During the past three years, there has been an increase of technology within the Remote Visual Inspection (RVI) community. This advance in technology has given the mechanic the ability to fly IFR, with complete accuracy. We no longer have to "scud run" our way through visual inspections.
We now have the ability to see and inspect every inch of an aircraft with precision laser measuring and color video. With some luck prices will start to come down, and every shop will be able to afford up-to-date RVI equipment. Some of the products are a little pricey right now, but they are on the downhill swing.
RVI allows a technician to see items from a remote location through a direct viewing system. This can be accomplished using borescope technology, miniature camera or a combination of both. Most models are adaptable for use with color monitors, if they are not provided already, allowing for a clear picture into the test area.
If you are looking to purchase this type of equipment, the first thing that you must do is to determine what you are going to inspect. We have seen shops purchase the highest priced piece of equipment, only to be disappointed by the performance. They did not purchase the right tool for the right job and this will make all of the difference in the world. There are some very good multi-purpose RVI setups on the market right now, and they would fit into the general shop environment nicely. In the following list we have compiled a well-rounded group of equipment that is available to us as maintenance technicians, from the general borescope to the laser measuring monsters.
Machida, Inc.
Machida Power Blending Borescope Kit
Machida has been a leader in the development of new RVI equipment. Machida changed the world when they developed the Power Blending Borescope. With this new technology, they developed approved processes for on-the-wing engine repairs. This unit has saved operators substantial amounts of time and money. Developed jointly with Pratt & Whitney, Machida has found a way to detect and repair FOD on turbine engine compressor blades, without the need for costly teardowns.
This portable unit comes with everything you need. The power-blending procedure is accomplished with a specially designed, working channel borescope. A rotary file or stone is connected to a drive cable that rotates inside of the working channel. All work is performed with the use of a foot control, providing accurate speed control. The work surface is viewed on a video monitor that incorporates a video micrometer, which allows for precise monitoring of the work being performed. It is amazing how fast and accurate a repair can be done.
Machida FOD Prevention Fiberscope Kit
This scope was developed for the detection, retrieval and prevention of foreign object damage on aircraft engines and airframes. The fiberscope enables a technician to locate FOD, but with this unit you can retrieve the object as well. This allows for quick recovery, which means less downtime and little to no tear down. This kit contains a high-resolution flexible borescope with an interior working channel and several attachments that will aid in the retrieval of foreign objects. This kit also includes a powerful solar arc light source and everything else that you need to start saving money.
Machida, does not just build inspection equipment, they provide solutions to problems. Contact Machida 845-365-0600 or www.machidascope.com
Aqua Communications Inc.
SnakeEye
Aqua Communications has a lightweight, modular and portable remote video inspection system, called the SnakeEye. Their newest model is called the SnakeEye III. The SnakeEye series is designed to function in harsh industrial environments. With the interchangeable camera head, you can attach it to a rigid wand, a finger attachment or the set of extendable cables. The SnakeEye comes with a full range of accessories and the ability to connect to a standard VCR or a computer for recording purposes. The kit comes with a large hand-held, full-color viewing screen. This unit is one hundred percent portable. It comes with a rechargeable battery, which lasts up to 60 minutes per charge.
Aqua’s latest unit, the SnakeEye III will give the user the ability to record and play back color images with voice, to an "on board" SD flash memory card. Most computers can access this SD card, or the image can be passed on through the USB port. The SnakeEye series seems to be a versatile and multi-purpose inspection tool for every shop.
Contact Aqua Communications Inc. 781-642-7088 or www.aquacomm.com
Lenox Instrument Company Inc.
Autoscope
The Autoscope is an affordable battery powered borescope, with high-quality optics. With this compact design you can take this unit anywhere. The complete visual diagnostic kit includes eyepiece and probe with an internal lens and lighting system, battery pack, battery extension cord and an attractive storage case. For an entry-level, high-quality scope, you cannot go wrong. The Autoscope has a probe diameter of either 6 or 8mm. The field of view is 70 degrees and can focus from ¼ inch to infinity.
VideoFlex Series
An upper-end videoscope, the VideoFlex series is an easy-to-use, remote imaging system featuring four-way tip articulation and an integrated control/display hand piece with a 6.4 inch LCD display. The "totally steerable," four-way articulation allows for easy minipulation. The working portion of the scope is protected with polyurethane-impregnated tungsten braiding. There are connectors enabling the compatibility with most brands of light sources, along with connections for auxiliary monitors and video output. The VideoFlex series, employs patented digital video technology and automated management of optimized video parameters, ensuring that a high-definition image will be displayed on the screen. Contact Lenox Instrument Company Inc. 215-322-9990 or www.lenoxinst.com
GE Inspection Technologies
Everest XLG3 VideoProbe
GE Inspection Technologies introduced the highly versatile Everest XLG3. Designed to provide a portable and powerful asset to RVI technicians, this system provides high-quality images to a multifunctioning, hand-held display. The all-way articulation allows a user to gain access to almost any location with ease. With an industry-first design, the interchangeable tip system allows an inspector to change tooling, easily and efficiently. The XLG3 is a data management powerhouse with its network capability. You can connect the unit directly to the Internet and e-mail photos of the inspection or download the operations manual and read it right on the screen. GE has incorporated all of the systems controls into the hand-held display, which provides one hand control of the entire system. Contact GE Inspection Technologies 973-448-0077 or www.xlg3.com
Gradient Lens, Inc.
HawkEye and HawkEye Pro Flexible Borescopes
If you are looking for an affordable RVI kit, Gradient Lens Inc., offers the HawkEye series of flexible borescopes. With several models to choose from, they offer a kit for just about any inspection that you may encounter. The HawkEye Pro utilizes the latest generation of their endoGRINs relay lens system, which provides the user with a highly detailed, color image. With an independent focusing ring, it makes video and digital photography much easier. This professional series uses a high-intensity SuperNova rechargeable light source, which lends to the crystal clear and even images. The HawkEye Pro incorporates a two-way articulated tip that allows for an even picture, over a 240 degree range. These scopes are fully portable and user friendly.
Contact Gradient Lens, Inc. 585-235-2620 or Gradientlens.com
Olympus Industrial America Inc.
IPLEX II R Videoscope
If you are looking for a step above the IPLEX MX, Olympus has the IPLEX II R. The R series of videoscopes are full-featured systems, designed to meet most types of RVI applications. Advanced features such as digital movie recording, defect measurement and network capabilities, increase the IPLEX II R Videoscope’s ability to document inspections. These features allow you to quickly assess a flaw and share the information with others, saving time and money. This system incorporates an easy-to-use, light-weight remote control that allows quick access to all of the major controls.
Contact Olympus Industrial America, Inc. 845-398-9400 or Olympusindustrial.com
IPLEX MX Videoscope
If you are looking for a truly portable, flexible borescope system with image recording capabilities, the IPLEX MX Videoscope is here. The compact design and internal battery source provides this unit with the versatility to adapt to almost any inspection environment. The light source uses low-power high-intensity LEDs, for longer battery life. All images can be recorded and reviewed from the compact flash card. The IPLEX MX is available in a 4.4mm and a 6mm and lengths ranging from 1.5m to 32m.
Karl Storz Inc.
TechnoPack X
TechnoPack X is the first RVI system to incorporate a laser measuring system. The LaserTrue can provide measurement on demand, with "no tip change" required. Just turn it, freeze and measure. The measurements are displayed on the screen and can be stored with the image and transferred to a desktop or burned onto a disc with its built in CD burner. The TechnoPack X has twice the viewing capability, compared to the traditional stereo images. The United States Air Force has qualified and approved the TechnoPack X for inspections and repairs. This unit is portable and can be rolled right to the flight line. Everything is stored and connected in the case, ready to use. With Clearview technology, this unit maximizes image resolution and delivers large, full-screen images. This unit can process and store up to six-and-a-half hours of live mpeg video, utilizing a fast processor and 20 gig hard drive.
Contact Karl Storz Inc. 310-348-4229 or www.karlstorzindustrial.com
Contact Information:
Machida, Inc. 845-365-0600 or Machidascope.com
Aqua Communications, Inc. 781-642-7088 or Aquacomm.com
Karl Storz, Inc. 310-348-4229 or Karlstorzindustrial.com
Lenox Instrument Company, Inc. 215-322-9990 or Lenoxinst.com
GE Inspection Technologies, Inc. 973-448-0077 or XLG3.com
Olympus Industrial America, Inc. 845-398-9400 or Olympusindustrial.com
Pacific Borescopes, Inc. 805-520-8200 or Pacificborescopes.com
Gradient Lens, Inc. 585-235-2620 or Gradientlens.com
Borescopes R Us, Inc. 931-362-4009 or Borescopesrus.com
Titan Tool Supply, Inc. 716-873-9907 or Titantoolsupply.com
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