of fire, do not operate the tool in the vacinity of open containers or
flammable liquids. Do not use where the potential for explosive gas or vapors exists. Keep
the tool away from heat generating sources. Do not operate the tool with the battery
cover removed.

9. Battery Replacement

Replace all six batteries promptly after receiving the low battery indication (RED ACTIVATION
LED). Only size AA Alkaline type batteries should be used. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
When disposing batteries please comply with all local, state, or country guidelines.

10. Servicing
Do not attempt to service this tool yourself, as opening or removing covers (with the exception
of the battery cover) may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to authorized service personnel. Do not use this tool if it appears damaged or is not
operating properly.

4

Introduction

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems, commonly known as TPM systems, will soon be installed on most of
the automobiles manufactured in the world. Most of these systems use a “direct” approach which
incorporates the use of wheel based transmitters or sensors (typically incorporated into the valve stem)
which report tire pressure (in addition to the sensor ID) to the engine control module (ECM) or some
specific controller module on the vehicle. In order to conserve batter life, these sensors are designed to
transmit information to the vehicle after the vehicle has been in motion for a specified period of time.

For most of these vehicles, specifically those that use TPM position indicators on the instrument cluster
or vehicle information console (VIC), each time that you rotate tires / wheel s (or if a defective sensor is
replaced) the TPM sensors must be retrained (reprogrammed) in order to properly inform the driver of
the correct vehicle location for a low or high pressure tire. If the receivers are not reprogrammed, the
system will continue to report the correct pressures, but they will be reported in the wrong position on
the vehicle information console or instrument cluster.

In order to re-train the sensors, you must first make sure that the vehicle (ECM or VIC) is placed in
"learn mode". Each manufacturer has its own procedure for putting the vehicle in learn mode. Please
see the vehicle owner's manual for detailed instruction on how to accomplish this.

With the vehicle in learn mode, you will the be able to re-train the TPM sensors. While each
manufacturer may have their own protocol, typically you will work clockwise around the vehicle with
the T.I.P.S. Tool starting with the left front tire, followed by right front, right rear, spare, and finally the
left rear (Some vehicle manufacturers may require that the spare be programmed).

The T.I.P.S. (Tire Inflation Positioning Switch) Tool has been designed to activate both magnetic and
frequency triggered tire sensors that have been installed at the factory by original equipment
manufacturers.

The T.I.P.S. Pro Tool provides the ability to activate both magnetic and electronically triggered TPM
sensors that respond to 125 Khz frequency input. The T.I.P.S. tool provides both a visual and audible
confirmation that the TPM sensor has been triggered and is transmitting. In addition to triggering
“continuous wave” sensors, the T.I.P.S. Pro tool provides the additional benefit of being able to trigger
TPM sensors that rely on a 125 Khz "modulated wave" input. The T.I.P.S. Pro is digital and
incorporates software which means it can be updated making it a truly universal TPM sensor triggering
tool.

Operating Instructions

T.I.P.S. Pro Model

The Pro model is designed to “trigger” all electronics and magnetically activated sensors. Within the
electronically activated sensors, the T.I.P.S. tool will activate both “continuous wave” and “modulated
wave” sensors that respond to 125 KHz signals. To initiate a frequency triggered TPM sensor, with the

5

vehicle in "learn mode", place T.I.P.S so that the rounded end is positioned on the tire (NOT RIM)
adjacent to the sensor. (IMPORTANT: If the rounded end is positioned in line with the tire valve, the
sensor will fail to trigger).

Push the ACTIVATION Switch (SYMBOL) once the release and the T.I.P.S. ACTIVATION LED
(GREEN in color) will light and will remain lighted until the sensor protocol is identified and triggered
by the T.I.P.S. tool. If the “hunting” process is unable to identify and activate the sensor, or if the sensor
is defective, the tool will “time out” and power down after a specified period of time i.e. 20 – 30 seconds.

When the TPM sensor is "triggered", it will transmit 315 MHz or 433.92 MHz frequency signals to the
vehicle TPM control module. This TPM sensor transmission is verified with an oscillating audible tone
and a blinking LED (AMBER in color) as shown below.

Note: With most vehicles, if the vehicle is in "learn mode" the vehicle will also confirm that the TPM
sensor has communicated to the ECM with a series of horn beeps.

(Note to self: Emphasize Hunt Mode)

A second or two following the frequency response indication (315 or 433.92 MHz), some specific
sequence of the four LED’s will illuminate. The LED pattern provides information as to what model of
sensor was triggered i.e. continuous wave, modulation type 1, modulation type 2, etc. Each one of the
modulation types corresponds to a specific sensor brand Seimens2004, Seimens2005, Beru, Schraeder,
etc. If the TPM sensor transmission is confirmed by T.I.P.S. the software will use this triggering
protocol for the next TPM sensor and so on until the tool is unable to confirm TPM sensor transmission.
If T.I.P.S. is unable to confirm a TPM sensor transmission, the system will then start "hunting" for the
next electronic triggering protocol until the sensor is identified and triggered.

Illustration or

photo

Illustration or

photo

6

Once you become familiar with the various triggering protocols that are available, you may want to
manually select the one you desire rather than relying on the hunting feature. To manually select a
protocol, you may press the SELECTION Switch (SYMBOL). Each time you press the switch, a
SELECTION LED (GREEN in color) or combination of LED’s will illuminate. Each LED combination
relates to a specific triggering protocol as shown below.

At the time of this User Guide was printed, the T.I.P.S. Tool contained the following types of electronic
triggering protocols above. To obtain the most up to date list of triggering protocols, you may obtain this
information at www.tipstool.com

If the T.I.P.S. tool is unable to trigger a sensor, it is possible that the sensor is designed to be activated
magnetically. To initiate a magnetically triggered TPM sensor, place T.I.P.S so that the concave end is
positioned around the tip of the tire stem as shown below. Without moving the T.I.P.S. Tool press the
ACTIVATION Switch (SYMBOL) once and release and the T.I.P.S. ACTIVATION LED (GREEN in
color) will light and will remain lighted until the sensor transmission is received and identified by the
T.I.P.S. tool or until the tool will “time out” and power down after a specified period of time i.e. 20 – 30
seconds. If the TPM sensor is "triggered" by the magnet it will transmit signals over a 315 MHz or

433.92 MHz frequency band to the vehicle TPM control module. This TPM sensor transmission is
verified with an oscillating audible tone and a blinking LED (AMBER in color) as shown below.

Again, while each vehicle manufacturer may have their own procedure, typically you will work
clockwise around the vehicle with the T.I.P.S. Tool starting with the left front tire, followed by right
front, right rear, spare, and finally the left rear (Some vehicle manufacturers do require that the spare be
programmed).

Note: The T.I.P.S. Pro Model allows you to diagnose that the vehicle TPM sensors are working prior to
performing any maintenance of the vehicle. This will reduce your liability associated with replacement of
costly TPM sensors that may not have been working properly prior to tire rotation or replacement.
Additionally, in the case where you are replacing a defective TPM sensor you can use the Pro model to
verify that you are installing correct sensor (frequency) and you can confirm that it is working correctly
prior to incurring labor costs.

               

.

Illustration or

Illustration or

photo

photo

7

Hint: If the wheel is made of steel, you will want to start with the electronic triggering method.

Using the T.I.P.S. Tool

We recommend a very simple yet effective four-step process as follows:

(Craig – insert the four-step process that is in the flyer we developed)

Low Battery Indication

T.I.P.S. tools incorporate a low battery detection circuit. During normal use, when you push the
ACTIVATION Switch (SYMBOL) the T.I.P.S. ACTIVATION LED will light and ill be GREEN in
Color. In the "low battery" condition exists, the ACTIVATION LED will change to a RED color
indicating replacement. Please replace the worn out batteries promptly to minimize the potential for
damage to the T.I.P.S. Tool due to battery leakage and corrosion.

Battery Replacement

Remove the latched battery compartment cover located on the back side of the T.I.P.S Tool. Replace all
six (6) batteries with fully charged AA Alkaline type batteries. Please make sure that the polarities, + and

- are properly aligned within the battery cradle. When disposing the batteries, please comply with all
local, state, or country guidelines.

Software Upgrades

The T.I.P.S. tool is upgradeable so that you can download the most up to date modulated wave protocols.
In order to directly download the most up to date software, you will require a software subscription and
a Programming Interface Module. For more information on this service, please contact SCI customer
service at [phone] or by email at [e-mail]. In order to determine if your
T.I.P.S. tool incorporates the most up to date software, you can go to www.tipstool.com/service and
click on the ___________ link.

Cleaning

Your T.I.P.S. Tool has undergone extensive testing for resistance to chemicals typically found in the
shop environment. In order to maximize the longevity of the tool, please do not use abrasive
or caustic cleaning agents. Wherever possible, please use damp cloth to clean your T.I.P.S Tool.

Storage

Whenever possible, store your T.I.P.S. Tool in a tool chest or case at room temperature in an area
which is free of excessive moisture and salt air. Please keep in mind that the tool incorporates a magnet
that will attract and bond to ferrous metals, i.e. steel. While the performance of the T.I.P.S. Tool is not
adversely affected by steel objects, you should keep the T.I.P.S. Tool away from devices that may be
negatively affected by electromagnetic energy, i.e. computers, credit cards, etc. Also, storage of the tool
by allowing it to magnetically hang from a tool cabinet is NOT recommended.

8

Trouble Shooting

The following trouble shooting chart assumes that you have tried to "trigger" the TPM sensor with both
the magnetic and electronic systems associated with your T.I.P.S. Tool.

T.I.P.S. Pro Model

Important: In the description of the problem below, it is assumed that an attempt was made to trigger
the sensor using the magnetic portion of the tool.

Description of the problem And Possible Problem Solution(s)

The Sensor does not trigger
(No audible sound from
vehicle, no confirmation from
LED, and no audible
confirmation from tool)

The Sensor does not trigger
(No audible sound from
vehicle, no confirmation from
LED, and no audible
confirmation from tool)
The Sensor does not trigger
(No audible sound from
vehicle, no confirmation from
LED, and no audible
confirmation from tool)

ACTIVATION LED is
Green until until
powers down from
“time-out” condition.

ACTIVATION LED is
RED

ACTIVATION LED
does not illuminate

1 Tool is improperly

positioned

2 Tool does not

have the most up

to date software
3 Faulty Sensor
4 Incorrect

Modulated Sensor

Triggering

Protocol used.

5. Internal Electronic
Problem
1 Low Batteries

1. Batteries

Completely

Discharged
2 Batteries installed

incorrectly
3 Internal Electronic

Problem

Customer Support

In order to obtain assistance with a question or problem concerning you T.I.P.S. tool or to arrange for
warranty repairs, you can contact customer support from 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) Monday ­Friday. Please use of the following means to contact us;

Toll Free: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

When you call and write please be prepared to provide the following information.

1 See instructions

for proper tool
positioning

2 See directions for

upgrading tool
3 Replace Sensor
4 See directions for

Pro Model i.e.

selecting triggering

protocols
5 Call for service

1 Change batteries

1. Replace batteries

2. Check to assure
proper polarity for
batteries

3. Call for service

9

• Company Name & Address

• Your name and contact information

• T.I.P.S. Model number (found on back of tool)

• T.I.P.S. Serial number (found on back of tool)

• A detailed description of the problem

• Corrective measures attempted

Specifications

Battery Type: Six (6) Alkaline AA (Non rechargeable)
Battery Life: Approximately 2,500 activations
Case dimensions (Max. L,W,D): 10.25" x 2.50" x 1.75" (260mm x 64 mm x 45 mm)
Case Material: High Impact ABS
Batteries: Six (6) Alkaline AA (Non rechargeable)
Sensor Activation: Magnetic, 125 KHz continuous wave, 125 KHz modulated wave (Multiple formats)
Diagnostic Response: 315 MHz and 433.92 MHz.
Low Battery Indication: Activation LED changes to RED color
Weight: (With 6 AA Batteries)

Temperature: Operating: -20° C to +55° C;

Storage -40° C to +60° C

Altitude: Operating: Up to 2,000 m, Storage: Up to 10,000 m

* We continuously seek to acquire all manufacturers modulated wave formats. We are sometimes unable
to obtain sensor formats / specification prior to release of a vehicle to the marketplace.

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