The PalmScope™

COMPACT RUGGEDVIDEO INSPECTION

SYSTEMUSER’S MANUAL

PCS55Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 – 4Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Safety Instructions . . . . . . . 5 – 6What’s in the Package . . . . 5 – 6Product Overview . . . . . . . . 6 – 9Setup Instructions . . . . . . 9 – 16Install Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . 9Prepare the Probe . . . . 10– 15Attach Thread Protector or Accessory . . . . . . . 15 – 16

Operating Instructions . . 16 – 18Quick Start Procedure . 16 – 18

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Maintenance Tips . . . . . . . . . . 20Warranty Information . . . 21 – 22Return for Repair Policy . 22 – 23

2

INTRODUCTIONThank you for purchasing General Tools& Instruments’ PCS55 Compact Rugged Video Inspection System (ThePalmScope™). Please read this user’smanual carefully and thoroughly beforeusing the instrument.The PalmScope is more than just thesmallest full-featured video inspectionsystem available today. It is also built tosurvive in the harsh environments ofplumbing and automotive maintenanceand repair—not to mention any unusualsituations a do-it-yourselfer mightsubject it to. The unit’s thermoplasticrubber (TPR) housing and integral LCDare certified “drop-proof” to a height of1m (3.4 ft.). The system can be operatedwith one hand, leaving the other handfree to use tools.The grip and LCD get their input from acamera-tipped probe. The probe thatcomes with the PalmScope is 2 ft.(0.6m) long and has a camera-headdiameter of 9mm (0.35 in.), making itideal for inspecting gasoline enginecylinders through the spark plug hole.

3

Other general automotive applicationsinclude inspecting hard-to-reach orhard-to-see areas of the enginecompartment or undercarriage.The PalmScope has only five controlbuttons (power on/off, brightness up,brightness down, video zoom, and videoflip), making it very easy to learn to use.Video within the probe’s field of view isdisplayed on a high-quality 2.4 in.(61mm) diagonal color LCD. The video zoom and flip functions makeThe PalmScope an even more valuableinspection tool. Doubling the size of anycomponent in the video frame makes itless likely that any problem will beoverlooked. The reason to invert video isto align the probe’s field of view with itsreal-world surroundings; in practicalterms, this function makes it easier toread upside-down labels and serialnumbers by flipping them right-side up.The PalmScope includes fouraccessories sized for the tip of the 9mmprobe: a 45° mirror, a pickup hook, amagnetic pickup, and a metal ring (toprotect the threads of the probe fromdamage).4

KEY FEATURES• Fits in your pocket or clips to your belt• Probe coils inside case for storage• Drop-proof from height of 1m (39 in.)• Long, flexible-obedient probe with9mm diameter camera headpenetrates tight, hard-to-reach spaces

• 2.7 in. (686mm) high contrast color LCD • Four camera-lighting LEDs producebright, crisp video

• Four screen controls for brightness, 1 to 4X zoom, 180° image flip

• Powered by four “AAA” batteries• On-screen low battery icon• CE and RoHS approved• 1 year limited warranty

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSDo not use The PalmScope to inspectenvironments known or suspected tocontain exposed electrical wiring.Do not use it in the presence offlammable or explosive gases.

5

Never use the system to performmedical inspections.

WHAT’S IN THE PACKAGEThe PalmScope and its accessoriescome in a blister pack. In addition to theinstrument, the package contains:• A plastic bag containing the four probetip accessories: the 45° mirror, pickuphook, magnetic pickup, and threadprotector

• A nylon pouch with a belt clip• This user’s manual

PRODUCT OVERVIEWFig. 1 shows The PalmScope and itsaccessories. Fig. 2 shows the positionsof its display, controls and physicalstructures. Familiarize yourself with theirnames and functions before moving onto the Setup Instructions and OperatingInstructions.

6

Fig. 1. The PalmScope, the four probetip accessories, and the nylon pouchwith belt clipInside the pouch is a small plastic bagcontaining the following probe tipaccessories:A. Pickup hookB. 45° mirrorC. Magnetic pickupD. Thread protector

7

8

Fig. 2. The controls, indicators andback of The PalmScopeA. LCDB. button. Increases brightness of LED lights

C. button. Inverts video 180°D. button. Powers unit on and offE. button. Enlarges video frame up to4X. Each button press increases zoomlevel by factor of 0.5

F. button. Decreases brightness of 4 camera LED lights

G. Lanyard attachment barH. Lens capI. Camera headJ. Flexible-obedient probeK. Probe exit port

L. Clamshell latchesM. Battery

compartmentN. Batterycompartmentscrews

SETUPINSTRUCTIONSINSTALL BATTERIESThe PalmScope’s battery compartment(Fig. 2, Callout M) is accessible from theback of the unit.To install batteries,Use a Phillips-head screwdriver toloosen the two screws securing thebattery compartment cover (Fig. 2,Callout N). Remove the cover and set it aside.Load four “AAA” batteries into thecompartment, using the polaritymarkings within it as a guideReplace the battery compartment coverand secure it by tightening the Phillips-head screws.

9

NK

L

M

PREPARE THE PROBETo gain access to the probe, flip thePalmScope over so its back faces you,place your thumb and index finger at thepositions marked OPEN (Fig. 2, Callout L),and gently squeeze the latches (seefigure above). The clamshell case willpop open.Note that the probe is tightly wrappedwithin a twisting channel that makestwo full turns around the inside of theclamshell. The probe can be uncoiled to either of two working lengths (seephotos at top of next page). Unwrappingonly one full turn will make the probe12.5 in. long. Unwrapping both turns willmake the probe 24 in. long.

10

Each length incurs a tradeoff of probereach vs. probe rigidity. A longer probe isobviously better for inspecting distantobjects. But when uncoiled to itsmaximum length of 24 in., the probesags from its own weight, preventing itfrom being extended horizontally. If the12.5 in. length is sufficient to reach mostof your inspection targets, select thatshorter length; at 12.5 in., the probe islight enough at 12.5 in. long to beextended horizontally.Whichever probe length you choose,before you can use the unit you must re-coil the unextended section of probewithin the channel inside the clamshelland then squeeze the clamshell shut. Toprotect the internals of the unit frombeing damaged by a fall, an electricalinterlock prevents The PalmScope frombeing powered on with the clamshellopen.

11

To re-coil the probe, begin by holdingthe unit in front of you as shown in thefirst photo of the sequence below. Takecare that the lanyard does notaccidentally get tangled up with theprobe as you coil it.If you chose the shorter probe length,you will not have to wrap theunextended probe section at all. All youmust do is make sure to wrap thatsection within the part of the internalchannel nearer the front of the unit.

12

Before squeezing the two halves of theclamshell together to close it, check thatthe entire length of the probe sectioninside the clamshell is within thechannel and that the camera head (thethicker end of the probe) is within bothsemicircular sections of the top of thehousing comprising the probe’s exit port(Fig. 2, Callout K). Finally, squeeze thetwo halves of the clamshell together toclose it. The clamshell is not properlyclosed until you hear the latches snap.If you chose the longer probe length, youwill have to wrap a long section of probewithin two turns of the channel insidethe clamshell (see sequence of sixphotos beginning below).

13

For this reason it is especially importantthat the probe is wrapped tightly andremains within the helical channelwithout “crossing over” the channelboundaries. Before squeezing the two halves of the clamshell together to close it, check that the entire probe is within thechannel and that the camera head iswithin both semicircular sections of theexit port. Finally, squeeze the two halvesof the clamshell together to close it. The

14

clamshell is not properly closed until youhear the latches snap.It’s important to note that when re-coiling the probe from either its short orlong extended length, you must wrap itvery tightly within the channel. If thecamera head has not cleared the probeexit port as you finish wrapping the probe (see photo at right), you will not be able to squeeze the clamshell shut. You muststart over.ATTACH THREAD PROTECTOR OR ACCESSORYThe PalmScope comes with fouraccessories that screw onto the camera-tipped end of the probe. Each accessoryhas a specific purpose:• The 45° mirror lets the probe seearound corners.

• The pickup hook lets you retrieveotherwise inaccessible items seen bythe probe—for example, a weddingring accidentally dropped down a sinkdrain.

15

• The magnetic pickup lets you retrievelost or dropped metal objects—nutsand bolts, for example—located by theprobe.

• The thread protector keeps the camerahead and its threads from beingscratched or damaged by anything theprobe bumps into.

Attach the thread protector before youuse The PalmScope for the first time.Remove it before attaching any of thethree other accessories. Reattach thethread protector after removing anaccessory. Never expose the threads ofthe probe tip to the dangers of aninspection session.

OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONSQUICK START PROCEDURE1. Before you use the PalmScope for thefirst time, carefully peel off and discardthe plastic film protecting the LCD.

2. Remove the black rubber lens cap(Fig. 2, Callout H) from the end of theprobe.

16

3. Press and hold the button (Fig. 2,Callout D) for at least 3 seconds topower on the unit and illuminate the LCD.

4. Point the camera-tipped end of theprobe at the target of interest, pushingthe probe through holes or bendingthe probe around objects if necessary.Avoid bending the delicate probeexcessively; this will damage it.

5. Press the button (Fig. 2, Callout B)to increase the brightness of thecamera’s LEDs

6. Press the button (Fig. 2, Callout F)to decrease the LEDs’ brightness

7. Press the button (Fig. 2, Callout C)to flip the video (rotate it 180°). Pressthe button again to undo theinversion. Use the arrow stenciled onthe camera head to orient video upand down (for example, to read text orserial numbers).

8. Press the button to enlarge thevideo frame. The first press of thebutton enlarges the frame 50%,corresponding to a zoom level of 1.5X.“X 1.5” will appear in light blue at the

17

bottom right of the screen. Push thebutton several times to zoom in closerat a level of 2.0X, 2.5X, 3.0X, 3.5X and4.0X. The next push of the buttonreverts to normal size (1X) viewing.

To power off The PalmScope, press andhold the button for at least 3 seconds. The PalmScope is designed to bepowered for several hours by the sameset of four “AAA” batteries. A (lowbattery) icon will appear on-screen whenthe total battery charge drops below anoperational threshold. To replace thebatteries, follow the procedure on p. 10of this manual.

18

SPECIFICATIONSDisplay Size/Type: 2.7 in. (686mm)

diagonal TFT color LCDDisplay Resolution: 320 x 240 pixelsMonitor Controls: 180° flip, 1X to 4X

zoom in 6 steps, brightness + and – Camera Head Diameter: 9mm (0.35 in.)Probe Length & Type: 2 ft. (0.6m)

flexible-obedientCamera Field of View: 60°Camera Depth of Field: 1 in. (25mm) to

10 ft. (25mm to 3m)Camera Light Source: 4 adjustable-

brightness white LEDsImpact Resistance: From height of 1m

(39 in.)Probe/Camera Head Water & Dust

Resistance Level: IP67Battery Life: >3 hours (typical)Operating Temperature/Humidity: 32° to

113°F (0° to 45°C) @ 5 to 95% RHDimensions: 5.4 x 2.9 x 1.5 in.

(136 x 73 x 39mm)Weight of Grip: 9 oz. (250g)Power Source: Four “AAA” batteries

19

MAINTENANCE TIPS• The camera at the tip of the probe is asensitive, sophisticated device. Do notuse the probe as a hammer or to cleardebris.

• Do not insert or bend the probe byforce. Over-bending any section of theprobe to a radius of less than 2 in.(50mm) many permanently damagedelicate internal cables.

• Remember to power off ThePalmScope after each inspectionsession.

• Do not get water on the LCD.• Do not bring the camera into contactwith acid, fire or hot objects by usingthe probe in a corrosive or extremelyhot environment.

• Avoid getting oil or gas on the camerahead by shutting off vehicles duringinspections.

• If condensation forms inside thecamera lens, let it evaporate beforeusing the system again.

• Remove the batteries if planning tostore the unit for months or longer.

20

WARRANTY INFORMATIONGeneral Tools & Instruments’ (General’s)PCS55 (The PalmScope) CompactRugged Video Inspection System iswarranted to the original purchaser to befree from defects in material andworkmanship for a period of one year.Subject to certain restrictions, Generalwill repair or replace this instrument if,after examination, the companydetermines it to be defective in materialor workmanship. The warranty periodbegins on the date of purchase. You areencouraged to register your productonline. General will extend your warrantyan additional 60 days if you register atwww.generaltools.com/ProductRegistry.This warranty does not apply todamages that General determines to be from an attempted repair by non-authorized personnel or misuse,alterations, normal wear and tear, oraccidental damage. The defective unitmust be returned to General Tools &Instruments or to a General-authorizedservice center, freight prepaid andinsured.

21

Acceptance of the exclusive repair andreplacement remedies described hereinis a condition of the contract forpurchase of this product. In no eventshall General be liable for any incidental,special, consequential or punitivedamages, or for any cost, attorneys’fees, expenses, or losses alleged to be aconsequence of damage due to failureof, or defect in any product including, butnot limited to, any claims for loss ofprofits.Register now atwww.generaltools.com/ProductRegistryto receive a 60-day extension to yourwarranty.

RETURN FOR REPAIR POLICYEvery effort has been made to provideyou with a reliable product of superiorquality. However, in the event yourinstrument requires repair, pleasecontact our Customer Service to obtainan RGA (Return Goods Authorization)number before forwarding the unit via

22

prepaid freight to the attention of ourService Center at this address:

General Tools & Instruments80 White StreetNew York, NY 10013212-431-6100

Remember to include a copy of yourproof of purchase, your return address,and your phone number and/or e-mailaddress.

23

GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS80 White Street

New York, NY 10013-3567PHONE (212) 431-6100FAX (212) 431-6499

TOLL FREE (800) 697-8665e-mail: sales@generaltools.com

www.generaltools.comPCS55 User’s Manual

Specifications subject to change without notice

©2013 GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS

NOTICE - WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FORTYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.

MAN# PCS5510/28/13