BTC/Smucker Indexing Handle System

Lightweight cylindrical cap slides along square handle. Roller latch (right end of cap) engages the detentes, locking handle into precise locations along Minirhizotron tube.

This optional system allows the camera to return to exact locations in all Minirhizotron tubes. It allows precise comparisons of individual viewing frames across time. The Indexing Handle System is available with all BTC camera heads.

The index cap locks into place at the top of the tube. The handle then moves the camera along the tube, locking into precise locations as the cap's rolling latch engages a succession of detentes in the handle.

Each video frame sees an area of tube wall 12.5 mm vertical by 18 mm horizontal. Full coverage with the 7-foot long, 2 segment handle provides numbered frames 12.5 mm apart down the tube. Viewing around the circumference of the tube is controlled by the rotational index release, located on top of the handle shown above. Each rotational index hole can be arranged to cover 18 mm of the tube circumference.

Lightweight cylindrical cap slides along square handle. Roller latch (right end of cap) engages the detentes, locking handle into precise locations along Minirhizotron tube.

This optional system allows the camera to return to exact locations in all Minirhizotron tubes. It allows precise comparisons of individual viewing frames across time. The Indexing Handle System is available with all BTC camera heads.

The index cap locks into place at the top of the tube. The handle then moves the camera along the tube, locking into precise locations as the cap's rolling latch engages a succession of detentes in the handle.

Each video frame sees an area of tube wall 12.5 mm vertical by 18 mm horizontal. Full coverage with the 7-foot long, 2 segment handle provides numbered frames 12.5 mm apart down the tube. Viewing around the circumference of the tube is controlled by the rotational index release, located on top of the handle shown above. Each rotational index hole can be arranged to cover 18 mm of the tube circumference.

No etched lines or numbered cross hatches mar the tube's surface. The operator reads the camera locations from the handle onto the audio channel of the video recorder through a microphone. The location can also be displayed on the video tape and monitor screen with the optional Screen Counter. A 5-foot long carrying tube is provided to hold the camera head installed on one handle segment. Insertion of the second handle segment is the only assembly required.

The photo below shows the Indexing Handle System with the BTC-100X camera head.