Troubleshooting – No Camera Video On Monitor

If you don't see the camera image on your monitor these troubleshooting steps will help you identify the issue, starting with the easiest items:

1. Monitor – if the screen is completely black (no RIDGID SeeSnake logo when starting up) the monitor may require service
2. If you have access to a 2nd (known good) system, plug your camera reel into another monitor/plug your monitor into another camera reel
   • If the camera fails on the known good monitor, the issue is with the camera
3. Connector cord
   • Connections snug at both ends?
   • Flex the cord near each connector – do the lights or camera image flicker?
   • Cords are user-replaceable: https://help.seesnake.com/support/solutions/articles/150000188177-seesnake-interconnect-cord-reference
     
4. Slip ring cartridge – if your reel uses the round slip ring cartridge remove it and examine the six contact pins for damage (handle with care, the pins break easily with lateral force)
   
5. Warped case (microREEL, microDRAIN, NANOreel, rM200) – press the slip ring cartridge inward, if it deflects and the camera lights come on the case is warped (user replaceable)
   • microREEL, microDRAIN, NANOreel housing assembly, CAT # 35438 
   • rM200 housing assembly, CAT # 48598
6. RIDGID CA-350 handheld monitor – refer to this article for additional troubleshooting info:
   https://help.seesnake.com/support/solutions/articles/150000185711-troubleshooting-ca-350-microreel-microdrain-nanoreel
7. Termination (where the spring meets the pushrod)
   1. Hold the spring with one hand and the pushrod with the other and flex in all directions – does the lighting and/or camera image flicker on/off?
   2. If YES, check the camera head and FleXmitter (steps 4 & 5)
   3. Termination wiring can be repaired by most authorized service centers
8. Pushrod
   1. Examine the pushrod for kinks, cuts, and deep abrasions
   2. If damage is found flex that area of the pushrod – if the LEDs and/or camera image flicker ON/OFF have the pushrod re-terminated by an authorized service center
9. Camera head (all cameras but microDRAIN or nanoREEL) – remove the head and plug it directly into the monitor (see how-to videos below)
   • If you lost the spanner wrench that came with your camera:
     https://help.seesnake.com/support/solutions/articles/150000190217-seesnake-spanner-wrench-listing-cat-numbers
   • If the LED lights are on and you see the camera image on your monitor tap the camera head gently to see if the lights/image flicker off/on (if they do your camera head requires service)
10. FleXmitter sonde (all cameras but microREEL, microDRAIN, and NANOreel, see how-to videos below)
    
    1. Remove the spring to expose the sonde and internal wiring
       • Is the sonde loose or unplugged?
    2. Plug the camera head back in (note that the camera connector is part of the sonde)
       • Starting at the camera head, flex the internal wires and each connector – do the LEDs or camera image flicker ON/OFF?
    3. Unplug the sonde and plug the camera into the cord assembly, then flex the cord at both ends – do the LEDs or camera image flicker?
       
    4. The FleXmitter is user-replaceable with moderate difficulty, however two versions are available; your local service center can order the correct part and install it for you (recommended)

VIDEOS – how to remove, test and reinstall the camera head, spring, and sonde:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbwCh0T_juvmjt7Ee21XJY7elul31edtj&si=7G1o31mk8f4CNQMD

Choosing a service center: https://help.seesnake.com/support/solutions/articles/150000188736-choosing-a-service-center-for-your-seesnake