February 15, 1999
Special to Tree Care Industry 

Inspect trees with color video camera mounted on a 50-foot pole.

The TreeTop II speeds inspection times and reduces the need for climbing trees. The 
device can be used to evaluate the general health of the tree, as well as monitor 
pest invastions such as the Asian longhorned beetle.  Arborists can inspect trees 
from the ground using this color video camera mounted on a 50-foot telescoping 
fiberoptic pole.  High-resolution color images are displayed on a 3.8 inch diagonal 
ground level LCD monitor mounted on the base of the pole.  The cable spool with 
rotary electronic feedthrough manages 50 feet of camera cable. With the low weight 
and ergonomic design, it is feasible for one arborist to conduct surveys that were 
previously considered two-person jobs.  The 16 lb. total carry weight includes the 
battery and 50-foot pole.  The maximum erection weight, or weight of all liftable 
pole sections and camera, is 9.3 lbs. The camera head weighs less than 6 oz.  In 
one field application, two-person teams were reduced by half, and inspection times 
were greatly increased. A complete system costs $4,550 and includes a 50-foot 
telescoping pole, 3.8 inch color monitor, color video camera, battery with charger
 and spool mounted camera cable with rotary electronic feedthrough.  Optional extras 
include:  Sony VCR ($1,050), Pelican carrying case for the electronics ($189.95), 
and vinyl bag for the pole ($59.95).  Not pictured is the TreeTop I, a $1,950 system 
mounted on a 16-foot aluminum pole.

Located 80 miles east of San Francisco, Christensen Designs specializes in custom 
video inspection tools, electronics and robotics.  For sales information contact 
Ann Christensen at (800) 928-9111, or download the catalog at: www.PeeperPeople.com.  
For technical questions and requests for custom designs call John Christensen at 
(209) 239-5414.  Christensen Designs, 349 Scenic Place, Manteca CA 95337.