General Tools DCS660 User Manual

The SeaScope™660 WATERPROOF

RECORDING VIDEO

INSPECTION SYSTEM

USER’S MANUAL

DCS660

Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 –4

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

Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

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

Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 11

Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9

Attach Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Attach Video Cable (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Installing Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 18

Viewing Real-Time Video. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12

Recording and Viewing Videos and Still Images . . . . . 12 – 15

Taking Pictures and Recording Videos . . . . . . . . 12 – 13

Viewing Saved Videos and Pictures . . . . . . . . . . 13 – 15

Using the Three Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 – 18

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ DCS660 Waterproof Recording Video
Inspection System. Please read this user’s manual carefully and thoroughly before using the
instrument.

™

The DCS660 (The SeaScope
with an IP67 waterproof grip and monitor as well as an IP67 waterproof camera-tipped probe.
The other system is General's DCS600 (The SeaScope
version of the SeaScope660.

The SeaScope660’s water tightness makes the system ideal for plumbing-related tasks like
inspecting water or sewer lines carrying running water. The system also can be used to
inspect parts of boats, ships or bridges just below the surface. Because the entire unit is
impervious to water you can use it freely around water without worrying about accidentally
“dunking” the grip and monitor. No other camera scope with an integral monitor—other than
the SeaScope600—is completely watertight.

The SeaScope660 shares many of the features and benefits of other General Tools &
Instruments video inspection systems. It comes with a 0.39 in. (10mm) diameter, 3.3 ft. (1m)
long flexible-obedient camera-tipped probe with adjustable LED lighting that is in focus from

0.6 to 6 in. (15 to 150mm). Three handy probe tip accessories are also included: a 45° mirror,
a pickup hook and a magnetic pickup.

Operated in real-time video mode, the DCS660 has only three controls (a Power/Mode button,
a joystick, and a button for zooming in on video up to 4X in 0.5X steps), making it very easy to
learn to use. Video within the probe’s field of view is displayed on a large, crystal-clear 3.4 in.
(86.4mm) diagonal color LCD. Alternatively, video can be viewed on an NTSC- or PAL-format
television by plugging a supplied cable into a jack on the side of the scope’s monitor. The
joystick controls three functions:

1) Video brightness

2) Inversion (“flipping”) of video 180°. This feature allows you to align the probe’s field of
view with its real-world surroundings, making it easier to read upside-down equipment
labels and serial numbers by flipping them right-side up.

3) Up/down and left/right panning of video. The ability to pan video helps you reacquire
viewing targets that zooming may have pushed out of the probe’s field of view.

The SeaScope660’s recording capabilities make it possible to document—with high-resolution
videos and images—what the probe “sees.” Pressing the front-panel button stores either
a still image or an AVI video (depending on how long the button is pressed) of the probe's field
of view on a 2GB MicroSD memory card supplied with the system. The same button is used to
view (play back) recorded images and videos on the unit's 3.4 in LCD. Alternatively, recorded
images and videos can be viewed on a larger screen by ejecting the SD card and plugging it
into a laptop or desktop PC, or by connecting the SeaScope to a PC via the supplied USB cable.

660) is one of only two video inspection systems on the market

™

600), a non-recording (real-time)

3

The SeaScope’s recording functions are controlled by a familiar menu-driven interface. Behind
the front-panel MENU button is a hierarchical control structure that lets you:

• Enter the current date and time

• Choose whether to date- and time-stamp still images and videos as you save them

The SeaScope660 and all of its accessories are packaged in a hard plastic protective case
along with this user’s manual. The unit is powered by four “AA” batteries, which are not
included.

KEY FEATURES

• Makes it possible to inspect water and sewer lines carrying running water. Other

“waterproof” inspection systems lack watertight grips and monitors

• Allows a diver or snorkeler to view inspection video under water in real time. Ideal for

marine search and rescue operations

• For plumbers and boat owners, eliminates concerns about accidentally dropping or

dunking grip or monitor in water

• Grip, probe and monitor are guaranteed leakproof to depth of 1m; all three components

will also resist leaks at depths up to 2m for short periods (1 hour, max)

• Includes 0.39 in. (10mm) diameter, 3.3 ft. (1m) long close-focus camera-tipped probe

with adjustable LED lighting

• Waterproof probe is flexible-obedient, meaning it retains its shape

• 3.4 in. (86.4mm) color LCD makes videos and images large and crystal-clear

• Video shown on monitor can be inverted 180°, zoomed up to 4x, and panned left/right

and up/down in zoom mode

• Video Out jack for connection to NTSC or PAL television

• Records high-resolution videos and still images with date and time stamps on MicroSD

memory card

• Recorded media can be played back on monitor, or uploaded to a PC via MicroSD card

or USB cable for viewing on a larger screen

• Selectable video resolution and contrast

• Delete files individually or in bulk

• Choice of five menu languages

• Custom hard plastic carrying case

• Includes three probe tip accessories, 2GB MicroSD card, USB and video cables

• One-year warranty

• Powered by four “AA” batteries

4

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 you use the system to perform medical inspections.

WHAT’S IN THE CASE

The DCS660 and its accessories come in a custom molded plastic case. The instrument itself
has two main components: a pistol grip permanently connected to an LCD monitor, and a
10mm flexible-obedient camera-tipped probe. Also in the case is a large Ziploc plastic bag
containing:

• Three probe tip accessories (a 45° mirror, a pickup hook and a magnetic pickup) in their
own small Ziploc bag

• A 2GB MicroSD memory card

• A USB cable with a mini B-type plug at one end and an A-type plug at the other.

• A composite video cable with a black mini-plug on one end and a yellow RCA plug on
the other

• This user’s manual

5

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Fig. 1 shows the labels and positions of the controls and connectors on the front panel, top,
bottom and sides of the DCS660. Familiarize yourself with the controls’ functions before
moving on to the Setup Instructions.

12

11

7

6

5

4

3

8

Fig. 1. The SeaScope660’s

controls, connectors
and accessories

1. Video jack, mini-B USB jack and MicroSD card slot

(see p. 10) (behind waterproof door on right side of
monitor)

2. 3.4 in. (diagonal) color LCD

3. Power/Mode button. Pressed and held, powers

SeaScope on and off. Pressed briefly, toggles between
Real-Time Viewing and Playback modes.

4. button. Function depends on operating mode
(see table on facing page).

5. Joystick . Function depends on operating mode
(see table on facing page).

6. button. Function depends on operating mode
(see table on facing page).

7. MENU button. Function depends on operating mode
(see table on facing page).

8. Battery compartment (on bottom)

9. Camera-tipped probe

6

13

2

17

16

1

5

14

18

10. Camera and LEDs

11. Battery Low ( ) LED (red)

12. Power On ( ) LED (green)

13. Triangular hanger hook (on front of monitor)

ACCESSORIES IN THE CASE

14. 45° mirror

15. Pickup hook

16. Magnetic pickup

17. Video cable

18. USB cable

19. 2GB MicroSD card

10

1

9

19