A boroscope, or videoscope, is a micro camera used to see inside the tight spaces of areas that are difficult to see into. They can be used in many different capacities, like plumbing, building inspection, diesel engines, power plants, and on locomotives.
This device is modeled after another type of microscopic camera, the endoscope. Endoscopes are used within surgeries to see inside of the human body without having to cut the individual open and risk bleeding.
Videoscopes utilize the same concept, a camera at the end of a cable that can transport video information back to a base module. Though the camera is slightly bigger than an endoscope, the common idea tends to be the same.
This type of camera is used more for industrial projects that are built tough and not easy to take apart. When there is a blockage or problem contained inside, a videoscope is used to give the operator an eye into the center of the machine.
The design of this micro camera is ingenious. The camera, along with a light for illumination in dark spaces, is located at the end of a long cord that can be maneuvered into pipes and holes.
The cable can be anywhere from a number of inches to several feet. Usually, there is also a moveable area at the end of this cord, so that the operator can shift the camera all around and get a better view.
The bending section of the camera is powered by a coil system. At first glance, the end of the cord just looks like a small light surrounded by a thin cylinder of metal.
However, upon closer look, you are able to see that the end is made up of tiny hinged coils that can move back and forth. This movement is usually controlled by some sort of lever, button, or joystick.
The cord is attached to a high tech video system. With this system, the operator can view on the screen what the camera is receiving images of at the end of the cord.
Once the camera has been lowered or placed into the area that needs inspection, the operator can view on the video screen what exactly is going on inside. This is beneficial in diagnosing problems and deciding how they can be fixed.
For instance, a blockage in a pipe that goes deep underneath a home would best be diagnosed through the use of a boroscope. Through the use of the long cable and the video system, it is easy to see obstructions or masses.
Videoscopes are especially important to the inspection of diesel, automotive, and air craft engines. These types of vehicles are powered by gas and steam turbines.
It is necessary to keep these turbines maintained due to safety issues and the ability of the engine to work. If a problem arises and it is speculated that the turbines are the problem, it is very costly to fix.
However, the use of a boroscope can determine whether or not the speculation of the problem is correct, and protect against unnecessary repairs. This saves companies from paying more money for the upkeep of their vehicles than they need to.
The scopes can be used when manufacturing products, as well. Machined or cast parts must adhere to regulations and fit specific dimensions and requirements.
Other very important uses are the inspection of gun parts and forensics in law enforcement. Though these detecting devices used to be very expensive and were usually only used for large scale projects, the available of them has increased.
Ways have been discovered to make them more accessible to the public, so that they can be used for all kinds of purposes. Newer models of the device are smaller and lighter, which makes them easier for most people to use.
They have also been made more efficiently and created to be much easier to use and understand. This lowers the price of an individual videoscope, which is beneficial to individuals and smaller companies that need to use them in their line of work.
Overall, the videoscope, or boroscope, is an essential device when it comes to the creation and inspection of industrial products and goods. Without it, these tasks would be much more demanding.
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