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New Family of Video Inspection Systems from General Tools & Instruments

Family of Five Includes Three New 'Budget Priced' "Seeker(TM)" Systems

One of the most remarkable new electronic products to come along for all types of inspection work is the VIDEO CAMERA SCOPE. Part still camera, part video camera, part borescope, this incredibly handy instrument enables contractors, plumbers, HVAC technicians, mechanics and anyone else who needs this kind of capability to view into areas otherwise inaccessible and that often require more invasive, often damaging, efforts to penetrate.

General Tools & Instruments offers not one but five new portable Video Inspection Systems including three new models in its affordable "Seeker™" instrument line that cost under $300 -- a price point that puts them within range of just about everyone, from professionals to DIYers. Based on need, capability and budget, all of these Video Camera Scopes have limitless applications including HVAC troubleshooting and maintenance, furnace and plumbing inspection, in-wall mold inspection, pest identification, home inspections, automotive repair, surveillance, military applications and all types of general inspection.

"The Seeker™" 200 Video Inspection System (Model DCS200) represents a bottom-line breakthrough for these instruments. A remarkable value at just $189 (list price), it has a 2.4-inch LCD color monitor for real-time viewing, with a 12mm flexible camera tipped probe that retains its configured shape for inspecting hard-to-reach areas. A standard 1-meter long probe (39.4") is provided with the unit and optional probes up to 10 meters (32.8 feet) are available. The Seeker 200 is powered by a single 9V battery and comes with a blow-molded protective case.

"The Seeker™" 300 Video Inspection System (Model DCS300) offers a larger 3.5-inch LCD color monitor at a list price of $219. It also has a 12mm flexible and configurable camera tipped probe with adjustable LED lighting, and includes a mirror, magnet and pick-up hook that can be attached to the end of the probe. The 12mm camera probe on both the DCS200 and the DCS300 is small enough for most automotive and electrical applications. The Seeker 300 is powered by a single 9V battery and also comes with a blow-molded protective case.

"The Seeker™" 400 Wireless Data Logging Video Inspection System (Model DCS400) offers a wireless hi-resolution 3.5-inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD color monitor that can be detached from the base unit for remote viewing over 30 feet away. This unit allows you to view live action, take still photos in JPEG format or record AVI-format video continuously for up to 3 hours. It has a 17mm diameter camera lens with adjustable LED lighting fitted to a 1-meter (standard) or 5.5 meter (optional) flexible probe. It's powered by 4 AA batteries or the included AC adapter and lists for $299.

Farther up the scale in both price and sophistication is General's High Performance Data Logging Video Borescope System (Model DCS1600). The instrument has a 3.5-inch extra-wide TFT-LCD QVGA bright color monitor which allows for crystal clear real-time visual observations and comes with a built-in rechargeable battery which can record for up to 4 hours. This unit features a water, oil and dust resistant probe (IP67) with a 5.5mm camera tip that easily fits through the smallest openings, such as an engine's spark plug hole or under an aircraft instrument panel. The system comes with a 3.3' (1m) obedient probe but will accommodate optional probes up to 98.4' (30m) in length Four super-bright LED's built into the probe thoroughly illuminate the viewing area. The DCS1600 is ruggedly built for workplace environments, and a protective carrying case is included. It lists for $1,499.

For the ultimate in capability and technical sophistication, the Wireless Data Logging Video Borescope (Model DCS1800) has a hi-resolution TFT-LCD QVGA display screen on the base unit with a detachable wireless probe. The sophistication of this probe allows it to communicate with the base unit up to 160 feet away and will accommodate optional 5.5mm camera tipped probes up to 98.4' (30m) in length. The base unit records still photos or video in multiple formats, including MPEG 4 streaming video, with no special software required. Its high-quality metal lens sleeve can withstand hard knocks and temperatures ranging from -4° to 140° Fahrenheit. A built-in rechargeable battery can record for up to 4 hours. This unit offers hands-free convenience for safe inspection work in the most difficult or dangerous viewing environments. The DCS1800 lists for $1,899.

About General Tools & Instruments Company

Headquartered in New York City for more than 87 years, General Tools is the leader in precision specialty tools and instruments. Their vast array of over 2000 products are widely used by contractors and other professionals in Industrial Maintenance, HVAC/R installation and inspection, Occupational Health & Safety and Home Inspection.

For additional product information and photography, contact Peter Harper, VP Strategic Marketing, or Ron Gumucio at Kellen Communications, at the above addresses.

To learn more about General Tools & Instruments and its products, visit www.generaltools.com, or call Customer Support at 1-800-697-8665.

To view an instructional video for the video inspection system please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5uZjDxlQ80