Ridgid See Snake

[RickSab]

If anyone is interested I was at the Big Orange Home Center today and as I walked down the tool isle they had the Ridgid See Snake with the additional 36" extension marked down to $149. Now I know that means there is a new version somewhere down the line but I got one to play with anyhow. The next version will probably have a card to download pics to but at least I can try this one out and return it if I don't like it.

You can never have to many toys.

[inspector57]

Thanks a lot[!] Rick! You just got me to spend another $168 on a tool today, I just HAD to have one[:-censore[:-slaphap

Actually, I have been wanting one for ever since they came out. I figure it will be useful to look up chimney's, heat exchangers, and other hidden areas. I know it is not required by any SOP but I am an inquisitive sort of guy and just could not resist.

I have to go play now.

[kurt]

It's a very interesting tool for $150. Very. I just wish it took .jpegs.....

[Brad Manor]

The "upper" models take .jpgs. Some even take short video - all for just an extra 600 bucks.

-Brad

[davidlord]

Yea give me jpeg capability for under $200.00 and I'm in.

[Jim Katen]

Someone get me some wires, a soldering gun and an old digital camera . . .

[Robert E Lee]

I've had one for a couple of years now, great little tool (toy as my wife calls it), the addition of the camera would be great, not sure I'm ready to spent an extra $600.00. I've had mixed results trying to take a picture of the screen to show a crack in a heat exchanger, what works better is to be able to point to the area with the client looking over your shoulder.

Robert E Lee

[Richard Moore]

I just got an e-mail for this... http://www.tequipment.net/ExtechBR200.asp . It seems to have some nifty features including jpeg and a wireless screen for only $269. Anyone familiar with it?

[StevenT]

What a great toy! I want one.

[Terence McCann]

Someone get me some wires, a soldering gun and an old digital camera . . .

You could put a web-cam on it too, pictures and video.

[Rob Amaral]

I had a client from Analog Devices recently who designed the IC for that camera... There are more 'small' TV-type systems coming down the pike at low cost like this... In fact, an explosion is on the horizon... Nano-stage stuff..

[Michael Carson]

I purchased the Milwaukee camera last week. Takes a bit to get used to and I don't feel I will be comfortable with saying I am proficient until I have used it for awhile. The drill this comes with is pretty nice, feels solid and performs well.

I did get the chance to prove the cameras "coolness" in conjunction with my thermal camera for failed flashing around a window. Thermal suggested a problem stuck the camera in the conveniently located hole from the damage. Showed the rot/damage went alot farther then we anticipated.

Feels good to feel like Norm Abram sometimes with cool tools, even if I have to pay for them. [:-tong2]

[gtblum]

I almost pulled the trigger on the Milwaukee version tonight.

Before I do, are you guys that have these things using them, or was it another toy you can get along just fine without? Pros and cons please.

[Terence McCann]

Picked this up today - Borescope - takes pics and video too Kurt.

[kurt]

How much?

I've eyeballed that specific device a couple times. I think the newer one's have better optics and rez than the original model, is that so?

[Terence McCann]

Camera

Pixels 712 x 486 (NTSC)

Transmission Frequency 2.4GHz

Transmission Range 32ft (10m) unobstructed view

Viewing direction Viewing Angle 50°

Focus distance from object 5.9" to 9.8" (15 to 25cm)

Shaft diameter 0.66" (17mm)

Working length 39" (1m)

Minimum bend radius 2.36" (60mm)

Camera Dimensions 7.3 x 5.7 x 1.6" (186 x 145 x 41mm)

Weight 18.7oz (530g)

Monitor

LCD Screen Type 3.5" TFT

Pixels 320 x 240

Video Output Level 0.9 to 1.3V@75Ù

Frame Rate 10, 15, 20, 25, 30FPS

Video Resolution 960 x 240 (avi format)

Image Resolution 640x 480 (jpeg format)

Monitor Dimensions 3.9 x 2.7 x 1" (100 x 70 x 25mm)

Operating/Charge Time 1.5 hours/3 hours

Weight 4.9oz (140g)

269.00 on sale w/free shipping. 49.99 per extension cable - two max.

http://www.tequipment.net/ExtechBR200.asp

I didn't bother with the detachable wireless head option as I couldn't justify the added expense nor see a practical use.

X amount of these tests will be a return, billable, trip as I'm not about to punch holes in walls with out authorization. If they choose not to and find damage after the fact - so sorry. Would be a nice fit with an IR (next on the to-do list).

Increase GP and limit liability too boot.

[kurt]

That seems like decent rez and optics for that amount of money, doesn't it?

Run it around and tell us how it works.

[hausdok]

Hi,

I considered that model; but I've been pondering doing something beyond just furnace heat exchangers. Chimneys, cathedral ceilings, etc. and you can only use two short extensions with that. With the Seesnake you can use up to six five foot extensions and not lose resolution.

What would be cool would be the Ridgid Seesnake Micro with a head that can work outside of piping that won't hang up in walls, etc..

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Terence McCann]

I'm pretty sure the Ridgid doesn't take pictures. Like Kurt, I feel that this is an important feature. I've been including pictures in my reports going back to 2001 with 3D.

Not sure if the head of the See Snake is waterproof however this one is. One house I was doing had this funky setup for the Terra-Cotta drain pipes that accepted the downspouts. I was thinking to myself it would be nice to fish a camera in there a few feet to see what was going on.

[Greg Booth]

One of the Ridgid models now takes pics.

[Terence McCann]

One of the Ridgid models now takes pics.

Do you know which model and how much?

[hausdok]

Sure they do, why else would they call them cameras?

You need a digital adapter with the original Seesnake but the newer MicroExplorer has digital capture built in and you can extend its reach up to 30ft.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Greg Booth]

Ridgid Explorer - seen them in the $650 range. There are a couple of other brands with photo capabilities for half that.

[Terence McCann]

Ridgid Explorer - seen them in the $650 range. There are a couple of other brands with photo capabilities for half that.

Thanks Greg.