I purchased a chimney camera from AMAC a little while ago. At first I was very reluctant to use the recording facility, so really only use the camera on its own on several occasions - which was very useful.

I have been putting off using the recording facility for quite some time, until I was asked by a client to do a full CCTV Inspection of their chimney, and to be able to record the inspection. I immediately contacted Andrew at AMAC, and asked him to go through with me again how to use the recording facility. He very kindly met me and went through this completely with me. I had my appointment a few days later. The clients were very impressed with the results, and asked me to perform the same inspection on the chimney next door.

I am now in the process of organising suitable advertising for this very useful, professional CCTV Inspection facility.

Simon Burgess, Sweptaway

Since purchasing out AMAC Looksee camera, we have noticed that sales have increased as a direct result of the customer being able to see for themselves the inside of their chimneys. It is after all very difficult to build up a picture to a customer, but having this piece of equipment makes both understanding and visualisation extremely easy, and the customer can also have a copy of the video if required.

I have only had one occasion when I needed to speak to AMAC about a technical issue, and I must commend them for an extremely satisfactory response which sorted out the problem immediately.

I would have no hesitation in recommending AMAC to business colleagues.

Daniela Lucas, Absolute Chimneys Stoves & Fireplaces

Just to let you know our customer is very happy with the pole camera and it is doing a perfect job for him, inspecting Storm Water Pits.

Andrew Collier, Detection & Locating Equipment, Utilicom

The camera is great and has been used several times and so far has proved to be a great investment and just cuts out an awful amount of wasted time. Thanks again

Thomas @ West Coast Chimney Repairs, Ireland

Journeyman Chimney Services have been utilising chimney and flue camera systems in our expanding business for a number of years. After meeting Quaerina and Andrew of AMAC at the NACS trade show we were very pleased to put the AMAC Colour Eye straight to work. The combination of compact design, simple set up, ease of use and good quality results, make it a tool to use on a daily basis.

Not surprisingly, AMAC have continued to update and supply innovative products to make this already very capable camera platform so much better. The recent addition of the daisy skids & half inch rod adaptor to the camera head not only protect it in use, but guide the camera and rods safely through the tightest of flue ways; allowing us to quickly survey flue liners and spot problems in a matter of minutes. The new adaptor also allows us to attach the camera head to a double ended brush and survey the largest of flues with multiple offsets with ease.

Our AMAC Colour Eye camera system and its attachments are in constant use and have proved to be extremely durable and profitable to use. Combining all of the above with great product support means using AMAC’s equipment makes good business sense. Keep up the good work.

Paul Feeney, Journeyman Chimney Services

It was a big decision to buy a chimney eye, these things are not cheap. Having had it three years now it has paid for itself ten times over. We use it for a chargeable camera survey (insurance companies like this and we can earn £250 per hour), and also it has been invaluable when a chimney lining job is not going well - couldn't live without it now.

James Price, Green Man Stoves

Using Amac's Colour Eye, I took a recording in a two story detached customer's house. The problems were a direct result of non maintenance of the chimney flue (regular cleaning).

From about 1.75 metres up the chimney the cracks appear, there is a section that is completely shattered. Further up the flue there is a vertical crack that runs for approx 2-3 ft. These faults can allow carbon monoxide (the silent killer) to escape from the flue and enter the living quarters of the property. If, a fire was to start in these areas the fire could spread into the same areas, and you don't need me to explain the dangers of that!!

This chimney was condemed by me on the day of scanning, and will need to a full re-line, costing in the region of £2,000 from a specialist company.

Having the Colour Eye- camera system, allows me to offer my customers a better service, which could save them a lot of money, not to mention their lives!!!

Brian McNamee, McNamee Chimney & Boiler Cleaning Services, Co Monaghan, Ireland.

"We purchased the Chimney Eye™ because we wanted to provide the customer with a comprehensive picture of the state of their chimney. Visual and smoke inspections are fine in their own right, but we felt it vital to offer a complete survey of the chimney prior to installation. The Chimney Eye™ has made it much easier for us to explain the costs involved to the customer, and enables us to determine the right choice of the stove/woodburner for the size and type of flue. We can now record surveys, keeping a detailed log of the state of the chimney before and after the fitting, in case of insurance claims. The Chimney Eye™ puts us one step ahead of our competitors, we have been so impressed with its performance and after sales support we have purchased our second system. That speaks for itself"

Mark Ludgate, Managing Director, Arcade (Llandysul Ltd)

"In the past when we were faced with a chimney problem all we had to rely on was our experience.

3 months ago, we were introduced to the 'AMAC Chimney Eye'. We can now be 100% accurate with our chimney inspections.

The Chimney Eye™ is quick and easy to use on site, and has many applications. It has made our engineers' work much simpler. Within 5 minutes we can be inspecting a flue system. Not only can we see the problem so can the client.

We would recommend the Chimney Eye™ to any one who needs the extra set of eyes."

Melissa Jones, Director, Stoves and Stuff Ltd

Dear AMAC,
How wonderful it was to see you at this years NACS chimney works trade show at Daventry. It was refreshing to hear in these difficult times that the launch of your new 'Look-See' camera system proved to be a tremendous hit with the visitors. Having purchased one myself from you to further enhance my business activities, I must report back to advise you that the system is now being used on a daily basis, and has proved to be tremendous value for money. It is robust, yet easy to use and is set up in a matter of minutes It is so simple to use, and for a quick 'Look-See' up any flue I cannot recommend it enough. I would advise anyone who is looking to expand their business activities to seriously consider investing in this equipment as it will offer very good financial returns.

Looking forward to catching up with you all in the near future

Kind regards and best wishes

Steven Howard, Howards(Tarleton)

Look-See At the last NACS trade show I found that camera, namely, the Look-See camera. Although this camera doesn't record its findings it is a very easy and versatile camera to use. And so I acquired the camera with some modifications which AMAC were happy to do for me.

This camera does exactly what it says on the tin: it's a look-see camera.

Dave Moore, DDM Chimney Sweep Company

The next major player to catch my eye was the AMAC booth, Andrew MacDougall and Quaerina Chorley with their Look-See - "Your Eyes in the Dark". This camera is super high-tech but with none of the bells, whistles, pop-up drink holders, FM stereo head set and will not start your truck or van from inside your home, but it will give you a sharp black and white 360 degree view of the inside of the chimney flue for less than $900.00. The screen is built into the lid of the camera case - I thought it was just one hot little portable camera. Nothing special.. "Just the facts mam.. nothing but the facts!"

Extract taken from the Chimney Journal 2009