This robust video endoscope can be used to carry out visual inspections on machinery and equipment in production facilities, as well as on structures and vehicles. Thanks to the camera’s diameter of just 2.8 mm and the endoscope cable, which is approximately two metres long, it is possible to inspect and document areas that would otherwise be inaccessible without the video endoscope, or accessible only after laborious dismantling. Whether for aircraft maintenance or the regular servicing of production facilities, the video endoscope enables details such as micro-cracks, spalling, discolouration, deformation, corrosion, severe or irregular wear and unwanted deposits to be detected in good time. deposits can be detected in good time.
The front-facing camera, with a resolution of 160,000 pixels, delivers clear images of objects at a distance of 5 to 50 millimetres. Thanks to the camera’s relatively wide 120-degree field of view, the user is provided with a good overview of the area being viewed. To allow inspection of adjacent areas, the camera head can be swivelled in all directions using the joystick. A 90-degree bend requires only 25 mm of space in the direction of the bend. A function key on the video endoscope allows the LEDs positioned next to the camera to be switched on in stages to illuminate the field of view appropriately. The lighting improves image quality and facilitates orientation during the examination.
The image display can be adjusted to suit the conditions using various settings. For images to be saved via the photo and video functions, a choice of different resolutions is available. As the aspect ratios for storage and display differ on this video endoscope, the top and bottom edges of the image are cropped when saving. In contrast, images captured using the snapshot function automatically adopt the format selected for the display.
Features of the PCE-VE 1500 series
The base unit is the same for every video endoscope in this series. The models differ only in the technical specifications of the cameras and the camera cables. When selecting a model, in addition to the camera diameter and the length of the endoscope cable, the resolution and viewing direction of the camera are particularly important.
The basic unit is very easy to operate via the 7-inch touchscreen, the function keys and the joystick. Almost all functions are intuitive to use. As the video endoscope, including the battery and camera unit with motor block, weighs only around 2.2 kilograms, it can easily be held in the hand for brief examinations. However, it can also be simply slung over the shoulder using the shoulder strap, placed on a suitable surface, hung up or fixed to a tripod.
Endoscope cable with motor unit
Another special feature of this endoscope series is the motor that assists the bending movement of the camera head. To ensure that the connection between the camera cable and the motor is not subjected to unnecessary strain, the endoscope cable and camera unit are supplied as a single unit. This camera unit is simply plugged into the base unit and secured there. As the base unit of the video endoscope is the same for all camera cables, it can be used with any of the camera units without any problems. The tip of the camera head, which is particularly vulnerable to mechanical damage, is made of a titanium alloy; the camera cables are protected by a sheath with a tungsten braided covering.
Control of the camera head via joystick
The camera cable is carefully guided into the area to be inspected using one or both hands. The position of the camera can be adjusted by pushing, pulling or rotating the cable. If there is sufficient space in the area, the camera head can be bent up to 190 degrees in any desired direction using the joystick. This bending is assisted by a motor. A function button on the handle allows you to switch between slow and fast bending speeds. Another function key allows the bending angle set via the joystick to be locked in place. Without this lock, the camera head moves back towards its original position as soon as the video endoscope’s joystick is released.
Touchscreen
The seven-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1920 x 1200 pixels not only offers a large display area for viewing current and stored images. The device’s functions can also be conveniently accessed via icons on the touchscreen.
Furthermore, images on the touchscreen can be very easily annotated with markings or comments. Important details can, for example, be circled in colour, framed or marked with arrows. A selection of predefined and configurable image stamps simplifies the organisation and consistent labelling of images.
The picture-in-picture function of the video endoscope allows the current image to be compared with a previously saved image directly on the touchscreen. This makes it very easy to compare visible signs of wear on components with their condition during the previous inspection. Digital image magnification on the touchscreen is easily achieved by double-tapping or pinching the desired area with two fingers.
Interfaces
Every video endoscope in the PCE-VE 1500 series is equipped with a USB A interface and an SD memory card slot, allowing images and videos to be saved directly to removable storage media. SD cards with up to 128 GB of storage capacity can be used. Images can be transmitted directly to a large monitor via the HDMI interface to facilitate the assessment of the image content. Audio and Wi-Fi interfaces are also built in. All ports are located to the left of the touchscreen and are protected by a cover.
Accessories
The sturdy wheeled case with its practical layout allows the video endoscope and accessories to be transported and stored safely and conveniently. The scope of delivery includes two device-specific batteries with a power supply unit and a USB-C cable for charging. A single battery charge of 6,400 mAh provides more than three hours of operating time. When the battery is empty, it can be easily replaced with the second battery. If a charging facility is available on site, the battery can also be charged whilst in use. Standard accessories also include a 64 GB SD memory card, an SD card reader with USB connection, an HDMI cable and a shoulder strap, all housed in the equipment case.
