PCE Instruments PCE-VE 5 Series User manual

PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
Manual
Version 1.1
Date of creation: 15.01.2015
Date of last change: 03.05.2016
Automotive Tester PCE-VE 5xx Series

Contents
1Introduction .............................................................................................................3
2Safety notes.............................................................................................................4
3Specifications..........................................................................................................5
4System description.................................................................................................6
4.1 Design................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Operation modes................................................................................................................... 7
4.3 Keys...................................................................................................................................... 7
4.4 Display indications................................................................................................................. 8
4.5 Handle LED indications.......................................................................................................... 8
4.6 How to re-charge the battery.................................................................................................. 8
5Preparation ..............................................................................................................8
5.1 Control modes....................................................................................................................... 8
5.2 To adjust the channel............................................................................................................. 9
5.3 To get started........................................................................................................................ 9
6Operation...............................................................................................................10
6.1 Power on/off .........................................................................................................................10
6.2 To switch from wireless to direct control................................................................................10
6.3 To take pictures....................................................................................................................10
6.4 Video recording ....................................................................................................................10
6.5 To view photos / videos ........................................................................................................10
6.6 To delete a picture or video (in Browse mode only)...............................................................11
6.7 Zoom-In................................................................................................................................11
6.8 Mirror....................................................................................................................................11
7Settings..................................................................................................................11
7.1 Main menu............................................................................................................................11
7.2 To delete all files...................................................................................................................12
7.3 Video output –to activate the AV output................................................................................12
7.4 To set up date and time........................................................................................................12
7.5 Language .............................................................................................................................12
7.6 TV system ............................................................................................................................13
7.7 Auto power off ......................................................................................................................13
8Hyperion camera cable (PCE-VE 500HR or optional).........................................13
8.1 Safety notes .........................................................................................................................13
8.2 Technical specifications........................................................................................................15
8.3 System description ...............................................................................................................16
8.4 Getting started......................................................................................................................16
8.5 Instructions...........................................................................................................................18
9Articulating camera cable (optional) ...................................................................20

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9.1 Safety notes .........................................................................................................................20
9.2 System description ...............................................................................................................21
9.3 Getting started......................................................................................................................21
9.4 Operation .............................................................................................................................22
10 Disposal.................................................................................................................23
11 Contact...................................................................................................................23
11.1 PCE Instruments UK.............................................................................................................23
11.2 PCE Americas......................................................................................................................23
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a wireless video endoscope PCE-VE 500 from PCE Instruments.
This wireless radio video endoscope with flexible or semi-flexible wire is a professional meter for
workshops and for installation work and also other areas where it is necessary to view the interior of
machines and installations. This is the case in industry, in biological sectors, for instance for the
observation of nests, as well as in the archaeological sector. The device is delivered with a wireless and
removable digital LC display of 3.5“. This serves to connect the videoscope to a TV in case you wish to
view your target on a larger screen. You can also save images or videos on the SD card for further
analysis on your PC or laptop. Both the videoscope and the display are powered by a rechargeable
battery or alternatively by a mains component.
The PCE-VE 500 standard package includes a flexible 2 m camera cable. Optionally, you can purchase
the following camera cables:
- 1m flexible or semi-flexible
- 2m flexible or semi-flexible
- 10m flexible
- 1m flexible, ø 4 mm
- 2m flexible, addressable head

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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.
- Never use the device and any accessories with wet hands.
- The device and all accessories should only be opened by qualified personnel of PCE Instruments.
- The instrument should never be placed with the user interface facing an object (e. g. keyboard side on a
table).
- You must not make any technical changes to the device and its accessories.
- The appliance and its spare parts should only be cleaned with a damp cloth / use only pH-neutral
cleaner, no corrosive liquids such as alcohol. Also, do not use abrasives or solvents for cleaning.
- This product is designed for industrial use only. Do not use the system for human or any other biological
inspection.
- Do not remove the SD card when capturing photos or video as this may cause loss of data and damage
the SD card.
- Video recording requires an SD card with fast writing speed. We recommend 80 X (or above) writing
speed SD cards for best video quality.
- Before each use, check the device as well as the accessories for visible damage. If any damage is
visible, do not use the equipment.
- Do not use this product in a fuel tank or other dangerous environments such as gasoline or alcohol
storage tanks.
- Do not try to disassemble the product as this may cause electric shock and could damage the unit.
- Please use only recommended components or accessories. Unapproved components and accessories
may cause damage.
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for a long period of time. Store the system in a cool, dry and well
ventilated place.
- If the system “freezes” (so that pressing keys has no effect), press the Reset key at the back of the
system. Check the system description section for the location of the Reset key.
- To avoid danger, do not put the insertion tube into any flammable liquid or gas.
- The insertion tube contains a series of small wires that control the optics and electronics of the camera
tip. To ensure long-term reliability, do not bend the insertion tube more than 90 degrees and always
bend the insertion tube in as large an arc as possible during usage and storage.
- To clean the lens and camera head, use the cleaning liquid and swab provided in the cleaning kit.
- Do not use the device and its accessories in explosive atmospheres.
This user's handbook is published by PCE Instruments without any guarantee.
We expressly point 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 Specifications
Technical specifications
Flexible cable length
2000 mm
Cable type
flexible
Cable diameter
5.5 mm
Field of view / angle
horizontal 46º; vertical 34º; diagonal 56º
Image sensor
CMOS
Minimum illumination
0 lx
Size of the display
3.5" LCD
Pixels
640 x 480
Video output system
PAL / NTSC
Video connection
AV-out
Transmission frequency
2.4 GHz 4 channels
(2414, 2432, 2450 or 2468 MHz)
Image format
JPEG
Compression format
MPEG4
Image frequency
30 frames per second
Memory
8 GB (SD memory card), expendable to 32 GB
Depth of field
1 ... 6 cm
Light
LED, continuously adjustable (0 … 275 lux / 4cm)
Operating / storage temperature
-20 ... 60 ºC
Power supply
Handle bar: rechargeable Li-Polymer battery 3.7V
LC display: rechargeable Li-Polymer battery 3.7
V mains component AC 100-240V 50-60Hz
Protection class
IP 67, water resistant max. 1.00 m depth, oil and
fuel resistant
Battery life
4 hours (charging time 2 hours)
Dimensions
Handle bar 140 x 35 x 32 mm
LC display 147 x 106 x 70 mm
Weight
Handle b. 220g (w/o insertion tube); display 340g
Cables
Model
Cable length
Cable type
Cable diameter Ø
Boost
function*
Illumination
PCE-VE 500
2000 mm
Flexible
5.5 mm
No
4 LEDs
PCE-VE 500HR
2000 mm
Flexible
5.5 mm
Yes
4 LEDs front, 2
LEDs lateral
PCE-VE 520
1000 mm
Semi-flexible
5.5 mm
No
4 LEDs
PCE-VE 530
2000 mm
Semi-flexible
5.5 mm
No
4 LEDs
PCE-VE 540
10000 mm
Flexible
5.5 mm
No
4 LEDs
PCE-VE 550
1000 mm
Flexible
6.0 mm
No
4 LEDs
PCE-VE 560
1000 mm
Semi-flexible
3.9 mm
No
4 LEDs
PCE-VE 580
22000 mm
Semi-flexible
28 mm
No
4 LEDs
*The boost function enhances pictures in dark environments
Delivery contents
1 x borescope PCE-VE 500 series (handle bar, probe and display)
1 x 8 GB SD memory card
1 x professional cleaning kit for camera head and mirror
1 x mains adaptor for display
1 x video cable
1 x plastic case
1 x instruction manual

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4 System description
4.1 Design

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4.2 Operation modes
This device has 3 operation modes which are Preview, Browse and Menu mode.
Preview mode
Preview mode will be activated as soon as the handle bar is
powered on. When you target the camera tip at an object, the
image will be displayed at the same time. All photo and video
records are made in this mode.
Browse mode
The user can view images in this mode.
Menu mode
The user can make settings and carry out file management in
this mode.
Note: The system automatically returns from Menu mode to Preview mode after 150 seconds of inactivity.
4.3 Keys
Key
Preview mode
Browse mode
Menu mode
Device switches to
Browse mode to view
images and videos
Move to previous image
or video
Move one line up
Device switches to
Browse mode to view
images and videos
Move to next image or
video
Move one line down
Device switches to
Menu mode
Play / pause video
Execute selected
command
Push briefly to enlarge
target by 100 % (2 x
zoom); press and hold
to see mirrored view
Return to Preview mode
Return to Preview mode
Capture a .jpg image
Start or stop .avi video
recording
Delete the selected
image / video

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4.4 Display indications
Icon
Meaning
Memory capacity of SD card
Charging level
2 x zoom active
Mirror effect active
4.5 Handle LED indications
LED light colour
Battery status
Note
Green
In use
Working with full battery
Dark red
Low battery
Please recharge the battery
when the dark red light appears
during operation
Orange
Charging while in use
Charging while in use
Red
Charging while switched off
Charging while switched off
None
Full battery (while switched off)
The light turns off as soon as the
battery is fully charged
4.6 How to re-charge the battery
1. To re-charge the LCD unit only, plug the mains adaptor into the outlet and insert the jack plug into
the jack of the LCD unit.
2. To re-charge the LCD unit and the handle simultaneously, insert the handle into the rear slot of the
LCD unit (see chapter 4.1) and insert the mains adaptor into the jack at the side of the LCD unit. Connect
the mains adaptor to a socket. Both devices will now be charged simultaneously.
3. To re-charge the handle bar only, connect the handle bar to a PC or laptop using a standard mini
USB cable.
Caution: Make sure that the LCD unit and the handle bar are turned off during re-charging and that the
PC / laptop is on during re-charging via USB cable. Ignore the “found new hard drive” message.
5 Preparation
5.1 Control modes
This device has two control modes which are called “direct control” and “wireless control”.
Direct Control
Insert the handle bar with the insertion tube into the charging socket located on the back of the LCD unit
(see chapter 4.1). This will activate Direct Control transmission mode. In this mode, all images are
transmitted via the wired socket. This can be helpful when working in areas where other high-frequency
wireless equipment is used as there will be no interference with the video signal.
Wireless Control
When you disconnect the handle bar from the LCD unit, the device is automatically operated in Wireless
Control mode.

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5.2 To adjust the channel
The handle bar and the LCD unit must be on the same channel during wireless transmission. Adjust the
channel by using a small slotted screwdriver, following the direction of the arrows as shown below.
Please refer to the following chart to select a suitable channel.
Channel
Arrow indication
Frequency
1
9,1
2414 MHz
2
A,2
2432 MHz
3
C,4
2450 MHz
4
8,0
2468 MHz
5.3 To get started
1. Screw the insertion tube into the connector according to the direction of the arrow and tighten the
screw nut. (Figure 1)
2. To activate the handle bar with the insertion tube, turn the LED adjustment wheel clockwise until you
hear a “click” followed by illumination of the green light. (Figure 2)
3. Push and hold the button of the LCD unit for 3 seconds until the image is displayed on the monitor.
(Figure 3)
4. Target the camera at the desired object. Push to capture a .jpg image or to record an .avi
video. (Figure 4)

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6 Operation
6.1 Power on/off
To turn on the LCD unit, push and hold the button for 3 … 5 seconds until you see the icons below
on your monitor: SD card memory capacity
Battery capacity
6.2 To switch from wireless to direct control
1. Insert the handle bar into the charging socket of the LCD unit as demonstrated in the figure below.
2. The image may look blurry for some time while switching from wireless to direct control.
6.3 To take pictures
Push the button during Preview mode to take
a picture. Then push the button to view the
picture you have just taken.
Image status: Returns to preview mode after
picture is taken.
6.4 Video recording
1. Push the button to start video recording.
Image status: Recording time will appear at the
left-hand bottom side of the display
2. Push the button again to stop recording.
Image status: Recording time disappears.
6.5 To view photos / videos
1. Push or during preview mode.
Image status: Displaying the photo / video last taken.
2. Push or again to view the last or second last photo / video.
Image status: All files will be saved in chronological order.
Note: Each video will be displayed until it ends and after that, the next video or photo will be displayed.

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6.6 To delete a picture or video (in Browse mode only)
1. Enter Browse mode and find the picture or video you wish to delete by pushing the or buttons.
2. Push .
3. Push OK/MENU to delete the selected file or push ESC to cancel.
6.7 Zoom-In
Push the ESC button once. The display will show 2 x zoom-in view while 2.0 x appears on the right-
hand bottom side of the display.
Press ESC again to return to the original view.
6.8 Mirror
Push and hold the ESC button for 3 seconds to activate mirror view while appears on the right-hand
bottom side of the display. Then push and hold the ESC button for 3 seconds to return to the original
view.
7 Settings
7.1 Main menu
Push the OK/MENU button in Menu mode to execute desired commands as indicated below

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7.2 To delete all files
After selecting “DELETE ALL FILES” by pushing the / buttons, press OK/MENU. Select “yes” or
“no” and confirm with the OK/MENU key.
7.3 Video output –to activate the AV output
1. Plug one end of the included AV cord into the AV socket located on the right-hand side of the LCD unit
and plug the other end of the AV cord into the “AV in” socket of the external monitor.
2. Push OK/MENU.
3. Push or to move to the “video output” option.
4. Push OK/MENU
Image status: image will be transmitted to the external monitor.
7.4 To set up date and time
Use the and keys to select
Year/Month/Day or Hour/Minute/Second. Push
to increase the number or to decrease. Go to
“DISPLAY” and select “YES” if you wish to have
the date on the pictures or “NO” if you do not wish
so.
7.5 Language
Select “LANGUAGE”. Navigate through the
different options using the and keys.
Confirm your operating language using the
OK/MENU key..

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7.6 TV system
Select the menu item “TV SYSTEM” and confirm
with the OK/MENU key. Set up your video format
(NTSC / PAL), using the and keys and
confirm with OK/MENU.
7.7 Auto power off
Select the menu item “AUTO POWER OFF” by
means of the and keys and confirm
with OK/MENU. Set the time after which the device
will power off automatically or select “OFF”.
Confirm with OK/MENU.
8 Hyperion camera cable (PCE-VE 500HR or optional)
8.1 Safety notes
- To avoid dangerous situations, make sure that the probe does not get in touch with inflammable
liquids or gases.
- The Hyperion cable includes various small cables which control the optics and electronics of the
camera tip. To ensure high reliability, do not bend the cable to an angle of more than 90 ° and
store the cable as little bent as possible.
- This product has been produced for industrial use only. Do not use it for medical or any other
biological purposes.
- Do not use any corrosive agents for cleaning (e. g. alcohol).
- Do not disassemble the device as this can cause damage and electric shocks.
- Only use components and accessories recommended by PCE Instruments. Unapproved
components and accessories can cause damage.
- Do not expose the device to direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry, sufficiently ventilated place.
- To protect the camera module, make sure the protection ring is on the camera head as long as
no accessories are in use.

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Do not apply force to the end of the cable and
do not bend it. This can deteriorate your vision
and even damage the probe.
When you roll up the cable, the inner diameter
must be at least 15 cm.
Put the protection ring back on and tighten it
when not using the device for a longer period
of time.
Do not crash the probe head.

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Make sure that the camera does not get in
contact with the following liquids:
lead-free petrol, diesel oil, machine oil, brake
fluid, transmission oil and water.
Do not screw the accessories on too tightly.
Only screw it slightly until it is fixed.
To clean the camera head, use the
cleaning liquid and the swabs provided in
the cleaning kit.
8.2 Technical specifications
Length of camera head
20 mm
Diameter with protection ring
6 mm
Depth of field
10 … 60 mm
Field of view
60.7 °
Protection
IP67

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8.3 System description
1. Probe: to guide the camera
2. Camera head: for illumination and capturing
3. Assembly ring: to attach accessories
4. Protection ring: to protect the thread
5. Red cap: protects the camera when not in use
6. Boost key: for better illumination in dark environments
7. Rotation key: Press once to turn the display counter-clockwise by 90 °. The red LED will light up.
The LED will stop glowing when the original position has been reached.
8. Light key: This key activates a mirror which enables particle-free vision.
9. Connection
8.4 Getting started
Connection
Step 1: Connect the main unit with the connector and fix the connection with a screw nut.
Step 2: Switch on the system. You should now see a picture in the display.

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Attachment of the accessories
Mirror
Step 1: Unscrew the thread protection ring.
Step 2: Screw the assembly ring down to the bottom.
Step 3: Screw the mirror attachment onto the thread until the thread is completely covered.
Step 4: Align the lateral LED opening of the mirror attachment in a way that the LEDs are uncovered.
Step 5: Turn the assembly ring upwards in order to fix the mirror attachment.
Step 6: Press the light key to activate the lateral light.
Step 7: Adjust the light intensity as required to ensure ideal vision to the side.
(Steps 4-5 must be repeated until the right position is reached)

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Magnetic hook
Step 1: Turn the assembly ring down to the bottom.
Step 2: Screw the magnetic hook on until it snaps in.
Climbing ball
Step 1: Remove the assembly ring.
Step 2: Screw the climbing ball on until it snaps in.
8.5 Instructions
Boost key
Use this key in a dark environment. The red LED indicates that the Boost function has been activated.
The image will be lightened up.
Note: Hold the probe steady.
Before “boosting”
After “boosting”

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Rotation key
You can use this key to turn the image by 90 ° four times, for instance, when trying to read an inscription
completely.
Light key
When using the mirror attachment, this key improves the vision which will not be impeded by particles,
dust, etc.
Without “particle free” function
With “particle free” function

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9 Articulating camera cable (optional)
9.1 Safety notes
In addition to the general safety notes of the PCE-VE 500 series, please mind the following safety notes
to prevent damage and injuries when using the pivoting camera head.
Do not bend the pivoting camera head by hand. Only use the rotary switch to adjust the angle.
Do not try to rotate the rotary switch any further when it has already been rotated all the way to
the stop.
Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme air humidity or
moisture. Only use the pivoting camera head at temperatures between 0 and +55 °C.
If you coil up the camera cable for storing, make sure the diameter is at least 15 cm and that the
camera head is in a straight position.
Do not expose the camera head to mechanical stress.
Keep the camera cable away from live parts.