Bore Scope

Lineslinger said:

The low and mid-range scopes do not have multi angular "cameras". A camera is a recording device, not an optical viewing device.

The scopes ability to "view" objectives to the side and other desired angles is accomplished via reflective inserts polished to a reasonable optical quality and mounted in front of the forward looking fiber optic lens with the imagery being conveyed back to the camera itself.

Teslong 5-Mirror Set For NTG100/150 Borescopes

This is a five-piece side-view borescope mirror set for our NTG100 series rifle borescopes. This set includes one mirror for each size of a caliber barrel, .22, .243, .30, .38, & .40. Caliber-specific mirrors focus better & see more for faster firearm barrel inspections.

teslong.com

The optical/viewing/recording technology and quality has progressed to a stage where even the lower cost models can relay sharp imagery given enough light on the desired subject.

I use my Teslong to inspect my 850 cylinder bores to various firearms components to check on the bug my granddaughter stuck in her ear.

Rifle Borescope: Best Borescope for Rifle Barrels (iPhone + Android) | Teslong

Explore Borescopes for Rifle Barrels Teslong rifle borescopes are used to inspect for pistol and barrel cleanliness, throat erosion, tool marks, rifling wear, chamber damage, and fouling. Some of our rifle borescopes are compatible with iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Macbook & Chromebook.

teslong.com

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The borescopes I used in the 80's on RVI's were not as clear, and cost thousands.

Lineslinger said:

The low and mid-range scopes do not have multi angular "cameras". A camera is a recording device, not an optical viewing device.

The scopes ability to "view" objectives to the side and other desired angles is accomplished via reflective inserts polished to a reasonable optical quality and mounted in front of the forward looking fiber optic lens with the imagery being conveyed back to the camera itself.

Teslong 5-Mirror Set For NTG100/150 Borescopes

This is a five-piece side-view borescope mirror set for our NTG100 series rifle borescopes. This set includes one mirror for each size of a caliber barrel, .22, .243, .30, .38, & .40. Caliber-specific mirrors focus better & see more for faster firearm barrel inspections.

teslong.com

The optical/viewing/recording technology and quality has progressed to a stage where even the lower cost models can relay sharp imagery given enough light on the desired subject.

I use my Teslong to inspect my 850 cylinder bores to various firearms components to check on the bug my granddaughter stuck in her ear.

Rifle Borescope: Best Borescope for Rifle Barrels (iPhone + Android) | Teslong

Explore Borescopes for Rifle Barrels Teslong rifle borescopes are used to inspect for pistol and barrel cleanliness, throat erosion, tool marks, rifling wear, chamber damage, and fouling. Some of our rifle borescopes are compatible with iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Macbook & Chromebook.

teslong.com

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The endoscope I showed has separate lighting and chips for forward and side viewing, picture/video taking - not done with lens or mirrors.

marshg246 said:

The endoscope I showed has separate lighting and chips for forward and side viewing, picture/video taking - not done with lens or mirrors.

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Right.
Your scope being of a more sophisticated level than the two links I noted in my post.


In the early days of fiber optics in my industry we had mechanisms utilizing optical fibers to transmit light and imagery.
Those basics being the "snorkel lens" and the fiber optic light box. The latter being literally a mirror lined box with a 1000 watt HMI light inside of it into which fiber optic cables of various sizes and transmission abilities could be plugged into for finite directional transmission of lighting into very small, limited or tiny areas. We used this technology primarily in table top or stop motion animation/motion picture photography.

The snorkel lens was developed for very detailed, close up cinematography allowing the lens to go where the camera would not for cinema imagery. Below is an example of earlier technology using mirrors and prisms to transmit the image to the focal plane within the camera. This before the borescope was ever conceived.


This technology soon became antiquated and optical fiber technology replaced the mirrors and prisms with very good to excellent image quality rendition. This technology was developed/shared with the medical industry...have you had a colonoscopy recently? being just one example of its huge array of applications.
Today you can purchase an excellent fiber optic viewing/recording device for under $100 utilizing the same basic technology that is literally in orbit around our planet.
In its early development I went to 3 separate banks to find a banker with the comprehension and insight to help me put this level of technology in our "equipment shed" as it were.

Harbor freight

Continental requires a borescope cylinder inspection for every required inspection such as 100 hour or annual aircraft inspection. As such I bought an Ablescope which can turn 180 degrees to be able to see back at the valves. I'm primarily concerned with exhaust valve inspection as it's a high removal cause. If you watch the video run it at 1.25 or 1.5 as Mike is a slow talker.

MichaelB said:

Thanks for the post and clarifying the bug legs. Wasn't sure what was happening there.
I'm surprised something like this can be had for less $100.00.
Without knowing anything I assumed these cost anywhere from $250.00 to 2k.
I was looking at some used Snap On's for 100.00. After reading all the specs I am figuring this unit
probably out performs the old school.
Wasn't sure about wanting the 16' lead. I'm sure I'll find uses for it.
Like checking put the dryer vent that runs up the 2 story.

We'll see. Thanks for the info..

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If you do get the one with the 16' lead, you could always moonlight as a proctologist. Make side money doing colonoscopies, $1000 a pop? A dozen of those and you'll have enough loot to restore the Norton.

I bought the one Greg (@marshg246 ) recommended it post #4 and here's the first shots inside my 850 - impressive resolution/quality

JimNH said:

Continental requires a borescope cylinder inspection for every required inspection such as 100 hour or annual aircraft inspection. As such I bought an Ablescope which can turn 180 degrees to be able to see back at the valves. I'm primarily concerned with exhaust valve inspection as it's a high removal cause. If you watch the video run it at 1.25 or 1.5 as Mike is a slow talker.

vividia ablescope borescopes

vividia ablescope articulating borescope inspection cameras

www.vividia-tech.com

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which model would you recommend for motorcycle engine work?

jimbo said:

which model would you recommend for motorcycle engine work?

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There are so many quality options available. Get the best offering your budget allows.
Also consider usage besides looking down the cylinders of your bike.
If I could make a recommendation to consider it would be a flexible cable, with light.


My grandkids love exploring with the one I have. They look, and often record everything from down the sink drain to up their nose to inside each others toy banks to some dead bug they found on the garage floor.

jimbo said:

which model would you recommend for motorcycle engine work?

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I've just upgraded to the AV400i, which plays directly with tablets, phones, and windows PCs. I don't need flexible, just the ability to see back 180 degrees hence the rigid with flex head is best for me. Aircraft engines have two 18mm spark plugs so access from two ports is possible which gets a good look around. Modern turbine engines have dedicated borescope ports as much of the maintenance is on condition, which requires inspection of turbine wheels and combustion chambers. Back in the '70s I was working on L1011s and A300s which had RB211 RR and GE CF6 engines respectively. I was not a borescope qualified mechanic as it was a coveted senior position for the OT it generated but I did get to look at plenty of allowable combustion chamber defects and it always amazed me what could continue in flight when in non critical areas. The $$$ 'scopes of the day are easily matched by today's couple of hundred dollar 'scopes.

My upgrade was unintentional. Toolbox lid fell on the end and not economically repairable but they do have an upgrade program for dummies like me. $220 for a normally $400. 'scope. AT 72 I just retired from full time flying a Falcon 7X and am just flying and maintaining my 182, keeping the farm up, and riding my MKIII.

Watch reviews on YT, decide what your budget is, and buy accordingly.

MichaelB said:

Thinking of getting a Bore Scope.
Never used one, don't know anything about them.
I see them priced from $20.00 to $150.00 +.
I see them with their own screen and ones that tie into phone with WiFi.
Any comments from those that have used them?

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Autozone loans them out for free. They also sell the same one for around $200.00 if you really like it. I don’t remember the brand, but it worked well for me when looking inside my Pontiac V8 through the plug holes. The camera would rotate around with hand held controls.

My AV400i arrived. I'm amazed at the resolution/quality. I did not intentionally upgrade, the AV400 was not repairable and the upgrade they offered at $220. was more than reasonable. Having tried it out it's superior to my old one in many ways and being able to directly connect to a tablet or phone is a big plus. Here's the specs:
https://www.oasisscientific.com/sto...iculation-iPhone-iPad-Android-Windows-PC.html