Zoom Into Clarity

Jan. 1, 2000
Manufacturers now offer a variety of interchangeable camera heads for nearly every inspection requirement. Cutting-edge rental centers must also ensure

Manufacturers now offer a variety of interchangeable camera heads for nearly every inspection requirement. Cutting-edge rental centers must also ensure that their video inspection package includes the following camera types:

* B&W Camera - The jack-of-all trades for most work. This must be small enough to slide through 3-inch cast iron P-traps and 2-inch 90 degree bends. Make sure the model offers superb depth of field and a powerful LED array for optimal clarity and focus in large-diameter lines.

* Mini-Camera - Just the ticket for tight spots. Should offer maximum illumination, focus and maneuverability in lines as small as 1 1/2-inches. Mini-cameras should also be able to negotiate vents, laterals, laundry drains, roof vents, 3-inch cast-iron P-traps, 2-inch plastic P-traps, and 1 1/2-inch 90 degree bends with ease.

* Color Camera - Ideal for dye testing or simply for identifying the type of pipe you're in. Look for ultra-bright LEDs and a compact design to ensure sharpest pictures in 2-inch and larger lines.

All models should feature scratch-resistant lenses and waterproof enclosures. They should also be interchangeable for easy cleaning, upgrades and field changes. Make sure your rental customers can retrieve expensive cameras, too. Insist on models with double reinforced spring mounts for peak reliability through a maximum number of rental turns and rough handling.

Getting cameras to trouble spots is equally important. That's why the best equipment features Kevlar, a reinforced push rod with a fiberglass core and durable plastic sheath for easy cleaning and maximum pushing/pulling power over long distances. And demand a "shielded" coaxial video cable to ensure signal clarity down long lines without transmitter interference.

In addition to the camera and push rod, a basic video pipe-location/inspection package also includes a carrying case with VCR and monitor. Today's systems appeal to a wide range of potential renters with technology advancements that dramatically enhance the utility, convenience, speed and ease of equipment operation. Consider systems with the following:

* Built-In, On-Screen Distance Counter. This helps accurately track the amount of push rod fed into a line - and quickly helps zero in on the camera location.

* Picture Inverter. Feeding push rod into concealed conduits can rotate a camera head, making tracking by monitor inconvenient. So when the camera turns upside down, a simple push of the invert button turns the picture right side up again.

* Built-In Voice-Over Unit. An internal microphone and push-button control conveniently permit the addition of commentary to inspection videos.

* Built-In, On-Screen Titler. This enables rental customers to insert, say, their contact or site details onto inspection videos. The more characters, the better. General Pipe Cleaners' 2 system, for instance, can generate two lines of 27 characters each.