1. Introduction
The Ralcam Articulating Endoscope is an advanced inspection camera designed for detecting narrow, small, and curved spaces that are difficult to access. It is particularly useful in automotive applications such as inspecting evaporator boxes, dew chambers, and three-way catalytic sensors, as well as various industrial and home maintenance tasks.
Warning: The articulating probe temperature of this endoscope inspection camera must not exceed 70°C (158°F). Misuse of the product for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden. Please comply with the applicable laws and regulations in your country/area.
2. Package Contents
Please check the package to ensure all items are present and in good condition:
- Ralcam Articulating Endoscope Unit (Handle with integrated screen)
- Flexible Snake Tube (1m or 2m depending on model)
- USB Charging Cables (various types)
- User Manual (PDF version available online)
- Carrying Case
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the components of your Ralcam Articulating Endoscope:
- Display: 4.3-inch LCD IPS Screen.
- Photo/Video Button: For capturing images and starting/stopping video recording.
- LED Adjustment: Button to cycle through LED brightness levels.
- Handle: Ergonomic grip for comfortable use.
- Flexible Snake Tube: The articulating probe with the camera.
- Megapixel HD Probe: 6.2mm camera lens with 6 adjustable LEDs.
- Rotate Wheel: Joystick for 360° flexible steering of the probe tip.
- Headphone Socket: (Not typically used for this device, may be a generic label)
- TF Card Slot: For inserting a MicroSD card for storage.
- UP/TV Button: Navigation or TV output (if supported).
- Set/Album Button: Access settings or album mode.
- Down/Image Rotate Button: Navigation or image rotation.
- Confirm/Photo Button: Confirm selections or take photos.
- Type-C Charging Interface: For charging the device.
- Power ON/OFF: Main power button.
4. Setup
4.1 Battery Installation
- Unscrew the handle battery screw cover and carefully remove it.
- Insert the 3.7V/2600mAh Lithium Battery (18650 type), ensuring the positive and negative poles correspond correctly to the markings on the endoscope handle.
- After fixing the battery, close the battery cover and tighten the screw.
NOTE: Before replacing the battery, ensure the device is dry and powered off.
4.2 TF Card Installation
Locate the TF Card Slot on the device. Gently insert a standard 8GB-TF Card (up to 32GB Max) into the slot until it clicks into place. Ensure the card is inserted in the correct orientation.
4.3 Attaching the Flexible Snake Tube
Align the connector of the flexible snake tube with the corresponding port on the handle. Push firmly and twist if necessary to secure the connection. Ensure it is tightly connected to prevent water ingress to the non-waterproof parts of the machine.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Power On/Off
Press and hold the Power ON/OFF button for 2 seconds to turn on the device. The handle and IPS screen indicator lights will turn green. To power off, long press the Power ON/OFF button for 2 seconds again.
5.2 LED Light Adjustment
After powering on, the LED light is set to its brightest level by default. Press the LED Adjustment button to cycle through 4 levels of brightness. The fourth level will turn off the LED light.
5.3 Mode Selection
Long press the Set/Album button to switch between the three main modes:
- 📷 Photo Mode: The camera icon is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. Press the Photo/Video button on the host or the dedicated button on the handle to take a picture.
- 📹 Video Mode: The video camera icon is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. Press the Photo/Video button on the host or the dedicated button on the handle to start/stop video recording.
- 🖼️ Album Mode: The album icon is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. Use the UP/TV and Down/Image Rotate buttons to navigate through photos and videos.
5.4 Viewing Photos and Videos (Album Mode)
In Album Mode:
- Use the UP/TV and Down/Image Rotate buttons to browse photos and videos.
- To play a video, select it and press the Photo/Video button on the host or the dedicated button on the handle.
- Press the Photo/Video button again to pause.
- Use the UP/TV button to fast forward and the Down/Image Rotate button to rewind. There are 3 levels of fast forward and rewind adjustments. Press the Photo/Video button to return to normal play speed.
5.5 Deleting Photos and Videos
In Album Mode, select the photo or video you wish to delete. Press the Confirm/Photo button to bring up the delete page. Select "Delete" and then press the Confirm/Photo button again. You can choose "Delete Current" or "Delete All" as needed.
5.6 Other Settings
In Photo or Video mode:
- Single Press Set/Album: Access settings for "Resolution" and "Date Sticker".
- Resolution: Choose between "VGA" or "HD".
- Date Sticker: When turned on, the date of capture will be displayed in the lower right corner of photos and videos.
- Double Press Set/Album: Access additional settings:
- Automatic Shutdown: Choose "off", "3 minutes", "5 minutes", or "10 minutes" for automatic power-off after inactivity.
- Language Setting: Supports Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, English (default), Korean, French, German, Russian, and Spanish.
- Format: Deletes all content from the memory card.
5.7 Articulating Probe Control
Use the Rotate Wheel (joystick) on the handle to control the 360° flexible steering of the probe tip. This allows precise navigation in complex environments.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning the Probe: After each use, especially in dirty or oily environments, clean the probe with a lint-free cloth. If the lens is IP67 waterproof, you may gently wipe it with a damp cloth, then dry it thoroughly.
- Storage: Keep the product clean and store it in its carrying case when not in use. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or corrosive liquids.
- Battery Care: Recharge the battery regularly, even if the device is not used frequently, to maintain battery health.
- Cable Care: Do not over-tug the snake tube. The maximum bending of the snake tube is one full circle. Ensure the Rotate Wheel is returned to the neutral position before pulling out the snake tube to prevent damage.
7. Troubleshooting
| Fault | Possible Causes | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Can't charge | 1. The charging interface is dirty. 2. Damaged charging cable. | 1. Clean the charging interface and re-plug it. 2. Replace the charging cable or charger. |
| Blurry Image | 1. The probe is dirty. 2. Probe is not within the range of the depth-of-field. 3. Damaged lens due to high temperature. | 1. Clean the probe with a lint-free cloth. 2. Place the probe within the depth of field range of 20-100mm. 3. Do not place the probe in a high-temperature environment (below 70°C). |
| The probe steering range is too small | Snake tube is distorted | Keep the snake tube straight to use. |
| Unable to Power-on | 1. Dead Battery 2. Incorrect Installation | 1. Recharge or replace the battery. 2. Check battery and battery compartment contacts for dirt or deformation, then reinstall. |
| Auto Power-off | Low Battery | Recharge or replace the battery. |
| Boot screen stuck | 1. Failed to start the system. 2. Low Battery. | 1. Reassemble the battery and restart, then charge. 2. Reinstall the host. |
| Image cannot be recorded or found | SD card capacity is insufficient. | 1. Replace the SD card or delete unnecessary files. 2. Format the SD Card. |
| "SD card error" or "Format" when inserting | The position of the card is deviated. | 1. Clean the SD card contact. 2. Reinstall the SD card. |
8. Specifications
| Parameter | Specification (F606A) | Specification (H40A/H40B) |
|---|---|---|
| Camera Lens Diameter | 6.2mm | 8mm |
| Snake Tube Length | 1m/2m/3m | 1m/2m/3m |
| Material Snake Tube | Flexible Metal | Flexible Metal |
| Depth Of Field | 20-100mm | 20-100mm |
| Field Of View | 100° | 90° (for 8mm lens) / 80° (for 8.5mm lens) |
| Lighting Source | 6 LED Lights | 6 LED Lights (for 8mm lens) / 10 LED Lights (for 8.5mm lens) |
| Sensor | 1/9" CMOS | 1/9" CMOS (for 8mm lens) / 1/6" CMOS (for 8.5mm lens) |
| Pixel | 1 Megapixel (720P) | 1 Megapixel (720P) / 2 Megapixel (for 8.5mm lens) |
| Screen Size | 4.3" LCD IPS Screen | 4.3" LCD IPS Screen |
| Battery Type | 3.7V/2600mAh Lithium Battery (18650) | 3.7V/2600mAh Lithium Battery (18650) |
| Stockpile | Standard 8GB-TF Card (32GB Max) | Standard 8GB-TF Card (32GB Max) |
| Operating Temperature (In the air) | -10°C to 50°C | -10°C to 50°C |
| Input Voltage | DC5V | DC5V |
| Humidity | 10% to 90% | 10% to 90% |
| Protection Class (Snake tube) | IP67 Waterproof | IP67 Waterproof |
| Protection Class (Machine) | Not Waterproof | Not Waterproof |
Note: Some specifications may vary slightly between models (F606A, H40A, H40B) or product batches. Always refer to the specific model details for precise information.
9. Safety Information and Cautions
- Please read this manual carefully before using this product and follow the instructions to avoid damage caused by improper use.
- Do not use the snake tube camera with other manufacturers' borescope parts without authorization, even if the interfaces are the same.
- Do not use the product in areas where it may be exposed to live wires or charged objects, as exposed metal parts can be electrically conductive and may cause unexpected accidents.
- Do not allow minors to operate this borescope separately.
- It is forbidden to use this borescope for medical or human/animal testing.
- Keep the product clean. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or direct contact with water, oil, and corrosive liquids.
- Water Resistance: The whole borescope machine is NOT WATERPROOF! Only the probe (camera lens and snake tube) is IP67 waterproof. Please dry any water stains on the lens after use.
- Handle the device gently. Do not over-tug the tube. The maximum bending of the snake tube is one circle.
- Ensure that the Rotate Wheel (joystick) is returned to the neutral position before pulling out the snake tube. It is strictly forbidden to turn the Wheel roughly.
- Please use the original USB cable for charging.
10. User Tips
- No External App Needed: This endoscope operates independently with its own integrated screen, so no external mobile application is required for its basic functionality.
- Cable Length: The endoscope is available with different cable lengths (1m, 2m, 3m). Choose the length that best suits your typical inspection needs to ensure optimal maneuverability and reach.
- Temperature Monitoring: Pay attention to the high-temperature alarm. If the probe reaches 90°C, the device will automatically shut down to prevent damage. Allow it to cool before resuming use.
- PDF Report Function: Utilize the PDF report function for documenting inspections, which can be helpful for professional use or tracking maintenance over time.
11. Warranty and Support
Warranty Limitations: Free services will not be available in the following situations:
- Damage caused by improper storage.
- Damage caused by the customer's own disassembling.
- Damage caused by the customer's own modification.
- Damage caused by other irresistible factors.
For further support, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact the seller or manufacturer directly. Always provide your product model and purchase details when seeking support.
