Vivax was formed in 2005 to design, develop and market test measurement products for use by utility companies and their contractors throughout the world. The Vivax team has many years of utility product and test set experience, with solid financial backing and a mission to become a major name in utility products.

During 2007, Vivax introduced a new range of products – providing solutions at affordable prices, while incorporating many ideas and suggestions made by customers.

The vCam CCTV camera

The latest release in the Vivax range is the pushrod type camera system that belongs to the new generation of CCTV inspection systems by Vivax.

The use of CCTV Inspection cameras is becoming increasingly important for the protection of water resources and working with Trenchless Technologies. The requirements of the company’s customers and the results of extensive tests had a great effect on the design and simple use of the cameras.

The vCam CCTV inspection camera system allows the choice of two control unit versions: vCamView - only for image transmission; and vCamDigital - for image transmission and recording data.

The reel is available in three different versions:

* Type C standard reel – 60 m push cable; * Type P large reel - 120 m push cable; * Type M mini-reel - 30 m push cable.

The 30 and 60 m push cables are available with two different diameters, either a 10 mm cable for pipes of small diameter and several elbows or a 12mm cable for pipes of larger diameter and/or large distances for more steady pushing.

A standard camera head and a head with level regulation are available for each cable diameter.

Control module – vCamDigital

The vCamDigital allows the recording of MPEG4 video images using an internal MPEG4 recorder, while providing keyboard, titler and sound system to add up to 16 pages of text, and an audio commentary. These can be uploaded via a USB interface to a computer.

This allows copies to be made for the home owner or images to be captured for inclusion in reports. The advantage of recording for trenchless applications is showing the works prior to start up and the completed works in detail for your customer.

Video out and video in functions are provided for recording on an external video camera or recorder, or the inclusion of worksite video on the MPEG4 recording.

Control module - vCamView

The vCamView is mainly for direct viewing or the image from the CCTV camera. It provides a video out function for recording the image on an external video recorder or camera. No title or sound functions are available on the vCamView.

All camera heads are equipped with a locating probe. This probe can be set at one of three optional transmission frequencies. The choice of frequency is made at the control module.

The three frequencies are 512 Hz, 640Hz and 33 kHz and the output of these frequencies are compatible with all standard locators.

The vCam CCTV inspection cameras are able to assist whether using the system for survey and inspection, or for the final inspection and approval after rehabilitation.

When using a CCTV inspection system it is necessary to identify where the camera head is located. This may be to identify exactly where the blockage has occurred or where the pipe lining is deteriorating. The vCam camera head is able to send out one of three frequencies, however, you need to have a receiver to locate this.

This year saw Vivax became part of the German-based company, SebaKMT group, which covers all areas of utility service from LV & HV power to water leak detection to CCTV Inspection camera’s and line location. Vivax says that an advantage of a comprehensive grouping of companies under the one banner is having more than one product solution available.

Location systems for locating camera heads

SebaKMT has two options available, the vLocPro CAM or the Easyloc CAM. The vLocPro CAM is manufactured by Vivax and the Easyloc CAM is manufactured by another affiliated company, Seba.

The vLocCam locator is for finding heads of push rod cameras and transporter systems. It can receive all standard active frequency ranges used by most manufacturers – 640 Hz, 512 Hz, 33 kHz. In addition, the system can also be used for the simple location of cables and lines with passive power and radio.

The EasylocCam is the second version of a location system. This system has 640 Hz and 33 kHz for camera heads and probes and also has passive power for the simple location of cables and lines.

If, at a later stage, it is found desirable to expand the use of the locating systems, it is possible to purchase a transmitter. Both the vLocPro and Easyloc have transmitters available and once you have these you have a full line locator.

The Australian connection

Advanced Utility Solutions has recently partnered with Seba Dynatronic Mess - and Ortungstechnik GmbH – who trade as SebaKMT. The result is SebaKMT AUS.

SebaKMT is well known throughout Europe and the UK and its water leak range is known in the US under the Metrotech banner. These quality instruments help improve efficiency, and increase productivity with their user-friendly controls. The result is less time locating, and more money saved. Metrotech’s pipe and cable locators are used by every utility worldwide.

If you would like any further information on the product range please contact SebaKMT AUS on 02 8005 0006 or visit our website at www.sebakmtaus.com