Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: henryroberts on December 01, 2008, 10:40:45 am
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Morning gentlemen
looking at adding the camera system to my omnivac system,now we know omnipole want around £850 for their system, so Im looking t alternative suggestions b4 making a decision which way to go...here is my considerations..
a. do omniploe sell a system were its possible just to view the inside of the gutters from ground level,as I'M not looking at getting involved with passing back on a DVD recording of my work .
b. how do you attach alternative systems to the pole, to view the guttering, as a lot of my work will be 25/30 foot from ground level..and it will need to be secure.
c. does omnipoles system give a clear picture of what is inside of the guttering.
All feedback will be appreciated cheers Henry
c.
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I'm looking at Guttervac and camera , but i've seen a camera at Maplins £40 which i was going to link to my camcorder not done it yet but can't see any problems , so for £40 worth locking at.
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I wonder why they didnt go to Maplins ;D
Probably because the're not looking at mucky gutters ;D.
I'm not decrying the quality of your camera systems but when your looking to see "is it clean ?" or "is it dirty ?" the pixal resolution isn't of vast importance.
I am suprised you dont offer a budget camera system that will "do the job" ? .Actually why dont you ?
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I'm looking at Guttervac and camera , but i've seen a camera at Maplins £40 which i was going to link to my camcorder not done it yet but can't see any problems , so for £40 worth locking at.
HI DI HI HO DI OH...(just got off Maplins site) ;D ;D
they do a system with camera and monitor at £200 all in....are any lads on here using this system??
if so is this more than adequate for the job in hand...cheers.
ps glyn does yr camera system fix into the end of a powerpole???
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This is the specification for our new camera with a Panosonic chipset previous cameras we have used/ supplied used Sony or Sharp chipsets the latest Panasonic is higher Lux and the low operating Ma requirement is a real bonus.
We have supplied special units of the Met Police with our camera systems, I wonder why they didnt go to Maplins ;D
Shutter Speed PAL : 1/50¡1/100,000 sec
Gamma correction r=0.45
White balance 2100¢ªK ¡8200¢ªK Auto
Gain control 4dB~30dB Auto
Smear Effect 0.005%
MTBF 80,000 hours
Power source DC12V (Tolerence:10V~15V)
Image sensor Version " HR " : High resolution, 1/3" Panasonic CCD
Low 100Ma power requirement
Min. Illumination Version " HR " : 0.2 Lux at F2.0
Effective Pixels PAL : 752(H)X582(V)
H.Resolution 480 TV Lines
Synchronizing system Internal
Scanning system PAL 625 Lines 2:1 Interlaced
Video output 1.0Vp-p Composite. 75 Ohms
S/N ratio More then 50 dB (AGC Off)
BLC Automatic
Glyn, you really do put me off every buying anything from you with your arrogant attitude. Your business would see an increase in turnover if you simply kept your mouth firmly shut.
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nah then henry last time you went near someones house with a camerayou ended up in court . just be careful this time .bit of free advice for ya get up aladder and have a look ;)
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this camera discussion comes around every few weeks
let face it, you dont need the highest res camera's to show a client if the gutter is clean or dirty ? ? ?
let be honest now, a basic CCTV setup would let even the fussiest clients / person to see what shape the gutters are in
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can not fault there camera they r the nuts
jerry
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http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=62740.0
If you search hard enough cctv cameras and monitors with built in rechargeables can be found.
Mine has been fine for inspection ;)
Glyn doesn't like me either ;D
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GLYN
can not fault there camera they r the nuts
i just praised you for your camera
jerry
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http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=62740.0
If you search hard enough cctv cameras and monitors with built in rechargeables can be found.
Mine has been fine for inspection ;)
Glyn doesn't like me either ;D
ftp if u don,t mind me asking how much did u give for yr camera and monitor screen the one I saw on Maplins site was £2oo,and was for external use.... weather that meant waterproof I,m not sure as the young girl didn,t seem to know..ps hows yr camera system holding up???
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Can't see the one i bought any more - it was a camera and monitor bundle for less than a hundred pounds (i think). Standing up fine no problems yet. You don't really need one for residential but it's handy and the customers love it!
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http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=223420
Found it! It's not on special offer at the moment there may be others. :)
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Glyn,
I use an Ionics gutter vac and am happy using it because it runs on diesel and is compact enough to fit in my van. However, I'm not impressed with the 3 inch tubing for reaching the guttering. Can you sell your guttering poles with a connection made up to fit from your poles onto Ionics 3 inch flexible gutter hose so that I wouldn't need to use Ionics 3inch tubing pole? If you can I'd be very interested in a price for either a 30 or 36ft pole with all necessary connections to adapt to my Ionics Upkeeper. Email easycleanwayne@msn.com
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Glynn,
What powers the Camera and Reciever? Is there wires etc?
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rousing post young kevin ;)...also are there no wires dangling down yr pole from the camera to the monitor??
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Splendid post, except the question wasn't which one was the best. of course the £850 camera is better - no question. Same as an Slx pole will always be better than a Harris pole but they both can do a similar job.
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good post young kevin ;)...also are there no wires dangling down yr pole from the camera to the monitor??
The Omnipole camera is wired. But to prevent interference it is necessary to be wired. However I set the pole up in the morning and connect the wire to the pole with velcro straps and bobs your uncle and fanny is your aunt for the rest of the day. The DVD stays in my pocket though and with one simple connection I'm ready to go again.
SOLD YOUNG KEVIN ;)
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I understand exactly where your coming from Kevin so why didn't you take your own advice when you started? It's because we all have to start somewhere, now if my business takes the same route as yours then i will be in the same position to give the same advice like "waste £500 on an over complicated camera, waste another £380 on the same generator. Remember you were in the same position as the majority on here. Sure when we can boast of earning £5000 a month like yourself then we can come out with the same belittling posts as you and your sidekick. ;)
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kevin
can u advise me on a pressure washer... your input would be appreciated as gennys,powerwashes,cameras my eads in bits with all this confusion!!.....I may also have some work down south that If I get I will pass onto yrself for your help...on behalf of us all!! ;) ;)
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Steady Kevin, remember that heart! You don't have red hair by any chance? ;D
I do visit the diy forum occasionally and i also liase with Jeff on here and several others like to discuss ways of making things cheaper like van mounts,poles,brushes etc but strangely no-one gets upset about that. ???
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Ok guys here it is right from the horses mouth!!!!
I have two - yes two camera systems - one from Maplins and the other from Omnipole.
My Maplins camera is a wireless / remote rechargeable Swann camera with a monitor.
The other is a high resolution wired camera with DVD recorder from Omnipole.
Ok firstly on overcast or wet days the Maplins camera is useless because its not waterproof and the resolution is poor- also the monitor can't be viewed in daylight with out providing it with shade. Try doing this while holding the pole / monitor and trying to get a good pic of the gutter whilst watching the monitor - difficult to say the least. On dry sunny days forget seeing the monitor at all. Also because its a wireless camera it does suffer from interference. If your too close to your own generator or another electrical source the maplins wireless camera / monitor suffers.
Next up the camera system from Omnipole.
Best way to use this is to set it on record pop it in your pocket, walk along with the pole concentrating on the cameras position in relation to the gutter. Record the section of gutter and playback before using vac. It can be used in very low light / when its peeing down with rain and because its wired it doesn't suffer from interference. Because its recorded you can fast forward / rewind to your hearts content and even show your customerthe results after the job or post it to the internet for your customer to view (I charge £250 for an internet viewing and we get that regular)
I use the wired camera mounted to the base sections of the SL2, I prefer not to use the Powerpole only because I already have 2 powerpoles one set up with a spike and one as a pressure washer pole. I have a SL2 doing nothing so now its a camera pole. To be honest the top section has got a bit scratched up where it gets run along the gutter, and I would be better off buying another powerpole as they are harder wearing but Im economizing at the moment after putting another van on the road.
It is possible to use a live camera whilst vacuuming but its a two person operation and to be honest once you get the "feel" with the vac you don't need the camera except to check and re-check your work. Cut the staff, increase the profits.
The Omnipole camera is worth every penny. The Maplins camera is a back up! I use only when the batteries have run out on my Omnicam. Which is usually only because I forget to charge it.
If you have time to muck about and like the cheap side of life visit Maplins - if you want a purpose built, functional camera system that will make you £££ visit Omnipole. Its really that simple.
Hope that helps ;)
SHOCK HORROR :o :o :o
Kevin R in a Omni-fanboy post ;D ;D ;D
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Is it compulsory to fill out a profile? I don't think so. What would you like to know young Kevin?
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Funny how this has gone completely off topic don't you think? It's turned into one of those i'm bigger and better than you posts and do you know what? - I couldn't care less! I am giving advice to others how i see it, they don't have to take it nobody has to do the same as i have. Seems some of us aren't allowed to speak on this forum.
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why diy it glyn, when you can save yourself the hastle and go to harrods where its done for you
you can just pickup your christmas pud and take it to the checkout , a snap £99.99 ;D
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Glyn
I think the arguement is about cost.
No doubt you do a brilliant product, but have you considered a cheaper product as well to run in conjuction with your good stuff.
In my eyes you are preaching to the wrong audience, this forum has a good mix of new starters and long timers.
The New starters havent got £800 to spare on top of everything else they have to buy, maybe one day but not at the moment.
These very same people are your target customers in years to come, they are go getters and will invest in better equipment as they progress.
I was the same Diy everything, now i wouldnt dream of it and spend thousands every year on new equipment.
I dont want to preach to you, but if you dont want to alienate yourself from these people, i would be more helpful and help them on the forums, rather than just pitch "your products"
Also "cheapitup" comments dont help it just winds people up.
Dont think it is just you but i give the same info to all suppliers, think about it from the forum users perspective, we all dont stay Diy forever, we do eventually have hard cash to spend, and we usually spend it with those who have been good to us.
I spend all mine with Alex and WcW. ALex because he gives free advice about all products not just his own and will help with totally unrelated products which he doesnt sell.
Wcw because they are nice guys and have a huge stock and always deliver within 24 hours, no back orders dropship.
I see your unique position as top notch quality products for the serious players who want no hassle products, ie It does exactly what it says on the tin, not it might work , but it WILL work.
There is simply no need to knock those who build there own, just let your products speak for themselves
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anyone really busy doing domestic gutters?
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davids are you using a diy gutter vacuum?
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SHOCK HORROR :o :o :o
Kevin R in a Omni-fanboy post ;D ;D ;D
Another Idiot with a full profile - Its DIY Matt another man with cheap ambitions!!! ;) Too cheap to buy a real wfp pole too - prefers a fishing rod - when will you learn - that window cleaning can make you money if you apply the right attitude and the right tools? Obviously you prefer fishing why not stick to that and leave the business advise to the professionals? ;)
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Oh here we go, a big man with big idea's thinking he can put people down
i can assure you im no idiot, my lifestyle also tells me i am no idiot
the fishing pole, its light, i had a bad neck, so i looked into the fishing pole, my neck problem went, i guess im a idiot for solving a problem ( the problem being, my pole was too heavy which caused me a bad neck ), aye thats idiotic for you ::) ::)
Oh and i really dont get the issue with the profile, is it to show off websites, as i have 3 on the go, different sites with different names ? ? ?? is it so you know where i work ? ? ? ? as i do a little work near you, just outside weymouth, does that help you ? ? ? ?
this perception that some1 who DIY's own kit is not making a go of the biz and is poor is just simple that of rather blinkered unintelligent person ( some may say a idiot )
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Glyn
I think the arguement is about cost.
No doubt you do a brilliant product, but have you considered a cheaper product as well to run in conjuction with your good stuff.
In my eyes you are preaching to the wrong audience, this forum has a good mix of new starters and long timers.
The New starters havent got £800 to spare on top of everything else they have to buy, maybe one day but not at the moment.
These very same people are your target customers in years to come, they are go getters and will invest in better equipment as they progress.
I was the same Diy everything, now i wouldnt dream of it and spend thousands every year on new equipment.
I dont want to preach to you, but if you dont want to alienate yourself from these people, i would be more helpful and help them on the forums, rather than just pitch "your products"
Also "cheapitup" comments dont help it just winds people up.
Dont think it is just you but i give the same info to all suppliers, think about it from the forum users perspective, we all dont stay Diy forever, we do eventually have hard cash to spend, and we usually spend it with those who have been good to us.
I spend all mine with Alex and WcW. ALex because he gives free advice about all products not just his own and will help with totally unrelated products which he doesnt sell.
Wcw because they are nice guys and have a huge stock and always deliver within 24 hours, no back orders dropship.
I see your unique position as top notch quality products for the serious players who want no hassle products, ie It does exactly what it says on the tin, not it might work , but it WILL work.
There is simply no need to knock those who build there own, just let your products speak for themselves
Nice post this.. I wholeheartedly agree. I am myself relatively new start up business although i have been in window cleaning over 6 years, im not in the position to be buying the best for a secondary service so i decided to see if i can DIY it and see if there is a potential to use it properly in the residential market.
Obviously in time i will decide if
a) i have the funds to buy a off the self product
b) i have the custom to see the need to buy an off the self product, be that residential or maybe commercial if that type of job comes in..
This not only refers to a gutter vac it also goes with anything i might need in this job, be it a pole, a system etc..
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sometimes people DIY because they can, they enjoy it, its a challenge, you can stand back and look at what you have made and think " yes i made that ", i guess the thing with window cleaning is you have no real end product, for me, i miss fitting a kitchen and standing back after 1 week and thinking " a damm fine job "
Oh and some DIY because it seems to get on people nerves on here, its been said before, that people who moan / belittle and complain about the DIY'ers feel they should because they know deep down they paid over the odds of a system off the shelf
the DIY fishing pole for me was all about lightness, my neck hurt, i remmbered Jeff B's pole, he said it was really light, thus i had a go, it solved my neck pain
its not allways because it cheaper
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Matt
But DIYing can also be theft of intelectual property.
If you were DIY a guttervac for example and companies started making it in a professional workshops then thats one thing.
But not one of you came up with the concept you just copied exactly even down to my design of the original gutterhead and even chose my original choice of Vac.
In the eyes of the law that is theft.
You can deny it if you like , but it is a legal fact and in a law court I could claim substantual damages and would be awarded them.
i can see your point, i honestly can Glyn
the thing is, this has been going on forever, look at motor-cars, some1 decides to have central locking, they spend the money on R&D and bring it out, now every car has central locking
It could be said that compaines did the same with WFP stuff, tucker started it all off, then others ( inc yourself ) decided to follow
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Glyn....i doubt that you invented the guttervac.
I can remeber in Australia,over 10 years ago,a company who used to suck leaves out of gutters in properties located in western australia.I can even remember that they used an industrial vac with a long hose...so does intellectual property rights cover worldwide.
I doubt very much that a person putting a hose on a pole and attaching it to a vac constitutes any law breaking.....
I remember you many moons ago you using the threat of legal action against someone who said they were going to make their own system...what happened then,because as far as i am aware there are many that have done so?
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Matt
Actually we were there with using purified water before Tucker Pole.
Craig Mowlam originally OTT and now Ionics started in 1997 was using Tucker Poles from the USA for his own window cleaning business whilst at the same time we were using poles from Omnico Inc with my own systems.
Tucker up to that point was being used with soap dispensers.
In February 1998 some Nat fed members asked me to build some van mounts for them and the rest is history.
Ok Glyn
but you get my point, Ionics were using Tucker poles, now look at them, and you were using Omnico Inc poles ( who i see you purchased the patents and patterns from them )
from your site though ( i know its not a secret )
yet it seems that Mr Tom Sedgemore was a little fond of DIY ;)
WATER FED POLE HISTORY
The first water fed pole was built by Tuckerpole almost 50 years ago and is still today a quality product. The Omnipole was created in the mid 1990's by Tom Sedgemore of Seatle Washington USA a lifelong window cleaner who adapted Tuckers original design to suit window cleaners needs using the same high quality aircraft aluminum. Following Toms death Omnipole UK Ltd purchased the Omnico Inc patents and paterns from Tom's wife Bonnie. Omnipole continue to use the aircraft aluminum heavy duty gooseneck and through the brush twin jet system designed by Tom and these have never been surpassed. August 2002 The new PowerPole incorporates the very best of all the poles we have built. together with unique patented multi purpose accesories. Use with the Hot Pole system for the Ultimate in cleaning performance. Copyright © Omnipole(UK) Ltd.
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glyn
I know u supply the loncin genny but do u also supply the stephill genny as an alternative cheers
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Sageorgeta
You have the advantage so far as no one could possibly know who you are because you use this name.
You can doubt what you like but facts are facts.
Also Guttervac operators in Australia and New Zealand walk on roofs and use a blower or a hand held vacumm hose to clean gutters.
Glyn ,maybe some do but i can assure you that a company from Mundaring that were doing gutters on sports halls and other school buildings were using a system based from the ground.Now that was well before your system came about,so as i say i wonder how you can profess to have intellectual rights.
How do i know they were doing this,well i lived there,sawyers valley just outside perth.They were a professional setup with a good looking system for the job...much the same as yours. :)
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nessessity is the mother of invention
I would like--- a guttervac/omnivac with a camera system-- an SL2 60ft-- a jetwash system-- a generator-- etc etc. i cannot afford them all , so i pick and choose and look at all the options available and decide what is best for me and my wallet . I think that is sensible.
the cost of the camera system relative to the vac is high and if i can get a reasonable result from a "maplins" camera for 5% of that cost great ,if not i've lost £40 WOW,
I like others think Glyns "people skills" are not his strongest fort'e and i hope as a potential customer that they do not come between us in the future. ;D
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Now that was well before your system came about,
Are you saying before 2001? Which is when I developed the system to clean high level ledges on London Underground Stations.
One of the engineers that used us with the system at London Underground returned to Australia in 2003, maybe he took our idea back and developed it into a business.
Yes...i lived in Western Australia in the late nineties.I was living in sawyers valley in 1998 so it would be around that time.
Glyn i am not having a go about your ability to develope products that others want,good on you for that,all i am really questioning is the fact that i have seen this type of system developed before yours and therefore you cannot possibly go on about intellectual property rights.
Maybe the guy you had working for you put the seed of an idea into your head,as he came from OZ he may have seen it or heard about it before,and you developed a system for your company...as i say good on you for your development.
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as anyone brought one of the POLE-MOUNTED WEATHERPROOF WIRELESS CAMERA & WIRELESS HAND-HELD MONITOR/RECORDER COMPLETE
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not yet ...but i,m going to see the man,and have a day out in Southport ;)
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is he based in south port? ???
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Hi Drive Surgeon,
Yes, we're not far from you. Why not pop over and see for yourself?
Andrew
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That'll stir things up no end. :o
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Suggest you have a look at our camera system, which is far better than the Maplin system, and includes a lightweight pole, and is excellent value for money. See http://www.andwat.co.uk/acatalog/NEW_PRODUCT_RANGE_-_WFP_GUTTER_CLEANING_SYSTEM.html
Whats the camera sytem spec Andrew your website doesn't give any?
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andrews water - the gutter hook looks a bit pricy, do you get a pole with it or is it a mistake
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andrew do you sell any other things like gutter vacuums?
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Is there a "GutterVac" logo going round yet for putting on the van livery?
I reckon a well designed pictorially descriptive logo would be a great marketing aid for a service which the average householder hasn't seen in action yet,...
Is the term "Guttervac" trademarked yet like "Reach & Wash" is?
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Nat, Did you see my logo? ;D
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Glyn I have bought your gutter vac system and generator. The vac is ok and the genny I still haven't used . But having read your posts here I will be a lot slower buying from you again as I find your attidude to be insulting to guys starting out who may not be able to afford off the shelf systems. I believe that everyone wants the best gear and will buy it as and when they can afford it. I have a diy water fed pole system and poles from Gardiners and Sure Clean and everything works fine. I also think that everyone should be able to make their own systems and for that matter poles. And while you may have come up with the gutter vac system you didn't invent the vac or for that matter the wheel
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Nat, Did you see my logo? ;D
Are you Derek from that other forum? :P
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Is there a "GutterVac" logo going round yet for putting on the van livery?
I reckon a well designed pictorially descriptive logo would be a great marketing aid for a service which the average householder hasn't seen in action yet,...
Is the term "Guttervac" trademarked yet like "Reach & Wash" is?
What a good idea! Maybe it should just read "suckers" ;D
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Nat, Did you see my logo? ;D
Saw you logo,.. its a good one!
Did you get it done professionally?
Andy's one is very pro looking too,.. it'd be hard to choose between them!
Glyn I have bought your gutter vac system and generator. The vac is ok and the genny I still haven't used . But having read your posts here I will be a lot slower buying from you again as I find your attidude to be insulting to guys starting out who may not be able to afford off the shelf systems. I believe that everyone wants the best gear and will buy it as and when they can afford it. I have a diy water fed pole system and poles from Gardiners and Sure Clean and everything works fine. I also think that everyone should be able to make their own systems and for that matter poles. And while you may have come up with the gutter vac system you didn't invent the vac or for that matter the wheel
Very well said Michael,.. agree with you 100%.
I'll have to pop down someday and have a look at your guttervac,... I'm going to have to get one myself soon, and its nice to see what you're getting before you buy,.... even if I do end up buying a "ripped off, stolen, thieved, copyright infringed, evil" non-omnivac one!!
:) :)
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Glyn I have bought your gutter vac system and generator. The vac is ok and the genny I still haven't used . But having read your posts here I will be a lot slower buying from you again as I find your attidude to be insulting to guys starting out who may not be able to afford off the shelf systems. I believe that everyone wants the best gear and will buy it as and when they can afford it. I have a diy water fed pole system and poles from Gardiners and Sure Clean and everything works fine. I also think that everyone should be able to make their own systems and for that matter poles. And while you may have come up with the gutter vac system you didn't invent the vac or for that matter the wheel
ditto, i have bought the vac and camera kit from omnipole, i too would be reluctant to buy from them again with glyns attitude,
The after service isnt that clever either, i phoned up stating the tabs have fallen off the clamps and there reply was' it has happened to anyone else in 18 months. no offer of replacements
the flexible necks keep moving when working, every 10 metres or so, so you have to keep pushing them up by pushing on the guttering, mine now keeps falling off , it comes apart in the same place every time, its fallen to the ground and broken 2 nozzles. i phoned them up, and guess what the reply was. yep ' it hasnt happened to anyone else in 18 months'
I needed a nozzlefor another job so i had to order one, it came very quickly along with an invoice.
If your going to buy ones of these kits so you get the after care service, think again.
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Nat, Did you see my logo? ;D
Are you Derek from that other forum? :P
Yeah, I want to change name on here but d'ont know who to get on to as there is no pm's.
Nat, Did you see my logo? ;D
Saw you logo,.. its a good one!
Did you get it done professionally?
Yeah i got a company to make it for me. I have it on my clothing flyers etc as i was trading as that for few months. It was a fun type logo.
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Kev - maybe they keep you happy as you test there gear , but the aftersales in my experience is poor , on the other hand if i were to purchase an item it would be next day
I bought the camera and 48 ft vac kit and accesories for 3k, there was nothing to explain how to put it together although it was simple enough.
the Jubilee clips would require a simple spot weld to solve this problem but at 3k i thought this would be done, as this has happened to you kev and you test there equipment they obviously know its a problem
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The way some of you jump on Glyn when he comes on here is unfair I feel. He has a discussion with one person the another 10 turn up who have taken no part so far and slate him for not inventing the vacuum itself.
he should be ok, he will allways have you to defend him ::)
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the Jubilee clips would require a simple spot weld to solve this problem but at 3k i thought this would be done, as this has happened to you kev and you test there equipment they obviously know its a problem
I was also on to omnipole about this so your not alone. It wasn't really a big deal and now i am spot welding them as i get them from omnipole.
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Glyn i think your problem on this site is a large number (not all) of folks are in the same position as myself, sole traders with no employees who started of trad and are used to low overheads and a large percentage of their turnover being profit. It is quite difficult to adjust from having very low costs for equipment and supplies to spending thousands. My choices are to cut costs and increase my profits and have more money for personal use or invest in equipment and plan to use it to increase turnover, this leads to another problem.
I would like a gutter vac but the problem is this my customers are used to having their gutters cleaned out cheaply a typical domestic gutter job for me would take 45 minutes to an hour involve the gutters emptied (from a ladder)facias being cleaned and cost the customer around about £30 with both parties happy. If i were to purchase a gutter vac and the needed equipment it would no longer be cost effective at my current rates, would the customer accept the price increase? What is the alternative? after looking at your site i notice that your system apears to be a mixture of off the shelf products and bespoke so an option is to puchase the bespoke items from yourself and get the off the shelf items from else where cheaper.
This is probably why there are a large number of diyers on this forum because can be hard to get a customer base used to paying prices which they aren't used to so we have to keep our outlay on equipment low.
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Glyn i think your problem on this site is a large number (not all) of folks are in the same position as myself, sole traders with no employees who started of trad and are used to low overheads and a large percentage of their turnover being profit. It is quite difficult to adjust from having very low costs for equipment and supplies to spending thousands. My choices are to cut costs and increase my profits and have more money for personal use or invest in equipment and plan to use it to increase turnover, this leads to another problem.
I would like a gutter vac but the problem is this my customers are used to having their gutters cleaned out cheaply a typical domestic gutter job for me would take 45 minutes to an hour involve the gutters emptied (from a ladder)facias being cleaned and cost the customer around about £30 with both parties happy. If i were to purchase a gutter vac and the needed equipment it would no longer be cost effective at my current rates, would the customer accept the price increase? What is the alternative? after looking at your site i notice that your system apears to be a mixture of off the shelf products and bespoke so an option is to puchase the bespoke items from yourself and get the off the shelf items from else where cheaper.
This is probably why there are a large number of diyers on this forum because can be hard to get a customer base used to paying prices which they aren't used to so we have to keep our outlay on equipment low.
the main problem is, for the guttervac, you can source the exact same parts and just put them together in a few hours and save yourself alot of money
for the camera, you just need to show the customer what state they are in AND / OR how clean they are after you have finished, a camera on a pole will show that, it doenst need to be HD, im sure even a black and white image would be good enough, afterall thats what the drain camera's used to be ( infact some still are )
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Glyn i think your problem on this site is a large number (not all) of folks are in the same position as myself, sole traders with no employees who started of trad and are used to low overheads and a large percentage of their turnover being profit. It is quite difficult to adjust from having very low costs for equipment and supplies to spending thousands. My choices are to cut costs and increase my profits and have more money for personal use or invest in equipment and plan to use it to increase turnover, this leads to another problem.
I would like a gutter vac but the problem is this my customers are used to having their gutters cleaned out cheaply a typical domestic gutter job for me would take 45 minutes to an hour involve the gutters emptied (from a ladder)facias being cleaned and cost the customer around about £30 with both parties happy. If i were to purchase a gutter vac and the needed equipment it would no longer be cost effective at my current rates, would the customer accept the price increase? What is the alternative? after looking at your site i notice that your system apears to be a mixture of off the shelf products and bespoke so an option is to puchase the bespoke items from yourself and get the off the shelf items from else where cheaper.
This is probably why there are a large number of diyers on this forum because can be hard to get a customer base used to paying prices which they aren't used to so we have to keep our outlay on equipment low.
the main problem is, for the guttervac, you can source the exact same parts and just put them together in a few hours and save yourself alot of money
for the camera, you just need to show the customer what state they are in AND / OR how clean they are after you have finished, a camera on a pole will show that, it doenst need to be HD, im sure even a black and white image would be good enough, afterall thats what the drain camera's used to be ( infact some still are )
TBH, its easier now as we have all helped each other find various fixings and parts. But if one person who doesn;t know what to look for is trying a collate and fix it yourself, then i guess it would take a lot longer then a few hours to source.
Then you have to wait for them all to arrive from different places - make various trips to the courier depots to collect what you missed whilst you wer out working. So buying an off the self product is a lot simpler - but obviously you pay more for it.
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Mine came from two places. One place for the vac and the other for the generator. No problems whatsoever.
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what vac and poles you using again ftp, sl2 poles?
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Steve Uk I have the same problem with the tabs. Now to be fair I haven't been on to Omni Vac about it. For those guys who do mainly domestic as I do there are a couple of points to remember.
1) It usually isn't worth while setting up the vac as you will have most standard gutters emptied by hand while you are setting up.
2) You will need to prearange access to electricity with the customers if you don't have a genny assuming that the customer isn't home when you do the job.
3) The biggest problem I have found is that in a lot of cases the tiles or slate are too close to the gutter to use it at all.
The Omni Vac is good and will remove most everything with a bit of effort, but personally I use one of those paint brushes for doing behind radiators as it give you and extra two feet either side of you from the ladder. I have also found the white round conduit used for electricial cable to be very useful as it is flexible but still strong. I fixed a piece of metal onto the end in an L shape and turn it up when pushing the conduit up the gutter and turn it flat when pulling back. Basic but works and saves moving the ladder. A gutter vac is a handy bit of kit to own and will be invaluable on some jobs but most domestic jobs can be done without it.
Nathanael I look foward to talking to you and hopefully over Christmas we can sort out the tank. I will probably buy the van from the U.K. and will be going over for it early Jan. Will ring you soon.
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If you are happy going up ladders and can access above consevatories then a guttervac is a complete waste of money for residential work. However, if you have no intention of using ladders - like me, then they are great. It's the same as the trad versus wfp debates really. To the guy on a ladder the whole idea of spending thousands on a glorified hoover must look like a joke.
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Glyn i think your problem on this site is a large number (not all) of folks are in the same position as myself, sole traders with no employees who started of trad and are used to low overheads and a large percentage of their turnover being profit. It is quite difficult to adjust from having very low costs for equipment and supplies to spending thousands. My choices are to cut costs and increase my profits and have more money for personal use or invest in equipment and plan to use it to increase turnover, this leads to another problem.
I would like a gutter vac but the problem is this my customers are used to having their gutters cleaned out cheaply a typical domestic gutter job for me would take 45 minutes to an hour involve the gutters emptied (from a ladder)facias being cleaned and cost the customer around about £30 with both parties happy. If i were to purchase a gutter vac and the needed equipment it would no longer be cost effective at my current rates, would the customer accept the price increase? What is the alternative? after looking at your site i notice that your system apears to be a mixture of off the shelf products and bespoke so an option is to puchase the bespoke items from yourself and get the off the shelf items from else where cheaper.
This is probably why there are a large number of diyers on this forum because can be hard to get a customer base used to paying prices which they aren't used to so we have to keep our outlay on equipment low.
the main problem is, for the guttervac, you can source the exact same parts and just put them together in a few hours and save yourself alot of money
for the camera, you just need to show the customer what state they are in AND / OR how clean they are after you have finished, a camera on a pole will show that, it doenst need to be HD, im sure even a black and white image would be good enough, afterall thats what the drain camera's used to be ( infact some still are )
i have the camera set up from omnipole i get two or three jobs a month working for my local council doing high level work for them. i e next week i have a job filming support struts over a swimming pool. for that kind of work you need the right gear so omnipoles fits the bill.
so dont think that all you can look at is gutters if you pay the money gety th
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Glyn i think your problem on this site is a large number (not all) of folks are in the same position as myself, sole traders with no employees who started of trad and are used to low overheads and a large percentage of their turnover being profit. It is quite difficult to adjust from having very low costs for equipment and supplies to spending thousands. My choices are to cut costs and increase my profits and have more money for personal use or invest in equipment and plan to use it to increase turnover, this leads to another problem.
I would like a gutter vac but the problem is this my customers are used to having their gutters cleaned out cheaply a typical domestic gutter job for me would take 45 minutes to an hour involve the gutters emptied (from a ladder)facias being cleaned and cost the customer around about £30 with both parties happy. If i were to purchase a gutter vac and the needed equipment it would no longer be cost effective at my current rates, would the customer accept the price increase? What is the alternative? after looking at your site i notice that your system apears to be a mixture of off the shelf products and bespoke so an option is to puchase the bespoke items from yourself and get the off the shelf items from else where cheaper.
This is probably why there are a large number of diyers on this forum because can be hard to get a customer base used to paying prices which they aren't used to so we have to keep our outlay on equipment low.
the main problem is, for the guttervac, you can source the exact same parts and just put them together in a few hours and save yourself alot of money
for the camera, you just need to show the customer what state they are in AND / OR how clean they are after you have finished, a camera on a pole will show that, it doenst need to be HD, im sure even a black and white image would be good enough, afterall thats what the drain camera's used to be ( infact some still are )
i have the camera set up from omnipole i get two or three jobs a month working for my local council doing high level work for them. i e next week i have a job filming support struts over a swimming pool. for that kind of work you need the right gear so omnipoles fits the bill.
so dont think that all you can look at is gutters if you pay the money get the right gear theres a lot more you can do
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Glyn i think your problem on this site is a large number (not all) of folks are in the same position as myself, sole traders with no employees who started of trad and are used to low overheads and a large percentage of their turnover being profit. It is quite difficult to adjust from having very low costs for equipment and supplies to spending thousands. My choices are to cut costs and increase my profits and have more money for personal use or invest in equipment and plan to use it to increase turnover, this leads to another problem.
I would like a gutter vac but the problem is this my customers are used to having their gutters cleaned out cheaply a typical domestic gutter job for me would take 45 minutes to an hour involve the gutters emptied (from a ladder)facias being cleaned and cost the customer around about £30 with both parties happy. If i were to purchase a gutter vac and the needed equipment it would no longer be cost effective at my current rates, would the customer accept the price increase? What is the alternative? after looking at your site i notice that your system apears to be a mixture of off the shelf products and bespoke so an option is to puchase the bespoke items from yourself and get the off the shelf items from else where cheaper.
This is probably why there are a large number of diyers on this forum because can be hard to get a customer base used to paying prices which they aren't used to so we have to keep our outlay on equipment low.
the main problem is, for the guttervac, you can source the exact same parts and just put them together in a few hours and save yourself alot of money
for the camera, you just need to show the customer what state they are in AND / OR how clean they are after you have finished, a camera on a pole will show that, it doenst need to be HD, im sure even a black and white image would be good enough, afterall thats what the drain camera's used to be ( infact some still are )
i have the camera set up from omnipole i get two or three jobs a month working for my local council doing high level work for them. i e next week i have a job filming support struts over a swimming pool. for that kind of work you need the right gear so omnipoles fits the bill.
so dont think that all you can look at is gutters if you pay the money gety th
thats fair enough, but you get my point about showing if gutters are clean or not
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Yeah, I want to change name on here but d'ont know who to get on to as there is no pm's.
At the top of the page click on 'PROFILE' then on the next page click on 'ACCOUNT RELATED SETTINGS' you can change your name on that page.
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Why thank you Kevin ;)
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I do also think a "users guide" would be useful.
Kev
Complicated things vacuums, aren't they Kevin? - switch on then switch off. ;D
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ftp, do you think you deffo need 51mm suction hose when using a diy vac with sl2 base sections? also does the 51mm hose just fit into the base of one of the sections easy?
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Bigger the better really. However, there's not much point in using the larger section if the tubes are smaller in my opinion. The 38mm hose with cuff fits perfectly in the Sl2 base section. I have the sections upside down to stop ingress of water and muck into the joins. I think others using SL2 sections might be using the larger hose such as Mr H. Maybe he might pop up and give you an answer. You need to look carefully at the costs involved - i use SL2 sections because i also use an SL2 pole for windowcleaning and can chop and change to give me a 60' windowcleaning pole and wanted the lightest pole i could get.
It could be better for you to buy complete from Omnipole with their own pole. Do the maths and then decide for yourself.
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i know i cant decide >:(
wot im looking at is
wet n dry vac £259
sl2 base sections x 4 £250
pole for gutter spike £ ?
attachments £ ?
camera pole £ ?
do you get everything you need with omnivac? inc suction pole and spike pole and camera and attachments? im just starting with domestic ?
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If you are happy going up ladders and can access above consevatories then a guttervac is a complete waste of money for residential work.
Fantastically well put ;D ;D ;D
I tried it and no joy.. Thanks anyway..
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Suggest you have a look at our camera system, which is far better than the Maplin system, and includes a lightweight pole, and is excellent value for money. See http://www.andwat.co.uk/acatalog/NEW_PRODUCT_RANGE_-_WFP_GUTTER_CLEANING_SYSTEM.html
Is this system as good as the Omni one? Seems to be almost one third of the price. Just a thought, how can the gutters be surveyed with a hand-held monitor if two hands are on the pole?
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Our system is not claimed to be as highly specified as the Omnipole system, but doesn't need to be. It's ideal for its purpose - gutter inspection, at a fraction of their price. The monitor/recorder stores video on an internal SD card - up to 2Gb maximum as an option. The whole set up is battery operated, so there are NO trailing cables. The 9V standard PP3 battery is secured to the pole by Velcro, and in over two years' regular use has never become dislodged. If it did, and fell, it would disconnect from the camera, and 9V batteries are cheap enough. The recorder has an internal rechargeable lithium battery, giving over 5 hours use between charges.
The last point about the monitor being hand-held or in a pocket applies equally to both ours and the Omnipole system. In practice, we prefer to secure the monitor to the bottom section of the included lightweight pole, with velcro again, so that you can see in real time what you're actually filming up in the gutter.
Have a look at our earlier post, giving an independent review of our system.
Andrew
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Good stuff velcro, that's how my battery is secured too in a velcro pouch with another band that straps to the pole. I carry a couple of spares too and use rechargeable. Well done Andrew you have spotted a gap in the market i believe. ;)
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You really dont need a camera most of the time just walk along with the scraper on top of the pole to loosen then either vac or presure wash out, it is very rare you need a camera
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that sounds good as if i get vac the camera is a lot extra money! ::)
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Another charming post Kevin, well done.
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Kevin, Andrews camera obviously isn't for you and it's not aimed at your type but lot's of people on here keep asking about cheaper camera systems so why not give it a rest for once?
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Kevin, Andrews camera obviously isn't for you and it's not aimed at your type but lot's of people on here keep asking about cheaper camera systems so why not give it a rest for once?
Because it is not "fit for purpose". Why dont you buy one if you want and find out the hard way. Buy hey ho you haven't got a bloody clue either you f***ing idiot!
Your skint now you'll be skint in 10 years time - enjoy your life loser ;D
charming
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Kevin what's wrong with you man? Is Glyn sitting next to you working the wires?
Say Alex Gardiner for example makes the latest SL3 pole and someone else like Emporium does something similar but cheaper would Alex come on here throwing his toys out of the pram and abusing anyone who's thinking of buying the cheaper version? Of course he doesn't he's professional he goes away and thinks about it, keeps quiet and lets the product do the talking or produces something better, more competitive. By the way i think swearing is frowned upon by the mods even if it is asterisks. :o
There is a market for a cheaper simpler camera, not everyone wants to spend £920 on one if they are dipping their toes in the market do they? Chill out man.
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good sales pitch guys :P
jerry
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Another Idiot with a full profile - Its DIY Matt another man with cheap ambitions!!! ;) Too cheap to buy a real wfp pole too - prefers a fishing rod - when will you learn - that window cleaning can make you money if you apply the right attitude and the right tools? Obviously you prefer fishing why not stick to that and leave the business advise to the professionals? ;)
Kevin, Andrews camera obviously isn't for you and it's not aimed at your type but lot's of people on here keep asking about cheaper camera systems so why not give it a rest for once?
Because it is not "fit for purpose". Why dont you buy one if you want and find out the hard way. Buy hey ho you haven't got a bloody clue either you f***ing idiot!
Your skint now you'll be skint in 10 years time - enjoy your life loser ;D
seems this thread has got to Kevin, first i am called a idiot, then ftp is called a F'ing idiot and a loser ( all in this same thread )
2 fairly abusive posts really, from such a professional aswell ::) ::)
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Strangely my cheap Maplins crap works fine with the generator running and the monitor works in the sunshine, the camera even works in the dark and i haven't been knocked unconcious by a small battery yet. Andrews is even better than my crap Maplins set up because his has a memory card and comes with its own pole. Omnipole could do with listening to some members on here and maybe produce their own value system instead of stupid name calling by it's owner?
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Strangely my cheap Maplins crap works fine with the generator running and the monitor works in the sunshine, the camera even works in the dark and i haven't been knocked unconcious by a small battery yet. Andrews is even better than my crap Maplins set up because his has a memory card and comes with its own pole. Omnipole could do with listening to some members on here and maybe produce their own value system instead of stupid name calling by it's owner?
ref the falling battery
i can give you a nice hard hat if you want, i have a box of them
problem solving ;D at its very best ;D
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ref the falling battery
i can give you a nice hard hat if you want, i have a box of them
problem solving ;D at its very best ;D
Yep and a hard hat protects your shoulders too doesn't it? Idiot
good sales pitch guys :P
jerry
I don't work for Omnipole - Omnivac or Glynn - I AM A CUSTOMER - HE IS A SUPPLIER but some of you will never get that either - Idiots
Strangely my cheap Maplins crap works fine with the generator running and the monitor works in the sunshine, the camera even works in the dark and i haven't been knocked unconcious by a small battery yet. Andrews is even better than my crap Maplins set up because his has a memory card and comes with its own pole. Omnipole could do with listening to some members on here and maybe produce their own value system instead of stupid name calling by it's owner?
And your sh!t doesnt stink either - Idiot
Well I've had it with the same old numpties hijacking threads - you don't come on here to help each other grow your businesses you come on here to see how cheap you can be - DIY DIY wont spend a dime to grow - don't understand marketing or much else - enjoy being losers
Adios ;)
deary me, toys out of pram again :o :o your not making yourself look good tonight
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Strange chap. I thought it was a perfectly sensible discussion about cameras ???
Someone mentioned hard hats not being enough to stop a falling diddy battery, so what happens if you knock a tile off?
Kevin do they make hats your size?
Oh he's deleted all his posts. Has he left again?
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Strangely my cheap Maplins crap works fine with the generator running and the monitor works in the sunshine, the camera even works in the dark and i haven't been knocked unconcious by a small battery yet. Andrews is even better than my crap Maplins set up because his has a memory card and comes with its own pole. Omnipole could do with listening to some members on here and maybe produce their own value system instead of stupid name calling by it's owner?
ref the falling battery
i can give you a nice hard hat if you want, i have a box of them
problem solving ;D at its very best ;D
How much for postage? I need one..lol
maybe i should just pop to the local safety supplies shop..
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wow :o :o :o
just read thru all that stuff
kevin r, you really are an arrogant jerk
totally blinkered viewpoint
anyway
all this camera stuff seems a bit ott but
oregon scientific do a little thing called active or action cam i think
any way its well tuff and about 100 quid
record and playback on a tv or laptop
no monitors or whatever but pics are ok and good enough for gutter work i would think
and it is tuff :)
me and my brother in law have used one on trail bike rides,mini moto,off road land rover sessions ,quad biking etc . just gaffer tape it to bumper/helmet etc
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Strangely my cheap Maplins crap works fine with the generator running and the monitor works in the sunshine, the camera even works in the dark and i haven't been knocked unconcious by a small battery yet. Andrews is even better than my crap Maplins set up because his has a memory card and comes with its own pole. Omnipole could do with listening to some members on here and maybe produce their own value system instead of stupid name calling by it's owner?
ref the falling battery
i can give you a nice hard hat if you want, i have a box of them
problem solving ;D at its very best ;D
How much for postage? I need one..lol
maybe i should just pop to the local safety supplies shop..
lol
personally for the people who are doing the gutter cleans, a hard hat would be a good bit of PPE
my fav hard hat is the 1 i have from the hoover damm hard hat tour, if ever any1 goes to Las vegas, its a muct do, not just to see the damm, do the hard hat tour ;)
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Suggest you have a look at our camera system, which is far better than the Maplin system, and includes a lightweight pole, and is excellent value for money. See http://www.andwat.co.uk/acatalog/NEW_PRODUCT_RANGE_-_WFP_GUTTER_CLEANING_SYSTEM.html
Is this system as good as the Omni one? Seems to be almost one third of the price. Just a thought, how can the gutters be surveyed with a hand-held monitor if two hands are on the pole?
Definateley a two man set up, have you tried moving about a 5 or 6kv genny by yourself, certain posters have slightly mislead people with the operations side of the business and also the financial outlay required to set up for this add on business.... my advice to people who haven,t already got existing orders for this type of work is to invest the money into a small commercial window cleaning round.
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wow :o :o :o
just read thru all that stuff
kevin r, you really are an arrogant jerk
totally blinkered viewpoint
anyway
all this camera stuff seems a bit ott but
oregon scientific do a little thing called active or action cam i think
any way its well tuff and about 100 quid
record and playback on a tv or laptop
no monitors or whatever but pics are ok and good enough for gutter work i would think
and it is tuff :)
me and my brother in law have used one on trail bike rides,mini moto,off road land rover sessions ,quad biking etc . just gaffer tape it to bumper/helmet etc
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Re: camera system for guttervac
« Reply #109 on: Today at 09:24:52pm »
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Quote from: L.J.Thorpe on Today at 09:01:54pm
wow
just read thru all that stuff
kevin r, you really are an arrogant jerk
totally blinkered viewpoint
anyway
all this camera stuff seems a bit ott but
oregon scientific do a little thing called active or action cam i think
any way its well tuff and about 100 quid
record and playback on a tv or laptop
no monitors or whatever but pics are ok and good enough for gutter work i would think
and it is tuff
me and my brother in law have used one on trail bike rides,mini moto,off road land rover sessions ,quad biking etc . just gaffer tape it to bumper/helmet etc
this is not my post comp has gone mad
jerry
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Well Kevins deleted all the posts he can (especially the childish abusive ones).
Shame really because some of his advice was good before his head got too big.
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=65819.0
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Well Kevins deleted all the posts he can (especially the childish abusive ones).
Shame really because some of his advice was good before his head got too big.
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=65819.0
good job i put them in qoutes then ;) ;)
he is still online, i wonder what his next childish put down will be ??? ??? ???
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I don't always agree with Kev,.. and he has got a bit carried away on some threads,... but he has given me (and many others) some very good advice & help in the past.
Give him the benefit of the doubt, he could have had a really bad day,...
Let this one drop and lets all go back to mocking Discount!!!
:)
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did anyone get to view Andrews pole and camera system feedback welcome cheers Trevor Povey