Borescope anyone?

[montauk170]

Does anyone have a borescope? I see some ranging in $1000+ and some on ebay going for $100 or so.
Any comments?

[Robo]

Here is the one I use.   I think JP uses the same one as well.

http://djvmerchandise.com/pro1409886.html

I think we got them for ~$98 at the time.   Here is the original discussion, but the link to where we bought them no longer works.
http://forum.beemaster.com/index.php/topic,13767.msg164784.html#msg164784

[hardwood]

I've got the same one (JP turned me on to the supplier). Try etooldirect.com

Scott

[montauk170]

I know you guys do a lot of cutouts and probably help to have one sometime, esp to scope out the job.
I'd like to have one for fun. Peek into the hive once and while and maybe a few cutouts here and there.
All right, maybe when I have some extra funds.  :-D

[G3farms]

cgi.ebay.com/Ridgid-SeeSnake-Micro-/180521240012?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a07e785cc#ht_500wt_1154

[Robo]

I've got the same one (JP turned me on to the supplier). Try etooldirect.com

Scott

yup, there it is -> http://www.etooldirect.com/provision-pv2618-2-5-8mm-7400-pixels-hi-def-borescope.html

must have changed their website because old link is now broken

[Robo]

cgi.ebay.com/Ridgid-SeeSnake-Micro-/180521240012?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a07e785cc#ht_500wt_1154

Drawbacks to the rigid are you have to drill at least a 1/2" or maybe bigger hole.  With the Pro Vision,  you only need a 1/4" hole, which is not only less noticeable and easier to patch, but bees can't come out the hole.....

Secondly, the display screen can be very difficult to see in the sun or bright lighting.

[montauk170]

I was just going to ask about this style versus one that has a LCD display. In sunlight I'm sure it's hard to see the display.
I wear glasses, wonder if looking into the Provision model that you guys have will be an issue.
Like with DSLR cameras, I like the viewfinder to be larger because I wear glasses.

[joker1656]

Thanks for the direction on this purchase.  I need one, and am shopping around.  Just have to convince the wife it is a neccessity.  :)

[JP]

Thanks for the direction on this purchase.  I need one, and am shopping around.  Just have to convince the wife it is a neccessity.  :)

If you will be doing quite a bit of cut outs there will come a time when this device proves itself to be invaluable. You may not use it a whole bunch but when you need it...


...JP

[montauk170]

JP, can you give us some examples on when you've used the borescope?
Thanks

[hardwood]

I use mine on virtually all cut outs. Even if it's evident where they are I'll make a small  (1/4") and let the owner see what I'm up against. Once they see what appears to be a giant bee crawling across the lens they won't question your fee anymore :-D

I did one recently where the colony was 12' or so from the actual entrance. I had to drill inspection holes in the ceiling in 4-5 places before I found them. Because of this, they only had to patch a few holes instead of replacing Half a room's worth of drywall.

Scott

[JP]

JP, can you give us some examples on when you've used the borescope?
Thanks

On any building where surface temperatures are higher than mid eighties I use it. As Scott mentioned on any removal you are uncertain where the colony is.

They work great on trees as well.


...JP

[montauk170]

Thanks guys. Looks like I will be investing in one very soon. It's just a cool toy to have!  :-D

[wildbeekeeper]

I just bought the above mentioned borescope a week or so ago and have usd it a few tines already.....fantastic tool!  not sure why i waited so long to get one! :)  nice picture clarity and easy to use.

[montauk170]

I saw on Provision's website that they have a camera lens attachment. That would be really fun!  :-D

[montauk170]

I've got the same one (JP turned me on to the supplier). Try etooldirect.com

Scott

yup, there it is -> http://www.etooldirect.com/provision-pv2618-2-5-8mm-7400-pixels-hi-def-borescope.html

must have changed their website because old link is now broken

FYI, I just ordered one from the link above.
$89 and free shipping!!!! (Free shipping on $99 +)
But enter discount code TJS and you'll get $10 off. Great deal if you guys need one or another. :)
Thanks!

[keithbeekeeper]

i have bought one and it really worked perfectly. it costs a great amount of money but its all good because it helped me with my bee keeping success!