General Tools DCS800 User Manual

RUGGED HIGH-PERFORMANCE

VGA RECORDING

VIDEO BORESCOPE SYSTEM

USER’S MANUAL

DCS800

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

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5

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

What’s in the Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –6

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

Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 10

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

Attach Hand Strap and Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Insert SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Reset Auto Power Off Interval . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 21

Viewing Live Video on the LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 13

Viewing Live Video on a TV Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Operating the Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 – 14

Attaching a Mirrored Viewing Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Taking Pictures and Recording Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Viewing Saved Videos and Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 17

Navigating the Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 21

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 – 23

Operating, Maintenance & Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . . . . . . 23 – 24

Compatible Probes and Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DCS800 Rugged High-Performance VGA Recording Video Borescope System. Please read this user’s manual carefully and thoroughly before using the instrument.

The DCS800 is a complete system that combines a handheld VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixel) recording video borescope console with General’s P16181SR-M flexible-obedient QVGA resolution probe. The included probe is 39 in. (1m) long and has a camera head diameter of 0.22 in. (5.5mm). The DCS800 console 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. 25.

The system is notable for its IP55 water ingress protection rating and its impact resistance of 1m (39 in.).

The DCS800 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 DCS800 automatically enters this mode when powered on. Separate front-panel buttons allow you to increase and decrease the brightness of the four camera lighting LEDs. Another front-panel button allows you to enlarge a target by 200% (a zoom level of 3.0X) or 400% (5.0X). Yet another button allows you to “mirror” video horizontally, vertically, or horizontally and vertically at the same time. Horizontal mirroring makes it possible to read serial numbers seen and reversed by a probe with a mirrored viewing tip. Vertical mirroring makes it possible to “flip” (invert) video without having to twirl the probe 180°.

With the addition of an optional VGA resolution probe from General, the

DCS800 can 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 of the scene or mirror or enlarge 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 and/or mirrored) real-time probe video can be exported through an included video cable to any NTSC- or PAL-format TV monitor with an RCA input jack.

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• 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 on 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 needed 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 DCS800 can store more than eight hours of QVGA resolution video or two hours of VGA resolution video, in addition to hundreds of photos.

• In Menu mode, you use familiar up/down scrolling motions and responses to dialog boxes to navigate a main menu with six submenus. Collectively, the menus and submenus let you:

• Browse and select video and photo files stored on the SD card in

chronological order or reverse chronological order

• Perform the following “housekeeping” functions: 1) bulk-erase the SD

card; 2) set the current time and date (together known as system time) and date format; 3) enable or disable display of system time on the LCD,

4) choose any of 27 languages for menu and on-screen text, 5) select a Video Out format, and 6) adjust the triggering time of the console’s Auto Power Off function.

KEY FEATURES

• 3.5 in. (89mm) diagonal LCD

• 39 in. (1m) long, 0.22 in. (5.5mm) diameter flexible-obedient probe with 320 x 240 pixel (QVGA) resolution camera lit by four LEDs

• Console, probe, and stainless steel camera head are IP55 water, oil and dust-proof. Console is also 1m (39 in.) drop-proof

• Grip accepts dozens of other QVGA and VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution probes of various lengths and diameters to suit special applications

• Records VGA or QVGA resolution video clips and still images using familiar menu-driven user interface. Saved video and photo files incorporate realtime brightness, zoom and mirroring adjustments made prior to recording or “on the fly” to optimize target clarity and detail

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• Three options for mirroring live video: horizontal, vertical, or both

• 4GB SD memory card

• Analog video out jack and cable with RCA plug

• USB cable for uploading/viewing media on SD card to PC without ejecting card

• 90° mirrored probe viewing tip

• Adjustable Auto Power Off interval

• Choice of 27 menu languages

• Custom hard plastic carrying case

• Adjustable padded hand strap

• 1 year limited warranty

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION!

Never insert a probe attached to the DCS800 into a structure or space

known or suspected to contain live electric wiring

• The DCS800 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).

WHAT’S IN THE CASE

The DCS800 comes in a custom hard plastic protective carrying case. Inside the case are:

• The DCS800 console. The console integrates an LCD, a connector for a high-performance camera-tipped probe from General, separate front-panel buttons for capturing videos and photos, and six other multi-function buttons.

• The P16181SR-M 5.5mm diameter QVGA resolution probe

• 90° mirrored viewing tip

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• A 4GB full-size SD memory card

• An analog cable for connecting the DCS800 to a TV monitor. The cable has a male RCA plug 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.

• Four “AA” Alkaline batteries

• An adjustable padded hand strap

• This user’s manual

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Fig. 1 shows the names and locations of all of the controls, connectors and physical structures of the DCS800. 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.

Fig. 1. The controls and

connectors of the DCS800 console.

PROBE CONNECTOR

P16181SR-M PROBE

ANALOG VIDEO OUT JACK & SD CARD SOCKET

CAMERA HEAD

TWO MULTIFUNCTION BUTTONS

START/STOP VIDEO RECORDING BUTTON

LCD

BATTERY COMPARTMENT IN BACK

USB OUT JACK

SNAPSHOT BUTTON

FOUR MULTIFUNCTION BUTTONS

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Table 1. The DCS800’s multi-function buttons

Button Label In Preview Mode In Playback Mode In Menu Mode

N/A In Settings submenu

of Date/Time menu, highlights field at left for change

N/A In Settings submenu

of Date/Time menu, highlights field at right for change

Selects next-oldest video or photo

Selects next-newest video or photo

Takes a picture (stores Begins playback of N/A .jpg file on SD card) selected video clip

During playback, pauses/resumes playback

Pressed once, starts N/A N/A recording an .avi video clip on SD card Pressed again, stops recording

Decreases brightness of camera lighting LEDs

Increases brightness of camera lighting LEDs

Pressed once, enlarges target 300% (zooms

3.0X). Pressed twice, enlarges target 500% (zooms

5.0X). Pressed three times, returns to 1X viewing.

Pressed once, mirrors video horizontally. Pressed twice, mirrors target vertically. Pressed three times, mirrors target horizontally and vertically. Pressed four times, undoes all mirroring.

Moves up one line within menu or submenu. In Settings submenu of Date/Time menu, increments value of highlighted field

Moves down one line within menu or submenu. In Settings submenu of Date/Time menu, decrements value of highlighted field.

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Button Label In Preview Mode In Playback Mode In Menu Mode

Opens Main Menu Offers option to delete Selects highlighted

selected video or item. photo file In Settings submenu

of Date/Time menu, saves displayed setting.

Pressed briefly, enters Playback mode and displays newest video or photo Pressed and held, powers console off

SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

INSTALL BATTERIES

The DCS800’s battery compartment is accessible from the back of the unit. 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 DCS800 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 over and open the battery

compartment by flipping up the flanged cover (see drawing at right). Set the cover aside.

2. Install four “AA” batteries in the well, using the + and – polarity marks on

the inside of the cover as an orientation guide (left figure on next page).

Pressed briefly, enters Preview mode Pressed and held, powers console off

Pressed briefly, moves up one menu or submenu level (at Main menu level, pressing enters Preview mode). Pressed and held, powers console off.

ESC

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3. Replace the cover and flip it down until it snaps shut, flush against the back of the unit (right figure below).

ATTACH HAND STRAP AND PROBE

If you choose to use the included adjustable padded hand strap, you must install it at the same time as the camera-tipped probe because the probe secures one end of the strap.

Begin by locating the end of the hand strap with the black plastic bracket and thumbscrew (see right photo below). Attach this end of the strap to the console by inserting the thumbscrew into the threaded hole on the bottom edge of the unit and tightening the screw.

Then turn your attention to the other, free end of the strap. Slip the hole in the free end over the probe connector on the top edge of the console (left photo below). Then position the connector of your probe directly above the console’s probe connector.

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