Difficult-to-reach locations require tools that are compact and easy to use. But if you don’t want to sacrifice performance and accuracy, a new, rugged industrial videoscope from Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies, can help quickly and safely find hidden issues.

The FLIR VS80 high-performance videoscope series is outfitted with a 1024x600 HD 7-inch touchscreen display and is available for purchase in seven different kits with the option to purchase waterproof, ultraslim probes that can be swapped in and out within seconds. Probe options include a 4.5 mm diameter, two-way articulating probe; a four-way articulating probe; a plumbing spool probe with a 25-meter cable; single HD and dual HD visible camera probes; a standard definition probe; and a general-purpose thermal camera probe.

“Technicians need to inspect targets in tight spaces, without time-consuming disassembly,” says Rob Milner, business development director, Teledyne FLIR. “The new FLIR VS80 meets all these needs while providing an impressive range of diagnostic versatility across the visible and infrared imaging spectrums.”

Teledyne FLIR offers live reference image comparison on the display screen to make historical or standard image comparisons easier. Inspectors simply add a side-by-side reference image with the live videoscope imagery. They can then quickly compare the imagery to see if a component has changed since the previous inspection, or if it needs repair or replacement. The information can also be added to a post-inspection report with multiple options for inspectors to capture detailed information, including through text, voice, images and videos recorded with timestamp display.

The device is also compatible with the FLIR Tools Mobile app available for iOS and Android devices. From a mobile device, view saved images and video captured from the VS80, download files, and share them easily with customers or colleagues. The forward-facing thermal imaging probe brings thermal videoscope capabilities to a larger array of users a la carte, or as part of a kit. It offers 160x120 thermal on the end of a 1-meter cable to easily inspect areas in order to quickly identify damage, leaks and overheating parts that are invisible to the naked eye.

“Professionals are better equipped to find hidden dangers and damage in locations that are difficult or inaccessible,” Milner says. “In total, the VS80 provides the ability to lower maintenance costs and the capital costs of replacement while improving productivity and safety on the job.” 877-773-3547; www.teledyneflir.com