FAQ
First, it’s no secret, we’ve built our kits around Ricoh Theta cameras for a reason. Of all the brands we’ve tested, our aim was to utilize an affordable 360 camera that offered the least noticeable stitch line, most impressive color and image quality in low light, and maintain a small footprint for some of the uniquely challenging confined space access points we find ourselves facing…and it all started back in 2015.
Our 360-degree inspection camera experiments began with the Ricoh Theta m15, a Coleman lantern, and a heavy motorized boat anchor winch on a confined space tripod.
Lighting and deployment upgrades were necessary as we saw a growing need for this technology. We tried other systems on the market by this point, but none were non-conductive for the safe remote electrical manhole inspections we were performing. So, we committed to developing our own system in-house. Among our innovations this year involved CNC machining plastics, soldering up battery powered LED light sticks, joining a fishing downrigger to a bike stand, and other enhancements… all with the aim for bright, wire-free, and non-conductive applications around electrical vaults.
Cameras advanced, and so did our testing and deployment options, with our first new lowering rig coming into fruition using 3D printed carbon-fiber-reinforced polycarbonate materials.
We began leveraging photogrammetry to convert 360 captures into measurable 3D models, serving them up in an easy-to-use and open source web-based viewer.
More revisions and refinements evolved over the 20,000 scans performed by our own field crews using the TREKK360 system.
Upgrades in materials, stronger and quieter motors, optimized camera mounts, and customized hard cases have all taken us to the next level of our innovation journey
Based on that history to set the stage, here are some common questions we have received about our system that you may find helpful.
What kind of camera are you using in your kits?
Specifically, as of this writing, we are standardized around the Ricoh Theta SC2 for universal applications including quality visual condition assessments and accurate 3D models. The Ricoh Theta Z1 is an optional upgrade for higher quality visuals in larger structures with lower lighting, but we do not recommend it at this time for 3D model accuracy due to its customized factory lens calibration and unpredictable variance in stitch line between each lens.
Is your system waterproof?
Unlike GoPro and other waterproof camera offerings, sadly the Ricoh line is not waterproof as of this writing. A waterproof enclosure is available, but it does impact the clarity of each scan with illumination artifacts. Our position is that even the waterproof cameras should not be allowed to get wet, as droplets on the lens can ruin a 3D model instantly. As such, over 99% of the manholes we scan have some kind of water in them, or active flow, but it’s easy for operators to avoid getting the camera wet in most all circumstances.
How durable are the 3D printed plastics you use for your lowering rig and lighting system?
Nylon 12 is one of the most exceptional materials for manufacturing many different products, from cable ties to ski boots. This isn’t a consumer-grade hobby plastic, like PLA, but rather a very durable and resilient semi-crystalline polyamide known to absorb very little moisture, retain strong impact resistance even in freezing temperatures, repel chemicals, withstand cracking under stress, and provide superior resistance to abrasion.
Do you sell the processing software with your hardware kits?
Processing virtual inspections is one part automation, one part art. While there are multiple programs on the market that could process panoramic viewers and 3D models, we find better consistency in the end deliverable when highly trained humans adjust and polish each and every scan for a predictable presentation. As such, we process everything in-house for a cost of $15 per Panoramic Viewer alone, or for $25 per Panoramic + 3D Model Viewer combo. These are served from our portal at trekk360.com.
Can TREKK360 generate point clouds as accurate as LIDAR?
This camera system uses photogrammetry for deriving 3D models and point clouds, which is not the same as LiDAR-derived point clouds. Unlike cameras, LiDAR uses lasers to measure distance, which offers an even tighter accuracy of measurement in a very dense scan. While TREKK360 and photogrammetry can derive “point clouds” from photogrammetry, these are not of the same degree of accuracy as a truly LiDAR-derived scan, and should not be relied upon for survey tolerances. We tend to see 1% to 2% of error over the total length of photogrammetry-derived measurements, which is a broader tolerance than the mere millimeters of error derived by LiDAR. But, for a majority of applications in Sanitary and Stormwater inspections, photogrammetry offers a generally acceptable measurement standard that is more affordable and practical to deploy across masses of structural inspections.
Do you offer virtual inspection services for any scans uploaded by TREKK360?
Yes! Our project engineers and data technicians have performed thousands of virtual inspections and can offer a custom quote for your needs. Feel free to reach out to us to start the dialogue!
What kind of batteries are needed for a TREKK360 kit?
We designed this system to be as versatile as possible, so standard 18650 batteries are used to power the lights, and a drop-in battery pack powers the motorized lowering rig. All batteries are supplied with each kit, and more can be purchased at online retailers.
Do you offer on-site training and support services for field staff?
Yes, we can arrange for this, and even virtual/phone call support too. Custom quotes for ongoing support services can be made upon request, at any time.
What kind of warranties or repair options do you offer with the purchase of a TREKK360 kit?
We have a standard 1-year warranty from the time of purchase that covers any defects in operational parts and workmanship, including the Ricoh Theta camera, under normal operational circumstances and not incurred by accidents or neglect. Any defects that were incurred as a result of exposure to water or chemicals, shock, impact, or improper storage will not be covered in this warranty. For parts covered within warranty, simply return to us with purchase verification and we will refurbish or issue replacement. For all other repairs outside of warranty, individual component replacements will be quoted as needed.
Contact Us
TREKK Design Group, LLC
1411 East 104th Street
Kansas City, MO 64131
Phone: (417) 291-2300
www.trekkllc.com
