More often than not, I end up getting a new tool, accessory, or gizmo very good I wonder how I lived without her. My most recent example is This endoscope camera is USB-Cwhich I got for only $17.
What is an endoscope camera? Think of a long, flexible tube with a camera and light attached to one end. In the medical field, it’s used to look inside the human body, but for me, it’s been a daily change for all kinds of practical uses.
Further reading: 12 nifty USB-C gadgets you didn’t know you needed
Before I got this nifty little accessory
The $17 endoscope camera I ended up getting is a camera that connects to my phone via USB-C. Before that, I was always fiddling with the bulky standalone periscope camera.
The housing on this standalone endoscope camera—with its large digital display and analog control buttons—was burdened by poor image quality. The pixelated black and white images were blurry, and always made me wonder if I should make an appointment to see my eye doctor.
Additionally, that camera’s cable was relatively thick and stiff, so I had trouble inserting it into the drain holes on some older cars, for example. Whenever I needed to use the camera, the batteries were always dead and needed to be replaced.
Having got this neat little accessory
Unlike the standalone camera I own, the Ennover indoor camera for iPhone and Android is a different story. I just installed the free app on my phone, then connected it via USB-C. And here he is! The app displays the image from the endoscope camera and I can start using it right away. Once I’m done, I disconnect it from my phone and put it in the drawer. It couldn’t be easier.
The 5-foot cable is semi-rigid, so it’s flexible enough to bend at my will but strong enough to direct it where I need it — even in deep cavities and pipes. The brightness of the LED can be adjusted using a simple dial so I can use it in completely dark areas, and there is a simple button that can take pictures. In the app, I can rotate the view, switch between color and monochrome, and even record videos.
Ennover also includes several accessories for the camera, such as a handy magnet for retrieving small pieces of metal that may have fallen in hard-to-reach places, or a pick that can retrieve non-metallic pieces. 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 dresser, dresser, etc. Using the endoscope, I can easily locate it and pull it back up – without moving any furniture in the process.
The camera is useful for peeking behind major appliances, especially in the kitchen. When I installed the new dishwasher, I was supposed to monitor the water supply connection for any potential leaks, but the space under the sink is very tight. Fortunately, there was no problem at all with my trusty endoscope camera.
I also love working on old cars, and one of the most important factors in determining how long a car can last is the sealing of its cavity. If the interior is not painted properly, rust can appear and cause expensive damage. Using an endoscope camera, I can quickly inspect any location and identify areas that may need better protection. It’s also useful when I suspect a blockage in the engine’s cooling system, or when I need to peek under the camper to do a quick check of the coolant lines.
Anyone who owns a model railway will appreciate having a binoculars camera, as it will allow you to look inside the various tunnels in more detail than ever before. On larger layouts, you can use the periscope camera to get a close-up look at distant, inaccessible details. In the staging arena, you can likewise check the tracks.
To be honest, this is just scratching the surface. Like I said, I can’t imagine life without this endoscope camera, and I find a use for it almost every week. Your imagination is the limit of what you can use it for, and it is incredibly valuable For only $17 on Amazon.
Get this USB-C endoscope camera for just $17