VDIAGTOOL V210 Cable Tracker User Manual

Trademarks

VDIAGTOOL is a registered trademark of Shenzhen VDIAGTOOL Technology Co., Ltd in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Copyright Information

© 2017 Shenzhen VDIAGTOOL Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.

Product Documentation Notice

All illustrations, specifications, and technical data in this manual are for reference only and subject to change without notice. For the latest documentation, visit: https://www.vdiagtool.com/support/downloads

Limitation of Liability

• Any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits or business interruption
• Product modifications or unauthorized use

This manual does not:

• Modify existing purchase/lease agreements
• Create additional liabilities for VDIAGTOOL
• Constitute additional product warranties

IMPORTANT:

Always consult this manual before operation, with special attention to all safety warnings. VDIAGTOOL reserves the right to modify product specifications at any time.

Technical Support

• Official Website: www.vdiagtool.com
• Support Email: support@vdiagtool.com
• US Hotline: +1-213-355-7171
• Online Form: https://www.vdiagtool.com/support/tech-support

Training Videos

Free product operation videos:

1. Visit Training Center: https://www.vdiagtool.com/support/training-center
2. Select Circuit Testers category
3. Watch model-specific tutorials

1.1 Specifications

1.2 Tool Description

The V210 receiver features:

• Probe Sensor: A black cylinder designed to detect electromagnetic signals for the V210 receiver.
• Probe: A 6.7" long, flexible probe made of coiled steel, equipped with a sensor at the top for reaching congested or difficult areas.
• Speaker: Generates an audible tone when a signal is picked up by the V210 receiver.
• On/Off & Sensitivity Rotary Switch: Turn clockwise to power on the V210 receiver and increase sensitivity; turn anti-clockwise to decrease sensitivity and power off.
• TEST Button: Press and hold to pick up an audio signal.
• Red Test Lead: The red test lead of the V210 transmitter.

The V210 transmitter features:

• Black Test Lead: The black test lead of the V210 transmitter.
• Mode Switch: Selects the operating mode of the V210 transmitter.
• CONT Mode: Use to test continuity or short circuits.
• Power Off: Switch to turn off the V210 transmitter.
• TONE Mode: Use to test open circuits or trace wires.

Diagram Description: The V210 Receiver is shown with numbered callouts: 1. Probe Sensor, 2. Probe, 3. Speaker, 4. On/Off & Sensitivity Rotary Switch, 5. TEST Button, 6. Red Test Lead. The V210 Transmitter is also shown with its test leads.

1.3 Included Parts List

1.4 Turning On and Off

Neither the V210 transmitter nor V210 receiver comes with a 9V 6F22 battery. Please purchase separately.

1.5 Battery Replacement

1.5.1 V210 Transmitter Battery Replacement

Open the battery cover at the back of the V210 transmitter, replace the exhausted battery with a new one of 9V (6F22), and reinstall the battery cover.

1.5.2 V210 Receiver Battery Replacement

Open the battery cover at the back of the V210 receiver, replace the exhausted battery with a new one of 9V (6F22), and reinstall the battery cover.

4.1 Locating Short Circuit

Observe all limits and safety precautions at all times.

1. Disconnect the power to the wire being tested and remove all loads (e.g., remove light bulbs from the wire).
2. Switch the V210 transmitter to "CONT" position and connect the test leads to the wire.
3. When the resistance is less than 10k ohm, the LED indicator at the "CONT" position lights up green, indicating the wire is shorted.

4.2 Locating Open Circuit

1. Set the V210 transmitter to "TONE"; the red LED indicator should light up. If it does not, check the battery.
2. Switch on the V210 receiver and set its rotary switch to the middle position. Press and hold the "TEST" button, then move the probe sensor close to the transmitter's test leads. If the V210 receiver picks up the signal and generates a tone, the tool is working correctly.
3. Connect the black test lead to the circuit's positive supply (or to the negative supply for vehicles with chassis ground). Connect the red test lead to the wire being tested. A fuse socket (with blown fuse removed) or a connector provides a convenient hook-up point.
4. Switch on the V210 receiver and set the rotary switch to the middle position. Press and hold the "TEST" button, then sweep the wire slowly with the probe sensor. Ensure the probe is perpendicular (90°) to the wire and positioned above or below it, as close as possible.
5. Follow the wire or check it at different points, starting from the transmitter and moving towards the load (accessory, light, etc.), observing the probe positioning as indicated.
6. Continue this procedure. When the tone indicates circuit integrity, proceed. When the tone stops, it signifies that the probe has passed the open point, breaker, or bad connection in the circuit.
7. If it is difficult to pick up any signal, increase the sensitivity and try again. Double-check by positioning the probe before and after the suspected point. If the open circuit point is found, the tone will indicate circuit integrity on one side and no signal on the other. The point where the audio signal stops is the location of the open circuit.
8. When finished locating the open circuit point, disconnect the test leads, set the transmitter to "OFF", and release the "TEST" button.

Diagram Description: Shows a fuse socket/connector connected to a wire. The V210 Transmitter is connected via red and black test leads (red to the wire, black to positive supply or ground). The V210 Receiver is shown nearby.

4.3 Wire Tracing

Note: Observe the limits and safety precautions at all times.

1. Set the V210 transmitter switch to "TONE"; the red LED of the transmitter should light up. If it does not, check the battery.
2. Switch on the V210 receiver and set the rotary switch to the middle position. Press and hold the "TEST" button, then move the probe sensor close to the transmitter's test lead. If the receiver picks up the signal and generates a tone, the unit is working correctly.
3. Connect the black test lead to the circuit's positive supply (or to the negative for vehicles with chassis ground). Connect the red test lead to the wire being traced. A fuse socket (with blown fuse removed) or a connector provides a convenient hook-up.
4. Set the V210 receiver switch to the middle position. Press and hold the "TEST" button, then move the probe sensor as close as possible to the wire to be traced. The probe sensor should be placed perpendicular (90°) to the wire and either above or below it.
5. The V210 receiver will emit an audio signal. Trace the wire by following the tone. If the probe sensor is moved away from the wire, the tone will decrease and then disappear.
6. If the V210 receiver has difficulty picking up a signal, increase the sensitivity level and try again. Double-check the suspected points.
7. When finished tracing the wire, disconnect the test leads, set the V210 transmitter to "OFF", and release the "TEST" button.

Diagram Description: Two diagrams show connection setups for wire tracing. The first shows a fuse socket connected to a wire, with the V210 Transmitter and Receiver. It notes parallel wires and wires shielded by a door frame. The second diagram shows a similar setup with a fuse socket, battery, and V210 Transmitter/Receiver.

For step-by-step directions, refer to section 4.1 Locating Short Circuits. For hints and specific differences, refer to the notes below:

The type and size of load connected to the circuit (impedance or resistance to ground) determines the amount of current allowed to flow in the circuit. Small loads (low voltage lamps, electronic systems, etc.) will reduce the range of the V210 receiver accordingly. In cases where the full range of the V210 receiver is required to follow the wire, it may be advantageous to use one of the two methods described below:

• Tracing wires downstream (from supply to load): Replace the load with a full short circuit to ground. This allows the V210 receiver to operate at maximum capabilities. Before proceeding, remove all electrical power from the circuit, connect the V210 transmitter in series with the wire to trace, short circuit the load to ground, then reconnect power and follow instructions in section 4.1 Locating Short Circuits.
• Tracing wires upstream (from load to supply): If more convenient, wires can be traced from load to supply by replacing the load with the V210 transmitter. To do this, first remove power from the circuit, disconnect the load, and connect the V210 transmitter in its place. Apply power to the circuit and follow instructions in section 1.8 Locating Short Circuits.

4.4 Wire Identification

Note: Observe the limits and safety precautions at all times.

1. Set the V210 transmitter switch to "TONE"; the red LED indicator should light up. If it does not, check the battery.
2. Switch on the V210 receiver and set the rotary switch to the middle position. Press and hold the "TEST" button, then move the probe sensor close to the transmitter's test lead.
   • For identifying wires with load connected: Connect the V210 transmitter as described in section 2.8 Locating Short Circuits to the circuit to be identified. Then, scan all suspected wiring with the V210 receiver probe sensor until the tone is at its maximum. In the case of tightly packed wires (bundles, conduits, etc.), it may be necessary to spread them apart to facilitate the identification process of a particular wire.
   • For identifying wires without load connected: Connect the V210 transmitter as described in section 4.2 Locating Open Circuits to the circuit to be identified. Then, scan all suspected wiring with the V210 receiver probe sensor until the tone is at its maximum. In the case of tightly packed wires (bundles, conduits, etc.), it may be necessary to spread them apart to facilitate the identification process of a particular wire.

4.5 General Tracing Procedures

Short and open circuit operation – Differences

The V210 uses two different types of signals to trace short or open circuits. Understanding their differences, as explained below, will allow for the most effective use of this versatile tool.

4.5.1 Working with Open Circuits

When detecting an open circuit, the V210 transmitter injects a special radio signal into the circuit, which the V210 receiver probe sensor can pick up. When tracing an open circuit, be aware that RF (radio frequency) signals injected into the faulty wire can be easily absorbed by nearby conductors (e.g., other wires, metal frames). This absorption can vary from a reduction in the V210 receiver's range to complete signal shielding, making detection impossible.

Diagram Description: Shows a 'Traced wire' with 'Other Wire' and 'Steel Part' nearby. Areas around the steel part and other wire are labeled 'Weakened or no signal area', illustrating how nearby conductors affect signal detection.

To avoid mistaking a shielded portion of the faulty wire for the actual fault, the circuit should be checked in several places to confirm that no signal is detected on the other side of the suspected faulty section.

4.5.2 Working with Short Circuits (and Tracing Circuits)

When the V210 transmitter detects a short circuit (or closed circuit), it injects electrical current pulses into the wires, generating magnetic fields. Unlike radio signals, magnetic fields are not easily absorbed by nearby conductors and can therefore be picked up by the V210 receiver probe sensor in a wider range of situations.

Diagram Description: Shows a 'Traced wire' with 'Other Wire' and 'Steel Part' nearby. The steel part is shown to cause a 'Weakened signal area'.

4.5.3 Some Circuit Characteristics that May Affect the Tracing of a Wire

• Electromagnetic loop size and geometry can affect the V210 receiver's range. For example, in circuits where live and ground (return) wires run parallel and close together, the interaction of their magnetic fields may weaken the signal, reducing the receiver's range.
• Wires enclosed or tightly lining the metal frame or body of the vehicle (e.g., door frames) have similar effects to parallel wires, as the metal frame or vehicle body acts as a ground wire. Steel parts can also channel magnetic fields, further affecting signal detection. These factors, individually or combined, can reduce or impede the affected wire sections.

Hint: Whenever possible, the short circuit mode of operation should be used, as it provides the best tracing capabilities.

4.6 Special Tracing Procedures

In all cases, first set the V210 receiver to a lower sensitivity level and increase it as necessary. Proceed according to the relevant sections of this User's Manual.

• Always after locating a probable fault area, verify several points in the wires on both sides (before and after) the suspected area. The signal should be present on only one side of the fault (open or short). This procedure helps avoid confusing a signal loss with the actual trouble point.

4.7 Wire Bundles and Conduits

Special care is required when tracing a wire inside a bundle or conduit where there is a split. It may be possible to follow the wrong branch for a short distance and still receive a positive audio/visual indication.

• To avoid following the wrong path, which can happen if the V210 receiver probe sensor picks up the signal from a nearby branch, the branches should be swept while keeping the probe sensor outside the apex area between the split, as shown below.

Diagram Description: Shows a wire bundle or conduit with a split. Arrows indicate tracing with the probe on different sides of the split. A shaded area is labeled 'Tracing inside this area may generate misleading results'.

Careful attention should be paid to the beeping and flashing speed of the V210 receiver unit indicators, as these provide feedback to evaluate the proximity of the probe sensor to the wire being traced.

4.8 To increase the Pickup Range When Tracing Wires

When tracing or identifying wires connected to a lightly loaded circuit (low currents), the pickup range is significantly reduced. A possible solution is to replace the load (light bulb, module, etc.) with a direct connection to ground after connecting the V210 transmitter in series with the circuit. This allows the V210 transmitter to inject a more powerful signal that is easier to detect.

• For cases where the wire layout is suspected to cause a difficult-to-detect or weak signal, the range can be dramatically increased by "spreading" the circuit. This is achieved by connecting a jumper wire between the live wire (preferably at a termination point like a light bulb socket or switch) and a ground point elsewhere in the vehicle.

This last method should be used only as a "last resource" and with the V210 receiver set to a lower sensitivity, as it may make pinpointing the precise location more difficult due to the increased range.

Diagram Description: Shows the connection of the V210 transmitter at the load using a jumper wire to ground. It illustrates positive and ground wires running parallel, wires shielded by a door frame, a fuse box, battery, light, and door switch.

Always verify that the V210 transmitter is connected in series with the circuit being tested and that its red indicator light is on, as this confirms a proper connection and limits the current flowing in the circuit.

4.9 Circuits with Multiple Loads and Branches

When tracing circuits connected to, or powering, multiple loads and/or branches, especially when active or live, the majority of the current injected by the V210 transmitter will be directed to the shorted branch. However, smaller amounts of current (or stray currents) will flow to other branches if they provide a path to ground (i.e., close the circuit).

Diagram Description: Illustrates a circuit with multiple light bulbs connected in series and parallel, showing current flow and a short circuit. It includes a fuse socket and battery.

• These stray currents in non-shorted branches, depending on circuit configuration and wire layout, could be picked up by the V210 receiver, leading to confusing or misleading tracing results.
• The simplest and most effective way to handle these cases is to disconnect or remove all loads from the circuit being traced (e.g., removing light bulbs as shown in the example).

Warranty & Support

Email: support@vdiagtool.com

Website: www.vdiagtool.com

For wholesale business or become our distributors:

Email: sales@vdiagtool.com

Invent with us, test products before they hit market, help us make better products for everyone:

Email: inventers@vdiagtool.com

Create social media content, post online and help our community:

Email: marketing@vdiagtool.com