Published September 2007

Compact Camera System Aids Inspection of 2- to 6-Inch Lines

By Ken Wysocky (page 100)

Peering into blocked and deteriorating pipes and drains is a bit easier with the ROCAM Cordless Drain Inspection Camera System from Rothenberger USA.

Durability and ease of use are hallmarks of this unit, which can be operated by one person and weighs 26 pounds. With the optional transmitter and digital onscreen distance counter, which helps the operator pinpoint the exact location of obstructions, the unit weighs 36 pounds.

The system’s ABS plastic housing is splash- and impact-resistant. A strong, tubular frame provides stability on virtually any surface and serves as a handle for easy transportation. “An onboard battery charger makes the unit more convenient to use on jobsites where no electricity is available,” notes Jennifer Ross, marketing specialist. “When fully charged, the 24-volt battery will last up to 2 1/2 hours.”

The unit is designed to traverse pipes from 2 to 6 inches. It comes with a 1-1/4-inch camera head and a reinforced push cable that enables the operator to push the camera through sludge and other impediments up to 118 feet away.

As for the camera, a German pinhole sapphire lens includes LED illumination that provides clear images. The lens is scratch-resistant, and the camera head is flexible enough to maneuver around corners and through tight spaces.

The camera images appear on a 5-inch monitor, available in color or black-and-white. A fold-down monitor cover eases screen glare on sunny days. USB video in and out ports allow the operator to record the inspection. “It’s good to be able to document the problem and also leave behind a video with a customer,” Ross observes. For information: 800/545-7698; www.rothenberger.com.