Cal-Van Wi-Fi Borescope, No. 84, has the ability to capture images and video that can be stored and shared with customers. It can reach hard-to view areas with its 58" cable and features a high-resolution, multiple aspect camera (1920×1080, 1280×720, and 640×480) with adjustable LED lighting. The independent Wi-Fi signal, approximate range is 30', and connects to both Android and IOS devices.
Matt Fanslow, diagnostic technician/shop manager at Riverside Automotive in Red Wing, Minnesota, was provided with the Cal-Van Wi-Fi Boresope and after using it, here's what he had to say:
Q: How did the tool function as far as saving you time?
A: Borescopes in general save you lots of time because it saves you from performing teardown to visually inspect components, be they engine mechanical, heater cores, or evaporators, or just to peer into a dark enclosed area to see what socket or Torx bit to use.
Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product?
A: Downloading and installing an app and reading and following directions. The directions are very easy to follow and if you lose the manual, they are readily available online.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Extremely easy to use.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: The kit comes with the borescope and some attachments that are quite thoughtful. A hook and a magnet to name two. You usually don’t think to use a borescope to actually retrieve something, but now you can! It came in really handy a couple of times with dropped sockets under an intake plenum. It also comes with a handy mirror that gives the tool a 90-degree view.
Q: What features did you like?
A: The ability to use Wi-Fi to connect it to any tablet, the same ones we use for DVI, or the tech’s phones. That honestly is what made it very popular in the shop.
Q: What types of jobs did you use this tool for?
A: Usually, you wouldn’t think of a borescope on the repair side of service, more the inspection, but this tool allows both. The retrieval attachments make it very handy for times when you drop something in an area where you would just be poking and hoping with a magnet.
Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?
A: The borescope has no articulation. When you have a couple of borescopes that are articulating, you kind of get spoiled. It’s probably asking a lot for this price point, but some sort of articulation would be nice.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: At first, I probably would have just given it an eight for the price versus capability. It has a nice, clear picture, good lighting, and accessories. But, after a few weeks in the shop, and seeing the techs gravitate towards it more and more, then I’d have to bump it up to a nine. If it had some articulation, I’d give it a 10.
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
