Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a longer length than 5.0 meters?
No. Some companies do offer joystick controlled videoscopes with significantly longer insertion tubes, but they can do this because
their joystick articulation control is motor driven. Articulation with the VJ is direct mechanical, as described above. The advantage
to other systems is that their motors can be geared to exert much more force on the control cables, which is necessary when the length
of the insertion tube increases. The advantage to the VJ-ADV method is that articulation control is much more sensitive to the user's
inputs, the bending section stays in position without locking, and it is much less expensive to purchase and repair.
Is it waterproof?
The camera, bending section and insertion tube are liquid-proof. The handheld portion of unit is not liquid-proof. During an inspection,
the insertion tube will often come into contact with oil, lubricants, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, etc. This is not a problem. After such
use, the insertion tube should be wiped off with a dry rag and allowed to air dry. Care should be taken when drying the bending section,
and it should be "dabbed" dry instead of "rubbed" dry. The only common liquid that should be avoided, if possible, is
gasoline, because gasoline is more corrosive than other fuels or lubricants. Incidental contact with gasoline will not damage the scope,
but prolonged contact or soaking in gasoline may damage the scope.
How long will batteries last?
Typical life is 1 ½ hours of run time, and the VJ-ADV uses standard off-the-shelf AA batteries.
Can I use rechargeable batteries?
Yes, provided they are AA rechargeable nickel hydride batteries.
What is the safe operating temperature range for the unit?
-22 to +140 F (-30 to +60 C). There is a temperature sensor in the camera tip and a temperature display fuction on unit. When
the camera tip gets too hot, a yellow caution sign will appear on the screen. The tip should be removed from the inspection area
and allowed to cool. A red caution sign will appear on the screen if the camera remains in a hot spot. The tip should immediately
be removed from the inspection area and allowed to cool, or permanent damage will result.
Which unit should a I buy, the 1.5 meter, the 3.0 meter or the 5 meter?
For a number of reasons, it is always best to choose the shortest length that will suit your inspection needs. First, the
shorter the insertion tube, the greater the degree of articulation in the bending section. Second, shorter insertion tubes are
easier to handle and work with than longer insertion tubes. Finally, shorter insertion tubes are less expensive to buy and repair.
Does the scope have a zoom feature?
Yes, the VJ-ADV 6.9mm has a 2x digital zoom feature for exploration of greater detail.
Does the VJ-ADV have a measurement function?
No. Some of the very high end videoscopes on the market have what is referred to as a "measurement function". Through a
variety of methods, these systems can tell the operator the size of a defect, such as the length of a crack or the area of
a scorch mark. In the development of the VJ-ADV, it was decided not to add a measurement function for two reasons. First, it
adds a tremendous amount of cost and complexity to the product. Second, for most inspection scenarios across most industries,
defect measurement is simply not necessary.
How is the VJ-ADV different from the many low-end products I can buy on the internet for a few hundred dollars?
There are a number of key differences between these low-end products and the VJ-ADV
1.Articulation. Low-end videoscopes do not articulate (meaning the camera section can not be controlled and pointed in different directions). A scope without articulation is like a car without a steering wheel. It's great as long as you only need to go straight. These low cost scopes may work well for certain types of inspections, such as small-bore pipe inspection, where there would be no room to move an articulating tip. But in the vast majority of cases, the usefulness comes from being able to place the insertion tube into an inspection area and then move the camera around to see what you need to see. The ability to articulate the camera is the most critical feature missing from low-end scopes, and the value of articulation cannot be overstated.
2.Image or video capture. If a technician ever wants to archive pictures of an inspection, get a second opinion, compare the same part from one date to the next, or show a customer the results of an inspection, you must have image and video capture. Most low-end scopes do not have image or video capture. Some of these products may have a video output through which you could record an inspection on a computer, but this adds complexity and cost and reduces portability.
3.Image quality. The VJ-ADV uses a high end camera and lens system to deliver 307,200 pixel resolution and a focal range of 4mm to infinity. Check the resolution and focal range of these systems and you will see that they usually are inferior.
4.Insertion tube material. VJ-ADV's insertion tube is very rugged and yet pliable enough to snake through bends and elbows and curves. Some of the low-end product insertion tubes are too rigid to do this. Some are made out of metal gooseneck material, much like electric wire conduit. This type of insertion tube material, combined with a lack of articulation, significantly reduces the types of inspection scenarios in which it can be used.
Further Differentiators
The key differences between the VJ-ADV videoscope and other scopes on the market are:
- Joystick-controlled, 4-way articulation
- One handed operation
- Extremely light weight
- Very portable
- 3.9mm and 6.9 mm diameter insertion tube
- Direct digital camera image capture (not fiber optic)
- Focal range of 4mm to infinity
- Integrated video and image capture (no need for separate computer or monitor)
- Off the shelf disposable batteries
Nothing else on the market has this combination of important features at this price.
Have more questions?
If you have questions that are not answered here we
encourage you to call our business office. We will be
glad to answer your questions about our products.
Customer service and sales associates may be reached
at 989-731-5083 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST.
What is Remote Visual Inspection (RVI)?
Click to learn about Remote Visual Inspection
Read our article on Advancements in RVI
See How RVI Works
See our Demonstration Videos
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Current Customers
- PPG Industries Inc.
- Siemens
- Toyota Technical Center
- National Oilwell Varco
- Noble Drilling
- Shell Martinez Refinery
- American Electric Power
- Current Customer List
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