StarFinder Plus - Detector Laserliner - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Stud, Cable and Metal Detector
Brand	Laserliner
Model	StarFinder Plus
Dimensions (L x H x D)	85 mm x 180 mm x 38 mm
Weight (including battery)	163 g
Power Supply	1 x 9V alkaline battery (type 6LR 61)
Measuring Modes	STUD-SCAN (wood/metal studs), AC-SCAN (live cables)
Detection Depth (STUD-SCAN)	Up to 4 cm
Detection Depth (AC-SCAN)	Up to 4 cm
Detected Voltage Range	110-230 V, 50-60 Hz
Display	LC display with backlight and user guidance
Calibration	Automatic and manual
Signals	Visual (green/red LED) and audible
Auto Shut-off	After 30 seconds of inactivity
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C to 70°C
Safety	Integrated voltage alert; cut power supply in STUD-SCAN mode near electrical lines
Cleaning	Clean with a soft, dry cloth
Disposal	Electrical device: selective collection according to WEEE directive
Package Contents	StarFinder Plus detector, 9V battery, instruction manual

Frequently Asked Questions - StarFinder Plus Laserliner

How to calibrate the StarFinder Plus device?

Automatic calibration occurs at power-on or when changing mode. For manual calibration, press the CAL button (5). In STUD-SCAN mode, hold the device against the wall during calibration. Wait for the 'CAL OK' display before starting measurement.

What to do if the device displays 'ERROR' in STUD-SCAN mode?

The error indicates that the device is positioned over a stud at the start of calibration. Move the device a few centimeters to a location without a stud and restart calibration.

How to detect wood or metal studs?

Select STUD-SCAN mode (MODE button). Apply the device against the wall, calibrate (CAL), then slowly move it across the surface. The center of the stud is between the two visual marks. Studs are often spaced 30, 40, or 60 cm apart.

How to locate live cables?

Select AC-SCAN mode. Wait for calibration to finish (CAL OK). Slowly move the device. A red LED and audible alarm indicate a live line. For better accuracy, perform a manual calibration near the last detection.

What battery should I use for the StarFinder Plus?

Use a 9V alkaline battery type 6LR 61. Open the battery compartment on the back of the device and insert the battery respecting polarity.

Why does the device not detect correctly on some walls?

Certain materials may interfere with detection: ceramic tiles, thick carpets, metallic wallpapers, or freshly painted damp walls. In this case, let dry for at least a week. Textured ceilings may require using DeepScan mode (if available) or a protective plate.

What does the message 'CAL OK' mean?

The 'CAL OK' message indicates that calibration is complete and the device is ready to take measurements. You can then start moving the device over the surface to be inspected.

What is the maximum detection depth?

The maximum detection depth is 4 cm for studs (STUD-SCAN) and for live cables (AC-SCAN). Deeper objects may not be detected or may show incomplete oscillation.

How to turn off the device?

Press and hold the On/Off button (4) for about 2 seconds. The device also turns off automatically after 30 seconds of inactivity (AutoShutOff).

What safety precautions should be observed during use?

In STUD-SCAN mode, always cut off the power supply if working near electrical lines. The voltage alert works continuously on unprotected lines. Do not use the device near water or in humid environments. Follow the WEEE directive for disposal.

USER MANUAL StarFinder Plus Laserliner

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6 STUD-SCAN-Messung

Read the operating instructions and the enclosed brochure „Guarantee and additional notices“ completely. Follow the instructions they contain. Safely keep these documents for future reference.

Function / Application

Multiple integrated sensors make StarFinder Plus by Laserliner a highly efficient detecting device for locating wall beams and joists in drywall structures and finding live lines. The StarFinder Plus is equipped with an LC display with user guide, ensuring easy and reliable operation. Acoustic and optical detection signals to locate objects facilitates handling and ensures a high level of functional reliability.

1

2

3

4

5

1 Maximum display
2 Live wire warning
3 LC display
4 ON / OFF Switching measuring mode (MODE)
5 Manual calibration (CAL)

Always switch off the power supply when working in STUD-SCAN mode in the vicinity of electric conductors.

1 Insert battery

Open the battery compartment on the housing's rear side and insert a 9V battery. Correct polarity must be observed.

2 Operation

Switch on: Briefly press the On/Off button (4).

Switch off: Keep the On/Off button (4) pressed for 2 seconds.

AutoShutOff: The device will automatically switch itself off about 30 seconds after the last measurement.

3 Symbols

Red = Live wire warning

AC-SCAN mode

Green = live wire is nearby

Red = live wire found

STUD-SCAN mode

Green/Red: object is nearby

Green: object found

line, object is nearby

line, object found

4 Calibration

Auto-Calibration

The automatic calibration is performed in AC-SCAN measurement immediately when the device is switched on and when the measuring mode is switched. During calibration, the display shows „CAL“. Do not move the device during this process. Once „CAL OK“ appears on the display, tracing can be started.

Manual calibration

Pressing the CAL button (5) manually calibrates the device. This allows measurements to be restarted and objects to be isolated more precisely.

Maximum sensitivity is achieved when the device is held in the air while calibrating. This can be useful for AC-SCAN measurements.

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The device and the wall must maintain contact during calibration in STUD-SCAN mode and throughout the entire measurement process. A hand should remain at the device the entire time as well.

5 Select measurement mode

Briefly press the Mode button (4).

AC-SCAN (Locating live lines directly under non-metallic cladding)

STUD-SCAN (Detecting wooden wall beams and joists as well as metal in drywall structures under non-metallic cladding)

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6 Measuring in STUD-SCAN mode

Detecting wooden wall beams and joists as well as metal in drywall structures, e.g. under gypsum fibreboard, wood panels or other non-metallic cladding.

- Select STUD-SCAN (button 4)

- ON WALL: Place the tool against the wall

- PRESS CAL: Press the calibration button (5) and wait until calibration is completed: CAL OK

- MOVE: Move the tool slowly across the surface.

Tip 1: The position between the two markings is the mid-point of the stud.

Tip 2: The position where you start is important: First place the tool in a position where you know there is no stud. Otherwise, the message "ERROR" will appear in the display. To remedy: Move the tool to another position a few centimetres away and start measuring again.

Tip 3: To avoid interference while scanning, keep your free hand and other objects at least 15 cm away from the StarFinder Plus.

Tip 4: The StarFinder Plus will only find the outside edge of double studs and headers which may be fitted around doors, windows and corners.

Tip 5: Ensure that you have really detected a stud. To do so, check on both sides whether other studs are present at equal distances, usually at 30, 40 or 60 cm. Also check that it is a stud by scanning at several places directly above and below the position of the first find.

Tip 6: Textured ceilings: The ceiling must be covered with cardboard to protect it. In this case, use the DeepScan function.

Note: If an object is deep inside a wall, the device may not indicate it clearly.

If electric wires or metal or plastic pipes are located near or in contact with a plaster fibreboard panel, they may be identified by the StarFinder Plus as studs.

Special things to note with various materials

It may not be possible to detect wooden studs or joists through the following materials:

– Ceramic floor tiles

- Fitted carpeting with padded backing

– Wallpaper with metal fibres or metal foil

- Freshly painted, damp walls. These must have dried for at least one week.

7 Measuring in AC-SCAN mode

For localising live wires directly beneath the plaster or behind wooden panels and other non-metallic panelling. It is not possible to detect live wires in dry walls with metal studs.

• Select AC-SCAN (button 4).
• As soon as the display switches from CAL to CAL OK, you can move the device.
• MOVE: Move the tool slowly across the surface.

Tip 1: Manual calibration should be performed near the place found last as shown in Image B/C. Repeat this step as needed.
Tip 2: Because of static charges, electric fields may be detected at the side of the actual position of the wire. To carry away these charges, lay your free hand on the wall.
Tip 3: Move the tool slowly as friction can generate interfering electric charges.
Tip 4: If you suspect that wires must be present but cannot find any, this may be because they are shielded in conduits. Use STUD-SCAN in order to localise conduits.
Tip 5: Metal in walls (e.g. metal studs) transmit electrical fields and may therefore cause interference. In this case, switch to STUD-SCAN in order to find the wire.
Tip 6: The position where you start is important: To achieve maximum sensitivity, start by placing the device in a position which is known not to be near live wires.
Note: If an object is deep inside a wall, the device may not indicate it clearly.

Wires which are at a depth of more than 4 cm may not be detected.

8 STUD-SCAN: Current monitoring

Continuous current monitoring in unshielded wires as soon as an electrical field is detected.

9 Backlight

The device features backlighting.

Technical data
Detection range AC 110 - 230V, 50 - 60 Hz
Operating temperature 0°C ... 40°C (32°F ... 104°F)
Storage temperature -20°C ... 70°C (-4°F ... 158°F)
Power supply 1 x 9V alkaline battery (type 6 LR 61)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 85 mm x 180 mm x 38 mm
Weight (incl. battery) 163 g
Measuring depth
Wood / metal beam location (STUD-SCAN)	Up to 4 cm depth
Targeted location of live supply lines (AC-SCAN)	Up to 4 cm depth

Subject to technical alterations. 10.2012

EU directives and disposal

This device complies with all necessary standards for the free movement of goods within the EU.

This product is an electric device and must be collected separately for disposal according to the European Directive on waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Further safety and supplementary notices at: www.laserliner.com/info

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6 STUD-SCAN-meting

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6 STUD-SCAN måling

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6 Mesure STUD-SCAN

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6 Medición STUD-SCAN

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6 Misura STUD-SCAN

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6 Pomiar STUD-SCAN

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6 STUD-SCAN-mittaus

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6 Medição STUD-SCAN

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6 STUD-SCAN-lokalisering

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6 STUD-SCAN måling

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6 STUD-SCAN ölçümu

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6 Měření STUD-SCAN

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6 Măsurare STUD-SCAN

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6 STUD-SCAN-измерване

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6 Μέτρηση STUD-SCAN