Our newest coolest tool... win one.

[Josh]

I figured I would leak this to you guys first before we sent out any kind of email blast. I am pretty excited about this launch since I have done a lot of work playing with the prototypes and taking video around my house.

Check it out. http://www.ridgid.com/SeeSnakeMicro/ Enter your ideas of how you would use it. Each idea you enter gets you another chance at winning a seesnake micro. (use the link at the bottom of the page linked above to enter your ideas)

This is a general inspection device... not specificially designed for plumbers. this tool is for everyone.

Josh

[oldslowchevy]

how much will it be? where will i be able to get, and will it fit thought a hole in an engine sparkplug hole?

[Bob D.]

I've entered one idea so far. No doubt I can come up with some more after thinking on it for a spell.

[PLUMBER RICK]

it is interesting:D

i already have a small fiber optic camera. i don't think i've used it 5 times in 3 years. my camera also has the right angle mirror attachment and magnet attachment too. it will fit into a 1/4'' hole.

what are the specs on this new one:confused:

and as old slow has asked, what's the price?

nice toy for the kids to spy on each other:eek:

rick.

[wwsmith]

I added 3 in myself. Looks like Josh beat me to one computer related idea though. :( So reverted back to my old life in the SemiConductor business.


Josh, might want to have a peek at your appsubmit return page and verify what grammar Ridgid is going for there:

Your submission is currently being reviewed before it is posted on the SeeSnake micro web site. If you are selected as a winner in the random drawing, we will contact you via the email address you provided. Please feel free to tell to add another application. The more entries you submit the better your chance of winning! :p :D :p

[garager]

Well I really couldn't use it, unless I went fishing. Not trying to be funny, I'm into wood working. Possibly if someone thinks they lost their ring down a drain they don't have to take apart the p-trap. To me it just doesn't seem long enough for plumbing purposes and I'm sure the price is going to be high for a tinker toy.

[Josh]

Ooops.. yeah I put the page up about 5 minutes before I left work. Its not released to the public yet so lets count it in draft mode right now. Thanks for the heads up though Ill fix it tomorrow AM.

I used to live on a farm and my grandfather still owns a farm. I want to try looking in some rodent holes to see whats in there. I'll get some of the specs you guys are looking for tomorrow. I'll ask about posting the price. I know it I just don't know if I am allowed to post it yet (I think you'll be surprised).

wwwsmith, I took another video that I didn't post because it probably wasn't too safe since I left the computer on. I used the micro to check what type of ram I had installed. Was able to tell it was pc2700 without taking it out.

oldslowchevy, I am pretty sure it will fit through spark plug holes. Ill get the dimensions on the head tomorrow for you guys. I am sure some of our preferred online vendors will carry it from the get go. Also our traditional distributors should have them.

garager, I'll have to try the fishing thing next year. You can add extensions to the cable to make it longer than the original 3 feet. Would be cool to stick the thing down in the middle of a bluegill feeding frenzy.

Well my wife wants me to get off the computer and spend some time with her now that we got the boys to bed. Catch you guys tomorrow.

Josh

[michael stephen]

cool, am interested to know the price as well.. how bis is the screen? i thing 3feet isnt enough though..

[Josh]

can buy 3 foot extensions for it.

cool, am interested to know the price as well.. how bis is the screen? i thing 3feet isnt enough though..

[VASandy]

I submitted a few. I think I might have copied one of your ideas though! Sorry. I know I should look first...but oh well!! ;)

Maybe a dumb question, but what distributor channels will this go through?

[VASandy]

I realise the tool is ready to go to market...but a hopeful future upgrade would allow the handle-end to save pictures. Put a USB port in it that would allow you to download them to a computer. :D

[smorris]

and will it fit thought a hole in an engine sparkplug hole?

That's what I want to try! I just measured one, and the largest dimension on the head (it is slightly obround) is .665". I'm not sure if that will fit.

I can sure think of all sorts of applications in the garage. I'm always using one of those mirror on a wand and light on a wand getting to the back of hubs, up inside hard to reach areas, inside engines, etc.

Hopefully, I won't be able to look down the spark plug hole and check out the bottom end on my non-running MGA engine. That would mean there's a hole where there shouldn't be one! :eek: (It went clatter, clatter, clatter, no oil pressure a couple months ago, and I haven't had time to pull the pan yet.)

[wwsmith]

That's what I want to try! I just measured one, and the largest dimension on the head (it is slightly obround) is .665".

Well that blows the one suggestion I put out there for checking via the TC hole in a semiconductor fab furnace to examine the status of the quartz. That would have been a HUGE money saver as capping the gases, safety checks and pulling the tube out usuallly runs $50k per tool and closer to $75k for the newer ones.... :(

[Josh]

some answers.... well ya beat me to the punch on the diameter.

diameter rounded up to .7"
max length (with extensions) 30' that would be 9 additional extensions added. I really dont know how you would control that much unless you are just dropping it down a long wall or vent or something. If you watched the romex example on the application page that would be an instance where I woulda liked to have had a few extra extensions.
price... it hasnt been launched yet so we need to hold of a couple more weeks on releasing that info. If any of you find the price out somehow I wont stop you from posting it.
weight 1.2lbs

wwsmith, how large is the hole you were talking about in your application?

[smorris]

If any of you find the price out somehow I wont stop you from posting it.


Well, It will be......








:D

[wwsmith]

wwsmith, how large is the hole you were talking about in your application?

Not that big. A standard thermocouple is about the diameter of a pencil. It could still be used to go in through the back of a horizontal furnace, but would require pulling a rod or mfc which has a bigger diameter hole. But that brings up the next question:

What is the heat rating of it? (i.e. how hot before it melts or breaks down)

[Wild Weasel]

Well I really couldn't use it, unless I went fishing. Not trying to be funny, I'm into wood working. Possibly if someone thinks they lost their ring down a drain they don't have to take apart the p-trap. To me it just doesn't seem long enough for plumbing purposes and I'm sure the price is going to be high for a tinker toy.

heh. I was thinking the same thing... he's probably looking for input from plumbers but maybe the rest of us could be a bit more creative.

Home colonoscopy kit maybe? I'll bet it would be great for finding dropped screws in the bowels of my engine bay when working in the garage!!

Hey Josh... think one of us hacks could win it?? :)

[garager]

Josh, I think this could be a great tool for handicapped people. Think of the possibilities for finding things down low and up high, and if it could retrieve thing with a small hook on it, cool.

[Josh]

Its open to everyone. In fact we want ideas from as broad a range as possible. This is a tool for the masses not just plumbers. We are not touting it as an In-The-Pipe tool. Its waterproof and it will work in the pipe but it has a lot more non plumbing related uses.

Make sure you guys are posting you ideas in the link I gave you all valid entries and might just win ya one.

Josh

[Wild Weasel]

Sorry man... I'm not putting my name beside the home-colonoscopy idea. I mean... who knows where that might end up if I won?? :)

[jaco]

I work at an animal hospital doing maintenance. About three years ago I was eating popcorn and one of the hulls got lodged deep into my throat, three days went by and it was driving me nuts, I tried reaching back with the toothbrush, my fingers, nothing worked, I was not able to locate it exactly. The animal hospital has a scope, so I stuck that badboy down my throat and the results show up on a monitor, sure enough I found it and was able to guide my toothrush to the spot and rubbed the corn hull out. Oh yeah before the cynics respond "hehe...I wonder where that scope was used on a dog before you used it" The scope has disposable tips and I had wiped it down with alcohol before inserting. It's only used down the throats
of animals, I'm an animal too!

[garager]

Hey Josh, can't seem to get my idea through the win a camera, keeps stopping me with an error when I submit my application. This could be a Health Inspector dream tool. Getting down on their knees could come to a halt with this camera. They could get into all those nooks and crannie spots, when inspecting hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, ect. Then when all those businesses see what their using, they will need one too just to keep ahead of the Inspectors. Look at how much more business for sales with this camera can be generated, since its not just for the construction trade. So is this win a camera entry done???

[oldslowchevy]

Hey Josh, can't seem to get my idea through the win a camera, keeps stopping me with an error when I submit my application. This could be a Health Inspector dream tool. Getting down on their knees could come to a halt with this camera. They could get into all those nooks and crannie spots, when inspecting hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, ect. Then when all those businesses see what their using, they will need one too just to keep ahead of the Inspectors. Look at how much more business for sales with this camera can be generated, since its not just for the construction trade. So is this win a camera entry done???




i have to agree with him one this

[Josh]

garager, excellent idea. What error did you get when trying to submit. There have been submissions since this post so I dont think the whole system is down. Maybe the application line was too long. I will open up the field size since it was only 255 characters before. Anyways.. I manually submitted your idea up there. So that entry is in. Error shouldnt happen again even if its a long explaination.

Josh

Hey Josh, can't seem to get my idea through the win a camera, keeps stopping me with an error when I submit my application. This could be a Health Inspector dream tool. Getting down on their knees could come to a halt with this camera. They could get into all those nooks and crannie spots, when inspecting hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, ect. Then when all those businesses see what their using, they will need one too just to keep ahead of the Inspectors. Look at how much more business for sales with this camera can be generated, since its not just for the construction trade. So is this win a camera entry done???

[Josh]

Man... some of you guys... Lets just say there are some ideas that arent being approved for posting in here :D Some are valid uses though but I am not puting them up on the list of applications. Dont worry your still entered in the drawing.

josh

[garager]

Microsoft OLE DB Provider for SQL Server error '80040e57'

String or binary data would be truncated.

/SeeSnakeMicro/appsubmit.asp, line 14
Well Josh, I've tried 2 more times, and above is what I get, I e-mailed Ridgid and so far no one came back to me to tell me what I should do. All help would be greatfull, I would love to win this tool. Thanks for doing the entry for me Josh, didn't see that part, then its a done deal..........

[Josh]

I just took care of the problem. It was because the field length was too short on the application description. Should work fine now. I got the email you sent ;-) I'll reply in case you dont get this before then.

Josh

[RiR]

Oh I want one!! I often Tig weld where I can only get my hands, (sometimes only fingers) in, and use one or several mirrors to see. A disc of #11 or #13 glass on the end, and "tight welding" would be a dream. Imagine being able to present a customer with pictures from the inside of his small dia stainless piping, and save on expensive X-Ray documentation. Examination of the far corners of a water tank for a boat, and letting the customer see that you really did use gas backing, unlike the guy who quoted half the price!
I like VASandy's idea of having the pictures or a little video recorded

[Josh]

Check this out guys... This is the side of the display for the micro at our trade shows. In place of the display on the big micro model is video running in a loop. All video taken by yours truely in my house in about an hr :D





Josh

[oldslowchevy]

any idea what the cost may be yet?

[garager]

Hey Josh, where's your wall insulation at? The seal around your chimney looked fine, and the magnet worked great, and the hook. Great feature for the camera.

[Wild Weasel]

Nice! I'll all about the screw retrieval!!

And dude... you've got kids now. Shouldn't there be a grilled cheese sandwich in that VCR?? :)

[Josh]

They are only 3 months old. the worst they can do is blow out their diapers. Once they hit about a year we are gonna be going crazy. So cool watchin em grow up though. I love being a dad.

Josh

[oldslowchevy]

you shoulda got the paper clip out of the dryer vent lol

[michael stephen]

They are only 3 months old. the worst they can do is blow out their diapers. Once they hit about a year we are gonna be going crazy. So cool watchin em grow up though. I love being a dad.

Josh

welcome to the club..

[Tyler S]

Ya I think if you made it a little bit longer than 3' would be nice, or a least be able to buy longer ones. Also are there only three heads avalible, I think it would be nice to be able to grab a small wire like a thermostat wire some how.
Tyler

[silverbullet]

Josh,
Nice video's. I just got back from a sales meeting in Orlando and we got the chance to show an electrician a unit. He used it to look up the side of an electrical box to find out what his wire was getting stuck on as they were attempting to pull wire. The respsonse was great. He loved the tool. No news on price yet. its coming though .

I really liked reading the replies as they were geared more away from the typical drain application of the seesnake cameras. Thats just great. So many applications out there.

[Bob D.]

Josh, how did you record the video? Does this have a video out RCA jack or something similar?

[Josh]

We had one of our engineers doctor one up with an rca video out. Then I carried around the color video toolcase and record to vhs worked quite nicely.

Josh

silverbullet, I am excited about going to the pumper cleaner show next week. The display did awesome at AHR. cant wait to see people get some hands on time with the micro.

[Bob D.]

OK, so a video out jack is something that is not on the std tool. Any thoughts to adding this option, because then it could be used for documenting a condition not just viewing. Just a simple RCA video out, no audio or anything fancy.

So if I need to inspect some hard to reach space I can record the results and be able to show them to someone later who was not present when the inspection was performed or could be included in a report.

[Josh]

Bob, I'll say we have thought a few generations ahead :D. We dont want to tip our hand to future model features so I wont say anything yet. This initial model will be inspection with no video out or recording. Future will have more features.

Josh


OK, so a video out jack is something that is not on the std tool. Any thoughts to adding this option, because then it could be used for documenting a condition not just viewing. Just a simple RCA video out, no audio or anything fancy.

So if I need to inspect some hard to reach space I can record the results and be able to show them to someone later who was not present when the inspection was performed or could be included in a report.

[PLUMBER RICK]

i found out the cost of this new camera system:eek:
it will please most everyone.:D

the question is, am i allowed to post the price:confused:

the specs will allow for a max. of 10' of water depth. that equals just under
5 psi of pressure. not really geared for applications like a seesnake. the max. amount of extension rods are a total of 30' as noted earlier. there is talk about making an rca out and a digital memory.

this camera was really designed more for the electrical trade than the plumbing, (underwater) field.

so, can i post the price, or have i said too much already:eek:

this is for you josh.

rick.

[oldslowchevy]

i found out the cost of this new camera system:eek:
it will please most everyone.:D

the question is, am i allowed to post the price:confused:

the specs will allow for a max. of 10' of water depth. that equals just under
5 psi of pressure. not really geared for applications like a seesnake. the max. amount of extension rods are a total of 30' as noted earlier. there is talk about making an rca out and a digital memory.

this camera was really designed more for the electrical trade than the plumbing, (underwater) field.

so, can i post the price, or have i said too much already:eek:

this is for you josh.

rick.



hey you don't work for ridgid so i don't see why you can't just don't hold me to that.

[Josh]

Well Rick... you read what I posted earlier. Whatever info you have its an open forum. My high opinion of you wont drop if you post it so do what ya will. Thanks for asking permission though. Remember everyone regardless of what rick posts the most legit way of finding out the price is direct from the distributor. (musta talked to one of our reps ey ;))

Josh

[PLUMBER RICK]

you asked, you got it:D

the list price is an amazing $239.00 std. 3' with no extra extensions. didn't ask for 3' extension price.

i want one.

i want two.

mrs. seat down can have her own.

i spoke to a ridgid c/s rep. no names to protect their i.d.

don't hold me to this price. it's what i was told and i asked twice and repeated it. it's going to sell well at this price:D

thanks, josh.

rick.

[Bob D.]

Rick is right, it's priced to sell for sure. I know that where I work they would be interested but they would definitely want the record capability. Recording to a Compact Flash card in .AVI format at 320x240 pixels or a similar size would be great. I can see all the weld inspectors climbing around with one of these and loving it (and the welders probably hating them for it :) )

[CWSmith]

Wow, I just caught this tread. Darn nice tool and price isn't too steep for someone with a need. Certainly not outside the limits of anyone needing one for business.

I can think of a few applications right off the top of my head, but I'm sure everyone is way ahead of me on this.

Nice work from the Ridgid folks, I'm sure you'll have success with this nifty tool.

CWS

[Josh]

I am headed off to the Waste Haulers Convention in Nashville tomorrow. I am excited about talking to some of the people that visit the booth. They will get some hands on time with the tool in a nice course that our booth guy set up. This is a fun product to launch. Now I just need to get the product manager to let me take one home as a reward for all my hard work :D

Josh

[PLUMBER RICK]

josh, have fun in nashville. i went to that show a few years ago and it was very impressive. more for the septic and porta potty business than for plumbers.

mrs seat down calls it the butt crack convention:eek:

say hi to elvis:D

i think it's the last year in nashville. go out with a bang.

maybe they will send you out to sunny southern calif. (89 here yesterday) in june for the phcc show. it's going to be back in long beach.

i think marc still owes me a breakfast:rolleyes: i'll even throw a bone out to the
dog:D see if they can make that happen. it can be a way to meet some of us local posters.

rick.

[Aussie Plumber Greg]

How much do they retail for in US or Aussie Dollar.
How big is camera head size.
Regards
Greg

[silverbullet]

Guys,
This thing gets great response from endusers. Here at the Int Builders show the people seeing this love it. It is really a nice tool. About the only guys that dont get fired up over the tool are the framing guys. So many different uses are being tossed out there. The picture is amazing for such a small tool. I think you all will like this when you get your hands on one.

Jeff

[Wild Weasel]

I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one, I hope I win a free one.

:)

[LPitts]

Well, I guess I got excited too quick. While I would really like to still win one, they would not work well for what I was hoping. I was hoping the head would be small enough for gunsmithing, using as a bore scope. I guess they would work for a 12 ga. with the choke tube out, but not much smaller. For it to work as a bore scope it would need to be at least .200 and down to a .150, even better. I guess the word micro threw me. lp

[papadan]

I want to win one, but i might miss the 10% off if I wait and don't win. $215 is cheap!

[All Clear Sewer]

Josh it looked to me that you might need to clean your cold air return ;) :p :D

[BHAMRICK]

I work for ferguson enterprises and we have this in stock. If you want one you can email me at bo.hamrick@ferguson.com. They are 239.00 + tax and shipping. Our branch got 58 in stock and have already sold 51 in 24 hours

[GrahamElectricLLC]

When can I get one at my local Home Depot in Washington state? Very cool tool. Replaces a helper.

[oldslowchevy]

Very cool tool. Replaces a helper.



:eek: i feel sorry for the helper that now won't learn a trade :rolleyes:

[GrahamElectricLLC]

:eek: i feel sorry for the helper that now won't learn a trade :rolleyes:


I'm a one man show, and don't take on enough work to justify hiring a full time helper so a more accurate statement for me would be its like hiring a helper, with a life time warranty.:D

Did I read in this forum somewhere that extensions are available? 8'-10' total would be ideal for looking down walls to help with fishing wires into outlet boxes.

[The Wood Meister]

I say snap on some latex gloves next Dr. visit and turn the tables on the guy!!! LOL

[VASandy]

I'm a one man show, and don't take on enough work to justify hiring a full time helper so a more accurate statement for me would be its like hiring a helper, with a life time warranty.:D

Did I read in this forum somewhere that extensions are available? 8'-10' total would be ideal for looking down walls to help with fishing wires into outlet boxes.

I've seen there is (or will be) 3' extensions.

[TozziWelding]

I am a weldor, and work in lots of weird spots. That little scope is a dream tool for me, no more pulling belly pans down and crawling in the mud just to see if some thing is cracked. I am gonna run out and buy one, if i don't win one:)

[Josh]

I'm a one man show, and don't take on enough work to justify hiring a full time helper so a more accurate statement for me would be its like hiring a helper, with a life time warranty.:D

Did I read in this forum somewhere that extensions are available? 8'-10' total would be ideal for looking down walls to help with fishing wires into outlet boxes.

up to 30' total. can buy 3' extensions.

Josh

[mcarr184]

where is my ( Home colonoscopy kit Idea ) to avoid the humiliation on having to bare *** in the hospitol with nurses and doctors abound....

[Wild Weasel]

where is my ( Home colonoscopy kit Idea ) to avoid the humiliation on having to bare *** in the hospitol with nurses and doctors abound....

Oh God... what have I started... :D

[DavidRamey]

This would be useful to wildlife photographers out scouting for locations. Use the tool to see if the hole in the tree or the hole in the ground has anything living in it. It would be nice if something like this could be adapted to fit my Nikons.

[rcishman]

Wood Turning: it is difficult to inspect the inside of narrow opening turnings, the "mini SeeSnake" would easly solve this difficult problem.

[Ezef]

Josh:

I have the idea of using it to inspect marine engines at tugboats, and remote parts of the hull, where only the SEESNAKE can get in.

As you know, it´s critical for yards to inspect before removing engines of the boat. It will allow to appreciate if its realy necesary to remove an engine or not. It might save thousand of dollars, and a real important thing is that I can share the images with the owner and explain my ideas.

I hope to get one for free !!! and start recomending it everywhere.

[Josh]

I am working on an email to send out to the people who entered the contest. We have a winner and the winner finally replied with his address so its finished.

I posted a response to the "who won" question in this thread.

http://www.ridgidforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10857

Also.. a few of you are starting to get ahold of SeeSnake Micros they ordered.

Josh