VOscope Features
Our model has a 36-inch cable, fitted with LEDs and a small camera at the working (distal) end. The camera/cable diameter is 10 mm, so it will fit into a standard spark plug hole.
The cable is semi-rigid, but flexible, and can be bent to fit or follow the shape of the vehicle or component being viewed. The manufacturer recommends that you limit the bend radius to three inches, however, to prevent cable damage.
Using the VOscope
The VOscope display is surprisingly clear, even in moderately bright light and, since there is no focus adjustment to fiddle with, you just point and shoot. I’ll admit that it took me a while to coordinate my brain and hands to get the best image, but I quickly learned a few tricks:
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If you see a bright white screen, you probably have the camera lens right up against a reflective surface that is bouncing the LED light back into the camera, creating glare. Pull the probe back a bit.
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If you are working inside a contained area with little or no ambient light, remember that the LEDs are providing the illumination. Moving the camera tip in and out a bit can improve lighting on the object for the best screen display.
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When using the mirror for right angle views, clean the mirror glass carefully with a lint-free cloth. Small specks of dirt and dust and fingerprints degrade the screen image.
Here are a few of the common uses for a shop borescope:
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Checking a/c condensers and radiators for damage, bent fins, or obstructions
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Inspecting poly v-ribbed belts for wear and cracking
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Pulling identification numbers from the sticker on the back of a radio without having to actually remove the radio from the dash. (This is really helpful if you need the number to get anti-theft access codes from the dealer when radio memory has been erased.)
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Inspecting disc brake pad thickness without removing the road wheel
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Peering inside engine cylinders through the spark plug hole.
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Inspecting a water pump weep hole for a coolant leak.
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Finding the exact location of cylinder head or intake manifold coolant leaks.
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Locating electrical connectors in dashboards.
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Checking heater cores for leaks.
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Checking carbon clogged EGR tubes.
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Looking for smoke at the top of a fuel tank during an EVAP leak smoke test
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Retrieving a part number or identification number from an inaccessible component.
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Identifying manifold bolt locations in tight quarters.
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Locating hard to find timing belt cover fasteners.
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Examining door interiors, including hard to see lock and window mechanisms.
Specifications:
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High resolution remote color camera
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Autofocus (Viewing distance: 0.4" to infinity)
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Distal tip diameter: 0.42" maximum (0.46 with accessories)
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Cable diameter: 10 mm
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Resolution 320 x 240 pixels
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2.5" full color viewing monitor
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10mm shaft diameter
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Shaft material: High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
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Housing material: Nylon
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Waterproof, Flexible Staylok shaft
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36" standard shaft length
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High output LED illumination
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5 hrs operation on 4 AA batteries (included)
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Mirror and magnet accessories included
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Video out for optional recording
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Poly pro storage case
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1 year warranty
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Video out port: RCA jack - NTSC signal
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Light source: (2) white LED’s in tip
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Viewing angle: 55° (without clip-on mirror)
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Minimum bending radius: 3"
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Power: (4) AA batteries
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Battery life: approximately 4 hours
Kit includes:
