SO BK5500 Mini Review

[J.A.F.E.]

Got one of these about three weeks ago. Haven't had too much time to use it but so far it is a very impressive piece.

I've wanted something like this for a while. The main justification finally was checking the pickup screen in a gas tank without dropping the tank.

Originally I was going to get an Eagle Provision but thought I would check here for suggestions/feedback first. Fedwrench suggested the SO in that post (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24266). Thank you, Fedwrench for a great suggestion.

The SO unit is small video camera in the probe with a 2.4" color monitor. I imagine it is much easier to use than the eye piece on the on the other unit especially for my middle aged eyes. The output is a nice bright image. Two (or more) people can view the output simultaneously which would be useful if you like to share. Also, because it is video and not fiber optic the bend radius is smaller (0.75") than the FO and has a video out port. The shaft is removable and replaceable although not inexpensive.

The shaft is compliant (it holds shape), 36" L x 8mm diameter and submersible.

The BK5500 currently lists at $409.95 on the SO website and at the time I was shopping the Eagle unit was about $260 which is a significant price delta but well worth it. The BK5500 comes with a clip on 90* mirror, a magnet retriever, four batteries and a really nice blow moulded case. SO gives a 2 year warranty.

The LED light intesity is adjustable and the image self focusing. I have used it to check the backside of the TB on my Explorer and Buick (one clean one needs work). I also went through the throttle plates on 650 four barrel and all the way down the intake runners to the valves on a SBC.

This is not a cheap item but it really is an amazing piece. Anyone looking for a unit like this would do well to consider this unit.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=21604&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog


~Steve

 

[Merkava_4]

The main justification finally was checking the pickup screen in a gas tank without dropping the tank.

Is the probe going to be exposed to fuel?

 

[Fedwrench]

How's the battery life? Do you have the software to upload and print images on a computer?

 

[peterbilr98]

yep i have the so its great sold the pro vision eagle i had did not like it the so well worth the extra money and the loss i had to take on the pro vision.

 

[48548]

Can that prob be put into gas and acid and any other questionable place? I assume that opens a whole can of worms, do bring it on....

 

[chad s]

I have played with this unit on the truck. It is extremely impressive. We have a ridgid see snake, and this Snap on tears it to shreads. The camera is tiny, and you can hold it about 1/4" from your finger and view perfect fingerprint detail. The Ridgid is worthless with anything about 1.5" or closer to the camera.

 

[zuspiel]

Nice review. Thanks!

Any chance of seeing it in action, with something showing in the screen?

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Is the probe going to be exposed to fuel?

Yes. With the tank as empty as possible but I didn't have to drain it. The probe is sealed.

How's the battery life? Do you have the software to upload and print images on a computer?

I'm still on the batteries that came with the unit. About an hour so far. It didn't come with software nor is special software offered as an option. I would like to do that too and if I do I'll post how it was done. Thanks again for the recommendation.

Can that prob be put into gas and acid and any other questionable place? I assume that opens a whole can of worms, do bring it on....

I put it in gas with no problem but the jacket is coiled metal so I don't think I'd tempt fate with acid. As far as questionable places, automotive/machinery/walls/plumbing no problem. "Medical", I'll pass.

~Steve

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Nice review. Thanks!

Any chance of seeing it in action, with something showing in the screen?

I'll try to capture something after Christmas. My skills with a camera aren't up to some who post here but I'll do my best.

~Steve

 

[zuspiel]

That would be great! You shouldn't have any issues if you turn the flash off. Everything besides the screen will be dark but who cares

 

[J.A.F.E.]

New photos I took today. I experimented with many images trying to find some that would translate well to this medium. This is the best of the lot.

Merkava - you were concerned about exposure to fuel. I had the probe submerged in fuel in the tank. I wanted to snap an image of the pickup for you. Unfortunately, the tank is mostly full and the screen image not very clear. I could make out the what I was looking at but not capture a very clear image. The only downside is the probe smells like Chevron 89.

THis image is about 6" into the TB of my 5.0 Explorer. I had the flash turned off here. The actual screen image is much clearer and I can see it's time for a Seafoam treatment.

This is another view of the TB this time I have the 90* mirror on and am looking at the back of the throttle plate. Again this photo is not clear but the live image confirms the need for cleaning. I could see the carbon buildup clearly. I had the flash on here and it seems to be a slightly better image.

This shows the probe removed from the unit and the accessories.

Here is a closeup of the accessories. Left is the magnet retriever. Next is the 90* mirror. The video cable has a standard RCA video connector. A TV, VCR, DVD recorder are compatible. A computer with an RCA input and standard video capture software will work. Unfortunately, none of my computers have the capability so I can not capture an image, wich would have blown away what is shown here.

~Steve

 

[Hawk321]

I gave my BK5500 back. The mirror on the 45* adapter always fells off and it's hard to reach tight areas, because it's not possible to remote the probe like real endoscopes.

Also I miss a snapshot function....today you can buy a expensive addon....now I own a 150$ china scope with more functions as that overpriced snap-on item...which is also made in china!

 

[chadster1]

I have sold 40 of the BK5500 in my route with only 2 of them ever needing any service. The 2 that needed service was because the probe end had gotten crushed somehow and no longer sent an image. I was able to replace the probe on the truck and then sent the probe in for warranty replacement. There are additional probes available. A 72" probe and one with a UV light that would be useful in looking for AC leaks or if you are using a smoke machine that has UV dye in the smoke solution.

There is a newer model out, the BK6000 which has a larger screen and the ability to capture still or video images. The captured images can then be transferred to your computer via USB. The BK6000 shares the same imager with the BK5500 so the accessories I mentioned will work with both units. I have been taking trade-ins of the BK5500 towards the BK6000.

There have been some issues with the mirror falling off the 45 degree attachment but your dealer should be able to replace this item for you in the event that this happens.

Great unit. Thanks for your review.

 

[mastertech]

i have the bk6000, with the uv imager, which does work it has a switch which flips between standard and uv light. also a 90 deg imager which is great for looking at valves and cylinder walls, it is swaitched to look striaght or 90 deg. just got an ear piece for it which lets you record audio with your video captures. have used it to diagnose enough problems to pay for it already. real slick, customers also like to see what the issue is also, images can be saved to your computer and stored or e-mailed.

 

[wellstig1]

http://www.etooldirect.com/manufact...-6mm-video-inspection-scope-24-borescope.html

I went with this one since the shaft is only 6mm so it can fit down diesel injector tip holes. The clarity and battery life is awesome. Its also much less money, and for those who it matters to its made in the USA.

Heres their website
http://www.voscope.com

 

[35mastr]

I gave my BK5500 back. The mirror on the 45* adapter always fells off and it's hard to reach tight areas, because it's not possible to remote the probe like real endoscopes.

Also I miss a snapshot function....today you can buy a expensive addon....now I own a 150$ china scope with more functions as that overpriced snap-on item...which is also made in china!

Got a make and model on that 150.00 scope??

 

[mrholeshot]

Does anyone know who makes the Snap-On BK5500?

underpaid, malnurished,mistreated 8 year old kids in a run down factory making 25 cents an hour. If it had any name but Snap-On thats the answer you would be getting

 

[chadster1]

underpaid, malnurished,mistreated 8 year old kids in a run down factory making 25 cents an hour. If it had any name but Snap-On thats the answer you would be getting

Do you have any useful comment or are you just trying to add to your post count?

 

[chadster1]

Does anyone know who makes the Snap-On BK5500?

I believe it's made by a company called perception. I will get the exact spelling of the company name when I get on my truck.

 

[mrholeshot]

Do you have any useful comment or are you just trying to add to your post count?

Didn't see the humor? lol

 

[tonydanzah]

Didn't see the humor? lol

i guess the truth hurts

 

[sbebenelli]

I've had the BK5500 since it first came out. If I don't take the batteries out while not in use it eats them. It's been this way since day one. My Snap On electronic torque wrench does the same thing. Why is it so hard for Snap On to make battery powered items that has no battery draw when not in use?

Both items are outstanding products, just wish I didn't have to mess with installing batteries when I want to use them.

 

[chadster1]

I've had the BK5500 since it first came out. If I don't take the batteries out while not in use it eats them. It's been this way since day one. ....

Does anyone know who makes the Snap-On BK5500?

The BK5500 is made by a company called Perception. I am not sure what other companies that Perception makes products for or if they sell products under their own brand name thru a different sales channel. The tool comes with a 2 year warranty.

Didn't see the humor? lol

No I did not. Your comment came off as an attempt to start another mind-numbing repetitive and useless country of orgin debate when the other poster asked a simple question. I guess I will have to look harder for the humor in your posts.

i guess the truth hurts

I am not sure which "truth" you are referri'ng to.

 

[4x4gearhead]

underpaid, malnurished,mistreated 8 year old kids in a run down factory making 25 cents an hour. If it had any name but Snap-On thats the answer you would be getting

debbie downer.

 

[stltikn]

I've also had one since they first came out. Extremly handy tool! Used it for all kinds of things. Reviewed all on the market at the time and found this to be the best choice. Seems like batteries should last longer, but we do have it on alot. Highly recommended!

 

[durallymax]

I have the 6000 and love it.

The ability to capture the images and videos is very nice because I can save them and show the owner of the vehicle that yes that part is really broken, like a melted piston the other day.

Very handy tool, but wish the images when saved on the computer were as clear as they are on the screen of the unit.

6000 is rechargeable and does go through its charge pretty quick.

 

[wsteinh965]

Is the probe going to be exposed to fuel?

Can that prob be put into gas and acid and any other questionable place? I assume that opens a whole can of worms, do bring it on....

In my case the gas tank will be emptied. How should I prepare this gas tank in order to use my Snap-On BK5500 to view what is inside?

 

[wsteinh965]

The probe will not be exposed to fuel, but will be exposed to gasoline vapors

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I have used this in a fuel tank with gasoline. I see no issue since the probe is fiberoptic for both the LED lamp and the optics.