General DPS16 User Manual

PIPE & DUCT RECORDING VIDEO

BORESCOPE INSPECTION SYSTEM

USER’S MANUAL

DPS16

99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176

Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431

Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

What’s in the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9

Attach Probe to Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Charge Console Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9

Insert SD Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Install Batteries in Probe Length Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Operating Instructions – H16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 14

Viewing Live Video on the Console. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Viewing Live Video on a TV Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11

Taking Pictures and Recording Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Viewing Photos and Playing Back Videos . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12

Accessing SD Card Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Navigating the Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 14

Operating Instructions - P16PIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 16

Attaching an Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15

Using the Probe Length Counter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 18

Operating, Maintenance &

Troubleshooting Tips - H16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Operating & Maintenance Tips - P16PIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 19

Optional Probes & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

2

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DPS16 Pipe & Duct Recording
Video Borescope Inspection System. Please read this user’s manual carefully and thoroughly
before using the instrument.

The DPS16 has two components: the H16 Handheld Recording Video Borescope Console and the
P16PIP Pipe & Duct Inspection Probe & Reel Set. The H16 is the console of General’s DCS1600,
DCS1600ART, DCS16HPART and DPS16 video borescope inspection systems.

A thumbwheel on the left side of the H16 allows you to adjust the brightness of the LEDs
illuminating the camera at the end of any probe attached to it. The P16PIP probe and reel set
included in the DPS16 system is tailored for inspecting water and sewer pipes carrying running
water, as well as HVAC ducts.

The H16 also can serve as the console of a general-purpose recording video borescope system
with the addition of a compatible probe. See p. 19 for a list and descriptions of six other VGA
resolution probes compatible with the H16.

The H16 has three operating modes: Preview, Playback and Menu:

• In Preview mode, video framed by the camera’s field of view is displayed in real time on
the console’s LCD. The H16 automatically enters this mode when powered on.
A front-panel button allows you to increase the size of a target by 50% (a zoom level of 1.5X)
or double it (a zoom level of 2X). The same button allows you to “mirror” video, making it
possible to read serial numbers seen and “reversed” by an attached probe with a mirrored
viewing tip. The zoom and mirroriing functions can be applied at the same time. In Preview
mode, real-time video also can be exported through an included video cable to any NTSC- or
PAL-format TV monitor with an RCA input jack.

Operating in Preview mode, the H16 also allows you to record inspection videos (at 320 x
240 pixel resolution) and photos (at 640 x 480 pixel resolution) on an included SD memory
card by pressing icon-labeled buttons on the console’s front panel. The remaining front­panel buttons enable access to Playback and Menu modes.

• In Playback mode, you can browse the SD card for saved video and picture files and view
the media on the console’s LCD or a larger TV monitor. Video clips and photos also can be
viewed on a PC in either of two ways: 1) by removing the SD card and plugging it into the
computer directly or through a card reader; or 2) by using a supplied cable to connect the
H16 to the PC through one of its USB ports. Because videos are saved as .asf files and
photos as .jpg files, applications found on most PCs (Microsoft Windows Media Player and
Microsoft Office Picture Manager) can open the files. The 4GB SD memory card included
in the DPS16 case can store at least 5 hours of video, recorded at an average of
6 Mbytes/minute, in addition to hundreds of photos.

• In Menu mode, you use familiar scrolling motions and responses to dialog boxes to navigate
a main menu with six submenus. When selected, submenu items execute “housekeeping”
functions such as deleting files, setting the date and time, enabling or disabling date and
time stamps, choosing any of 27 languages for display indications, selecting an analog video
out format and adjusting the console’s Auto Power Off trigger.

3

KEY FEATURES

• Ideal for examining the interior of water pipes, sewer pipes, and HVAC ducts. Especially
tailored for 2, 4 and 6 in. I.D. pipes by included probe centering accessories

• 72 ft. (22m) long probe with 1.1 in. (28mm) diameter camera head

• Eight super-bright white LEDs give probe 640 x 480 pixel (VGA) resolution; superior optics
yield excellent depth of field of 0.4 in. (10mm) to infinity

• Probe is water-tight to IP68 standard (depth of 33 ft./10m) and flexible enough to make two
or more (depending on conditions inside the pipe) 90° bends in a 1.6 in. (40mm) I.D. pipe

• Stainless steel camera head is immune to bathroom toilet cleaner, pipe and drain cleaning
chemicals, gasoline, brake/transmission fluid and machine oil

• Steel probe reel is sturdy and dust-tight to IP65 standard. Reel works vertically or
horizontally and includes IP55-rated probe length counter and bracket for H16 (DCS1600)
console

3.5 in. diagonal color LCD for viewing probe video in real time and saved video and pictures later

•

• Compatible with six other VGA resolution camera-tipped probes from General (see p. 19)

• Thumbwheel for adjusting brightness of camera lighting

• Familiar menu-driven user interface for viewing and recording videos and photos on
standard SD memory card (4GB card included) and playing back media on console, TV or PC

• Rechargeable battery with 4-hour capacity

• 1-year limited warranty

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION!

Never insert any probe attached to the H16 into any structure or space known

or suspected to contain live electric wiring

• The DPS16 and H16 are intended for industrial applications only. Do not use a compatible
probe for human or any other biological inspections.

• Never insert an attached probe into any flammable gas or liquid (including fuels in an oil,
gasoline or diesel tank)

• Do not disassemble the H16 console or P16PIP probe & reel set. Doing so creates a
potentially fatal electrical hazard (and voids the warranty as well).

4

WHAT’S IN THE CASE

The DPS16 comes in a custom hard plastic protective carrying case. Inside the case are:

• The H16 console. The console integrates an LCD monitor, a connector for a high­performance camera-tipped probe from General, and front-panel controls for controlling the
camera’s lights, adjusting system parameters, and recording and playing back videos and
photos captured by an attached probe.

• The P16PIP Pipe & Duct Inspection Probe & Reel Set, including a probe length counter

• One spherical metal ring for centering the probe in 2 in. I.D. pipes

• One brush set for centering the probe in 4 in. I.D. pipes

• One brush set for centering the probe in 6 in. I.D. pipes

• A 5/64-in. Allen wrench for attaching the 2 in. probe centering ring

• A plastic bag containing five spare 5/64-in. Allen screws

• A 4GB SD memory card for the H16

• An AC adaptor/battery charger for a 110/220VAC supply. The adaptor has a 5.5VDC, center­positive output plug.

• An analog video cable for connecting the H16 to a TV monitor. The cable has RCA plugs at
one end and a mini-stereo plug at the other end.

• A USB cable with a mini-USB plug on one end and a full-size USB plug on the other end. It
can be used to display the contents of the SD card on a computer directly, without removing
the card from the H16 console.

• A package of desiccant

• (2) “AAA” batteries for the probe length counter

• This user’s manual

5

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Fig. 1 below shows the names and locations of all of the controls, ports and jacks of the H16.
Table 1 on the next page details how the function of each front-panel button changes with the
console’s operating mode. Familiarize yourself with the labels, positions and functions of all
buttons and connectors before moving on to the Setup Instructions and Operating Instructions.

14

8

11

12

4
5

7
6

2

1

3

9

10

15

13

LEFT SIDE

FRONT BACK RIGHT SIDE

Fig. 1. The controls, ports and jacks of the H16

1 Start/Stop Video Recording Button
2 Snapshot Button
3 Power On/Off Button
4 Previous Video/Photo Button
5 ▼ Next Video/Photo Button

6 OK OK Button

7 ESC Escape/Zoom/Mirror Button
8 SD Card Socket
9 TV Out Jack

6

10 AC Adaptor Jack
11 Mini-USB Jack
12 Brightness Adjustment Thumbwheel
13 Hanger Hole
14 Probe Connector
15 Reset Button

Camera head

H16
console holder

Probe guide/camera
head stopper

Handle

Reel frame

Coiled probe

Reel stopper

Probe connector
(to borescope console
or handle/controller)

Table 1. The H16’s multi-function buttons

Button Label In Preview Mode In Playback Mode In Menu Mode

▲ Switches to Selects next-oldest Moves up one line;

Playback mode video or photo when setting DATE/TIME,

moves back one field

▼ Switches to Selects next-newest Moves down one line;

Playback mode video or photo when setting DATE/TIME,

moves ahead one field

OK Switches to Menu mode Pauses/plays video clip Executes highlighted command

ESC Presssed briefly, enlarges Switches to Preview mode Switches to Preview mode

target by 50% (zooms 1.5X)
or by 100% (zooms 2X);
Pressed and held,
mirrors video

Takes a picture N/A When setting DATE/TIME,
(stores .jpg photo on SD card) increases value by one unit

per button press. Also used to
enable/disable superimposition
of date and time stamps on
photo/video displays.

Starts/stops recording an Enables deletion of any When setting DATE/TIME,
.avi video on SD card individual photo or video decreases value by one unit

per button pres

Fig. 2 at right shows the
key components of the
P16PIP. Fig. 3 on the next
page details the anatomy
of the camera-tipped end
of the probe. Familiarize
yourself with the names
and positions of these
components before
moving on to the Setup
and Operating
Instructions.

Fig. 2. The key
components
of the P16PIP

Probe length
counter

7

Fig. 3. Structures near the

Camera head

Rubber probe cover

Joint ball

Probe

Accessory mounting ring

Metal coil
spring sleeve

camera-tipped
end of the probe

SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

ATTACH PROBE TO CONSOLE

Attach the P16PIP to the H16 by 1) inserting the H16 into the bracket at the top of the P16PIP
and 2) plugging the P16PIP’s probe connector (see bottom of Fig. 2 on the previous page) into the
connector at the top of the console (Fig. 1, Callout 14). The connectors mate in only one way,
when the two dots—one on the console’s connector and the other under the collar at the end of
the probe—are aligned. After you have lined up the dots, push the two connectors together so
the alignment keys on opposite sides of the probe’s connector slide over the flats of the console’s
connector. Slide the collar on the probe’s connector forward and tighten the collar by turning it
clockwise.

You can now remove the protective rubber cap from the camera-tipped end of the probe. It is
good practice to replace the cap whenever the probe will not be used for a while. Now is also the
time to peel away the plastic film that protects the console’s LCD.

To disconnect the probe from the console, turn the collar counterclockwise and pull the probe
straight out and away.

CHARGE CONSOLE BATTERY

To power on for the first time, plug one end of the supplied AC adaptor/battery charger into a
110VAC outlet. Then swing the black rubber protective flap away from the right side of the H16 to
expose the AC adaptor jack (Fig. 1, Callout 10). Insert the cylindrical plug at the end of the
adaptor/charger cable into the AC adaptor jack. This will begin charging the console’s battery.

8

Press the button on the H16 console and hold it for at least five seconds. The LCD will
illuminate. It will first show a color-bar test pattern, and then (briefly) a battery icon at lower left,
superimposed on video being captured in real time by the camera at the end of the probe.

Use the thumbwheel on the left side of the console (Fig. 1, Callout 12) to adjust the intensity of
the camera’s lighting. In a brightly lit room, moving the thumbwheel has a big effect on the
brightness of the LEDs at the tip of the probe, but a much smaller effect on the brightness of
video on the LCD. The on-screen impact of changing brightness is more pronounced in dark
environments.

To power off the H16, press the button and hold it for at least five seconds.
It will take several hours to fully charge the H16’s Lithium-ion battery the first time. You cannot

replace the battery, which can only be replaced by General-authorized service personnel.
Do not open the case in an attempt to change the battery yourself. Doing so creates a

potentially fatal electrical hazard (and voids the warranty as well) with the AC adaptor plugged in.
With proper care (charging the battery often, and never allowing it to completely discharge), you

can expect the H16’s battery to last four or five years. A fully charged battery should power at
least four hours of operation.

INSERT SD CARD

This step enables the H16 to store video clips and photos. Remove the supplied 4GB SD memory
card from its packaging. Discard the packaging, but save the plastic storage case.

Push the SD card into the socket on the right side of the console (Fig. 1, Callout 8). Be sure the
card’s gold contacts are facing the rear of the unit and enter the socket first. Push in the card
until you feel it spring back and you hear a click.

To remove the card later, push it in gently until you hear a click and the card pops out far enough
for your fingers to grab.

INSTALL BATTERIES IN PROBE LENGTH COUNTER

1. Lay the P16PIP down horizontally with the probe length counter facing up.

2. Use a small Phillips-head screwdriver to open the battery compartment cover at the bottom
front of the probe length counter.

3. Set and cover and screw aside, and take care not to lose the small screw.

4. Install the two included “AAA” batteries in the compartment, using the polarity marks inside it
as a guide.

5. Replace the cover and secure it by replacing and tightening the small Phillips-head screw.

9

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – H16

VIEWING LIVE VIDEO ON THE CONSOLE

While the battery charges, General recommends becoming familiar with the H16’s controls,
indicators and menu options in Preview mode, before taking the unit out into the field. The H16
operates the same way whether powered by its battery or the AC adaptor.

To begin, power off the unit by pressing and holding the button. Then press and hold the
button again to power the console back on. Each time the console is powered on, the screen
shown below right will appear briefly. The battery icon at left will be in white and the bars at right
will be in green, superimposed on live video captured by the camera probe. Together, the number
of bars and the color of the icon represent the H16’s two “vital signs”—available memory
capacity and battery charge, respectively.

The number of filled-in bars at the right of the screen reflects
the amount of data currently stored on the SD card. A full card
would produce four bars. The whiter the icon at lower
left, the higher the current level of battery charge. A completely
white icon indicates a fully charged battery.

Next, get used to manipulating your probe. Instructions for
using the P16PIP probe and reel can be found beginning on
p. 14 of this manual.

Finally, note the dual function of the H16 console's ESC button in Preview mode:

• Press the ESC button briefly and targets will be enlarged by 50% as the camera’s field of
view is reduced by that amount. This represents a zoom level of 1.5X. The text +1.5X will
appear at the lower right of the LCD. Press the ESC button briefly again to increase the zoom
level to 2X and change the on-screen text to +2.0X.

• Press and hold the ESC button and
video will be mirrored horizontally, as
shown in the two photos at right. The
effect makes it possible to read text
or serial numbers“reversed” by an
attached probe with a mirrored
viewing tip—by undoing the reversal.
An icon of a mirror will appear at
the lower right of the LCD to indicate that video is being mirrored.

You can mirror and zoom videos at the same time by pressing the ESC button briefly, and then
pressing and holding the button.

VIEWING LIVE VIDEO ON A TV MONITOR

The DPS16 comes with a video cable for connecting the console to a TV or TV monitor that uses
either the NTSC or PAL analog broadcast standard. By making the connection, you can view live
video (or saved videos and pictures) on a screen larger than the H16’s.

10

To implement the connection in hardware, insert the stereo mini-plug of the provided cable into
the TV Out jack of the H16 (Fig. 1, Callout 9). Then insert the yellow RCA plug at the other end of
the cable into the Video in jack of your TV or TV monitor. Be sure to set the TV input to external
video.

Real-time videos shown on an external monitor can be zoomed or mirrored by briefly pressing, or
pressing and holding, the ESC button, just as they can when viewed on the H16’s LCD.

To activate the connection in software and begin exporting H16 video to a TV, refer to the
instructions for the TV SYSTEM and AV OUTPUT lines in the “Navigating the Main Menu” section
of this manual.

If you want to experience the quality of live video captured by the P16PIP now, skip ahead to the
“Operating Instructions – P16PIP” section of this manual. You can always return to the unread
sections on recording and playing back videos and pictures, accessing SD card menu content,
and navigating the main menu later.

TAKING PICTURES AND RECORDING VIDEOS

To take a picture, make sure the H16 is in Preview mode (with live video appearing on the LCD)
and press the button. Doing so creates a .jpg file of the frame being displayed at that
moment and stores it on the SD card. The assigned file name (PICT0001, for example), briefly
appears in orange at the bottom of the screen to confirm that a picture was taken. The H16
automatically returns to Preview mode after taking a picture.

To record a video, make sure the H16 is in Preview mode and press the button. Doing so
begins creating an .avi video file (with MPEG-4 compression) for storage on the SD card. A red
dot and a red running clock appear at the lower left of the screen to confirm that a recording is in
progress, and they remain there for the duration of the video. To stop recording, press the
button again. This returns the H16 to Preview mode.

While a video is being recorded, all console buttons other than the and ESC buttons are
disabled. Pressing the ESC button briefly activates the zoom function; pressing and holding it
activates the mirror function. The zoom and mirror effects are both shown on the LCD and
included in the recording of video clips.

The H16 will be unable to store videos and pictures if its SD memory card is full, write-protected
or damaged. When the instrument senses any of these conditions, it will superimpose the word
FULL on the screen in Preview mode. To remedy the situation, either replace the full SD card by
another card with spare capacity, or delete files individually or in bulk. Instructions for deleting
files can be found later in this user’s manual.

VIEWING PHOTOS AND PLAYING BACK VIDEOS

To view a picture or play back a video (or more than one picture or video) on the H16’s LCD or a
TV monitor, switch the unit out of Preview mode and into Playback mode by pressing the ▲ or ▼
button. In Playback mode, pressing the ▼ button repeatedly recalls all photos and videos from
memory in the reverse order in which they were created and stored (in other words, the newest
first and the oldest last). Each press of the ▲ button selects the next oldest picture or video. When
a video clip is next in line (cued up), an icon of a film strip and the duration of the clip appear at the
upper left of the display. As each picture is displayed and each video is cued up, its file name is

11

shown at the bottom of the screen and its position in the storage queue is shown at upper right.
For example, the 10th file of the 35 currently stored on the SD card would be indicated by 10/35.

To play a video that has been cued up, press the OK button. A  icon and a running clock will
appear on-screen below the playing video. To pause the video, press the OK button. This replaces
 by . To resume playing the video clip, press the OK button again.

While each photo and video is on-screen, pressing the button gives you the option to delete
its file. Pressing the button superimposes the word DELETE at the lower left of the screen and
[OK] at the lower right. Press OK to delete the file.

Whenever DELETE and [OK] are shown on-screen, you can use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to navigate
to other individual stored files for the purpose of deleting them. To exit the DELETE screen, press
the ESC button.

ACCESSING SD CARD CONTENT

Photos and videos stored on the SD card also can be viewed on a PC. If your computer has an SD
card slot, you can remove the card from the H16 and plug it directly into a PC. If your PC does not
have an SD card slot, you can purchase a USB SD card reader (Part No. SDRD1) from General.

If you choose to remove the SD card from the console and plug it into a PC, either directly or
through a card reader, remember to eject the card from the PC once you are done viewing (and/or
copying) the files it contains. Depending on your PC’s startup settings, your computer may fail to
restart following its next shutdown if the SD card remains inserted. The PC’s operating system may
try to reboot from the SD card and be unable to do so.

Another option for viewing inspection video and photos on a PC is to use the supplied USB cable
to link to the computer. The first time you connect the H16 to a computer in this way, the H16
screen will go dark (except for the white text MASS-STORAGE MODE) and you will be prompted
that “Driver Software is Being Installed.” The final Driver Software Installation dialog box advises
that “Your device is ready to use.” Your PC’s AutoPlay function will then produce a screen pop to
notify you that a removable disk has been connected. Double-clicking “Open folder to view files”
reveals the contents of that disk to be a folder named “DCIM”. Double-clicking the DCIM folder
icon reveals a subfolder named “100MEDIA” that contains all the videos and pictures you have
saved on the SD card.

While the USB cable is attached, however, you cannot view real-time videos on the H16’s LCD, a
TV monitor, or your computer. You cannot even record videos or take photos and store them on
the SD card. Disconnecting the cable returns the H16 to Preview mode. The only benefit of using
the USB cable is that you do not have to remove the SD card to view its content on a PC.

NAVIGATING THE MAIN MENU

The main menu of the H16 provides access to the following housekeeping and operational
functions:

• Bulk and individual file erasure • Video exporting

• Setting the date and time • Choosing a display language

• Selecting a TV format

• Enabling/disabling and adjusting the Auto Power Off function

12

Menu mode has a hierarchical structure and uses prompts and

DELETE ALL FILES
A

V OUTPUT
DATE/TIME
LANGUAGE
TV SYSTEM
AUTO POWER OFF

MAIN MENU

dialog boxes familiar to anyone who has used an Automated Teller
Machine (ATM). The only constraint on using the menu is your own
response speed. If no selection is made within 2-1/2 minutes

following Menu mode startup, the console will automatically
revert to Preview mode. The same time constraint applies to
selections within submenus. If you do not respond to a prompt
(indicated by a flashing word or line of text) within 2-1/2
minutes, the H16 will switch back to Preview mode—its default operating state.

To access the main menu, press the OK button to enter Menu mode. Doing so brings up the
screen shown at right.

To navigate the main menu, use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to move up and down until the parameter
you wish to change is highlighted in red. Then push the OK button to select it and call up its
submenu.

The DELETE ALL line gives you two options (yes and no) that can be selected using the ▲ and
▼ buttons. The sequence is similar to the previously described procedure for deleting an
individual photo or video.

The AV OUTPUT line allows you to send the real-time video stream shown on the display unit out
through the unit’s TV out jack to an NTSC or PAL TV monitor. The H16’s display will turn black
until you select this option again. Before activating this function, make the physical connection
described in the “Viewing Live Video on a TV Monitor” section. If you have forgotten to make the
connection, you will be prompted “NO AVOUT CABLE” when you attempt to activate this
function.

The DATE/TIME line allows you to set the H16’s calendar and clock. Doing so is necessary only if
you wish to keep track of your photo and video files by date and time.

When DATE/TIME is selected, the first screen that appears shows the year in red. To decrease
the value by one, press the button. To increase the value by one, press the button. Once
you have set the year, advance to the next field—the month—by pressing the ▼ button. Set the
month as you did the year, by using the ▲ and ▼ buttons to increase or decrease the value by
one unit per button press. Repeat this process until all six date and time fields have been set.
Then push the OK button to save the settings. To back up from any field to the previous field,
press the ▲ button.

The lower line of the DATE/TIME screen allows you to choose whether or not to superimpose the
date and time on the display in Preview mode. To always superimpose the date and time, navigate
down to the lower line until the word YES to the right of the word DISPLAY is shown in red. Press
the OK button to save the setting. To NOT superimpose the date and time, when YES is shown in
red press the button to change YES to NO. Then press the OK button to save the setting.

The LANGUAGE line of the main menu allows you to view the main menu, as well as the DELETE
screens for individual photos and videos, in any of 27 languages (see the Specifications section
on page 16 for a complete list). Use the ▲ and ▼ buttons to navigate to the language you wish
to use and then push the OK button.

13

The TV SYSTEM line enables you to choose either NTSC or PAL formatting of the videos you
export to a TV monitor. Press either the ▲ and ▼ button to make your choice and then push the
OK button to save the setting.

The AUTO POWER OFF of the main menu is not visible on the screen that first appears after
you press the OK button to put the H16 into Menu mode. To show the line, scroll down past the
TV SYSTEM line. When the AUTO POWER OFF line appears, press the OK button.

By default, the AUTO POWER OFF function of the H16 is disabled. To enable it, and to choose how
quickly to power off the instrument following a period of inactivity, navigate to one of the four options
(5, 10, 15 or 30 minutes) and press the OK button when the duration you prefer is highlighted in red.
To re-disable the function later, enter Menu mode, scroll down to the AUTO POWER OFF line, press
the OK button, select OFF and press the OK button again to save the setting.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - P16PIP

Before inspecting a pipe, determine its inner diameter. Then determine whether that diameter
matches the diameter of any of the three included probe-centering accessories: 2, 4 or 6 inches.
If your pipe is one of these three sizes, attaching the correct accessory will keep the camera
head in the center of the pipe as you push the probe forward. A centered probe will be easier to
push forward and produce higher-quality videos and photos as well.

If the inner diameter of your pipe is not 2, 4 or 6 in., you can still use the probe to good effect
without the benefit of a probe-centering accessory. You may have to exert a bit more effort to
keep the camera head from getting hung up on the pipe’s sidewalls as you push the probe
forward. That is more likely if you use the probe to inspect large pipes or rectangular ducts. In
such situations, friction will often cause the camera head to “tuck under” the probe as you push
it forward, producing a rear-facing dynamic view of the pipe’s interior. When you begin to reel in
the probe, however, the metal coil spring sleeve (see Fig. 3 on p. 8) will free the camera head and
point it forward. Videos and photos captured during this “return” trip can be just as valuable as
forward-facing evidence.

ATTACHING AN ACCESSORY

Before attaching any of the three probe-centering
accessories to the probe, “play out” a few feet of the
probe from the reel. To do so, first “unlock” the reel by
separating (opening) the Velcro closure called the Reel
stopper (see Fig. 2 on p. 7 and figure at right).

Once the reel is free to move, grab the probe below
the camera head and begin pulling it horizontally,
rather than vertically, as shown in the left figure at the
top of the next page.

Play out just enough probe for the Joint ball to pass the Probe guide/camera head stopper (see
Fig. 2). Then—if this is the first use of the P16PIP or its first use in months—pull and push the
end of the probe back and forth a few times (see right figure at the top of the next page) to
reduce any friction binding the reel’s stationary and moving parts.

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Once you have played out a few feet of probe, lock the

✓

Screw holes

reel by fastening the Velcro closure around the reel
frame, as shown at right.

You can now attach the 2 in. spherical ring, the 4 in.
brush set or the 6 in. brush set to the probe tip. To
attach the ring, slide its slightly larger open end over
the camera head (it fits only one way) until the head
protrudes about 1/8 in. past the ring’s other opening.
In this position, the ring’s Allen set screw will line up
with the Accessory mounting ring of the camera head
(see Fig. 3). Secure the ring to the head by using the
included Allen wrench to tighten the screw, as shown
at right.

To attach either probe-centering brush set, identify
the end with three set screws. Passing the camera
head through the other end first, slide the probe
through the brush set until the camera head protrudes
1/8 in. past the end with the set screws (see figures
below). In this position, the three set screws will line up with the head’s Accessory mounting ring.
Secure the brush set to the head by hand-tightening the screws.

15

Power/Reset

Backlight

m/ft counter

USING THE PROBE LENGTH COUNTER

The probe length counter on the front of the P16PIP
can help you gauge the position of the camera head
as you feed the 72 ft. long probe into a pipe or duct.

To power on the counter, press and hold the

button for at least 3 seconds.

The counter’s default measurement unit is
meters. To switch to feet, press the m/ft button.

To reset the counter to 0.0, press (but do not hold) the button.
To backlight the LCD for 10 seconds, press the button.

The probe length counter will automatically power itself off if no buttons are pressed during any
period of one hour.

When a “Low Battery” icon appears on the LCD, change the two “AAA” batteries that power the
counter, following the instructions on page 9.

SPECIFICATIONS

CONSOLE

Display Type Color TFT LCD

Display Size 3.5 in (89mm) diagonal

Display Resolution 320 by 240 pixels (QVGA)

Video Recording Resolution 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)

Video File Format .avi

Photo Recording Resolution 640 x 480 pixels (VGA)

Photo File Format .jpg

Video Out Formats NTSC, PAL

Video Frame Rate 30 frames per second (fps)

Compression Format Compatible with MPEG4

Signal-to-Noise Ratio 42dB or greater

Recording Medium Standard-size SD card

Interfaces AV Out, USB 2.0

Languages English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Portuguese,

Traditional Chinese, Simpified Chinese, Japanese, Danish,
Dutch, Polish, Russian, Bulgarian, Turkish, Swedish, Finnish,
Norwegian, Estonian, Lithuanian, Latvian, Hungarian, Czech,
Slovak, Slovenian, Romanian, Greek

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Power Source Rechargeable 3.7V Li-ion battery

Power Consumption 1.8A @ 5.5VDC

Operating Temperature -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)

Storage Temperature -4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)

Recharge Temperature 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C)

Console Dimensions 8.5 x 4.7x 1.4 in. (215 x 120 x 36mm)

Console Weight 13.4 oz (380g)

SPECIFICATIONS

PROBE & CAMERA

Camera Head Diameter 1.1 in. (28mm)

Probe Diameter 0.23 in. (6mm)

Probe Length 72 ft. (22m)

Probe Material Fiberglass

Camera Light Source 8 white LEDs

Camera Depth of Field 0.4 in. (10mm) to infinity

Camera Field of View 150.8° (diagonal)

Waterproof Depth (IP68) 50 ft. (10m)

Operating Temperature 14° to 158°F (-10° to 70°C)

Weight 4.9 lb. (2.2kg)

REEL

Frame Diameter 11.8 in. (300mm)

Dust and Water Resistance To IP65 standard

Operating Temperature 14° to 158°F (-10° to 70°C)

Weight 6.6 lb. (3kg)

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PROBE LENGTH COUNTER

Number of Digits 3

Resolution 0.1m/0.1 ft.

Accuracy ±0.4m/1.3 ft.

Dust/Water Resistance IP55

Dimensions 4.33 x 2.44 x 0.95 in. (110 x 62 x 24mm)

Power Source (2) “AAA” batteries (included)

OPERATING, MAINTENANCE &
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS – H16

• Never remove the SD card while taking a picture or recording a video. Doing so may damage
the card and erase or corrupt the photo or video.

• If the LCD suddenly goes dark, the first two things to check are the integrity of the console’s
connection to the probe and the charge of the console’s battery. The reason for the absence
of video also could be that you have forgotten to remove the red rubber cap protecting the
probe tip.

• If live video begins to look spotty, streaky or intermittent, the likely reason is an under­charged battery. Plug in the AC adaptor/battery charger immediately.

• Video recording requires an SD card with a fast writing speed. For maximum video quality,
General recommends SD cards with a writing speed of 80X or higher.

• If the console “freezes” (pushing buttons has no effect) like a computer, straighten out
a paper clip and use one end to press the Reset button on the back of the console
(Fig. 1, Callout 15).

• Avoid using corrosive liquids such as alcohol to clean either the LCD or the probe.
To clean the camera lens and LEDs, use a cotton swab and a small amount of cleaning
solution. To clean the LCD, use the provided cloth, cotton swabs and liquid. To clean
the housing of the console, use a soft, dry cloth.

• Operate and store the H16 only in a cool (under 140ºF or 60ºC), dry, well-ventilated place.
Avoid exposing the unit to sunlight for long periods of time.

• To avoid damaging the console, use only compatible probes and accessories.

OPERATING & MAINTENANCE TIPS - P16PIP

The reel operates equally well in a horizontal or vertical position.
The bracket for the H16 (DCS1600) borescope console at the top of the P16PIP has a flexible-

obedient stem that allows the console’s screen to be angled to a comfortable viewing position.
DO NOT BEND this stem at an angle greater than 90° (see figures on next page).

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Before attempting to wind the probe back onto the

12 in.

90°

✓

reel, remember to “unlock” the reel by undoing the
Reel stopper (see Fig. 2). The most effective way to
rewind the probe is to push it onto the reel through
the bars of the Probe guide (see Fig. 2) horizontally
from a distance of about 12 inches. Continue pushing
until the Joint ball has passed through the Probe
guide. Stop when the camera head meets the
Camera head stopper (see figure at right below).

OPTIONAL PROBES & ACCESSORIES

The table below lists and describes all probes and accessories compatible with the DPS16.

Model No. Description Camera Head Probe Depth of
(SKU) Diameter Length Field

P16HPART VGA Resolution 6.0mm (0.23 in.) 1m (3.28 ft.) 0.25 to 12 in.
P16HP2ART Articulating Probes 2m (6.6 ft.) (6.4 to 300mm)
P16HP3ART 3m (9.8 ft.)
P16181HP 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 1m (3.28 ft.)

P16182HP 2m (6.6 ft.)
P16183HP 3m (9.8 ft.)
P16PIP Pipe & Duct Inspection 28mm (1.1 in.) 22m (72 ft.) 0.4 in. (10mm)

(included with Probe & Reel Set to infinity
DPS16)

SDRD1 USB SD Card Reader ---------- --------- ------------

VGA Resolution
Articulating Probes

VGA Resolution

Probes

0.25 to 12 in.
(6.4 to 300mm)

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WARRANTY INFORMATION

General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DPS16 Pipe & Duct Recording Video Borescope
Inspection System is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one year. 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.

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:

Remember to include a copy of your proof of purchase, your return address, and your phone
number and/or e-mail address.

99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176

Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431

Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

Specifications subject to change without notice

NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.

20

©2014 GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS

MAN# DPS16 1/9/14