General DCS16HPART User manual

HIGH-PERFORMANCE RECORDING
VIDEO BORESCOPE SYSTEM with
VGA RESOLUTION ARTICULATING
PROBE
USER’S MANUAL
DCS16HPART
Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
What’s in the Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 –5
Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 –6
Setup Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 –8
Attach Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Charge Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Insert SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Operating Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 14
Viewing Live Video on the Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Operating the Probe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 – 11
Using the Three Control Buttons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 –9
Attaching the irrored Viewing Tip (Optional) . . 10 – 11
Viewing Live Video on a TV onitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Taking Pictures and Recording Videos . . . . . . . . . . . 11 – 12
Viewing Photos and Playing Back Videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Accessing SD Card Content . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 – 13
Navigating the ain enu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 – 14
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 – 16
Operating, aintenance & Troubleshooting Tips—
H16 Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Operating & aintenance Tips—P16HPART Probe . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Compatible Probes & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Warranty Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Return for Repair Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing General Tools & Instruments’ (General’s) DCS16 PART igh-
Performance Recording Video Borescope System with VGA Resolution Articulating Probe.
Please read this user’s manual carefully and thoroughly before using the instrument.
The DCS16 PART is a complete system that combines an 16 andheld Recording
Video Borescope Console with a P16 PART VGA Resolution Articulating Probe, which is
1m (39 in.) long and has a diameter of 6mm (0.23 in.). A list of all probes compatible
with the 16 console can be found on p. 18.
The 16 is a handheld computerized console with a 3.5-inch (diagonal) color LCD. A
thumbwheel on the left side of the 16 allows you to adjust the brightness of the LEDs
illuminating the camera at the end of an attached probe. A horizontal line of green bars
indicating the brightness level temporarily appears on-screen whenever the unit is
powered on or the brightness is changed.
The console has three operating modes: Preview, Playback and Menu:
•In Preview mode, video framed by the camera’s field of view is displayed in real
time on the console’s LCD. The 16 automatically enters this mode when powered
on. A front-panel button allows you to double the size of a target (a zoom level of
2X). The same button allows you to “mirror” video, making it possible to read serial
numbers seen and “reversed” by an attached probe with a mirrored viewing tip.
The zoom and mirroring functions can be applied at the same time. In Preview
mode, real-time video also can be exported through an included video cable to
any NTSC- or PAL-format TV monitor with an RCA input jack.
Operating in Preview mode, the 16 also allows you to record inspection videos (at
320 x 240 pixel resolution) and photos (at 640 x 480 pixel resolution) on an
included SD memory card by pressing icon-labeled buttons on the console’s front
panel. The remaining front-panel buttons enable access to Playback and Menu
modes.
•In Playback mode, you can browse the SD card for saved video and picture files
and view the media on the console’s LCD or a larger TV monitor. Video clips and
photos also can be viewed on a PC in either of two ways: 1) by removing the SD
card and plugging it into the computer directly or through a card reader; or 2) by
using a supplied cable to connect the 16 to the PC through one of its USB ports.
Because videos are saved as .avi files and photos as .jpg files, applications found
on most PCs (Microsoft Windows Media Player and Microsoft Office Picture
Manager) can open the files. The 4GB SD memory card included with the 16 can
store at least 10 hours of video, recorded at an average of 6 Mbytes/minute, in
addition to hundreds of photos.
•In enu mode, you use familiar scrolling motions and responses to dialog boxes to
navigate a main menu with six submenus. When selected, submenu items execute
“housekeeping” functions such as deleting files, setting the date and time, enabling
or disabling date and time stamps, choosing any of 27 languages for display
indications and menu options, selecting a Video out format and disabling or
adjusting the console’s Auto Power Off trigger.
3

KEY FEATURES
• 3.5 in. diagonal color LCD for viewing probe video in real time and saved video and
pictures later
• 1m (39 in.) long soft metal articulating probe with IP67 ingress protection rating and
range of ±150° and diameter of 6mm (0.23 in.). Probe has five super-bright white
LEDs (three forward-facing and two side-facing) to support capture of 640 x 480 pixel
(VGA) resolution video and still images. Probe controller has light boost, anti-reflection
and 90° image rotation buttons.
• Console is compatible with dozens of high-performance camera-tipped probes from
General (see p. 18)
• Thumbwheel for adjusting brightness of camera lighting
• Familiar menu-driven user interface for viewing and recording videos and photos on
standard SD memory card (4GB card included) and playing back media on console,
TV or PC
• Rechargeable battery with 4-hour capacity
• 1-year limited warranty
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION!
Never insert a probe attached to the H16 into a structure or space known
or suspected to contain live electric wiring
• The 16 is intended for industrial applications only. Do not use it for human or any
other biological inspections.
• Never insert an attached probe into any flammable gas or liquid (including fuels in an
oil, gasoline or diesel tank)
• Do not disassemble the instrument. Doing so creates a potentially fatal electrical
hazard (and voids the warranty as well).
WHAT’S IN THE CASE
The DCS16 PART comes in a custom hard plastic protective carrying case. Inside the
case are:
• The 16 console. The console integrates an LCD monitor, a connector for a high-
performance camera-tipped probe from General, and front-panel controls for
controlling the camera’s lights, adjusting system parameters, and recording and
playing back videos and photos captured by an attached probe.
• A P16 PART soft metal VGA Resolution Articulating Probe of 1m (39 in.) length and
6mm (0.23 in.) diameter
• A 4GB SD memory card
• An AC adaptor/battery charger for a 110/220VAC supply. The adapter has a 5.5VDC,
center-positive output plug.
• A video cable for connecting the 16 to a TV monitor. The cable has RCA plugs at one
end and a mini-stereo plug at the other end.
• A 70° mirrored probe viewing tip
4

• A USB cable with a mini-USB plug on one end and a full-size USB plug on the other
end. It can be used to display the contents of the SD card on a computer directly,
without removing the card from the console.
• A microfiber screen cleaning cloth
• This user’s manual
RODUCT OVERVIEW
Fig. 1 shows the names and locations of all of the controls, ports and jacks of the 16.
Fig. 2 (on the next page) shows the controls and physical features of the P16 PART VGA
Resolution Articulating Probe. Table 1 (also on the next page) details how the function of
each front-panel button on the 16 changes with the console’s operating mode.
Familiarize yourself with the labels, positions and functions of all buttons and connectors
before moving on to the Setup Instructions and Operating Instructions.
Fig. 1. The controls, ports and jacks of the H16
5
11
12 5
4
6
7
2
1
3
14
13
15
8
9
10
LEF SIDE FRON BACK RIGH SIDE
1 Start/Stop Video Recording Button
2 Snapshot Button
3 Power On/Off Button
4 Previous Video/Photo Button
5 ▼Next Video/Photo Button
6 OK OK Button
7 ESC Escape/Zoom/Mirror Button
8 SD Card Socket
9 V Out Jack
10 AC Adaptor Jack
11 Mini-USB Jack
12 Brightness Adjustment
humbwheel
13 Hanger Hole
14 Probe Connector
15 Reset Button

Table 1. The H16’s multi-function buttons
Button Label In Preview ode In Playback ode In enu ode
▲Switches to Selects next-oldest Moves up one line;
Playback mode video or photo when setting DATE/TI E,
moves back one field
▼Switches to Selects next-newest Moves down one line;
Playback mode video or photo when setting DATE/TI E,
moves ahead one field
OK Switches to Menu mode Pauses/plays video clip Executes highlighted command
ESC Presssed briefly, enlarges Switches to Preview mode Switches to Preview mode
target by 100% (zooms 2X);
Pressed and held,
mirrors video
Takes a picture N/A When setting DATE/TI E,
(stores .jpg photo on SD card) increases value by one unit
per button press. Also used to
enable/disable superimposition
of date and time stamps on
photo/video displays.
Starts/stops recording an Enables deletion of any When setting DATE/TI E,
.avi video on SD card individual photo or video decreases value by one unit
per button press
6
Fig. 2. The controls and physical
features of the P16HPART
VGA Resolution Articulating
Probe
1. Probe
2. Flexible-obedient, remote-controlled neck
3. Stainless steel camera head containing three
forward-facing LEDs and two side-facing LEDs
4. Stainless steel accessory alignment ring
5. Black metal thread protector ring
6. Red rubber protective cap
7. Probe controller body
8. Articulation angle control wheel
with locking lever
9. Light boost button 10. 90° rotation button
11. Anti-reflection button 12. Button lock switch
13. Probe connector cable 14. Probe connector
1
14 13
12
11
10
9
8
7
65
4
3
2

SETU INSTRUCTIONS
ATTACH PROBE
To attach the P16HPART probe (or any other compatible probe) to the 16 console,
plug the probe connector (Fig. 2, Callout 14) into the connector at the top of the console
(Fig. 1, Callout 14). The connectors mate in only one way, when the two dots—one on
the console’s connector and the other under the collar at the end of the probe—are
aligned. After you have lined up the dots, push the two connectors together so the
alignment keys on opposite sides of the probe’s connector slide over the flats of the
console’s connector. Slide the collar on the probe’s connector forward and tighten the
collar by turning it clockwise.
You can now peel away the plastic film that protects the console’s LCD.
CHARGE BATTERY
To power on for the first time, plug one end of the supplied AC adaptor/battery charger
into a wall socket. Then swing the black rubber protective flap away from the right side
of the 16 to expose the AC adaptor jack (Fig. 1, Callout 10). Insert the cylindrical plug at
the end of the adaptor/charger cable into the AC adaptor jack. This will begin charging
the console’s battery.
Push the button and hold it for at least five seconds. The LCD will illuminate. It will first
show a color-bar test pattern, and then (briefly) a battery icon at lower left, superimposed
on video being captured in real time by the camera at the end of the probe.
Use the thumbwheel on the left side of the console (Fig. 1, Callout 12) to adjust the
intensity of the camera’s lighting. In a brightly lit room, moving the thumbwheel has a
big effect on the brightness of the LEDs at the tip of the probe, but a much smaller effect
on the brightness of video on the screen. The on-screen impact of changing brightness
is more pronounced in dark environments.
To turn off the 16, push the button and hold it for at least five seconds.
It will take several hours to fully charge the 16’s Lithium-ion battery the first time. You
cannot replace the battery, which can only be replaced by General-authorized service
personnel. Do not open the case in an attempt to change the battery yourself. Doing
so creates a potentially fatal electrical hazard (and voids the warranty as well) with the
AC adapter plugged in.
With proper care (charging the battery often, and never allowing it to completely
discharge), you can expect the 16’s battery to last four or five years. A fully charged
battery should power at least four hours of operation.
INSERT SD CARD
This step enables the 16 to store video clips and photos. Remove the supplied 4GB SD
memory card from its packaging. Discard the packaging, but save the plastic storage
case.
Push the SD card into the socket on the right side of the console (Fig. 1, Callout 8). Be
sure the card’s gold contacts are facing the rear of the unit and enter the socket first.
Push in the card until you feel it spring back and you hear a click.
To remove the card later, push it in gently until you hear a click and the card pops out far
enough for your fingers to grab.
7

O ERATING INSTRUCTIONS
VIEWING LIVE VIDEO ON THE CONSOLE
While the battery charges, General recommends becoming familiar with the 16’s
controls, indicators and menu options in Preview mode, before taking the unit out into
the field. The 16 operates the same way whether powered by its battery or the AC
adapter.
To begin, power off the unit by pressing and holding the button. Then press and hold
the button again to power the console back on. Each time the console is powered on,
the screen shown below right will appear briefly. The battery icon at left will be in white
and the bars at right will be in green, superimposed on live video captured by the
camera probe. Together, the number of bars and the color of the icon represent the
16’s two “vital signs”—available memory capacity and battery charge, respectively.
The number of filled-in bars at the right of the screen reflects the amount of data
currently stored on the SD card. A full card would produce four bars. The whiter the
icon at lower left, the higher the current level
of battery charge. A completely white icon indicates
a fully charged battery.
Next, practice manipulating the articulating probe.
Typically, borescope users insert their probe into an
orifice (a hole in a wall or an engine’s cylinder, for
example) or into an inaccessible or hazardous area
(the back or an equipment rack or an engine
compartment, for example) to view components or
environments that would otherwise be invisible. Compared to an obedient probe, your
soft metal articulating probe is more flexible, but it does not retain its shape. Its obvious
advantage is articulation. Using the articulation angle control wheel (Fig. 2, Callout 8),
you can turn the probe tip to inspect targets off the main axis of the probe while it is in a
tight space, without having to remove and re-insert the probe.
OPERATING THE PROBE
Before attempting to articulate the probe, make sure that the
lever below the articulation angle control wheel is pointing
downward. To bend the probe neck (Fig. 2, Callout 2) and tip
to the left, turn the wheel clockwise. To bend the probe neck
and tip to the right, turn the wheel counterclockwise.
To lock the wheel and the probe’s articulation angle, move
the lever below the wheel to the left (see figure at right).
Remember to remove the red rubber protective cap from the tip of the probe before
using it.
Using the Three Control Buttons
To boost the intensity of the three LEDs that normally provide camera lighting, press
the button. Doing so lights a red LED behind the button and improves the brightness
of video and images, as shown at the top of the next page.
8

BEFORE BOOS AF ER BOOS
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’s 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
Resolution Articulating Probe controller.
This anti-reflection feature of the P16 PART is most useful for eliminating reflections of
the three forward-facing LEDs in the camera head from shiny surfaces. Note that
pushing the button extinguishes the three forward-facing LEDs and shifts
responsibility for camera lighting to the two side-facing LEDs. The net effect, as shown
below, is a clearer and more-readable image.
WI HOU AN I-REFLEC ION WI H AN I-REFLEC ION
You can also use the anti-reflection function to remove glare created by the P16 PART’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
WI HOU AN I-REFLEC ION WI H AN I-REFLEC ION
9

Attaching the irrored Viewing Tip (Optional)
The P16 PART includes a 70° mirrored viewing tip. To attach the tip to the probe:
1. Pull off the red rubber protective cap (Fig. 2, Callout 6).
2. Unscrew and remove the black metal thread protector ring
(Callout 5), as shown at right.
3. Turn the stainless steel accessory alignment ring (Callout
4) 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 3) 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 LEDs.
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
LEDs are clearly visible through the gap in the tip’s housing.
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 at right illustrate the
incorrect (left) and correct (right)
orientation of the mirror with
respect to the LEDs.
Remove the blue circular protective
film from the mirror by pulling on its
tab with a tweezers.
In many cases—inspecting the interior of an engine cylinder,
for example (see photo at right)—adequate clearance will
not be an issue for the P16 PART probe. In fact, the ±150°
articulation range enables “look back” inspections of intake
and exhaust valves from within the cylinder.
Now that you have gained some experience operating the
probe with the console, note the dual function of the
console’s ESC button in Preview mode:
•Press the ESC button briefly and targets will be doubled
in size (a zoom level of 2X). The text +2.0x will appear at
the lower right of the LCD.
•Press and hold the ESC button and video will be mirrored
horizontally, as shown in the two photos at the top of the next
page. The effect makes it possible to read text or serial
numbers “reversed” by an attached probe with a mirrored
viewing tip—by undoing the reversal. An icon of a mirror will
appear at the lower right of the LCD to indicate that video is being mirrored.
10
✓