GE

Inspection Technologies Remote Visual Inspection

Industrial Borescope
Operating Manual

www.ge.com/inspectiontechnologies
Blank Page

www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 3

Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................ 4

Warnings and Precautions....................................................................... 5

System Descriptions................................................................................. 6

System Setup.......................................................................................... 8

Operation . ........................................................................................... 9

Using Cameras with the Borescope ...................................................... 10

User Care and Maintenance ..................................................................11

Troubleshooting . ....................................................................................11

System Specifications............................................................................ 12

Warranty . ......................................................................................... 13

Service . ......................................................................................... 13

Accessories . ......................................................................................... 14

Environmental Compliance ................................................................... 15

www.gesensinginspection.com
4 Industrial Borescope

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a GE Inspection Technologies' industrial borescope. We value your
business and appreciate your choosing us as your remote visual inspection provider.

Our family of rigid borescopes includes over 400 different models, all with unique combinations
of diameter, length, direction-of-view and field-of-view, to allow you to select the optimum
scope for your application. All use the highest performance optics for a superior image, and
incorporate unique design features to enhance durability.

By following the use and care instructions in this guide, you will be rewarded with years of
dependable, trouble-free service. Please read these instructions completely before use.

www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 5

Warnings and Precautions

The following precautions will help you to use your borescope safely and
prolong its life.

• D
 o not apply lateral force to the rigid shaft while inserted into equipment. Only rotate the
shaft, or move it in and out to change the view.

• Keep protective caps on the eyepiece and viewing tip when the scope is not in use.

• T
 ake care not to drop the borescope on hard surfaces. The optical lenses and glass
covers will break from hard impacts.

• Protect borescope from unnecessary moisture, heat, dust and shock.

• Never leave the scope unattended when it is connected to an operating light source.

• D
 o not leave the borescope connected to an operating light source for extended periods
of non-inspection time.

• Never use the instrument to observe within a human or animal body.

• Never insert the borescope into live electrical areas.

• U
 se only recommended accessories because other products may lead to unpredictable
performance.

www.gesensinginspection.com
6 Industrial Borescope

System Description
Your rigid borescope is designed to provide the highest performance optical imaging in a very
durable package. A computer-optimized optical train of precision- fabricated lenses capture a
high resolution image at the viewing tip and carry it back to the eyepiece, while a fiber-optic
bundle carries light in the other direction to illuminate the imaged area. All models except Mini-
Rigids incorporate a triple tube shaft design and all-metal construction, which makes the scopes
more durable to withstand rough handling in today's industrial workplace. A removable pistol
grip helps to get in those tight spaces when necessary and the rotatable shaft conveniently
provides a complete perimeter view without having to rotate the entire scope body.

NOTE: Mini-Rigid models do not have rotable shaft, integral zoom or focus features.

Distal Swing Prism for

Panoramic Viewing

Triple Tube Insertion Shaft

for Increased Durability

Rotary Scan for 360º Viewing

Short Length
Direction-of-View Adjustment Chisel Tip Design
via Distal Swing Prism

Standard
DIN Eyepiece

Detachable
Pistol Grip Handle
Diopter Focus
Adjustment

Rigid Borescope
(Swing Prism Model Shown)

www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 7

Below is a description of the functional components of the borescope.

Imaging System
The imaging system includes the eyepiece optics, the optical lens train, and the distal lens
set.

The eyepiece magnifies the image carried back by the lens train for viewing by the human eye.
On most models the eyepiece includes a diopter focus adjustment so different users can adjust
the lens set to their particular vision prescription and use the borescope without glasses. All
GE Inspection Technologies' eyepieces are of standard "DIN" design and therefore compatible
with standard eyepiece attachments such as right-angle adapters and camera couplers.

The optical lens train is a set of precision-cut lenses placed in the shaft at specific distances
apart to carry the image in sharp focus back to the eyepiece. This lens train accounts for the
rigid borescope's excellent resolution, because the image is never broken into a finite number
of optical fibers or video camera pixels. The image remains unpixelated all the way to the
operator's eye.

The distal lens set is a combination of lenses that capture images and focus them into the
optical lens train. This lens set determines the field of view and depth of field.

Illumination System
The illumination system includes a bundle of fiber-optic cables that extends from the light guide
post to the viewing tip and any distal lenses at the tip that may focus or spread the light as it
is projected. This bundle serves as a conduit for light entering the post from a light guide, and
carries the light down the shaft to illuminate the target area for viewing.

Models with a "U" in the model number prefix contain a special illumination bundle made of
quartz fibers. These fibers provide optimum performance for transmitting ultraviolet light to the
inspection area and are purchased for use in applications where fluorescent dyes need to be
stimulated with ultraviolet light.

www.gesensinginspection.com
8 Industrial Borescope

Illumination System (Continued)

Borescope Body
The body is the hand-piece of the borescope. Focus, Zoom, Rotary Scan and Swing
Prism control knobs are conveniently located on the body.

Shaft (or Barrel)

The shaft, or barrel, is the working length of the borescope and carries the optical
train into equipment to be inspected. The shaft’s unique triple tube design provides
special protection of the optical train and enhances the durability of the scope.

Distal Section
The distal section houses the termination point of the illumination fiber-optic bundle and
the lens set that focuses images into the optical train. These components are assembled
in a precise orientation to provide the highest possible imaging performance, along with
the desired direction and field-of-view.

System Setup
Setup consists only of focusing the eyepiece to your eye, plugging a light guide into the post
and available light source, and making a few checks to ensure the borescope is operating
properly.

Focus the Eyepiece: Remove protective lens caps and, if desired and available, attach the
rubber eyecup. Focus the eyepiece for your eye by rotating the focus knob while looking into
the eyepiece. The viewing tip should be pointed at an object with sharply defined edges. Typed
text on white paper is a recommended target for this adjustment.

Plug into a Light Source: Connect the exit end of an ACMI light guide to the rigid scope post
and insert the other end into the light guide socket of an Everest VIT or other compatible light
source. Turn the light source on, wait about 30 seconds for the lamp to reach peak intensity,
and check to ensure that a bright light is projected from the tip of the borescope. The scope
is now ready to use.

Check Operation: Look through the eyepiece to ensure the scope is providing a sharp, clear
image. Clean the eyepiece and distal cover glass if dirty. Check the operation of all equipped
features, such as focus, rotary scan, zoom and swing prism. If performance of any of these fea-
tures is degraded, return the scope to the Service Center for evaluation and repair. Continued
use of a damaged scope could cause further damage.

www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 9

Operation
To effectively perform an inspection, you must be familiar with the internal design of the appli-
cation you are inspecting and also be familiar with the operation of the borescope. Inside the
application your vision will be limited to the scope's field-of-view, so you must be able to visual-
ize the location of the scope tip and its orientation to the area to be inspected.

Holding the Borescope

Hold the scope body in one hand in a way that is comfortable and allows you to comfortably
look into the eyepiece. The pistol grip can be removed if desired by firmly pushing it forward.

Inserting the Borescope

Before inserting the scope into an application, be sure to check to see that the scope's path is
not blocked. Slowly insert the scope shaft into the equipment to be inspected and observe the
view through the eyepiece. Rotate the shaft if necessary to get the best viewing angle.
CAUTION: Do not insert the borescope into moving machinery or a live electrical environ-
ment.
CAUTION: Never apply lateral force to the shaft when inserted into equipment. Any dents or
bends in the shaft may break internal lenses or degrade the focus of the optical train.

Integral Zoom Function

If your scope is equipped with integral zoom, you can magnify the image up to 2X by rotat-
ing the zoom control knob counter-clockwise. The zoom control knob provides a continuous
increase in magnification of the entire field of view throughout its rotation.

Rotary Scan
You can see a full 360o around the scope tip by using the rotary scan knob to rotate the shaft
clockwise and then counter-clockwise. A small nipple on the knob enables you to feel when the
tip optics are pointed up without taking your eye away from the eyepiece.

Swing Prism Control

If your scope is equipped with the swing prism feature, you can also adjust the scope's
direction-of-view to see more of an object's length than is visible in the scope's optical field-of
-view. This knob swings the entire field of view, similar to a person
55º 115º
turning their head to see what is beyond their peripheral vision. The
o o
direction of view can be varied from a centerline of 55 to 115 .

Withdrawing the Borescope Distal Swing Prism Feature

Take care when removing the scope from equipment that the shaft is pulled straight out and
not inadvertently bent.

www.gesensinginspection.com
10 Industrial Borescope

Using Cameras with the Borescope

C-mount video cameras, 35mm SLR cameras and digital cameras can be used with bore-
scopes to document inspection images onto videotape, 35mm film or digital data storage
devices. See your local GE Inspection Technologies Sales Representative to determine which
is best for you. An optical coupler is required to attach the camera to the eyepiece. The proper
coupler depends on the camera being used.
Video Cameras usually have a standard "c-mount" fitting which requires a c-mount coupler.
These couplers can have different focal lengths which determine the screen magnification of
the image, which in turn can impact image brightness. The proper coupler will depend on the
diameter of the scope being used and the available light on the target surface. You may want
to have more than one of these couplers to optimize performance on each inspection.
35mm SLR Cameras require a threaded coupler that will screw on to the lens of the specific
camera being used. The diameter of the threads must match the lens thread diameter, so have
this diameter information available when selecting the threaded coupler.
Digital Cameras must have a similar lens thread to the 35mm SLR cameras in order to be
used with borescopes. As with the 35mm SLR camera, have the thread diameter available
when selecting the threaded coupler.

SLR DELUXE
-80 VI
E
28 W
M
OO
EZ
WIDE ANGL

WIDE ANGLE
ZO
O
M

W 28
IE -80
SLR DELUXE V

Borescope

BCAM 1000

Video Hook-Up

www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 11

User Care and Maintenance

User maintenance on a borescope can be summed up in two parts: Keeping the scope clean,
and storing it properly when not being used.
Cleaning the Borescope
After each use, clean and dry the scope to prevent corrosion and long term exposure to
residual chemicals.
1. Clean the scope with a soft, non-abrasive cloth and water. If necessary, use a mild
detergent solution, and then wipe clean with a cloth dampened with water.
2. Clean the glass surfaces in the viewing tip, light guide connector and eyepiece
with a lens tissue or cotton swab moistened in a lens cleaning solution or alcohol.
3. Dry the entire scope completely and replace the protective lens caps.
CAUTION: DO NOT immerse the scope body in water. It is not watertight.
Proper Storage
Store the system in its carrying case away from water, high humidity, high temperature, direct
sunlight, dust, salinity, chemicals, X-rays, vibration and shock.

User Care and Maintenance

The following troubleshooting hints may help you to immediately solve some performance
problems. If a problem is not solved using these suggestions, call the Service Center and
arrange to return your borescope for evaluation and repair. Never attempt to disassemble
the borescope.
If Image Is Not Clear and Sharp...
• Object may be out of focus. Try adjusting eyepiece diopter focus or moving the
viewing tip further or closer to the object.
• Lenses or glass windows may be dirty. Clean glass surfaces on viewing tip and
eyepiece with alcohol and cotton swab (or soft cloth).
• If using a c-mount camera, and Moire fringes appear (patterns of curved line distor-
tion), try rotating the camera slightly with respect to the eyepiece.
If Image Is Not Bright Enough...
• Light source intensity may be at a low setting. Turn to maximum intensity.
• Viewing tip may be too far from object. Move tip closer to object.
• Lenses or glass windows may be dirty. Clean glass surfaces on viewing tip, light
guide connector and eyepiece with alcohol and cotton swab (or soft cloth).
• Light source lamp may have degraded performance. Install new lamp.
• Light source capacity may be insufficient for application. Try higher intensity light
source.
www.gesensinginspection.com
12 Industrial Borescope

Specifications
Model Number Explanation
The model number on your borescope indicates its specific characteristics. Here are examples
that show the methodology:
Rotary Scan

Direction-of-View

0º
Field-of-View 90º

Swing Prism scopes are indicated by "VAR" in the model number: 55º 115º

Swing Prism
Direction-of-View

Mini-Rigids are indicated with an "RM" prefix:

Note: Mini-Rigids do not

have Rotary Scan, Zoom
or Focus features.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Swing Prism Range: Swings field-of-view centerline from 55º to 115º
Rotary Scan: Allows 360º perimeter viewing
Integral Zoom: Continuous magnification from 1X to 2X
Depth of Field (Focus):
Mini-Rigids 3 mm (0.16 in.) to infinity
Models with 35º FOV 10 mm (0.39 in.) to infinity
All other models 5 mm (0.20 in.) to infinity
Tube Construction: Triple tube construction on all models except Mini-Rigids.
Body Construction: All-metal construction (except Mini-Rigids); removable pistol grip; standard
DIN eyepiece
Operating Temperature: -40º to 121º C (-40º to 250º F)
Shaft Pressure Resistance: 3 bar (44 psig)
Fluid Resistance (insertion tube only): Shaft will withstand immersion in aviation fuel, kerosene, gasoline, diesel
fuel, mineral and synthetic lubrication oils and hydraulic fluids, most indus-
trial solvents, and water.
www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 13

Warranty
GE Inspection Technologies warrants the industrial borescopes to be free of defects in mate-
rial and workmanship and to perform in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications
when subject to normal use and service for a period of one year from the date of purchase.
GE Inspection Technologies will either repair or replace components found to be defective or
at variance from the manufacturer’s specifications within this time at no cost to the customer.
It shall be the purchaser’s responsibility to return the instrument to the authorized service
center.

This warranty does not cover breakage or failure due to tampering, misuse, neglect, accidents,
improper installation, modification, shipping, or to improper maintenance, service, and clean-
ing procedures. This warranty is also void if the instrument is not used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations or if required service is performed by anyone other than an
GE Inspection Technologies authorized agent. No other express or implied warranty is given.

Service
To obtain service for your system, call one of the Service Centers below. If the problem cannot
be corrected over the phone, you will be given a return authorization number for shipment to
the service center.

ALWAYS contact a GE Inspection Technologies Service Center for a Return Materials

Authorization Number (RMA) prior to returning any products for service or repair.
USA
GE Inspection Technologies Tel: 315-554-2000
Product Service Dept. Fax: 1-866-899-4184
721 Visions Drive Email: [email protected]
Skaneateles, NY 13152

Germany
GE Inspection Technologies Tel: +49-7471-9882 20
Lotzenäcker 4 Fax: +49 7471-9882 30
72379 Hechigen Email: [email protected]

Hong Kong
GE Inspection Technologies Tel: +852-2877-0801
Unit 1602, 16/F Sing Pao Building Fax: +852-2877-0868
101 King's Road Email: [email protected]
North Point, Hong Kong

www.gesensinginspection.com
14 Industrial Borescope

Accessories
Part Number Descriptions
Scope Accessories
RA103 Rubber eyecup

RAExx-xxx Various eyepiece extenders and angular adapters

RPA-x Rigid post adapters to accept Olympus, R Wolf and Storz

light guides

LLG-xx-xx Liquid light guides

MFLG-xx Fiber-optic light guides

LGA-xx Light guide adapters to fit various light sources and

borescope posts

Light Sources
ELSV-60 60W Solarc® light source with convenient single power/
video cable connection to C-Mount color video camera.

ELS-24DC 24W Solarc® light source

ELS-24DC KIT ELS-24DC 24W Solarc® light source with AC adapter, 12V
PowerBar™ battery and charging system, and operational
carry pouch with shoulder strap.

ELS-120UV 120W UV/White switchable light source

FLS-200UV 200W UV/White switchable light source

Borescope Cameras and Video Accessories

CAM-V101 SET C-Mount color video camera set

CAM-DS104 Digital camera set

CAM-SLR 35mm SLR Camera Set

MON-LCD-8 8-inch SVGA LCD monitor

MON-LCD-12 12-inch SVGA LCD monitor

XA216 VGA head-mounted viewer by MicroOptical

XLGABSA XLG3 video borescope adapter

www.gesensinginspection.com
 Industrial Borescope 15

Environmental Compliance

The equipment that you bought has required the extraction and use of natural resources for
its production. It may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environ-
ment.

In order to avoid the dissemination of those substances in our environment and to diminish
the pressure on the natural resources, we encourage you to use the appropriate take-back
systems. Those systems will reuse or recycle most of the materials of your end life equipment
in a sound way.

The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use those systems.

If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recycling systems, please contact
your local or regional waste administration.

Visit www.ge.com/inspectiontechnologies for take-back instructions and more information

about this initiative.

www.gesensinginspection.com
Customer Support Centers
North/South America
721 Visions Drive
Skaneateles, NY 13152
Tel: 888-332-3848
315-554-2000
Email: [email protected]

Europe
Lotzenäcker 4
72379 Hechingen
Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 7471 9882 0
Email: [email protected]

Asia/Pacific
Unit 1602, 16/F Sing Pao Building
101 King’s Road
North Point
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2877 0801
Email: [email protected]

www.gesensinginspection.com

©2008 General Electric Company.

PowerBar is a trademark of GEneral Electric Company.
Solarc is a registered trademark of Welch Allyn, Inc.
Windex is a registered trademark of SC Johnson Brand & Son, Inc.

Manufactured in USA by GE Inspection Technologies

RA102 Rev. D Printed in USA