Posts Tagged ‘Drain Camera’

Why MaxProbe?

Posted on: July 4th, 2015

Latest innovation.

For the past 3 years the Scanprobe Technical team have had meetings and put their creative and brilliant ideas together to design a CCTV drainage system that will shape the future. From their company headquarters in Surrey, the Maxprobe was born.

Unlike current Units on the market, the Maxprobe offers updatable software, so your system will never be left behind with the fast pace of technology.

How is this going to benefit yourselves as customers you ask?

Maxprobe Pipe Inspection System with Wincan Embedded Reporting Software as standard

The idea was born by Scanprobe’s in house research and development technical technician Alex Rose. At the start he had the idea and pushed for longevity in a system that always offer the latest software similar to a pc. This means if you require personal touches it can be done via the click of a button. Updates from Wincan V8, Wincan VX all updated as standard.

This also means that we don’t sit still and always look to improve the Maxprobe’s usability (with updates offered via email) you can keep up to date with the latest and most innovative software offered to the drainage community.

One of the main issues to come to the design table was being able to see the picture in direct sunshine. “We’re constantly having to shield the monitor with our jackets” said Toby Green (the head of Scanprobe CCTV on-site surveying team).

With this in mind the design team at Scanprobe tested in excess of 50 LCD screens to find the most suited to the harsh conditions of the drainage world. The 10.4” sunlight-readable screen was a revelation, not only was it larger than most competitors, it offered a fantastic image when viewed in direct sunlight.

The next problem faced by the team was the issue of rain and snow. “It has to be waterproof to at least IP54” demanded Harry (the head of Scanprobe’s customer service dept). With this issue in mind the keypad was the first to embrace the changes required. Existing units on the market have kept the old membrane design. Which is fine for ingress protection but very slow and antiquated when typing.

The first option Scanprobe discussed was touch screen. Excellent in clean dry conditions but, (as we all know!) drainage is far from clean and certainly not dry. Let’s be clear having engineers taking off their gloves to touch screens in the field of drainage is completely ludicrous. Also if touch screens get wet the text/image will become unstable making the unit impractical and profitless. After much deliberation, a fully waterproof rubber qwerty keypad was decided on. This gives you the advantage of typing quickly and easily with the confidence that rain and snow won’t affect its usability.

After sealing the LCD screen and some other modifications, not only did the Maxprobe pass IP54 testing it was given an IP64 tested certificate.

Storage was the next hurdle. The common denominator was which device would offer the best recording facility. A lot of the discussion was based on the issues of reliability. With this in mind the team agreed a solid-state drive was the most unassailable option. So 32gb of internal storage would be offered as standard with the option to increase this to 1 terabyte. With regard to exporting data, the team decided to offer as much choice as possible. With this in mind X2 USB ports, X1 SD port, an Ethernet port and Wi-Fi was installed as standard.

The Wi-Fi offers the concept of emailing complete surveys direct to the client via a cloud for them to download to their PC. This is something Scanprobe is working closely with Win-can over and hope to release this shortly.

Welcome to the world of Maxprobe! With its Futureproof capabilities, stunning range of embedded surveying software and truly next generation style and feel, buying the Maxprobe is just the start. Come on the technical journey with us and the Maxprobe will be the last camera you will need to purchase.

High Quality Pipe Inspection Images Captured By The Maxprobe

Posted on: May 11th, 2015

Maxprobe Pipe Inspection System with Wincan Embedded Reporting Software as standard

When purchasing a new CCTV drain camera a top consideration will be, does the unit capture high quality pipe inspection images? The Maxprobe from Scanprobe has an impressive specification and the picture quality is further enhanced while on site with the day light readable 10 inch screen which allows clear viewing during periods of bright sunlight . The Maxprobe camera unit delivers the following industry leading statistics:

Video Statistics:

Resolution = 720 x 576

Frames per Second = 25

Bitrate = 1500 kbps (average – will vary depending on movement and amount of colour) Video Encoder = H264 MPEG-4(part 10 -avc1)

* This video encoder provides highly efficient encoding so you obtain a better quality video for a smaller file size.

* This encoder gives more fluent and better quality playback than older encoders.

* Includes a modern encoding mechanism supported by most video players.

Display Statistics:

Size = 10.4″

Resolution = SVGA (800 x 600)

Number of Colours = 262k

DPI = 96 dpi (seems to be the statistic that smartphone/tablet/laptop manufacturers like to use and defines the pixels per inch)

* Large viewing area for videos on the Maxprobe, 86% of available screen real estate used to display video on recording and playback

Below are some recent examples of very high quality images captured directly by the Maxprobe:

Badly fitting supersleeve pipework with shingle coming through from ground

Severe open/offset joint in 100mm clay pipe

Supersleeve pipe with what looks like a hole made in the back of the pipe

150mm deformed pitch fibre pipe

Broken supersleeve pipe 100mm diameter with fibrous root showing

Severe offset on a slight bend

If you would like more information regarding the Maxprobe Pipe Inspection System please contact us on 0203 253 2001 or email us at sales@scanprobe.com

The new Maxprobe Pipe Inspection System in operation at Westminster site

Posted on: March 27th, 2015

The new Maxprobe Pipe Inspection System was in operation at a site in Westminster this week where it was used to locate a broken pipe which was then repaired with 100mm diameter lining.

Maxprobe in operation at Westminster site

If you would like to find out more about our new Maxprobe drain camera with embedded Wincan software please visit our website www.maxprobe.co.uk or contact us at sales@scanprobe.com.

Mini Supercam Video Pipe Inspection System Upgraded

Posted on: February 20th, 2014

The portable Scanprobe Mini Supercam video pipe inspection system designed for pipe diameters 30mm and upwards has been upgraded to include some new features.

Mini Supercam Video Pipe Inspection System now has new features

The new drain camera kit includes a new CCD colour 420 LTV camera with a field view of 120 degrees and new improved 12 LED lighting. A new high resolution 8” TFT display is also included with memory card function for video and image recording. A 40m reel of fibreglass cable, internal battery, AC/DC power supply and is integrated in a heavy duty plastic carrying case. The system also comes with a keyboard for text generation and microphone port to enable audio recording.

Scanprobe supplies a version with integrated sonde transmitter – please contact us for details on 0203 253 2001

CCD camera with a field view of 120 degrees and 12 LEDs

Specifications:

NEW Camera	CCD Colour 420 LTV in stainless steel casing
NEW Lighting	12 LED’s
Field of view	120°
Waterproof	Yes
Dimensions	Ø 22×152 mm (Ø 40mm including skids)
NEW TFT Display	8″ diagonally (203mm)
Resolution	320×960 pixels
Total Weight	13 kgs
Battery	12v rechargeable
Image & Video Recording	Memory card
NEW Counter	On screen digital meterage counter with reset. Optional Metres or Feet

Dealing with drain blockages

Posted on: February 13th, 2014

Drain blockages, in particular blocked household drains, are inconvenient and can also be a potential health hazard. Most drain blockages are preventable and some of the common causes are avoidable.

Common causes of blocked drains

pouring cooking fat, oils and grease down drains – these can solidify into the waste system and are notoriously difficult to remove
detergent scaling, particularly in hard water areas
flushing paper and cloth products such as disposable nappies, sanitary towels, cotton wool buds and newspapers down toilets – they can form a solid mass and eventually stop the flow of water.
pouring cement and plaster down drains – these can set rock-hard in the drain
pouring waste oil from motor vehicles into drains – it is illegal to do this
collapsed or damaged pipes.

Drain blockages often require CCTV drain surveys

How can I get my drains unblocked?

Contact a specialist contractor such as Scanseal and request a drain survey or quote to carry out the work. Alternatively you can hire the necessary drainage equipment and/or drain camera from Scanprobe if you are competent to perform the work yourself.

Scanseal are specialists in dealing with drain blockages

What if my drains keep blocking?

This may suggest that your pipes are faulty in some way. Tree root penetration and subsidence are common causes of broken pipes and specialist equipment is required to cut the roots and then repair the pipe.

If you are a property owner, you may want to have a drain survey using close circuit television (CCTV) equipment. You may find that the cost of a drain repair to your house is covered by your insurance.

Further help and advice

If you want to report a drain problem or require further advice please contact Scanprobe on 0203 253 2001 or email sales@scanprobe.com

Scanprobe to open Saturdays for Drainage Products, Hire & Servicing

Posted on: February 2nd, 2014

Scanprobe have announced that they will be open for business on Saturdays from 1^st March 2014 between 8am and 12pm. This will allow Customers to use the shop which stocks an extensive range of drainage products including brands such as Renoline, Honda, Monument Tools and of course Scanprobe. The Scanprobe drain camera Hire and Servicing departments will also be available to Customers during these hours enabling the facilitation of urgent repairs and hire needs for the working week ahead.

Drainage products available from the Scanprobe shop

Scanprobe recently announced their Drain Repair Equipment Hire Guarantee whereby they will beat any written quote for CCTV inspection system / drain camera hire. Scanprobe’s hire rates vary over longer periods of time and hire rates include a free monthly service on the equipment. Scanprobe will match and beat any price guaranteed so if you can find a camera anywhere cheaper, please let us know (we will require proof and equipment specifications).

The Scanprobe warehouse stocks an extensive range of drainage products

Please contact the Scanprobe Service department on 0203 253 2001 for your urgent drain camera repairs – we are always wiling to repair competitor drain cameras where possible so please ask us for advice if required.

Drain Camera System Range at Scanprobe

Posted on: January 23rd, 2014

Series 7 Compact
This drain camera is a heavy-duty CCTV inspection system that is designed to survey from a single access point in pipe sizes over 50mm and up to 600mm in diameter.

Scanprobe Series 7

This system is fully loaded and consists of a detachable 50mm diameter auto self-levelling colour camera – with a ring of long life, high intensity white LED lighting and external light head for larger diameter pipes; a range of centreing skids and a series of adjustable wheeled drain camera carriers and connects to 75m of 14mm semi-rigid push rod housed in a large robust coiler frame. This in turn, connects to a Scanprobe Compact Compact Control Box – a rugged military spec box that has an integrated 10.5″ flat screen monitor and touch pad controls and records directly on to portable memory USB drive, or an optional Hard Drive. The system comes complete with on-screen meterage, probewriter 16-page text generator and will operate at 110v or 240v AC – with auto switching – and also 24v DC with integrated rechargeable batteries for use where no mains power is available.

Specifications:

Camera Size	50mm
Suitable for pipes	50mm – 600mm
Reel length	75meters
Rod type	14mm pushrod
Monitor type	10.5″ Integrated Flat Screen
Voltage	110v to 240v AC, or 24v DC rechargeable batteries
Lighting	High intensity LED
Recorder	Portable memory USB drive or Optional Hard Drive

Series 6 Compact

A high performance system suitable for pipe sizes over 50mm up to 300mm in diameter.

Scanprobe Series 6

This system consists of a detachable 50mm diameter auto self-levelling colour camera – with a ring of long life, high intensity white LED lighting; a range of centring skids and a robust coiler frame – with 50m of 11mm semi-rigid push rod. This connects to a Scanprobe Compact Control Box – a rugged military spec unit that has an integrated 10.5″ flat screen monitor and touch pad controls and records directly on to portable memory USB drive, or an optional Hard Drive. The system comes complete with on-screen meterage, probewriter 16-page text generator will operate at 110v or 240v AC – with auto switching – and also 24v DC with integrated rechargeable batteries for use where no mains power is available.

Specifications:

Camera Size	50mm
Suitable for pipes	50mm – 300mm
Reel length	50meters
Rod type	11mm pushrod
Monitor type	10.5″ Integrated Flat Screen
Voltage	110v to 240v AC, or 24v DC rechargeable batteries
Lighting	High intensity LED
Recorder	Portable memory USB drive or Optional Hard Drive

Mini Supercam Video Pipe Inspection System

Mini Supercam Video Pipe Inspection System

The portable video pipe inspection system is for pipes from 30mm diameter upwards. The kit consists of a waterproof 22m dia colour CCD camera with a field view of 60 degrees and 8 LED’s; A high resolution 7” LCD monitor – with memory card function for video and image recording. A 40m reel of fibreglass cable, internal battery, AC/DC power supply and is integrated in a heavy duty plastic carrying case. Now with a keyboard for text generation and microphone for audio recording.

Version available with integrated sonde transmitter.

Specifications:

Camera	CCD Colour 420 LTV
Lighting	8 LED’s
Field of view	60°
Waterproof	Yes
Dimensions	Ø 22×152 mm (Ø 35 including foam cover)
Holder	7″ diagonally
TFT Display	186x145x41 (mm)
Resolution	320×960 pixels
Total Weight	13 kgs
Battery	12v rechargeable
Image & Video Recording	Memory card

Scanprobe Bullet 35

The baby brother to the Series 6 and 7 systems, but with the same robust design.

Scanprobe Bullet 35

Suitable in pipe sizes from 40mm up to 225mm diameter This system consists of a detachable 35mm high resolution bullet colour camera head – with scratch proof sapphire lens glass; high intensity, white LED lighting; a range of centring skids and a robust coiler frame – with 50m of 11mm semi-rigid push rod. This connects to a Scanprobe Compact Control Box – a rugged military spec box that has an integrated 10.5″ flat screen monitor and touch pad controls and records directly on to portable memory USB drive, or an optional Hard Drive. The system comes complete with on-screen meterage, probewriter 16-page text generator and will operate at 110v or 240v AC – with auto switching – and also 24v DC with integrated rechargeable batteries for use where no mains power is available.

Specifications:

Camera Size	35mm
Suitable for pipes	40mm – 225mm
Reel length	50 meters
Rod type	11mm pushrod
Voltage	110v to 240v AC, or 24v DC rechargeable batteries
Lighting	High intensity LED
Recorder	Portable memory USB drive or Optional Hard Drive

Scanprobe Micro 22

Scanprobe Micro 22
Designed for those awkward areas and tight bends such as toilets, gullies and swimming pool filters, in pipe sizes over 22mm up to 100mm diameter.
The Micro 22 has a 22mm diameter high-resolution colour camera head, has auto shutter with adjustable focus and is supplied on a mini coiler with 20m of 5mm push rod. The camera can be connected to an optional compact flash viewer/recorder and is compatible with all Scanprobe Systems, or can be supplied with an optional Scanprobe Control Box unit.

Specifications:

Camera Size	22mm
Suitable for pipes	upto 100mm
Reel length	20 meters
Rod type	5mm pushrod
Lighting	LED
Recorder	Optional

Colourprobe 3001 Crawler Pan & Tilt

Colourprobe 3001 Crawler Pan & Tilt

Colourprobe 3001 Control Box

The ‘flagship’ drain camera in the Scanprobe range, this pan & tilt inspection system for surveying pipes from 150 – 1000mm in diameter, DVR records onto USB memory sticks, 110 – 240volt mains or generator, 200 metre cable standard (additional length available to order), text and on-screen meterage with integrated inclinometer module for gradient measurement. The Control Unit is supplied in a durable PELI type case and is lightweight and easily portable. All the controls for operating the system are incorporated into the control unit with a compact 78-key qwerty keyboard, along with a text generating system and 10.4″ TFT monitor, and coloured control pads for Camera, Crawler, Lights and DVR operation.The Pan and Rotate Inspection Camera can be mounted in various positions on the Crawler. The whole camera and crawler system has been kept as short as possible to allow easy access to the pipe via the manhole. A range of wheels and spacers provide inspections from 150mm diameter to 1000mm diameter pipes.The Crawler is fitted with a powerful 150W 48V DC Motor, fitted to a 42mm diameter planetary gearbox. This gives a maximum output torque of 15Nm. Drive to the axle is via a 3:1 bevel gear set and conversion to 4WD via chain and sprockets. The crawler comes complete with a fitted Pan and tilt camera, and fitted wheels for 150mm and upwards pipe inspection.

The Cable Drum has a capacity of 200 metres standard (additional length available to order) and is a manual hand wind, and layering system. It incorporates a slip ring assembly which allows for continuous operation, with no interference on the monitor. Using a ¼ metre cable counter wheel and encoder, it measures the amount of cable being used to give an accurate position of the camera/crawler. This information is displayed in the text generator on the monitor.

Wireless Inspection Camera

Wireless Inspection Camera

The wireless inspection camera is a lightweight, ergonomic, handheld visual inspection system for those hard to reach areas. The kit consists of a mini waterproof 22mmØ camera – that has a night vision range of 1.5m; 1m of flexible extension shaft – with an option of adding x 5 additional 1m extension shafts; a 2.5″ TFT-LCD wireless monitor with rechargeable Li-battery and power supply; 3 useful accessories – hook, mirror and magnet. Records onto Micro
SD Card (included).

Specifications:

Image Size	CMOS
Total Pixels	704×576 (PAL)
Horizontal View Angle	50 degree
Minimum Illumination	0 Lux
Bandwidth	25MHz
Power Supply	4 x AA Batteries
Dimensions (WxDxH)	186x145x41 (mm)
Weight	530g (Approx)
Recorder	Micro SD Card (included)

Monitor Specification:

LCD Screen Type	2.36″TFT-LCD
Effective Pixels:	480 x 240
Video System:	PAL/NTSC
Dimensions (WxDxH)	100 x 70x 30(mm)
Weight	140g (Approx)

Please call us on 0203 253 2001 for further details on the Scanprobe drain camera range.

Drain Camera Hire – 7 New Tractor Systems Added

Posted on: January 10th, 2014

Scanprobe have added seven new tractor systems to their comprehensive drain camera hire fleet due to popular demand and not only are they adding cameras, but they are updating them on a weekly basis.

New egg shaped tapered bulk head camera

The robust Colourprobe 3001 Crawler Pan & Tilt now comes with a tapered bulk head camera which was designed for chimney use, as the new egg shape head will glide through small passages forward or backwards. The pan & tilt motors have been upgraded to give a smoother rotation and pan. When you hire a Colourprobe 3001, you get the complete kit including wheel sets to handle pipe diameters from 150mm up to 1000mm.

There are no hidden extras for recorders and accessories, when you hire from Scanprobe and all you require is a power source. At Scanprobe we don’t stop redesigning and making improvements to our equipment in order to provide our customers with the best possible service.

7 new tractor systems added to the Scanprobe drain camera hire range

The Scanprobe hire range also includes cameras ideal for inspecting and detecting problems with chimneys, gas and water mains and which can also be used down animal burrows and cavity walls

New tractor systems – large wheel size option

Scanprobe provide a wide range of pipe inspection equipment and drain repair systems for hire with daily and weekly rates available. For Customers who wish to try before they buy, Scanprobe offer to refund up to 1 weeks hire charge should you decide to purchase the equipment outright.

The range includes pipe inspection systems to suit most requirements from wireless, handheld inspection cameras to the Colourprobe 3001 Crawler Pan & Tilt Pipeline Inspection system featured above.

As well as drain camera hire Scanprobe also provide a variety of additional accessories and leak detection equipment including the Radio Sonde System and the Scanprobe Easy-Smoker

Please visit the full Scanprobe hire range here or call us on 0203 253 2001 for more details.

Why is a CCTV Drain Survey needed?

Posted on: December 16th, 2013

Drains, by their very nature of being underground, are subjected to a number of stresses over the years. The ground can move dramatically, depending on how wet or dry it is, shrub or tree roots grow around the pipes and subsidence can also add high additional weight over the pipes. In order to check drains and pipes periodically a CCTV Drain Survey can be carried out.

CCTV Survey image showing damage to pipe

Traditional Salt Glazed sewer pipes will start to breakdown after a while and these stresses can start to cause leaking at the joints, cracking along the pipes or at worst complete collapse. Leaky soil pipes are not only a potential health hazard but can also wash away the foundations of a property causing subsidence. Damaged pipes can cause blockages.

CCTV Drain Camera locates problem

When buying a property, the mortgage lender will often want assurance that the pipes are in good order. How can this be done, without having to expose the pipes? A Close Circuit Television (CCTV) drain survey is ideal for this purpose. This is a totally non-invasive process in which we insert a ‘rod’ with a camera attached at one end, connected to a monitor and recording system at the other end. If a problem is detected, an on-screen meter counter can determine the exact position.

If a drain repair or patch to the pipe is necessary, there are a number of options available, including replacing the broken section by excavation, or alternatively and in most cases preferable by no-dig or trenchless technology which involves relining the drain or pipe from within with a Glass reinforced plastic. This is particularly useful where pipes are inaccessible, such as under buildings.

Pipe Repair is carried out after CCTV Drain Survey

After a drain repair has been carried out a further CCTV drain survey will need to be carried out check to make sure that water is free flowing without any restrictions.

CCTV Camera used to check pipe repair

Drain Camera Repairs

Posted on: December 12th, 2013

Many customers ask if we can repair competitors’ cameras, in theory all cameras are similar, they may vary in voltages and design, but there isn’t a lot of difference overall. Over the years here at Scanprobe, we have repaired numerous competitors’ cameras and our repair team always strive to complete repairs to the highest possible standards.

When it comes to drain camera repairs, you tend to find that the more expensive the pipe inspection system is to purchase, the more complicated it is repair, customers should be aware of this when deciding which drain camera to purchase. Bear in mind that a drain camera is a tool, like a drill and they can fail, but unlike a drill a drain camera is a sensitive piece of electronic equipment, so care should be taken when using your camera system. Unlike most of our competitors, Scanprobe offer a same day drain camera repair service, and should we be unable to complete your repair in one day, we do offer loan units to use until your drain camera system has been repaired (subject to availability). You should also keep in mind that all drain cameras contain parts that through normal wear and tear will need repair/replacing after time such as the pushrod and nylon rollers. Scanprobe recommend that to prolong the life of your camera you should drop it into our workshop for a general service.

If you have purchased a competitors’ camera and need to have it repaired by Scanprobe we advise bringing it in and having one of our repair technicians assess the system to see if we can successfully carry out repairs. In the past we have repaired numerous competitors’ drain cameras, but are sometimes limited in what we can repair due to not carrying parts for other systems, although we will attempt to modify our own parts to fit other systems where possible. We have found 8/10 times we have successfully repaired other units. So yes, we can repair competitors’ drain cameras but depending on what parts we carry.

One of our team will be happy to advise you on any drain camera repairs needed.

A selection of competitor drain cameras in for repair at our workshop

The Scanprobe Repair Team – Tel. 0203 253 2001