First, we have a wireless unit that works quite well as far as wireless goes. The signal can go through 3 walls and up to 150 feet away. But just when I am ready to start a production run, the FCC has placed a wattage limit on all wireless units to fit part 15 of the code. So, for now, the best I can do is about the same power as blue tooth without requiring an amateur radio license. The FCC is planning to enforce this rule this fall. How may you ask? I don't know. But the fine, if I sell this type of equipment, is $7,5000.00 per occurrence, without the end-user having the license. So, if you are happy with the Bluetooth cellphones range, I can match it. But if you would like to "see" farther, it will require a license to run one. Plus, as an amateur, you cannot use it for commercial gain under this ruling. That's another fine. But this will find its way and interpretation with every attorney you consult. There are attorneys already adding this litigation to their list. No matter where the earth has a hole, somebody has a bucket!! Because of the quadcopter phenomenon, the FCC and the FAA are planning to enforce this very soon!! The suppliers I've communicated with tell me that this is very real and that I should not risk any sales without proof that you have the license. They are also downsizing the wattage to help comply with the ruling, with regret because the range sucks!! So, at this time, I'm not sure where to go with this "wireless thing." Since the Go Pro and all the consumer cell phones are available for $200-$300.00, that may be a choice for those that want to deal with consumer electronics. There is no backup, no customer support, constant changes, and cheap equipment that people tell me, 'It's the bomb.' Now I know how you folks feel like when a customer comes to your store. You spent time educating them about what they need, and then they go to a big box store and say that your prices for your stoves are too high and that the value is the same?? Whatever! To address the changes in the industry, we have been selling the lighthouse camera. No rods to turn; the camera goes around on its own, Stop and reverse when you want to. Even color corrected light source, no hot spots, on a cable that doesn't need a license and can give you a good high-res image 300 feet away if you need to. Plus, we back our products with answers to your e-mail and questions at night, we support your industry events, and give back to customers in the way of education as much as possible. We can upgrade older equipment by adding the necessary switches and updating the SD recorders to accept the EYE-FI cards. Because the rods don't have to be turned, the cable comes out of the slip ring reeler (series 200 and 450) and goes up the chimney. Coming down, it falls to the floor, where you wind it up on the reeler. NO MORE TWISTED CABLES!! With the CeCure camera/Enviro-flex camera on top, you can look up the chimney, see where you are going, and get a bird's eye view. Then, flick a switch and change the view to the Lighthouse where the camera rotates 360 degrees to see the joints—two incredible views at one time. We can now offer this for less money than the Auto Focus Tilt cameras and half the size and weight!! With these changes, the system can now accept a viper system, so those operators that want a seamless rod can do so. With the advent of the EYE-FI card sending the images right to your I-devise, you can send them to your paperless report. The snap button on the controller is fast enough to capture the image without stopping the rotation, and with the keyboard, you can enter the client's name on the photo and any short message or description you want. The series 200 and 450 that can use the character generation keyboard, characters stay with the image as it transfers through the EYE-FI CARD, SO SHORT DESCRIPTIONS STAY WITH THE IMAGE………HOO….AH. (Not shouting, just excited :)) We are not the same camera company; our product line is an ever-evolving process, and we are taking it to another level. So, in a nutshell, this is where we are, *Full view, 360 degrees, and above imagery, *Fewer rod connections yet more choices of rods to use, *Capable of image transfer to digital devices, *Lighter weight, smaller size (2" round) to fit through prefab fireplace dampers and thimble chimneys, *Able to be used for prefab chase inspections (CeCure and Enviro-flex models- 1.5" hole) *Add photo descriptions to your imagery for easier documentation and photo admin *And the ability to use earlier models and upgrade them. *Plus, you can pair the Lighthouse with the Enviro-flex and get two views, all with the flip of a switch. ©2024 Estoban Corporation LLC.
6 Comments
Chris Simmonds
7/13/2017 03:53:17 pm
So as a extra class radio amateur, I am able to order and use the wireless system?
Reply
Shelley Urban
7/13/2017 05:14:43 pm
HI Chris,
Reply
Tom Urban
7/14/2017 09:49:32 am
Good Morning Chris,
Reply
Tom Urban
7/14/2017 09:52:45 am
Also people who use the drones are covered by the FAA and are in a gray holding area.
Tom Urban
7/14/2017 09:55:39 am
Also even with the wireless setup I talked about, you still get repeat glitches, jumpy reassembling images. Leave a Reply. |
AuthorTom Urban has worked in the Chimney and Hearth industry for 45 years. He's been an inventor and manufacturer for 40+ of those years. Archives
February 2025
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