Any recommendations on borescopes? Have been thinking about adding one to the toolbox.

Very good value. I have been using both of these.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-04891.php?clickkey=3456908

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-04894.php?clickkey=4918063

NOTE: iOS requires the mini router:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-05079.php

Example:

I can tell you which one I don’t recommend. Snap On. Mine has poor resolution and the batteries die even when it’s off. I’m not sure how that works. Expensive POS.

You can find plenty of them on line that plug into a Phone or Tablet for $15.00 and up. Don't buy the cheapest one you can find, but for occasional use you can get something that works fine.

gbflyer wrote:I can tell you which one I don’t recommend. Snap On. Mine has poor resolution and the batteries die even when it’s off. I’m not sure how that works. Expensive POS.

+1 on that!! I'm borrowing one from a friend, and while it worked well enough to check the upper firewall engine mount brackets, without tearing the panel apart, it left ALOT to be desired. I've been looking at the iphone jobbies on Amazon, they look pretty good for the occasional peep into a dark hole.

8GCBC wrote:Very good value. I have been using both of these.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-04891.php?clickkey=3456908

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-04894.php?clickkey=4918063

NOTE: iOS requires the mini router:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-05079.php

Example:

Do you prefer the stiff or or the flexible one for all around work? I dont really want to buy 2.

Vividia VA-400

I have found the cheap ones less than satisfactory. Kind of like binoculars - never look through a pair that you cannot afford.

A1Skinner wrote:

8GCBC wrote:Very good value. I have been using both of these.

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-04891.php?clickkey=3456908

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-04894.php?clickkey=4918063

NOTE: iOS requires the mini router:
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/vividia12-05079.php

Example:

Do you prefer the stiff or or the flexible one for all around work? I dont really want to buy 2.

The flexible probe is mandatory on a helicopter! Has saved me a few times! If choosing one, flexible for my situation. But, it’s more expensive. Having both certainly is overkill.

I borrowed a friend’s va-400 a week ago - it blew my mind. I can’t believe I’ve been limping along with my crappy cheap bore scope. It was really nice to have a clear picture.

Game changer. I’m buying one.

I ordered the VA-980 today, get it next week. Looking forward to trying it out.

Kurt

G44 wrote:I ordered the VA-980 today, get it next week. Looking forward to trying it out.

Kurt

I ordered the 400. Also looking forward to testing it out.
David

A1Skinner wrote:

G44 wrote:I ordered the VA-980 today, get it next week. Looking forward to trying it out.

Kurt

I ordered the 400. Also looking forward to testing it out.
David

Excellent choice!

It took me a lot of practice to get the most from these borescopes. My procedure of taking videos and photographs then, organizing the files by date/component(s) for trends has sharpen my skills.

The 400 is perfect for cylinder bores. The 980 probe is really long and is a little more of a handful but, it is extremely useful in awkwardly long reach/bend areas.

Android devices can use the USB cable. But, Apple is WiFi only (micro router sold separate). I really like the wireless router accessory however on the iPAD. The resolution is 640x480 PIXELS. Which is fine for macro photography.

Really good scopes when they work, unfortunately I've had three fail and now given up on them. Warranty is great when you live in the USA, but more than the units are worth to ship them back for warranty repair..

I have the AV-400 with Iphone adapter and it works very well.

a3holerman wrote:I have the AV-400 with Iphone adapter and it works very well.

Is the iPHONE adapter “Hardwired” or WiFi. I was told WIFI only. I may of been mistaken.

I have seen hardwired work on Android but, not iOS. However, never tried it on iOS.

Thank you.

onefitty wrote:Really good scopes when they work, unfortunately I've had three fail and now given up on them. Warranty is great when you live in the USA, but more than the units are worth to ship them back for warranty repair..

What broke? Software, App., hardware, probe, lighting?

Been using for only a year light duty. I know changing the boot on the flex probe is not fun.

Thank you.

8GCBC wrote:

a3holerman wrote:I have the AV-400 with Iphone adapter and it works very well.

Is the iPHONE adapter “Hardwired” or WiFi. I was told WIFI only. I may of been mistaken.

I have seen hardwired work on Android but, not iOS. However, never tried it on iOS.

Thank you.

Wifis. I used a buddies a couple of weeks ago and it was super easy to prop an iPad on the motor in clear view and not physically connected to the bore scope.

Most folks can probably drive them better than me but I was working to get the angles I wanted and the stable, separated screen made it easier.

It is wifi making it easy to move around.

a3holerman wrote:It is wifi making it easy to move around.

CamTom12 wrote:

8GCBC wrote:

a3holerman wrote:I have the AV-400 with Iphone adapter and it works very well.

Is the iPHONE adapter “Hardwired” or WiFi. I was told WIFI only. I may of been mistaken. I have seen hardwired work on Android but, not iOS. However, never tried it on iOS. Thank you.

Wifis. I used a buddies a couple of weeks ago and it was super easy to prop an iPad on the motor in clear view and not physically connected to the bore scope. Most folks can probably drive them better than me but I was working to get the angles I wanted and the stable, separated screen made it easier.

OK. Thank you for clarifying WiFi for iOS. I also prop up the iPAD and use the probe autonomously. Note: The adjustable lighting thumb wheel makes it easier to see when observing reflective surfaces. Definitely an art to seeing exactly the right subject correctly. Takes practice, recording and trend analysis.

Carry on men...and keep on probing!

I have the 980 and find the rigid one might have been better for cylinder work.