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

lit up. The higher the concentration the more LEDs lit and the longer the duration of the audio
signal and lights.

Detection of Termites in Open Areas

Termites are often found in small concentrations in attic rafters, door or door frames, and wood
furniture. Telltale signs are seen by suspicious holes or droppings. Location of the presence of
termites in these areas can be done with the TDS-II. Use the TDS-II termite detector to probe
these suspicious areas with the needle probe. Termites off gases will escape from there active
channels and will be detectable. In a suspected area a small hole 1/8 – 5/32 inch may be drilled
to attempt to bisect an active chamber. Follow this by inserting the needle probe to look for a
signal. If present both an audio signal and graph bar LEDs will light.

BED BUG DETECTION PROCEDURE

Bed Bugs also produce large amounts of Carbon Dioxide from their digestion of blood.

To begin testing for bed bugs, your TDS-II unit needs to be set in the super sensitive TURBO

mode. To put the TDS-II unit into this mode of operation, first turn the unit on and allow it to
warm up and be ready for detection. Once it is ready put the unit in high sensitivity mode then
quickly press the PEAK button four times. The TURBO mode is indicated when the lowest LED
green light appears to shimmer. Now the unit is in the highest sensitivity setting. This setting is
super sensitive and will easily alert to the small amount of CO2 produced by the bed bugs.

To test for bed bugs move the probe slowly near the areas being checked for bed bugs.

(Do not block the probe tip) If a bed bug is hiding within six inches of the probe the TDS-

II

will indicate its presence. The audible alarm and lights will be triggered as the air
pump draws in an air sample. Once all the air in the bed bugs hiding place is drawn
through the sensors the alarm will stop. It will take 5-10 minutes for the bed bugs to
produce enough gases to set the alarm off again. When the TDS-II indicates a bed bug,
further investigation should be performed. We recommend the method used by most bed

bug dog handlers. Mark the spot where the alarm sounded and continue checking other

areas. Come back to the spot where the alarm sounded in a few minutes and if the alarm
sounds again this strongly indicates a bed bug presence.

If a bed bug is out in the open air its gases will dissipate too rapidly for the TDS-II to
detect them. If a bed bug is in the open it can be seen and does not need detecting.

A bed bug must be hiding where its emissions can build up for about 5-10 minutes to be
detected.

TDS-II will help you determine where to target your treatment and also help determine if your
treatment is successful.

In the high sensitivity mode the unit will react to a pocket of as few as one to three hidden bed
bugs. The high sensitivity setting may give some false alarms due to the operators breathing
and the probe extension should be used in the TURBO mode to keep the probe away from the

operator’s exhaled breath.

POST TREATMENT USE

The TDS-II is an excellent tool to aid the user in verification of a successful treatment of an
infected area. After the prescribed timeframe for a successful eradication of the termites or bed
bugs the TDS-II can be used to determine if it was completely successful. Although there may
still be the tell tale signs infestation, if no live termites or bed bugs are present there will be no
detection signal. If the TDS-II was used for the initial detection, its use for post inspection
provides an additional validation to the user that the infestation is gone.

TDS-II USE AND CARE

Although the TDS-II is stable it can be set off by excess turbulent air currents

around its nozzle. Due to this, use of the TDS-II outside may lead to mixed
results and can result in false signals on the most sensitive levels.

The TDS-II is a very sensitive instrument that can detect extremely small

concentrations of CO2. User must take care in trying to minimize a stable
atmosphere around the area of testing to avoid false signals.

The TDS-II has several safeguards built in to protect it from infusion of debris and

water, but it is extremely important that the termite detector never be run without
an approved filter installed in the nozzle or needle probe or it could damage the
unit. Eight (8) filters are provided with the TDS-II and additional may be
purchased.

Filter Maintenance and Replacement

The filter found in the nozzle is a throw-away filter that traps debris and water from getting into
the TDS-II instrument. Replacement of the filter should be done after extensive use. A dirty
filter will decrease the sensitivity and responsiveness of the TDS-II.

Needle Probe Maintenance

The needle probe has been designed to be easily cleaned and also ease of filter replacement.
The needle stem can be unscrewed from its base. By use of a wire (like a paper clip), any
debris can be dislodged from the stem. If the filter is desired to be replaced, the same wire may
be used to push out the old filter. A new filter must replace the old one. Running the unit
without an approved filter may damage the unit.

Battery Charging

The battery supplied with the TDS-II is a rechargeable lithium ion polymer battery that will run
continuously for 8 eight hours before a charge is needed. Recharging to a full state requires
about 3 hours. Dispose of old batteries properly and never in a fire.

SPECIFICATIONS

Part Number Product/Description

600-001 TDS-II Wand Extension

600-002 TDS-II Needle Probe

600-003 TDS-II Vehicle Charger

600-004 TDS-II Wall Charger

600-005 TDS-II Filters & O-ring Gaskets (Pkg. of 10 each)

600-007 TDS-II 3.7V 1800 mAh Li-ion Battery

Sensing element: Enhanced infrared photo optics–sensor never needs replacing and is good for
the life of the TDS-II.

Sensitivity:

HIGH (dry) – small concentrations of dry- wood

or subterranean termites.

MED (subs) – small concentrations of subterranean or medium to large

concentrations of dry-wood termites.

LOW (major) – large concentrations of either subterranean or dry-wood termites.
TURBO (super sensitive) – Used for bed bug detection

Warm up time: 30 seconds

Response time: less than 1 second

Battery charge life: 8 hours continuous

Auto off: 10 minutes of inactivity

Battery: 3.7V, 1800 mAh rechargeable Li-ion polymer (Compatible models include – Fujifim
NP120, Pentex DLi7, or Richoh DB43)

Re-charge time: approximately 3 hours to full charge

Operating environment: 320F (00C) to 1220F (400C) at 75 %RH

Storage environment: <80% RH for detector and battery; storage temperatures are
recommended to be the same as operating temperatures to maximize battery life.

Weight: 14.4 oz (.9 lb)

REPLACEMENT PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

Problem

Cause

Solution

1. Detector
will not
detect
termites

- Detector not
through start up
cycle

- Termites not
present in area
being inspected

- Nozzle filter has
become clogged.

- Wait until start up
complete

- Try other suspected
areas

- move wand closer
and slower to
suspected area

- replace filter and/or
clean probe

2. TDS-II will
not turn on

- ON/OFF button
not held for 1
second to turn on

- Battery is
discharged or
dead

- Hold ON/OFF button
down for 1 second

- Recharge battery. If
it will not hold charge
replace battery

3. The
TDS-II will

trigger
inadvertently

- Turbulent
surrounding air
can cause detector
to trigger

- Large

- Attempt to avoid
areas and activity
around the test area
that would cause air
flow

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

concentrations of
termites can cause
the unit to trigger
close to inspection
area

- Run detector at a
less sensitive setting

Problem

4. The
TDS-II does
not detect
again at the
same spot

Cause

- On strong
detected signals
the TDS-II needs
about 3 -5 seconds
to settle down

Solution

- Pull TDS-II away
from the detected
area for 3 -5 seconds
before repeating to
that location again

5. The
TDS-II

appears to
be taking
longer to
detect than

- The wand tip or
needle probe filter
has become
constricted due to
moisture or dirt

- Replace the filter
with a new one and
discard the old one.

-Check and clean
needle probe

previously

6. The
TDS-II

appears to
have lost
some of its
sensitivity

- The wand tip or
needle probe filter
has become
constricted due to
moisture or dirt

- Replace the filter
with a new one and
discard the old one.

-Check and clean
needle probe

For a more detailed and up to date list of questions and answers as to the proper
use of the TDS-II visit our site at www.termitedetector.com

WARRANTY AND SERVICE

The TDS-II is warranted to the original purchaser against detects in material or workmanship for
a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase by Termite Detection Systems, Inc. (TDS)

During this warranty period, TDS will at its option, replace or repair the defective unit. The
warranty does not apply to defect resulting from abuse, neglect, accident, unauthorized repair,
alternation, or unreasonable use of the instrument.

Any implied warranty arising out of the sale of this product, including but not limited to implied
warranties of merchantability and fitness for purpose are limited to the above. TDS shall not be
liable for incidental or consequential damages.

Any defective TDS-II should be returned to TDS for warranty service along with original proof of
purchase and return material authorization (RMA) number. An RMA may be obtained by
contacting TDS at the number below. Repair or replacement of the unit is at the sole discretion
of TDS.

For out of warranty service, obtain an RMA number and send unit to the following address:

Termite detection systems, Inc.

333 N.E. 46th Street, Oak Island, N.C. 28465

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Rev. 05.10 P/N 950-001

Each TDS-II Contains:

TDS-II Infrared Termite and Bed Bug Detector
9” Flexible Extension Wand and 5” Needle Probe
A/C Wall Charger & 12V Car Charger
Disposable Replacement Filters and “O” Rings
Operator’s Manual