RIDGID SeeSnake Compact - Manual (Page 5)

Ridge Tool Company 4
SeeSnake Flatpack/Compact
Make sure the sapphire window is clean prior to entry. Some users claim
that a slight fi lm of detergent on the lens minimizes the possibility of grease
sticking to the port. If necessary, take advantage of any standing water in the
pipe to wash the front of the camera by jiggling it in the water.
Take advantage of the lighting to keep track of where the camera is
headed. If the particular pipe you are inspecting is easier to evaluate with
other than the maximum lighting, periodically maximize the lighting to get a
look at what lies ahead. Be aware of any obstructions, such as a crushed
section of pipe or excessive hard build-up, that may prevent retrieval of the
camera.
When you place the camera head into the pipe remember, as the
materials of pipe vary, it will be necessary to adjust the lighting settings
to maximize picture quality. For example, white PVC pipe requires less
lighting than metal pipe. As experience is gained with the system, operators
will learn that adjustments to these settings can highlight problems within a
pipe. Always use the minimum illumination required to prevent excessive heat
build-up and to maximize picture quality.
Adjustment of the contrast and brightness settings on the monitor, as
well as the light dimmer after the camera is within the pipe, can greatly
increase picture quality. This is particularly important when your customer is
supervising, and when making recordings.
Do not clear obstructions with the camera head! This may cause
premature failure to your camera head. The SeeSnake™ is a diagnostic
tool that identifi es problems. Other tools should be used to make
effective repairs. It should never be used to clear obstructions.
The system can travel through multiple 45 and 90 degree bends and
wyes (of 50 mm diameter). Do not, however, try to force it through a
P-trap or Tee if there is a large amount of resistance.
Be careful in Tee-entries not to fold the camera back on itself, this could
cause the camera to stick.
Take care not to leave the camera pointed into the sun or a high powered
light source when the system is turned ON. Leaving the camera pointed
into the sun or a high powered light source when operating can damage the
imaging chip.
CAUTION! The camera head can get HOT! When fi nished with your
inspection, or if taking a prolonged break in the middle of the inspection,
turn off the system. If the camera sits in a pipe, or any enclosed environment,
heat will build-up. This may lead to the camera head overheating which will
cause fuzzy lines to appear on the monitor. In the event this happens, turn off
the system, remove the camera from the pipe (or enclosed environment) and
let the camera head cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Running water into the line will
also help cool the camera head. Always use the minimum illumination required
to maximize picture quality and to avoid excessive heat build-up.
Ask customers what is in the line, or what the line is used for, prior to
putting the camera into the line. Avoid lines containing harsh solvents,
chemicals, an electrical charge and excessive heat.
Transportation & Storage
If space allows, the Flatpack reel should be laid on its back during transportation
and use. If there is not enough space to lay the system on its back, stand it
up and run a strap or cord through the frame and secure it to the vehicle.
Disconnect the Interconnect Cable from the CCU and wrap it loosely around
the storage hooks on the reel. The Compact reel should be laid on its feet
during transportation and use. If there is not enough space to lay the system
on its feet, stand it up and run a strap or cord through the frame and secure it
to the vehicle. the monitor pack can be stored on or off the reel frame. When
transporting or storing the system detached, disconnect the interconnect cord
from the monitor pack and secure it tightly around the storage hooks on the
reel frame. Store the system in a cool, dry place. Flatpack: the camera head
and spring assembly may be stored in the Flatpack cone between jobs. If the
Flatpack system will not be used for 7 days or more, store the camera head
in the drum. To put the camera into the drum, press down while pulling up the
cone.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Preventative Maintenance
Camera Head
1. The camera head requires little maintenance, other than keeping the LED
ring and sapphire window clean. Use a soft nylon brush, mild detergent,
and rags and sponges from the camera head up to (but not including) the
CCU.
2. When cleaning the camera, do not use scraping tools as they may
permanently scratch these areas.
NEVER USE SOLVENTS to clean any part of the system. Substances
like acetone and other harsh chemicals can cause cracking of the LED
ring, which could affect waterproofi ng.
3. As you use the system more and more, you may be surprised to fi nd that
scratches on the LED ring will have a minimal effect on the performance
of the lighting. DO NOT sand the LED ring to remove scratches, as it is
part of the watertight housing.
4. Another good way to extend the life of the camera is to avoid removing
obstructions from pipe with the camera head.
Spring Assembly
The spring assembly is the area where foreign matter is most likely to
accumulate. Within the spring is the splice between the push cable and a
connector. Should sharp objects or harsh chemicals be allowed to remain in
this area for long periods, they may wear on these components.
Stretch the spring end-to-end as far as the internal safety cables allow to
check this area. Stretch again and stir in a bucket of warm water and mild
detergent to fl ush this area.
Push Cable, Drum
The push cable and drum require almost no maintenance. (Of course, a clean
system will last longer and be more impressive to your customers.)
It is important, however, to keep the push cable clean to spot any excessive
cuts or abrasions, while making it much easier to grasp and push.
NOTE: Whenever you are feeding push cable into the reel, an excellent way to
cut down on cable grime is to run it through a rag in the last hand that touches
the cable as it enters the reel.
Do not fi ll the Compact reel with water as the added weight possibly damages
the internal slip ring.
Camera Control Unit
Wipe the CCU with a damp cloth. Clean the monitor screen with a small amount
of window cleaner sprayed on a soft, lint-free cloth. Monitor wipes, available
at most computer and offi ce-supply stores, not only clean the screen, but also
help prevent dust build-up. Always avoid dropping or shocking the CCU.