ICS Medical CHARTR NCA-200 Air Caloric Stimulator with Handpiece Welch Allyn 21700 Otoscope Head

ICS Medical CHARTR NCA-200 Air Caloric Stimulator with Handpiece + Welch Allyn 21700 Otoscope Head, ENG/VNG vestibular tester for bithermal/monothermal air irrigations (no remote, knob crack)

Condition: Used — pulled from a working environment. Remote not included. Unit powers, buttons respond, and airflow/temperature controls actuate, but we did not complete full clinical calibration. Right-side regulator small knob is cracked (see photos). Includes handpiece and a Welch Allyn 21700 otoscope head (for ear canal visualization). Expect normal signs of prior use.

Overview

The ICS Medical CHARTR NCA-200 is a clinical air caloric stimulator used in vestibular assessment (ENG/VNG). It delivers precisely controlled warm and cool air into the external auditory canal to elicit caloric nystagmus, allowing clinicians to evaluate lateral semicircular canal function, unilateral weakness, directional preponderance, and central compensation as part of a complete vestibular battery. The included handpiece focuses and directs the airflow at standard test temperatures; the Welch Allyn 21700 otoscope head assists with otoscopic visualization and speculum-guided placement prior to stimulation (otoscope is not part of the air delivery path).

This unit is designed to integrate into ENG/VNG test workflows for bithermal (warm & cool, right/left) or monothermal screening protocols. While the NCA-200 uses air (no water), clinicians should verify local protocols, temperature setpoints (commonly ~24 °C cool / ~50 °C warm), and flow rates before patient testing.

Features

• Air caloric stimulation for ENG/VNG laboratories (no water management required).
• Precise temperature control with selectable warm/cool presets used in standard caloric protocols.
• Regulated airflow via front-panel controls for repeatable stimulus delivery (handpiece included).
• Front-panel controls with indicator lamps/buttons — all buttons respond with action in our check.
• Otoscopy support: Welch Allyn 21700 diagnostic otoscope head helps confirm tympanic membrane view and ear canal patency before irrigation.
• Compact footprint for cart or bench use in vestibular suites.
• Safety-minded design (air-only stimulus, typical over-temp/flow limiting—confirm per your service manual).
• Compatible with ENG/VNG systems (goggles/cameras and acquisition software not included).

Specifications (typical for NCA-class air caloric stimulators; verify in your facility)

• Stimulus medium: Air (dry).
• Modes: Cool and Warm temperature presets; selectable left/right ear.
• Use: Bithermal and monothermal caloric testing.
• Delivery: Handpiece/nozzle with speculum-guided placement (use proper size ear specula; not included unless shown).
• Visualization: Welch Allyn 21700 otoscope head (requires compatible power handle; not included).
• I/O: Front-panel controls; (this unit does not include the optional remote control).
• Power: Standard medical mains (see rear label for voltage/fuse).

Note: Exact temperature setpoints, flow (e.g., ~8 L/min typical), timing (e.g., 60 s stim), and calibration limits should be confirmed/adjusted during biomedical PM prior to clinical use.

What’s Included

• ICS CHARTR NCA-200 Air Caloric Stimulator console
• Air handpiece/nozzle assembly
• Welch Allyn 21700 otoscope head (visualization accessory)
• Power cord (if shown in photos)

Not Included / Known Exceptions

• Remote control (not included)
• Otoscope power handle, specula, ENG/VNG goggles, acquisition software, patient cables, or calibration kit (not included)
• Full calibration and test results (not performed by us)
• Service manual / user manual (not included)

Applications / Spheres of Application

• Vestibular diagnostics: ENG/VNG labs in ENT, Audiology, Neurology.
• Acute and outpatient evaluation of dizziness/vertigo, suspected vestibular neuritis, unilateral hypofunction, compensation status.
• Teaching and training in university clinics and simulation labs (with proper calibration).
• Pre- and post-rehabilitation assessment in vestibular PT programs.

Pros

• Air-based stimulus avoids water management and mess; easier room setup.
• Integrates with existing ENG/VNG systems; workflow is familiar for trained clinicians.
• Handpiece included; buttons respond, indicating functional panel operation.

Part of a Larger System

• Works alongside video goggles (VNG), electro-oculography systems (ENG), acquisition PC/software, caloric timers/protocols, otoscope handle/specula, and patient monitoring.
• Often combined with positional/oculomotor test modules (saccades, smooth pursuit, optokinetics), vHIT, and rotational chair (not included).

Comparable Models (for buyers researching alternatives)

• Interacoustics AirFx air caloric irrigator
• Micromedical/Natus AirCal (air caloric device, legacy Micromedical line)
• GN Otometrics / Natus Aqua Stim (water caloric irrigator; water-based alternative)
• Grason-Stadler (GSI) water caloric systems (water-based)
• ICS/CHARTR water caloric variants (if your lab prefers water stimulus)
• Interacoustics Caloric Stimulators (current catalog equivalents; air or water depending on model)

If you require water caloric instead of air, consider an Aqua-type irrigator; water can provide stronger thermal transfer but requires drain/sanitation. Air is cleaner and faster to set up.

Cross-Referenced / Alternate Naming

• ICS Medical → later branded under GN Otometrics / Natus as part of CHARTR VNG suites.
• CHARTR NCA-200 may be referenced simply as NCA-200 air caloric or ICS air irrigator in facility asset logs.

Service & Pre-Use Recommendations

• Have a biomedical technician:
  • Replace/repair the cracked regulator knob if it affects adjustment.
  • Verify/adjust temperature setpoints and flow to your protocol (e.g., cool/warm standards).
  • Perform full PM/calibration and document traceability before clinical use.
  • Check handpiece seals, tubing, and nozzle cleanliness; replace wear parts as needed.
  • Validate with your ENG/VNG software for event marking and timing workflows.

Related

air caloric stimulator; device to deliver controlled warm/cool air to ear; vestibular caloric testing unit; ENG VNG caloric irrigator; ICS CHARTR NCA-200; otoneurology equipment; dizziness evaluation system; caloric nystagmus induction; bithermal air irrigations; monothermal screening; otoscope visualization head; Welch Allyn 21700; otology ENT audiology vestibular; clinic vestibular lab equipment; Natus Otometrics ICS Chartr VNG

Common Requests:

1. “Can you confirm the temperature setpoints and flow rate on this NCA-200 and provide a calibration printout?”
2. “Is a remote available or compatible part number for this unit?”
3. “Does the handpiece accept standard specula and do you have extras?”
4. “Will this interface with our Chartr VNG / Interacoustics software timing cues?”
5. “Any leaks or temperature drift noted during a warm-up test?”

Trademarks: ICS Medical™, CHARTR™, GN Otometrics™, Natus®, Interacoustics®, Micromedical™, Grason-Stadler®, Welch Allyn® and other names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. They are used here solely to identify products, compatibility, and typical clinical use and do not imply endorsement or affiliation.

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