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USB Endoscope

LSU

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Dec 4, 2011
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701
I’m looking to buy some sort of USB Endoscope (mini camera that plugs into an Iphone that would allow me to looking into very small spaces. Ideally something with an LED light on it.

Does anyone have any experience with something like this?

Thanks.
 
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dscheidt

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Apr 26, 2017
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I have had a few, they're reasonably useful. Desptech is the brand I've had. (I lost one, bought a replacement, bought an upgraded version) Because of apple's restriction on third party cameras, you can't easily use one with an iphone. you can get one with a web server, and look at the picture that way. or you sped a few bucks more, and get one with a built in screen. I will, for my next one. I'd use it a heck of a lot more if I didn't have to fiddle with two electronic devices at the same time.

i think I'd go for this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0928Q3T42/?tag=atomicindus08-20 if I were looking for one today. The second camera is handy, because you often want to see all round the cavity you have the thing stuck in.
 
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unslow1

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Mar 3, 2012
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Illinois
I'm interested in one for an android. Already having a couple old android phones and a tablet I'd like one that attaches to a C port. The one I have is a little large and has the built-in camera. One with a smaller camera end would be nice.
 
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blwn31

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Aug 16, 2014
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I have the Teslong duel lens 4.5" HD camera with light from Amazon. Works great for a flexible cable scope.

Keith
 
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Tools4Me

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Jun 22, 2021
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546
Wow. You know the economy is getting bad when you start seeing forum threads about endoscopes, because it means the average person can no longer afford to pay their doctor for a colonoscopy.

As a completely unrelated side note...never buy a used endoscope. ALWAYS BUY NEW.
 

Sumboodie

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Mar 20, 2021
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AK
Wow. You know the economy is getting bad when you start seeing forum threads about endoscopes, because it means the average person can no longer afford to pay their doctor for a colonoscopy.

As a completely unrelated side note...never buy a used endoscope. ALWAYS BUY NEW.
Make sure they mark the throat one and the **** ones too.

Nurse... this camera tastes like.....
 
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RedneckWelder

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Nov 12, 2013
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The Ghetto Kingdom of Methlandia
Get the kind that instead of plugging in uses either Bluetooth or WiFi. Better flexibility for setting your phone up in a better viewing position while you manipulate the camera in a tight area. Also get a smaller (usually Aprox 5.5mm) head one.

I’ve got a $45 Cal-van tools labeled one that’s not bad. Main issue with it is having to provide supplemental lighting for a better picture than possible with the built in LEDs.
 
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fpgt72

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Sep 21, 2022
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79
I have this one, and have had it according to my amazon history for over two years now. It is still going strong.


I am not sure if my use of this is allowed on this forum, so I will leave that out. I can say it is used at least once a week and I have never had an issue with it. I have used it on my Android phone, sorry not an apple guy. As well as on my laptop. If you want a pic of something it sees easy and good clear photos. The ends with the little mirror are replaceable with different angles, or you can leave it off if you want to "look" straight ahead.

I really like this thing.
 
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rlitman

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Oct 18, 2010
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Long Island
Get the kind that instead of plugging in uses either Bluetooth or WiFi. Better flexibility for setting your phone up in a better viewing position while you manipulate the camera in a tight area. Also get a smaller (usually Aprox 5.5mm) head one...
I think that for an iPhone, you need the WiFi type for this.

Also, my first one of these was a 25' snake. It's quite handy, but gets disorienting as you rotate it.

If you can use something that's shaped more like a pencil able to go only about 2" into a small hole, I bought this last month for $13.50:

What sets this apart from the snakes, is that it has a 3-axis accelerometer that keeps the phone display oriented upright no matter how much you rotate the pencil.
 

finn

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Mar 27, 2005
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Location
The UP, God's country
I was looking for one with a 100’ optic lead so I can check my footing tile for roots. The jet hose kit for my pressure washer Is hitting something at about 75’.

Can’t find anything really low priced though, so I may have to call the plumber again. The Amazon cameras with ~100’ leads are ~$500, which is two calls to the plumber.
 

fpgt72

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Sep 21, 2022
Messages
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I was looking for one with a 100’ optic lead so I can check my footing tile for roots. The jet hose kit for my pressure washer Is hitting something at about 75’.

Can’t find anything really low priced though, so I may have to call the plumber again. The Amazon cameras with ~100’ leads are ~$500, which is two calls to the plumber.

You are forgetting the first rule on....well everything.

Why buy something for $100 when you can make it for $25 after you buy $3000 worth of new tools.
 

rlitman

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Oct 18, 2010
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Long Island
I was looking for one with a 100’ optic lead so I can check my footing tile for roots. The jet hose kit for my pressure washer Is hitting something at about 75’.

Can’t find anything really low priced though, so I may have to call the plumber again. The Amazon cameras with ~100’ leads are ~$500, which is two calls to the plumber.
30m=98.4' for $282

50m=165' for $360
 

Blackbyrd

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Nov 28, 2020
Messages
1,147
Location
TN
got a USB one off ebay that worked with a laptop many years ago, thought it was junk till I realized there was film over the lense.... worked great after taking that off.

I had a set of 3 inch valve covers and there was no guides for the bolts so I used the cam to speed up the process of getting the bolts started.
 

djb25

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Joined
Dec 16, 2009
Messages
54
Location
North Central PA
What sets this apart from the snakes, is that it has a 3-axis accelerometer that keeps the phone display oriented upright no matter how much you rotate the pencil.

Thats by far the most difficult part of using the long ones - maintaining a sense of direction. the camera rotates easily, causing you to lose your orientation and making it difficult to tell what you’re looking at.
 

Ole Slewfoot

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Feb 22, 2016
Messages
5,098
Location
Freedom, CA
I got the depstech usb-c one that is less than 1/4" OD.

The 90 mirror attachment isn't very good, but was still enough to go down a common rail injector hole and see the game ending dents a valve had put in the side of the cylinder.

$20anal probe = money well spent.
 
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