General Tools DCS1700 User Manual v.1
HIGH-PERFORMANCE
VGA RECORDING
VIDEO BORESCOPE SYSTEM
USER’S MANUAL
DCS1700
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 –3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What’s in the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –7
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9
Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Attach Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9
Insert SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Reset Auto Power Off Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Operating Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 21
Viewing Live Video on the LCD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11
Viewing Live Video on a TV Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Operating the VGA Resolution Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 14
Using the Three Control Buttons. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
Attaching the Mirrored Viewing Tip. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Taking Pictures and Recording Videos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15
Viewing Saved Videos and Pictures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 – 16
Navigating the Two Menus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 21
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 – 22
Operating, Maintenance & Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 – 23
Compatible Probes and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
INTRODUCTION
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.
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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.
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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).
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WHAT’S IN THE CASE
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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
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Table 1. The DCS1700’s multi-function buttons
Button Label In Preview Mode In Playback Mode In 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
Decreases
brightness of
camera lighting
LEDs
Increases
brightness of
camera lighting
LEDs
Opens Main Menu
Pressed once,
enlarges target 50%
(zooms 1.5X)
Pressed twice,
enlarges target
100% (zooms 2.0X)
Pressed three
times, returns to
1X viewing
N/A
N/A
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
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Selects next-newest
video or photo
During video playback,
speeds up playback:
Pressed once
playback speed by 50%
(to 1.5X rate)
Pressed twice, doubles
playback speed (to
2X rate)
Pressed three times,
quadruples playback
speed (to 4X rate)
, increases
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 Label In Preview Mode In Playback Mode In 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/A N/A
N/A N/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
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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.
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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 the button to open the main menu. ALBUM will be highlighted.
3. Press the once to scroll up to and highlight SETTINGS.
4. Press the button to open the SETTINGS submenu. AUTO POWER OFF will be
highlighted.
5. Press the button to open the AUTO POWER OFF submenu.
6. Press the button to scroll down to and highlight the 5 or 10 line.
7. Press the button to save your selection.
8. Press the button three times to return to Preview mode.
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