Waygate Technologies XL Flex Operating Manual
GE
Inspection Technologies Remote Visual Inspection
XL Flex / XL Flex +™ VideoProbe
Operating Manual
®
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introlduction .........................................................5
About this Manual ....................................................................5
Standard Package .................................................................5
Optional Accessories .............................................................5
Optional Software ..................................................................5
Indicators, and Connectors ....................................................7
Controls .................................................................................8
Chapter 2: Safety Information .............................................10
Symbols and Terms .............................................................10
General Warnings ................................................................10
General Cautions .................................................................11
Battery Warnings .................................................................12
Symboles et termes employés ............................................13
Avertissements généraux ....................................................13
Mentions générales « Attention » ........................................14
Avertissements liés à la batterie ..........................................14
Chapter 3: Getting Started ...................................................16
System Removal .................................................................16
System Power On ................................................................17
System Power O ................................................................18
System Storage ...................................................................18
Mounting Accessories ..........................................................19
Battery .................................................................................20
Battery Charge Level ...........................................................21
Charging Battery ..................................................................21
Keyboard Support ................................................................22
Saving Images and Video ....................................................23
Optical Tips ..........................................................................24
Tip Tool Proper Use (4.0 mm only) ......................................25
Chapter 4: Common Tasks ..................................................26
GO TO Menu ..........................................................................26
Live Main Menu ......................................................................34
Input Method Editors ..............................................................45
Chapter 5: Operation ............................................................52
Battery Icon ............................................................................53
Date / Time .............................................................................54
Text Color ...............................................................................56
Temp Icon .............................................................................. 57
Stereo Tip Utilities...................................................................60
Units ......................................................................................62
Accuracy Index ......................................................................63
User Prompts..........................................................................64
Save Location ........................................................................66
MPEG Quality .........................................................................67
2 XL Vu™ VideoProbe
®
Table of Contents
MIC .........................................................................................68
SETUP. ...................................................................................69
Save Location .........................................................................70
JPEG Quality ..........................................................................72
Playback Volume ...................................................................74
System Info.............................................................................79
Power Management ...............................................................80
Capturing Images and Video ..................................................82
Articulation Home ...................................................................83
Freeze Frame .........................................................................84
Still Image Capture and Playback ..........................................87
Video Recording and Playback ..............................................87
File Manager...........................................................................88
Video Playback Menu .............................................................90
Copying Files/Folders .............................................................91
Deleting Files/Folders .............................................................92
Creating a Folder ....................................................................93
Renaming Files/Folder ...........................................................94
Chapter 6: Measurement......................................................95
About Measurement ...............................................................95
Capturing Measurement Images for Re-Measurement ..........96
Stereo measurement images can be saved allowing the user to
Measurement Procedure ........................................................96
Accuracy Index .......................................................................96
StereoProbe Measurement ....................................................97
Comparison Measurement ....................................................98
Chapter 7: Maintenance ..................................................... 111
Inspecting and Cleaning the System .................................... 111
Cleaning Optical Tips............................................................ 111
Troubleshooting Measurement ............................................. 112
Service..................................................................................113
Chapter 8: Technical Specications ................................. 114
Product Specications: ......................................................... 114
Appendix .............................................................................119
A. Optical Tip Table ...............................................................119
B. Chemical Compatibility.....................................................123
C. Warranty ..........................................................................124
D. Verifying Measurement Tips.............................................125
E. Environmental Compliance .............................................126
F. Agency Certications ........................................................127
G.Creating a Personalized Logo File....................................129
I. Restoring Factory Defaults ................................................131
XL Vu™ VideoProbe® 3
Introduction
This instruction handbook is for use by the owner of the Remote Visual Inspection equipment
and their personnel. GE Inspection Technologies remains the owner of the copyright on this
instruction handbook. No part of this work covered by the copyrights herein may be translated,
reproduced, stored in information retrieval systems, or transmitted, in any form or by any means
graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or otherwise
without the prior written permission of the publishers.Individual reproductions are allowed
for business purposes only with the prior written consent of GE Inspection Technologies.
Should you have any questions concerning clarication of problems in connection with
application, use, operation, specication of your Remote Visual Inspection equipment,
please contact the following:
Technical Support Contact Information
Global Phone: 1-866-243-2638
Email: RemoteSupport@GE.com
NOTE: Contact information is subject to change. Please visit the GE Inspection
Technologies website for the latest contact information.
NOTE: The terms XL Flex and XL Flex+, within this document, are used
interchangeably and with the intent that both are applicable unless otherwise
specied.
This equipment is manufactured under one or more of the following
US patents:
• 4,989,581 • 4,980,769 • 5,070,401 • 5,373,317
• 5,435,296 • 5,754,313 • 6,097,848 • 6,468,201
• 6,590,470 • 6,959,432 • 7,170,677 • 7,262,797
• 7,564,626
4 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Introduction
About this Manual
This manual and the related equipment is intended for visual inspection
technicians with a basic understanding of inspection principles and
practices, and who are familiar with basic computer operations, but who
may not have experience with a video borescope system.
The manual contains complete setup, operating, and maintenance
instructions for the video borescope system. The manual also provides
a product overview, step-by-step procedures, and reference information.
To ensure operator safety, please read and understand this manual prior
to using the system.
For additional assistance, go to www.ge-mcs.com for a complete listing
of contact information.
Standard Package
XL Flex Documentation Thumbdrive
2-hour Li-Ion Battery Quickstart Card
Wheeled- Storage Case Optical Tip Storage Case
AC Adapter/Battery Charger Inspection Manager
Optional Accessories
Spare 4 hour battery Headset
VGA Video Cable Belt Clip
Insertion Tube Gripper Keyboard
Insertion Tube Rigidizer Optical Tips
12V DC Power Adaptor Measurement Optical Tips
Handset Holder Mini-Magic Clamp Kit
Soft Case Magic Arm Kit
Neck Strap Handset Mounting Hook
Sun Visor
Optional Software
Menu Directed Inspection (MDI)
Stereo Measurement
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe®
5
Introduction
XL Flex
MEASUREMENT SETUP
STEREO TIP UTILITIES
UNITS
ACCURACY INDEX
USER PROMPTS
BACK DONE
6 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Indicators, and Connectors
1 LCD Screen
2 USB2 Port
3 Integrated 2.5 mm Headset/Microphone Jack
4 VGA output
5 Controls
6 2-hour Lithium Ion Battery
7 Battery Removal Tab
8 Battery Charge Indicator
9 AC Adaptor Input
10 USB1 Bay
11 Insertion Tube Strap
12 Insertion Tube
Introduction
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe®
7
Introduction
Controls
The following buttons control basic and advanced operation of the XL Flex+
VideoProbe.
XL Flex
XL Vu
1
2
6
3
4
8 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
5
®
Introduction
1 Left Soft Key
Activates screen command listed on system LCD. This key will most
frequently return the user BACK one screen.
2 Power/Exit
Turns system power on/o. Also used to exit menus, return to live/frozen
video and disable image control features.
3 Joystick
Controls articulation. Press to activate the Live Main Menu, Recalled
Image Menu, and Freeze Frame Menu. Push the joystick left/right/up/
down to navigate menus and sub-menus.
4 Steering Control
Press and release to keep bending neck locked in place after the joystick
is released. A lock will appear on the LCD when enabled. Press and
release again to unlock the steering control. The lock will disappear
from LCD when disabled. Also, press and hold to engage HOME
function to straighten bending neck. A blinking Home icon will appear
on the LCD when enabled. This icon will disappear when nished.
5 Freeze/Enter
Freezes the image on-screen. Also acts as enter key for selecting
options.
6 Right Soft Key
Activates screen command listed on system LCD. This key will most
frequently serve to SELECT active menu choices. This key will also
provide an alternative method to access the LIVE MAIN MENU. Press
and hold the right soft key labeled GOTO for ~ 3 seconds.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe®
9
Safety Information
Note: Before using or servicing the system, read and understand the
following safety information.
Symbols and Terms
The following symbols appear on the product:
See accompanying documentation.
General Warnings
The following warning statements apply to use of the system in general.
Warning statements that apply specically to particular procedures
appear in the corresponding sections of the manual.
Do not allow the conductive insertion tube, system or
its working tools to come in direct contact with any voltage
or current source. Prevent all contact with live electrical
conductors or terminals. Damage to the equipment and/or
electrical shock to the operator may result.
Do not use this system in explosive environments
USE PROPERLY. Using any piece of this equipment
in a manner not specied by the manufacturer may impair the
product’s ability to protect the user from harm.
10 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Safety Information
General Cautions
The following caution statements apply to use of the XL Flex device
in general. Caution statements that apply specically to particular
procedures appear in the corresponding sections of the manual.
HANDLE PROBE CAREFULLY. Keep the insertion tube away from sharp
objects that might penetrate its outer sheath. Keep the whole insertion
tube as straight as possible during operation; loops or bends anywhere
in the tube decrease its ability to steer the probe tip. Avoid bending the
insertion tube sharply.
Note: Always use the Home button to straighten the bending neck
before withdrawing insertion tube from inspection area or putting probe
away. Never pull, twist, or straighten the bending neck by hand; internal
damage may result. At the rst sign of damage, return the probe for
repair.
Certain substances may damage the probe. For a list of substances that
are safe for the probe, see “Chemical Compatibility” in the Appendix.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 11
Safety Information
Battery Warnings
Only use the battery (XLGOABATTA or XLGOABATTB) and power
supply (XLGOACHGR or XLGOAAUTOC) specied for use with the XL
Flex+ system.
Before use, thoroughly review the instructions in this manual for the battery and battery charger to fully understand the information contained in
them, and observe the instructions during use.
WARNING
• Do not place the battery in re or exceed the battery operating
temperature.
• Do not pierce the battery with nails, strike the battery with a hammer,
step on the battery, or otherwise subject it to strong impacts or
shocks.
• Do not expose the battery to water or salt water, or allow the battery
to get wet.
• Do not disassemble or modify the battery.
Battery Communication Error: If the XL Flex+ shows this error
message on the display, please contact your nearest customer support
center.
Using the battery outside its recommended operating range will result
in degradation of the performance and service life. When storing the
battery, be sure to remove it from the base unit.
Recommended temperature range for Li-ion battery operation.
Discharge (when using the instrument): : -20˚ C to 46˚ C
Recharging : 0˚ C to 40˚ C
Storage : -25˚ C to +60˚ C
12 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Safety Information
Remarque : avant l’utilisation ou l’entretien du système, vous devez lire
et comprendre les informations de sécurité qui suivent.
Symboles et termes employés
Les symboles suivants sont apposés sur le produit :
Voir la documentation jointe.
Avertissements généraux
Les avertissements suivants s’appliquent à l’utilisation du système
en général. Les avertissements qui s’appliquent spéciquement
à des procédures particulières sont indiqués dans les sections
correspondantes de ce manuel.
Le système XL Flex+ et les outils de travail qui
l’accompagnent ne doivent jamais entrer en contact direct
avec une source de tension ou de courant. Évitez tout contact
avec des conducteurs ou des bornes électriques sous tension.
L’équipement risquerait d’être endommagé, ou l’opérateur de
subir un choc électrique.
N’utilisez pas ce système dans un environnement à
risque d’explosion.
UTILISER CORRECTEMENT. Si un élément de cet
équipement est utilisé d’une manière non indiquée par le
fabricant, l’utilisateur peut ne plus être protégé des risques de
blessure.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 13
Safety Information
Mentions générales « Attention »
Les mentions « Attention » qui suivent s’appliquent à l’utilisation
de l’appareil XL Flex+ en général. Les mentions « Attention » qui
s’appliquent spéciquement à des procédures particulières sont
indiquées dans les sections correspondantes du manuel.
MANIPULER LA SONDE AVEC PRÉCAUTION. Maintenez la gaine
de la sonde à l’écart d’objets pointus ou tranchants qui risqueraient
de traverser son fourreau. Maintenez toute la gaine aussi droite que
possible pendant l’utilisation : en cas de boucle ou de courbure, il est
plus dicile de piloter le bout de la sonde. Évitez de trop courber la
gaine.
Remarque : utilisez toujours le bouton de rangement pour redresser
le béquillage avant de rétracter la gaine de la zone d’inspection ou
de ranger la sonde. Ne manipulez jamais le béquillage à la main pour
le tirer, le courber ou le redresser : vous risqueriez de l’endommager
à l’intérieur. Envoyez la sonde en réparation au premier signe
d’endommagement.
Certaines substances risquent d’endommager la sonde. Pour consulter
la liste des substances sans danger pour la sonde, voir Compatibilité
Chimique en annexe.
Avertissements liés à la batterie
Utilisez uniquement la batterie (XLGOABATTA or XLGOABATTB) et
l’alimentation (XLGOACHGR or XLGOAAUTOC) spéciées pour être
utilisées avec le système XL Flex+.
Avant utilisation, lisez attentivement les instructions contenues dans
ce manuel relatives à la batterie et au chargeur de batterie pour bien
les comprendre, et respectez ces instructions pendant l’utilisation de
l’appareil.
AVERTISSEMENT
• Ne jetez pas la batterie au feu et ne dépassez pas sa température
de fonctionnement.
• Ne percez pas la batterie avec des clous, ne la frappez pas avec
un marteau, ne marchez pas dessus et ne la soumettez pas à des
14 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Safety Information
impacts ou des chocs violents.
• N’exposez pas la batterie à l’eau douce ou salée, et évitez de la
mouiller.
• Ne désassemblez pas la batterie et ne la modiez pas.
Erreur de communication de la batterie. Veuillez contacter le
Service clientèle au numéro +1 866 243 2638.
L’utilisation de la batterie en dehors de la plage de fonctionnement
recommandée entraînerait une dégradation de ses performances et de
sa longévité. Lorsque vous stockez la batterie, veillez à la retirer de sa
base.
Plage de température recommandée pour le fonctionnement de la
batterie Lithium-Ion.
Décharge (à l’utilisation de l’appareil) : -20˚C à +46˚CRecharge , 0˚C à
+40˚CStockage, -25˚C à +60˚C
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 15
Getting Started
System Removal
Gently remove the insertion tube from the internal storage reel and lift
the handset from the storage case.
16 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Getting Started
System Power On
Press and hold the Power/Exit key until unit turns on. The buttons
and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) will light and begin the power-up
sequence. After approximately 30 seconds, select the desired language.
The system screen will display live video and screen prompts. The
system is now ready for use.
XL Flex
RECORD GOTO
Note: All batteries are shipped with a partial charge. Batteries should be
fully charged prior to use.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 17
Getting Started
System Power O
Press and hold the Power/Exit key until the “SYSTEM SHUTTING
DOWN” message appears. Key illumination and LED probe lights will go
out when system is completely powered down.
System Storage
Place the tip of the insertion tube into the orange funnel and gently feed
into storage reel. Place the XL Flex+ handset into the designated foam
cutout. LCD screen should face up.
18 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Getting Started
Mounting Accessories
Assemble the optional mounting accessories by screwing together the
mini magic clamp, swivel ball, and handset holder.
Secure the XL Flex+ mini magic clamp and place the XL Flex+ system in
the handset holder.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 19
Getting Started
Battery
Installing Battery
Insert the battery into the handset. The battery is installed properly when
the latching mechanism is engaged.
Note: Do not force the battery into the handset, as damage may occur.
The battery is keyed and may only be installed in the proper orientation.
Removing Battery
For batteries with the removal tab, using your hand, turn the tab counterclockwise to release the battery.
Note: Do not use a tool to remove the battery.
For batteries with the locking screw, using a standard screwdriver or
coin, turn the locking screw counterclockwise and release the battery.
Note: Do not remove battery while system is operating.
Battery removal tab
20 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Getting Started
Battery Charge Level
Check the battery charge by pressing the battery symbol on the front
of the battery. Each light represents approximately 20% of the battery
charge capacity.
Charge Indicator LED’s
DC Battery Charging Jack
Charging Battery
Plug the included AC to DC power adaptor into a suitable AC power
source and connect the DC output of the battery charger into the XL
Flex+ battery. The LED battery lights will illuminate according to the
amount of charge attained. The system may operate while charging.
The battery may also be charged while disconnected from the system.
Note: When the battery is fully charged, the LED battery lights will turn o.
Note: Battery run time approximately equals battery charge time;
therefore, a four hour battery will take approximately four hours to
charge.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 21
Getting Started
Keyboard Support
To use an external, USB keyboard, plug the approved device into one of
the two USB ports.
For a list of approved keyboards, contact your sales representative or
customer support.
The function keys on the keyboard act as the keys on the XL Flex+:
F1: Menu Function on Joystick
F2: Left Soft Key
F3: Power/Exit Key
F4: Steer & Stay Key
F5: Enter Key
F6: Right Soft Key
Note: Keyboards only support the top level functions and will not support
the press and hold functions such as video recording.
22 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Getting Started
Saving Images and Video
Still Images
To capture a still image, compose the picture and press and release
Freeze/Enter. Press the right soft key with SAVE on the
LCD above to save to the default location.
Alternately, from live video, press and hold Freeze/Enter to quick-
save.
Video
To record live video, press and hold the left soft key labeled
RECORD on the LCD above. A red record symbol will appear in the
upper right hand corner. When the video is stopped, it will automatically
save to the default location.
Note: See measurement section for instructions on saving images for
future remeasurement on the XL Flex+ or a PC.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 23
Getting Started
Optical Tips
Optical tips are attached to the camera head using a double thread. This
prevents unintended departures of optical tips from the probe. Each
optical tip provides a unique depth of eld (DOF), eld of view (FOV) and
direction of view (DOV). A complete list of available tips is provided in
the Appendix.
Optical Tip Removal
1. Grasp the head of the probe with one hand and gently loosen the tip
counterclockwise with the other hand. The tip has cleared the rst
set of threads when it spins freely.
2. Gently pull the tip away from the probe and continue loosening
counterclockwise until the tip is free from the second set of threads.
Optical Tip Installation
1. Ensure the optical tip is clean. Clean if necessary (See Cleaning
Optical Tips).
2. Grasp the head of the probe with one hand and gently turn the tip
clockwise with the other hand. The tip has cleared the rst set of
threads when it spins freely and then seats with gentle force applied.
3. Gently push the tip onto the probe and continue turning clockwise on
the second set of threads until the tip is attached nger tight. Do not
over tighten. Pull gently on the tip to ensure proper attachment to
the probe.
NOTE: Never use tools or excessive force to install or remove an
optical tip.
24 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe
®
Getting Started
Tip Tool Proper Use (4.0 mm only)
Removing Tips
1. Apply empty tip tool to probe head.
2. Apply pressure while turning in the counter-clockwise position.
3. When tip tool spins freely, gently pull up while twisting in the
counter-clockwise position to release the second set of threads.
4. Remove tip tool and tip will be within.
Applying Tips
1. Apply tip tool containing appropriate tip to probe head.
2. Apply pressure while turning in the clockwise position.
3. When tip tool spins freely, gently push down while twisting in the
clockwise position to engage the second set of threads.
4. Pull gently on tip tool to ensure proper attachment.
5. Remove tip tool and tip will be attached to probe head.
NOTE: Never use excessive force to install or remove an optical tip.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 25
Common Tasks
GO TO Menu
Many common operating tasks are available in the GOTO menu. This
menu is available by pressing the right soft key labeled GOTO
during live video mode. To exit any menu, press Power/Exit.
GO TO > File Manager
To enter the le manager, navigate to FILE MANAGER with the joystick
and select with the right soft key labeled SELECT.
XL Flex
GO TO MENU
FILE MANAGER
EJECT HARDWARE
ZOOM LEVEL
LIGHT OUTPUT
LONG EXPOSURE
INVERSE +
INVERT
ANNOTATIONS
BACK SELECT
26 XL Flex+ VideoProbe
®
Common Tasks
GO TO > Eject Drive
To eject USB thumb drives before removal, use the joystick to navigate
to the right of EJECT HARDWARE and select the appropriate drive using
the right soft key labeled SELECT.
Note: Always use EJECT HARDWARE before removing a USB thumb
drive to prevent loss of data.
XL Flex
GO TO MENU
FILE MANAGER
EJECT DRIVE
ZOOM LEVEL
LIGHT OUTPUT
LONG EXPOSURE
INVERSE +
INVERT
ANNOTATIONS
BACK SELECT
USB1
USB2
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 27
Common Tasks
GO TO > Zoom Level
An image can be zoomed from 1 (normal view) to 5 (5 times zoomed).
Navigate to the right of ZOOM LEVEL and use the joystick to adjust the
zoom level. Zoom can be turned o in live video mode by pressing
Power/Exit.
XL Flex
GO TO MENU
FILE MANAGER
EJECT HARDWARE
ZOOM LEVEL
LIGHT OUTPUT
LONG EXPOSURE
INVERSE +
INVERT
ANNOTATIONS
BACK SELECT
5
1
28 XL Flex+ VideoProbe
®
Common Tasks
GO TO > Light Output
To turn the camera light source On or O, navigate to the right of LIGHT
OUTPUT and select ON or OFF.
XL Flex
GO TO MENU
FILE MANAGER
EJECT HARDWARE
ZOOM LEVEL
LIGHT OUTPUT
LONG EXPOSURE
INVERSE +
INVERT
ANNOTATIONS
BACK SELECT
ON
OFF
Note: Pressing the Freeze Frame key is a convenient way to
temporarily turn o the light output and is ideal for changing optical tips
and conserving battery charge.
XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 29
Common Tasks
GO TO > Long Exposure
The XL Flex+ system can brighten the image by varying the exposure
time. Keep the probe tip as still as possible when capturing an image
with long exposure to minimize the risk of blurring.
Select LONG EXPOSURE to choose manual exposure, automatic long
exposure, or to turn long exposure o. Long Exposure may be turned o
in live video mode by pressing the Power/Exit key.
XL Flex
GO TO MENU
FILE MANAGER
EJECT HARDWARE
ZOOM LEVEL
LIGHT OUTPUT
LONG EXPOSURE
INVERSE +
INVERT
ANNOTATIONS
BACK SELECT
After selecting Long Exposure, the following options will be available:
XL Flex
LONG EXPOSURE
MANUAL
AUTO
X OFF
BACK SELECT
30 XL Flex+ VideoProbe
®
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