Zircon OneStep MultiScanner i500 - Stud And Metal Finder Manual

MODE SELECTION

• When looking for studs, always start with the scanner in Stud Scan mode, whichscans through surfaces up to ³⁄₄ inch thick.
• DeepScan^® mode should only be selected if you know the surface is built-up and thicker than normal construction. You should always scan the area in Stud Scan mode first, to verify that DeepScan is needed. DeepScan is for depths between ³⁄₄ inch and 1¹⁄₂ inches.
• When scanning for metal pipes or rebar, select Metal Scan mode.
• When scanning for electrical wires, select AC Scan mode.

IMPORTANT OPERATING TIPS

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

• Tool Position. For proper use, always place scanner flat against the surface before turning on power.
• Power. Depress and hold in the power button continuously while in use.
• Calibration. Place unit flat on wall. Press and hold the power button. Do not move the unit until calibration is complete (1-2 seconds). When calibration is complete, the unit will stop blinking and display the operating mode you selected.
• Operation. Move the unit slowly, while keeping it flat against the wall. Do not rock or lift it.
• Restart At New Location. If you see this message in Stud Scan mode, you probably started over a stud. Move the unit a few inches right or left, release the power button, and start over.
• If you calibrate over a stud in DeepScan mode, you probably will not detect anystuds. Move the unit a few inches right or left, release the power button, and start over.
• If you receive a Center or Edge indication immediately after calibration withoutmoving the unit, it probably wasn't flat against the wall. Release the power button and start over.

SCANNING IN STUD SCAN OR DEEPSCAN^® MODE

After calibrating, continue to hold the power button and slowly slide the unit across the surface. As you approach the edge of a stud, bars on the display will indicate you are getting close. Continue moving the scanner slowly until the display indicates the EDGE of the stud.

Continue moving the scanner slowly. The audio signal, SpotLite, and display will indicate the CENTER of the stud (see illustrations at the top of next column). Continue in the same direction to find the other edge.

Note: DeepScan^®may report other things besides studs.

SCANNING IN METAL OR AC MODE

Select mode. After calibrating, continue to hold the power button and slowly slide the unit across the surface. Mark the spot where the display bars peak and a steady tone sounds. The SpotLite will also shine a beam of light. Continue in the same direction until display bars reduce.

Reverse direction and mark the spot where the display bars peak from that direction. The midpoint of the two marks is the approximate center of the object.

In Metal Scan mode, if you calibrate directly over metal, you probably will not detect any metal. Move the unit a few inches right or left, release the power button, and start over.

In AC Scan mode, if you calibrate over AC voltage, the unit will automatically recalibrate when you move it.

AC WireWarning^™
For your safety AC WireWarning^™ works continuously in all modes. When AC voltage is detected, the AC Alert warning icon will be displayed on screen.

Wires deeper than 2 in. (51 mm), in conduit, or behind plywood shearwall may not be detected. Use extreme caution under these circumstances or whenever hot AC wires are present. Always turn off power when working near electrical wires.

Depending on the proximity of electrical wiring or pipes to the wall surface, the MultiScanner i500 may detect them in the same manner as studs, especially in DeepScan mode. Caution should always be used when nailing, sawing, or drilling into walls, floors, and ceilings that may contain these items. Because of its increased sensitivity, DeepScan mode may also detect other things in walls that are not studs.

To avoid surprises, remember that studs or joists are normally spaced 16 in. (406 mm) or 24 in. (610 mm) apart and are 1¹⁄₂ in. (38 mm) in width. Anything closer together or a different width may not be a stud, joist, or firebreak. Always turn off the power when working near electrical wires.

Working With Different Materials

• Wallpaper: The MultiScanner i500 functions normally on walls covered with wallpaper or fabric, unless the materials are metallic foil, contain metallic fibers, or are still wet after application.
• Lath & plaster: Due to irregularities in plaster thickness, it is difficult for the MultiScanner i500 to locate studs in Stud Scan mode. Change to Metal mode to locate nail heads holding laths to studs. If plaster has metal mesh reinforcement, MultiScanner i500 will be unable to detect anything through that material.
• Textured walls or acoustic ceilings: When scanning a ceiling or wall with an uneven surface, place thin cardboard on ceiling or wall and scan over the cardboard using DeepScan mode. Calibrate with cardboard in place.
• Wood flooring, subflooring, or gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing: Use DeepScan mode.
• MultiScanner i500 cannot scan for wood studs and joists through ceramic floor tile or carpeting and pad.
• In problem situations, try using Metal Scan to locate nails or drywall screws that lineup vertically where a stud is positioned.

Note: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary due to moisture, content of materials, wall texture, and paint.

CHANGING THE BATTERY

Press battery door release down with your finger or a coin and remove door.

Connect 9-V battery to cable and place inside. Replace battery door and snap shut. Battery will last approximately 2 years under normal conditions.

HELPFUL HINTS

Situation	Probable Causes	Solutions
Not certain the object found is a stud in DeepScan mode.	DeepScan increased sensitivity may have located something other than a stud.
Display indicates "Restart at New Location".	Tool was calibrated over a stud or on dense part of wall. Tool tilted or lifted during scan.	Turn scanner off, move over a few inches, press power button, and start again. On rough surfaces, place thin cardboard on wall, scanning through it to help slide scanner more smoothly.
Working in DeepScan mode and can't detect studs.		Move MultiScanner i500 over a couple of inches and recalibrate.
Detects other objects besides studs in Stud Scan and DeepScan modes. Finds more targets than there should be.		Switch to Metal mode, where combined with Continuous AC detection, pipes and electrical wiring should be detected adequately. Check for other studs equally spaced to either side (12, 16, or 24 in. apart [305, 406, or 610 mm]) or the same stud at several places directly above or below the first. Use CAUTION when nailing, sawing, or drilling into walls, floors, and ceilings where these items may exist.
Area of voltage appears much larger than actual wire. (AC only)		To narrow detection, turn scanner off and on again at the edge of where wire was first detected and scan again. Place your free hand flat against wall near tool to drain static.
Edge or center indication doesn't appear on LCD.
Difficulty detecting metal.	Scanner not properly calibrated. Metal targets too deep.	The scanner may have been calibrated over a metal object, reducing sensitivity. Try calibrating in another location. Scan in both horizontal and vertical directions. Metal sensitivity is increased when metal object is parallel to sensor, located at front end of scanner beneath crosshair.
Image of metal object appears wider than actual size.		To reduce sensitivity, recalibrate MultiScanner i500 over either of first two marks.
Constant readings of studs near windows and doors.	Double and triple studs are usually found around doors and windows. Solid headers are above them.
You suspect electrical wires, but do not detect any.	Wires may be shielded in metal conduit or behind metallic wall covering. Wires deeper than 2 in. (51 mm)from surface might not be detected. Wires may not be hot.	Try Metal scan to see if you can find metal, wire, or metal conduit. Try turning on switches to outlet. Try plugging a lamp into outlet and turning on switch. Always turn off the power when working near electrical wires.