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 Specications ................................. 114

Product Specications: ......................................................... 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 Certications ........................................................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 clarication of problems in connection with
application, use, operation, specication of your Remote Visual Inspection equipment,

please contact the following:

Technical Support Contact Information
Global Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

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

specied.

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 specically 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 specied 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 specically 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) specied 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 spéciquement

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 spéciquement 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 di󰀩cile 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) spéciées 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 modiez pas.

Erreur de communication de la batterie. Veuillez contacter le

Service clientèle au numéro [phone].

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

®

Common Tasks

GO TO > Inverse +

Inverse + reverses the brightness similar to a photographic negative. It
enhances the image contrast, making subtle details more visible. Inverse

+ may be turned o󰀨 in live video mode by pressing the Power/Exit

key.

To activate or deactivate, navigate to INVERSE + and choose 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

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 31

Common Tasks

GO TO > Invert

The invert function ips an image horizontally. To activate or deactivate,
navigate to INVERT and choose ON or OFF. Invert 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

ON
OFF

Note: Invert is typically used while a side view tip is installed in order to
compensate for the inversion caused by this tip.

32 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

GO TO > Annotations

When Annotations have already been added to the image, user can
quickly remove them by choosing ANNOTATIONS > DELETE ALL.

XL Flex

GO TO MENU

FILE MANAGER
EJECT HARDWARE
ZOOM LEVEL
LIGHT OUTPUT
LONG EXPOSURE
INVERSE +
INVERT

ANNOTATIONS

BACK SELECT

DELETE ALL

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 33

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu

To activate the LIVE MAIN MENU, press and release the joystick. To exit

any menu, press Power/Exit.

An alternative method to access the LIVE MAIN MENU is a press and

hold of the right soft key labeled GOTO for ~3 seconds.

Live Main Menu > Light Output

To turn the LED optical light on/o󰀨, use the joystick to choose LIGHT
OUTPUT and select ON or OFF.

XL Flex

LIVE MAIN MENU

LIGHT OUTPUT

IMAGE CONTROL
ANNOTATION
EJECT HARDWARE
SETUP
FILE MANAGER

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.

34 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control

From the LIVE MAIN MENU, select IMAGE CONTROL. The changes
made to the Image Controls take e󰀨ect immediately.

XL Flex

LIVE MAIN MENU

LIGHT OUTPUT

IMAGE CONTROL

ANNOTATION
EJECT HARDWARE
SETUP
FILE MANAGER

BACK SELECT

The following options are then available:

• Image Brightness

• Zoom Level

• Long Exposure

• Split Screen

• Single View

• Inverse +

• Invert

Note: By pressing the power/exit key twice, any image control
features will be turned o󰀨 and returned to factory default settings.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 35

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > Image Brightness

Navigate to IMAGE BRIGHTNESS from the IMAGE CONTROL Menu
and use the joystick to adjust the image brightness.

XL Flex

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS

ZOOM LEVEL
LONG EXPOSURE
SPLIT SCREEN
SINGLE VIEW
INVERSE +
INVERT

BACK SELECT

0 100

36 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > Zoom Level

Navigate to ZOOM LEVEL from the IMAGE CONTROL Menu and use
the joystick to adjust the zoom level. Digital zoom levels from 1x to 5x

may be selected.

XL Flex

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS

ZOOM LEVEL

LONG EXPOSURE
SPLIT SCREEN
SINGLE VIEW
INVERSE +
INVERT

BACK SELECT

15

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 37

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > 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

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS
ZOOM LEVEL

LONG EXPOSURE

SPLIT SCREEN
SINGLE VIEW
INVERSE +
INVERT

BACK SELECT

After selecting LONG EXPOSURE, the following options will be available:

XL Flex

LONG EXPOSURE

MANUAL
AUTO

X OFF

BACK SELECT

38 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > Split Screen

From a live, frozen, or recalled image, press the joystick to access the
LIVE MAIN MENU, FREEZE FRAME MENU or RECALLED IMAGE

MENU. Navigate to SPLIT SCREEN and press the right soft key

to select. Choose the area of screen to view by moving the joystick left
or right and using the right soft key to select. The left image is

frozen and the right image is live.

XL Flex

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS
ZOOM LEVEL
LONG EXPOSURE

SPLIT SCREEN

SINGLE VIEW
INVERSE +
INVERT

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 39

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > Single View

While navigating the probe with a stereo tip attached, single view

temporarily eliminates the second image.

Navigate to SINGLE VIEW from the IMAGE CONTROL MENU and
select ON or OFF. Pressing the Power/Exit key from live video

will disable Single View.

XL Flex

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS
ZOOM LEVEL
LONG EXPOSURE
SPLIT SCREEN

SINGLE VIEW

INVERSE +
INVERT

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

40 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > Inverse +

Inverse + reverses the brightness like a photographic negative. It

enhances the image contrast, making subtle details more visible.

To alter the contrast of an image, select INVERSE + from the IMAGE
CONTROL MENU and select ON or OFF.

XL Flex

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS
ZOOM LEVEL
LONG EXPOSURE
SPLIT SCREEN
SINGLE VIEW

INVERSE +

INVERT

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 41

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Image Control > Invert

The invert function ips an image horizontally. To activate or deactivate
Invert, navigate to INVERT from the IMAGE CONTROL MENU and
select ON or OFF.

XL Flex

IMAGE CONTROL

IMAGE BRIGHTNESS
ZOOM LEVEL
LONG EXPOSURE
SPLIT SCREEN
SINGLE VIEW
INVERSE +

INVERT

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

Note: This feature is most useful when using Sideview Optical Tips.

42 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation

Annotating an XL Flex+ image means adding text or arrows to describe
or point out areas of interest: cracks, defects, etc. Annotation may be
used on live, frozen, and recalled images.

To alter the annotation settings, press the joystick to activate the LIVE
MAIN MENU and select ANNOTATION.

XL Flex

LIVE MAIN MENU

LIGHT OUTPUT
IMAGE CONTROL

ANNOTATION

EJECT HARDWARE
SETUP
FILE MANAGER

BACK SELECT

Note: There is a maximum of 3 lines of text/arrows per annotation.

Note: See the Freeze Frame Menu to enable Audio Annotation

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 43

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation > Text

To add, edit, or clear text on a specic image, select TEXT from the
ANNOTATION menu.

XL Flex

ANNOTATION

TEXT

ARROW
PRESET
HIDE ANNOTATION

AUDIO

BACK SELECT

ADD

EDIT
DELETE

DELETE ALL

XL Flex

USE JOYSTICK/ENTER TO ENTER TEXT.

^ < > v ENTER SPACE BACKSPACE

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

A

O

P

Q

R

N

2

3

4

5

1

,

:

;

?

.

@

#

$

%

~

PRESETS ADD TO PRESETS

BACK DONE

K

S

T

U

V

W

X

6

7

8

9

0

+

!

\

/

^

<

>

&

_

|

(

)

{

L

M

Y

Z

-

=

*

`

‘

“

}

[

]

Note: Maximum number of text annotation characters is 50.

44 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation

Input Method Editors

The XL Flex+ supports text entry with advanced input methods for

Simplied Chinese (Pinyin) and Japanese (Hiragana to Katakana/Kanji).
To utilize these input methods the user must have an external keyboard

connected to the VideoProbe. These input methods default as active
when either Chinese or Japanese are selected as the system language.

To return to an on-screen keyboard that does not utilize an input method,
toggle the button that reads “Input Method -/O”

Chinese

The XL Flex+ supports the Pinyin text entry method. For each word or
phrase that you wish to enter, please perform the following:

1. Using the external keyboard, type the Pinyin representation of

the character to be entered.

2. Use the numbers on the external keyboard to select the desired

character from the candidate list.

3. Press the enter key to conrm the selection.

Japanese

The XL Flex+ supports a text entry method that converts Hiragana to

Katakana and Kanji characters. For each word or phrase you wish to

enter, please perform the following:

1. Using the external keyboard, enter the Hiragana that make

up the word being entered.

2. When all of the Hiragana that make up the word is entered,
press the space bar on the external keyboard to get a
candidate list of characters.

3. Use the numbers on the keyboard to select the desired word.

4. Press the enter key to conrm selection.

Note: If the desired word is not shown in the candidate list, press Page
Up / Page Down on the keyboard to cycle through more options.

Note: A maximum of 6 Hiragana may be entered for each word or phrase

for Japanese text entry.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 45

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation > Arrow

To add, edit or clear arrow on a specic image, select ARROW from the
ANNOTATION menu.

XL Flex

ANNOTATION

TEXT

ARROW

PRESET
HIDE ANNOTATION

AUDIO

BACK SELECT

ADD

EDIT
DELETE

DELETE ALL

Note: Maximum number of arrow annotations is 25.

46 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation > Preset

To create, recall or delete a preset annotation that will display throughout

an inspection, choose PRESET from the ANNOTATION menu. To
load or export a le containing presets, choose PRESET from the
ANNOTATION menu.

XL Flex

ANNOTATION

TEXT
ARROW

PRESET

HIDE ANNOTATION

AUDIO

BACK SELECT

CREATE

RECALL
EDIT
DELETE
IMPORT
EXPORT

Note:

• Maximum number of preset annotations is 100

• Preset les must be line-delimited .txt les

• The maximum preset length is calculated by character width

(approximately 28 characters).

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 47

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation > Loading a Preset

To load a le containing multiple presets onto the XL Flex+, a le may be
created on a PC. This le must conform to the following:

• Line-delimited (each preset must be on a separate line)

• File Type - .txt

• Encoding - UTF8

• Recommended Program - Microsoft™ Notepad

At the time of saving the document, select .txt as the le type and UTF-8

as the encoding. See example below.

Loading the File

1. Save the Preset.txt le onto external media(CF Card, USB
ThumbDrive, etc).

2. Insert the external media into XL Flex+.

3. Access the LIVE MAIN MENU by pressing joystick.

4. Select ANNOTATION.

5. Select PRESET > LOAD.

6. Locate the le that you have created.

48 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Annotation > Hide Annotation

To hide or unhide an annotation, select HIDE ANNOTATION from the
ANNOTATION menu followed by ON or OFF.

XL Flex

ANNOTATION

TEXT
ARROW
PRESET

HIDE ANNOTATION

AUDIO

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 49

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Eject Hardware

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.

XL Flex

LIVE MAIN MENU

LIGHT OUTPUT
IMAGE CONTROL
ANNOTATION

EJECT HARDWARE

SETUP
FILE MANAGER

BACK SELECT

USB1

USB2

Note: Always use EJECT HARDWARE before removing a USB

thumbdrive to prevent loss of data.

50 XL Flex+ VideoProbe

®

Common Tasks

Live Main Menu > Setup

To change default settings, select SETUP. For more information see
SYSTEM SETUP Section in the Operation Chapter.

XL Flex

LIVE MAIN MENU

LIGHT OUTPUT
IMAGE CONTROL
ANNOTATION
EJECT HARDWARE

SETUP

FILE MANAGER

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 51

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup

The System Setup Menu accesses the default settings. To exit any
menu, press Power/Exit.

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display Setup

To alter the display setup, press the joystick to activate the LIVE MAIN
MENU. Select SETUP followed by SCREEN/DISPLAY.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY

MEASUREMENT SETUP

VIDEO RECORD SETUP

STILL IMAGE SETUP
AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP
STEERING SETUP
LANGUAGE SETUP
SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

52 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display >
Battery Icon

To enable and disable the battery icon, select BATTERY ICON followed
by ON or OFF.

XL Flex

SCREEN/DISPLAY

BATTERY ICON

DATE/TIME
LOGO
TEXT COLOR
TEMP ICON
WHITE BALANCE

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 53

Operation

CK

SELLECTCTCT

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display >
Date / Time

To enable or disable the date/time stamp, as well as set the date and
time, select DATE/TIME from the SCREEN/DISPLAY menu.

XL Flex

SCREEN/DISPLAY

BATTERY ICON

DATE/TIME

LOGO
TEXT COLOR
TEMP ICON
WHITE BALANCE

ON
OFF

X

SET

BACK SELECT

To change date format between MM/DD/YYYY and DD/MM/YYYY, select
the Month, Day, Year format and move the joystick up or down to select
prefered format. Select OK when finished.

XL Flex

PLEASE ENTER TIME AND DATE

X

XX/XX/XXXX DD/MM/YYYY
00:00 PM 24HR

BACK SELEC T

BA

BACK OK

54 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display > Logo

A logo may be added to the screen. The le name “logo.jpg” must be
used. To load a logo, or to turn a logo on or o󰀨, select LOGO from the

SCREEN/DISPLAY menu and select the desired option.

XL Flex

SCREEN/DISPLAY

BATTERY ICON
DATE/TIME

LOGO

TEXT COLOR
TEMP ICON
WHITE BALANCE

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF
LOAD

Note: See Appendix G for details on creating a logo le.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 55

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display >
Text Color

The most legible text color will vary with the coloring and brightness of
the image. To change the color of the text displayed over images, select

TEXT COLOR followed by GREEN, BLACK, or WHITE.

XL Flex

SCREEN/DISPLAY

BATTERY ICON
DATE/TIME
LOGO

TEXT COLOR

TEMP ICON
WHITE BALANCE

BACK SELECT

GREEN
BLACK
WHITE

56 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display >
Temp Icon

To enable or disable the temperature icon, select TEMP ICON from the
SCREEN/DISPLAY menu.

XL Flex

SCREEN/DISPLAY

BATTERY ICON
DATE/TIME
LOGO
TEXT COLOR

TEMP ICON

WHITE BALANCE

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 57

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Screen/Display >
White Balance

White balance corrects color so white appears white despite any slight

hues that may be present under varying lighting and ambient conditions.

To execute white balance, select WHITE BALANCE from the SCREEN/

DISPLAY menu. Options are to set a custom white balance or use the
default settings.

XL Flex

SCREEN/DISPLAY

BATTERY ICON
DATE/TIME
LOGO
TEXT COLOR
TEMP ICON

WHITE BALANCE

BACK SELECT

EXECUTE
RESTORE DEFAULT

58 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Measurement Setup

To change MEASUREMENT SETUP defaults, press the joystick to activate
the LIVE MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by MEASUREMENT SETUP.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY

MEASUREMENT SETUP

VIDEO RECORD SETUP

STILL IMAGE SETUP
AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP
STEERING
LANGUAGE SETUP
SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 59

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Measurement Setup >
Stereo Tip Utilities

To access STEREO TIP UTILITIES, press the joystick to activate the LIVE
MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by MEASUREMENT SETUP followed
by STEREO TIP UTILITIES.

XL Flex

MEASUREMENT SETUP
STEREO TIP UTILITIES
UNITS
ACCURACY INDEX
USER PROMPTS

BACK DONE

60 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Measurement Setup >
Stereo Tip Utilities > Cal Info

To verify which stereo tip optics are calibrated to the probe, press the
joystick to activate the LIVE MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by
STEREO TIP UTILITIES followed by CAL INFO to view the tip optic serial
numbers.

XL Flex

STEREO TIP UTILITIES
CAL INFO
ADD TIP

BACK DONE

The ADD TIP menu feature allows stereo measurement tips to be
added to the XL Flex+ by your local service center. TIPS MUST BE
CALIBRATED AT GE INSPECTION TECHNOLOGIES SERVICE CENTER.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 61

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Measurement Setup >
Units

To change MEASUREMENT UNITS, press the joystick to activate the
LIVE MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by MEASUREMENT, then
MEASUREMENT UNITS followed by INCHES or MM.

XL Flex

MEASUREMENT SETUP
STEREO TIP UTILITIES
UNITS X INCHES
ACCURACY INDEX MM
USER PROMPTS

BACK DONE

62 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Measurement Setup >
Accuracy Index

To enable or disable ACCURACY INDEX, press the joystick to activate the
LIVE MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by MEASUREMENT SETUP,
then ACCURACY INDEX.

XL Flex

ACCURACY INDEX

X ON

OFF

1

9

BACK SELECT

This feature allows the Accuracy Index to be shown on-screen during
Stereo measurements.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 63

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Measurement Setup >
User Prompts

To enable or disable USER PROMPTS, press the joystick to activate
the LIVE MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by MEASUREMENT
SETUP, then USER PROMPTS.

XL Flex

MEASUREMENT SETUP
STEREO TIP UTILITIES
UNITS
ACCURACY INDEX
USER PROMPTS

BACK DONE

This feature allows advanced users to disable user prompts when in
measurement mode.

NOTE: Only a trained professional should turn o󰀨 user prompts.

64 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Video Record Setup

To change video record defaults, press the joystick to activate the LIVE
MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by VIDEO RECORD SETUP.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY
MEASUREMENT SETUP

VIDEO RECORD SETUP

STILL IMAGE SETUP
AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP
STEERING
LANGUAGE SETUP
SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 65

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Video Record Setup >
Save Location

Select SAVE LOCATION from the VIDEO RECORD SETUP menu and
navigate to the desired location.

XL Flex

VIDEO RECORD SETUP

SAVE LOCATION

MPEG QUALITY
MIC

BACK SELECT

66 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Video Record Setup >
MPEG Quality

To set the video quality, select MPEG QUALITY from the VIDEO
RECORD SETUP menu followed by LOW or HIGH.

XL Flex

VIDEO RECORD SETUP

SAVE LOCATION

MPEG QUALITY

MIC

BACK SELECT

LOW
HIGH

MPEG Quality Recording Rate 16GB thumb drive

~minutes of video

MPEG-4 High 30MB/min ~266 minutes
MPEG-4 Low 15MB/min ~532 minutes

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 67

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Video Record Setup >
MIC

To turn an external mic on or o󰀨, select MIC from the VIDEO RECORD

SETUP menu followed by ON, MUTE, or DISABLED.

Note: The XL Flex+ does not have a built in mic.

XL Flex

MIC

ON

MUTE

DISABLED

BACK SELECT

68 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Still Image Setup

To change still image defaults, press the joystick to activate the LIVE

MAIN MENU. Select SETUP followed by STILL IMAGE SETUP.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY
MEASUREMENT SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP

STILL IMAGE SETUP

AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP
STEERING
LANGUAGE SETUP
SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 69

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Still Image Setup >
Save Location

Select SAVE LOCATION from the STILL IMAGE SETUP menu and use

the joystick to navigate to the desired location.

XL Flex

STILL IMAGE SETUP

SAVE LOCATION

FORMAT
JPEG QUALITY

BACK SELECT

70 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Still Image Setup >
Format

To choose the image format [Bitmap (BMP) or JPEG (JPG)], navigate to
the right of FORMAT and select BMP or JPG.

XL Flex

STILL IMAGE SETUP

SAVE LOCATION

FORMAT

JPEG QUALITY

BACK SELECT

BMP
JPG

Bitmap images are the highest quality images that can be saved;

however, they are also the largest les size.

NOTE: Bitmap images are the recommended le format for saving

images containing measurements.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 71

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Still Image Setup >
JPEG Quality

To choose JPEG quality, the user must rst select JPEG image format.
Once selected, navigate to the right of JPEG QUALITY and select LOW
or HIGH.

XL Flex

STILL IMAGE SETUP

SAVE LOCATION
FORMAT

JPEG QUALITY

BACK SELECT

LOW
HIGH

JPEG images are a compressed le format. They create smaller le
sizes than bitmap images.

NOTE: JPEG low is NOT recommended for saving images containing

measurements.

72 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Audio Playback Setup

To change audio defaults, press the joystick to activate the LIVE MAIN
MENU. Select Setup followed by AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY
MEASUREMENT SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP
STILL IMAGE SETUP

AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP

STEERING
LANGUAGE SETUP
SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

Note: To PLAY, RECORD OR DELETE AUDIO ANNOTATION, press the

Joystick from a frozen image. Select ANNOTATION followed by AUDIO.

Note: XL Flex+ does not have a built in microphone, you must attach an
external mic in order to record audio annotation.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 73

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Audio Annotation Setup >
Playback Volume

To set the playback volume, select PLAYBACK VOLUME from the
AUDIO ANNOTATION SETUP menu. Use the joystick to control the
volume from 0 to 10.

XL Flex

AUDIO PLAYBACK SETUP

PLAYBACK VOLUME

BACK SELECT

010

Note: XL Flex+ does not have a built in speaker, you must attach an
external headset in order to playback audio annotation.

74 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Steering Setup > Steering

To manage probe articulation, select the steering increment. Options are
COARSE or FINE.

XL Flex

STEERING SETUP

STEERING

TIP MAP

BACK SELECT

X COARSE
FINE

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 75

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Steering Setup > Tip Map

Tip Map is a grid that indicates probe-tip position. To turn Tip Map ON or
OFF, select STEERING SETUP from the SETUP menu followed by TIP

MAP.

XL Flex

STEERING SETUP

STEERING

TIP MAP

BACK SELECT

X ON
OFF

76 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > Language Setup

To load or change the system language or external keyboard, select

LANGUAGE SETUP from the SETUP menu followed by the appropriate

language.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY
MEASUREMENT SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP
STILL IMAGE SETUP
AUDIO ANNOTATION SETUP
STEERING

LANGUAGE SETUP

SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

The following options are available:

• LOAD

• CHANGE

• KEYBOARD SETUP

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 77

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > System Tools

To view system information or adjust power management, select SETUP
from the LIVE MAIN MENU followed by SYSTEM TOOLS.

XL Flex

SETUP

SCREEN/DISPLAY
MEASUREMENT SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP
STILL IMAGE SETUP
AUDIO ANNOTATION SETUP
STEERING
LANGUAGE SETUP

SYSTEM TOOLS

BACK SELECT

78 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > System Tools >
System Info

To view system information such as the software version or the amount
of free disk space, select SYSTEM INFORMATION from the SYSTEM
TOOLS menu.

XL Flex

SYSTEM TOOLS

SYSTEM INFO

POWER MANAGEMENT

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 79

Operation

Live Main Menu > Setup > System Tools >
Power Management

Power management enables a sleep mode / auto o󰀨 to save battery
power. To enable or disable power management, select POWER
MANAGEMENT from the SYSTEM TOOLS menu followed by ON or

OFF.

XL Flex

SYSTEM TOOLS

SYSTEM INFO

POWER MANAGEMENT

BACK SELECT

ON
OFF

Sleep Mode

Occurs automatically under battery power if no buttons have been
activated for 15 minutes. Sleep mode is indicated by the push button

lights ashing in a rotating circle around the joystick.

Auto O󰀨

If sleep mode is not interrupted by any button or joystick activation within

15 minutes the system will power o󰀨 to conserve battery.

80 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Live Main Menu > File Manager

To manage les and folders on the XL Flex+ VideoProbe system, select
FILE MANAGER with the joystick. For more details refer to the FILE
MANAGEMENT section in the Operation Chapter.

XL Flex

LIVE MAIN MENU

LIGHT OUTPUT
IMAGE CONTROL
ANNOTATION
EJECT HARDWARE
SETUP

FILE MANAGER

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 81

Operation

Capturing Images and Video

Steering the VideoProbe

The joystick controls articulation (steering) of the probe tip. When
viewing a live video image, move the joystick towards the desired
inspection area.

Articulation Lock

To hold the bending neck in place while steering, press and release the

Steering Control key. A lock icon will appear in the corner of the

display to symbolize steer and stay is enabled. The probe will now stay in

place when the joystick is released.
To unlock steering, press and release Steering Control again. The

lock icon will disappear.

XL Flex

RECORD GOTO

Note: While articulation lock is enabled, the XL Flex+ will steer in ne

articulation mode.

82 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Articulation Home

Press and hold to engage HOME function to straighten bending
neck. A blinking home icon will appear on LCD when enabled.

HOME icon will disappear when system is nished.

XL Flex

RECORD GOTO

Note: It is recommended that a home operation is performed before
withdrawing the camera from the asset being inspected, to avoid getting
the camera stuck in the asset or damaging the XL Flex+.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 83

Operation

Freeze Frame

Once the inspection area is in view, the image must be frozen before it
can be measured or saved. To freeze an image, press Freeze/

Enter. An “FF” will appear in the upper right corner of the display to
symbolize that the image is frozen.

To disable Freeze Frame, press Freeze/Enter again. The “FF” will

disappear.

XL Flex

FF

MEASURE SAVE

84 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Freeze Frame Menu

Once Freeze Frame is enabled, press the joystick to enter the FREEZE

FRAME MENU.

XL Flex

FREEZE FRAME MENU

SAVE AS

ANNOTATION
MEASURE
SPLIT SCREEN

BACK SELECT

The following options are available:

• SAVE AS

• ANNOTATION

• MEASUREMENT

• SPLIT SCREEN

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 85

Operation

Freeze Frame Menu > Annotation

To add, edit or delete an annotation, or to play, stop or pause an audio

annotation, select ANNOTATION from the FREEZE FRAME MENU.

XL Flex

FREEZE FRAME MENU

SAVE AS

ANNOTATION

MEASURE
SPLIT SCREEN

BACK SELECT

The following options are available:

• TEXT

• ARROW

• PRESET

• HIDE ANNOTATION

• AUDIO

86 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®

Operation

Still Image Capture and Playback

To save/capture a still image if freeze frame is enabled, press the

right soft key with SAVE on the LCD above to save to the default

location. Alternately, press and hold Freeze/Enter to auto-save.

Note: For further information see the “Save with Measurement” section.

Video Recording and Playback

To record live video, press the left soft key labeled RECORD on
the LCD above. A record symbol will appear in the upper right hand

corner. When the video is stopped, it will automatically save to the

default location.

To view recorded videos on a PC, use either QuickTime or VLC

software. Both are included with the system, located on the
documentation CD.

Still Image Capture During Video Recording

To capture a still image during viedo recording, pause the video using
the left soft key, press the Freeze/Enter button to capture
the image, press right soft key to save the image, and press
Exit to resume video recording.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 87

Operation

File Manager

To access the FILE MANAGER, press the joystick to activate the LIVE
MAIN MENU. Navigate to FILE MANAGER and select.

Recalling a File

To recall a le, select RECALL. Move the joystick to the right to locate
the le(s) and use the right soft key to select.

XL Flex

FILE MANAGER

RECALL

COPY
DELETE
SPLIT SCREEN
CREATE FOLDER
RENAME
STILL IMAGE SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP

BACK SELECT

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Operation

Recalled Image Menu

After recalling an image, press the joystick to activate the RECALLED

IMAGE MENU

XL Flex

RECALLED IMAGE MENU

SAVE AS

MEASURE
SPLIT SCREEN

BACK SELECT

The following options are available:

• SAVE AS

• MEASURE

• SPLIT SCREEN

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 89

Operation

CK

SELE

CTCT

C

Video Playback Menu

To navigate a recalled video, either press the joystick left (rewind) or right
(fast forward) or press the left soft key to pause the video and

then press the joystick left or right. If navigating a paused video, press
the left soft key to resume playback.

XL Flex

SEEK IN PROGRESS

BACK SELECTBA

RESUME EXIT

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Operation

Copying Files/Folders

To copy a le, select COPY. Move the joystick to the right to locate the
le(s) and use the right soft key to mark/unmark. Press

Freeze/Enter to copy.

Choose the destination for the copied le. Use the joystick to navigate to
the desired folder. Press Freeze/Enter to paste the copied le.

XL Flex

FILE MANAGER

RECALL

COPY

DELETE
SPLIT SCREEN
CREATE FOLDER
RENAME
STILL IMAGE SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 91

Operation

Deleting Files/Folders

To delete a le, select DELETE FILE. Move the joystick to the right to
locate the le(s) and select. Press Freeze/Enter to delete.

XL Flex

FILE MANAGER

RECALL
COPY

DELETE

SPLIT SCREEN
CREATE FOLDER
RENAME
STILL IMAGE SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP

BACK SELECT

92 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

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Operation

Creating a Folder

To create a folder, select CREATE FOLDER. Select the location of the
folder. Use the joystick to highlight and Freeze/Enter to select
each letter. When done, press the right soft key to save the folder

name.

XL Flex

FILE MANAGER

RECALL
COPY
DELETE
SPLIT SCREEN

CREATE FOLDER

RENAME
STILL IMAGE SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP

BACK SELECT

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 93

Operation

Renaming Files/Folder

To rename a le, select RENAME. Navigate to the desired le/folder

and use the right soft key to select. Use the joystick to highlight
and Freeze/Enter to select each letter. When nished, press the

right soft key to save the le name.

XL Flex

FILE MANAGER

RECALL
COPY
DELETE
SPLIT SCREEN
CREATE FOLDER

RENAME

STILL IMAGE SETUP
VIDEO RECORD SETUP

BACK SELECT

94 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

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Measurement

About Measurement

Measurement capability is enabled once measurement tips have been
calibrated to the XL Flex+ system. Features and defects may be
measured either before or after saving an image (if the image was saved

in measurement mode). Up to ve measurements can be saved per

image.

Measurement results are valid only for measurements taken in air.
For measurements taken in liquid, contact GE Sensing and Inspection
Technologies.

A measurement accuracy verication block is supplied with the purchase
of measurement tips. Perform a measurement on this verication block
to check accuracy. See Appendix D for help with using the verication

block.

All measurement images saved using the XL Flex+ system can be re­measured on a PC using Inspection Manager or iViewPC software.

Measurement File Formats

Measurement images, such as, JPEGs or bitmaps can be saved. These

les can also be viewed including the measurement results, in most

.BMP or .JPG viewing applications, such as Windows™ Paint. To learn

how to change the le format, see STILL IMAGE SETUP > FORMAT >
JPEG QUALITY.

NOTE: The .BMP le format is recommended for measurement
image capture.

Measurement Optical Tips

StereoProbe® measurement tips are factory-calibrated for use with

specic probes. Tips are matched to systems by the serial numbers
identied on each optical tip. A label located in USB1 bay indicates which

tips are calibrated to the probe.

To ensure that no mechanical damage has degraded tip accuracy, verify
measurement tips each time they are used. See Verifying Measurement
Tips in the Appendix.

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 95

Measurement

See the Optical Tip Table in Appendix for a complete list of optical tips.

Measurement Procedure

Attach a measurement optical tip, position the probe for maximum

accuracy and freeze the image. Using the left soft key,
select Measurement. Choose the measurement tip and the type of

measurement. Position the cursor and press Freeze/Enter to save
the cursor placement. Repeat with remaining cursor(s).

Capturing Measurement Images for Re-Measurement

Stereo measurement images can be saved allowing the user to perform
the actual measurements at a later time on the XL Flex+, Rhythm Review
station, or on a PC using the Inspection Manager software

Measurement Procedure

Attach a measurement optical tip, position the probe for maximum
accuracy and freeze the image to be saved for re-measurement. Press

the joystick’s Main Menu button. Select ‘Save As” and press select

‘Measurement’ and press . Complete other optional elds and

press . When complete, use the soft key, select DONE.

Accuracy Index

The accuracy index is a number that indicates the amount of

magnication during stereo measurements. The higher the accuracy
index, the greater the magnication. The greater the magnication, the

more accurately you can place the measurement cursors allowing for
more accurate results.

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Measurement

StereoProbe Measurement

Stereo measurements may be taken with the probe perpendicular or not
perpendicular to the target.

Types of StereoProbe Measurement

• Length

• Point to Line

• Depth

• Area

• Multi-Segment Line

XL Flex+™ VideoProbe® 97

Measurement

Comparison Measurement

Comparison measurements are to be taken when an item in the image
has a known dimension and that item’s dimension is used as a reference
to measure other items.

Measurement
Type

Stereo Over comparison

Comparison • Use standard optical

Advantages Disadvantages

measurements:

• More accurate

• No known reference
is needed

• Measure depth

• Surface does
not need to be
perpendicular to the
prove view.

• The surface does
not need to be
perpendicular to the
probe view.

tip

• Measure with tip
further away

• Measure large objects

• Check the
approximate size of
many items quickly

The system may be
unable to position
matching cursors
accurately with any of
these conditions in the
measurement area:

• Insu󰀩cient detail

• Repeating patterns

• Glare

• Smooth, straight lines
to measure along

In some cases, the
problem can be eliminated
by repositioning the probe
tip and adjusting the
brightness.

• Less accurate than
stereo measurement

• Known references
may not be present

and may be di󰀩cult

to deliver to the
measurement site

• Measurement surface
must be nearly
perpendicular to
the probe view for
accurate results

98 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

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Measurement

StereoProbe Measurement

Stereo measurements require the use of StereoProbe measurement
tips, which capture stereoscopic images of a target — two pictures of

the same target from two di󰀨erent angles. To measure the target, the

XL Flex+ processor uses triangulation based on these two side-by-side

images. Stereo measurements can be taken on a frozen image or on a
recalled image that was saved in measurement mode.

Positioning the Probe Tip for Maximum Accuracy

Before freezing a stereo measurement image, position the probe tip to

meet these criteria:

Visibility: The item to be measured is fully visible in the left and right
images.

Tip-to-target proximity: The probe is positioned as close to the target as
possible while keeping it in focus.

Vertical orientation: If measuring distance between lines or across a
circle, the image is oriented so that cursors can be placed at the left and
right edges of the item to be measured — not at top, bottom, or diagonal

points. The system needs di󰀨erentiated details to the left and right of
each cursor to accurately place the matching cursors on the right image.

Minimal glare: Glare is minimized by adjusting the viewing angle and the
image brightness in the areas where cursors will be placed. Small glare
speckles do not present a problem, but larger glare areas may appear in
di󰀨erent positions on the two sides causing false matches.

XL Flex+ ™ VideoProbe® 99

Measurement

Bad Example

• Object is not fully visible on
right side.

• Object is not well lit.

• Object is not oriented
to allow proper cursor

placement.

Good Example

• Object is fully visible on both
sides.

• Object is well lit.

• Object is oriented to allow

proper cursor placement.

Accuracy Index

The accuracy index is a number that indicates the amount of
magnication during stereo measurements. The higher the accuracy
index, the greater the magnication. The greater the magnication, the

more accurately you can place the measurement cursors allowing for

more accurate results.

When taking stereo measurements, you magnify the image, not by
zooming but by moving the optical tip as close as you can to the target.

100 XL Flex+™ VideoProbe

®