Nine years of research and development have gone into making the finest tactical surveillance system available to extend the human senses of vision and hearing into tactical situations and at the same time protecting the operator. The SEARCHCAM 2000 IR is a continuation of the same fine quality, functionality, durability, and reliability found in previous SEARCHCAM models and proven in actual operation. The best features of previous models have been integrated with many new electronic and structural enhancements to provide a superb surveillance system.

The SEARCHCAM 2000 IR is a highly mobile, single operator system for tactical surveillance. Audio and video components have been integrated to operate on a continuous basis in the demanding conditions of a tactical setting. The system consists of a miniature, high resolution, video camera; non-visible infrared illumination; and 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 1.75" (4.4cm) diameter opening.
	The non-visible infrared illumination allows the operator to view high quality images as close as a few inches to a distance of over 30' (9m) 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 surveillance as well as direct communications. 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 probe is machined from high strength aluminium and the hard anodised finish protects against corrosion and abrasion. The integrated design allows the officer to easily carry the seven pound (3.2kg) unit in one hand and navigate through obstacles uninhibited by the system. The sealed, lead acid battery pack weighs six pounds (2.7kg), clips to the operator's belt and will provide in excess of five continuous hours of operation. The video display is detachable via a quick-connect coupling allowing the monitor to be extended in excess of thirty feet (9m) away using the optional extension cables.

The entire system consists of; the probe, video monitor, headphones with boom microphone, sun shield, lanyard, two batteries, battery charger, operations and maintenance manual, and carry/storage case. The components are stored in one Pelican®, foam lined, high impact plastic, water and dust tight, carrying case with wheels. The packed unit weighs 59 pounds (26.8kg).

Optional accessories for the unit include; a remote video display (hard wired); display extension cables (15' - 4.6m); a heads up (virtual goggle) display; and a video output cable.

The probe unit contains all of the functional parts of the system with the exception of the battery and optional features. The components are the camera housing, the articulating joint, the telescoping probe, control console / handle, and the detachable video monitor. The unit weighs 7 pounds. The telescoping portion of the probe is constructed of high quality, aluminum and is protected by a hard anodized finish. In a collapsed state the system measures 41" , extended it reaches 92". The pistol grip houses the rocker switches that remotely control the head articulation, the illumination, and the audio.

The articulating joint has a right to left head travel of 180° providing a viewing angle of 260°. Articulation is controlled remotely from the control console located in the pistol grip handle. The unit automatically detects left, centre, and right travel limits of the head and interrupts the travel as well as signalling the operator via on screen graphics. When articulation is used in conjunction with rotating the probe an entire void space can be easily viewed.

A detachable LCD active matrix screen provides a quality image to the operator. Depending upon operational circumstances it may be desirable to remove the screen from the probe using the quick connect bracket. Optional 15' extension cables allow the monitor to be extended over 30' away from the operator for viewing by other personnel. An auxiliary multi-purpose port allows several optional components to be utilized including a hard wired remote monitor that allows simultaneous viewing by several personnel.

The noise attenuating headset allows the operator to conduct acoustical searches in high ambient noise environments. The boom microphone allows the operator to communicate with a victim through the speaker built into the camera housing. The acoustical search function of the Searchcam is very effective because the microphone can be inserted into the structure below the surface. This allows the victim's cries for help to be detected even when the sound does not reach the surface of the collapse.

The ergonomically designed pistol grip style probe handle houses the digital interface rocker switches that remotely control the head articulation, illumination levels, and the relative gain of the search microphone, the push to talk, and the system power. All system operations are contained in this control console and the switches can be easily operated with one hand. 

Two sealed lead acid battery packs are provided to supply power under severe conditions on a continuous basis. The batteries do not develop a "memory" and will hold their charge in storage for several months, losing approximately 5% of their charge per month. Continuous battery endurance is approximately three hours and recharging is accomplished to a 90% level with the included battery charger in two hours. The battery residual is monitored by the system and the relative charge is indicated graphically on the monitor each time a control button is activated. When the battery reaches a low level the graphic indicator will flash advising the operator that replacement is required. If the battery is allowed to completely discharge, the unit will automatically shut down and will return the camera head to centre before doing so. The U. S. Department of Transportation has classified the battery as "non-spillable" and "non-hazardous"; thereby, eliminating potential problems with air transportation.

An alternating current battery charger is provided to maintain the two battery packs provided at an operational level at all times. Charging units may be switched between 110 VAC and 220 VAC. This unit will provide a 90% charge to a totally discharged battery in two hours; a 100% charge is attained in five additional hours. A battery can be continuously connected and the charger will monitor the battery condition to protect against over charging.
 

A field maintenance kit is provided with each SEARCHCAM 2000 system. It contains all of the tools necessary to perform routine maintenance and lamp replacement. Three spare lamps and O-rings are provided.
 

The entire system, including spare battery, battery charger, sun shield, lanyard, headphones, and maintenance kit packs neatly into one foam-lined Pelican® case. The case, made of high impact plastic, is water and dust tight and will protect the components through the roughest of conditions. 

View the Storage Case In Action

A flat screen, LCD active matrix monitor can be used in conjunction with the standard monitor via the multi-port auxiliary output. This unit has a 6' cable permanently attached. Additional extension cables can be used to extend the distance from the SEARCHCAM unit.

Extension cables are available to provide remote viewing capability for the standard monitor or for the Remote Monitor accessory. The standard cable is 15' (4.6 m) and multiple extension cables can be connected to provide increased distance. Custom cable lengths can be acquired through special orders. The extension cable is plugged directly into the multi-port output panel at one end and either the standard monitor or accessory equipment at the other end.