Pipeline Inspection System Gets New Video Tool Case

"Municipal workers and contractors are finding the new video tool case very convenient," said Tim Smith, product manager, Ridgid/Kollmann drain cleaning equipment. "It's easy to carry to and from the work site, and because of its battery-powered feature, the user never has to worry about access to power on the work site."

The video tool case operates by either AC or DC external power sources, as well as by a sealed, liquid rechargeable battery. The case features a 100 to 240-volt auto-switching AC power supply and a DC adapter that runs off a standard automotive cigarette lighter. An AC/DC connector charges the battery when plugged into an outlet, and a three-color lamp gives a visual indication of battery status.

The water-resistant, heavy-duty carrying case is designed to withstand abuse. The case is sized like a briefcase, 181/2" long x 141/2" wide x 8" high, and weighs only 30 pounds, making it easy to store in small areas of a service vehicle.

A 5-inch LCD color monitor screen provides a high-resolution image with less weight and lower power consumption than a standard tube monitor. The screen can be tilted to accommodate a variety of angles. An integrated wraparound sunshade enhances viewing, and a neoprene sun boot provides a glare-free image, even in direct sunlight.

A built-in commercial grade VCR can be controlled from front panel controls, a wireless remote control, or a keypad on top of the monitor housing. The system's audio circuit permits distortion-free recording and playback.

When recording an inspection with the VCR, the audio level is automatically adjusted to provide the best sound pickup, and the speaker is automatically muted to prevent feedback. The built-in speaker enables the video tool case to be used as a playback system for on-the-spot reviews. Front panel audio/video dubbing jacks permit users to play, record or copy tapes from an external video device.

An on-board microprocessor provides on-screen displays, power-save mode, monitor power switch, auto power-off and auto-power transport. The on-screen display provides a status of audio recording, battery life, transmitter operation, VCR function, monitor picture adjustment and the system set-up menu. A power-save mode, which can be activated through the system set-up menu, automatically turns off the VCR when the unit has been idle for a pre-selected amount of time.

To extend the battery life, a monitor power switch allows the monitor to be turned off when not needed, while the rest of the system remains on, as in the case when line locating. To prevent unintentional battery discharge, an auto power-off feature interrupts the system power when the monitor is lowered to its stowed position. An auto-power transfer feature prevents the system from resetting, which would result in lost distance measurements, by instantaneously switching to and from the internal battery whenever an external power source is connected or disconnected.

Simultaneous recordings of inspections with the built-in VCR and an external device are possible with the system's LANC port which controls an external LANC video device from the keypad. An instructional videotape and a user's manual is provided with the video tool case.

The SeeSnake system consists of a camera and lighting system that, along with a push-rod assembly, allows users to see deep inside drain lines and other types of piping in order to determine the cause and location of problems. A high-resolution monitor displays the cause of the problem, while the unit's in-line transmitter pinpoints the exact location.