Borescope.INFO

New LED light source for borescopes

2011-12-06T22:28:00.000-08:00

I would like to tell you about interesting LED lightsource. This light source is specially designed for optical borescopes for growing demands in the NDT industry. It utilizes a newly designed LED chip which is combined with a specialized focal lens to produce 15% more light intensity then the most powerful light sources in the class. The body is composed of high grade aluminum with an anodized finish.

What I like most of all is that this light source is very bright and uses 3 standard AAA batteries, which can easily be purchased everywhere. We made a small experiment and tried to find the moment when this light source stopped working from batteries. Four hours passed, but this light source still gave a bright light beam!

I think this light source is a must-have for routine remote visual inspections.

Unique Trogloprobe Pipe Inspection System

2011-10-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

Now you can review TrogloprobeHeavy Duty Inspection System – unique pipe inspection system, which comprises the best features from all inspection systems ever produced. It is ultimate in ruggedness, reliability and ease of use. The simple, appearance includes such features as integrated video recording, full function text input with a metered display, six-hour lightweight battery pack and a mainline ready controller. The Trogloprobe Inspection System may include optional Wireless Viewing system – advanced and convenient viewer for ease of use.

With T710 camera the Trogloprobe is the only system in the market with 1’’ camera with such features. It is worth mentioning that the camera is IP68 sealed and can withstand up to 11 Bar pressure.

USB Video Borescope handle

2011-10-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

This time I would like to tell about one interesting device. No secret that often it is more convenient to use a laptop for inspection – you can easily record video and see the place of inspection in a large screen. The new USB Video Borescope handle gives you such opportunities. This lightweight and portable inspection device combines ease of use with innovative file capture technology. This hand piece connects directly to your computer or laptop through a single USB Cable (USB 1.1/2.0 format), displaying a live color image directly in a viewing program, allowing you to perform live inspections and capture images and video directly to your hard drive.

One more interesting detail – you can change probes according to your needs. A wide range of probes are available: flexible with diameter from 4 to 10 mm and length to 30 meters, 2-way articulated and even rigid. All of the probes that couple with this handle are water, diesel, gasoline, brake fluid, antifreeze, and oil proof. Well suited to Aircraft, Marine, Locksmith, and Automotive Inspections.

Inspection of pipe

2011-09-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

Today I found a short video of inspection by this push camera. What I liked in this camera - you can pan and tilt the image, which is very convenient for inspection of large pipes. I am sure this push camera will be very interesting for specialists in pipelines, oil and gas industry, seweage and refractory systems.

Economical Articulated Videoscope - Experience in a Factory

2011-08-16T00:36:00.000-07:00

This time I would like to tell you about another inspection tool that I tested – Rigel ArticulatedVideoscope. The extremely mobility of this videoscope makes it great for inspections, while a wide range of outstanding features including 300,000 pixel image resolution, a 3.5 inch LCD screen, a 2GB SD memory card, for image and video capture, Li-Ion rechargeable battery, LED lights to illuminate the inspection area, and inter-changeable waterproof probes, making it ideal for on the go inspection anywhere.

So, I was allowed to examine a special pump at a plant. I will not tell you how I got there, but it was amazing experience. The large pump had special inlets for borescope inspection. The 2 meters length was just fine for that. The articulated tip allowed inserting the camera inside through the inlet hole and then it was possible to bend the tip in 2 directions to observe inner space better. The monitor of the videoscope presented a nice and clear live image of the inspection area. The rotating function of probe was also very convenient, because it was a nice substitute for more costly 4-way articulated videoscopes. I should say that the price of this Rigel videoscope was more than attractive, I found it the best price/quality ratio in the market.

So, I recommend this nice inspection tool for observation hard-to-rich places in various technical aggregates – pumps, turbines, engines and what’s not!

Quasar videoscope - convenient action for car inspection

2011-07-25T06:13:00.000-07:00

This time I would like to tell you about a nice and convenient videoscope Quasar for car inspection. Though I heard that it can be used not only in car services - aviation, pipe inspection, building and what's not! Everywhere you can use this tool.

But now - car inspection. I decided to test this videoscope for cars. When I hang it on my neck, I felt it very convenient to use, because the monitor was in the right distance from my eyes. The picture was sharp. This videoscope had articulation of tip and I easily turned the tip. I was sure not to break or cut the probe, because it was covered with steel (unlike other PVC coated models). It was easy to inspect every bit of suspension. I found it also very convenient to inspect inner parts of engine. Illuminations was quite enough for video. Small diameter allowed me to see even cylinders inside. I also checked wiring through a small split. So, after this short testing I was sure in this attractive tool. I recorded all my videos to SD card and transferred them to a laptop after test.

Next day I decided to show this videoscope to my friend, who works in near-by car service. I am sure he will like it.

Oh, I quite forgot, please see some more details about Quasar videoscope here

2-way Articulated Video Borescope

2011-02-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

The “Helios” Video Borescopes feature either a 4mm (0.16”), or 6mm (0.24") diameter insertion probe, with a CMOS Video Camera chip located directly in the tip, a focal range of mm, 2-way or 4-way mechanical tip articulation of 90 degrees in each direction, controlled through buttons on the hand piece, and a 4.3” TFT LCD to display the live image. The “Helios” Video Borescopes also feature a 60 degree field of view, built in LED lights around the tip, to illuminate the inspection area, and an 8GB memory card to capture images and video of your inspections. There is also a video output jack to export the live video image to a larger TV, and a rechargeable battery for portable use in diverse inspection areas.

Additionally, the insertion tube features a variable speed mechanical articulation controlled using the buttons on the ergonomic hand piece, a water/oilproof stainless steel sheath, a tough plastic coated exterior, a skid-proof, anti-shock design for full operation with gloves on, built in LEDs to illuminate the inspection area controlled through the hand piece, a focal range from 10mm – 80mm and a working temperature range from -10 – +60 degrees C.

Articulated Wireless Video Borescope "Photon"

2011-01-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

Photon Articulated Video Borescopes are great for a wide range of applications which require a small portable device to capture images and video. These units are also specially designed for in-depth inspections which require the ability to rapidly bend through tight areas thanks to their 2-way tip articulation.

The Articulated Photon Video Borescopes feature a narrow 5.5mm (0.22") diameter insertion probe with a small CMOS video camera chip located directly in the tip. The probes can be used remotely, but commonly they should be connected directly to the monitor to form one solid unit, with a good color image of the inspection area, and the ability to easily capture images and video to an SD memory card.

Articulated video borescope "Pegasus"

2011-01-14T21:37:00.000-08:00

Articulated Videoscopes are very convenient in many areas of industry: building, car engine repairs, air turbine repairs and many others. This videoscope has outstanding design and clear image on the screen, as well as 4-way articulation, stainless steel braiding, zoom. Please review video presentation below.

How to fix tough car repairs using a borescope

2011-01-11T03:35:00.000-08:00

A nice video about the use of a borescope for car repairs. But I think that it is better to use not a borescope but videoscope - you can review live image on monitor and record it onto SD card. It is very convenient, for example, during negotiations with clients. It is perfect to use Voyager portable videoscope, details here. Low price combined with great quality - perfect choice for every car mechanic or car fan.

Orion Video Borescope

2010-12-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Portable Orion videoscope is an ideal tool for inspection of car engines, other parts, machinery, building and other areas. This videoscope has very interesting features: you can choose any from dozens of probes! Probes are interchangeable in a wide range from 10 mm diameter to 4 mm diameter. Besides Digital zoom allows you to view all the details of inspection area.

Here you can find more information

New Video Borescope, Snake Camera

2010-12-15T22:06:00.000-08:00

New Videoscope with semi-rigid 10 mm insertion probe. Video of inspection.

Portable semi-flexible Videoscope

2010-12-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Voyager Video Borescope Systems are great for basic industrial applications which require a portable inspection device to capture images and video. The 5.5mm (0.22”) or 11mm (0.44”) diameter probes feature a flex and stay, semi-obedient design to complete inspections in automobiles, pipes, walls, industrial machinery, plumbing, duct work, construction sites, and any other areas which are difficult to access.

These portable Voyager Videoscopes feature inter-changeable probes, with various diameters and lengths, to access a wide range of inspection areas. Each probe features a CMOS Video Camera chip in the tip, which produces a live image displayed on the portable 3.5” TFT LCD Monitor, which will capture 720 x 480 pixel JPEG images, and AVI video recorded at 30 frames per second, with a defined focal range of 20mm (0.8”) to 280mm (11”). The portable monitor features an ergonomic design, with an adjustable screen which stands up or lays flat against the handle, and a handle that can also move from straight out, to down 90 degrees, for comfortable inspections at different angles.

Additional features for these units include 4 LED lights to illuminate the inspection area, with intensity control buttons on the handle, a 2 GB SD memory card for file capture, a USB port to transfer captured files to a computer or laptop, video output to export the live image from the portable monitor to a larger TV, a microphone to record findings, and power supplied by 4 AA batteries, which last for up to 3 hours of portable use. A set of tips is also included with each set, including a mirror tip, hook, pin and magnet.

Industrial Fiberscope with New Powerful LED light source

2010-11-30T03:27:00.000-08:00

Industrial Fiberscope set includes a new portable LED light source. Now Fiberscope set allows efficient work with mobility. The light intensity of the light source is comparable with Metal Halide light source, however with immense portability. Please see short video comparing this light source with Metal Halide one: Comparison of light sources

The Fiberscope set with this light source can be used in severe climatic conditions, where other light sources cannot work. One of the most important features of this LED light source is a very durable LED bulb with practically endless resource.

Some features and specifications of the light source –

- Intensity more than 50 000 Lux

- Light Intensity Switch

- Light weight Aluminum body

- Waterproof IPX 7

- Rechargeable battery

- Battery life (at full illumination) 45 min.

- Battery charger included

MMore Info here

New Articulated Videoscope

2010-09-26T23:12:00.000-07:00

3.5” TFT LCD monitor
2X Digital zoom
Stainless steel braiding
Camera tip temperature display
Direct USB file transfer

Industrial applications, law enforcement inspections and more are made easy with Joystick type Videoscope Systems. This videoscope is used for situations that require a small portable hand held unit with a narrow-diameter probe. Single handed control allows for precise articulation of the tip in 4 directions with the joystick, while the inspection area is lit by 4 white LED lights. The live image is displayed on an integrated TFT LCD monitor with images or video captured to a micro-SD memory card, or directly to your hard drive via a USB cable
More info here

Comparison video captures by MEDIT videoscopes

2010-09-01T04:16:00.000-07:00

There is a wide range of videoscopes presented in the market, and sometimes it is hard to understand which one to choose.
Here is video that compares 3 videoscopes offered by MEDIT INC

Orion Videoscope with Small Diameter of Probe

2010-08-30T22:26:00.000-07:00

Professionals often need a videoscope with small diameter of probe.
Portable Flexible Orion Videoscope with Image/Video Capture has an ultra-narrow probe that’s useful anywhere a small portable inspection device is required, and is ideal for small spaces like the spark plug holes of gasoline or diesel engines.
The Orion Videoscopes have a 4 mm insertion probe with an integrated CMOS Video Camera chip to provide an exact view of the inspection area. Four LED lights provide brilliant illumination and even lighting, while light intensity is controlled by a simple dial on the monitor, so glare is virtually eliminated when viewing reflective or metallic surfaces.
Enjoy ease of use even when wearing gloves with the convenient ergonomic controls and portable design. The insertion probe can be safely used in water, diesel, gasoline, brake fluid, antifreeze, motor oil, gear oil and kerosene, and the unit itself is skid-proof with quality anti-shock construction. The ability to exchange different probe lengths makes this highly useful tool almost indispensable.
The rechargeable LI-polymer battery provides up to 4 hours of continuous video capture on a full charge, and requires only 2 hours to recharge.

Medit ImagePRO USB video camera

2010-08-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Medit just has lunched ImagePRO USB video camera. This is a compact, high performance, video camera with a new ¼” Sony CCD image sensor which enables it to achieve its small size, low power consumption, and high quality output. Meet the next generation of CCD Pro camera providing cutting edge technology. …Medit’s ImagePro USB video camera features a universal eyepiece coupler, with a focusable optical system. This optical coupler easily connects to the eyepiece of any fiberscope/borescope, and streams the live color image directly to your computer.

Sample video here

New Video Camera for Borescopes

2010-07-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

Medit’s ImagePro high resolution video cameras feature a universal eyepiece connection, with a focusable optical system. This optical coupler creates an easy connection to the eyepiece of any fiberscope/borescope.
A Sony 1/4” COLOR CCD image sensor provides over 470 TV lines of resolution. The analog output from the camera is fed directly to a TV monitor via an RCA video cable. Setting up the ImagePRO camera is easy requiring a 12 volt power adapter (included), RCA video cable, to connect to either a TV or USB Capture box, and a F=28 focusable coupler, to connect the camera to your scope and to adjust the focus to produce a sharp, crisp image of the inspection area.

Features of camera here

Videoscope Inspection of Car Engine

2010-06-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

Videoscopes are great for a wide range of applications which require a small portable inspection device with the ability to articulate around corners while capturing images or video. The narrow 6mm diameter is great for accessing spark plug holes in gas or diesel engines.

Now please watch video about inspection of cylinders inside the car engine.

Find more about videoscopes here

Comparison of New LED Light Source for Borescopes with Metal Halide light source

2010-05-25T21:44:00.000-07:00

This is a compare test of 3 watt Xtreme LED Light source with 24 watt Metal Halide light source. Here it shows that Xtreme LED source give near the same light intensity as Metal Halide and give superior portability for easy and express inspections.

Find more info HERE

New Videoscope for Car Inspection

2010-05-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

Monitor-type Articulated Video Borescope Systems are great for a wide range of applications which require a small portable inspection device with the ability to articulate around corners while capturing images/video. The narrow 6mm diameter is great for accessing spark plug holes in gas or diesel engines, a wide variety of pipes, and machined parts. These units also have the added ability of being able to articulate the tip 150 degrees in 2 directions, and to rotate the insertion probe in a 330 degree circle.

Please visit for more details here.

Borescopics – Insight in even the most remote areas

2010-05-04T22:32:00.000-07:00

This extract is taken from the article published at http://www.lufthansa-technik.com

The complete article is here

Engines are one of the most complex components of an aircraft. Some types might be big enough for a human to stand upright in the air intake, but their inside is filled up with complex technical devices hard to see and even harder to reach from the outside. To inspect or repair for example a compressor blade within the engine it sometimes takes a complete disassembly, resulting in high costs and a loss of time.

To avoid the expensive dismantling of the engine, most visual inspections at Lufthansa Technik are carried out with a so called borescope. This special inspection tool was adapted from its primary use in medical applications and consists of a thin tube containing an array of optical lenses. It can be inserted deep into the cavity of an engine part to be inspected. The optical array is surrounded by a fiber-optic that transports light from a connected source directly to the area of inspection. From there the light is reflected back, and through the optical array it pictures the image of the examined area directly in the operator’s eye or a camera attached to the borescope. This function allows the qualified personnel of Lufthansa Technik to gain an incomparable insight in hidden structures normally invisible without disassembly of the engine.

For examination with a borescope, aircraft engines are equipped with numerous sealable notches which provide access to all different sections, from the combustion chamber to every single compressor stage. For the latter, only one aperture per stage is needed, because all blades can easily be rotated into position before examining them with the borescopics equipment. For fixed components, which are not accessible in a direct line, Lufthansa Technik uses a special type of borescope, the so called flexoscope. Instead of lenses it uses a glass fibre optic within a bendable hose. With several meters in length it allows the operators to access even those parts that can not be turned into position.

More information about borescopes here

Economical Portable Flexible Borescope

2010-04-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

Portable flexible fiberscope fast facts:

Inspect and explore inaccessible areas using one-hand operation.

Clearly focus on objects as close as 1.2 inch to 15 inch away.

Mirror adapter 70, 90, 120° view for various angled viewing add even more inspection value.

Features:

Integrated focus ring for smooth, continuous focusing

920mm or 460 mm long insertion tube will reach deep into walls, drains, vents, engine blocks, etc. and requires only a 4mm opening

Flexible, cable bends in every direction to allow precise viewing

Durable insertion tube is both rugged, water and oil resistant, allowing you to get in the most difficult places.

Convenient, adjustable eyepiece Super Bright Xenon lamp illuminates dark locations for clear viewing

Rugged ALUMINIUM carrying case, sealed lens and cable are submersible for underwater use

Operates on 2 AA batteries

Applications:

Checking blocked air conditioner evaporator coils

Examining heat exchangers

Feeding thermostat wires

Insect and rodent inspection

Building and houses inspection

Checking for ductwork clearance

Verifying duct integrity during installations and renovations

Automotive

Aircraft

Safe and locksmiths

For more info please visit

2010-04-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some parts of article "APPLICATIONS OF OPTICAL DEVICE DURING MAINTENANCE OF AIRCRAFT" Mohammed Mahi Uddin Khan Biman Bangladesh Airlines

During aircraft maintenance ‘Optical technique’ is contributing a significant role to detect discontinuities on aircraft structure, components and installed engine. With the minimum part preparation this technique has proven the most effective nondestructive method in aerospace industry.
Optical instruments are widely accepted during aircraft maintenance, mainly for two reasons i) to magnify discontinuities that can not be detected by the naked eye and ii) to permit visual checks of critical areas not accessible to unaided eye and difficult for other nondestructive tests.
Several types of optical instruments are used during the specific ‘optical inspection’ technique. These are, magnifying lenses, borescopes, micro-borescopes, flexible fiber optic borescopes, microelectronic video borescopes & diffracted light etc.
Magnifying devices and lighting aids are used to detect general area for cleanliness, presence of foreign objects, security of the component, corrosion and cracks or other damages.
In maintenance program Borescope inspections are reducing or eliminating the need for costly teardowns.
In this paper details description of ‘various optical devices’ and their application techniques in different areas of aircraft structure and engines will be highlighted.
Introduction: The human eye is an important element for performing visual nondestructive tests. But in many cases the human eye is not sensitive enough or cannot access the test site. As a part of maintenance program and to ensure the safety and structural integrity of aircraft, ‘Optically aided visual methods’ are frequently used, where access is poor for other nondestructive tests. Such tests includes the magnifiers and borescopes
Devices for viewing the interior of objects are called endoscopes, from the Greek words for ‘ inside view’. Industrial endoscopes are called borescopes because they are generally used in machined apertures and holes.
Probably in1946, an ultraviolet light borescope was developed for fluorescent testing of the
interior of hollow steel propeller blades of aircraft engine. The 100W-viewing instrument detected interior surface discontinuities as glowing green lines. Later in 1958 the USAF B-47 Bomber fleet was grounded because of metal fatigue cracks resulting from low-level simulated bombing missions. Visual testing with borescopes was proved the effective method for the first step to resolve the problem. In 1950s, a system was developed for automatic testing of helicopter blades. The borescope supported by long bench could test the blades while the operator viewed results on a television screen.
In 1960s Mr. Lang developed the radiation optics in a project to keep functional the borescope system in high temperature environment. He also pioneers the use of closed circuit television with borescopes for testing the inner parts of jet engines and wings, hollow helicopter blades and nuclear reactors. In 1965 a borescope was invented whose mirror could precisely controlled and this borescope could zoom to high magnification and could intensely illuminate the walls of chamber by means of a quartz incandescent lamp containing iodine vapor.
Since then various optical devices are using during aircraft maintenance.
Inspection devices: Some optically aided visual test devices are described below in brief.
1.Magnifying lenses 2.Borescopes 3.Microelectronic Video Borescopes 4. Diffracted light