1. My batteries don’t seem to hold a charge. What is the problem?
When the charger is connected to the AC adapter you should see a solid red light. This indicates that the charger is ready for a battery. When a “cool to the touch battery” is inserted in the charger, a solid green light on the charger will come on. This indicates the charge function is working. When the battery is charged, there will be an audible sound, the gauge will be solid black and the green light will begin to flash. If, after charging, the battery life is low, you should use the refresh function on the charger. If, after the “refresh” function, the battery life remains low, the battery needs to be replaced.

Please read the following information on NiMH batteries. This applies to both new and older batteries and may be helpful.

All SnakeCam base kits are supplied with two high capacity Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries. The batteries must be charged and conditioned before use. By following this procedure you will insure the fullest capacity of the battery will be available for use.

To condition the battery place the battery on the charger and let the battery come to a full charge. After fully charging the batteries press the refresh button on the charger. Repeat this operation for three cycles. You will have pressed the refresh button a total of three times. Your battery will now be at its full potential.
Nickel-metal hydride batteries are exothermic (give off heat) during charging and discharge. Elevated temperatures will have an adverse effect on the ability of the battery to accept a charge. Let batteries cool to ambient temperature before attempting to charge. Failure to do so will not allow the battery to accept a full charge.

Temperature Effect on Battery Capacity (usable capacity during discharge).

Temperature Battery Capacity Available
-4ºF (-20ºC) 20%
1 4ºF (-10ºC) 50%
32ºF (0º C) 80%
50-86ºF (10-30º C) 100%
104ºF (40º C) 90%
122ºF (50º C) 80%

Temperature effect on self discharge rate (usable capacity of battery after storage).
All rechargeable batteries self discharge during storage. Storage temperature has a significant effect on the rate of self discharge. Never store the SnakeCam with the battery installed in the unit.
Approximate capacities for nickel-metal hydride batteries in storage.
77ºF (25ºC) 20 days 75% capacity
98ºF (37ºC) 20 days 50% capacity
118ºF (48ºC) 20 days 10% capacity
140ºF (60ºC) 15 days 0% capacity

If you require 100% readiness at all times you will need to develop a battery maintenance program that will insure you have 100% charged batteries always available. If your use is periodic you should allow time to recharge the batteries before using SnakeCam.

2. Can I record with the SnakeCam?

Yes. Please refer to the section VI of the operator’s manual.
If you wish to connect to a Laptop or Desktop computer to save images, your computer will need to have a video capture or “frame grabber” device. One product that has been tested and approved by Red Box Search and Inspection Systems is called “Xpert DVD Maker”. This is available from most computer retail stores or through the internet.

3. Can I connect the SnakeCam to a video or a digital camera?

Maybe! The video or digital camera must have a video in connection. Most cameras do not. If it has a video in refer to section VI of the operator’s manual.

4. Is the camera waterproof?

Yes, the camera is waterproof to a depth of 100 feet as long as the lens cap has not been opened, and the connections to either a cable or a pole are “hand tight”.

5. How far can the camera go from the display?

The camera can go 300 feet from the display using any combination of 30 and 100 foot extension cables available as accessories. In some cases, you may be able to extend the camera further, but this is dependent on any interference that may be in the atmosphere.

We have users exceeding 500 feet, but at some length beyond 300 feet you may loose the color first and then the image.

For users that require a greater distance from the SnakeEye display unit to the camera it is possible to extend this up to 600 metres, however specialist cables will be required to maintain the kits operability at this distance.

6. Is the SnakeCam intrinsically safe?

The answer is no. Though the SnakeCam is FCC, ETL, CE, and CB certified. It is not approved for use in an explosive environment.

The majority of fiberscopes and borescopes supplied by Red Box Search and Inspection Systems are intrinsically safe, allowing them to be used safely within an explosive environment.

7. How do I connect to a computer to save an image from the SnakeCam?

SnakeCam™ II will output monitor images as standard analog NTSC video signals. To capture these video signals on a computer you will need a generic capture device that will convert the video signal from analog to digital. These are commonly called “frame grabbers” and come with both hardware and software. Most computer retail stores will sell these, or they can be found on the internet. One that Red Box Search and Inspection Systems has tested and tried is called, “Xpert DVD MAKER”.

Phil Horn
Sales Director

E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 1794 518888

Red Box International
11 Fernacre Business Park
Budds Lane
Romsey
Hampshire
SO51 0HA
UK