Detecting corona on overhead lines and substations in full daylight calls for a solar-blind ultraviolet camera, one that ignores solar radiation and overlays the discharge on the visible image of the affected component. The CoroCAM 6HD does it with a 2.05×10-18 W/cm² detector (3 pC at 20 m to IEC 60270:2000) and a 1920×1080 px visible channel with synchronised 10x optical zoom, in a 1.9 kg unit operated with one hand from the ground or carried by a professional UAV.
CoroCAM 6HD key data
- Ultraviolet sensitivity: 2.05×10-18 W/cm² in solar-blind mode, equivalent to 3 pC at 20 m to IEC 60270:2000; the optional motorised NSB module reaches ≈1×10-18 W/cm² (0.8 pC at 15 m) indoors or at night.
- UV field of view: 8° × 6° (~10° diagonal), with digital zoom of up to 2x (4°) synchronised with the visible channel.
- Visible channel: 1920×1080 px, 0.05 lux in day mode and 0.03 lux in night mode, 10x optical zoom extendable to 12x digitally, and automatic or manual focus from 0.7 m to infinity.
- UV image settings: threshold from 20 to 100%, integration by period, summation or noise reduction, 4 colour combinations or 100 hues and 0-100% transparency.
- UAV inspection: mounted on a suitable gimbal it flies on professional UAVs, with mini-HDMI or composite video output to the ground station and RS-232 remote control during flight.
- Recording: JPG stills and 720p AVI video on the 32 GB microSD card supplied (over 1000 images or 1 h of video per GB), internal GPS and reporting with CoroBASE.
- In the field: 1.9 kg with battery, 220×160×80 mm, IP54/MIL-STD-810F, -20°C to 55°C, 9 W Li-ion battery lasting up to 3 h, boot to inspection mode in 6 s and an 18-month warranty extendable to 36.
Advantages
High ultraviolet sensitivity
It detects UVc emissions of up to 2.05×10-18 W/cm² to locate incipient corona discharges. An optional motorised Non-Solar-Blind (NSB) module removes the SB filter to raise sensitivity indoors or at night.
High-definition visible image
A 1920×1080 pixel sensor gives 0.05 lux in day mode and 0.03 lux in night mode, with 10x optical zoom extendable to 12x digitally, synchronised with the ultraviolet channel.
Lightweight design for full working days
At 1.9 kg with quick-swap lithium-ion batteries, it is operated with one hand through the multi-function keypad and a large LCD screen with an adjustable sun shield.
Ready for aerial inspection
Mounted in a suitable gimbal, it can be carried by professional-grade UAVs: the video output links to a base station, and the RS-232 port accepts remote-control signals during flight.
Applications
- Inspection of high- and medium-voltage overhead lines from the ground or by UAV.
- Checking insulators, fittings and joints in substations in daylight.
- Predictive maintenance to anticipate partial-discharge failures before they occur.
- Night-time or indoor inspections using the optional NSB module.
About the product
The CoroCAM 6HD overlays the ultraviolet signal on the visible image in four preset colour combinations or in any of 100 user-configurable hues, with independent control of the UV layer's transparency. It supports 10 user profiles and an icon-based menu that speeds up switching between working conditions.
It integrates a fold-out 5.7-inch LCD display (640×480 pixels, up to 450 cd/m²), a 1/4-inch tripod socket and IP54 protection to MIL-STD-810F. It runs from -20°C to 55°C with up to 3 hours of autonomy per battery, and is carried in a rigid Pelican-style case.
Accessories available: CoroBASE reporting software, neckstrap and camera harness.
Technical specifications
| UV sensitivity | SB 2.05×10-18 W/cm² (3 pC at 20 m); optional NSB ~1×10-18 W/cm² (0.8 pC at 15 m) |
| UV field of view | 8°×6° (~10° diagonal); digital zoom to 4° |
| Visible channel | 1920×1080 px; 0.05/0.03 lux day/night; 10x optical, 12x digital zoom |
| Display | 5.7" LCD, 640×480 px, up to 450 cd/m², variable angle |
| GPS & connectivity | Internal GPS, external booster antenna port, HDMI, USB, RS-232 |
| Protection & weight | IP54 / MIL-STD-810F; 1.9 kg with battery; 220×160×80 mm |
| Power & warranty | Lithium-ion, 9 W, up to 3 h; 18-month warranty extendable to 36 |
| Focus | Automatic or manual, 0.7 m to infinity; UV linked to visible |
| Recording | JPG and 720p AVI on 32 GB microSD; over 1000 images or 1 h of video per GB |
| Start-up | Inspection mode in 6 s; recording mode in 60 s |
Frequently asked questions
Which corona camera suits daylight inspection of overhead lines, from the ground or by drone?
A lightweight solar-blind ultraviolet camera with video output and remote control. The CoroCAM 6HD weighs 1.9 kg, detects discharges from 2.05×10-18 W/cm² (3 pC at 20 m) in full daylight and, mounted on a gimbal, sends video over mini-HDMI or composite to the ground station and accepts RS-232 control.
How many images and how much autonomy does the CoroCAM 6HD offer?
The 32 GB microSD card supplied holds over 1000 JPG images or one hour of 720p AVI video per gigabyte, and each quick-swap Li-ion battery gives up to 3 hours of work at a consumption of 9 W.
What sets the CoroCAM 6HD apart from a conventional corona detector?
It overlays the position of the ultraviolet discharge on the visible image in real time, instead of just giving a numeric reading, making it possible to locate the fault from a distance.
Can it be used at night or indoors?
Yes. The motorised NSB module removes the solar-blind filter from the optical path to increase ultraviolet sensitivity when direct sunlight is not present.
Is it compatible with drone-based inspection?
Yes, mounted in a suitable gimbal it can be carried by professional-grade UAVs, with video output to a base station and RS-232 remote-control input.
How are inspection results documented?
Images and video are recorded on board to a microSD card and can then be processed with CoroBASE software to prepare the inspection report. The internal GPS gives the position as latitude and longitude. If the line or substation records use UTM or ED50, the coordinate converter does the conversion.
