In production and at home, one may encounter equipment whose structure and details cannot be seen with the naked eye. Such a complex structure is possessed by sewer pipes, communications covered with plasterboard, internal engine systems and much more. To check their condition, level of wear, the presence of breakdowns or blockages, special equipment is used - a flexible USB endoscope. Such a device allows you to see the smallest details of the structure even in complete darkness, which greatly simplifies diagnostic work.
Design of the USB endoscope
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. Backlight LEDs illuminate the work area, so you can carefully examine the object under study.
When is this equipment required?
An illuminated endoscope model is necessary in cases where diagnostic work is planned in places with limited visibility and poor lighting. The simplest models are most suitable for electricians and plumbers, who cannot do without a detailed study of all communications during work.
USB endoscope with light andadvanced functionality is required when operations 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 purchased 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 with a cable to a personal computer, tablet or smartphone through the appropriate port. The device comes with special software that is installed on a PC. The USB endoscope program allows you to view the image coming from the camera on a computer or smartphone monitor.
The brightness of the backlight of the device equipped with LEDs can be adjusted during operation. Thanks to the included software, the image can not only be viewed, but also recorded in AVI format. Parts and malfunctions can be photographed in high quality if necessary.
Some models of Android USB endoscopes are equipped with special angled camera attachments, which makes them more convenient to use.
Use area
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 technically and became more accessible. Average cost of digital USBendoscopes is about $ 300, and anyone who needs such equipment to work in poor visibility conditions can buy them.
Often, endoscopes are used in the automotive industry and vehicle service for diagnostic work. The device allows you to inspect all systems and parts of the machine, identify breakdowns and malfunctions in time.
As already mentioned, an endoscope is also used in the automotive industry to inspect engines and other closed-type parts. Using a USB endoscope camera, internal systems are inspected and metal casting defects, wear marks and other breakdowns are detected.
Diagnosis of various metal products allows you to identify defects in metal casting. For this purpose, both rigid and flexible models of endoscopes are used.
How to choose an endoscope?
Equipment of this type is used by specialists of various professions, from electricians to car service mechanics and plumbers. Such a wide range 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 equipment. The most efficient 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.
To introduce an endoscope into hard-to-reach places, its body must have a high level of plasticity. Tofor example, in pipes with a diameter of no more than three inches, it is impossible to use a device with a cable thickness of 10 millimeters and a length of the module itself 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 dimensions and more flexibility. They are used when it is necessary to gain access to the most impassable places and it is impossible to use wider analogues, the cables of which do not pass through the studied areas.
When choosing a device, not only the parameters listed above 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 see the smallest details in complete darkness. The advantages of such equipment, in addition to backlighting, include the following features:
- ability to manually adjust focus;
- 2x enlargement of the live image;
- photographing in snapshot mode;
- ergonomic and comfortable body.
Popular models
There is a wide range of models of such devices on the market. The most popular and sought afterDevices from the following manufacturers are considered:
- 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 examine all the details of the object under study. At the same time, the brightness of the LED is too bright and the built-in auto-contrast function cannot cope with it, causing some parts of the image or video to be highlighted.
The meter-long camera cable is IP67 rated, with a sheath that resists moisture, dust and oil. The USB connector allows you to synchronize the device with a personal computer. Quite rare in such devices, the motion detector allows you to automatically turn on video recording. The average cost of the model is $200 - quite 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 line of devices: itfunctionality allows you to carry out diagnostics in the most inaccessible places. The model has an ergonomic body, a large display and a wide range of options. While working, you can save videos and photos, zoom in and stabilize the image while moving the camera.
The endoscope package includes:
- color camera;
- a set of nozzles, including a mirror one;
- USB cable;
- memory card;
- microphone, headphones and battery.
Despite the fact that the endoscope is American-made, the instruction manual supplied with the kit is completely in Russian. The device itself is packaged in a durable plastic case.
Ada ZVE
Another American-made variant with wide functionality and flexible settings - Ada ZVE 150 SD. The device has an intuitive interface that allows you to quickly and easily configure the desired mode of operation. The endoscope comes with an internal memory card (8 GB), so you can take both photos and videos.
The endoscope is equipped with a camera with moisture protection, an LCD display and a probe. The body of the device is ergonomic, fits comfortably in the hand. Design features allow it to be used even in devices that cannot be disassembled.
It is quite common to come across homemade endoscopes for domestic use. The issue of creating a device with your own hands is quite controversial: it is most reliable to purchase equipment inspecialized stores.
Results
Endoscopes are popular devices that allow you to quickly and competently diagnose complex equipment and automotive systems without resorting to disassembling and dismantling the equipment. When choosing such gadgets, you need to rely on certain criteria and parameters that will help you choose the best model.
