Small Diameter Borescopes
A small diameter borescope is required for unique applications in industrial machinery, automotive, aviation, and other applications. A small insertion tube, and camera can save hours of labor and money with just a quick look with a wire probe insertion tube with a small camera head on the end with either an optical viewfinder or digital screen. No need for disassembly of your equipment or engine to determine an issue.
A small diameter scope is specified as one that has a probe which is 2mm or less or if using imperial measurement which is used in the United States and other countries that do not commonly use the metric measurement would be (the equivalent listed below in the text) 0.0787402 inches.
Regardless of your appication, we have an inspection camera that will fit almost any job where this application is required. Some applications are unique which require articulation, side viewing cameras, or maybe a forward, straight viewing camera is all that is required. If none of our current offerings are suitable for your needs, you can contact us if a customized camera is required, and we can see what possibilities are available.
Despite the small size of these cameras, the quality of the display and images are of professional quality for your applications.
The image resolution for this type of camera is usually in the 640x 480 or 400x400 range, and some even feature a higher camera resolution.
With a smaller camera probe, it is important to make sure that proper care during inspection and storage is a priority. While durable, these probes are small and vulnerable to damage, so they must be treated as an instrument that is much more sensitive than an average tool. Make sure to care for and store the borescope well for yourself and your technicians. This is important for making sure that your borescope has a long life.
There are several types of small diameter scopes. Some that are purely optical where an eyepiece viewfinder is used with a fiberoptic cable that is backlit by a light or a digital adapter or monitor is used to view through an LCD screen. Others are purely digital where the camera and lighting is fixed on the end of the borescope and viewed through an LCD screen.
The different types of rigidity for the probes that we have are flexible scopes, articulating, side-viewing, and fully rigid scopes.
Please contact us for assistance on finding the right small diameter borescope for your application.
A small diameter scope is specified as one that has a probe which is 2mm or less or if using imperial measurement which is used in the United States and other countries that do not commonly use the metric measurement would be (the equivalent listed below in the text) 0.0787402 inches.
Regardless of your appication, we have an inspection camera that will fit almost any job where this application is required. Some applications are unique which require articulation, side viewing cameras, or maybe a forward, straight viewing camera is all that is required. If none of our current offerings are suitable for your needs, you can contact us if a customized camera is required, and we can see what possibilities are available.
Despite the small size of these cameras, the quality of the display and images are of professional quality for your applications.
The image resolution for this type of camera is usually in the 640x 480 or 400x400 range, and some even feature a higher camera resolution.
With a smaller camera probe, it is important to make sure that proper care during inspection and storage is a priority. While durable, these probes are small and vulnerable to damage, so they must be treated as an instrument that is much more sensitive than an average tool. Make sure to care for and store the borescope well for yourself and your technicians. This is important for making sure that your borescope has a long life.
There are several types of small diameter scopes. Some that are purely optical where an eyepiece viewfinder is used with a fiberoptic cable that is backlit by a light or a digital adapter or monitor is used to view through an LCD screen. Others are purely digital where the camera and lighting is fixed on the end of the borescope and viewed through an LCD screen.
The different types of rigidity for the probes that we have are flexible scopes, articulating, side-viewing, and fully rigid scopes.
Please contact us for assistance on finding the right small diameter borescope for your application.
Why or when do I need a small diameter borescope?Small diameter scopes are best used for very specific applications that feature small bores/openings and enclosures. For general applications that do not require a smaller probe or camera, there are other options available that may be more applicable and cost-effective.
When is a flexible borescope required?A flexible scope is required when the inside of the bore is in a tight space such as a tube or pipe and needs flexibility to turn corners. Consider how tight the corners and turns are to make sure a particular borescope will work with your application. Another thing to consider is also the length of the camera housing and if it is small enough to fit into the bends of your required application.
What is an articulating/articulation camera and when would this be needed?
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How do I know which type of small diameter borescope I need for my application?
When considering buying a borescope, consider the application concerning the size of the bore/opening, the length that would be needed for the probe, the diameter size of the enclosure, and if there is any bends inside and enclosure. Would it require a more rigid rod, or a flexible one? Is articulation (camera head bending back) a feature that would be necessary or useful?
When is a rigid borescope required?A rigid borescope is required when flexibility such as bending around objects or corners is not required. Rigid scopes can be beneficial when looking into a small bore where there is an open space and a straight-ahead view to the object that one is trying to view. A borescope that is not rigid may not be able to hold its position firmly when looking into a wide space.
Since the camera is so small, can I get a clear, quality image on the display screen?
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An articulation camera is one with the feature of bending back at different angles and offers the advantage to bend the camera head back at different angles which provides views that might be impossible or problematic to view with a standard straight-facing camera. Articulating cameras are operated using a swivel pully type system, a joystick control or other methods. Some articulating cameras bend back in one direction, some in two, and some have full articulation which can bend back in every direction. Consider if your application requires this feature.
Can photos and videos be taken with the cameras?
Most all cameras that use digital display screens have the function to take photos and videos. Optical (finder-viewing eyepiece) borescopes may not have this ability but may have adapters that can allow this feature.
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Yes. The technology for smaller cameras has developed a lot in recent years and these cameras offer clear and crisp resolution images usually ranging from 640x480, 400x400, with some cameras featuring even a higher resolution.
Does the borescope have a lighting feature in addition to the camera?
Yes. All borescopes either digital or optical have a light on the end to provide clarity in dark spaces. The lighting is either placed at the end of the borescope and controlled by electrical wiring from the handle control box or a fiber-optic cable is used and backlit from a light in the control box/handle. Often, fiber optic cables are used with very small diameter borescopes. The lighting intensity on the borescopes are adjustable in most models.
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Are the borescopes waterproof?
Some of them are, and at different degrees of waterproofing normally at about IP67, IP68 or above. Please check the specifications or call us about the specific waterproof capabilities of the camera that you are interested in. Most of these are not meant for underwater applications but have waterproof capabilities to withstand exposure to moisture and oil. If you have any concerns about the camera that you are interested in, please call us for consultation.
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What is the focal distance for the borescopes?
The focal distance varies among different borescopes as some are designed for close distances and some for farther distances. Most small diameter borescopes have a close viewing focal distance.
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What if my borescope is not getting an image?
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How do I care for my small diameter borescope?
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This could be due to several factors. One may be that your borescope is not sufficiently charged. Keep in mind that your control box and monitor may require separate charges depending on the model that you have. Place on charge for several hours and then try to use your borescope again. Another may be that the connections on the scope may not have a firm connection. Check all connections (cables snugly connected and secure, monitor connected tightly, etc.) to make sure that everything is connected well. Another may be that the charging cable may have a problem. This could be due to damage or a break in the connection, or malfunction. Many borescopes have a standard C-type, or micro-usb cable for charging. These are commonly used for electronic devices and you may have some cables that you use for cell phones or other devices around your house, and are also available at most box electronic stores. If another cable is available, then it might be a good idea for troubleshooting to try a different cable to see if this resolves the problem.
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Make sure to store your borescope in a cool and dry place. Our borescopes all have either a hardshell or sturdy softshell carrying case. Although the borescope probes are sturdy, when using your borescope, please note that the small diameter of the borescope makes the borescope very vulnerable to damage. During inspections, operate with care to make sure not to damage your camera or probe. A small and gentle push or pull is usually sufficient for inspection as well as gently removing the probe. When storing, be careful not to close the case on the probe which will pinch and possibly permanently damage the probe. A borescope camera can often get dirty, moist, or oily after a routine inspection. To keep your borescope probe clean, use a thin microfiber cloth to wipe dry and then use a small dab of isopropyl rubbing alcohol on the cloth to wipe off any residue that may be left.
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Why are small diameter borescopes sometimes more expensive than larger diameter borescopes?
Small diameter scopes are more specialized for their unique application, and production is more limited than other larger borescopes which have more demand for general applications. The technology and camera size also account for some scopes being higher in cost in some cases.
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If the camera, probe, or viewing monitor gets damaged or breaks, can I buy parts separately to easily replace them on my own without replacing the entire unit?
In most borescopes, the probe and camera are affixed as one unit and would require a replacement of both parts as one. Depending on the model, the borescope that you have may be designed for easy replacement of the probe, and others may require a return for a repair or replacement assessment. Issues with monitor can often be solved with a phone call and trouble shooting with our staff. If the monitor has a technical issue and it cannot be solved with a phone call, then a resolution via a return or replacement may be necessary.
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