SEARCHCAM was the first and is still the finest technical search system to extend the rescuers best search senses (vision and hearing) into the voids of collapsed structures and inaccessible locations.
Nine years of research and development have gone into making the finest technical search system available to extend the rescuer's senses of vision and hearing into the voids of collapsed structures and confined spaces. The SEARCHCAM 2000, "The Ultimate Victim Location System" is a continuation of the same fine quality, functionality, durability, and reliability found in previous SEARCHCAM models and proven in actual operation in nearly all of the world's recent disasters (New York World Trade Centre bombing; Northridge, California earthquake; Oklahoma City Federal Building bombing; Kobe, Japan earthquake; the Korean department store collapse; the Thredbo, Australia avalanche/mud slide; the U.S. Embassy in Africa; and the earthquakes in Columbia, Turkey, Greece, and Taiwan). The best features of previous models have been integrated with many new electronic and structural enhancements to provide a superb technical rescue system.
The SEARCHCAM 2000 is a highly mobile, single operator system for victim location and assessment. Audio and video components have been integrated to operate on a continuous basis in the demanding conditions of a disaster setting. The system consists of a miniature, high resolution, colour, video camera; variable intensity illumination; a sensitive microphone and speaker housed in the remotely controlled articulating camera head affixed to the end of a telescoping probe that can be inserted through a 4.4cm diameter opening.
The variable intensity illumination allows the operator to view high quality images as close as a few inches to a distance of over 6m in total darkness. Much longer viewing distances are achieved in daylight or low light situations. The operator views the LCD screen and listens through the noise attenuating headphones. The integrated two-way communication system allows the operator to perform acoustical searches as well as communicating directly with located victims. The microphone with variable gain amplification, can detect a whisper from across the room or breathing sounds from a distance of a few feet. The noise reducing headphones provide clear audio output under high noise conditions and are designed to be worn under protective head gear. The water resistant, articulating camera head can pan right to left 180° providing a viewing angle of 260°. The relative camera position is communicated graphically to the operator on the monitor in 15° increments from centre. The camera head automatically returns to centre when the unit is turned off. The telescoping probe collapses to 104cm and extends to 233cm. Articulation, illumination and audio are remotely controlled using digital interface rocker switches housed in the ergonomically designed pistol grip control handle. Audio, illumination, battery residual, and relative camera position are all continuously monitored and communicated to the operator via on screen graphic display.
The probe is machined from high strength aluminium and the hard anodized finish protects against corrosion and abrasion. The integrated design allows the rescuer to easily carry the 3.2kg unit in one hand and navigate through rubble uninhibited by the system. The sealed, lead acid battery pack weighs 2.7kg, clips to the operator's belt and will provide in excess of three continuous hours of operation. The video display is detachable via a quick-connect coupling allowing the monitor to be extended in excess of 9m away using the optional extension cables.