Borescope - Videoscope - Pipe Camera Blog

Finding the Best Inspection Camera

2013-06-14T00:57:00.000-07:00

While inspecting engines or other equipment there are a wide variety of situations when you might find it necessary to rely on a good inspection camera. Such inspection cameras can couple with different insertion probes, which are convenient in different cases. Finding the best probe for the specific task can be complicating and expensive.

For example, a flexible probe allows observing hidden places which cannot be seen directly. Articulated flexible videoscope can shoot a good video inside closed boxes or hollows. Long flexible probes are significant for inspection of tubes or pipes. But sometimes rigid borescopes are more convenient, because they give a better image at a lower cost compared to a flexible fiberscopes. The image is exceptionally clear. When an object is located within direct access, rigid borescopes are the best. However disadvantages of rigid borescopes include their fragility.

Different tasks require a number of inspection tools: flexible borescopes with various length and diameter, rigid borescopes, video cameras and light sources. Purchasing them separately can be costly and unprofitable. A universal system would be the best way out.

The inspection camera system ED-Cam is a universal, portable inspection device, which can be coupled with a lot of rigid and flexible probes. Simply change the videoprobes for your specific task.

This inspection system includes a portable recording hub with a high-resolution color 7" LCD display and a CCD camera with 1.3 Mp resolution. The universal focusable video coupler can be attached to any 32 mm optical (either rigid or flexible) borescope eyepiece. Included IR remote control offers inspection operability.

The unit can record still images and video with voice recording to SD memory card or to laptop via USB cable. The display allows to observe every detail.

It is possible to locate the ED-Cam Inspection Camera System to any inspection site even without electricity supply, it can be powered from both rechargeable battery up to 4 hours, or an external power supply. You can see some variants of installation in the pictures.
More details can be found here.

What is a Sewer Camera Inspection

2013-06-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Because sewer lines are located underground, the problems with them are often hard to detect until they come in the open, as let’s say a sewage back-up. Sewer lines may be flat, offset, root-infested, or even broken, which can end-up in reoccurring sewer clogs or back-ups, leading to property damage, loss of operating time for businesses and costly repairs. However, sewer camera inspection can spare you from this nerve-racking experience. This new non-destructive testing (NDT) approach allows both contractors and their clients to save time and money on excavation jobs while getting a full picture of the problem area.

Inspection with Sewer Camera

Having a sewer line inspection before buying a property will allow you to negotiate on the price and even ask for a discount in case there are sewer line problems. Sewer camera inspections are important regardless of the age of the home, as there may be hidden problems that you won’t be able to detect just by running water in the bathroom sink.

There are several ways to inspect a pipeline remotely depending on the nature of the problem. NDT specialists can run a snake in the pipeline through a manhole in the street, or check the condition of your pipes right in your bathroom or kitchen.

Usually sewer cameras consist of an insertion probe with a camera integrated into its tip. There are different lengths and diameters of probes, and various types of cameras for specific applications. You can watch the whole process on the display.

Sewer camera inspections are also important as a preventative measure, before pipeline relining, or when cleaning a pool. They can not only detect clogs in the pipelines, but inform you of the condition of the pipeline and what kind of material was used to construct it, thus allowing you to make an educated decision on future repairs and plan the budget.

Benefits of sewer camera inspections:

No need to pay over and over again to repair reoccurring sewer problems
No unnecessary tearing apart the whole area or digging
No guesswork
No paying for repairs that aren’t your responsibility

Tips for Best Mainline and Infrastructure Inspection

2013-06-03T23:45:00.000-07:00

It is vitaly important to examine sanitary infrastructure before buying a property or making investments, and before building new estate objects.

Sewer pipe problems have indicators, which can be revealed during video inspection of pipe system. Some of the most noticeable signs are:

Water stains - sign that the sewer line is not draining properly.
Physical damages - cracked walls or floors suggest movement of the foundation.
Outside “cleanouts” - outside cleanout that is not original to the home is a possible sign that repair was performed recently.
Trees - near the area of the yard where the sewer line runs should always be cause for concern, because their routes can break old pipelines.
Hidden damages of pipeline - can be detected only during video inspection with the help of special cameras.

A new CYCLOPS Manhole Inspection Camera can be used for inspection in sewer, water, and waste mainlines, ducts and pipes. This unit has a telescopic rod for easy single-user operation and ideal for pipes with diameter from 200 mm (8’’) to 2.000 mm (78’’). This Inspection camera is equipped with a new generation of LED lights that automatically illuminate the inspection area at zoom in. CYCLOPS manhole camera has a powerful zoom (36×optical and 12×digital) with a detection distance up to 80 meters. The camera body tilts automatically up 45° and down 90°. Inspections can be recorded by either image (MPEG) or video (MPEG4/AVI) capture and saved onto a 4Gb SD memory card. The imaging hub is equipped with a 5.7’’ TFT color monitor with 640x480 pixel resolution.

You can learn more about this inspection camera here

Videoscope for Gas Cylinder Inspection

2013-05-30T23:12:00.000-07:00

There are many industrial areas which require careful inspection. Gas Safety Regulations demand regular inspection of gas cylinders for defects. Many techniques are used to achieve this. Often visual inspection by borescope or video borescope is applied. The insertion probe of videoscope is inserted into empty cylinder and the operator can observe the inner surface.

A new videoscope is offered to perform such inspections. JT Alpha videoscope offers 4-way articulation and easy navigation and control by joystick. High resolution screen depicts nice image. Steel braiding protects the probe from scratches. Powerful LED light source provides a good illumination. JT Alpha video bore scope is an efficient tool that makes the work of video inspections cost-effective, comfortable, fast and highly productive.

You can see details following this link

Why are rigid borescopes better?

2013-05-08T09:56:00.000-07:00

Some specialists are interested in rigid borescopes and they want to know their pros and cons.

A rigid optical borescope is an optical device with a rigid metal tube and eyepiece on one end and an objective lens on the other. Between them we can find a complex relay optical system. Optical systems in them can be of three main types: Hopkins rod lenses, achromatic doublets and gradient rod lenses. For large diameter the achromatic doublet relays are good, but as the diameter tube gets smaller the rod lenses provide better images. For very small rigid borescopes, the gradient index lens relays are better. The tube contains also glass fibers for illumination.

The illumination can be provided either by LED light source attached as a handle to the light post of the borescope, or by external powerful Metal Halide, Xenon or Halogen light source. In this case the light is transferred via flexible glass fiber guide. An internal image of the object is formed by the objective lens and magnified by the eyepiece, which presents it to the eye.

What are advantages of rigid borescopes? They provide a superior image at a lower cost compared to a flexible fiberscopes. The image is exceptionally clear. When an object is located within direct access, rigid borescopes work well. They are recommended for gunsmithing, automobile inspection like observation of automotive cylinders, injectors and hydraulic bodies. It is possible to attach a video camera to the eyepiece, and after that the inspector can record video and still images for further processing.

What then are disadvantages of rigid borescopes? Rigid borescopes are limited to access to a straight line. It is impossible to view hidden objects behind something. Besides they are fragile instruments and don’t like falling down.

There are many rigid borescopes in the market with diameter from 1.8 mm to 8 mm and length from 10 cm to 90 cm. As you can see they have more advantages than disadvantages and can be very efficient for inspection work

Unboxing Sewer Camera Viper-S

2013-05-07T21:52:00.001-07:00

Watch the sewer pipe inspection camera Viper-S out of the box. Here is the source of affordable sewer push cameras.

Borescope and iPhone

2013-04-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

The application of smartphones now goes far beyond their main usage as phones. You can see an interesting device - borescope adapter for iPhone, which transforms the smartphone into a kind of videoscope with rigid probe.
And here is the source of affordable rigid borescopes for all kinds of industrial use - please visit this page.

Introduction to Orion-USB borescope inspection camera

2013-04-19T05:57:00.003-07:00

A new USB video borescope opens new frontiers in borescope inspection. With this borescope USB handle it is possible to connect a wide variety of probes to any laptop, desktop or tablet and make it a perfect tool for inspection. Many probes are available: rigid, rigid with articulation, flexible and flexible with articulation and length from 1 meter to 30 meters. Please watch the following video introducing this outstanding videoscope. You can find more information here.

How to Use an Inspection Camera?

2013-04-05T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today borescope testing gains more and more popularity. But some technicians doubt if they have enough skills to work with an inspection camera. However working with it does not require special knowledge or skills. There are some simple rules to follow.

First of all it is necessary to determine the correct length and diameter of insertion probe. Then you have to think about what is better to use – rigid or flexible probe. If you need to document your inspection, you would need an inspection camera, which has a special monitor hub with recording ability.

With the help of an optical borescope you will perform a visual inspection through a device eyepiece. Insert the probe with caution through the inlet and switch on the light source. You will immediately see the desired area. In case of an inspection camera turn the power on to activate the device and the light source, and insert the probe. If light intensity is too strong, you can gradually decrease it. Press on recording button and your video will be recorded in AVI or other format onto an SD card.

Remember that borescope probes are rather fragile; therefore it is better to avoid excessive bending or forcing.

Here is an example of using an inspection camera to inspect a car engine. When a car has an interference engine, if the timing belt failed, it is quite possible that the pistons hit valves before the engine stopped completely. After a compression test, if the valves are bent they will not seal properly, and the compression readings will be low. Then you can take a scope and inspect through the spark plug holes and look for impressions on the piston tops. Inspection cameras with 2 meter long probes and tip articulation are the most convenient for this kind of inspection. The flexible probe will show the damage that may have occurred without disassembling the top part of the engine.

Videoscope is Working in Water

2013-03-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

See video demonstration of videoscope Rigel in water. Videoscope Rigel has water-prrof insertion probe with diameter 5.5 mm and articulation of tip. It is perfect for automotive, aviation, plumbing and other areas.
More details here

Videoscope vs. Fiberscope. What is better?

2013-03-21T09:38:00.000-07:00

Today there is a great variety of borescopes. Inspectors can choose between an optical or a video tool. But what advantages do videoscopes have? Why are they becoming more and more popular? Video observation is preferred over optical inspection because video recording allows the inspector to see wider area at a greater distance or take advantage of the zoom capability as opposed to a limited, darker traditional flexible borescope optical image. They also help the specialist to avoid eye strain and test fatigue because they offer a more comfortable and natural work environment in front of a display engaging both eyes. In addition, the resolution is much higher and there are no moiré interference, mosaic dots of flexible image fiber bundle.

Videoscopes allow inspectors to record observation results. It is especially convenient when a subsequent review of findings is necessary. Modern computer processing enhances detail, and performs an online image analysis. Videoscope image is generated by CCD sensors and then transmitted via electrical wiring to recording and imaging hub. Generally light source is integrated with the camera at the probe tip. In most cases a light source consists of one or more LED bulbs. Heavy-duty professional and expensive models of videoscopes offer Metal Halide or Xenon light source built into the imaging hub. Such light sources have higher light intensity but more power consuming.Often inspectors are looking for a higher pixel resolution of CCD chip. However don't rely on pixel count only when evaluating performance: it is necessary to test CCD performance in each individual case using a resolution target.

Videoscopes are more energy-depending devices than optical fiberscopes, and this can sometimes be an obstacle. Optical fiberscopes generally don’t need powerful energy cells. Energy is provided only for light source and often it is a small LED light source-handle attached to the body of a fiberscope. Video inspection devices are not as fragile as optical ones consisting of glass fiber bundle. Metal braiding helps to protect wiring and camera from damage.

As you can see, videoscopes today are better choice for inspectors, technicians and other specialists in many industrial spheres.

What is a Borescope?

2013-03-08T14:50:00.000-08:00

A borescope is an inspection device with a rigid or flexible optical tube to insert into bores, pipes, holes and cavities for visual inspection. Borescopes are used in a wide range of industrial control and inspection applications. It consists of an objective lens in front of a long glass optic tube containing an image relay and an illumination relay. The relay tube can be rigid or flexible and is followed by a handpiece containing an eyepiece.

Important specifications for borescopes include rigid or flexible image relay, working length, field of view (FOV), direction of view (DOV) and minimal focus distance. The image relay diameter is the diameter of probe for insertion into cavity. This diameter typically determines the minimum size hole the scope can be used within. The working length is the length of the probe. The field of view is the viewing cone included in the viewing angle. It is a measure of how much of the visual field is taken up by the image. The direction of view is the direction the axis of the viewing cone points, where zero degrees is straight ahead and 90 degrees is looking to the side. The minimal focus distance for the borescope is the minimum effective focusing distance.

Flexible borescopes tips may be bent back and forth using a control in the handpiece, which allows changes to view angle or navigation through paths that are not straight. A two way articulated tip can be manipulated or "curled back". Two-way implies single plane of articulation, as in only right-left or up-down. A four way articulated tip can be manipulated or "curled back" in two plane articulation, as in both right-left and up-down. Specifications for articulation range give the maximum angular articulation possible, measured from 0° as straight-ahead. It is important to know minimal bending radius. Repeated bending of a flexible borescope below the minimum bend radius will result in broken image and/or illumination fibers.

Looking for quality, yet affordable borescope? Shop here.

Comparison of Rigid vs. Flexible Videoscopes

2013-02-21T03:59:00.001-08:00

What is the difference between rigid and fully flexible articulated videoscopes? Where is it better to use rigid probe and where - flexible? These and some other questions are answered in the following video. This video is about rigid videoscope Heron and flexible videoscope Rigel. You can see details here.

The Best Solution for Contractor

2013-02-11T21:59:00.003-08:00

Inspection CCTV cameras become very popular for inspection of chimney surfaces. They are convenient for small diameter chimney, old stone flues in unknown condition to get safety certificates, etc. Chimney and fireplace systems need video inspections as much as other ducts or canals in the buildings.

A new and cost effective solution for inspection of ducts, chimneys and fireplaces is offered. Contractors, who seek the best solution for their needs, can choose Viper push camera with PoleCat. Viper push camera has a semi-rigid probe with length 20, 35 or 40 meters, powerful light source and sensitive video camera with sapphire glass lens. The PoleCat allows using a long pole to support the camera. And it is a very important feature: generally chimney inspection cameras have a soft cable to use only from the roof level downwards. However Viper push camera with the PoleCat can be used from both levels: roof and ground, upwards. Besides it is possible to fix the camera at various angles for better view.

Viper pushcamera with PoleCat is the best solution due to its easy design and very reasonable price, considerably cheaper than common chimney inspection camera in the market. Besides this set provides versatile usage for every, even complicated construction of air duct, chimney or fireplace.

You can find details here

Borescope Inspection of Internals (Video)

2013-02-04T21:28:00.000-08:00

See the sample of video and images taken by CCD Sony camera attached to rigid borescope.
EXview HAD CCD is a trademark of Sony Corporation. EXview HAD CCD is a CCD Camera sensor, which drastically improves the light efficiency by including near infrared light region as a basic structure of HAD (Hole-Accumulation Diode) sensor.

The set of a rigid borescope and high-resolution SONY CCD camera can be largely used in many areas including car service, airplane turbines and checking welding seams. Inspection becomes very efficient due to high resolution of image and wide depth of view from 5 mm to infinity.
Rigid borescopes are computer-designed and comply with standards.
The body of the borescope, light post and insertion tube are made of stainless steel. All exterior elements are well adjusted and fluid resistant. The coated rod lenses, in the optical system, provide brilliant image quality with great contrast and brightness. The construction of the optical system guarantees a distortion-free image of the inspection area.

You can find more information here about rigid borescopes and video camera.

New Python Push Camera

2013-01-29T03:30:00.004-08:00

Meet a new push camera from Python family: Python-S. Why S in the name? This push camera has a self-leveling camera unit and a built-in 512Hz sonde. This push camera is a great device for video inspection of sewers and drain waters, main lines and laterals, ducts, wells, boilers, tanks and power plants.
The Python's self leveling camera head contains a high resolution Sharp CCD chip, 30 LED lights with adjustable brightness, a flexible spring coiled joint to navigate corners and a Sapphire lens to resist scratching. Due to the self-leveling feature the camera chip is always right side up expanding your ability to clearly see the inspection area.

Length of insertion probe can reach 70 or 120 meters. With USB port you can always transfer files to computer.

Please find more details here

Inspection of Car Engine by Videoscope

2013-01-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

Medit's RIGEL 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. Please visit us for more info

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Comparison of Triton Push Cameras

2013-01-22T04:38:00.000-08:00

This time I would like to tell you about two pipe cameras from Triton family:

Micro Pipe Camera

and Self-Levelling Pipe camera.

What are their differences? What are their main features?

Both Triton camera systems give you a great experience of inspection. These systems perfectly meet all your needs for pipe inspections.

First - the differences.

Triton micro pipe camera has a very narrow 7/8'' camera with pressure resistance to 4 bar. Camera contains 4 super powerful LEDs

Triton self-levelling pipe camera has self-levelling camera that will always turn to the right side to use. Pressure resistance is higher - to 6 bar. Camera contains 20 bright LEDs.

All other features are the same. The whole system consists of two components. First, it is the durable mini inspection reel with push cable lengths to 60 meters. Unlike other systems on the market the Triton features a Kevlar braided probe. Kevlar is a highly resistant material that is widely used for making bullet proof vests. Camera chip is protected by scratch resistant sapphire glass and housing is made of stainless steel. The Triton inspection reel also comes with a built in transmitter that operates at 512htz and is easily locatable with a standard receiver.
Second, it is the imaging hub, Triton pipe cameras have 10.4” color wide screen monitor with a recording processor. Data can be saved directly to Ipod, Ipad or USB drive. Recordings are made in a high quality H.264 format. Data can also be accompanied with voice comments through and written text.
Other features include an on-screen counter for how much of the probe has been inserted, adjustable lighting control, click touch controls and a rechargeable battery which holds a two hour charge.

So, if you need to pass through very narrow ducts and pipes with diameter from 1'', then your choice will be Triton Micro Pipe camera.

If the diameter of camera is not important, but you need such additional features as self-levelling camera or higher pressure resistance, then you can consider Triton Self-Levelling Pipe camera.

Please see videos taken by both cameras.

More information is here

Ultra Thin Videoscope with Highly Durable Probe

2013-01-15T07:18:00.000-08:00

No wonder that probe of videoscope is often the most fragile part. It is subject to various influences including sharp edges of metal parts of engines. However metal braiding of PVC covered probe increases resistance against external impacts. Videoscope with such a probe can be more easily used during inspection of hard-to-reach places. The more - thin probe can be inserted through smallest entries and gives a nice image.

Please check this video taked by 4 mm probe with articulation. More information here

Sample Video Taken by Orion II Videoscope

2013-01-08T22:53:00.001-08:00

Orion II videoscope has a light weight, extremely portable design, and meet current requirements for Remote Visual Inspection.
A full range of interchangeable probes with different diameters, lengths, and directions of view (DOV), are available, making this a highly useful and indispensable tool. Inspection probes range from 3.9 mm to 10 mm in diameter, and are all water-, oil-, diesel-, gasoline- proof (IP 57) with an integrated high resolution CMOS Video Camera chip. Four bright LED lights give brilliant illumination with a button on the monitor to control the light intensity, virtually eliminating glare when inspecting reflective or metallic surfaces. This videoscope is used in automotive inspection, in welding inspection and in many other areas.
Please see sample video taken by Orion II videoscope with the thinnest 3.9 mm insertion probe.

Breaking News

2012-12-18T21:23:00.000-08:00

Breaking news today – coming Christmas. Merry Christmas to all readers of this blog and Happy New Year! I wish you peace and love in your life and success in your business in new 2013 year.

RIGEL articulated video borescope on the Graveyard Carz TV show

2012-12-11T04:02:00.000-08:00

Medit's "RIGEL" articulated video borescope was featured on the Graveyard Carz TV show. This affordable borescope can be used for a wide range of applications in automotive industry. See how Mark Worman detects some undressed rusty spots into the car frame using "RIGEL" videoscope. More information about this borescope here

New Powerful Light Source

2012-12-04T23:14:00.003-08:00

No doubt that the quality of light source is very important during non-destructive testing and inspection. LED light sources are used in optical endoscopy: in borescopes and fiberscopes.
SPARK LED light source is specially designed advanced NDT industry. It has a new LED chip, which is combined with a focal lens to produce 15% more light intensity then the most powerful light sources in the class.
The body of SPARK LED light source is made of high-grade aluminum with anodized finish. Due to the design the heat, produced by the LED element, is evenly allocated on the surface.

The SPARK LED light source uses 3 standard AAA batteries, which can be purchased globally or in rechargeable form, Ni-MH, Li-ion or Alkaline, if you want to use it continually.
Portable and easy-to-operate the “Spark” LED light source is a must-have for routine remote visual inspections.

More details are here

Comparison of SPARK LED light source with competitors

Inspection Video with Triton Push Camera

2012-11-27T23:05:00.002-08:00

Triton push camera is one of the best push camera in the market for drain and sewer inspection. Durable mini inspection reel with push cable lengths up to 200 feet. Unlike other systems on the market the Triton features a Kevlar braided probe.

The 7/8" Micro camera head connected to the inspection reel provides great illumination of the inspection area and a crisp, colorful image.

The Triton inspection reel also comes with a built in transmitter that operates at 512htz and is easily locatable with a standard receiver (this option can be added to the set).

Please see inspection video made by Triton push camera

Rigid Video Borescope in Action

2012-11-19T21:24:00.003-08:00

As you know, rigid borescopes have many advantages. Such borescopes include a system of glass rod lenses, stainless steel probe with eyepiece. They provide a very clear image. But there is one little problem - you can generally make eye inspections, without recording. And what if you want to keep your nice moments of work forever?

Here comes Kingfisher - combination of rigid borescope with high precision optics and video borescope (or videoscope) with monitor and recording function.

The Kingfisher rigid video borescopes are used in many areas of inspections including gun barrels, pipes, castings etc. All of these scopes feature glass rod lenses, a complimentary LED light handle for illumination, and an optional angle of view of 0, 30, 70, 90, or in some sizes 110 degrees. Diameter can be 2.7 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm or 6 mm.

The video camera chip provides a clear, colorful image of the inspection area, which is displayed on portable monitor. You can view image on monitor or record it to SD card or see live view on external larger TV monitor.

Please review sample images of objects just 0.01 mm in size. The focus distance of Kingfisher rigid video borescope is from 1 cm to infinity, so it is possible to view very small objects.

A video output jack transfers the image to a larger TV monitor allowing you to discuss repairs, and troubleshooting directly with customers.

As you can see here, Kingfisher videoscope can be used as a microscope. The smallest parts are visible