Long lead inspection camera

[austinsailor]

I buy a lot of camera stuff from these guys, that's my only connection. But I just got an email offering this inspection camera:

http://www.securitycamerasdirect.com/whistler-inspection-snake-camera-color-lcd-monitor-wic-5000?utm_source=General&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=081215_Gen

Looks like a heck of a tool to have in my box. Pull the plug, see what is going on. I can even check the internals of a motor I'm contemplating buying.

I have another Whistler dvr, a simple one, $45, that records through the windshield for about 10 hours. It works quite well, so I expect this one to as well.

I'm ordering one right now and I'll report back on how it works. I wish it also had recording capabilities, but I guess you can't have everything.

Anyone use one similar to this?

[Ulu]

If I can read correctly, it has an RCA TV out jack, so that means you can record to a VCR or DVR.

 

If your PC has a TV in jack, you can record to that too.

[Don Coatney]

As my Doctor said on my last colonoscopy, Have Scope, Will Travel.

 

[Dan Hiebert]

My agency uses these and other manufacturers' to search vehicles for contraband.  Very useful and effective.  Only negative, if it can be called that, is that you can get disoriented (up vs. down) when you start getting into deeper recesses.  That comes into play in our world for where to look for the access, or where to drill to get a sample for testing.  Earlier models (20 years ago) you had to specifically get ones that could withstand gasoline for inspecting gas tanks.  Not such an issue with "modern" materials.  They're handy for curiosity checks of various other nooks and crannies, too.  But I wouldn't recommend them for a colonoscopy   (I think the instructions even say not to do that - you know that they have to include that disclaimer for a reason.....)

[austinsailor]

I hadn't thought of gas tanks - that would be another good use. I mess with old outboard motors and tanks can be a mess. It's hard to tell when you've finally got all the crap out - this could take a good look. Great idea!

 

I was thinking of crank cases, other internals besides the obvious cylinder view. I should have it tomorrow. I think it'll be fun.

 

Gene

[Ulu]

... you know that they have to include that disclaimer for a reason.....)

 

It wasn't as bad after you guys shut down Don's Discount Colonoscopy Clinic. 

 

 

[austinsailor]

Got the camera, and have mixed thoughts. It works fine, has a good picture, and is lit at the end.  It'll be good for a number of things, but to check the cylinder in a flathead, I think not. Just too stiff for too long at the end to make the turn. It would work fine to look into a V8, just not a flat head. It even has a little tiny mirror to look back up. (maybe good for that home done colonoscopy?!)

 

I do think you could check the bottom of an oil pan through the oil fill, go in through the drain plug and check a lot, maybe even the lower cylinder walls. I'm sure I'll find a lot of uses for it. But - my wife saw it and told me to keep away from her with it! Now, what did she think I had in mind??

[Niel Hoback]

She thought you'd stick it in her purse and see how much money she had. Yeah, that's it. Yeah.