Termite detection systems TDS-II Operator's Manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL

The TDS-II uses infrared optics with a lifetime sensor to create a portable system that will detect
the extremely small amounts of gases put off by termites and bed bugs. Its superior combination
of sensitivity, speed, flexibility and portability provides a highly accurate detection capability for
both dry-wood and subterranean termites as well as bed bugs.

Termite detection and isolation of as few as 2 or 3 termites to full colonies is achieved and as
few as one bed bug may be detected with the unit in the Turbo mode. The TDS-II operates on
a rechargeable lithium ion polymer battery that gives the user over 8 hours of use before
recharging. When charging is needed both an AC wall charger and a DC vehicle charger is
provided for user’s convenience.

Three levels of sensitivity are provided to aid the user in isolation of small and large
concentrations of termites. The fourth setting, the TURBO setting, is super sensitive and is
recommended for the detection of Bed Bugs. Since the TDS-II is self calibrating, no special set
up is required. The detector is ready for use within 30 seconds after being turned on. A standard
9 inch wand is used to test into suspected areas, but a needle probe extension tip and a flexible

wand extension
are provided to
assist testing in

suspected
areas that are
difficult to
reach.

Specially

designed
disposable filters are used in the wand or probe to keep out foreign material and water.
Additional features provided to the user are a convenient audio MUTE button to minimize noises
in testing area when desired, and a PEAK button to capture the high point of a signal upon
detection to provide the user an indication of strength of the detected signal.

OPERATION

ON/OFF Protection

To turn the TDS-II on or off, press and hold the ON/OFF button for one second. This slight delay
protects against inadvertently triggering. If you forget to turn it off, the TDS-II will automatically
turn itself off after 10 minutes of no activity to conserve battery charge life.

LED Bar Graph Display

The eight segment LED display indicates the degree of detection. As the concentration of
termite off gases detected increase so will the number of lit bars on the display.

L/M/H Buttons (Sensitivity)

Set the sensitivity level by pressing the L/M/H button. The desired sensitivity level will be
indicated by its respective LED. The TDS-II starts in medium (M) level, which is a sufficient
sensitivity for normal colonies of termites commonly found in the subterranean species. The
high sensitivity (H) is reserved for more difficult detections of small swarms such as dry-wood
termites. The low (L) sensitivity is used when large concentrations are present and the user is
trying to isolate to specific areas of a concentration. The TURBO super high sensitivity is
recommended when testing for bed bugs.

MUTE Button

Pressing the MUTE button toggles the audio of the TDS-II off and on.

PEAK Button

The PEAK button holds the highest LED lit during a detection event. Press PEAK again to
toggle this function on and off. Turning the PEAK function off will clear the peak bar graph LED
that is lit. The PEAK LED will light when this function is on. The peak button is also used to put

the unit into TURBO mode. Pressing this button 4 times rapidly sets the TURBO mode and the
LED lowest green light will appear to shimmer.

LOW-BATT LED

The LOW-BATT LED will become lit when there is approximately one hour left on the current
battery charge. During the charging process, this LED will blink off and on until the battery is
fully charged; at that time the LED will turn off and it will signal a fully changed unit.

(NOTE: If desired the TDS-II will fully operate when the battery is being charged)

TERMITE DETECTION PROCEDURE

The TDS-II electronics warm-up and self calibration takes 30 seconds. Completion of this start
up process is signaled by a rapid flashing of the bar graph LEDs followed by a continuous 1
second beep. The unit will default to medium (M) sensitivity at start up. The user may chose to
change the sensitivity, MUTE or PEAK functions at this time or at any time during operation and
the change will take place instantaneously.

The TDS-II will equalize to its current background (or ambient) condition. So even with an
elevation of termites’ gases in the surrounding air it will only detect on areas that exceed this
current background. This will enable the user to detect the location of large concentrations and
not trigger on false signals.

Detection of Termites in Closed Spaces

Often large concentrations of termites can be found in wall spaces. Here the gases they
produce will be largely trapped and creating a different atmosphere than the surrounding area.
This is the easiest type of termite infestation to detect. Since the gases given off are heavier
than air they will tend to sink to the bottom of the enclosed area. If this area is wall space
detection may be triggered by checking along base boards or in electrical outlet boxes. Move
the TDS-II probe tip slowly along a suspected area (2-3 inches per second). If a signal occurs
go back to the area and check closer. Subsequent positive signals at suspected area strongly
suggests the presents of termites.

If closer inspection of the area is warranted, a small 1/8 – 5/32 inch hole can be drilled into the
wall space for inspection. Using the needle nose probe insert it in the hole for inspection of any
termite gases. If termites are detected an audio signal will sound and the graph bar LEDs will be