New technological advancements have led to significant improvements in image quality, product construction and functionality of optical systems.

The new Hawkeye Borescopes V3 HD video borescope is now available from GP Agencies, the agent for Hawkeye Borescopes in South Africa, and is said to set a new standard in imaging.

The high-definition, articulating video borescope is particularly suited for aviation, industry and construction applications. The combination of the unit’s high definition (HD) CMOS micro camera, HD touchscreen display and IMX6 image processor is designed to deliver sharp, clear images with excellent resolution, contrast and colour rendition. 

The borescopes also features WiFi capability to allow images to be viewed on a mobile phone or tablet, as well as sophisticated image processing software, centre and edge weighting and glare reduction features. Gradient Lens president and chief scientist Dr Doug Kindred describes the HD 4 mm videoscope as having “the best image quality on the market today, at roughly half the price of the major US, Japanese, and German competitors”.

The V3 features the latest display technology, with a 5.5 inch, high-brightness, daylight-readable HD touchscreen. It has a bright, integrated LED light, servo-driven joystick operated articulation and a six-hour battery life. Optional accessories include a 90o close focus tips, stand, neck strap, rigidizer tubes and spare battery. In addition, the company is in the process of developing 6-m- and 8-m-long scopes that can be used for airframe inspection. 

The scopes do not require calibration, with the aim being to simplify operation, while the intuitive interface means that minimal training is required. Gradient Lens’ Hawkeye Borescopes highlight that its units are manufactured in the US and undergo stringent quality control processes.

Articulated borescopes within the 4 mm to 6 mm diameter include a tiny 2-mm-diameter HD camera with lenses, circuit boards, fibre optics for illumination and small vertebrae required for articulation, attached to tungsten guide wires. The components are encased in a polymer sheath, surrounded by a stainless steel mono coil to ensure crush resistance, as well as an additional poly layer, which is then all covered with tungsten braid to further enhance durability and abrasion resistance. Over articulation, rough handling, or accidental crushing are the most common causes of damage.

The 4-mm-diameter Hawkeye V3 is available in lengths of 1.5 m and 3 m, and the 6-mm-diameter model is available in 1.5 m, 3 m, 6 m and 8 m lengths. Interchangeable 90° and close-focus optical tips are also available and the servo-driven articulation range is approximately 180°. The V3 can operate continuously for 5 hours without requiring recharging and it contains an integrated, high-efficiency micro LED light source.