RUGGED
VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEM
USER’S MANUAL
DCS312
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 –3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What’s in the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –7
Install Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Attach Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Attach Video Cable (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Attach Probe Tip Accessory (Optional) . . . . . . . 6
Operating Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Quick Start Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –8
Operating & Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9
Optional Probes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Manuel de L’Utilisateur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 20
Manual del Usuario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 – 31
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ DCS312 (The SEEKERTM312)
Rugged Video Inspection System. Please read this user’s manual carefully and
thoroughly before using the instrument.
The DCS312 features a 3.5 in. (89mm) diagonal color LCD and a 12mm (0.47 in.)
diameter camera-tipped probe of 1m (39 in.) length. Thinner and longer compatible
probes are available.
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Applications for the system include inspecting hard-to-reach or hard-to-see areas
of a building or a vehicle’s engine compartment or undercarriage. Video can be
viewed directly on the LCD or on an NTSC-format TV monitor through an included
A/V cable.
KEY FEATURES
• Grip and monitor are drop-resistant to height of 1m (3.3 ft.)
• Standard system includes 1m (39 in.) long, 12mm (0.47 in.) diameter)
camera-tipped probe. Longer and thinner interchangeable probes are
available (see page 9)
• Probes are oil-, water- and dust-proof to IP67 standard. The DCS312’s
splash-resistant wand-type grip and monitor meet the IP54 standard for
water ingress protection
• One-handed operation frees your other hand to use tools
• Included probe is in focus from 4 in. to 8 ft. (102mm to 2.4m)
• Flip video 180° to read labels right-side up and enlarge objects up to
2X to show details
• Includes three useful probe tip accessories (magnetic pickup, pickup hook,
45° mirror), A/V cable and lens cap
• Three-year warranty
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not use the system to inspect environments known or suspected to
contain exposed electrical wiring.
• Do not use it in the presence of flammable or explosive gases.
• Read and understand all of the instructions in this manual before using the
system.
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. A moment of
distraction can result in serious personal injury.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times, especially
where water is underfoot.
• Always use protective eyewear. A dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, a hard
hat or hearing protection may also be appropriate for certain inspection
environments and tasks.
• Do not use the system to perform medical inspections.
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WHAT’S IN THE CASE
The DCS312 and its accessories come in a custom molded plastic case. The
instrument has two main components: a wand-type grip with an integral LCD
monitor, and a 12mm flexible-obedient camera-tipped probe. Also in the case are:
• A plastic bag containing three probe tip accessories: the 45° mirror,
pickup hook and magnetic pickup
• A video cable with a black mini-plug on one end and a yellow RCA plug
on the other
• This user’s manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the main components and accessories of the DCS312. Fig. 2 shows
the positions of its display, controls and connectors. Familiarize yourself with their
names and functions before moving on to the Setup Instructions.
Fig. 1. The main components and accessories of the DCS312 system
1. Wand-type grip and integral 3.5 in. LCD
2. A/V cable
3. Pickup hook
4. 45° mirror
5. Magnetic pickup
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1
3
4
5
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Fig. 2. The controls, indicators and connectors
of the DCS312
A. Lens cap
B. Camera head and LED lights
C. 12mm flexible-obedient probe
D. LCD E. Battery compartment (on bottom of grip)
F. button. Increases brightness of LED lights
G. button. Inverts video 180°
H. button. Decreases brightness of LED lights
I. button. Enlarges video frame up to 2X. Each press of button increases zoom
level by 10 or 20%, relative to real size
J. button. Powers unit on and off K. VIDEO OUT jack (behind LCD)
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERIES
The DCS312’s battery compartment is accessible
from the bottom of the grip (Fig. 2, Callout E).
To install batteries,
1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the single
screw securing the battery compartment cover.
Remove the cover and set it aside.
2. Extract the battery magazine from the grip by pulling
on the tab at its end (see top figure).
3. Load four “AA” batteries into the magazine, using
the polarity markings within it as a guide (see bottom
figure).
4. Push the loaded magazine back into the grip (it fits
only one way).
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it
to the grip by tightening the Phillips-head screw.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
I
H
K
J
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ATTACH PROBE
New DCS312s ship with the probe attached to the grip. If your probe and grip are
already attached, skip this section. The probe must be attached to the grip or the
LCD will show a blue screen and the advisory “No Signal”.
To attach the probe,
1. Slide the metal collar of the grip’s coupling back until it touches the rubber boot
on the grip’s housing.
2. Line up the alignment key on the probe connector with the flat on the coupling
(see photo below).
3. Push the two ends together until they mate.
4. Tighten the connection by
turning the collar in the opposite
direction of the REMOVE
arrow on the collar.
Double-check the tightness
of the connection; if it is not
tight, water may enter the
system later and ruin it.
To detach the probe, perform the
attachment procedure in reverse.
To loosen the connection between the two components, turn the collar in the
direction indicated by the REMOVE arrow.
ATTACH VIDEO CABLE (OPTIONAL)
If you wish to view video captured by the DCS312’s probe on an NTSC-format
television, insert the mini-plug end of the supplied A/V cable into the VIDEO OUT
jack behind the LCD (Fig. 2, Callout K). Insert the yellow RCA plug at the other end of
the cable into the television’s “Video In” jack.
After you make the connection, you can watch live video on both the DCS312 and
the TV at the same time. Note: the image flip and image zoom functions are
disabled for video exiting through the VIDEO OUT jack.
ATTACH PROBE TIP ACCESSORY (OPTIONAL)
The DCS312 comes with three accessories that snap onto the camera-tipped end of
the probe. Each accessory has a specific purpose:
• The 45° mirror lets the probe see around corners.
• The pickup hook lets you retrieve otherwise inaccessible items seen by the
probe—for example, a wedding ring accidentally dropped down a sink drain.
• The magnetic hook lets you retrieve lost or dropped metal objects—nuts and
bolts, for example—located by the probe.
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Flat on
grip coupling
Alignment key on
probe connector
Rubber boot
Metal collar
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
QUICK START PROCEDURE
1. Press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds to power on the
scope and illuminate the LCD.
2. Press the button to increase the brightness of the camera’s LEDs
3. Press the button to decrease LED brightness
4. Press the button to flip the video (rotate it 180°). Press the button
again to undo the inversion.
5. Press the button to enlarge the video frame. The first press of the
button enlarges the frame 20%, corresponding to a zoom level of 1.2X.
“X 1.2” will appear in yellow at the bottom right of the screen. Push the
button again to zoom in closer at a level of 1.4X, 1.6X, 1.7X, 1.8X,
1.9X or 2.0X. The next push of the button reverts to normal size
(1X) viewing.
Because the probe is flexible-obedient, you can maneuver it into various positions
to aim at different targets and it will hold its shape. To protect the camera-tipped
end of the probe, reinstall the black rubber lens cap after each inspection session.
The DCS312 is designed to be powered for several hours by the same set of four
“AA” batteries. To replace the batteries, follow the procedure on p. 5 of this manual.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display Size/Type 3.5 in. (89mm) diagonal TFT color LCD
Display Resolution 320 x 240 pixels
Monitor Controls 180° flip, 1X to 2X zoom in 7 steps,
brightness + and –
Probe Diameter & Type 12mm (0.47 in.) flexible-obedient
Probe Length 1m (39 in.)
Probe Field of View 60°
Probe Depth of Field 4 in. to 8 ft. (102 mm to 2.4m)
Camera Light Source 4 adjustable-brightness white LEDs
Impact Resistance To height of 1m (39 in.)
Water, Dust, Oil Resistance Levels Camera-tipped probe: IP67
Grip and monitor: monitor: IP54
Video Out Format/Cable Length NTSC/3.94 ft. (1.2m)
Battery Life >3 hours (typical)
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Operating Temperature/Humidity 32° to 113°F (0° to 45°C) @ 5 to 95% RH
Dimensions of Grip 10.5 x 3.7 x 2.6 in. (266 x 95 x 66mm)
Weight of Grip 1 lb. (454g)
Dimensions of Carrying Case 15 x 11 x 3.5 in. (381 x 279 x 89mm)
Weight of Case and Contents 4 lb. (1.8 kg)
Power Source Four “AA” alkaline batteries (not included)
OPERATING & MAINTENANCE TIPS
• The camera at the tip of the probe is a sensitive, sophisticated device.
Do not use the probe as a hammer or to clear debris.
• Do not insert or bend the probe by force. Over-bending any section of the
probe to a radius of less than 2 in. (50mm) may permanently damage
delicate internal cables.
• Do not get water on the LCD.
• Do not bring the camera into contact with acid, fire or hot objects by inserting
the probe into a corrosive or extremely hot environment.
• Avoid getting oil or gas on the camera head by shutting off vehicles during
inspections.
• If condensation forms inside the camera lens, let it evaporate before using
the system again.
• Remove the batteries if planning to store the unit for months or longer.
• Properly dispose of used batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can cause
batteries to explode, so do not incinerate them. Some countries regulate
battery disposal. Please follow all applicable rules.
OPTIONAL PROBES
Although the DCS312 comes with a 1m long, 12mm diameter probe, the grip can
accept any probe designed for The SEEKER 200, 300 or 400 lines of video
inspection systems. The 12mm probe can also be coupled to a 1m, 2m or 3m
extension.
Different vehicles demand probes of different lengths and diameters. For example,
the included probe is long and thin enough for most work on gasoline engines or
vehicle undercarriages. However, you may need a thinner probe to inspect the
coolant passages of an engine block through the hole of a freeze/casting plug,
or to fit inside the glow plug hole of a diesel engine.
The table on the next page lists the important specifications of compatible probes,
probe extensions and mirrored probe viewing tips that you may want to purchase as
accessories.
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Model No. Diameter Length Depth of Field
P230-1 12mm (0.47 in.) 1m (3.28 ft.) 1 to 12 in. (25 to 300mm)
P230-1X 12mm (0.47 in.) 1m (3.28 ft.) N/A (probe extension)
P230-2X 12mm (0.47 in.) 2m (6.6 ft.) N/A (probe extension)
P230-3X 12mm (0.47 in.) 3m (9.8 ft.) N/A (probe extension)
P495-1N 9mm (0.35 in.) 1m (3.28 ft.) 1 in. to 10 ft. (25mm to 3m)
P495-2N 9mm (0.35 in.) 2m (6.6 ft.) 1 in. to 10 ft. (25mm to 3m)
P495-3N 9mm (0.35 in.) 3m (9.8 ft.) 1 in. to 10 ft. (25mm to 3m)
P455-1N 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 1m (3.3 ft.) 0.25 to 4 in. (6 to 100mm)
P455-2N 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 2m (6.6 ft.) 0.25 to 4 in. (6 to 100mm)
P455-3N 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 3m (9.8 ft.) 0.25 to 4 in. (6 to 100mm)
To order:
1. Visit www.generaltools.com/Instruments_c_15.html
2. Enter the Model No. in the SEARCH box.
3. On the Model No.'s landing page, confirm the quantity you wish to buy and
click on the "Add to Cart" button.
4. On the "View Cart" page that appears next, enter any promotion codes you
may have and calculate your shipping charges. Then click either the
Continue Shopping or Proceed to Checkout button.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DCS312 Rugged Video Inspection System
is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of three years. Subject to certain restrictions, General will
repair or replace this instrument if, after examination, the company determines
it to be defective in material or workmanship. The warranty period begins on the
date of purchase. You are encouraged to register your product online. General
will extend your warranty an additional 60 days if you register at
www.generaltools.com/ProductRegistry.
This warranty does not apply to damages that General determines to be from an
attempted repair by non-authorized personnel or misuse, alterations, normal wear
and tear, or accidental damage. The defective unit must be returned to General Tools
& Instruments or to a General-authorized service center, freight prepaid and
insured.
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Acceptance of the exclusive repair and replacement remedies described herein is a
condition of the contract for purchase of this product. In no event shall General be
liable for any incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for any cost,
attorneys’ fees, expenses, or losses alleged to be a consequence of damage due to
failure of, or defect in any product including, but not limited to, any claims for loss
of profits.
Register now at www.generaltools.com/ProductRegistry to receive a 60-day
extension to your warranty.
RETURN FOR REPAIR POLICY
Every effort has been made to provide you with a reliable product of superior
quality. However, in the event your instrument requires repair, please contact our
Customer Service to obtain an RGA (Return Goods Authorization) number before
forwarding the unit via prepaid freight to the attention of our Service Center at this
address:
General Tools & Instruments
80 White Street
New York, NY 10013
212-431-6100
Remember to include a copy of your proof of purchase, your return address, and
your phone number and/or e-mail address.
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