General P16181HP User manual

VGA RESOLUTION PROBE
USER’S MANUAL
P16181HP
P16182HP
P16183HP
99 Washington Street
Melrose, MA 02176
Phone [phone]
Toll Free 1-800-517-8431
Visit us at www.TestEquipmentDepot.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
afety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What’s in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
etup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Attach To Borescope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –8
Using the Three Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 –7
Attaching the Mirrored Viewing Tip (Optional). . . . . . . 7 –8
pecifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating & Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 – 10
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) P16181HP,
P16182HP or P16183HP VGA Resolution Probe. Please read this manual
carefully and thoroughly before using the probe.
The P16181HP, P16182HP and P16183HP are high-performance camera-tipped
probes that capture video and still images at VGA (640 x 480 pixel) resolution.
The only difference among the three probes is their length. The P16181HP is
1m (3.3 ft.) long, the P16182HP is 2m (6.6 ft.) long, and the P16183HP is 3m
(9.8 ft.) long. Each probe’s six super-bright EDs make it particularly suitable
for inspecting dark environments and viewing parts and structures within them.
All three probes are compatible with:
• General’s DCS1600, DCS1600ART, DCS1700, DCS1800, DCS800 and
DCS2000 Recording Video Borescope Inspection Systems
• The H16, H17 and H8 Handheld Recording Consoles (the DCS1600,
DCS1700 and DCS800 Systems without a probe)
• The DCS1800-TR Transmitting Probe Handle/Controller, which enables
video and images captured by the probe to be viewed on the console of a
DCS1800ART system
KEY FEATURES
• Six super-bright white EDs (four forward-facing and two side-facing)
support capture of 640 x 480 pixel (VGA) resolution video and still images
• 1m, 2m or 3m long, 0.22 in. (5.5mm) diameter probe goes deep into tight
spaces and is flexible-obedient (semi-rigid) to hold its configured shape
• ight boost, anti-reflection and 90° image rotation buttons on handle
• Superior optics tailored for close-focus viewing from 0.4 in. to 2.4 in.
(10 to 60mm) over 60° (diagonal) field of view
• 0.78 in. (20mm) long stainless steel camera head is waterproof to IP67
standard and immune to bathroom toilet cleaner, unleaded gasoline,
diesel fuel, brake/transmission fluid and machine oil
• Includes 110° mirrored viewing tip
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SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION!
Do not use the probe to inspect ducts or areas known or suspected to
contain live electric wiring or flammable liquid or gas
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
The VGA Resolution Probe comes in a cardboard box along with a 110°
mirrored viewing tip and this user’s manual.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the controls and key structures of the probe. Familiarize yourself
with their names and functions before moving on to the Setup Instructions and
Operating Instructions.
Fig. 1. The control and key
tructure of the
P16181HP/P16182HP/P16183HP
1. Probe
2. Stainless steel camera head
containing four forward-facing
EDs and two side-facing EDs
3. Stainless steel accessory
alignment ring
4. Black metal thread protector ring
5. Red rubber protective cap
6. Probe handle
7. ight boost button
8. 90° rotation button
9. Anti-reflection button
10. Probe connector
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User Guide
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SETUP INSTRUCTIONS
ATTACH TO BORESCOPE
The probe is compatible with the following systems and components from
General:
• The DCS1600, DCS1600ART, DCS1700, DCS800, DCS1800 and DCS2000
Recording Video Borescope Inspection Systems
• The H16, H17, and H8 Handheld Recording Consoles (the DCS1600,
DCS1700 and DCS800 Systems without a probe)
• The DCS1800-TR Transmitting Probe Handle/Controller, which enables
video and images captured by the probe to be viewed on the console of a
DCS1800ART system
To attach the probe to any of the above systems, consoles or handle/controller,
retract the metal collar of the Probe connector (Fig. 1, Callout 10) to expose the
alignment key with a dot. Keeping the collar pulled back, align this dot with the
dot on the connector of your borescope, borescope console or handle/controller
and push the two connectors together. To secure the connection, push the
collar forward and turn it clockwise until tight.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
For general guidelines on using the probe as an inspection tool, refer to the
Operating Instructions section of the user’s manual for your borescope or
borescope console.
To adjust the intensity of the EDs at the tip of the probe, roll the thumbwheel
on your borescope, borescope console or probe handle/controller forward or
back.
Because the VGA Resolution Probe has four extra-bright EDs that require more
power than the EDs of General’s QVGA (320 x 240 pixel) resolution probes,
using the P16181HP, P16182HP or P16183HP will drain the batteries of your
borescope more quickly. You will have to recharge your borescope more often.
Remember to remove the red rubber protective cap from the tip of the probe
before using it.
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USING THE THREE CONTROL BUTTONS
To boo t the inten ity of the four LED normally providing camera lighting,
press the button. Doing so lights a red ED behind the button and improves
the brightness of video and images, as shown below.
BEFORE BOO T AFTER BOO T
This feature can help you cope with very low-light conditions. When recording
with the boost feature activated, you must hold the probe very steady or your
videos and images will be blurred.
To rotate the probe’ field of view, use the button. Pressing the button
once backlights the button red and rotates the frame clockwise by 90°.
Pressing it a second time rotates the frame by an additional 90°, in effect
turning the original view upside-down. Pressing the button a third time
rotates the field of view yet another 90°. Pressing the button a fourth time
restores the original view and extinguishes the red button backlight.
To remove glare, reflections or spots from the field of view, use the button.
Pressing the button adds a red backlight to it, just like the other two buttons on
the VGA Probe handle.
This anti-reflection feature of the probe is most useful for eliminating
reflections of the four forward-facing EDs in the camera head from shiny
surfaces. Note that pushing the button extinguishes the four forward-facing
EDs and shifts responsibility for camera lighting to the two side-facing EDs.
The net effect, as shown below, is a clearer and more-readable image.
WITHOUT ANTI-REFLECTION WITH ANTI-REFLECTION
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You can also use the anti-reflection function to remove glare created by the
probe’s mirrored viewing tip (see the next section of this manual for installation
and alignment instructions). The pair of images below illustrates the net
positive effect.
MIRRORED VIEW MIRRORED VIEW
WITHOUT ANTI-REFLECTION WITH ANTI-REFLECTION
ATTACHING THE MIRRORED VIEWING TIP (OPTIONAL)
The only accessory included with the probe is a 110° mirrored viewing tip. To
attach it to the probe:
1. Pull off the red rubber protective cap (Fig. 1, Callout 5).
2. Unscrew and remove the black metal thread
protector ring (Callout 4), as shown at right.
3. Turn the stainless steel accessory alignment ring
(Callout 3) clockwise to move it away from the
probe tip. Keep turning until the ring can travel
no further.
4. Screw the mirrored viewing tip onto the camera
head (Callout 2) by turning it clockwise, as shown
at right. Keep turning until the viewing tip is as far
from the probe tip as possible. In this position, it
can rotate freely.
5. Press the button to activate the two-side
facing EDs.
6. Slowly turn the mirrored viewing tip counterclockwise to move it toward
the probe tip. Once the threads of the tip grip the camera head, continue
turning only until the two EDs are clearly visible through the gap in the
tip’s housing.
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7. Secure the tip with the thumb and forefinger of one hand and use your
other hand to turn the alignment ring clockwise. Keep turning the ring until
its leading edge contacts the mirrored viewing tip, locking it in place. The
pair of figures below illustrate the incorrect (left) and correct (right)
orientation of the mirror with respect to the EDs.
Remove the blue circular protective film from the mirror by pulling on its tab
with a tweezers.
SPECIFICATIONS
Probe ength, Type: 1m, 2m or 3m (3.3 ft., 6.6 ft. or 9.8 ft.),
Flexible-obedient
Camera Head Diameter, Type 0.22 in. (5.5mm), Stainless steel
Camera Head Diameter 0.23 in. (6mm)
with Thread Protector:
Camera Head ength: 0.78 in. (20mm)
Camera Resolution: VGA (640 x 480 pixels)
Camera Depth of Field: 0.4 to 12 in. (10 to 300mm)
Camera Field of View: 60° (diagonal)
Camera ighting: 4 forward-facing EDs
+ 2 side-facing EDs
Operating Temperature: -4° to 150°F (-20° to 65°C)
Dimensions of Probe Handle: 5.47 x 1.38 x 1.26 in. (139 x 35 x 32mm)
Weight of Handle and Probe: 7.76 oz. (220g)
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✓

OPERATING & MAINTENANCE TIPS
The probe is flexible to make it easy for you to inspect hard-to-reach areas.
Never insert or bend it by force, and never over-bend any part of the probe.
Specifically:
• Do not bend the last 1 to 2 inches
(25 to 50mm) of the probe by more
than 70°
• Do not bend the probe at any other
point by more than 90°
To avoid permanently damaging the delicate
wires and fiber optic cables inside the probe,
never curl it into a circle with a diameter of
less than 6 in. (150mm).
Never use the probe or camera head to modify surroundings or to clear
pathways or clogged areas.
The camera head, EDs and thread protector ring are waterproof, but not
acid-proof or fire-proof. Do not touch acidic, corrosive or hot materials or they
will ruin the head.
Cover the camera-tipped end of the probe with the protective rubber cap when
not using it.
Unless you wish to install the 110° mirrored viewing tip, do not remove the
thread protector ring (Fig. 1, Callout 4).
Never use the probe as a hammer or to clear debris.
When inspecting a vehicle, shut off the engine. Metal and liquid under the hood
may be hot. Do not get oil or gas on the camera head.
If condensation forms inside the camera lens, let it evaporate before using the
probe again.
Do not try to disassemble any part of the probe. Doing so creates an electrical
hazard, could damage the probe, and voids the limited warranty.
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User Guide
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1to 2 in.
(25 to 50mm) from tip
2 in. (50mm)
or more from tip
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User Guide
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1 to 2 in.
(25 to 50mm) from tip
2in. (50mm)
or more from tip

Do not use any corrosive liquid—such as alcohol—to clean the probe body or
camera head. Use a cotton swab and a mild fluid detergent to clean the body
and head.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) P16181HP, P16182HP or P16183HP
VGA Resolution Probe is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from
defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year. Subject to certain
restrictions, General will repair or replace this instrument if, after examination,
the company determines it to be defective in material or workmanship.
This warranty does not apply to damages that General determines to be from
an attempted repair by non-authorized personnel or misuse, alterations, normal
wear and tear, or accidental damage. The defective unit must be returned to
General Tools & Instruments or to a General-authorized service center, freight
prepaid and insured.
Acceptance of the exclusive repair and replacement remedies described herein
is a condition of the contract for purchase of this product. In no event shall
General be liable for any incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages,
or for any cost, attorneys’ fees, expenses, or losses alleged to be a
consequence of damage due to failure of, or defect in any product including,
but not limited to, any claims for loss of profits.
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