Pole Camera Offers Quick, Safe Inspection Option

Self-illuminating color zoom pole camera from Zistos Corp.

The self-illuminating color zoom pole camera (10:1 optical plus digital zoom) from Zistos Corp. is designed for safe inspection of hard-to-reach or potentially dangerous areas.

The camera is mounted to a telescoping pole, and the video displays on a 5-inch LCD monitor. Cameras and extension poles are submersible. The unit is packaged in a 53- by 17- by 6-inch foam-fitted Pelican carrying case and weighs about 40 pounds.

“The kit that we put together was for power utilities to look into a confined space,” says Mike Sterflinger, vice president of business development. “If there was an event or a failure, or if there was some reason to think twice about putting a man down a hole, they could get a good look around with the pole camera. The thermal camera option allowed power utilities to see in smoke if there was a fire, or if there was a bad splice.”

The inspection system is powered by two NiMH rechargeable batteries that offer two hours of operation with the LEDs off and can be recharged in two hours or less. A battery charger and power adapter are included.

The 2.5-inch-diameter self-illuminated submersible color zoom camera is controlled from the operator end of the pole. Other features include a tripod-mounted video display with sunshade for operator freedom and a 14-foot submersible telescoping fiberglass extension pole. Other lengths of adjustable flex-end or remote articulating pole are available. The monitor can be worn with a supplied chest harness.

The 14-foot, twist-grip articulating pole lets user rotate the camera 90 degrees in either direction. A twist collar allows the camera angle to be locked at any position. An optional audio module can be plugged in behind the camera to listen for water flow or other noises.

Shorter poles and articulating and flex-end poles up to 24 feet long are available. The 14-foot pole and camera weigh 8.5 pounds. The weatherproof modular system has a variety of options, including a temperature-measuring dual-mode thermal image/black-and-white video camera, and a wireless transmitter/receiver that can send data to a laptop. A lower cost 10- to 15-foot cable that attaches to the display unit also is available.

“We manufacture similar equipment for search and rescue applications,” Sterflinger says. “It’s pretty rugged stuff. It’s designed to be used in a real-world environment. You can drop it, heat it up a bit, and it’ll keep working for you.” Call 631/434-1370 or visit www.zistos.com.



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