CobraTouch™ CDL 9000 Series Data Logger

As data collection has become a daily part of the sewer inspection routine, every CCTV inspection software vendor with the exception of Cobra has been adapting and modifying office CCTV software database programs in an effort to collect data in the field. This has resulted in complex data collection screens being presented to the Operator.

Cobra recognizes the data collection process needs to be developed specifically to enable the User in the field to collect data without having to manage multiple screens and complex database software programs.

For the past 15 years, Cobra has provided the marketplace with a data logger using a bar code interface to collect the data. Five years ago Cobra began adding a Video Compressor to allow the User to collect MPEG video with the CDL 8000. With the advent of NASSCO's PACP standard in the U.S. and the implementation of WRc, Version 4, in the UK, Cobra set about designing a new data logger to handle the complex requirements of the new data collection programs.

The CobraTouch™ provides an intuitive means to carry out the process of the collection of data through a simple touch screen approach. Its design was accomplished with the Owner (Municipality/Contractor) and User (Operator), in mind. Our objective was to provide a unique product designed to make the CCTV sewer/pipeling inspection process easier and more productive. It is like having instant access to the pages in a PACP or WRc Manual. The data is validated in the data logger and correct, eliminating costly and time consuming post processing of the collected data.

The main menu has the list of defect groups listed with Touch Screen Icons plus a matrix allowing the User to review the data collected during the inspection. For Users having reservations about the Touch Screen technology, a conventional mouse can be used to operate the program; however, it has been found to be slow and cumbersome.

Through an Industrial quality 15" Touch Screen on a Windows XP platform, the CobraTouch™ CDL 9000 series Data Logger is designed to collect PACP, WRc inspection data (other formats available upon request), MPEG Video files and JPEG images.

The CobraTouch™ is certified by PACP and WRc. Due to the large number of defect codes each with specific requirement, Cobra built in a front end validation to the PACP and WRc programs. This eliminates the need by the operator to remember the coding requirements for each of the 200 defect codes.

Integrated into the CobraTouch™ CDL 9000 series data logger is a hardware video compressor with MPEG I, 2 and 4 capabilities. A Pause function has been added to the software allowing the user to Pause and Restart the file at any time during the inspection. Video files can be stored on a removable USB drive. A CD/DVD burner is provided for users that want to burn the video/data files o an optical disk in the field.

An I/O interface using USB 2.0 has been designed for use with the data logger. Optional GPS and inclinometer functions are available if required. The I/O board handles the footage and can control a serial controlled VCR. It will also drive a remote display to provide a distance display at the rear of he inspection van if required.

The CobraTouch™ CDL 9000 series is being offered in a 2U 19" Industrial rack and the I/O board is housed in a 1U 19" Rack.

The operator has access to a standard PC keyboard and mouse for conventional data input of Work Orders and Remarks.

Related Reading

• Read about how going digital with Cobra improved a Tennessee city's inspection operations from the December 2007 issue of Municipal Sewer and Water Magazine
• Article: The CobraTouch™ Data Logger is PACP driven!
• Read the Technology Test Drive review of the CobraTouch™ from the April 2006 issue of Municipal Sewer & Water Magazine
• Your One-Source Supplier for all your Data Collection, Management, & Storage Needs!
• Pipeline Inspection Data & Digital Video Collection
• MPEG Video Guidelines for Pipeline Inspection

Features

• Collects data in PACP, WRc format with other data sets available to meet your every contract.
• Handles PACP requirements without the need for the operator to constantly refer to the PACP manual. The data is always compliant!
• Validates collected data compliance. Built in verification software prompts correct data entry saving time and money without the QA/QC editing typically required of other conventional data collection systems.
• Provides flexible collection of MPEG video files. The Operator can pause, restart and capture files during the inspection.

Screen Shots (click any image to enlarge)

Manuals

• CDL 9001 PACP User Manual (pdf)
• CDL 9001 WRc User Manual (pdf)
• CDL 9001 PACP Demo Guide (pdf)
• CDL 9001 WRc Demo Guide (pdf)

Downloads

1. CDL 9001 Demo Software & Guides. PACP & WRc (2.39Mb)  Nov 10 2008.
   A free demonstration version of the CobraTouch™ data logger program for all who wish to examine and evaluate the program before purchase.
2. Video Patch (4.35mb) Only download if instructed by tech support!  Apr 19 2007.
   A patch to resolve rare issues with video playback, only required for certain hardware configurations.



The following Items are password protected. Contact Cobra to get a password. Usernames and passwords are lowercase only.

3. CobraTouch™ CDL 9001 V2.2.0 Upgrade File (2.15mb)  Nov 10 2008.
   A file that contains the latest bug fixes and patches for the CobraTouch™ CDL 9000 series data logger. Users must login to access the file.