General Tools DCS280 User Manual [en, es, fr]
THE SEEKERTM280 RUGGED
VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEM
USER’S MANUAL
DCS280
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What’s in the Case. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –6
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8
Install Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7
Attach Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Attach Video Cable (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Attach Thread Protector or Accessory. . . . . . . . 8
Operating Instructions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Quick Start Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10
Optional Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Manual del Usuario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 22
Manuel de L’Utilisateur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 – 33
2
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ DCS280 (The SEEKERTM280)
Rugged Video Inspection System. Please read this user’s manual carefully and
thoroughly before using the instrument.
The DCS280 is built to survive and thrive in the harsh environment of automotive
maintenance and repair. Its wand-type thermoplastic rubber (TPR) grip and integral
LCD are drop-resistant to a height of 1m (3.3 ft.). The system can be operated with
one hand, leaving the other hand free to use tools.
The grip and LCD get their input from a camera-tipped probe. The DCS280 system’s
standard probe is 1m (3.3 ft.) long and has a diameter of 9mm (0.35 in.), making it
ideal for inspecting gasoline engine cylinders through the spark plug hole. Other
general automotive applications include inspecting hard-to-reach or hard-to-see
areas of the engine compartment or undercarriage.
The DCS280 has only five control buttons (power on/off, brightness up, brightness
down, video zoom, and video flip), making it very easy to learn to use. Video within
the probe’s field of view is displayed on a high-quality 2.4 in. (61mm) diagonal color
LCD. Alternatively, video can be viewed on an NTSC-format television by plugging
an included cable into a jack on the back of the grip.
The video zoom and flip functions make the DCS280 an even more valuable
inspection tool. Doubling the size of any component in the video frame makes it less
likely that any problem will be overlooked. The reason to invert video is to align the
probe’s field of view with its real-world surroundings; in practical terms, this
function makes it easier to read upside-down labels and serial numbers by flipping
them right-side up.
The standard DCS280 system includes four accessories sized for the tip of the
9mm probe: a 45° mirror, a pickup hook, a magnetic pickup, and a thread protector
(to be installed when no accessories are used).
The DCS280’s grip, probe and accessories are packaged in a hard plastic protective
case along with this user’s manual and four “AA” batteries.
3
KEY FEATURES
• Grip and monitor are drop-resistant to height of 1m (3.3 ft.)
• Standard system includes 1m (39 in.) long, 9mm (0.35 in.) diameter) cameratipped probe (with a depth of field of 1 in. to 10 ft.) for reaching deep into
tight spaces. Longer and thinner interchangeable probes are available
(see p. 10)
• Included probe and all optional probes are designed to be oil-, water- and
dust-proof to IP67 standard. The DCS280’s splash-resistant wand-type grip
and monitor are designed to meet the IP54 standard for water ingress
protection
• One-handed operation frees your other hand to use tools
• Powered by readily available “AA” batteries
• Big, bright color LCD shows crystal-clear real-time video
• Included probe is in focus from 1 in. to 10 ft.
• Two adjustable LEDs illuminate dark areas
• Flip video 180° to read labels right-side up and enlarge objects up to
2X to show details
• Video Out jack sends video to a larger screen
• Includes four useful probe tip accessories (magnetic pickup, pickup hook,
45° mirror and thread protector), video cable, batteries and lens cap
• Three-year warranty
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not use the system to inspect environments known or suspected to
contain exposed electrical wiring.
• Do not use it in the presence of flammable or explosive gases.
• Read and understand all of the instructions in this manual before using the
system.
• Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense. A moment of
distraction can result in serious personal injury.
• Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times, especially
where water is underfoot.
• Always use protective eyewear. A dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, a hard
hat or hearing protection may also be appropriate for certain inspection
environments and tasks.
• Do not use the system to perform medical inspections.
4
WHAT’S IN THE CASE
The DCS280 and its accessories come in a custom molded plastic case. The
instrument itself has two main components: a wand-type grip with an integral LCD
monitor, and a 9mm flexible-obedient camera-tipped probe. Also in the case are:
• A plastic bag containing the four probe tip accessories: the 45° mirror,
pickup hook, magnetic pickup, and thread protector
• A video cable with a black mini-plug on one end and a yellow RCA plug
on the other
• Four “AA” batteries
• This user’s manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the main components and accessories of the DCS280. Fig. 2 shows
the positions of its display, controls and connectors. Familiarize yourself with their
names and functions before moving on to the Setup Instructions.
1
3
4
5
2
6
Fig. 1. The main components and accessories of the DCS280 system
1. Wand-type grip and integral 2.4 in. LCD
2. Video cable
3. Pickup hook
4. 45° mirror
5. Magnetic pickup
6. Thread protector
5
CD
F
A
B
E
G
H
Fig. 2. The controls, indicators and connectors
of the DCS280
A. Thread protector
B. Camera head and LED lights
K
C. 9mm flexible-obedient probe
D. LCD
E. Battery compartment (on bottom of grip)
F. button. Increases brightness of LED lights
G. button. Inverts video 180°
H. button. Decreases brightness of LED lights
I. button. Enlarges video frame up to 2X. Each press of button increases
zoom level by 10 or 20%, relative to real size
J. button. Powers unit on and off
K. VIDEO OUT jack (behind LCD)
I
J
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALL BATTERIES
The DCS280’s battery compartment is accessible
from the bottom of the grip (Fig. 2, Callout E).
To install batteries,
1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the single
screw securing the battery compartment cover.
Remove the cover and set it aside.
2. Extract the battery magazine from the grip by pulling
on the tab at its end (see top figure).
3. Load four “AA” batteries into the magazine, using
the polarity markings within it as a guide (see bottom
figure).
6
4. Push the loaded magazine back into the grip (it fits only one way).
5. Replace the battery compartment cover and secure it to the grip by tightening the
Phillips-head screw.
ATTACH PROBE
Newer DCS280s ship with the probe attached to the grip. If your probe and grip are
already attached, skip this section. The probe must be attached to the grip or the
LCD will show a blue screen and the advisory “No Signal”.
To attach the probe,
1. Slide the metal collar of the grip’s coupling back until it touches the rubber boot
on the grip’s housing.
2. Line up the alignment key on the probe connector with the flat on the coupling
(see photo below).
3. Push the two ends together until they mate.
4. Tighten the connection by turning the collar in the opposite direction of the
“REMOVE” arrow on the collar. Double-check the tightness of the connection;
if it is not tight, water may enter the system later and ruin it.
grip coupling
Rubber boot
Flat on
Metal collar
Alignment key on
probe connector
To detach the probe, perform the attachment procedure in reverse. To loosen the
connection between the two components, turn the collar in the direction indicated
by the REMOVE arrow.
ATTACH VIDEO CABLE (OPTIONAL)
If you wish to view video captured by the DCS280’s probe on an NTSC-format
television, insert the mini-plug end of the supplied video cable into the VIDEO OUT
jack behind the LCD (Fig. 2, Callout K). Insert the yellow RCA plug at the other end of
the cable into the television’s “Video In” jack.
After you make the connection, you can watch live video on both the DCS280 and
the TV at the same time. Note: the image flip and image zoom functions are
disabled for video exiting through the VIDEO OUT jack.
7
ATTACH THREAD PROTECTOR OR ACCESSORY
The DCS280 comes with four accessories that screw on to the camera-tipped end
of the probe. Each accessory has a specific purpose:
• The 45° mirror lets the probe see around corners.
• The pickup hook lets you retrieve otherwise inaccessible items seen by
the probe—for example, a wedding ring accidentally dropped down a
sink drain.
• The magnetic hook lets you retrieve lost or dropped metal objects—nuts
and bolts, for example—located by the probe.
• The thread protector prevents objects from damaging the threads of the
probe tip when they are exposed.
Attach the thread protector before you use the DCS280 for the first time, after
removing the black rubber lens cap from the end of the probe. Remove the thread
protector before attaching any of the three other accessories. Reattach the thread
protector after removing an accessory. Never expose the threads of the probe tip to
the potential dangers of an inspection session.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
QUICK START PROCEDURE
1. Press and hold the button for at least 3 seconds to power on the
scope and illuminate the LCD.
2. Press the button to increase the brightness of the camera’s LEDs
3. Press the button to decrease LED brightness
4. Press the button to flip the video (rotate it 180°). Press the button
again to undo the inversion.
5. Press the button to enlarge the video frame. The first press of the
button enlarges the frame 20%, corresponding to a zoom level of 1.2X.
“X 1.2” will appear in yellow at the bottom right of the screen. Push the
button again to zoom in closer at a level of 1.4X, 1.6X, 1.7X, 1.8X,
1.9X or 2.0X. The next push of the button reverts to normal size
(1X) viewing.
Because the probe is flexible-obedient, you can maneuver it into various positions
to aim at different targets and it will hold its shape. To protect the camera-tipped
end of the probe, reinstall the black rubber lens cap after each inspection session.
The DCS280 is designed to be powered for several hours by the same set of four
“AA” batteries. To replace the batteries, follow the procedure on p. 6 of this manual.
8
SPECIFICATIONS
Display Size/Type 2.4 in. diagonal TFT color LCD
Display Resolution 320 x 240 pixels
Monitor Controls 180° flip, 1X to 2X zoom in 7 steps,
brightness + and –
Probe Diameter & Type 9mm (0.35 in.) flexible-obedient
Probe Length 1m (39 in.)
Probe Field of View 60°
Probe Depth of Field 1 in. (25mm) to 10 ft. (3m)
Camera Light Source 2 adjustable-brightness white LEDs
Impact Resistance To height of 1m (39 in.)
Water, Dust, Splash Resistance Levels Camera-tipped probe:
Designed to meet IP67
Grip and monitor:
Designed to meet IP54
Video Out Format/Cable Length NTSC/6.6 ft. (2m)
Battery Life >3 hours (typical)
Operating Temperature/Humidity 32° to 113°F (0° to 45°C) @ 5 to 95% RH
Dimensions of Grip 10 x 3.6 x 2.3 in. (254 x 91 x 58mm)
Weight of Grip 1 lb. (454g)
Dimensions of Carrying Case 15 x 11 x 3.5 in. (381 x 279 x 89mm)
Weight of Case and Contents 4 lb. (1.8 kg)
Power Source Four “AA” batteries
MAINTENANCE TIPS
• The camera at the tip of the probe is a sensitive, sophisticated device.
Do not use the probe as a hammer or to clear debris.
• Do not insert or bend the probe by force. Over-bending any section of the
probe to a radius of less than 2 in. (50mm) may permanently damage
delicate internal cables.
• Do not get water on the LCD.
• Do not bring the camera into contact with acid, fire or hot objects by inserting
the probe into a corrosive or extremely hot environment.
• Avoid getting oil or gas on the camera head by shutting off vehicles during
inspections.
9
• If condensation forms inside the camera lens, let it evaporate before using
the system again.
• Remove the batteries if planning to store the unit for months or longer.
• Properly dispose of used batteries. Exposure to high temperatures can cause
batteries to explode, so do not incinerate them. Some countries regulate
battery disposal. Please follow all applicable rules.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
Although the DCS280 comes with a 1m long, 9mm diameter probe, the grip can
accept any probe or probe extension designed for The SEEKER 200, 300 or 400
lines of video inspection systems.
Different vehicles demand probes of different lengths and diameters. For example,
the included probe is long and thin enough for most work on gasoline engines or
vehicle undercarriages. However, you may need a thinner probe to inspect the
coolant passages of an engine block through the hole of a freeze/casting plug,
or to fit inside the glow plug hole of a diesel engine.
Since you already have a 9mm probe, it is unlikely you will want a thicker (12mm)
probe. The table below lists the salient features of the other five probes you may
want to purchase as accessories.
Model No. UPC Diameter Length Depth of Field
P495-2N 01467 7 9mm (0.35 in.) 2m (6.6 ft.) 1 in. (25mm) to 10 ft. (3m)
P495-3N 01468 4 9mm (0.35 in.) 3m (9.8 ft.) 1 in. (25mm) to 10 ft. (3m)
P455-1N 01466 0 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 1m (3.3 ft.) 0.25 to 4.0 in. (6.4 to 102mm)
P455-2N 01469 1 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 2m (6.6 ft.) 0.25 to 4.0 in. (6.4 to 102mm)
P455-3N 01470 7 5.5mm (0.22 in.) 3m (9.8 ft.) 0.25 to 4.0 in. (6.4 to 102mm)
To order:
10
1. Visit www.generaltools.com/DCS280
2. Enter the Model No. in the SEARCH box
3. Click on the “Where To Buy” link for a list of General-certified
distributors and retailers of the probe
4. Contact a distributor or retailer near you
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DCS280 Rugged Video Inspection System
is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of three years. Subject to certain restrictions, General will
repair or replace this instrument if, after examination, the company determines it to
be defective in material or workmanship.
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.
11
Loading...