WIRELESS RECORDING
VIDEO INSPECTION SYSTEM
with 5-INCH LCD
USER’S MANUAL
DCS500
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone 781-665-1400
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
What’s in the Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –6
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –8
Attach Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Charge Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Install SD Card (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Set Auto Power Off Interval (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –8
Install Thread Protector or Probe Tip Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 – 20
Viewing Live Video on the Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Viewing Live Video on a TV Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Viewing Live Video on a PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11
Recording and Viewing Videos and Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 14
Taking Pictures and Recording Videos . . . . . . . .11 – 12
Viewing Saved Videos and Pictures . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 14
Navigating the Five Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 17
Installing and Using ScopeView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 20
Installation Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using ScopeView . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 – 20
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 – 21
Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 – 22
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
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KEY FEATURES
• Monitor with 5 in. (127mm) diagonal color LCD can be detached from pistol grip and probe
to receive video wirelessly
• Grip and monitor are IP54 splash-proof
• Grip attaches to 1m long x 9mm (0.35 in.) diameter flexible-obedient camera-tipped probe
with IP67 rating and depth of field of 1 in. to 10 ft. (25mm to 3m). Longer and thinner
probes are available.
• Squeezing trigger on pistol grip manually records video clips and still photos onto included
2GB MicroSD card or in integral 128MByte flash memory. Videos and photos can also be
captured automatically in response to motion in the field of view.
• Monitor has 1 to 4X zoom function, adjustable Auto Power Off trigger, magnets on back for
attaching to metal surfaces, and built-in microphone and speaker for recording and playing
back voice-annotated video clips
• ScopeView software and USB cable for organizing and viewing live and recorded photos
and videos on any Windows PC
• Streams video onto Internet through optional RCV100 USB wireless PC dongle
• Monitor and grip powered by separate rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• TV Out jack and A/V cable for viewing live video on NTSC or PAL TV monitor
• Four probe tip accessories (magnetic pickup, pickup hook. 45° mirror, thread protector
ring)
• Custom hard plastic carrying case
• Choice of five menu languages
• 1 Year warranty
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Do not use the probe to inspect environments known or suspected to contain exposed
electrical wiring.
• Do not use the system 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.
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WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGE
The DCS500 and its accessories come in a custom molded plastic case. The instrument itself has
two components: a pistol grip attached to a camera-tipped probe, and a wireless console with an
LCD, multiple I/O jacks and a MicroSD card socket. Also in the case are:
• Four probe tip accessories (a 45° mirror, a pickup hook, a magnetic pickup and a thread
protector ring)
• A cable with a standard-size USB plug at one end and a MicroUSB plug at the other
• An A/V cable with a mini-stereo plug at one end and two RCA plugs at the other
• A signal cable with a mini-stereo plug at both ends
• A mini-disc containing: 1) the ScopeView software program for viewing and organizing
video clips and photos captured by the DCS500; 2) drivers for enabling ScopeView to run
on PCs with various versions of Windows; 3) a soft copy of this user’s manual in pdf format
• An AC adaptor/charger with a 9VDC, center-positive output plug
• A hard copy of this user’s manual • 2GB MicroSD memory card
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows and names all of the accessories that come with the DCS500. Fig. 2 shows the
names and locations of all the controls, jacks, ports and structures of the unit. Table 1 details
how the function of each front-panel button changes with the DCS500’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.
1. 9mm diameter camera-tipped probe
2. Detachable wireless monitor
3. Wireless grip
4. Pickup hook
5. 45° mirrored viewing tip
6. Magnetic pickup
7. Thread protector ring
8. Mini-CD containing ScopeView software
and instructions, Windows drivers, and soft
copy of this user’s manual in pdf format
9. AC charger with dual DC
output cables
10. A/V cable for connecting to TV
11. USB cable for interfacing to PC
12. Signal cable for connecting grip
and probe to monitor
13. 2GB MicroSD card
Fig. 1. The DCS500 and all
included accessories
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Fig. 2. The DCS500’s controls, connectors and
A. Lens cap
B. Camera head
C. 1m long, 9mm diameter
flexible-obedient probe
D. Probe connector
E. LCD
F. Grip “power on” LED
G. Grip and monitor power on/off ( and ) buttons
H. + button. Increases brightness of
camera lighting
I. – button. Decreases brightness of
camera lighting
J. Grip and monitor battery charge status LEDs
K. Microphone
L. Grip and monitor I/O panel rubber flaps
M. multi-function button (see Table 1)
N. multi-function button (see Table 1)
O. MENU multi-function button (see Table 1)
P. multi-function button (see Table 1)
Q. multi-function button (see Table 1)
R. 4:3/ESC multi-function button (see Table 1)
AA
physical structures
S. Threaded tripod mounting hole
T. Speaker
U. DC9V IN jack
V. LINE IN and LINE OUT jacks
for connecting monitor and grip
W. TV OUT jack
X. MicroUSB jack
Y. MicroSD card socket
Z. RESET button
AA. Magnets
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Table 1. The DCS500’s multi-function buttons
SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
ATTACH PROBE
The 9mm probe must be attached to the pistol grip for the system to function. To attach the
probe:
1) Make sure the grip is not powered on. Stray current
from an energized grip might find a path into the wrong
pins of the probe during the connection process and
damage the probe.
2) Align the key on the probe connector with the flat on the
grip’s probe connector (see photo at right).
3) Push the two connectors together until they mate.
4) Hand-tighten the connection by rotating the knurled collar of the grip connector in the
direction opposite the REMOVE arrow.
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CHARGE BATTERIES
The Li-ion batteries in the grip and console must both be charged (or charging) for the system to
be ready for use.
Inside the DCS500 case is an AC adaptor/charger with two output cables (Fig. 1, Callout 9) that
makes it possible to charge both batteries at the same time. To do so,
1) After lifting the black rubber flaps protecting the I/O panels
of the grip and monitor, insert the cylindrical plug at the end
of one of the cables into the DC9V jack at the bottom of the
grip, and the plug at the end of the other cable into the
DC9V jack on the right side of the monitor. In Fig. 2, both
flaps are identified by the callout “L”, while both jacks are
identified by the callout “U”.
2) Plug the AC adaptor into a 110VAC outlet.
While the monitor and grip are charging, the two LEDs that indicate
battery charge level (Fig. 2, Callout J) will glow red. Once the
batteries have been charged enough to power the grip/probe and
monitor on their own, the LEDs will change color to green. Once
both LEDs are glowing green, unplug the charging cables and the
AC adaptor.
INSTALL SD CARD (OPTIONAL)
To install the included 2GB MicroSD memory card (or another card of up to 16GB capacity) in
the DCS500 console, lift the black rubber flap on its right side (Fig. 2, Callout L). Grasp the card
between your thumb and index finger with the contacts facing up. Push the card into the socket
(Callout Y) until you feel the card spring back and hear a click. If the card has been inserted
properly, an icon of an SD card will replace the “M” icon in the upper right corner of the LCD.
Once the monitor detects the presence of an SD card, it will store video clips and photos on the
card, rather than in internal memory.
SET AUTO POWER OFF INTERVAL (OPTIONAL)
By default, the Auto Power Off function of the DCS500 monitor is disabled. To avoid unnecessarily
draining the monitor’s battery (which would make the entire system unavailable for use), General
strongly recommends that you reset the Auto Power Off interval from “Never” to 5, 10 or 20
minutes of inactivity at the front-panel buttons. Having the DCS500 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. Press the MENU button.
2. Press the button (Fig. 2, Callout Q) twice to open the Set Time/Date menu.
3. Press the button (Fig. 2, Callout P) three times to scroll down three lines to Auto Off
Time.
4. Press the MENU button to open the Auto Off Time submenu.
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5. Press the button to scroll down to and highlight the 5 Minutes, 15 Minutes or
30 Minutes line.
6. Press the MENU button to save your selection. Doing so will remove the check mark next
to Never and add a check mark next to your selection, confirming that it has been saved.
7. Press the 4:3/ESC button (Fig. 2, Callout R) twice to return to Preview (live video) mode.
INSTALL THREAD PROTECTOR OR PROBE TIP ACCESSORY
The DCS500 comes with four accessories (Fig. 1, Callouts 4 to 7) that screw on to the cameratipped end of the 9mm 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 ring
Attach the thread protector before you use the DCS500 for the first time. Remove it 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 dangers of an inspection session.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The DCS500 can be operated wirelessly (with the monitor detached from the grip and probe) or
with the two components physically connected.
To attach the monitor to the grip, position the two slots on the
back of the monitor above the two tracks on the back of the grip
and carefully slide the monitor down (see figure at right) until you
hear a click.
To detach the monitor, carefully slide it up along the tracks of
the grip.
When using the system in wireless mode in an electrically noisy
environment, video captured by the probe may appear “streaky” on
the DCS500 monitor or on a TV monitor or PC screen attached to the
DCS500 monitor. To remedy the problem, try using the included signal
cable (Fig. 1, Callout 12) to electrically interconnect the grip and
monitor. The mini-stereo plugs at the ends of the signal cable fit the
LINE IN jack of the monitor and the LINE OUT jack of the grip.
On Fig. 2, both jacks are identified by the callout “V”.
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