From time to time, I find myself with a new device, accessory, or implement that’s
so good
I’m curious how I managed before. Just recently, I had an experience that exemplifies this.
this USB-C endoscope camera
, which I grabbed for merely $21.
Imagine a slender, bendable tube equipped with both a camera and lighting at one end. This device, known as an endoscope camera, serves the purpose of allowing observation within the interior of the human body in medicine. However, personally speaking, I have found this tool to be incredibly useful for various daily applications.
Further reading:
5 nifty USB-C gadgets you didn’t know you needed
Before I got this nifty little accessory
The $21 endoscope camera I finally purchased is designed to connect to my phone through the USB-C port. Before using this model, I had dealt with bulkier standalone endoscope cameras.
The casing of that stand-alone endoscopic camera—which features a sizable digital screen alongside traditional analog control buttons—felt cumbersome and offered subpar visual clarity. The grainy monochrome pictures were hazy, often leaving me questioning whether I needed an appointment with an optometrist.
Moreover, the cable for that camera was quite bulky and inflexible, making it difficult to insert into the drain holes of certain classic vehicles. Additionally, every time I required the use of the camera, the batteries seemed to be depleted and needed swapping out.
Once I obtained this fantastic small gadget
Unlike the standalone one I had, the Ennover endoscope camera for iPhone and Android devices is a different story. I just installed the free app on my phone, then plugged it in via USB-C. Et voilà! The app displays the image from the endoscope camera and I’m able to start using it right away. As soon as I’m done, I just unplug it from my phone and put it away in a drawer. It couldn’t be easier.
The 5-foot cable is semi-rigid, so it’s flexible enough to bend to my will but stiff enough to guide it where I need it to go—even into deeper cavities and pipes. The brightness on the LED can be adjusted with a simple dial so I’m able to use it in completely dark areas, and there’s a simple button that can snap photos. In the app, I can rotate the view, switch between color and monochrome, and even record videos.
Ennover also includes several attachments for the camera, like a magnet that’s useful for retrieving small metal pieces that may have fallen into hard-to-reach places, or a pick that can retrieve non-metallic bits. Other attachments include a mirror, spare holders, and Micro USB and Lightning adapters for older phones that don’t have USB-C.
Examples of what I use it for
I can’t count the number of times I’ve dropped small parts behind a cupboard, dresser, etc. With the endoscope, I can easily locate them and pull them back up—without moving any furniture in the process.
The camera comes in handy when you want to check what’s happening behind large appliances, particularly those found in your kitchen area. Recently, during the installation of my brand-new dishwasher, I needed to keep an eye on the water line connections for possible drips; however, maneuvering around the cramped confines beneath my sink proved challenging. Thankfully, this issue didn’t persist as much thanks to my reliable borescope camera.
I enjoy restoring classic vehicles as well, and one key factor in their longevity is effective cavity sealing. Without proper coating inside the body panels, rust can form and lead to costly repairs. Using an endoscopic camera allows me to swiftly examine hard-to-reach spots and identify sections requiring additional safeguarding. This tool comes in handy not only for checking potential obstructions within the engine cooling system but also for conducting quick inspections under the chassis to assess the condition of coolant lines.
If you’re someone who has a model railroad setup, you’ll understand how valuable an endoscopic camera can be. It lets you examine what’s happening within your tunnels much more clearly than before. On expansive setups, this tool enables you to scrutinize far-off or hard-to-reach areas closely. Additionally, when working in the marshalling yard, you could also utilize the device for inspecting track conditions efficiently.
Honestly, this only scratches the surface. Like I mentioned earlier, I cannot picture my life without this endoscope camera; I discover new uses for it almost weekly. The possibilities of its applications are boundless, and it offers remarkable value.
for merely $21 on Amazon
.
Purchase this USB-C borescope camera for only $21
Buy now on Amazon
