Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DCS1700 (The VIPER
1700) High-Performance VGA Recording Video Borescope System. Please read this
user’s manual carefully and thoroughly before using the instrument.
The DCS1700 is a complete system that combines a handheld VGA resolution
(640 x 480 pixel) recording video borescope console (wand-type grip plus LCD) with
General’s P16181HP VGA Resolution Probe. The P16181HP is 39 in. (1m) long and has a
camera head diameter of 0.22 in. (5.5mm). The DCS1700 grip is also compatible with
dozens of other high-performance VGA and QVGA resolution (320 x 240 pixel) probes
from General; a complete list can be found on p. 24.
2
The DCS1700 has three operating modes: Preview, Playback and Menu:
• In Preview mode, live video framed by the camera’s field of view is displayed on
the console’s LCD. The VIPER 1700 automatically enters this mode when powered
on. Separate front-panel buttons allow you to increase and decrease the brightness
of the camera lighting LEDs. Another front-panel button allows you to enlarge (zoom
in on) a target by 50% (a zoom level of 1.5X) or 100% (2.0X). Yet another button
allows you to horizontally “mirror” video, making it possible to read serial numbers
seen and reversed by a probe with a mirrored viewing tip.
The DCS1700 also allows you to record VGA resolution inspection videos and
photos on a standard-size SD memory card with a single push of a button. While
you are recording a video or before you take a photo, you can adjust the brightness
and contrast of the display or zoom in on the target and these actions will be
reflected in the stored file—in other words, what you see is what you save. Analog
versions of stored files and raw and manipulated (zoomed or mirrored) real-time
probe video can be exported through an included video cable to any NTSC- or PALformat TV monitor with an RCA input jack.
• 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: 1) by removing the SD card and plugging it in
directly; 2) through a card reader; or 3) via the included USB cable. Photos are
saved as .jpg files, so most photo viewer applications can open them. However,
although videos are saved as .avi files, Microsoft Windows Media Player lacks the
codec neeed to open them. Video files can be opened by more-versatile media
players such as freeVLC (www.videolan.org). The 4GB SD memory card included
with the DCS1700 can store more than two hours of VGA resolution video, recorded
at an average of 26 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 as well as a “special function” menu that
provides access to two display controls and two custom display modes. Collectively,
the menus and submenus let you:
• Browse video and photo files stored on the SD card
• Operate in black & white mode
• Precisely measure the size of any object in the camera’s field of view using an
included probe tip accessory
• Set baseline levels for display brightness and contrast
• Perform “housekeeping” functions such as 1) formatting and checking the
capacity of the SD card, 2) deleting files individually or in bulk, 3) setting the date
and time, 4) limiting the duration of video clips, 5) enabling or disabling display of
the date and time on the LCD, 6) choosing any of 27 languages for menu and
on-screen text, 7) selecting a Video Out format, and 8) adjusting the triggering
time of the console’s Auto Power Off function.
3
KEY FEATURES
• Wand-type grip can be operated one-handed, freeing your other hand to use tools
• 3.5 in. (89mm) diagonal LCD
• 39 in. (1m) long, 0.22 in. (5.5mm) diameter soft metal probe with 640 x 480 pixel
(VGA) resolution camera lit by six LEDs—four facing forward and two at an angle,
to provide glare-free indirect lighting
• Light boost, anti-reflection and 90° image rotation buttons on probe handle
• Probe and stainless steel camera head are IP67 water, oil and dust-proof
• Grip accepts dozens of other VGA and QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) resolution probes of
various lengths and diameters to suit special applications
• Records VGA resolution video clips and still images using familiar menu-driven user
interface. Saved video and photo files incorporate real-time brightness, contrast and
zoom adjustments you make on the fly to optimize target clarity and detail
• Slow-motion and fast-forward video playback
• Brightness and contrast control, video mirror and 2X video zoom buttons on grip
• Black & white mode
• Object measurement mode
• 4GB SD memory card
• Analog video out jack and cable with RCA plug
• USB cable for uploading/viewing media saved on SD card on PC without ejecting card
• Adjustable Auto Power Off interval
• Choice of 27 menu languages
• Custom hard plastic carrying case
• Powered by four “AA” Alkaline or rechargeable batteries
• 1 year limited warranty
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION!
Never insert a probe attached to the DCS1700 into a structure or space known
or suspected to contain live electric wiring
• The DCS1700 is intended for industrial applications only. Do not use it 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 instrument. Doing so creates a potentially fatal electrical
hazard (and voids the warranty as well).
4
WHAT’S IN THE CASE
2
The DCS1700 comes in a custom hard plastic protective carrying case. Inside the
case are:
• The DCS1700 console. The console integrates an LCD, a connector for a highperformance camera-tipped probe from General, separate front-panel buttons for
capturing videos and photos, and a keypad containing seven multi-function buttons.
• The P16181HP VGA Resolution Probe and a 110° mirrored viewing tip
• An object measuring tip that fits any of General's 5.5mm diameter highperformance probes
• A 4GB full-size SD memory card
• A video cable for connecting the DCS1700 to a TV monitor. The cable has a male
RCA plug at one end and a mini-stereo plug at the other.
• A USB cable with a mini-USB plug on one end and a full-size USB plug on the
other end.
• Four “AA” Alkaline batteries
• A soft cloth, a bottle of liquid, and cotton swabs for cleaning the camera’s lens and
LEDs and the LCD
• This user’s manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the names and
locations of all of the controls,
ports and jacks of the DCS1700.
Table 1 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.
Probe
connector
LCD
Probe video
out jack
USB
out jack
Keypad
Power
on/off
button
SD card
socket
LCD video
out jack
Snapshot
button
Start/stop
video
recording
button
Battery
compartment
Fig. 1. The controls and connectors of the DCS1700 console.
Power on
LED
5
Table 1. The DCS1700’s multi-function buttons
Button LabelIn Preview Mode In Playback ModeIn Menu Mode
Opens Special
Function menu
Offers option to delete
selected video or photo
file
In Album menu, offers option to
delete selected video or photo
file
Initiates playback of
selected video clip
During playback,
pauses/resumes
playback
Selects next-oldest
video or photo
During video playback,
fast-forwards playback:
Pressed once, slows
playback to 50% speed
Pressed twice, slows
playback to 25% speed
Pressed three times,
slows playback to
12% speed
In Album menu, selects
(next-oldest) file at left
In Settings submenu of
Date/Time menu, highlights
field at left for change
In Album menu, selects
(next-newest) file at right
In Settings submenu of
Date/Time menu, highlights
field at right for change
Selects highlighted item
In Settings submenu of
Date/Time menu, saves
displayed setting
Moves up one line within menu
or submenu
In Settings submenu of
Date/Time menu, increments
value of highlighted field
Pressed once,
mirrors video
horizontally
Pressed again,
undoes mirroring
6
Selects next-newest
video or photo
During video playback,
speeds up playback:
Moves down one line within
menu or submenu
In Settings submenu of
Date/Time menu, increments
value of highlighted field
Table 1. The DCS1700’s multi-function buttons (continued)
Button LabelIn Preview Mode In Playback ModeIn Menu Mode
Pressed once,
enters Playback
mode and displays
newest video or
photo
Pressed again,
returns to Preview
mode
Takes a picture
(stores .jpg photo on
SD card)
Pressed once,
starts recording an
.avi video clip on
SD card
Pressed again,
stops recording
Powers console on
and off
Returns to Preview
mode
During video playback,
stops playback and cues
up same video to
starting point
N/AN/A
N/AN/A
Powers console on
and off
Exits Main Menu and returns
to Preview mode
Pressed within a submenu or
sub-submenu, moves up one
level
Powers console on and off
7
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERIES
The DCS1700’s battery compartment is accessible from the bottom of the grip. You can
use the supplied four “AA” Alkaline batteries or install your own rechargeable “AA”
batteries.
Rechargeable batteries will likely save you money in the long run because the DCS1700
is a “high-drain” device that draws up to 2A from its ~5.5VDC battery stack when
recording videos. You should not expect a set of non-rechargeable batteries to power
more than 4 hours of operation.
To install batteries:
1. Turn the console upside down and
flip up the semicircular handle on the
captive screw securing the battery
compartment cover. Loosen the screw
by placing the handle between your
thumb and index finger and turning
counterclockwise (left figure at right).
2. Open the battery compartment by
flipping up the cover (right figure
above).
3. Install two “AA” batteries in the left
well and two in the right well, using
the + and – polarity marks on the
inside of the cover as an orientation
guide (left figure at right).
4. Flip down the cover and secure it by turning the screw handle clockwise (right
figure above). Flip down the chrome screw handle when you’re done.
ATTACH PROBE
Attach the P16181HP (or another highperformance probe from General) by
plugging its connector into the probe
connector at the top of the console. 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
(left figure above). 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 and discard the plastic film that protects the
console’s LCD.
8
To disconnect the probe from the console in the future, turn the collar counterclockwise
and pull the probe straight out and away.
INSERT SD CARD
1. Lift up the bottom of the rubber
cover on the right side of the
console (left figure).
2. Rotate the cover around its pivot
point at the top to expose the SD
card socket and LCD video out jack on the right side.
3. Remove the supplied SD card or another card of up to 32GB capacity from its
packaging. Discard the packaging but save the plastic storage case.
4. Plug the SD card into the socket (right figure above). Be sure the card’s gold
contacts face the rear of the console 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.
RESET AUTO POWER OFF INTERVAL
By default, the Auto Power Off function of the DCS1700 is disabled. To minimize how
often you must change or recharge the instrument’s batteries, General strongly
recommends that you reset the Auto Power Off interval to 5 or 10 minutes of inactivity at
the front-panel buttons. Having the DCS1700 occasionally power off on its own is only a
minor inconvenience because the unit can be restarted in less than 5 seconds.
To change the Auto Power Off interval:
1. Power on the console by pressing the button and holding it for at least
3 seconds.
2. Press thebutton to open the main menu. ALBUM will be highlighted.
3. Press theonce to scroll up to and highlight SETTINGS.
4. Press thebutton to open the SETTINGS submenu. AUTO POWER OFF will be
highlighted.
5. Press thebutton to open the AUTO POWER OFF submenu.
6. Press thebutton to scroll down to and highlight the 5 or 10 line.
7. Press thebutton to save your selection.
8. Press thebutton three times to return to Preview mode.
9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
12/31/12 12:35:45
Memory card capacity
VIEWING LIVE VIDEO ON THE LCD
If you followed the procedure for resetting the Auto Power Off interval in the previous
section, you have already experienced powering the DCS1700 on. Each time you power
the unit on—or return to Preview (live video) mode from Playback or Menu mode—the
screen below will appear on the LCD.
The two “vital signs” of the
DCS1700—remaining battery
power (in white, at lower left) and
remaining SD card capacity (in
green, at lower right)—will appear
for four seconds, superimposed on
video being captured in real time by
the camera at the end of the probe.
A fully charged set of batteries
would be represented by a
completely white icon. The width of
the bright-green area at the left of the SD card icon reflects how much capacity is
already used. A card that is nearly full would be represented by a bar that is green
almost to its right edge.
After four seconds, both vital sign indications will disappear, leaving only the system
time at the top of the screen. The system time (which includes the date) must be
entered by you via one of the menus; see p. 18 for instructions. Time and date settings
are retained following battery changes and system resets.
To increase the brightness of the display, press the button. To decrease
brightness, press thebutton. In a brightly lit room, changing the intensity of the LEDs
at the tip of a probe has only a small effect on the brightness of video on the screen. The
on-screen impact of changing brightness is more pronounced in dark environments.
To horizontally “mirror” live video, press the
button. This feature makes it easier to read
equipment labels and serial numbers, as shown
at right.
To zoom in on a target, press the button. Pressing the button once enlarges the
target by 50% (a zoom level of 1.5X). Pressing the button twice enlarges the target by
100% (a zoom level of 2.0X). Pressing the button a third time returns to 1X (actual size)
viewing. When video is being zoomed, the zoom level is indicated at the bottom right of
the display.
The mirroring and zooming effects can be applied at the same time when viewing video
on the DCS1700’s LCD.
The P16181HP probe supplied with the DCS1700 system is a “soft metal” design, which
means that it will not retain its bent shape. Because soft metal probes are so flexible,
they are best suited for inspecting the interior of pipes or densely packed equipment
enclosures (such as engine compartments). With the probe inserted, you can twirl it until
10
video appears right-side up. You can change the viewing angle of the probe (enabling it
to see around corners) by attaching the included 110° mirror accessory to the tip.
See p. 14 for attachment instructions.
For precision inspection work, consider purchasing General’s PM003, a set of three
mirrored tips with viewing angles of 70°, 90° and 110° that fit all of the company’s
5.5mm diameter high-performance probes. To further increase The Viper 1700’s viewing
flexibility, consider purchasing a flexible-obedient probe, which retains its configured
shape and is therefore better for inspecting behind walls, under floors and above
ceilings. For the ultimate in viewing flexibility, General offers four articulating probes, one
with a VGA resolution camera (P16HPART) and three with a QVGA resolution camera
(P16ART-1SM/2SM/3SM). All four, in effect, let you set their viewing angle over a 300°
arc centered on the probe’s main axis. The table on p. 24 lists the part numbers and key
specifications of all General probes compatible with the DCS1700.
Before using The VIPER 1700 system, carefully read the Operating, Maintenance &
Troubleshooting Tips section of this manual on pp. 22 and 23 to understand how to use
a borescope probe properly and avoid using it improperly. To protect the delicate
camera-tipped end of the P16181HP probe, reinstall the rubber lens cap after each
inspection session.
The DCS1700 can be powered for up to four hours by the same set of four “AA”
batteries. It’s time to replace the batteries when the battery icon appears at the lower
left of the display during viewing of live video. The first sign of weak batteries is a
change in the appearance of the icon from a steady white to a flashing red. When the
batteries are critically low, the flashing will stop and the icon will switch to a solid red.
To replace the batteries, follow the procedure on p. 8 of this manual.
VIEWING LIVE VIDEO ON A TV MONITOR
The DCS1700 comes with a video cable for connecting the console to any 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 DCS1700’s.
To make the connection, insert the yellow RCA plug of the video cable into the Video in
jack of your TV monitor and set the TV’s input to external video. Then insert the stereo
mini-plug of the cable into either the Probe video out jack on the left side of the unit or
the LCD video out jack on the right side of the unit.
Which jack should you use? In most cases, use the LCD video out jack because its
output exactly matches what appears on the LCD—including any brightness
adjustments or zooming that you have used to improve the clarity or detail of your
inspection target. The only reason to use the Probe video out jack is to compare the
details of a real-time scene to those of the same scene recorded on the SD card at an
earlier time. To do so, you would view a recorded clip of the scene on the LCD of the
DCS1700 while looking at live video of the same field of view on a TV. This would make
any change in the position or appearance of a component or object easy to spot.
Before making either external connection, make sure that your DCS1700 is configured
to export video in the same format as your TV or TV monitor. The default format is NTSC.
You can switch to PAL format by following the instructions on p. 19.
11
OPERATING THE VGA RESOLUTION PROBE
5
43
2
1
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
The P16181HP is a high-performance camera-tipped probe that captures video and still
images at VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution. The probe’s six super-bright LEDs make it
particularly suitable for inspecting dark environments and viewing parts and structures
within them.
Fig. 2 shows the controls and key structures of the P16181HP. Familiarize yourself with
their positions and functions before using the probe.
Fig. 2. The controls and key structures of
the P16181HP
1. Probe
2. Stainless steel camera head containing
four forward-facing LEDs and two sidefacing LEDs
3. Stainless steel accessory alignment
ring
4. Black metal thread protector ring
5. Rubber protective cap
6. Probe handle
7. Light boost button
8. 90° rotation button
9. Anti-reflection button
10. Probe connector
To adjust the intensity of the LEDs at the tip of the P16181HP, use the and
buttons.
Remember to remove the rubber protective cap from the tip of the probe before using it.
Using the Three Control Buttons
To boost the intensity of the four LEDs that normally provide camera lighting, press the
button. Doing so lights a red LED behind the button and improves the brightness of
video and images, as shown below.
12
BEFORE BOOSTAFTER BOOST
This feature can help you cope with very low-light conditions. When recording with the
boost feature activated, you must hold the probe very steady or your videos and images
will be blurred.
To rotate the probe’s field of view, use the button. Pressing the button once
backlights the button red and rotates the frame clockwise by 90°. Pressing it a second
time rotates the frame by an additional 90°, in effect turning the original view upsidedown. Pressing the button a third time rotates the field of view yet another 90°. Pressing
the button a fourth time restores the original view and extinguishes the red button
backlight.
To remove glare, reflections or spots from the field of view, use thebutton.
Pressing the button adds a red backlight to it, just like the other two buttons on the VGA
Probe handle.
This anti-reflection feature of the P16181HP is most useful for eliminating reflections of
the four forward-facing LEDs in the camera head from shiny surfaces. Note that pushing
thebutton extinguishes the four forward-facing LEDs and shifts responsibility for
camera lighting to the two side-facing LEDs. The net effect, as shown below, is a clearer
and more-readable image.
WITHOUT ANTI-REFLECTIONWITH ANTI-REFLECTION
You can also use the anti-reflection function to remove glare created by the P16181HP’s
mirrored viewing tip (see the next section of this manual for installation and alignment
instructions). The pair of images below illustrates the net positive effect.
MIRRORED VIEW MIRRORED VIEW WITH ANTI-REFLECTION
WITHOUT ANTI-REFLECTION
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Attaching the Mirrored Viewing Tip
✓
The only accessory included with the P16181HP is a 110° mirrored viewing tip. To
attach it to the probe:
1. Pull off the rubber protective cap (Fig. 2, Callout 5).
2. Unscrew and remove the black metal thread protector
ring (Callout 4), as shown below.
3. Turn the stainless steel accessory alignment ring
(Callout 3) clockwise to move it away from the probe tip.
Keep turning until the ring can travel no further.
4. Screw the mirrored viewing tip onto the camera head
(Callout 2) by turning it clockwise, as shown at right.
Keep turning until the viewing tip is as far from the probe
tip as possible. In this position, it can rotate freely.
5. Press thebutton to activate the two-side facing LEDs.
6. Slowly turn the mirrored viewing tip counterclockwise to move it toward the probe
tip. Once the threads of the tip grip the camera head, continue turning only until the
two LEDs are clearly visible through the gap in the tip’s housing.
7. Secure the tip with your thumb and forefinger and use your other hand to turn the
alignment ring clockwise. Keep turning the ring until its leading edge contacts the
mirrored viewing tip, locking it in place. The pair of figures below illustrate the
incorrect (left) and correct (right) orientation of the mirror with respect to the LEDs.
8. Remove the blue circular protective film from the mirror by pulling on its tab with a
tweezers.
TAKING PICTURES AND RECORDING VIDEOS
To take a picture, make sure the DCS1700 is in Preview mode (with live video
appearing on the LCD), optimize the display brightness and zoom level for the target,
and press thebutton. Doing so creates a .jpg file of the frame being displayed at that
moment and stores it on the SD card. The alphanumeric name of the stored picture file,
which begins with “PICT” and has the suffix “.JPG”, is briefly displayed in red at the
bottom of the LCD to confirm that a picture was taken. The DCS1700 automatically
returns to Preview mode after taking a picture.
To record a video clip, make sure the DCS1700 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 running clock indicating the duration of the clip recorded
so far will appear at the lower left of the screen and remain there until the recording is
stopped.
14
To stop recording, press thebutton again. This causes the red running clock to
disappear and returns the DCS1700 to Preview mode. As the clip is ended, its file name
is briefly displayed in red at the bottom of the screen to confirm that the clip was stored.
Like photo files, video files begin with the letter PICT; unlike photo files, video files have
the suffix “.AVI”.
In the DCS1700, files are named consecutively, regardless of type. For example, if you
first take a picture and then record a video, the first file would be named PICT0001.JPG
and the second PICT0002.AVI.
While a video is being recorded, the following console buttons remain active: ,
and(brightness up and down), and(zoom). The effects of changing brightness
and zoom level are reflected in the video recording. So are the effects of changing
brightness and contrast through the button (see the Navigating the Two Menus
section of this manual for details). You cannot pause the recording of a video clip and
resume it later; to cover two time spans, you must record two videos.
The DCS1700 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 words SD CARD FULL at the bottom of the screen in red. 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 SAVED PHOTOS AND VIDEOS
To view a picture or play back a video on the DCS1700’s LCD or a TV monitor, switch
the unit out of Preview mode and into Playback mode by pressing thebutton. The
DCS1700 will then recall and display either a still photo (if a photo was the last
recording stored) or the first frame of a video clip (if a video was the last recording). In
both cases, two pieces of information about the file will be displayed briefly: its name (in
red at the bottom of the LCD) and its position in the recording sequence (for example,
16/16) in white in the upper right corner of the LCD. For video clips, another piece of
information will also be shown: its duration, in the upper left corner of the LCD.
In Playback mode, pressing the button repeatedly sequentially recalls all photos and
videos from memory in the reverse order in which they were stored (in other words, the
newest first and the oldest last). By contrast, pressing the button repeatedly
sequentially recalls all stored photos and videos from memory in the same order in
which they were stored (the oldest first and the newest last).
To begin playing back a video whose first frame is on-screen, press the button.
Once a video clip begins playing, a running clock and moving timeline will help you
relate what you see now against what you saw when you recorded the clip. You can
pause and resume the clip as often as you like by pressing the button to toggle
between the two actions.
During video playback, you can use theandbuttons to speed up or slow down
playback; see Table 1 for the specific speeds available. Pressing thebutton during
playback stops the video and cues it up to its first frame, ready to be restarted.
Whenever a photo or (the first frame of) a video clip is on-screen in Playback mode,
pressing the button gives you the opportunity to delete it from the SD card.
15
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 SD card from your DCS1700 and plug it directly
into your PC. If your PC does not have an SD card slot, you can purchase a USB SD card
reader (Part No. SDRD1) from General.
Alternatively, you can use the included USB cable to transfer video clips and pictures
stored on the SD card to a PC for viewing on the PC’s larger screen or exporting
elsewhere. To connect the DCS1700 to a PC:
1) Insert the full-size USB plug at one end of the cable into a USB port of your PC.
2) Insert the mini-USB plug at the other end into the USB out jack on the left side of
the DCS1700 grip (see Fig.1).
3) Making the USB connection will cause the DCS1700 screen to display two icons to
choose from: above . Press either thebutton or thebutton to select
the SD card icon. The SD card icon is selected when the red rectangle moves down
to surround it.
4) Press thebutton to choose the SD card. The screen will display the phrase
“MASS-STORAGE MODE” against a blue background.
5) On most PCs, making this connection will activate AutoPlay. In the General options
section, choose “Open folder to view files”. Doing so will give you access to the SD
card’s content via its hierarchical file structure. At the top of the hierarchy is a
folder named “DCIM”.
Details of the SD card’s file structure are worth mentioning to underscore the
importance of not changing any factory-assigned folder names. As the figure below
shows, the SD card has been formatted to contain one folder named “DCIM” and one
subfolder named “100COACH”. The 100COACH folder contains all stored photo and
video files, identified by their .JPG and .AVI extensions. You should not rename the
DCIM and 100COACH folders while the SD card is inside your PC or connected to it
to through a card reader. If you rename either folder, the DCS1700 will fail to
recognize the SD card the next time you plug it into the console.
PICT00XX.JPG
DCIM
100COACH
PICT00XX.AVI
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 stored on the card. 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.
NAVIGATING THE TWO MENUS
The DCS1700 has two menus: the Main menu, which is accessible through the
button, and the Special Function menu, which is accessible through the button.
The Main menu has six submenus for accessing and controlling the following
operational and housekeeping functions:
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• The ALBUM submenu lets you browse thumbnails of photo and video files stored
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on the SD card
• The LANGUAGE submenu lets you choose one of 27 languages for on-screen
notifications and menu items
• The DATE/TIME submenu lets you set the current date and time (together known
as system time) and the date format. It also lets you choose whether to
superimpose the system time on live video.
• The TV SYSTEM submenu lets you choose the analog video output format (NTSC
or PAL) compatible with your TV or TV monitor. Be aware that you cannot change
the format of Year/Month/Day (Y/M/D) used for photo time stamps.
• The SD CARD STATUS submenu lets you check the free storage capacity of the SD
card. It also lets you bulk-erase and format the card. Formatting the card also bulkerases any files it contains.
• The SETTINGS submenu lets you determine the triggering time of the Auto Power
Off function (never, 5 minutes or 10 minutes) and set the maximum duration of
video recordings (unlimited, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 minutes)
Five of the six submenus are navigated in identical fashion. When any of the last five
submenus is open, its name is displayed in white at the top of the LCD. No more than
three options are presented in rows below (see figure at right).
If more than three options are available, you must use the and
buttons to scroll up or down to make the additional options visible.
Scrolling an option to the middle of the three visible rows highlights it
and makes it available for selection. Pressing the button saves the
setting and switches the display to the next-highest level of that menu
or submenu. Pressing the button has the same effect: it switches the display to the
next-highest level. In this regard, the button functions just like the “up one level”
button in a traditional computer folder-subfolder hierarchy.
The ALBUM submenu is different for two reasons: 1) when selected, its name does not
appear at the top of the LCD, and 2) its options can be scrolled horizontally (using the
andbuttons) as well as vertically
(using the and buttons).
The image at right underscores how
much information about stored files is
quickly made available to you by using
TOTAL NUMBER
OF FILES STORED
ON SD CARD
DATE AND TIME
RECORDED
the ALBUM submenu to browse your
saved photos and video clips.
Although the LCD is only large enough to show thumbnails of nine files, thumbnails of all
files stored on the SD card can be made visible by repeatedly pressing the button.
Scrolling up in this way will replace the newest nine files by the nine next-newest, and
then the nine next-newest, and so on. Thumbnails of video clips are identified by a white
film-strip icon in their upper left corner. When a thumbnail of a file is highlighted, the
underlying file can be deleted by executing the DELETE command made available by
pressing thebutton. If you decide not to delete the file at this point, you can press
the button to execute the ESC command.
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Finally, remember that once you open any menu or submenu, you have 2 minutes and
30 seconds to select an option before the menu automatically closes, returning the
A) To enter the current date in the default
format of Y/M/D (year, month, day): 1) Press the
orbutton to increase or decrease the Y
value. Then press thebutton to advance to
and highlight the M field; 2) Press theor
button to increase or decrease the M value.
Then press thebutton to advance to and
highlight the D field; Press theor
button to increase or decrease the D value.
Then press thebutton to advance to and
highlight the hours field.
B) To set the current time: 1) Press the
orbutton to increase or decrease
the value in the hours field to match the
current hour in 24-hour (military time) format.
Then press thebutton to advance to and
highlight the minutes field; 2) Press the
orbutton to increase or decrease
the minutes value to match the current value.
Then press thebutton to advance to and
highlight the seconds field; 3) Press the
orbutton to increase or decrease
the seconds value. Then press thebutton to
save both the date and time settings and return
to the DATE/TIME submenu.
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The DATE/TIME submenu (continued)
number of photos for which
space is available
remaining VGA video
recording time
percentage of card/capacity
free for storage
Submenu nameOptionsInstructions/Comments
FORMATY/M/D (default)
M/D/Y
D/M/Y
To change the date format: 1) Use theor
button to cycle through the three options:
Y/M/D (default), M/D/Y and D/M/Y. 2) With your
preference highlighted, press thebutton to
save the setting and return to the DATE/TIME
submenu.
DISPLAYYES (default)
NO
Select YES to always show the system time
(current date and time) on-screen in Preview
(live video) mode.
Select NO to never show the system time
on-screen
The TV SYSTEM submenu
Submenu nameOptionsInstructions/Comments
N/ANTSC (default)Choose NTSC in North America, Central
PAL
America, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Choose PAL in Europe, Africa and much of Asia
and Africa. When your selection is highlighted,
press the button to save the setting and
return to the Main Menu.
The SD CARD STATUS submenu
Submenu nameOptionsInstructions/Comments
DELETE ALL FILESYesChoose YES to delete all files on the SD card.
No (default)Choose NO to preserve all files. When your
selection is highlighted, press the button to
take the action and return to the SD CARD
STATUS submenu.
FORMAT SD CARDYESChoose YES to format the card, realizing that
NO (default)doing so erases its entire contents.
Press the button to do so. The confirmation
“OPERATION COMPLETED” will appear in red at
the bottom of the LCD.
SD CARD STATUSN/AEntering this sub-submenu
displays this screen:
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The SETTINGS submenu
Submenu nameOptionsInstructions/Comments
AUTO POWER OFFOFF (default)Choose OFF to disable the Auto Power Off
5function (not recommended). Choose 5 or 10 to
10automatically power off the DCS1700 after 5 or
10 minutes of inactivity on the keypad. When
your selection is highlighted, press the
button to save the setting and return to the
SETTINGS submenu.
RECORDING TIMER 0 (default)Choose 0 to never limit the duration of video
10recordings. Choose another value to limit the
15duration of video recordings to that value, in
20minutes. When your selection is highlighted,
25press thebutton to save the setting and
30return to the SETTINGS submenu.
The Special Function menu that opens when you press the button provides access
to two display controls and the option to operate the display in either of two custom
modes.
The two display controls are for brightness and contrast. The controls let you establish
baseline levels of those two display attributes that remain in effect in both Preview and
Playback mode after you exit the Special Function menu and until you power off and on
again.
Note: Unlike the Main menu and its submenus, the display controls made available
through the Special Function menu must be manipulated within four seconds. If
you do not adjust the baseline level of brightness or contrast within four seconds,
the on-screen display control will disappear and you will have to start over, from
Preview mode, by pressing thebutton.
To set a baseline level for display brightness:
1. Enter the Special Function menu by pressing the button.
2. Use the or button to scroll down to and highlight the line.
3. Press the button
4. Use the and buttons to increase or decrease the display brightness, as
represented by the number of green bars in a horizontal row. The default baseline
level is represented by the blue bar in the middle of the row.
To set a baseline level for display contrast:
1. Enter the Special Function menu by pressing the button.
2. Use the or button to scroll down to and highlight the line.
3. Press the button
4. Use the and buttons to increase or decrease the display contrast, as
represented by the number of green bars in a horizontal row. The default baseline
level is represented by the blue bar in the middle of the row.
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The other two options available through the Special Function menu do the following:
1) Switch the display to operate in black & white mode. To open this mode, enter
the Special Function menu, scroll down to and highlight the line labeled “BW”, and
press the button. The notification BW will appear at the bottom of the LCD.
2) Measure the size of any object or gap visible on-screen.
To do so, open the Special Function menu, scroll down to
and highlight the line labeled “MT” and press the
button. A green grid of 12 squares, each measuring 0.2 in.
on a side, will appear as a screen overlay. Remove the
included object measuring tip from its glass vial and screw
it on to the tip of the probe after removing the thread
protector ring (Callout 4 of Fig. 2 on p. 12). Using only the
tip and your eyesight, you should be able to measure the dimensions of any visible
object or gap with an accuracy of ±0.02 in.
Finally, be aware that once black & white mode or object measurement mode is
activated, the DCS1700 will continue to operate in that mode until you deactivate it or
reboot the console. To deactivate either special operating mode, enter the Special
Function menu by pressing the button. Scroll down to either the MT or BW line. If its
label is green, the mode is active. To deactivate it, press the button.
SPECIFICATIONS
Display Size, Type3.5 in. (diagonal), color TFT LCD
Display Resolution320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
Probe Length, Type, Diameter39 in. (1m), soft metal, 0.22 in. (5.5mm)
Diameter of Camera Head
with Thread Protector0.23 in. (6mm)
Probe ResistancesTo water, oil & dust per IP67 standard
Probe Depth of Field0.4 to 12 in. (10 to 300mm)
Probe Field of View60°
Camera Head Length0.78 in. (20mm)
Camera Lighting4 forward-facing LEDs + 2 side-facing LEDs
Video Recording Resolution640 x 480 pixels (VGA)
Video File Format.avi
Photo Recording Resolution640 x 480 pixels (VGA)
Photo File Format.jpg
Video Zoom Options1.5X, 2X
Video Playback Speeds12%, 25%, 50%, 1X, 1.5X, 2X, 4X
InterfacesTwo analog video out jacks & one USB 2.0 jack
(USB jack reserved for future use)
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Specifications (continued)
9
.
1 to 2 in.
(25 to 50mm) from tip
2 in. (50mm)
or more from tip
Video Out FormatsNTSC and PAL
Video Frame Rate30 frames per second (fps)
Compression FormatCompatible with MPEG4
Recording MediumStandard-size SD card of up to 32GB capacity
Menu LanguagesEnglish, French, German, Italian, Spanish,
Probe Operating/Storage Temperature-4° to 140°F (-20° to 60°C)
Grip Operating Temperature32° to 122°F (0° to 50°C)
Dimensions of Grip10.8 x 4.8 x 2.2 in. (275 x 123 x 55mm)
Weight of Grip (without Batteries)13 oz. (370g)
Power Source(4) “AA” Alkaline or rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries
Battery Life (typical)4 hours operation
OPERATING, MAINTENANCE &
TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
• The probe is flexible to make it easy for you to
inspect hard-to-reach areas. Never insert or bend it
by force, and never over-bend any part of the probe.
Specifically (see figure at right):
• Do not bend the last 1 to 2 inches (25 to 50mm) of
the probe by more than 70°
• Do not bend the probe at any other point by more
than 90°
• 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 batteries. The
reason for the failure also could be that you have forgotten to remove the rubber
cap protecting the probe tip.
• If live video begins to look spotty, streaky or intermittent, the likely reason is weak
batteries.
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• If the console “freezes” (pushing buttons has no effect) like a computer, straighten
out a paper clip and use one end to press the red Reset button on the back of the
console.
• Avoid using corrosive liquids such as alcohol to clean either the console or the
probe. To clean the camera’s lens and LEDs, use one of the supplied cotton swabs
and a small amount of the cleaning solution. To clean the LCD, use the supplied
cloth, cotton swabs and liquid. To clean the housing of the console, use a soft, dry
cloth.
• Operate and store the DCS1700 only in a cool (under 122ºF or 50ºC), dry, wellventilated place. Avoid exposing the unit to sunlight for long periods of time.
• To avoid damaging the console’s probe connector, use only compatible probes.
• Never use the probe or camera head to modify surroundings or to clear pathways
or clogged areas.
• The camera head, LEDs and thread protector ring are waterproof, but not acid-proof
or fire-proof. Do not touch acidic, corrosive or hot materials or they will ruin the
head.
• Cover the camera-tipped end of the probe with the protective rubber cap when not
using it.
• Unless you wish to install a mirrored viewing tip, do not unscrew the thread
protector ring from the camera head.
• When inspecting a vehicle, shut off the engine. Metal and liquid under the hood may
be hot. Do not get oil or gas on the camera head.
• If condensation forms inside the camera lens, let it evaporate before using the
probe again.
• Do not try to disassemble any part of the probe. Doing so creates an electrical
hazard, could damage the probe, and voids the limited warranty.
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COMPATIBLE PROBES & ACCESSORIES
The table below lists and describes all probes and accessories compatible with the DCS1700.
Model No. DescriptionCamera Probe LengthDepth of Field
(SKU)Head
VGA Resolution Probe
(P16181HP included with
DCS1700 system)
Side View Soft Metal Probe
Side View FlexibleObedient Probe
Diameter
6mm
(0.23 in.)
5.5mm
(0.22 in.)
3.9mm
(0.15 in)
4.9mm
(0.19 in)
5.5mm
(0.22 in.)
1m (3.28 ft.)
0.4 to 12 in.
(10 to 300mm)
0.25 to 6 in.
(6.4 to 150mm)
0.4 to 12 in.
(10 to 300mm)
0.25 to 6 in.
(6.4 to 150mm)
P16PIP
PM003——————————
RP1618——————————
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Pipe & Duct Inspection
Probe & Reel Set
Set of 3 Mirrored Viewing
Tips (70°, 90°, 110°) for all
5.5mm dia. probes
Reel Stand for Long Soft
Metal Probes
28mm22m (72 ft.)0.4 in. (10mm
(1.1 in.)to infinity
)
For more information or to order a part, begin by visiting www.generaltools.com and
entering the Model No. in the SEARCH box at the top of the home page.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DCS1700 (The VIPER 1700) High-Performance
VGA Recording Video Borescope 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.
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.
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.