Smart, Portable Inspection

New Gen-Eye SDP video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners integrates with digital locator.
Smart, Portable Inspection
Mike Silverman, vice president of operations for General Pipe Cleaners, explains the features of the Gen-Eye SDP video inspection system to attendees at the 2015 WWETT Show. (Photo by Craig Mandli)

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As featured at the 2015 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show, the Gen-Eye SDP video inspection system from General Pipe Cleaners provides wastewater professionals with everything they need for small- to medium-size pipe inspection.

“Its portability is very appealing to septic and pipe cleaning professionals,” says Marty Silverman, vice president of marketing for General Pipe Cleaners. “The target market is drain cleaners, but it’s popular with municipalities, plumbers and pumpers who perform septic system inspections as well.”

Weighing 14 pounds, the Gen-Eye SDP offers features for full-size video inspection systems in a compact package. It has a four-hour rechargeable battery and a Wi-Fi transmitter. A panel indicator lets technicians know when the battery is running low. A full-size reel can be mounted on the docking arm to troubleshoot 3- to 10-inch lines. The unit’s 10.4-inch LCD sunlight-readable screen with on-screen distance counter makes viewing easier when doing inspections in bright sunlight.

“The Wi-Fi capability means photos and video can be sent right to the customer without the tech having to set foot in the home,” says Silverman. “That saves time for the tech and inconvenience for the customer.”

Not only can the Wi-Fi transmitter send video to a smartphone or tablet, a free app allows for easy viewing and recording of real-time video inspections at a range up to 500 feet. In addition, an integrated SD recorder captures 32 GB of video or still images with a date and time stamp.

The unit includes a built-in voice-over microphone with switch, LED dimmer control, camera test port, video- and audio-out connections for external recording devices, and AC and DC power cords. A self-leveling color camera keeps pictures right-side up so contractors and customers can follow the camera as it moves through the line. The unit is protected by a heavy-duty Pelican case.

The system has been available since fall 2014, and Silverman says feedback has been positive.

“The techs that already have the SDP really love it,” he says. “The best reviews have been focused on its lightweight portability and the Wi-Fi capability. It’s met our expectations so far.”

Silverman notes that many techs who show interest in the SDP also look at General’s Gen-Eye Hot Spot digital locator. Compatible with the SDP, the Hot Spot eliminates guesswork when inspecting and tracing drain, sewer or septic lines.

“We certainly market the SDP and Hot Spot together,” he says. “Once the SDP is used to identify the type and nature of the problem, the Hot Spot is used to pinpoint that spot to efficiently repair the problem without any unnecessary digging.”

General chose the WWETT Show to roll out the marketing campaign for the system. Silverman says the show is a great opportunity to put General’s products in front of the target audience.

“This show always has great traffic, and the attendees, especially this year, are buying,” he says. “We always get a ton of feedback here that we can take back and integrate into our products.”

General is already thinking ahead to next year’s WWETT Show. “We’re always looking for ways to improve and integrate,” Silverman says. 800/245-6200; www.drainbrain.com.



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