Home > Product of the Month > November 2008

microExplorer™ by Rigid®

Problem: Some placements of equipment make it difficult for facility managers to troubleshoot a problem.

Solution: A new digital camera assists by capturing images in dark corners and tight spaces.

 

The Rigid microExplorer  The Rigid microExplorer
Photos and videos taken with the microExplorer can be saved and later downloaded to a computer through a USB interface. Fms can store these files for later use should a similar problem arise in the future.

In any facility, there are certain places where conducting routine inspections or investigating specific areas may be difficult due to the design and layout of various pieces of furniture and equipment. It could be that tricky spot behind a large filing cabinet where no one can see or reach, or it might be underneath a piece of HVAC equipment that, for some reason, is only an inch off the ground and nearly flush against a wall. What can a facility manager (fm) do when an arm cannot reach far enough, and a flashlight does not help in sufficiently illuminating the problem? This is an issue Rigid is trying to address.

The 85 year-old Elyria, OH-based company (a division of St. Louis, MO’s Emerson) has created the handheld microExplorer digital video inspection system. The microExplorer features an anodized aluminum camera head with a scratch and water resistant sapphire lens. The camera, which is 17 mm in diameter, is attached to the end of a flexible, 3' cable (reinforced with a waterproof vinyl coating), allowing fms to look into dark corners that may be difficult to see otherwise.

The camera includes digital self leveling technology—it electronically knows what direction is up—and automatically adjusts the view so fms can see images correctly without having to move the tool or camera head. It is the first tool from Rigid to feature this technology.

To get a better look at whatever issue is at hand, users are presented with 3x digital zoom and/or pan functions controlled by buttons on top of the handle. Fms can see what is captured on a 31⁄2" color LCD screen that can save images as both JPEG and AVI files. Four fully adjustable LEDs are integrated into the camera head to help provide lighting in darker environments.

Fms can store whatever they see for further analysis, because the microExplorer allows users to take digital quality images and record video onto a secure digital (SD) card inserted into the SD slot in the unit (SD cards are sold separately). An integrated mini USB port is available to transfer the data onto a computer for later use.

 The Rigid microExplorer
Rigid, which was once known for its heavy duty pipe wrench, has created the microExplorer. The device can help fms solve problems in hard to see areas, such as inside equipment with designs that make identifying problems difficult.

 "The microExplorer takes visual inspection equipment to a new level," says Brian Harvanec, visual inspection product manager at Rigid. "With features like recording and sharing capabilities, microExlplorer gives users much more control of a situation and can solve problems more accurately and efficiently."

Three separate attachment tips accompany the microExplorer. The hook tip is a J-shaped extension that can be used to pick up or pull small objects; the magnetic tip helps grab metal; and the mirror tip helps fms peek around corners or inside hard to reach areas.

An audio memo recorder also comes as an accessory, allowing users to capture voice notes to accompany a JPEG or AVI file. The recorder is powered by a software cartridge, which is loaded into one of the expandable bays and includes a microphone and earpiece.
A rechargeable lithium ion battery powers the camera for up to four continuous hours. A charger also comes standard. The tool weighs less than two pounds and comes with a hard shell carrying case, neoprene carrying bag for the hook tips, and USB cable for computer connection.

Other optional accessories include 3' and 6' extension cables, helping the tool reach up to 30'. The cables can be formed into different shapes to help get the camera head where an fm needs it. Additionally, there is a 9 mm diameter imager head, which has one LED light and allows users to inspect tight areas such as engine cylinders or compact hydraulic pumps.  It includes a 3' flexible attachment and connects to the microExplorer the same way the regular camera does.

When attempting to fix a problem, fms know that sometimes the most difficult task is trying to find it. Now, with its microExplorer, Rigid helps fms locate what they need, no matter where it is hiding.

 

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