PCE Instruments PCE-TC 30N User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 5 March 2021
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Specifications........................................................................................2
2.1 Technical specifications ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Delivery scope..................................................................................................................... 3
3System description............................................................................... 4
3.1 Device.............................................................................................................................. 4
3.2 Getting started.................................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Display description........................................................................................................... 6
3.4 Control panel.................................................................................................................... 7
4Menu....................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Image overlapping............................................................................................................ 8
4.2 Show saved images......................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Colour palettes................................................................................................................. 9
4.4 Emissivity........................................................................................................................10
4.5 Settings...........................................................................................................................11
5Maintenance ........................................................................................ 15
5.1 Cleaning..........................................................................................................................15
6Troubleshooting..................................................................................15
7Warranty...............................................................................................16
8Disposal ...............................................................................................16

© PCE Instruments
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1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you usethe device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described inthis instruction manual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
•Never aim the laser beam at people or animals.
•Never look directly into the laser beam.
•If the product is found to have smoke, sparks and a burning smell during use, stop
using it immediately.
•In such a case, first disconnect the meter from the power supply. After the smoke and
the peculiar smell have completely disappeared, contact PCE Instruments.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
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. The contact details can be found at
the end of this manual.

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2 Specifications
2.1 Technical specifications
Optical specifications
Temperature range
-20 ... +450 °C (-4 °F ... +842 °F)
Accuracy
±2 °C or ±2 % of reading up to 300 °C
±5 % of reading at >300 °C
Field of view (FOV)
35 ° x 26 °
Smallest focus distance
0.15 m
Infrared resolution
160 x 120 pixels
Thermal sensitivity
0.07 °C
Wavelength range
8 ... µm
Focus
fixed focus
Calibration of the measurement
Auto
Number of spots
3
Representation
Display
2.8" TFT; resolution: 240 x 320 pixels
Picture-in-picture function
Adjustable: 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%
Frame rate
9 Hz
Colour palettes
Spectrum / Iron / Cold / White / Black
Emissivity
Variable 0.01 ... 1.0
Memory
Image memory
Internal SD card 3 GB for more than 20000
images
Image format
JPG
Settings
Setting options
Automatic Shutdown, intensity (brightness),
language, temperature unit, time, spot
Languages
English, German, Chinese, Italian
Power supply
Battery
Internal rechargeable battery,
approx. 2800 mAh
Operating time
2 ... 3 h
Voltage supply
100...240 VAC 50/60 Hz
Interface
Micro USB for charging and memory readout
on a PC
Automatic Shutdown
Adjustable, after 5 or 20 minutes or off
Environmental conditions
Temperature
Operation: 0 ... +45 °C
Storage: -20 ... +60 °C
Relative humidity
< 85 % r. RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions
96 x 72 x 226 mm / 3.8 x 4.1 x 8.9 in
Weight
389 g / / <1 lb

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2.2 Delivery scope
1 x thermal imaging camera PCE-TC 30N
1 x USB cable
1 x USB mains adaptor
1 x user manual
1 x carrying bag

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3 System description
3.1 Device
1. Display
2. control panel
3. Handle
6. Micro USB connector under protective cap
7. infrared bolometer
8. Digital camera
9. LED light
10. Save screen capture / switch LED on or off
11. Internal rechargeable battery

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3.2 Getting started
Please note that the instrument should acclimatise to the current environmental conditions before
connecting it to the charger. Do not charge the instrument in hot or cold places. Charging in
extreme temperatures will reduce the capacity of the battery. The micro USB cable can be used
for charging but also for transferring images.
3.2.1 Charging the battery
The PCE-TC 30N thermal imaging camera has a built-in rechargeable Li-Ion battery.
If the battery level is low, this is indicated by the symbol at the top right of the screen. Charge
the thermal imaging camera via the micro USB interface.
To do this, proceed as follows:
- Connect the supplied USB cable to the micro USB interface of the thermal imaging
camera.
- Connect the other side of the USB cable to the supplied mains adaptor.
- Now plug the mains adaptor into a protected contact socket designed for this
purpose.
Note
Before charging, make sure that the battery, charger and camera are acclimatised to the current
environmental conditions. Charging under extreme temperatures can have a negative impact on
the battery life.
Do not charge the battery for more than 24 hours.

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3.3 Display description
3.3.1 Colour palette
The colour palette is used to distinguish the temperature zones from high to low. Different colour
palettes are available. The colour scale on the right edge of the screen automatically scales
between the highest and lowest measured temperature in the screen section.
3.3.2 Temperature in the centre of the image
The white crosshairs in thecentre of the image indicate the temperature at the focus of the thermal
imaging camera.
3.3.3 Maximum temperature in the current image section
The red mark appears where the highest temperature is measured in the current image section.
At the same time, this is shown in the lower left area of the display.
3.3.4 Minimum temperature in the current image section
The green mark appears where the lowest temperature is measured in the current image section.
At the same time, this is shown in the lower left area of the display.
Set emissivity
Temperature in
the centre of the
image
Highest
temperature
marking
Max and min
temperature
Battery level
Colour palette
Centre marking
Lowest
temperature
marking
Current time

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3.4 Control panel
Menu and on/off Selection and confirmation
Navigation keys
up, down, left, right
3.4.1 Switching the instrument on and off
Press and hold the menu key for more than 3 seconds to switch the thermal imaging camera on
or off. After switching on, the display shows the last selected image mode.
3.4.2 Switching the LED on and off
Press and hold the trigger key for at least 5 seconds to turn the LED on or off.
3.4.3 Picture-in-picture function
This function enablesthe IR image to overlap the image from the integrated digital camera. In this
way, measured objects can be clearly assigned. The overlapping can be adjusted in 25 % steps
by pressing the left or right navigation key in normal measuring mode.
3.4.4 Saving images
To do this, press the key on the handle of the thermal imaging camera in normal measuring mode.
A dialogue window appears, which can be confirmed with the menu key or cancelled with the
select/enter key.
Note
If the thermal imaging camera is connected to a PC via USB, it is not possible to save screen
captures.
3.4.5 Show/hide the minimum and maximum temperature
To do this, press the upper navigation key in normal measuring mode. In addition to the minimum
or maximum measured temperature, the current time is also shown or hidden in the lower right
corner of the display.

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4 Menu
4.1 Image overlapping
To exactly overlap thereal image of theintegrated digital camera with the imagesfrom the infrared
camera, carry out the following steps:
First open the menu with the menu key. Select the menu item "Image registration" and confirm it
with the select/enter key. A large crosshair appears in the centre of the screen. Now the infrared
image can be adjusted exactly to the image of the digital camera using the navigation keys (up,
down, left, right).
Note
For very precise adjustment of theinfrared image, it is recommended to set image overlapping to
a maximum of 50 % as otherwise, no digital image may be recognisable. Furthermore, the exact
positioning of the infrared image depends on the distance of the object to be examined.
4.2 Show saved images
Open the menu with the menu key and navigate with the navigation keys up or down to the menu
item "Image". Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All saved
pictures are now displayed here as a continuous list. The following functions are now available:
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: view the highlighted image
•Navigation key left or right: view previous or next image
•Navigation key to: delete current image; confirm dialogue window with
menu key; cancel with select/enter key
•Select/enter key: Exit view
- Navigation key left: Exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode

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4.3 Colour palettes
5 different colour palettes are available for displaying thermal gradients on targeted objects. The
gloss or surface texture of objects may require a change of colour palette so that distinct thermal
gradients become visible. The colour palettes rainbow, iron, cold, white and black are available.
If the temperature differences of the targeted object are high, a coloured palette should be
selected.
See several example images with the respective colour palettes below:
Rainbow Iron Cold White Black
4.3.1 Set colour palette
Open the menu using the menu key and usethe navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu
item “Color palette”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. Here, all
available colour palettes are displayed in a list. The following functions are available:
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: apply currently selected colour palette
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode

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4.4 Emissivity
Every object with a temperature above absolute zero emits thermal radiation. The emissivity is
the indicator of how much thermal radiation this object emits in contrast to an ideal thermal
radiator, the black body. The emissivity is therefore always between 0 ... 1 (0 ... 100 %).
4.4.1 Set emissivity
Open the menu using the menu key and use the navigation keys upor down to highlight the menu
item “Emissivity”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. Here, all
available emissivities are displayed in a list. The following functions are available:
- 4 standard emissivities are available:
•matt (e=0.95)
•semi-matt (e=0.85)
•slightly glossy (e=0.60)
•glossy (e=0.30)
•individual (e=0 ... 1)
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept currently selected emissivity
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode
Note
When selecting individual emissivity, the emissivity can be set between 0 ... 1 with the navigation
keys up or down; the decimal place can be changed with the navigation keys left or right; to
accept, press the select/enter key.

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4.4.2 Emissivities of common materials
Material
Emissivity
Material
Emissivity
Bitumen
0.90 … 0.98
Black cloth
0.98
Concrete
0.94
Human skin
0.98
Cement
0.96
Foam
0.75 … 0.80
Sand
0.90
Charcoal dust
0.96
Earth
0.92 … 0.96
Paint
0.80 … 0.95
Water
0.92 … 0.96
Matte paint
0.97
Ice
0.96 … 0.98
Black rubber
0.94
Snow
0.83
Plastic
0.85 … 0.95
Glass
0.90 … 0.95
Timber
0.90
Ceramics
0.90 … 0.94
Paper
0.70 … 0.94
Marble
0.94
Chromium
hemitrioxide
0.81
Gypsum
0.80 … 0.90
Copper oxide
0.78
Mortar
0.89 … 0.91
Ferric oxide
0.78 … 0.82
Brick
0.93 … 0.96
Textile
0.90
4.5 Settings
Open the menu using the menu key and usethe navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu
item “Setting”. Pressing the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available
settings are displayed here in a list. The following functions are available:
Autom. off
Setting the automatic shutdown
No
5 min
20 min
Intensity
Setting the display backlight
Low
Medium
High
Language
Setting the language
English
Chinese
Italian
German
Unit
Setting the temperature unit
Celsius
Fahrenheit
Time format
Setting the time format
24 hours
AM/PM
Time setting
Setting the date and time
Year
Month
Day
Hour
Minute
Second
Spot
Setting the autom. spots for the
maximum or minimum temperature
Off
On

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4.5.1 Automatic shutdown
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Automatic Shutdown”. Pressing
the navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed
here in a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept current selection
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode
4.5.2 Brightness
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Brightness”. Pressing the
navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in
a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept current selection
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode
4.5.3 Language
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Language”. Pressing the
navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in
a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept current selection
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode
4.5.4 Unit
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Unit”. Pressing the navigation key
on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are shown here in a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept current selection
- Navigation key: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode
4.5.5 Time format
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Time format”. Pressing the
navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in
a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept current selection
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode

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4.5.6 Time
Use the navigationkeys up or down to highlight the menu item “Set time”. Pressing the navigation
key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: edit current selection
•Navigation key up or down: change number at marked decimal place
•Navigation key left or right: change decimal place
•Select/enter key: save edit
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode

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4.5.7 Spot
Use the navigation keys up or down to highlight the menu item “Cold/hotspot”. Pressing the
navigation key on the right takes you to the submenu. All available settings are displayed here in
a list.
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: accept current selection
- Navigation key left: exit submenu
- Menu key: back to measuring mode

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5 Maintenance
5.1 Cleaning
The meter should be stored at room temperature. The lens of the infrared sensor is the most
sensitive part of the instrument. Make sure that it is always clean. If the lens ever becomes dirty,
it should only be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth or stick. Use only water or medical alcohol for
cleaning. The lens should be completely dry before the meter is used again. Do not immerse the
instrument in water.
6 Troubleshooting
The following problems may occur during operation of the thermal imaging camera. If the
suggested solutions are not helpful, please contact PCE Instruments.
Problem
Cause
Solution
The thermal imaging camera
cannot be switched on
The battery is discharged
Fully charge the thermal
imaging camera with the
supplied USB cable (see
3.2.1)
The thermal imaging camera
switches itself off during
operation
The battery is discharged
Fully charge the thermal
imaging camera with the
supplied USB cable (see
3.2.1)
Automatic shutdown is
activated
Switch on the thermal
imaging camera again and
change the setting of the
automatic shutdown, if
necessary (see 4.5.1).

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7 Warranty
You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.
8 Disposal
For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament
applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste.
They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use
them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with
your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

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PCE Instruments contact information
Germany France Spain
PCE Deutschland GmbH PCE Instruments France EURL PCE Ibérica S.L.
Im Langel 4 23, rue de Strasbourg Calle Mayor, 53
D-59872 Meschede 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets 02500 Tobarra (Albacete)
Deutschland France España
Tel.: [phone] Téléphone: [phone] Tel. : [phone]
Fax: [phone] Numéro de fax: [phone] Fax: [phone]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch www.pce-instruments.com/french www.pce-instruments.com/espanol
United Kingdom Italy Turkey
PCE Instruments UK Ltd PCE Italia s.r.l. PCE Teknik Cihazları Ltd.Şti.
Unit 11 Southpoint Business Park Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 Halkalı Merkez Mah.
Ensign Way, Southampton 55010 Loc. Gragnano Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C
Hampshire Capannori (Lucca) 34303 Küçükçekmece - İstanbul
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF Italia Türkiye
Tel: [phone] Telefono: [phone] Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Fax: [phone] Faks: 0212 705 53 93
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/english www.pce-instruments.com/italiano www.pce-instruments.com/turkish
The Netherlands Hong Kong United States of America
PCE Brookhuis B.V. PCE Instruments HK Ltd. PCE Americas Inc.
Institutenweg 15 Unit J, 21/F., COS Centre 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8
7521 PH Enschede 56 Tsun Yip Street Jupiter / Palm Beach
Nederland Kwun Tong 33458 FL
Telefoon: [phone] Kowloon, Hong Kong USA
[email protected] Tel: [phone] Tel: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.com/dutch [email protected] Fax: [phone]
www.pce-instruments.cn [email protected]