3. Scanning different surfaces
Wallpaper: The ST100 functions normally on walls covered with wallpaper or fabric, unless the
materials are metallic foil, contain metallic fibers, or are still wet after application. Wallpaper
may need to dry for several weeks after application.
Freshly painted walls: May take one week or longer to dry after application.
Lath & plaster: Due to irregularities in plaster thickness, it is difficult for ST100 to locate studs.
If the plaster has metal mesh reinforcement, ST100 may be unable to detect through that
material.
Extremely textured walls or acoustic ceilings: When scanning a ceiling or wall with an
uneven surface, place thin cardboard on the surface to be scanned and scan over the cardboard
in scan mode.
Wood flooring, sub-flooring, or gypsum drywall over plywood sheathing: Use scan mode and
move the tool slowly. There may only limited LEDs light on when the tool locates a stud through thick
surfaces.The ST100 cannot scan for wood studs and joists through concrete or carpet and padding.
Note: Sensing depth and accuracy can vary due to moisture, content of materials, wall texture,
and paint.
WARNING: Do not rely exclusively on the detector to locate items behind the scanned surface.
Use other information sources to help locate items before penetrating the surface. Such
additional sources include construction plans, visible points of entry of pipes and wiring into
walls, such as in a basement, and in standard 16 and 24 in. (41 and 61 cm) stud spacing
practices.
4. Turning on/calibrating the tool
The ST100 can be calibrated anywhere on the wall.
• Place ST100 against the wall before pressing the button.
• Press the button and hold it to start calibration, the GREEN marked “Ready” LED would light on
continuously, and the RED LED would flash twice, at the same time the buzzer beep twice, when
the only GREEN LED light on the panel, the calibration is completed. (Continue to press the button
and keep the tool flat against the wall and begin scanning.)
Note: It is important to wait for calibration to complete (around 3 seconds) every time before moving
the scanner.If there are no YELLOW LEDs lighted on the panel, probably the calibration is not
correct, move the tool on a different place to calibrate again.
5. Finding a stud
1. Place the tool flat against the wall, then press and hold the Button. Wait for the calibration is
completed before moving scanner.
2. Slowly slide tool across the surface. One or two YELLOW LEDs will illuminate, indicating location of
the stud edge.
3. Continue sliding the tool. When the edge of a stud is located, the full LEDs will all light on and the
buzzer will sound continuously. Mark this spot.
4. Continue scanning beyond the marked spot until the yellow LEDs go out. Slide unit in reverse
direction to locate other edge of stud.
5. Mark this second spot. Between the two spots is the stud position.In cases of deeper studs (thicker
walls), when the edge of the stud is located, not full LEDs will light on the screen.
WARNING: DO NOT ASSUME THERE ARE NO LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRES IN THE WALL. DO NOT TAKE
ACTIONS THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS.IF THE WALL CONTAINS A LIVE ELECTRICAL WIRE.
ALWAYS TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL POWER, GAS, AND WATER SUPPLIES BEFORE PENETRATING
A SURFACE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN ELECTRIC SHOCK, FIRE,
AND/OR SERIOUS INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
Always turn off power when working near electrical wires.