What's new
Van's Air Force

Don't miss anything! Register now for full access to the definitive RV support community.

Borescope Recommendation

avrojockey

Well Known Member
Patron
There's no shortage of cheap borescopes on Amazon - several recommended here, and by notable A&Ps.

On the recommendations of a few I bought a Vividia VA400. Unfortunately, I've had nothing but problems with it, and even if it did work the camera resolution was marginal at best. After only a couple uses the articulation broke, and then in less than a dozen uses the camera has become obscured by something inside the lens. I've been disappointed with it.

I needed a HD scope to inspect the thru-bolt bore on my case so I did some more research and found a good one on amazon. It records in 1080p and the screen is 720p, so it's a vast improvement over the Vividia. It does not articulate, but it's semi-rigid, and can fold back 180 degrees. It's also smaller so it can fold back 180 and still snake through a spark plug hole. Highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PTVBGBQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll post some sample video when the UTube finishes encoding it
 
Last edited:
I have a couple of the cheaper borescopes and they arent bad but i have been looking for a articulating one. I was looking at the vividia but now I'm not sure what to go with.
 
Vividia Ablescope

Vividia Ablescope VA-400 USB Rigid Borescope Endoscope with 180 Degree Articulating 8.5mm Diameter Probe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GY7C9ZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1AF4S2N6YTJDCVZFTTAX

I’ve had this model for several years. It’s a high quality image and allows recording either photos or images in HD. They make a newer model where the whole shaft is flexible, however I’m very happy with this and it’s ability to very quickly adjust views inside a cylinder from piston head to walls to both valves in seconds in high resolution.

It’s a fraction of the price of scopes from vendors like Snap On and does a much better job, IMO.
 
HD?

I’ve had this model for several years. It’s a high quality image and allows recording either photos or images in HD.

Most don't (and shouldn't) consider a max resolution of 640x480 anywhere near HD.

I have the same scope (second one) and you have to be very gentle with the articulating head. It takes decent close-up photos, which is goof for valves but getting a good photo of the cylinder wall is difficult. I've also used cheap flexible scopes but they don't work well for valve pictures.
 
VA-400

I’ve had excellent success with imaging cylinder walls and find that the articulating head has been very robust on my unit over the many, many uses since buying in early 2015. The lighting is much better than either of my much more expensive units, that I’ve since sold.

I’ve used for everything from annuals on my Baron to inspecting rivets inside wings during builds and find that it’s been a great scope. Also, I bought the optional wifi adapter and use it with my iPhone or iPad. I recommend it.
 
So would this one work well for checking exhaust valves/inside cylinders?

Yes...in fact it does a much better job than the Vividia VA-400, even though it doesn't have the articulating head.

The semi-rigid design let's you fold it back on itself before inserting into plug well. It has no problem going in cylinder this way because it's only 5mm in diameter, and folds to just over 10mm dia. May be a bit snug if you have 14mm adapters in though.

I also found that the focal length is much better than the VA-400, and the resolution far superior. It also has a side camera for viewing cylinder walls. All around you can see things much better in your cylinders than a VA-400.

I'll take some value footage and post the next time I'm at hanger.
 
Last edited:
The key attribute is focal length. You need one that has a very short one. Resolution is irrelevant if it won’t focus On stuff close to lense. I have had cheap ones that provide great picture resolution but it needs to be 2” away from object. Not happening in a cylinder.
 
I'm old school, still use my old rigid Olympus, no picture or movies, just the best view possible.

1200x300p1512x378.jpg


https://www.olympus-ims.com/en/zoom-swing-prism-borescopes/
 
I have the Vividia articulating head unit, and the articulating part is excellent. But the picture quality is so-so. Just got one of the Teslong units mentioned in this thread

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PTVBGBQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and it is fantastic - much better detail, more useful focal range. Next is to try to parallel it with the articulating Vividia head, and if that doesn't fit, then canibalize the Vividia mechanism to work with the Teslong electro-optics...
 
I have the Vividia articulating head unit, and the articulating part is excellent. But the picture quality is so-so. Just got one of the Teslong units mentioned in this thread

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PTVBGBQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and it is fantastic - much better detail, more useful focal range. Next is to try to parallel it with the articulating Vividia head, and if that doesn't fit, then canibalize the Vividia mechanism to work with the Teslong electro-optics...

Yep that's the one I got! The I bought the Vividia VA-400 recommended by Mike Busch and I thought it was lacking too.

Here's some shots I took today...

https://youtu.be/2QR6PdMuLjA

To be honest, I think the video is better on the device. The recorded videos have a little artifacting, though this could be from encoding by my Mac and then YouTube.
 
Borescope replies

Just wanted to thank everyone for you input and suggestions on what Borescope to chose.. greatly appreciated . Thank you
 
Yep that's the one I got! The I bought the Vividia VA-400 recommended by Mike Busch and I thought it was lacking too.

Here's some shots I took today...

https://youtu.be/2QR6PdMuLjA

To be honest, I think the video is better on the device. The recorded videos have a little artifacting, though this could be from encoding by my Mac and then YouTube.

Wow that's really clear! Has anyone tried the Vividia ME-610X?

https://www.oasisscientific.com/sto...x720_Resolution_and_Rechargeable_Battery.html

I know it's pricey but how is the picture?

-Marc
 
Ablescope 400 - what kind of phone / tablet?

I have an ablescope 400 and have only been able to get it to work on a borrowed older model Samsung phone. This is not very convenient. I have tried our 3 Samsung phones and a variety of recommended apps on each but have not been able to get it to work. Frustrating!

What kind of phone / tablet are others using to run their borescope? Are others using the airbox adapter? Given my poor experience with the scope, I hate to spend more money on another piece of equipment which may not work...

Thanks
 
Old OS on old phones likely

I have an ablescope 400 and have only been able to get it to work on a borrowed older model Samsung phone. This is not very convenient. I have tried our 3 Samsung phones and a variety of recommended apps on each but have not been able to get it to work. Frustrating!

Here is what you needed to follow to allow use with android phone.

https://www.oasisscientific.com/uploads/3/0/7/1/3071815/ablescope_app_user_manual.pdf

Likely old version of OS on old phones.
 
Last edited:
Viewing video.

Yea that is a good question,, what are y’all viewing the video on what does that Borescope hook up to. Does it link to your phone or a iPod, ?
 
Yea that is a good question,, what are y’all viewing the video on what does that Borescope hook up to. Does it link to your phone or a iPod, ?
I just use my daily driver - an old macbook air. Plugs into the USB port and I show the video with Quicktime Player. It will record it as well.

I have the VA400 and a super-cheap ebay borescope that is not articulating. Both have pretty average video quality, but are better than nothing.

S'more hints:

https://airplaneownermaintenance.com/tag/borescope/
 
Last edited:
Yea that is a good question,, what are y’all viewing the video on what does that Borescope hook up to. Does it link to your phone or a iPod, ?

The one I just bought has it's own 5" 720p screen. It will also record to the including 32GB micro sd and hook up to your Mac via usb to see the videos in 1080, but the screen on the unit is a very good IPS screen
 
+1 for the

I second that Amazon purchase, Mickey. Mine was called something different, but appears to be from the same Off-Shore factory... For what I paid, it's been a good piece of gear.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MVPB17Z?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I bought one a few months ago and it's been very nice for a fraction of the price of the VA-400. Better resolution and I believe it's easier to manipulate than the VA-400. One handed operation with the left hand to take pictures and video too. Here's some Sample pics.
 

Attachments

  • Image_2022-09-04 14_33_14_431.JPG
    Image_2022-09-04 14_33_14_431.JPG
    171.5 KB · Views: 127
  • Image_2022-09-04 14_33_57_224.JPG
    Image_2022-09-04 14_33_57_224.JPG
    144.2 KB · Views: 133
  • Image_2022-09-04 14_34_25_273.JPG
    Image_2022-09-04 14_34_25_273.JPG
    178.5 KB · Views: 144
  • Image_2022-09-04 14_34_52_525.JPG
    Image_2022-09-04 14_34_52_525.JPG
    210.6 KB · Views: 154
I second that Amazon purchase, Mickey. Mine was called something different, but appears to be from the same Off-Shore factory... For what I paid, it's been a good piece of gear.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08MVPB17Z?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

I bought one a few months ago and it's been very nice for a fraction of the price of the VA-400. Better resolution and I believe it's easier to manipulate than the VA-400. One handed operation with the left hand to take pictures and video too. Here's some Sample pics.

Impressive photos - thanks Justin. I hope mine turns out as good as yours!
 
I bought the one Justin had the link for. It was on sale for 157 bucks.
Really impressive hardware and image quality
 

Attachments

  • B63D09DF-CF5E-4FD9-B027-74CFE0AF02C4.jpg
    B63D09DF-CF5E-4FD9-B027-74CFE0AF02C4.jpg
    408.5 KB · Views: 114
I bought this one and I’ve been happy with it. Two lenses - one looks straight ahead, the other looks side ways with a push of a button.

https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Cameras...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

Thanks for the recc, bought the new version (NTS500B) a couple weeks ago and it has already gotten a permanent spot on my bench. Maybe it's Shiny New Tool Syndrome, but I find myself reaching for it more often than trying to juggle a mirror and light now.

https://www.amazon.com/Teslong-Bore...I6IjEuODQifQ==&sprefix=nts500b,aps,195&sr=8-5
 

Attachments

  • borescope.jpg
    borescope.jpg
    136 KB · Views: 80
Last edited:
Teslong for me

I bought one of the early Vividia scopes with the articulating head.
It was very cheap "expensive $500" Chicom junk. Pictures were decent but the articulating head as well as the rest of the video system stopped working after just a few uses. Complete garbage, don't waste your money.
For a different project I aquired a Teslong, just like the first poster and I am very happy with the picture quality and the rugged construction of the camera. Also, the price is right.
A picture tells a thousand words
IMG_0143.JPG

IMG_0160.JPG

IMG_0132.JPG
 
Back
Top