Endoscope for smartphone with camera

The content of the article

• What is a phone endoscope
• Application features
• How does a USB endoscope work for Android?
• Equipment
• Specifications and Parameters
• How to connect an endoscopic camera to a phone
• Endoscope price for smartphone
• Pros and Cons of the Gadget

The technical capabilities of modern gadgets are constantly growing. Using a modern mobile phone, you can use devices that were previously seen only in films about special agents: flying drones with cameras, tracking the movement of a person or a mini-camera. The latest gadget is an endoscope, with its help you can look into hard-to-reach places using only a smartphone.

What is a phone endoscope

The device is a small camera, the case is about 4-5 cm, the diameter is from 4 to 10 mm (you can find even less, this is an average value). A video endoscope for android is connected using a special cable (the length depends on the model, 1–5 m). The device allows you to penetrate into inaccessible places without the need to violate their integrity. A wide selection of endoscopes for smartphones in the online store Aliexpress (you can buy at an affordable price for the promotion).

Offers can be divided into two large groups:

1. Dear, professional accessories, the price of which ranges from 15 to 20 thousand rubles. Come with different attachments in branded cases with monitors.
2. Cheap models on a flexible wire (there are also models with a hard wire, but this in some circumstances is more likely a minus than a plus). The cameras have a low resolution of 640×480 or less often 1280×720 (they also indicate 1920×1080, but this is not real data, but the result of interpolation). The camera connects to the smartphone using USB, but the new models already have Wi-Fi connectivity and no wires are needed. Their cost is significantly higher.

Application features

The scope of use of the endoscope is not limited at all, if necessary, look into any inaccessible places, you can use a portable camera. You can look into the pipe: if it is clogged or something falls into it, you don’t need to worry about the device, because it is waterproof. The camcorder’s head has a small diameter, and some people use it when repairing a car to look into the engine or another place under the hood.

How does a USB endoscope work for Android?

Most models transmit signal and information through a flexible wire that can be connected via USB-connection to a computer, tablet or smartphone. A program must be installed that comes on the driver disk in the packaging of the endoscope. Camera images will be displayed on the device screen. Some models are equipped with an additional angled nozzle, which further enhances the usability of the device.

LEDs can be located on the camera head, through the board from a smartphone you can turn them on to highlight dark places (pipes, under a cabinet or car hood, etc.), there is a brightness adjustment. The software helps not only to look through the endoscope in real time of the image, but also to record it (AVI format). There is a snapshot function so that you can more closely consider the problem area.

Equipment

The endoscopic camera comes packaged with a disc for installing software on a laptop or computer. The number of additional accessories (Wi-Fi module, holder, nozzles) depends on the model of the device and its cost. When unpacking the standard equipment of the device, you will find the following:

1. Flexible camera for smartphone. This is the main part of the endoscope, which performs the main function – image capture and transmission.
2. Adapter for PC. Optional cord for connecting the endoscope to a computer so that you can record video.
3. Mirror. This part is used to view not only from the perspective of the camera’s eye, but also from the side of it. The mirror will help to increase the viewing angle to conduct the most detailed inspection..
4. A disk with drivers. It is necessary for computer recognition of the endoscope when connected via a micro USB cable. You can also find drivers on the Internet if your PC does not have a drive.
5. Magnet and hook. Convenient additional devices if, in addition to the inspection, you need to perform some additional actions (remove, turn, clean). With the help of a magnet, you can pull out iron small things (the bolt is buried deep) or jewelry from the sink drain.

Specifications and Parameters

There are endoscopes for smartphones with different capabilities on sale. The characteristics of the device depend on the cost, expensive models always give a good picture, but you can buy them at a discount. The average camera parameters for a smartphone are the following values:

1. Resolution: 640×480 pixels.
2. Camera Diameter: 5.5mm.
3. Camera: 1.4 megapixels for a computer and 0.3 megapixels for a smartphone.
4. Compatibility: Android smartphones, Windows OS.
5. Light source (if any): LED lamps (6 pcs.).
6. Waterproof Level: IP67.
7. Focal Length: 5cm.
8. Operating temperature: -20 to +100 degrees Celsius.
9. Maximum resolution: 1280×480 pixels.

How to connect an endoscopic camera to a phone

The device connects to either a computer or tablet or Android smartphone. In the first case, you just need to connect the camera using USB to a PC, the system finds the device. Use the program from the kit to watch videos. To connect with a smartphone, just connect the cable and the image will appear on the screen. If this did not happen, then you can use the Wi-Fi connection option according to the following instructions:

1. Charge the bundled Wi-Fi module and connect the endoscope for the smartphone to it.
2. Press the power key once. If you click twice quickly, the module will turn off, and when you hold down the button, the flashlight will be activated.
3. Turn on the wireless network on your smartphone and find the name of the network that is written in your endoscope manual. The password acts, as a rule, sequentially pressing numbers from 1 to 8.
4. To work with the camera, you will need to download an application called “MOQO VIWE” from the playmarket (different cameras have their own utility).
5. Then open the program and an image from the endoscope will appear in front of you. Inside there are additional settings for changing the resolution, backlight settings. It is possible to record video material, then to upload it to a computer.

Endoscope price for smartphone

More often people buy a gadget on a foreign site Aliexpress, because there is more choice of models with different prices. Purchase can be ordered with home delivery. If you wish, you can buy an endoscope for Android and in Moscow, the estimated cost is as follows:

Pros and Cons of the Gadget

The endoscope has the advantage of being able to connect it via a USB cable to a smartphone or computer. You can use the camera just by having a mobile phone on hand – you just need a USB port and a screen on the device. Even dark places will not be left without attention due to the LED backlight, which is located on the head of the device. The following main advantages of the endoscope are distinguished:

1. Water resistant cord and camera. The device is suitable for working in high humidity conditions: checking pipes, bottom of a reservoir, drain pit, etc..
2. Real-time observation, the ability to record video, take a freeze frame (photo). There’s a special button right on the device’s cord.
3. Cost. A person can find a device model for any budget, starting from 800 rubles.
4. Cope with all tasks.
5. Little weight. The endoscope for a smartphone is only 20 grams, so it’s very easy to control.

Of the minuses of such devices, the following points should be highlighted:

1. Problems with Android. Some programs do not want to work with Android, the camera does not transmit a signal to the screen. Using a Wi-Fi connection may help in this case..
2. Limited focus, this in some circumstances makes it difficult to consider the cause of blockage or breakdown.
3. Low resolution. This picture quality will not suit many, but is suitable for budget models. Endoscope for a smartphone in an expensive segment already gives out HD image.