Vivax Metrotech vCamDrain Instruction Manual

vCamDrain User Handbook
(English Edition)
Version 1.0
P/N: 4.04.000241
281-969-8530

General Safety & Care Information
Health and Safety
This equipment is primarily used to inspect sewer pipes by professionals in the sewer and
plumbing industry and is maintained by professionals familiar with the health risks of
maintaining equipment in a sewer.
Such professionals will be protected by their own company’s recommendations and work
practices. If for any reason they are not or are not familiar with such practices, please check
our website or email [e-mail] for a copy of the Health and Safety Document
used by Vivax-Metrotech for employees involved in the demonstration, maintenance, and
handling of sewer camera systems.
•Keep all electrical connections dry and off the ground.
•Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Cone off open utility holes and follow traffic
control regulations.
•Use personal protection such as eyewear, rubber gloves, and non-skid safety shoes.
Worksite Safety
•Use your company’s or other applicable safety code and rules when using this
equipment.
•Do not use this equipment in explosive areas – such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, and heavy dust.
Equipment Safety
•Do not open the enclosures (housings) of the reel or camera heads.
•Opening the housings or camera head will void any warranty.
•Use only the leads supplied with the control module for AC or DC operation and
charging.
Batteries and the Environment
This Vivax-Metrotech product uses a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and a Lithium metal
watch battery.
High-Pressure Water or Pressure Washers
Do not use pressure washers to clean the reel or other parts of the camera system.
Do not use pressure washers to clean the reel or other parts of the
camera system.
Bleach and chemicals - Do not soak the termination parts or camera
heads
Do not soak the spring termination parts or the camera heads in
bleach or other chemicals.

Table of Contents
Service & Support .......................................................................................1
1.1 Model and Serial Number Location .......................................................1
1.2 Firmware Revision Location ..................................................................1
1.3 Request for Service ...............................................................................1
1.4 Distributors and Service Centers...........................................................2
Introduction .................................................................................................3
The vCam Drain Wireless Reel .............................................................3
vCam Drain Wireless Reel Features .....................................................4
vCam Drain Setup.......................................................................................5
3.1 Initial Setup............................................................................................5
3.1.1 Charging the Internal Battery ..........................................................5
3.1.2 Check for a Software Update..........................................................5
Wi-Fi Connection for App............................................................................6
4.1 Wi-Fi Connection for App ......................................................................6
4.2 Connect to the VMC App.......................................................................7
4.3 Check for a Firmware Update................................................................7
The vCam Mobile Controller App ................................................................9
The Start/Selection Screen....................................................................9
Offline Access to Files (access files without being connected)............10
The Main Screen .................................................................................10
VMC App Settings.....................................................................................13
6.1 Setting up the app options...................................................................13
6.1.1 Manage Projects...........................................................................13
6.1.2 Sonde Frequency .........................................................................14
6.1.3 Video Settings...............................................................................14
6.1.4 Image Settings..............................................................................14
6.1.5 Date and Time ..............................................................................14
6.1.6 Units .............................................................................................14

6.1.7 Language......................................................................................14
6.1.8 About ............................................................................................14
6.1.9 Logs..............................................................................................14
Using the vCam Mobile Controller App .....................................................15
7.1 Overview .............................................................................................15
7.1.1 Connect to the Control Module .....................................................15
7.1.2 Making a video recording..............................................................15
7.1.3 Capturing JPEG images (taking pictures).....................................15
7.1.4 Adding an observation to the screen ............................................15
7.1.5 File Managment............................................................................16
7.1.5.1 Searching the Gallary ............................................................16
7.1.6 Sharing files..................................................................................17
Cable Reels ..............................................................................................20
8.1 Using the Cable Reel...........................................................................20
8.1.1 Distance Counter Accuracy ..........................................................20
8.1.2 Pushrod Cable ..............................................................................20
8.1.3 Deployment of the Pushrod Cable................................................20
Camera Heads and Terminations .............................................................23
9.1 Spring Termination Parts.....................................................................23
9.1.1 Termination Parts List...................................................................23
9.2 Removing and Installing the Camera Head .........................................23
9.3 Removing and Installing the Drain Spring Assembly...........................24
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................25

Service & Support
1
1
Service & Support
1.1 Model and Serial Number Location
When requesting product support, always quote your camera system’s model, serial number, and
software revision number. The location of serial numbers is shown below.
1.
Serial number location
1.2 Firmware Revision Location
The firmware version of the reel can be found by connecting the vCam Mobile Controller app to the reel
and going to the ABOUT section in the app.
The vCamDrain firmware updates come in a “zip” extension file. The firmware files can be obtained at
www.vivax-metrotech.com, an authorized service center, distributor, or a local Vivax-Metrotech office.
1.3 Request for Service
If any system components need servicing, the more concise information provided will result in a quicker
turnaround time. You can fill out a “Service Center Request” form on our website, print it, and include it
with the unit when shipping. If the unit must be returned, package it well and ship it by a traceable
method.

Introduction
3
2
Introduction
Please read this section!
Vivax-Metrotech provides technical support for the vCam Mobile Controller (VMC) app, our
vCam series camera systems and our locators.
Vivax-Metrotech can not supply technical support or training for smartphones, tablets or file-
sharing apps on your phones and tablets.
Please refer to the help screens and documentation included with your file-sharing apps
and the operating system on your phone or tablet (Android and iOS (Apple).
User Manual Conventions
Read this section – This section is important and should be carefully read.
Stop – Read this section before proceeding.
Safety – Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to avoid possible injury
or death.
Note – Important information that will affect the performance of the product.
Tip – This tip may save you time or provide a better response.
The vCam Drain Wireless Reel
The vCam Drain Wireless Reel connects to a smartphone or tablet by Wi-Fi and streams the video from
the reel into the app. The vCam Mobile Controller app views, records, and plays back MP4 videos and
image capturing of JPEG pictures. Audio and text commentary can be added to the videos and text
commentary can be added to the captured pictures. The time stamping of the current time, date, and
distance of the pushrod deployed can be added to both video and pictures.
Control Panel Buttons
On/Off Button - Press and release to turn the unit on. When on, this button will glow
green. Press and hold to turn the unit off.
Wi-Fi - Pressing this button will refresh the Wi-Fi signal. Use this button to connect to the
app if the app does not automatically find the reel. Also, use this button if the Wi-Fi
connection seems sluggish, tiling or skipping.
Battery Status - Press this button to see the reel's internal battery status. The indicator is
shown in four segments, representing 25% of the reel's battery life.

Introduction
4
2
vCam Drain Wireless Reel Features
1.
Handle
6.
Power/Media Compartment
2.
Horizontal position feet
7.
Wi-Fi refresh button
3.
Power button and indicator
8.
USB Port
4.
Battery status indicator
9.
AC/DC Charging socket
5.
Rubber feet
10.
Cable drum
11.
Brake
12.
Serial number/model label
13.
Camera head
14.
Spring/Sonde assembly
15.
Cable guide

vCam Drain Setup
5
3
vCam Drain Setup
3.1 Initial Setup
3.1.1 Charging the Internal Battery
Plug the supplied battery charger into the reel's AC/DC charging socket.The charging icon on the
battery status indicator will glow red while charging and glow green when fully charged. The typical time
to fully charge a completely discharged battery will be approximately six hours and provide
approximately seven hours of intermittent use.
3.1.2 Check for a Software Update
Please see section 4.3 of this manual.

Wi-Fi Connection for App
6
4
Wi-Fi Connection for App
The vCam Mobiule Controller app must be installed to view the images from the camera and to control
all functions of the vCamDrain Wireless Reel.
Platform
Apple
Android
Minimun operating system
13.0 or greater
6.0 or greater
App size
40MB
52MB
Access and permissions:
Location
Only in the foreground
Bluetooth
To search for control modules
Microphone
To add audio to recording videos
Gallery
To export pictures and videos
Storage
Modify or delete files
4.1 Wi-Fi Connection for App
The vCam Drain Wireless reel has built-in Wi-Fi that broadcasts an SSID (secure network name) and
uses DHCP (the protocol that assigns an IP address needed to connect to the control module) to assign
IP addresses to a tablet or smartphone running the VMC app.
When connected to the VMC app, the video stream from the reel will be transmitted. The video stream
will include any text on the app's screen and the on-screen display showing the system time, distance
put and date.
Visit our website at www.vivax-metrotech.com for more information and download links.
vCam Mobile
Controller App icon
VMC Start Screen

Wi-Fi Connection for App
7
4
4.2 Connect to the VMC App
1. Press and release to turn the unit on. When on, this button will glow green.
2. In approximately 30 seconds, a green light will appear in the center of the Wi-FI
button. This shows that the unit is now ready to connect to the app.
3. Launch the vCam Mobile Controller App.
4. Press the CONNECT icon in the app. Make a note of your reel's serial number.
5. The app will show any Vivax-Metrotech reels or control modules in range to connect to.
Tap on the serial number for the reel to connect to.
4.3 Check for a Firmware Update
There are two methods to update the firmware in the vCam Drain reel. The first is an Over the Air update
done through the VMC app, and the other uses a USB thumb drive.
4.3.1 Over-the-Air Update Update
Over-the-air updates are done via the vCam Mobile Controller app.
1. Connect to the vCam Drain Reel via Wi-Fi.
2. Go to SETTINGS > ABOUT and make a note for the reels firmware version.
3. Disconnect from the reel.
4. On a mobile device or tablet, connect to the internet via Wi-Fi.
5. The app will ping the Vivax-Metrotech server to see if an update is available.
6. If an update is available, a message will appear in the app advising that an update is available.
7. Click on UPDATE,and the download to the tablet will start.
8. Now connect to the vCam Drain Reel.
9. Select YES,and the update installation will start.
4.3.2 USB Thumb Drive Update
You are now connected to the
vCam Drain Wireless Reel.

Wi-Fi Connection for App
8
4
This update method requires the use of a USB thumb drive.
1. Connect to the reel via the VMC app, go to SETTINGS > ABOUT, and note the reel's current
firmware version.
2. Go to the DOWNLOADS section on the Cambrian webpage and download the firmware update.
3. Save the download drain_ota.zip file onto a USB thumb drive. This file can be the only file on the
USB thumb drive during the update.
4. Plug the USB drive into the vCam Drain Reel.
5. Power on the drain reel.
6. Wait for the Wi-Fi LED to turn on. (The LED on the Wi-Fi button)
7. Press the Wi-Fi button for five seconds and then release it.
8. The Wi-Fi LED will blink during the firmware update. The update time will vary depending on the
size of the update file., and typically should take between
9. When the update is complete, the Wi-Fi light will stop blinking and remain solid
10. Connect to the reel again via the VMC app, go to SETTINGS > ABOUT and check that the
firmware update was successful by noting the new firmware version number.

The vCam Mobile Controller App
9
5
The vCam Mobile Controller App
The vCam Mobile Controller controls all the functions of the vCamDrain Wireless Reel.
This document covers the operation of the vCam Mobile Controller app. The app is also
referred to as the
VMC
app.
Introduction
Technical Support
When requesting technical support always quote your camera system's model number, tablet/phone
model, tablet/phone operating system and vCam Mobile Controller (VMC) app version number.
Note that the product firmware version will not show unless the app is connected to the product.
The above information can be found by entering Settings and then going into About.
The Android and iOS About screen
App Icons
An available action or feature will have a yellow background.
An action or feature in use (active) will show the same icon but with a black
background.
Certain actions or features in use (active) will show part of the icon in red and will
be flashing.
All features may not be available for certain products or may still be in
development. When this happens, the icon will be greyed out.
The example on the left shows the Picture icon as available while the Microphone
icon is not
and is greyed out.
The Start/Selection Screen
Before launching the app turn on the vCamDrain Reel and wait for the Wi-fi indicator light to turn
green.
When the vCam Mobile Controller app starts, the first screen seen will be the Selection Screen, select
the vCam Drain.

The vCam Mobile Controller App
10
5
VMC Start/Selection Screen
Offline Access to Files (access files without being
connected)
All files created in the vCam Mobile Controller app are stored in the app in the Gallery. The Gallery
can be accessed without being connected to a control module.
1. At the Start/Selection screen select the control module that was used to create the files.
2. Tap on Cancel when the Connect to dialog box appears.
3. Tap on the Gallery icon to enter the Gallery.
The Main Screen
The Main Viewing Screen is the same for Android and iOS.
VMC Main Screen
While a recording
is in progress

The vCam Mobile Controller App
11
5
1.
Step Back/Exit – Tapping this
icon will move back one step.
Continue tapping to disconnect and
exit the app.
8. Connection Status – This shows
the connected Control Module and its
battery status.
2. Active Project – This shows the
project name in which the files are
being saved.
9. Settings– Set the user preferences
such as language, unit of measure and
sonde frequency.
3.
Sonde – Tap this icon to activate the
Sonde. Tap again to turn off the
sonde.
10.Help – Tap this icon to bring up an
on-screen version of the instruction
manual.
4.
Camera Lights – Tapping this icon
will bring up a slider bar to lower and
raise the cameras lights.
11. Elapsed Time/Size – This shows
the elapsed time and size of the recording
video.
5. Distance Reset –Tapping this icon
will reset the distance counter to zero. 12. Record – Tap to Start and Stop a
video recording. While recording this icon
flashes red.
6. Observations – Add and remove
text observations (comments) to the
control module and app screen.
13. Microphone – A feature to be added
at a later date.
7. Gallery – Access to the Projects
video and picture files.
14. JPEG Capture – Captures the JPEG
picture to the project in the Gallery.
15. Pause / Resume – Tap to pause the recording video. Tap the red Play icon to
resume the recording.
Recording in progress icons – When a recording is in progress:
1. The inside top portion of the recording icon will blink red.
2. The video elapsed time and size will appear in red above the recording icon.
Pause and resume a video recording – While recording a video:
1. Press the Pause icon, and a Recording Paused message will splash on the screen and the
pause icon will change from Pause to a flashing Red Play icon. The recording is paused, and
the elapsed length and video size will freeze.
2. Press the flashing red Play icon to resume the video recording.
Pressing the Record icon while a video is paused will end the video recording.
Icons that appear greyed out are not available for the control module.
While in the Main Screen, tapping on the screen will hide the icons in the left column and the
top status bar. Tap the screen again to bring them back.
Android = double tap, iOS – single tap.

The vCam Mobile Controller App
12
5
Default view with all icons
View with icons and status bar hidden
Step Back/Exit
Use the StepBack/Exit icon to return to the Start/Selection screen
before exiting the app. Returning to the Start/Selection screen will
automatically disconnect the control module and free up the Wi-Fi to
connect to the internet.
Exiting the app in other ways may leave the tablet showing that it is
still connected to the control module by Wi-Fi and produce an error
message that there is no internet connection while trying to share
files.

VMC App Settings
13
6
VMC App Settings
Enter the VMC app settings by tapping the Settings icon. To return to the Main Screen tap the Settings icon again or tap on the Step Back/Exit icon.
6.1 Setting up the app options
At the time of publishing this guide the Settings menu consists of:
Manage Projects Units Sonde Frequency
Language Video Settings About
Image Settings Logs Date & Time
6.1.1 Manage Projects
Projects are folders where videos and JPEG images are stored. The current project in use will show in the upper left corner of the Main Screen. All files created
in the VMC app are stored in the Gallery under the Project Name.
The current Project name appears in the upper left of the status bar.
Tap on the Manage Projects line and the manage projects sub-menu will appear.
New – Date and Time: This option will create a project based on the tablet's current date and time. An example of a project name created on 30 August
2022 at12:26 PM will be "2022_08_30_12_26"
New – Name: This option will create a project you can name using alpha and numeric characters. When selecting this option a dialog box shows the
system's date. You can remove this using the backspace key or leave it as part of your project name. Up to 40 alphanumeric characters can be used for a
project name.
Android "New-Name" dialog box
iOS New-Name Project
Existing Project – All projects remain in the app until deleted by the user. Select Existing Project to add new files to an existing project. When this option is
selected a list of projects will appear. Tap on the project name to use the project.

VMC App Settings
14
6
6.1.2 Sonde Frequency
Set the sonde frequency to use when the sonde icon is selected. Select from 512Hz, 640Hz or 33kHz. Tap the Step Back icon to return to the Settings
menu.
6.1.3 Video Settings
Set the video quality and frames per second. First select the resolution of 1080p, 720p or 480p. After selecting the resolution tap on 30fps (frames per
second) or 15fps.
1080p with 30fps will give the highest quality video but it will also be the largest file size. Lower resolutions will produce a lower quality video with a smaller
file size. Tap the Step Back icon to return to the Settings menu.
6.1.4 Image Settings
Set the size and quality of the JPEG pictures. 1920x10800 produces the best image quality and will have the largest file size. Tap the Step Back icon to
return to the Settings menu.
6.1.5 Date and Time
The date and time used in the app are from the tablet or phone. This option will update the control module's date and time to match the app's.
6.1.6 Units
Select the distance counter unit of measure. Choose between metric or imperial units. Tap the Step Back icon to return to the Settings menu.
6.1.7 Language
Use this drop-down list to select a language.
6.1.8 About
The About screen contains important information needed when calling for technical support. This screen shows the connected control module's firmware
version, VMC app version and the control module serial number.
An entry with the letters N/A or Coming soon represents an option that is not available yet.
The About Screen Information Box
6.1.9 Logs
Logs are recorded for troubleshoot problems with the app. If you should call for technical support we may ask that you use the Log feature to email us a
copy of your apps logs.

Using the vCam Mobile Controller App
15
7
Using the vCam Mobile Controller App
7.1 Overview
Now that the initial settings have been saved let's start using the app!
Before launching the app ensure the control module is turned on and the Wi-Fi option activated.
7.1.1 Connect to the Control Module
1. From the Start/Selection screen select the Control Module to connect.
The Start/Selection Screen
2. Android – Tap on the serial number of the control module to connect.
iOS – Tap on the Join icon of the control module to connect.
Android connection dialog box
iOS connection dialog box
After a few seconds the Main Viewing Screen will appear with an icon of the control module and its battery status in the upper right corner.
7.1.2 Making a video recording
1. Tap on the Record icon to start the video recording. If no project is selected the Manage Project dialog will appear. See section 3.1.1 Manage
Projects.
Create a new project or select an existing project to continue.
When a recording is started the record icon flashes red and the elapsed recording time and
file size will be displayed above the icon.
To Pause the recording video tap on the Pause icon.
To resume recording tap on the flashing red Play icon.
2. To end the recording video tap on the red flashing Record icon again.
7.1.3 Capturing JPEG images (taking pictures)
Tap the JPEG button to capture a JPEG image. The screen will momentarily flash yellow confirming a captured image.
7.1.4 Adding an observation to the screen
Observations are text comments added to the screen which appear in videos and pictures.

Using the vCam Mobile Controller App
16
7
1. Tap on the Observation icon to open the Text Box.
2. The icon will fill with a black background when the text box opens.
3a.
Android
Enter text in the text box, up to 100 characters, and tap on OK.
3i. iOS
Enter text in the text box, up to 100 characters and then tap Return on the
keyboard.
4.
Remove the text from the screen by tapping on the black background Observation
icon.
7.1.5 File Managment
All recorded videos and pictures are stored in Projects in the Gallery.
7.1.5.1 Searching the Gallary
Use the Search feature to find files in the Gallery.
The Gallery Main Screen
Return to the previous screen
Exit the gallery
Project View Detail
1.
Project name and number of files in
it.
2.
Thumbnails – Represent videos
and picture files.
3.
Video icon – Shows video files with
length, date and file name.
4.
Picture icon – Shows picture files,
date and file name.
1. Tap on a Thumbnail to enter that project's gallery. The view now changes to the Review screen.
Review screen
2. Tap on a Video Thumbnail to enter the video review screen.

Using the vCam Mobile Controller App
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7
The video review screen
While in the Review screens swiping right to left and back will scroll through all of the files in that Project folder.
3. Tap on the Play icon to watch the video. While playing the video tap the Pause icon to pause and unpause the video. Use your finger on the progress line
to move forward and backward through the video.
Tap on the Share icon to open the dialog box to share
the file or add it to another location on the tablet.
Tap on the Delete icon to delete the
selected file(s).
Note: Use the same steps to view pictures; the picture view will have the same Delete and Share options.
Deleted files cannot be recovered!
7.1.6 Sharing files
Files created in the VMC app can be shared in several ways.
•Use the share features native to the iOS and Android platforms.
•Export files into file-sharing apps such as BOX™, DropBox™ or OneDrive™.
It is better to share files when the app is not connected to a control module. When the app is connected to a control module files cannot be shared
because there is no internet or cellular connection. Disconnect from the control module, then use the internet or cellular connection.
1. Enter the Gallery and select a Project by tapping on one of its thumbnails.
Tap on any thumbnail in the project to enter its Gallery