I was reading a thread about the aileron nose rib AD and ran across some nice photos posted by Kristin. I was wondering if Kristin and others might have a recommendation for a reasonably priced borescope that will take digital photos. I have seen threads on the BeechTalk forum for using inexpensive dental cameras milled down to fit. I looked at several booths during EAA Airventure which have borescopes. I have also looked at ads for mainstream borescopes, such as SnapOn and others.
So, I thought I would see what you resourceful and creative type pilots and mechanics might see as a good compromise between cost, ease of use, and practicality.
Clear Skies,
Gomer

I use this for cylinders and a few other applications. Great unit! Only down side is that the wand isn't flexible, though the articulating tip is fabulous for looking a valves. http://www.oasisscientific.com/vividia- ... amera.html

I have a Snap-on one with a flexible wand which is necessary to get into some types of places, like the aileron nose ribs.

Gomer,
Here's a really inexpensive option. I have this item at home, but have not used it on an aircraft or engine. However, I've plugged it in to my MacBook to play with it, and it takes decent resolution photos. You can't adjust the angle remotely, but it's quite stiff so you can bend it prior to insertion. Because of this stiffness, I'd recommend a USB extension cord to allow for easy manipulation while it's plugged in to your laptop.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J8 ... UTF8&psc=1

Hi Kristin, Good to hear you like the Oasis model. Oasis had a booth at EAA Airventure this year, so I was able to hold it.
Gomer

Joachim, That is a really interesting borescope. I had not seen it before. I'd like to hear how it is for an engine if you get a chance to use it for that.
Gomer

 

My borescope requires the mirror. I can make it work...but it makes me nervous sticking it into a cylinder. It certainly isn't as easy to use as the ones with the changeable tips that have built in reverse angled mirrors. The only place I've used the fully articulating ones were in the military...where cost wasn't a factor in the purchase.

If I was still doing this for a living....I'd probably pick this one up on sale right now with ATS: http://www.aircraft-tool.com/shop/detai ... D=ATS-VS22

We use this guy for looking at the valves. Can find them for about $100 on EBay normally.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/2820809062 ... noapp=true

We had to shave the plastic down a little to get the clearance needed for the spark plug hole but it's LED lit with a side facing camera.