Push Rod Cameras: the difference between expensive and not fit for purpose

The terms “expensive” and “not fit for purpose” are generally polar-opposites, and so the differences are likely to be many, much the same as if we had replaced the term “not fit for purpose” with “cheap”.  But whilst “expensive” is an emotive term generally used when talking about a lot of money in comparison to another option, “not fit for purpose” is damning; it cannot do the job we need it to.  This then falls into the category “waste of money”, no matter how comparatively less.

So how can you make sure that you are spending money wisely when it comes to a push rod camera?

At Scanprobe Techniques, to date we have invested over £1,000,000 and 4 years into the development of our Maxprobe push rod camera systems as we focus on manufacturing and supplying a product that we can be proud of, and importantly our customers can rely on.  We are always calling on our 30+ years of experience in the CCTV inspection systems industry to ensure that our products not only talk-the-talk but also walk-the-walk, and this comes from interacting with our customers and reacting to their comments and concerns.  This is why we are continuously updating and adapting our flagship product, the Maxprobe, to optimise it for efficient use in the field, and we have taken particular care to these areas:

The Camera

These cameras are going into some dark and murky places, and unfortunately the level of which cannot be guaranteed.  Not a problem, as with our 600 TVL colour camera and our brightness-adjustable 5th generation SMD LED lighting you are able to adapt to whatever you encounter.  Not to mention the ability to capture snapshots and of course the self-levelling camera, all of which ensure that once you have located the issue in the pipe, you are best prepared to identify and rectify it.

The Maxprobe camera with Sonde transmitter and LED lighting

The Rod

Now, this element should not just be viewed as “just a cable”, as it is vital in terms of delivering the video from the camera to the display, but also (and commonly forgotten) it needs to be durable enough to not only withstand the variable terrain that it is pushed through, but also it needs to be flexible yet strong enough to handle being pushed up to 120 meters without kinking or curling up within the pipe.  If either of these happen, your 120 meter length rod is not fit for purpose, and so our Maxprobe range has a variety of different diameter cables to ensure the distance you need is the distance you can get.

The Monitor

Being able to see what your push rod camera is detecting is clearly important, and not only does the Maxprobe boast the largest monitor in the industry, but it is also perfectly sunlight readable to the point where you could shine a torch directly at the screen (we’ve done this, it’s how we demonstrate it!) and still see your camera image perfectly.  No longer will you need to position a jacket over your head and then over the monitor to block out the sun!

Maxprobe monitor with daylight readable clear display

Position of the Sonde Controls

Whilst the controls for the Sonde are commonly found on the camera head under the skid on the Sonde itself, ours is helpfully located on the framework of the reel, so it can be turned on and off quickly and simply.  Whilst this can seem a frivolous benefit, we understand that our push rod camera systems are not always being used in the most friendly of situations so ease of use for the operatives and also keeping the switch away from danger of damage have been considered.

Activation switch for the Sonde transmitter

The Software

How do you want to record/report your survey findings?  With the Maxprobe push rod camera you can generate a WinCan survey (we are the only U.K. based company who can offer WinCan Web included), pre-built survey template, on-site audio report, the Maxprobe can do all of these as standard.  And the operation of this software is user-friendly and straight forward to follow.

An example WinCan drain survey report

The Range

Not all drainage systems are the same, be they industrial, commercial or residential, and so along with having a range of skids to suit the pipework you are surveying it is also important to have a range of push rod camera systems.  The flexibility and manoeuvrability of the Maxprobe Lite all the way up to the distance and durability of the Maxprobe 120 means we have everything you need to make sure the investment that you make in a Scanprobe push rod camera system is a good one.

Do you have a push rod camera requirement and would like to discuss this with us.  Contact our sales team today – sales@scanprobe.com