Inspection Cameras Any Good?

[nicebutdim]

I have this one....

Wireless Endoscope,DEPSTECH Upgrade 5.0MP HD WiFi Borescope, 16 inch Focal Distance, Semi-Rigid Snake Inspection Camera with 2200 mAh Battery for iOS & Android Smart Phone & Tablets-16.5Ft : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Wireless Endoscope,DEPSTECH Upgrade 5.0MP HD WiFi Borescope, 16 inch Focal Distance, Semi-Rigid Snake Inspection Camera with 2200 mAh Battery for iOS & Android Smart Phone & Tablets-16.5Ft : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

www.amazon.co.uk

I have taped this camera to the end of my rods and being able to see the hook on the end while grabbing the fish wire has helped a lot over the time I've had it.
Its got a very long reach so can be taped onto a few meters of rod.The picture on the phone is very good and the led lights help locate the wiring no problem.Highly recommeded.Fairly cheap seals the deal for me

About the only way to use this type of camera, over distances greater than a metre or so.

 

[nicebutdim]

Fan of the Ferret here, but it's quite expensive. One of the youtube sparkys did a video on it but I can't remember who it was...however Gary from EFixx did one and I'm sure there are many more reviews online

I think David Savery once used one in a video. Was good to see it put to practical use, rather than simply reviewed, but it's a lot of money. Thought about buying one on a few occasions when decent discounts were offered, but couldn't bring myself to do so.

The Depstech camera doesn't provide the greatest of resolution, but does what it needs to at a fairly modest price. One major advantage over the Ferret is its ability to access much smaller spaces.

 

[brianmoooore]

I have one that cost around £800. It's actually a drain inspection camera, but it's only 20mm across, and attached to a very long semi rigid cable. Consists of the camera, reel of rod, and a small suitcase containing the 12" monitor.
When I say "have" it's not actually mine, but I'm allowed to borrow it any time I need it.
It went wrong a few years ago, and was returned to the manufacturers for repair. It came back unrepaired, with an invoice for 'inspection', and a note saying it was damaged beyond economical repair, plus a price list for their current models.
I heard about this, and asked to look at it. About an hour later, with a 25p part, it was back in full working order, with the owner watching me work.

 

[nicebutdim]

It went wrong a few years ago, and was returned to the manufacturers for repair. It came back unrepaired, with an invoice for 'inspection', and a note saying it was damaged beyond economical repair, plus a price list for their current models.
I heard about this, and asked to look at it. About an hour later, with a 25p part, it was back in full working order, with the owner watching me work.

Wouldn't be the first time I've seen a manufacturer pull that stunt.

It's something I almost expect and a large part of the reason why I won't send anything to a manufacturer for repair, unless it's still covered by warranty.

 

[brianmoooore]

It had started to flicker while being used, and then smoke started to come from the monitor. Owner had panicked and pulled the DC power plug out by its lead.
All that had happened inside was that a 2000 odd uF electrolytic capacitor, connected directly across the DC in to the circuit board, had blown its top, producing the smoke.
I replaced this, and powered it up, but still nothing. Found no 12 volts DC coming in, so assumed the mains PSU had failed through the capacitor going SC. Connected up the bench PSU, and all in working order.
Noticed that the DC power plug could be dismantled, so took it apart, with the idea that I could fit the plug to a generic replacement PSU, and saw, that in his haste to disconnect the power, the owner had broken away one of the wires from its terminal in the plug. Reterminated both wires in the plug, and all back in full working order.

 

[LastManOnline]

The only problem is my oldish Android phone doesn't support OTG and UVC (whatever they are!!)

Exactly the same here. Camera now sitting in the box it was delivered in. I would have thought the seller might have alerted potential buyers to the issue

 

[UNG]

I've recently bought a USB camera , it's bit smaller but the flex is over 3 mtrs, longer ones are available.
The only problem is my oldish Android phone doesn't support OTG and UVC (whatever they are!!) so I use it with a laptop.

I recall I had a similar problem when trying to use the recommended app for the camera so I did a search on the play store for camera apps and tried a few till I found one that worked with the camera

 

[timhoward]

I have this one....

Wireless Endoscope,DEPSTECH Upgrade 5.0MP HD WiFi Borescope, 16 inch Focal Distance, Semi-Rigid Snake Inspection Camera with 2200 mAh Battery for iOS & Android Smart Phone & Tablets-16.5Ft : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

Wireless Endoscope,DEPSTECH Upgrade 5.0MP HD WiFi Borescope, 16 inch Focal Distance, Semi-Rigid Snake Inspection Camera with 2200 mAh Battery for iOS & Android Smart Phone & Tablets-16.5Ft : Amazon.co.uk: Automotive

www.amazon.co.uk

I have taped this camera to the end of my rods and being able to see the hook on the end while grabbing the fish wire has helped a lot over the time I've had it.
Its got a very long reach so can be taped onto a few meters of rod.The picture on the phone is very good and the led lights help locate the wiring no problem.Highly recommeded.Fairly cheap seals the deal for me

That's the one I have too, except mine is black not yellow!
Cheap enough to not care that it isn't used much. Good enough that when I want a camera it usually saves the day.
I tape mine onto rods too.

 

[petervirdee]

I never used this type of camera but this thread gives me lots of information.. Thank you for new information.

 

[ferg]

I have a ferret, works great got me out of bother a few times.