In production and in everyday life, you can come across equipment whose structure and details cannot be seen with the naked eye. Such a complex design is possessed by sewer pipes, communications covered with drywall, internal engine systems and much more. To check their condition, level of wear, breakdowns or blockages, special equipment is used - a flexible USB endoscope. Such a device allows you to consider the smallest structural details even in complete darkness, which greatly simplifies diagnostic work.
USB endoscope design
The head unit, or processor, is the main part of this device. The illuminated USB endoscope camera module is connected to the processor via a cable. The backlight LEDs illuminate the work area, so you can carefully consider the object under study.
When is such equipment required?
A backlit endoscope model is necessary in cases where it is planned to carry out diagnostic work in places with limited visibility and poor lighting. The simplest models are most suitable for electricians and plumbers, who during work can not do without a detailed study of all communications.
A backlit USB endoscope with advanced functionality is required when the operations to be performed must be accompanied not only by video from the camera, but also by audio comments. Despite the fact that the device is highly specialized, it is acquired not only by specialists, but also by home craftsmen for domestic use.
The principle of operation of the device
To work with a USB endoscope, it must be connected using a cable to a personal computer, tablet or smartphone via the appropriate port. Included with the device comes special software that is installed on a PC. The program for the USB endoscope allows you to view the image coming from the camera on a computer monitor or smartphone.
The backlight brightness of a device equipped with LEDs can be adjusted during operation. Thanks to the bundled software, the image can not only be viewed, but also recorded in AVI format. Parts and faults can be photographed if necessary in high quality.
Some models of USB endoscopes for Android are equipped with special angular attachments for the camera, which makes their operation more convenient.
Area of use
USB endoscopes began to enjoy maximum popularity after the advent of liquid crystal displays. The first models of such devices had an unbearable price and a complex device, but over time they were improved in technical terms and became more accessible. The average cost of digital USB endoscopes is about $ 300, and anyone who needs such equipment to work in poor visibility can buy them.
Often, endoscopes are used in the automotive and vehicle service industries for diagnostic work. The device allows you to inspect all systems and machine parts, in time to identify breakdowns and malfunctions.
As already mentioned, an endoscope is also used in the automotive industry to inspect engines and other closed parts. Using a USB endoscope camera, internal systems are inspected and defects in metal casting, signs of wear, and other breakdowns are detected.
Diagnostics of various metal products allows to identify defects in metal casting. For this purpose, both rigid and flexible models of endoscopes are used.
How to choose an endoscope?
This type of equipment is used by specialists of various professions, from electricians to car service mechanics and plumbers. Such a wide area of use of the device is explained by the fact that its camera allows you to look into hard-to-reach places and carry out their full diagnostics without dismantling and disassembling all the equipment. The most effective operation of the device is possible if, when choosing it, the user pays attention to such criteria as the maximum possible flexibility of the case and image quality.
For the introduction of the endoscope in hard-to-reach places, its body must have a high level of plasticity. For example, in pipes with a diameter of not more than three inches, it is impossible to use a device with a cable thickness of 10 millimeters and a module length of 65 millimeters. For this reason, endoscopes are considered the best option for widespread use. Their length does not exceed 50 millimeters, and the diameter of the wire is in the range of 8-9 millimeters. However, there are models with smaller sizes and more flexible. They are used when it is necessary to gain access to the most impassable places and it is impossible to use wider analogs whose cables do not pass through the studied areas.
When choosing a device, not only the above parameters are taken into account, but also other criteria - for example, moisture resistance, backlight brightness. The degree of protection of the shell for most devices according to the international classification system is IP67 - this level is sufficient for effective protection against moisture and dust.
Benefits
Bright LEDs are built into the camera of the device, thanks to which it is possible to consider the smallest details in complete darkness. The advantages of such equipment, in addition to lighting, include the following features:
- the ability to manually adjust the focus;
- 2x magnification of the broadcast image;
- Snapshot mode
- Ergonomic and comfortable body.
Popular models
A wide range of models of such devices is presented on the market. The most popular and sought after devices are the following manufacturers:
- Ridgid;
- General Tools;
- Ada ZVE.
General tools
General Tools company specializes in the production of multifunctional equipment. One of the most successful endoscope models from this manufacturer is the DCS350. It has a memory of 128 MB, which is enough to create a series of pictures or record a short video. A distinctive feature of this device is that its camera is equipped with the brightest LED.
This design feature can be considered an advantage of the endoscope, thanks to which it will be possible to consider all the details of the object under study. At the same time, the brightness of the LED is too high and the built-in function of automatically adjusted contrast can not cope with it, which is why some fragments in the image or in the video are highlighted.
The meter cable of the camera complies with the IP67 protection standard: the braid prevents the penetration of moisture, dust and oil. A USB connector allows you to synchronize the device with a personal computer. Quite rare in such devices, a motion detector allows you to automatically turn on video recording. The average cost of a model is $ 200 - an affordable price for a device with such a set of functions.
Ridgid
In domestic markets you can find a wide range of models from Ridgid. The CA-300 endoscope is the most popular of the entire product line: its functionality allows diagnostics in the most inaccessible places. The model has an ergonomic body, large display and a wide range of options. During operation, you can save videos and photos, enlarge the image and stabilize it while the camera is moving.
The scope of supply for the endoscope includes:
- color camera;
- a set of nozzles, including a mirror;
- USB cable
- a memory card;
- microphone, headphones and battery.
Despite the fact that the endoscope is American-made, the instruction manual supplied in the kit is completely in Russian. The device itself is packed in a plastic case of increased strength.
Ada zve
Another American-made version with wide functionality and flexible settings is the Ada ZVE 150 SD. The device has an intuitive interface that allows you to quickly and easily configure the desired operating mode. An endoscope with an internal memory card (8 GB) is supplied, thanks to which it is possible to carry out both photo and video shooting.
The endoscope is equipped with a camera with moisture protection, LCD-display and probe. The body of the device is ergonomic, fits comfortably in the hand. Design features allow you to use it even in those devices that cannot be disassembled.
Quite often you can come across homemade endoscopes for domestic use. The question of creating a do-it-yourself device is rather controversial: it is most reliable to purchase equipment in specialized stores.
Summary
Endoscopes are popular instruments that allow you to quickly and competently diagnose complex equipment and automotive systems without resorting to the dismantling of equipment and its dismantling. When choosing such gadgets, you need to rely on certain criteria and parameters that will help you choose the best model.