Spectroline COBRA CAM User manual

OPERATOR’S MANUAL
UV/White Light Videoscope
U.S. Patent No. 6,491,408

Description
The COBRA CAM™ videoscope uses patented UV/white light LED technology to view color images live, capture and download to an
SD card or download directly to a personal computer. The exible camera cable can easily “snake” deep into internal components and
inside concealed areas that are inaccessible to other diagnostic tools.
The COBRA CAM and its intellectual properties are covered under U.S. Patent No. 6,491,408.
Safety Information
Read this operator’s manual carefully before using the COBRA CAM.
Important Safety instructions
• Do not operate the COBRA CAM with a damaged cable or if the unit itself has been damaged.
• Never use this equipment in any manner not specied in these instructions because the protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
• The COBRA CAM is not approved for use in hazardous atmospheres. Do not attempt to use it in areas requiring explosion-proof lighting.
• Never spill liquid of any kind on the video display unit. Any liquid increases the risk of electrical shock and damage to the product. Do not use the
unit around corrosive chemicals.
• Do not use this device for personal or medical use/inspection in any way.
• Always keep this unit out of the reach of children or other untrained persons.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTION FOR FUTURE OPERATORS TO READ
DANGER
Ultraviolet radiation emitted from this product. Avoid exposure. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING.
EXPOSURE MAY CAUSE PREMATURE AGING OF THE SKIN AND CANCER. ALWAYS WEAR PROTECTIVE
EYEWEAR; FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN SEVERE BURNS OR LONG TERM INJURY TO EYE. Never
look directly into the lamp. Exposure can cause eye and skin allergy and allergic reactions. Medications
or cosmetics may increase your sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. Consult physician before operating
this product if you are using medications or have a history of skin problems or believe yourself especially
sensitive to sunlight.
FOR PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION USE ONLY

21. UV Light Indicator
22. Image Capture
23. Light Intensity
Controller
24. UV/White Light
ON/OFF Switch
1. Shock-Resistant
Body
2. Power Button
3. Mini USB Port
4. Image Files
5. Image Capture
6. Directional Controller
Up, Down, Left, Right
7. Settings
8. Rubberized Grip
9. Data Cord Connection
10. Low Battery Indicator
11. Video Screen
320 x 240 pixels
TFT LCD, 24 bit RGB
12. SD Card Slot
13. Menu
Buttons
14. Home
15. Menu Display
16. Back Button
17. Battery
Compartment
Video Display Unit (VDU)—127213 Camera Wand and Controller—127215
Feature Instructions—Numbers refer to diagrams above.
1. Shock Resistant Body. Formed for durability and easy gripping.
2. Power Button. Push in to turn on and off.
3. Mini USB Port. For uploading image les to your computer via USB cable.
4. Image Files. Press to revisit images taken. Shows image number, date, and time.
Rotate. Menu button to turn image in 90 degree increments. Note orange arrow
on side of screen denoting original top of image.
Zoom+. Each time it’s pressed, it enlarges to 2X, then 4X, then back to
original 1X size. With the image enlarged, use the Directional Controller buttons
(6) to navigate around the image.
Delete. Deletes the image on screen.
More. To secondary menu:
Transfer. With USB cable connected, it will send images to your computer.
See How to Transfer Pictures for details.
Delete All. This will delete the entire catalog of images in the camera.
Press the Home button (14) to return to a live image.
5. Image Capture. Press when the image you want is on the live screen.
6. Directional Controller. Press the Image Files button (4) to show captured
images. Use the left and right arrows of the Directional Controller (6) to
move from image to image. Left to go backward, right to move forward.
When in the Zoom mode, it moves the images left, right, up, or down.
7. Settings. To create and change settings.
Secondary Menu. Set Date. Use Directional Controller (6) to move left and right
between day, date, and time. Use the Up and Down controls to change numbers.
When complete, press Set to nalize. Unit will automatically go back to main
screen. Brightness. Use controller to adjust up or down. Brightness will
revert to Default on restart. Press SET. Cancel will void changes and take
you back to the main screen.
8. Rubberized Grip. Easy to hold, helps protect the frame from dents or scratches.
9. Data Cord Connection (6-pin). Be careful when connecting not to damage pins.
10. Low Battery Indicator. Blinks on the video screen when battery is low.
11. LCD Screen (3.5 in). Clean with dry, soft cloth. May use alcohol, if necessary.
12. SD Card Slot—Push standard 1GB* SD card (included) into the slot on the side to
insert. Push again to release/remove. *Can use up to 64GB SD.
13. Menu Buttons (LIVE Picture Mode).
Rotate. Button turns image 90 degrees counterclockwise each time it is pushed.
Note: Orange arrow at edge of image identies original top position of image.
Zoom+. Zooms from 1X to 2X to 4X and then back to 1X each touch cycle.
Zoom-. In LIVE Camera mode only, will change from 4X to 2X to 1X.
Rotate. Turns image clockwise.
14. Home Recall. Returns to the home screen.
1 5. Menu (Tab) Display. Press to show tabs on screen, or to turn them off.
16. Back Button. Returns to the last screen shown only.
17. Battery Compartment. The battery ts in the backside of the handle. Turn VDU
over and pull up the end of the panel to remove and change batteries.
18. UV and White Light LEDs. 4 ultraviolet (UV) LEDs and 2 white light LEDs.
19. Camera Lens. Wide angle with autofocus for sharp and clear images.
20. Flexible Camera Extension. Wound steel casing for durability and safety.
21. UV Light Indicator. Lights up when UV LEDs are on.
22. Image Capture. Press to capture the image shown on the video screen.
23. Light Intensity Controller. Used for both UV and white light LEDs. Press (+) to
brighten, (-) to darken.
24. ON/OFF Switch. Press to switch between using UV and white light LEDs.
25. VDU Tripod—Screw the Tripod into the back of the VDU and position the legs to
hold the VDU in place to free your hands.
Unit will time out and shut off automatically in 15 minutes. Restart is required.
18.
UV and White
Light LEDs
19.
Camera Lens
640 x 480, 24 bit
RGB wide-angle
lens with autofocus
and depth of eld–
2 cm to innity
20.
21 in Flexible
Camera Cable
25. VDU Tripod

Use and Care of the COBRA CAM
• Do not operate the COBRA CAM unless this Operator’s Manual has been
read and understood completely.
• Do not submerge the hand-held display unit in water. Store in a dry place.
The camera head and cable are water resistant when the unit is
assembled, but the video display unit is susceptible to water inltration.
• Do not use the camera if condensation forms inside the lens. Place in a
dry area and let the water evaporate before operating.
• Do not use the unit if the ON/OFF switch is not working properly. Any unit
that cannot be controlled with the switch needs to be repaired.
• Store spare equipment in the carrying case provided.
• Maintain the COBRA CAM with care. Properly maintained units last longer,
are easier to work with and are less likely to cause injury.
Fully charge your COBRA CAM before rst use.
Numbers refer to the Video Display Unit (VDU) diagram.
1. Insert the SD card into the slot (12) on the video display unit.
2. Plug the data cord (9) from the wand into the VDU at the heel of the handle.
Be careful to insert it correctly with the widest side up.
3. Press the power button (2) and allow 30 seconds for the power up process.
4. Use the UV LEDs for dye inspection, plus many other applications. Use
the white light LEDs for normal inspection (24–ON/OFF switch).
5. Insert the camera cable into the inspection area.
6. Once the inspection area is found, you may press the “Image Capture”
button (5on the VDU or 22 on the wand handle), to capture the image.
7. Captured images can be viewed, rotated, zoomed and panned on the
VDU screen. (Images will not be captured to memory without the
SD card inserted, but will be viewable.)
8. Images can be transferred by SD card or through the USB port.
9. Upon completion of operations, disassemble the unit and store in its
case. Recharge the battery if needed.
Operating Instructions
How to Transfer Pictures
Numbers refer to the Camera Wand and Controller diagram.
From the SD Card: Push the card once into the slot (12). It will release
from the camera. Take the card and insert it into your SD card reader.
Follow the directions below to transfer image les.
From the Camera: To a computer using Windows OS and a USB cable
(not included).
• Connect the USB mini-B end of the connector to the left side of the camera (3).
• Connect the USB A connector to a USB port on the target computer.
• Press the IMAGE FILES button (4) to put the camera in playback mode.
• Press the MORE menu key (shown on the video screen).
• Press the TRANSFER menu key. (In Transfer mode, the camera will
appear as an external drive to the target computer.)
• Using the Windows browser, open the external drive, and copy or move
the .jpg picture les from the DCIM\100SPEC directory to the desired
location on the target computer.
• Press the STOP menu item on the camera video screen to leave transfer
mode.
• Disconnect the USB cable from the camera, and the target computer.
Camera Safety
• Do not submerge any portion of the COBRA CAM into any liquid. See
“Preventive Maintenance” for appropriate cleaning uids.
• Do not insert the COBRA CAM wand into anything or anywhere that may
contain a live electrical charge.
• WALLS: Shut off the circuit breaker to the whole house before using the
COBRA CAM to inspect inside walls that may contain live electrical circuitry.
• PIPES: If you suspect a metal pipe could contain an electrical charge,
have a qualied electrician check the pipe before using the COBRA CAM.
Ground circuits, in some cases, can be returned to cast iron pipes and
cause them to be charged.
• AUTOMOBILES: Be sure the automobile is not running during inspection.
Do not get oil or gas on the imager head. Exposure to petroleum-based
substances will eventually degrade the camera lens covering.
• GENERAL USE: Do not use anywhere the unit may come into exposure
with hazardous chemicals, electrical charges or moving parts. Such
situations may result in serious injury or death. Use good judgment!
Charging the NiMH Battery
The COBRA CAM battery must be charged before rst use.
• Remove the battery from its compartment (17 on the diagram) and press it into the
battery cradle.
• Connect the battery charger to the battery cradle and plug the charger into a
properly regulated AC plug.
• The indicator light on the end of the cradle will shine green while the battery is
charging. The light will go off when the charge is complete (approximately
one hour).
• When the charge is complete, rst unplug the charger from the outlet, then unplug
it from the cradle.
• The COBRA CAM can operate for approximately one hour after a full charge.
• If there is no activity, after 15 minutes the unit will time-out and shut off
automatically. It will have to be restarted.
WARNING: Use only the charger supplied to recharge the battery.
Care and Use of Nickel-Metal Hydride
(NiMH) Batteries
• NiMH battery packs last longer when charged and stored in a temperature
range between 50°F to 86°F (10°C to 10°C) away from heat, sunlight and
humidity.
• Always charge batteries to full capacity before long-term storage
(approximately 30 days) to prevent aging. After storing they must be
charged, which may require conditioning (two or three charge/discharge
cycles) to reach full capacity.
• Do not subject these batteries to repeated deep discharges that run the
batteries down completely on a regular basis as this will greatly shorten
battery life.
• NiMH batteries generally have no voltage sag until the last 10% of charge.
The unit usually will operate for better than 90% of the battery’s rated
capacity.
• NiMHs have no toxic lead or mercury and a life expectancy of 500 charge/
discharge cycles, or more, provided the battery is not overcharged or
heavily discharged. Recycle according to local disposal laws. Do not
dispose of in fire. They will explode.
Battery
Charging Cradle
127212
Connect to Battery Cradle
Battery
Charger
127214
NiMH
Battery
127211

Warranty
The warranty policy for the COBRA CAM is provided on the Certicate of
Limited Warranty enclosed separately with each unit.
NOTE: For assistance of any kind, including help with a lamp under
warranty, contact the Customer Service Department at Spectronics
Corporation. In the U.S. and Canada, call toll-free 1-800-274-8888.
Outside the U.S., call 1-516-333-4840. Include the model and serial
numbers of the unit and the date of purchase. Shipping instructions will be
provided if necessary.
If an estimate of charges for nonwarranty work or other service work is
required, a quote will be furnished upon evaluation of the unit. Service
work will not be performed without customer approval.
SHIPPING
Carefully pack the COBRA CAM in the original shipping container and
packing materials. Insure it for full value and ship it prepaid to the factory.
Transportation and Storage
• Store the COBRA CAM indoors in its case. Avoid areas that are subject to
temperature and humidity extremes, vibration or mechanical shock, dust or
corrosive fumes.
• Remove the battery and charge it if the unit is being stored for extended periods of
time (30 days or more). See Care and Use of NiMH Batteries for full information.
• Charge the battery before storing.
Service
• Service must be performed only by authorized repair personnel. Service
or maintenance performed by unqualied repair personnel could result in
damage to the unit and will void warranty.
• Do not attempt to take any pieces of this unit apart.
• Closely follow instructions for changing accessories. Changing in a way
that is improper or careless can lead to damaged connectors and
faulty operation.
• Remove the batteries before cleaning. Gently clean the LCD with a dry
cloth. Do not use acetone to clean surfaces.
• Remove the batteries and refer servicing to qualied service personnel
under any of the following conditions:
• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen onto the product.
• If the product does not operate normally by following the
operating instructions.
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance.
If you have any questions regarding the service or repair of the
COBRA CAM, contact the Customer Service Department at Spectronics
Corporation. In the United States and Canada, call toll-free 1-800-274-8888.
Use and Care of the COBRA CAM, continued:
• If the unit is dropped, check for cracks, or other conditions that may affect
the unit’s operation. If damaged, have it serviced before using.
• Use clean hands before turning the unit ON or OFF and before
replacing batteries.
• Protect against excessive heat. The camera should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other products that
produce heat. Do not use the unit near moving machinery or areas where the
temperature will exceed 110°F (43°C) or below 32°F (0°C).
Preventive Maintenance
The COBRA CAM has been designed to require little maintenance. In order to
maintain its performance, always follow these guidelines.
• Remove the battery from the unit before performing any maintenance.
• Handle the device with care. It is not shockproof and should not be banged or
dropped. Treat it as the sensitive optical device that it is.
• Immediately clean all spilled materials from the unit and wipe dry. If necessary,
moisten a cloth with mild soap and water and clean plastic areas.
• Always clean the imager head (camera and lights, 18 and 19) after use with a
soft cloth.
• Use only alcohol swabs to clean connections.
• After use, wipe the display screen (11 LCD) gently with a soft, clean, dry cloth.
• Do not disassemble this device beyond removing the wand from the video unit.
Doing so will void the warranty.
Specications
Recommended Use
Indoor Viewable Distance........... 3/4 in (2 cm) to innity
Power Supply ............................. 2.4 volt Battery Pack
Battery Life ................................. 1.0 hr (approximate)
Battery Charge Time .................. 1.0 hr (approximate)
Weight ........................................ 1.4 lb (637 g)
Operating Environment:
Temperature............................... 32°F to 110°F (0°C to 43°C)
Humidity...................................... 5% to 95% noncondensing (display unit)
Dimensions:
Length......................................... 8 in (20.3 cm)
Width .......................................... 4.125 in (10.7 cm)
Height ......................................... 1.75 in (4.4 cm)
Length of wand........................... 82 in (208.2 cm)
Display:
Resolution................................... 320 x 240 pixels
Screen Type ............................... 3.5 in TFT LCD 24 bit RGB
Replacement Parts
NiMH Battery .................................... 127211
Battery Charging Cradle................... 127212
Visual Display Unit............................ 127213
Battery Charger ................................ 127214
Camera Wand and Controller........... 127215
Carrying Case................................... 127216
VDU Tripod....................................... 127555

5/11 AM11020-2
PRINTED IN U.S.A.