Small Wonders

Compact camera systems provide affordable entry to the inspection business and enable accurate diagnosis of trouble in small lines

There are good reasons to go small in a pipeline-inspection system. One is to get into the inspection market and test the waters without making too big an investment. Another is simply to get access to small spaces – drains, traps, conduits, ductwork – that otherwise aren’t accessible.

Camera manufacturers offer an almost limitless variety of compact systems based on pushrod technology. The ones described here are the smallest or among the smallest in each supplier’s line. Take a quick look, then go to the Web sites or make some phone calls to find out which of these systems is best for your business.

1. One inch

The 1-inch stationary head video kit from Amazing Machinery works in pipes from 1 1/4 to 6 inches. The 1-inch color camera head has a stainless steel housing that is waterproof up to 100 feet under water. The system has a hinged 5.5-inch high-resolution monitor with 6-foot cable and RCA video output. The monitor has 960 x 234 pixel resolution. 800/504-7435; www.amazingmachinery.com.

2. Choice of camera heads

The portable SEEKER camera from Aries Industries Inc. is designed to meet users’ applications. By providing choice of straight-view or pan-and-tilt cameras, it lets users inspect pipes ranging from 2-inch laterals to 60-inch mainline sewers.

The straight-view camera has 12 warm white LEDs that provide 10,000-hour life, bright illumination, and optimum light temperature for true color. The Mini Pan-and-Tilt camera provides continuous pan-and-tilt rotation and has 12 warm white 10,000-hour LEDs. Built-in wipers clear the lens and light with every panning rotation. Camera control is by way of a wireless key fob controller. 262/896-7205; www.ariesindustries.com.

3. Versatile tools

ProScout II and III mini cameras from CUES Inc. can be inserted through cleanouts as small as 2 inches. Propulsion choices include pushing, pulling, transporters and crawlers. They pass through short 90-degree turns or single tee connections in 4-inch pipe with the end connector and cable in place. Interchangeable color or black-and-white camera heads provide the best picture for any application.

The ProScout III (1.5 inches diameter, 3.5 inches long) has a centering ball skid with 4- to 6-inch pipe that mounts directly to the camera housing. It also includes a light head containing 12 LEDs to illuminate interiors of 2- to 10-inch pipes.

The ProScout II (2.25 inches diameter, 3.8 inches long) has a stainless spring steel skid set for 3- to 6-inch pipes. It includes a front light ring with four incandescent lamps to illuminate 3- to 10-inch pipes. 800/327-7791; www.cuesinc.com.

4. Tiny camera head

The Micro-Cam Model AS340-C system from Cyclops Electronics is designed to inspect small pipes and look into other hard-to-access places. The camera head, 3/4 inch in diameter, is waterproof and has built-in white LED lights.

The 410,000-pixel CCD produces super-high-resolution video. The system is capable of 120-V AC or 12-V DC power. It has a 5.6-inch LCD monitor with video connectors for a VCR or DVR, plus 50 feet of push cable. An internal SD chip holds up to one hour of video. It is lightweight and easy to transport. 830/249-9756; www.cyclopstv.com.

5. Modular components

Easy CAM systems from Easy Cam LLC include models with 150 or 200 feet of pushrod with built-in 512-Hz transmitter. The video cable connects to a wide variety of video equipment, giving users options for viewing and recording inspections. The cameras use a standard 12-V power supply. A stainless steel spring connects the camera head to the pushrod, providing flexibility to maneuver around bends.

The pushrod is designed for strength and flexibility and has a low-friction jacket that reduces drag even in rough pipes. A rotary contact ensures a steady flow of signals to maintain a high-quality picture. A camera lens cover takes the blunt of impacts in the pipe and is replaceable. Laminated glass lenses maintain waterproof qualities even if the lens becomes cracked or broken. 432/349-4300; www.easycamllc.com.

6. Compact cable reel

The EelCam Micro-Cam pipeline inspection system from Electric Eel Manufacturing Co. Inc., has a 3/4-inch-diameter CCD black-and-white camera rated at 0.03 lux with solid-state, high-power LED lighting. It includes a compact 20-inch cable reel with slip-ring assembly and with feet that allow the reel to be laid on its side. The reel holds 100 feet of 5/16-inch video cable that allows for maneuvering in small lines. It adapts to any existing EelCam inspection system. A color camera head is available. 800/833-1212; www.electriceel.com.

7. Digital push cam

The VeriSight digital push camera system from Envirosight LLC has an onboard 60-GB hard drive that stores 45 hours of MPEG4 video. An intuitive file system lets users archive clips for easy retrieval while USB and SD ports enable upload of inspection data directly to a PC. The unit has a selectable sonde frequency and a 16-page text generator with full QWERTY keyboard.

The system has a welded stainless steel frame, Kevlar-reinforced pushrod, spring shock absorbers, sealed slip ring, and waterproof ABS housing for durability. The controller lets users complete inspections quickly and document them thoroughly. It has an 8-inch recessed color TFT display, onscreen text-generator with 16-page memory, analog/digital connectivity (via RCA in/out jacks and a USB port), NiMH rechargeable battery plus main power and 12-V DC input, microphone for narration, graphical file navigation, and footage counter (feet and meters). 973/252-6700; www.envirosight.com.

8. Pipe wall inspection

The FB-PIC3188DN video/pipe wall inspection system from Forbest Products Co. includes a 7-inch TFT LCD display monitor with DVR, a CCD waterproof color camera with eight bright LEDs, and 65 feet of push cable (98- and 130-foot cables optional). A 12-V lithium-ion rechargeable storage battery is included. 650/757-4786; www.forbestusa.net.

9. Integral system

The Gen-Eye POD from General Pipe Cleaners combines camera, reel, and monitor in a single package. The 5.6-inch color LCD screen is mounted on a tough, flexible gooseneck that swivels to provide the best viewing angle. A video-out connection lets users record to an external device.

The full-size POD unit includes a self-leveling camera and 200 feet of Gel-Rod cable for troubleshooting 3- to 10-inch lines. The MINI-POD system carries 125 or 175 feet of pushrod and a color mini camera for inspecting 2- to 4-inch lines. The steel frame can be operated vertically or horizontally. Other features include a picture inverter, AC and DC power cords, LED dimmer control, 3-inch trap skid, and 512-Hz transmitter. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.

10. Measured in millimeters

The Color Mini Camera from Image Inspection Services Ltd. has 350 lines of resolution and 0.5-lux sensitivity. It has white LED solid-state lighting consisting of 12 LEDs in a high-output bullet nose. The unit comes with a recessed shatter-proof lens and measures 0.6 inches in diameter. 800/667-6670; www.image-inspect.com.

11. Quality and clarity

Micro Push camera systems from Insight/Vision for inspecting 1- to 6-inch lines include the ClearVIEW MICRO camera head, designed for high picture quality and clarity and Xpress Command Modules with USB port, memory card, and DVD recording capability. The cameras include bright LED lighting. 800/488-8177; www.insightvisioncameras.com.

12. Low-light capability

The Mini Crystal Cam push camera from Inuktun USA is a high-resolution color video system for inspecting small pipes. At 7/8-inch diameter, the camera head easily passes through 1.25-inch pipe. The fiberglass pushrod allows the camera to negotiate bends and to be pushed long distances. The stainless steel housing and internal potted electronics provide durability and chemical resistance. Users can set the focus before deploying the camera and to examine details close up or at a distance. 985/662-0755; www.inuktunusa.com.

13. Broad applications

The flexiprobe P330+ pushrod inspection system from Pearpoint Inc. combines full-featured P330+ flexiprobe controller with high-performance, durable cameras, and a wide range of rods and accessories to handle numerous video inspection applications.

The controller displays video footage in digital-quality full-color VGA on an ultra-bright 8-inch industrial TFT screen. Digital technology makes it easy to access controller features. The intuitive user interface and keypad are operable even when wearing gloves. The system offers digital pan and zoom, one-touch recording to compact Flash cards up to 8 GB, and quick transfer of video and still pictures via USB and Bluetooth wireless technology. Inspection reports can be produced on site with an integrated report writer. 800/688-8094; www.radiodetection.com.

14. Cased in steel

The Mini Stand Alone Complete (MSA COM) camera from MyTana Manufacturing Co. Inc. is designed to inspect 1.5- to 3-inch lines. It has a self-contained monitor and control box and can operate with household electricity or with an onboard rechargeable 12-V battery.

The 1 1/8-inch steel camera housing includes nine LEDs and a built-in 512-Hz transmitter. The unit comes in an all-steel frame that measures 17 inches square by 12 inches deep. 800/328-8170; www.mytana.com.

15. Straight view

The IBAK Hydrus straight-view camera from RapidView is a pluggable unit for inspecting lines 2 inches and up. It can be used with cable reels such as the HSP Coiler with wheels and transport handle and up to 200 feet of Magic Push Rod cable, and with control panels such as the BOP, with a TFT LCD bright monitor, wireless remote control, and text-display generator. 800/656-4225; www.rapidview.com.

16. Compact and affordable

The Ultra Micro camera system from Ratech Electronics Ltd., includes a black-and-white camera head, 3/4 inch in diameter and 1.5 inches long. Intended as a low-cost entry system, it is designed to maintain the quality of the company’s high-end units in a compact, affordable package.

The camera can access pipes as small as 1 inch and will negotiate multiple bends in larger pipes and services. High-intensity LED lights enable high-quality images. A 1-inch color camera is available. The monitor control unit has all functions rear-mounted except the camera light head control, which is front-mounted for easy access and operation.

Rear-mounted jacks include camera input, video in/out jacks for recording or playback, and fuses for camera, lights and AC line. The black-and-white 1,000-line resolution monitor includes a sun shield that doubles as a screen protector when not in use. Standard cable length is 100 feet. 800/461-9200; www.ratech-electronics.com.

17. Auto-upright

The Alpha SAT45H pushrod camera system from Rausch Electronics USA LLC has a removable camera with a permanent auto-upright picture for inspecting 2- to 10-inch pipes. An integrated sonde is available. The push-reel holds up to 200 feet of push cable and has an internal electronic footage counter. The LCD viewing monitor has external connectors for VCR and DVD-R recorders. A titler with keyboard is optional. 717/709-1005; www.rauschtv-usa.com.

18. Reaching tight spots

The SeeSnake microDrain inspection system from RIDGID lets users quickly inspect previously inaccessible places. A 0.86-inch-diameter camera head can pass through many toilet traps and 1 1/4-inch lines. The system includes 30 feet of push cable.

The lightweight and compact package is designed for ease of transport. The cable reel is compatible with a variety of SeeSnake monitors or the microEXPLORER digital inspection camera. 800/474-3443; www.RIDGIDUpgrade.com.

19. Cordless system

The ROCAM cordless color drain-inspection camera from Rothenberger USA has a 1 1/4-inch-diameter camera head with a scratch-resistant sapphire lens for inspecting 2- to 6-inch lines. The system carries 118 feet of push cable and includes a 2-inch guide skid. Other features include digital footage readout, video in/out, LED illumination, onboard battery charger with charge-status indicator, and a tubular frame that acts as a handle. 800/545-7698; www.rothenberger-usa.com.

20. Tapered head

The 1306 Mini Camera from RS Technical Services Inc. is a high-resolution color inspection camera (2.25-inch diameter). It is tapered to negotiate past offsets and clear multiple 90-degree bends in pipes 4 inches or larger and pass 3-inch sweeps and 90-degree bends in 3-inch lines.

The unit has 0.19-lux high-performance camera electronics, digital video processing, and a high-frequency (DWM) power supply. Integrated high-efficiency lighting with 16 high-intensity LEDs can illuminate lines up to 16 inches. The camera can be mated with mini systems carrying 150 to 400 feet of pushrod on a standard reel.

It is compatible with the company’s 1300 Series controller and RST Mainline Control. 800/767-1974; www.rstechserv.com.

Around bends

The Mini Mongoose inspection system from Scooter Video Inspection System is designed for hard-to-reach locations. The 1.16-inch-diameter camera negotiates Ls and P-traps in 2-inch pipes as well as 1 1/2-inch sanitary Ls and straights. The push cable is 100 feet long and polypropylene-jacketed for long life. It is flexible enough to go through a P-trap. A coiler drum stores the cable and camera, which is high-resolution with 18 high-intensity LEDs mounted in a diffuser light head. The camera housing is seamless urethane. A black-and-white 9-inch monitor is standard – it is VCR-ready and includes the VCR interface cable. 800/772-6165; www.tvinspection.com.

Ultra-tough cable

The Pro-Built Series 100-foot sewer camera from South Coast Sewer Equipment Inc. includes a built-in 512-Hz transmitter for locates up to 20 feet deep. It includes 100 feet of premium heat-treated video cable with fiber rod center core, polypropylene filler strands, and gel-sealed polyethylene heat-treated commercial-grade jacket. The package comes on a welded-tube 24-inch steel reel. The camera has a super-bright white LED light ring. The 9-inch color LCD monitor has DVD recording capability and an LED intensity adjustment control. 800/688-0081; www.southcoastequipment.com.

21. Adaptable system

The PROvision 2.0 camera system from Spartan Tool LLC has a compact design and modular components that let users tailor the package to their needs. The base unit includes a flexible, reel-mounted pushrod (100 feet) and an LCD screen with DVR, and a choice of black-and-white, color, or color self-leveling camera heads. A secondary reel can be added for longer runs, and a locating beacon or receiver helps pinpoint trouble spots as deep as 25 feet. 800/435-3866; www.spartantool.com.

Compact color

The Speedy Cam Micro Color camera system from Speedway Drain Cleaning Products includes a 1-inch-diameter mini camera, 100 feet of gel rod, an open mini reel, and a command module with 9-inch color monitor, sun shield, and tilt stand. It operates on 110-V AC power. 800/835-2200; www.speedway-tools.com.

22. Lots of options

The Tru-View mini camera system from Triple R Specialty includes a color camera with sapphire lens and built-in transmitter, stainless steel camera and transmitter housing, 100 feet of pushrod able to navigate 2-inch traps, video output jacks, battery and charger, (or 120-V operation), powder-coated steel frame, and 5.6-inch color flat-screen monitor with picture inverter. Options include a black-and-white camera, locator receiver, 9-inch monitor and VCR, and mini monitor and VCR. 800/356-9661; www.triplerspecialty.com.

23. Ductwork and conduits

The EagleCam color mini camera system from UEMSI is designed as an affordable device for looking inside ductwork, conduit, or 2-inch and larger pipes. It includes a durable, lightweight, briefcase-style power control unit with a 10.4-inch color LCD monitor, 200 feet of push cable, and a CM-1 camera head. The system works on either AC or DC power.

The push cable is constructed with a fiberglass rod for stiffness and has water-blocking gel to prevent water infiltration if it were to become damaged. The cable reel is made of steel tubing, powder-coated for long life, and has wheels. The camera head includes a 100-degree wide-angle lens with fixed focus and 15 high-intensity LEDs. A built-in video amplifier allows operation with long cable runs. 800/666-0766; www.uemsi.com.

24. Choice of modules

The vCam inspection system from Vivax Corp. allows a choice of vCamView module for viewing only and vCamDigital monitor for viewing and recording. Reel options provide 100, 200 or 400 feet of push cable. Pushrod comes in 10 mm for small-diameter pipes or 12 mm for larger pipes or longer distances. Standard and self-leveling cameras are available for each cable size.

The control module includes a compact injection-molded housing that can be mounted on the reel. It has an 8-inch TFT LCD display recessed for viewing in harsh sunlight, MPEG4 recording to a 120-GB internal hard drive, full-function waterproof silicon rubber keyboard and enlarged titler storage capacity, USB interface, and video in/out. It can be powered by mains, internal rechargeable batteries, or 12-V DC external power. 866/332-1688; www.vivax.biz.



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