The International Cessna 170 Association

bagarre wrote:HAH! I was just researching Borescopes to see what they cost and how good they are

Perhaps this could be a new thread as I'm sure there are many differences in quality vs price.

Well, I've finally gotten back to this.
I'd like to buy a digital borescope primarily for finding corrosion.

It would be nice to keep the price under $350.00.

Anyone have an opinion on any of the ones on the market?

-David

Snap-On offers two models, the BK6000 and BK5500. Not sure of the price but I'm sure it isn't cheap. They do have a warranty though.

I've been reading more on the Extach BR200 and BR250.

They appear to be idendical other then camera head diameter.
The BR200's head is 17mm dia and the BR250's head is 9mm dia.

The image resolution is 640x480 and video is 960x240. That's better than most any other ones I've seen...but they cost a little bit more too.
The image viewer (screen) is detachable which sounds like a GREAT idea. You can set the screen in front of you while you twist and snake the camera around for a better shot.

They run around $300 for the BR200 and $350 for the BR250.
For $50.00 more, you get the smaller camera head.

-David

You might check out the Autel MaxiVideo MV201 (ALUMV20155) from eToolDirect. During December they had this "digital inspection videoscope w/ 5.5mm camera head) with a list price of $399.95 on sale for $189.99. There was a video on line to give more details. Supposedly they only had 12 left when I went to their website. I have not purchased one at this time.

Copy and paste into your browser. I believe this is the same unit as Aryana posted the Harbor Freight link on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-68AdXVHHI8

I bought the BR250 a while ago but finally had a few chances to use it.

For looking at the inside of cylinders, I'm not impressed at all. The image is very blurry and even the best shots were still grainy. The detail in the photo wasn't enough to make any decisions with.

I was able to find an old bee hive and some corrosion in the horizontal stab tho. But, I could have one the some with a bright light and a small mirror.

Adjustable focus, an articulating camera head and the photo button in a better place would make it more usable.
But in the end, my iPhone takes 1000 times better shots and the whole phone cost less than this unit.

Live and learn, I guess.

Just opened the box this afternoon, A General 200 bore scope. 3 foot lead, small screen, 13 mm camera with adjustable light source, and 45 and 90 degree mirrors. Not a good system, but for $125.00 will do every thing I need.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200512626

$70. Talks to your laptop.

gahorn wrote:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/ ... _200512626

$70. Talks to your laptop.

Interesting, have you actually had a chance to use one of these?

That looks like a real good deal if the resolution is any good. If anyone comes up with some good data on it, I'd like to buy one.

Northern Tool has a generous return policy.

I looked hard at that one too George. But wanted a self contained system. The one I got is "OK", the resolution is very good near and far. I can throw it in the right seat of the pickup, take it to the job and use it. If need be. My buddy Paul bought a mini camera. Just cuz he could, Has no use for it. But we were thinking of ways to hook it up to bluetooth and send to Iphone. If we come up with something you'll be the first to know.

I've been looking for a decent-quality, reasonably-priced wand-type borescope. I have an inexpensive flexible arm type, but the resolution isn't that great and I find that the flexible arm can be difficult to control and orient. The problem is, good wand types are expensive. But I think I found a good reasonably-priced one with an articulating tip. So I thought I would pass the info along. It's the Vividia VA-400 from Oasis Scientific, a company in North Carolina: Here's a link to Oasis' website page describing the unit:
http://www.oasisscientific.com/vividia- ... amera.html

It's only $149 direct from the company, either through their website or via Amazon. I ordered one, it arrived today and I've been playing with it. It's a nice unit for the price. Decent quality, very good resolution, a nice wide focal distance range, and a great 180 degree articulating tip that works very well. Also, you can snap pics and take videos with it. I must admit, it's better than what I was expecting for the price.

Downsides are that you need to plug it into and run it from a computer or an Android device. I've been running it from my Window's laptop. (For $285 you can buy it from the company with a 7" Android tablet.) (It doesn't appear that iPhones or iPads are supported.) Also, it doesn't come with a case. But the foam-lined cardboard box it comes in protects it reasonably well.

All in all, based on my initial impressions and use, I'm happy with it -- especially the price.

I purchased one 5 years ago. It was cheap and just enough to make you desire a REAL tool.

I would suggest that if you have interest phone Aircraft Tool Supply and get their boroscope specialist on the phone. He is in direct contact with the mfg plant (orient). Excellent source of information.

He claims increased oprtics power color resolution, etc. At the time he was not budging from the 400.00 price tag on his New and Improved.
800-248-0638 www.aircraft-tool.com.

I have often though that there could be member interest fee based exotic tool rental. We don't all need to possess expensive we hardly ever use.

MoonlightVFR wrote:I purchased one 5 years ago. It was cheap and just enough to make you desire a REAL tool.

I would suggest that if you have interest phone Aircraft Tool Supply and get their boroscope specialist on the phone. He is in direct contact with the mfg plant (orient). Excellent source of information.

He claims increased oprtics power color resolution, etc. At the time he was not budging from the 400.00 price tag on his New and Improved.
800-248-0638 http://www.aircraft-tool.com.

I have often though that there could be member interest fee based exotic tool rental. We don't all need to possess expensive we hardly ever use.

YOu purchased one...WHAT? The Northern Tool..?? or the Vivida?