PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera
Specifications
- Optical specifications:
- Temperature range
- Accuracy
- Field of view (FOV)
- Smallest focus distance
- Infrared resolution
- Thermal sensitivity
- Wavelength range
- Focus Calibration of the measurement
- Number of spots
- Representation:
- Display
- Picture-in-picture function
- Frame rate
- Colour palettes
- Emissivity
- Memory:
- Image memory
- Image format
- Video format
- Settings:
- Setting options
- Languages
- Power supply
- Environmental conditions:
- Temperature
- Relative humidity
- Dimensions:
- Weight
Product Usage Instructions
- Safety Notes
Please read the manual thoroughly before using the device for the first time. Only qualified personnel should operate and repair the device. Non-observance of the manual may lead to damage or injuries not covered by warranty. - System Description
The PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera is designed for capturing thermal images within a specified temperature range. It features a TFT display with adjustable settings and various colour palettes for enhanced image representation. - Menu
The menu allows you to customize settings such as intensity, language, temperature unit, and more. You can also utilize the picture-in-picture function to overlay thermal images on visible light images. - Maintenance
To ensure optimal performance, regularly clean the camera using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the device. - Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with the camera’s functionality, refer to the troubleshooting section in the manual for possible solutions. For unresolved problems, contact PCE Instruments for assistance. - Contact
If you have any questions or require support regarding the PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera, feel free to reach out to our customer service team at PCE Instruments. - Disposal
When disposing of the camera, follow proper waste disposal guidelines to minimize environmental impact. Do not dispose of the device in regular household waste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How do I adjust the focus distance on the thermal imaging camera?
A: The focus distance can be adjusted using the camera’s menu settings. Navigate to the focus calibration option and follow the on-screen instructions to set the desired focus distance. - Q: What is the operating time of the internal rechargeable battery?
A: The internal rechargeable battery provides approximately 2 to 3 hours of operating time on a full charge. It is recommended to recharge the battery before extended use.
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. 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 in this 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.
- 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.
Specifications
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 |
| Video format | MP4 |
| 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 | Input: 100…240 VAC 50/60 Hz Output: 5 V / 2 A |
| 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 |
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
System description
Device
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.
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 acclimatized 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.
Display description 
- 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. - Temperature in the centre of the image
The white crosshairs in the centre of the image indicate the temperature at the focus of the thermal imaging camera. - 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. - 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
Control panel
- 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. - Switching the LED on and off
Press and hold the trigger key for approx. 1 second to turn the LED on or off. - Picture-in-picture function
This function enables the 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. - Saving images and videos
To save an image, press and release the key on the handle of the thermal imaging camera in normal measuring mode. To save a video, press and hold the same key for about 3 seconds. In both cases, 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. - 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.
Image overlapping
To exactly overlap the real image of the integrated digital camera with the images from 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 the infrared 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.
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 up: 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
Show saved videos
Press the menu key and use the navigation keys to go to the option „
(videos). Press the key ► to open the sub-menu. All saved videos are now displayed here in a continuous list. The following functions are now available
- Navigation key up or down: scroll through the list
- Select/enter key: view the highlighted video
- Navigation key left or right: view previous or next video
- Navigation key up: delete current video; 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
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:
Set colour palette
Open the menu using the menu key and use the 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
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 %).
Set emissivity
Open the menu using the menu key and use the navigation keys up or 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.
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 |
Settings
Open the menu using the menu key and use the 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:
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
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
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
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
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
Time
Use the navigation keys 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
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
Maintenance
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.
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 | The battery is discharged | Fully charge the thermal | ||
| cannot be switched on | imaging camera with the | |||
| supplied USB cable (see | ||||
| 3.2.1) | ||||
| The thermal imaging camera | The battery is discharged | Fully charge the thermal | ||
| switches itself off during | imaging camera with the | |||
| operation | supplied USB cable (see | |||
| 3.2.1) | ||||
| Automatic | shutdown | is | Switch on the thermal | |
| activated | imaging camera again and | |||
| change the setting of the | ||||
| automatic shutdown, if | ||||
| necessary (see 4.6.1). | ||||
Contact
If you have any questions, suggestions or technical problems, please do not hesitate to contact us. You will find the relevant contact information at the end of this user manual.
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.
PCE Instruments’ contact information
| Germany | France | Spain |
| PCE Deutschland GmbH | PCE Instruments France EURL | PCE Ibérica S.L. |
| Im Langel 26 | 23, rue de Strasbourg | Calle Mula, 8 |
| D-59872 Meschede | 67250 Soultz-Sous-Forets | 02500 Tobarra (Albacete) |
| Deutschland | France | España |
| Tel.: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 0 | Téléphone: +33 (0) 972 3537 17 | Tel. : +34 967 543 548 |
| Fax: +49 (0) 2903 976 99 29 | Numéro de fax: +33 (0) 972 3537 18 | Fax: +34 967 543 542 |
| info@pce-instruments.com | info@pce-france.fr | info@pce-iberica.es |
| 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. |
| Trafford House | Via Pesciatina 878 / B-Interno 6 | Halkalı Merkez Mah. |
| Chester Rd, Old Trafford | 55010 Loc. Gragnano | Pehlivan Sok. No.6/C |
| Manchester M32 0RS | Capannori (Lucca) | 34303 Küçükçekmece – İstanbul |
| United Kingdom | Italia | Türkiye |
| Tel: +44 (0) 161 464902 0 | Telefono: +39 0583 975 114 | Tel: 0212 471 11 47 |
| Fax: +44 (0) 161 464902 9 | Fax: +39 0583 974 824 | Faks: 0212 705 53 93 |
| info@pce-instruments.co.uk | info@pce-italia.it | info@pce-cihazlari.com.tr |
| www.pce-instruments.com/english | www.pce-instruments.com/italiano | www.pce-instruments.com/turkish |
| The Netherlands | United States of America | Denmark |
| PCE Brookhuis B.V. | PCE Americas Inc. | PCE Instruments Denmark ApS |
| Institutenweg 15 | 1201 Jupiter Park Drive, Suite 8 | Birk Centerpark 40 |
| 7521 PH Enschede | Jupiter / Palm Beach | 7400 Herning |
| Nederland | 33458 FL | Denmark |
| Telefoon: +31 (0)53 737 01 92 | USA | Tel.: +45 70 30 53 08 |
| info@pcebenelux.nl | Tel: +1 561-320-9162 | kontakt@pce-instruments.com |
| www.pce-instruments.com/dutch | Fax: +1 561-320-9176 | www.pce-instruments.com/dansk |
Documents / Resources
 |
PCE INSTRUMENTS PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera [pdf] User Manual PCE-TC 30N Thermal Imaging Camera, PCE-TC 30N, Thermal Imaging Camera, Imaging Camera, Camera |
