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This is a question many airplane owners, A&P’s, and IA’s ask when getting started with borescoping piston engine cylinders.
If you want to look at the exhaust valves (and other things,) in an airplane engine’s cylinders, this borescope is the one I confidently recommend: The Vividia VA-400. Here are my best reasons:
- It has a 180 degree articulating probe. (You can easily see the exhaust valve through the spark plug hole.)
- It takes excellent pictures.
- The price is great.
- It’s been tested and approved by many in the general aviation community.
Check out the following links to purchase the VA-400 borescope, or the bundle that includes both the borescope AND the wifi adapter for connecting to your iPhone or iPad:
And, if you use the code “Dean” at checkout, you will receive a 10% discount off the purchase price.
For the VA-400 borescope:
The borescope above will connect directly to an Android device or tablet.
Or, if you’re like me and want to use your iPhone or iPad, you’ll want to buy the bundle which includes the VA-400 above, along with a WiFi adapter to allow viewing on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s the bundle: (This is the one I bought.)
It’s an incredible tool that comes in a really nice metal box.
I’m really happy with this borescope. If you’re looking for a borescope, this one may well be a good option for you as well.
Remember, if you purchase using one of the links above, and use the code “Dean” at checkout, you can get a 10% discount off the purchase price.
If you have not downloaded my free PDF Exhaust Valve Inspection Guide, with pictures and descriptions of what to look for, be sure to grab a copy of that as well… it will be super helpful in using your new borescope. You can get access to that free guide here: airplaneownermaintenance.com/exhaustvalves
On another note, I had the great privilege of being on the Fly Maui Podcast with John and Leslie Caubble last week (episode 29.) It was great talking with them about “Beyond the Preflight Checklist,” where we talked about helpful things to know, that may not be on the standard preflight checklist. Check out the Fly Maui Podcast here: https://www.flymauihi.com/blog
Thanks John and Leslie, for all your inspiration, and for sharing your journey!
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Have a great week everyone!
I had a hard time finding a USB Camera program that would work with my Samsung Note 9. I finally found USB Camera Standard from Infinitegra, Inc. in the Google Play store. It can capture pictures and video.
The other thing I like about is boroscope is it has a wide field of focus. I have one of the $50 specials and it can only focus up to less than an inch.
I am having trouble with the Airbox device. I am wondering if anyone has a solution or some help.
I just purchased it (May-2021), and the device looks a little different than the picture above. The included instructions have a QR code which points to “WIFI image” app.
However the WIFI image app does not work. The screen remains black.
There is an error: “The system detected the last exception to quit. Do you want to send a report and need to connect to the Internet?”
I have provided the default permissions for the app to access smartphone’s storage.
I am using a motorola Moto G5 Plus, with Android 8.1.0.
The borescope camera works, when I plugged it into a computer and installed “vividia_ablescope_viewer_setup.exe” But I purchased the AirBox for the mobility and convenience of connecting to a smart phone.
Joe,
I use the Airbox device with my iPhone. I’m not sure about the details of using it with an Android phone. We have also used the borescope with an Android tablet, so that is also an option, and you don’t need the Airbox device for that. If you need to speak with someone about using the borescope with your Android phone, send me an email to dean@airplaneownermaintenance.com and I can put you in touch with Courtland at the company that sells the borescope. Thanks,Dean
Hello Dean, I was listening to your AirVenture recap podcast and you mentioned a new version of the borescope you purchased, what model is the new one with the better camera? Thanks for the great podcast!!
Hi Bill! The new borescope is the same model… the VA-400. They’ve designed a better resolution camera for it, but it’s still the same model number. I think you can still get 10% off with Oasis Scientific if you use my code “Dean.” https://www.oasisscientific.com/store/p314/Vividia_AbleScope_VA-400_Rigid_USB_Borescope_Endoscope_with_180_Degree_Articulating_8.5mm_%280.33%22%29_Diameter_Probe_and_LED_Lights.html