Thank you for purchasing TPI brand products. The TPI DC580 digital air
velocity meter is a state of the art, easy to use air velocity tester designed to
display air velocity, air flow, and temperature. It can be used with the TPI
DC580 app to generate reports and store readings.
The DC580 can be ordered in several configurations:
Part NumberDescription
DC580C1DC580 w/ Hotwire probe & Carry case
DC580C2DC580 w/ Vane probe & Carry case
DC580C3DC580 w/ Hotwire & Vane probes & Carry case
This manual covers all features for the DC580 and the use of both
hotwire and vane type probes.
Features & Guidelines
Features:
• Measure air velocity and temperature simultaneously
• Field replaceable smart hot wire and vane probes
• Communicate with Android Smart Phone via Bluetooth LE and TPI App
Probe Input Jack - Connection point for hotwire and vane probes.
Rubber Boot Display - Large 2 two line LCD display w/ backlight
Magnets - Used to attach the DC580 to metal surfaces
Keypad - Selects all available functions
Hanger Hook Attachment Point - Used with optional boot hook (p/n A103)
Hanger Stap Attachment Point - Used with optional magnetic hanger strap
Indicates the displayed reading is the Maximum, Minimum,
or Average measurement.
Indicates Record mode is active.
Indicates Hold is active. Displayed readings freeze.
Indicates Set up mode is active.
Indicates auto power off is active.
Indicates units of measure for air velocity and volume.
mph = miles per hour, fpm = feet per minute,
m/s = meters per second, km/h = kilometers per hour, knots
CFM = cubic feet per minute,
CMM = cubic meters per minute
C F = Indicates temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
cm2ft2= Duct size in square centimeters or square inches.
HW Vane = Indicates probe connection. Hot Wire or Vane.
= Indicates Bluetooth status.
Free Area = Amount of area blocked by grille, register, etc.
Dia = Diameter of duct if it is round
H = Height of duct if it is square or rectangular
W = Width of duct if it is square or rectangular
= Duct type, round or square. Also spot record indica-
Hot wire probe for the DC580. This probe can be used to measure
air velocity and flow inside ducts. The white dot should face into
the air stream. The probe can be expanded by pulling out the sensor shaft enabling the probe to extend like an antenna.
Temperature
Sensor
Air velocity sensor
underneath protective
hood.
Slide the sensor protective
hood all the way down to
perform air velocity measurements. Make sure the
temperature sensor is not
covered.
Replace the cover when
not in use.
Hot Wire Probe Sensors
Hot Wire Probe (Part number A581)
Vane Probe (Part number A582)
Vane probe for the DC580. This probe can be used to measure air
velocity and flow at registers, hoods, and other openings. The
white line/dot should face into the air stream.
Note: The DC580 can be purchased to include one or both of
these probes. These probes are also available for purchase separately. Please see page 36 for information on kits and probes.
To turn the DC580 on press and hold thekey for more than two
seconds.
If a probe is not connected the display will read ‘oPEn’. When this
is displayed only theandkeys operate.
When a probe is connected the DC580 will auto detect which probe
has been connected and will act accordingly.
Hot wire probe - Make sure the hotwire probe cover has been put
into the closed position before connecting the probe. When the hot
wire probe is connected a 5 second warm up period will begin and
the display will read ‘H---d’ and display the countdown. After the
countdown the DC580 is ready to take measurements. Slide the
cover down to the open position and perform tests.
Vane Probe -
Connect the vane probe and the DC580 is ready to
take measurements.
After power is turned on and a probe is connected the DC580 is
ready to take measurements. Use the setup modes as needed to
adjust units of measure and duct size.
Setup the units of measure to be used. The meter will default to
these settings upon start up. These can be changed as necessary.
1. Connect a probe to the DC580. Turn the DC580 on by pressing
and holding thekey for more than 2 seconds.
2. Press thekey to enter the units of measure setup mode. The
air velocity annunciator will begin flashing.
3.Use thekey to cycle through the air velocity units until the
required unit is shown. Press thekey to move to the air flow
units.
4. Use thekey to cycle through air flow units. CFM and CMM are
available. When the desired unit is displayed press thekey to
move to temperature units.
5. Press thekey to cycle between temperature units. ºF and ºC
are available. When the desired unit is displayed press thekey
to move to duct dimension units.
6. Press thekey to cycle through the duct dimension units.
Inches (in), centimeters (cm), meters (m), and feet (ft) are available.
When the desired unit of measure is displayed press thekey.
7. The DC580 exits the units setup menu and returns to normal operation.
Note: At any time in the above procedure thekey can be
pressed to return to normal operation. Units of measure that were
not adjusted will remain unchanged.
When measuring air velocity, the volume of air or airflow can be displayed. This is a calculation based on the duct type and size. For air
flow to be accurate the duct size needs to be entered into the
DC580.
The units of measure used in the duct size can be set by following
the steps outlined in section page 7.
1. Connect a probe to the DC580 and turn it on as outlined earlier.
2. Press thekey to activate duct size entry mode.
3.Use thekey to cycle through the duct type. The types are
round, rectangular, and free area. Select free area if measuring at a
supply or return with an obstruction like a grille. NOTE: The free area
of the duct must be known. This is published by the grille manufacturer.
4. Once the duct type is displayed,=round,=rectangular, or free
area press thekey to confirm the selection.
Round Duct - Use thekeys to enter the diameter
of the duct. Press thekey to confirm the selection.
Rectangular Duct - Use thekeys to enter the
height (H) of the duct. Press thekey to confirm the selection.
Use the same keys to enter the width (W) of the duct. Press the
key to confirm the selection.
Free Area - Use thekeys to enter the free area of
the duct. Press thekey to confirm the selection.
For more information on free area please see the next page.
Free Area is the total area in which air flows through a supply outlet or a return grille. Free area is the effective area of the outlet or
grille and takes into account any restrictions.
If a grille is not used and there is no restriction on the area in
which air flows then the free area is equal to the actual area. This
is the case when measuring air flow at the middle of a duct, or if
the grille is removed from the return or supply duct.
When measuring airflow with a grille in place or restriction present,
the free area is the total area minus the area covered by the
restriction (grille fins).
Grille manufacturers publish free area specifications and this is the
most accurate information to use when setting up your DC580 to
measure air flow (volume).
Whenever possible it is best to use free area when entering duct
size. This will ensure the most accurate air flow reading.
1. Insert the hot wire or vane air velocity probe into the DC580. If
the hotwire probe is used make sure the sliding cover is over the
air sensor. (See page 5)
2. Press and hold thekey until the DC580 turns on.
3. If the hotwire probe is used the DC580 will countdown from 5.
During this time the hotwire sensor is being warmed up. If the
vane probe is used there will be no countdown.
4, If necessary, set the units of measure and duct size as outlined
on page 7 and 8.
5. Insert the air velocity probe into the air stream with the white dot
facing into the air. If the hotwire probe is being used make sure the
sliding cover is in the down position and the sensor is exposed.
6. The air velocity will be displayed in the upper display and the
temperature will be displayed in the lower display.
The most accurate way to take a reading of a duct or grille is to
traverse it and take the average reading. The DC580 can do this
without the need of manual calculations.
The following pages include instructions for traversing ducts and
grilles along with various features and functions available on the
DC580.
Selecting Between Air Velocity and Volume (Air Flow)
Display shows air velocity
in fpm and temperature
Press the Enter
key to toggle
the display.
Display shows air flow
(volume) in CFM and
temperature
11
When an air velocity is displayed on the DC580 thekey can be
pressed to toggle the top display between air velocity and air flow.
Note: The duct size must be entered correctly for the air flow reading to be accurate. Air flow is a calculation based on the duct size
and the measured air velocity.
Storing a Reading
The displayed reading can be stored in memory. This will store the
air velocity, air volume, and temperature.
1. When taking a measurement, once the
reading is on the display press thekey.
2. The display will prompt you for a memory
location to store the reading. To cancel
press thekey or use thekeys to select the
memory location to store the reading then press thekey.
Clearing Memory: Saving data to the same memory location will
write over the data already saved. All locations can be cleared by
pressing thekey to enter memory mode then pressing and
holding thekey for approximately 3 seconds.
Stored readings can be recalled and displayed on the DC580.
1. With the DC580 in normal operation press thekey.
2. The display will prompt
you to select a memory
location to display the
stored reading.
3. Use thekeys to select the memory location to
display.
4. The stored reading will
be displayed.
Press thekey to toggle
betweenthe stored
air velocity and air volume.
5. Press thekey to exit recall and return to normal operation.
Stored information can also be sent to the DC580 App. The app
will display the duct size and also provides the ability to export the
data to a CSV file or send a report via email. Please see page 30
for more information on the app.
To do a proper airflow measurement (CFM) you should do traverse
readings to obtain the true average airflow through the duct. It is recommended to do at least 12 points of measurement. There are two
ways to perform this test using the DC580, Time Based Traverse and
Spot Based Traverse. Time based is typically easier but both are
explained in the next sections.
1. You will need to determine the easiest access to take your read
ings. Normally it is best to enter from the side (Height) of the duct
since you will have to drill less holes, but you may have to drill from
the bottom (Width) of the duct. See below.
Not the ideal side to enter
the duct but may be necessary
Press the Up Arrow key repeatedly
until the timer symbol is seen.
14
1. Insert the hotwire probe into the DC580 and turn the meter on.
2. Enter the duct type and size and prepare the duct for transverse
measurements as outlined on page 13.
3. Press thekey. The display will prompt for time or point based
traverse. Use thekey to select time based traverse record.
4. Press thekey to confirm the selection.
5. Insert the hotwire probe all the way into the duct at the first hole.
Make sure the white dot is facing the air flow. HINT: If you turn the
probe you will see the readings change up or down, when the
reading is at the highest you are in the proper position.
Time Based Traverse of a Horizontal Duct (Continued)
16
9. Pull the probe out and insert it into the next test hole all the way
into the duct.
10. Press thekey to begin recording. Repeat these steps for
all test holes.
11. When the duct has been completely traversed and prior to
pulling the probe out of the last test hole, press thekey to
pause the recording.
12. Press thekey to store the readings. See section page 11
on storing readings. This will store the average air velocity, air
volume, and temperature readings.
13. If another traverse needs to be made press thekey to
clear the timer and begin traversing a duct.
If finished, press and hold thekey to exit record and return
to normal operation. The stored readings can be recalled and
displayed (see page 12) or sent to the DC580 app (see page
30).
Note: At any time during the traverse process when REC is displayed thekey can be pressed to cycle through the minimum (MIN), maximum (MAX), and average (AVG) readings.
1. Insert the hotwire probe into the DC580 and turn the meter on.
2. Enter the duct size and prepare the duct for transverse measurements as outlined on the previous page.
3. Press thekey. The display will prompt for time or point based
traverse. Use thekey to select point based traverse record.
4. Press thekey to confirm the selection.
5. Divide the duct into at least 12 equal boxes, you will need to take
the reading in the center of each box. Be sure that the sample
points are no more than 4 inches apart from center to center. If
needed you can add more sample points (boxes) to cover larger
duct sizes. Insert the hotwire probe all the way into the duct at the
first hole. Make sure the white dot is facing the air flow.
Press the Up Arrow
key repeatedly until
the timer symbol is
seen.
Point Based Traverse of a Horizontal Duct (Continued)
19
9. Press thekey to record the reading. Repeat these steps for
all test holes.
10. When the duct has been completely traversed press the
key to store the readings. See section page 11 on storing readings. This will store the average air velocity, air volume, and
temperature readings.
11. If another traverse needs to be made press thekey to clear
the counter and begin traversing a duct.
If finished, press and hold thekey to exit record and return
to normal operation.
Note: At any time during the traverse process when REC is displayed thekey can be repeatedly pressed to cycle through
the minimum (MIN), maximum (MAX), and average (A
To do a proper airflow measurement (CFM) you should do traverse
readings to obtain the true average airflow through the duct. You will
need to drill 2 holes at 90 degrees to each other, similar to the drawing below.
1. Take your measurements by inserting the hotwire probe into the
drilled hole. and use the insertion depth chart to determine how far in
the duct you will go for each point. Then you will repeat for the other
hole.
2. Be sure you have the tip of the hotwire pointed into the flow of air,
there is a white dot on the tip, this should be inline with the flow.
HINT: If you turn the probe you will see the readings change up or
down, when the reading is at the highest you are in the proper position.
9. Pull the probe out and insert it into the other test hole all the way
into the duct.
10. Press thekey to begin recording. Repeat these steps for
all test holes.
11. When the duct has been completely traversed and prior to
pulling the probe out of the last test hole, press thekey to
pause the recording.
12. Press thekey to store the readings. See section page 11
on storing readings. This will store the average air velocity, air
volume, and temperature readings.
13. If another traverse needs to be made press thekey to
clear the timer and begin traversing a duct.
If finished, press and hold thekey to exit record and return
to normal operation.
Note: At any time during the traverse process when REC is displayed thekey can be repeatedly pressed to cycle through
the minimum (MIN), maximum (MAX), and average (A
1. Insert the hotwire probe into the DC580 and turn the meter on.
2. Enter the duct type and size. Prepare the duct for transverse
measurements as outlined on the previous page.
3. Press thekey. The display will prompt for time or point based
traverse. Use thekey to select point based traverse record.
4. Press thekey to confirm the selection.
5. Divide the duct into at least 10 equal boxes, you will need to take
the reading in the center of each box. Be sure that the sample
points are no more than 4 inches apart from center to center. If
needed you can add more sample points (boxes) to cover larger
duct sizes. Insert the hotwire probe all the way into the duct at the
first hole. Make sure the white dot is facing the air flow.
Press the Up Arrow
key repeatedly until
the timer symbol is
seen.
9. Press thekey to record the reading. Repeat these steps for
all the other test hole.
10. When the duct has been completely traversed press the
key to store the readings. See page 11 on storing readings. This
will store the average air velocity, air volume, and temperature
readings.
11. If another traverse needs to be made press thekey to clear
the counter and begin traversing a duct.
If finished, press and hold thekey to exit record and return
to normal operation.
Note: At any time during the traverse process when REC is displayed thekey can be repeatedly pressed to cycle through
the minimum (MIN), maximum (MAX), and average (A
6. Slowly move the vane across the grilled towards the other end.
Start
End
7. Stop at the last measurement point prior to removing the vane.
Press thekey to pause the recording.
8. Press thekey to store the readings. See page 11 on storing
readings. This will store the average air velocity, air volume, and
temperature readings.
9. If another traverse needs to be made press thekey to clear
the timer and begin traversing a duct.
If finished, press and hold thekey to exit record and return to
normal operation.
Note: At any time during the traverse process when REC is displayed the key can be pressed to cycle through the minimum
(MIN), maximum (MAX), and average (AVG) readings.
The DC580 always defaults to auto power off mode. When auto
power off is activated theannunciator will show in the upper left
corner of the display.
To deactivate auto power of
and hold the keyuntil theannunciator turns off. Press and
hold thekey again or turn the meter off and on to activate auto
power off.
f from normal operation mode press
Turning the Backlight On/Off
The backlight can be turned on to make it easier to see the display
in dim areas.
From normal operation mode press thekey to turn the back
light on. Press thekey again to turn the backlight off.
NOTE: The backlight will automatically turn off after approximately
one minute. This is not adjustable and is done to maximize battery
life.
Turning Display Hold On/Off
The displayed reading can be held on the display if needed.
From normal operation mode during a measurement press the
key to hold the displayed reading. Press thekey to unhold the
reading and return to normal operation.
Minimum, Maximum, Average
The minimum, maximum, and average reading can be displayed
using the Record function.
At any time when REC is active like while performing a traverse
measurement thekey can be repeatedly pressed to cycle
through the minimum (MIN), maximum (MAX), and average (AVG)
readings.
Tap on “Volume, Temp, Velocity” to see
the real time readings.
From this screen the auto power off,
units of measure, and duct type / size
can be changed by tapping on the icons
and entering the data.
This information will be transmitted to the
DC580.
Tap on “Reading Mem Data” to download
all saved readings from the memory of the
DC580.
Tap on “Update All” to begin the download.
The memory locations being downloaded
will be displayed. Only locations with data
will download.
Tap on a memory location to see the information contained in it. (See next page)
NOTE: Downloading information from the
DC580 does not delete the data on the
DC580. To do this either store over older
data or perform a memory clear as outlined
on page 11.
Tap on “Customer Information” to open
the Customer Info input screen. This is
where your customer’s name, address,
and email should be entered.
The building information can also be
entered as necessary.
This information will be part of the CSV
report generated that you can email your
customer.
Tap on “Settings” to open the Settings input
screen. This is where you select whether
there was a grille in place and what type of
duct was being measured.
This information will be part of the CSV
report generated that you can email your
customer.
A103 Boot hook for hanging the DC580
A124Magnetic hanger strap for hanging the DC580
Replacement Parts
Part Number
Description
DC580Meter only
A580Carrying case for DC580
A581Hotwire probe for DC580
A582Vane probe for DC580
A583Protective boot with magnets
Battery Replacement
1. Remove the DC580 from the protective boot by prying the boot
off from the bottom of the meter first.
2. Locate and loosen the battery cover screw.
3. Remove the battery cover and replace the batteries (AA x 3).
4. Install the battery cover and tighten the cover screw. Install the
protective boot at starting by inserting the top of the meter into
the boot first.
Cannot connect BluetoothTurn Bluetooth on, see page 30.
Make sure phone Bluetooth is on.
Readings seem to be high or lowChange batteries.
Ensure white dot is facing into the air
stream.
Care & Cleaning
Clean the DC580 with a soft lint free cloth. Do not attempt to clean the sen-
sor. Use a mild detergent on the base unit if necessary
Do not submerse the DC580 or probes.
.
Warranty, Service, and Calibration
The TPI DC580 air velocity meter is guaranteed free from defects in mate-
rials and workmanship for 3 Years from the date of purchase. This guarantee
does not affect your statuary rights. For additional information please refer to
. To maintain
optimum performance, calibration is recommended once every year.
To obtain warranty performance, service or calibration of your meter: Include with the product your name, address, phone number, written description of the problem and proof of purchase date. Carefully package and return
to: