View Tech VJ-3 User manual

MECHANICAL ARTICULATING
VIDEO BORESCOPE
OPERATING MANUAL
VJ-3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I USER NOTICE 1
II PRODUCT OVERVIEW 4
III PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS 5
IV PACKING LIST 6
V PART NAMES AND FUNCTIONS 7
VI PREPARATION 8
6.1 The Case 8
6.2 Power Supply Preparation 8
VII MENU OPERATION & FUNCTION 11
7.1 Button Position 12
7.2 Button Function 12
7.3 Overview of Menu Functions 12
VIII BASIC OPERATION 16
8.1 TurningOn/O 16
8.2 Inserting the Insertion Tube into the Machinery or
Equipment Being Borescoped 17
8.3 Image Display Adjustment 18
8.4 Recording Images 19
8.5 Image Playback 21
8.6 Menu Operation 22
IX STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE 23
9.1 Cleaning 23
9.2 Repacking 23
9.3 Storage 23
X TROUBLESHOOTING 24
10.1 Troubleshooting Guidelines 24
10.2 Repair 24
PRODUCT WARRANTY 25
EXTERNAL SPECIFICATION 26

1
USER NOTICE
Please read this operating manual carefully before operation.
WARNING
1. Donotuseorstoreinaplacewithexplosives,astrongmagneticeldor
combustible gas.
2. Unauthorizeddismantlingormodicationofthisborescopevoidsthe
warranty.
3. Makesurethepoweristurnedobeforeputtingtheinstrumentintothe
carrying case.
4. Never touch the lens/LED module during or immediately after use. Contact
may cause burns.
5. Ifsmokeorabnormalnoiseisdetected,stopusingandturnothebore-
scope immediately.
6. Do not look directly look at the light from the end of the insertion tube. It
is extremely bright and can cause eye damage.
7. Ifanyabnormalityisnoticedduringoperation,stopusingandturnothe
borescope immediately.
ATTENTION
1. Only use this borescope within the approved operating
temperature range.
2. DO NOT over-torque, bend, twist, or fold the insertion tube. Doing so
could damage the articulation control wire assemblies and/or electrical
wiring.
3. Only use the power adapter provided by Viewtech.
4. DO NOT yank or attempt to forcefully remove the insertion tube if it
becomes stuck inside the equipment being borescoped. When extracting
the insertion tube from the inspection area:
a. Be sure that the bending section (distal tip of the insertion tube)
is straight. Use the joystick to remove any angle before attempting
removal.
b. If the insertion tube becomes stuck during removal, gently rotate
the joystick until it becomes loose again.
5. After use, center the joystick in order to straighten the bending section
prior to storage. The borescope should always be stored with the bending
sectionstraight(donotforcethebendingsectionwithyourngers–
always use the joystick to adjust and straighten the bending angle.)
I

2
6. NOTE the following regarding the tip of the insertion tube, which is
the most delicate part of this video borescope:
a. Do not impact the tip of the insertion tube while inserting or
maneuvering inside the equipment being borescoped.
b. Manipulate the joystick gently. Rapid movement of the joystick while
borescoping may cause abrupt impact with the machinery and result
in damage to the camera/LED module.
7. If the lens is dirty or greasy, it may be cleaned by wiping with alcohol.
8. DO NOT force the joystick! If there is unusual resistance to joystick
movement while conducting an inspection, it is because there is physical
resistance inside the inspection area. Trying to force the joystick in this
situation will result in damage to the articulation control wires, the joystick
assembly or to the equipment being inspected.
9. DO NOT impact, press or scratch the LCD monitor.
10. DO NOT cover the unit with a plastic bag or other similar protective
covering during use. It may cause the unit to overheat and damage the
internal circuitry.
11. DO NOT use or store the borescope in a high temperature, high humidity
or high radiation environment.
BATTERY AND BATTERY CHARGING
Follow the instructions below for battery care and proper charging,
to prevent leakage, overheating, smoke, explosion, electric shock
and burns.
DANGER
1. Only use batteries and chargers specially designed for this borescope:
18650B battery with PCB-protection (button top).
2. Besurethebatteryisplacedintotheslotinthecorrectdirection(+/–).
3. Do not carry or store the battery where it may collide with metal objects.
4. Alwayskeepthebatteriesawayfromreorothersourcesofintenseheat,
as it will cause an explosion.
5. Do not attempt to open or modify batteries, as this could lead to an explo-
sionorre.
6. Do not immerse the battery in liquid of any kind.
7. Donotchargethebatterynearanopename,asitcouldleadto
anexplosionorre.
8. Do not drop, puncture, impact or apply pressure to the battery as it could
leadtoanexplosionorre.

3
WARNING
1. Use only 3.6V lithium batteries, model 18650B with PCB-protection
(button top).
2. Submit a repair request immediately in case of battery leakage,
discoloration, deformation or abnormal condition.
3. Clean immediately with tap water if your skin or clothing comes into
contact with a leaking battery.
4. Keep the battery charger free of any covering during charging.
5. Donotchargethebatteryinthevicinityofammablegasormaterials.
ATTENTION
1. Do not use or store the battery or borescope in a high-temperature envi-
ronment, such as direct sunlight, closed cars or near heating equipment.
2. The battery will heat up during prolonged operation. Do not remove
immediately after use, as this could cause burns.
3. Keep battery and borescope out of the reach of children.
4. Do not touch the battery electrodes with wet hands.
5. Full charge the battery before use and after extended use.
6. Remove the battery from the borescope if the scope will not be used for
morethan30days,otherwise,itmaycausedamagetotheborescope,re
or personal injury.
REMINDER
1. This is a high-output battery. Please use the battery properly or it may
cause damage due to the leakage and excessive heat. Always check the
orientation/polarity and load it into the chamber correctly.
2. Battery performance will decrease as the ambient temperature drops.
Performance will be restored once the ambient temperature rises.
3. Recycle the battery in accordance with the local regulations at the end of
its useful life.
4. Recommended temperature range for this lithium ion battery is:
Discharging (in use): 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Charging: 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Storage: -10°C to 50°C (14° to 122°F)
5. Using, charging, or storing the battery at a temperature out of the above
range will reduce the battery’s performance and service life.
6. Be sure to remove the battery from the borescope for long term storage.

4
II PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The VJ-3 mechanical articulating video borescope is a nondestructive visual
testing instrument with integrated optics, illumination, image processing
and joystick-actuated steering. It is used for the remote visual inspection
of machinery, equipment and components. The VJ-3 facilitates the visual
recording and photo documentation of an inspection of parts and areas of
vital equipment that are otherwise inaccessible or that would require great
eortandexpensetoaccessdirectly.TheVJ-3consistsoftwomodules
integrated into one system: the insertion tube with distally mounted camera/
LEDs, and the base unit with control panel, LCD monitor, power source and all
necessary circuitry.
TheVJ-3isavailablefromthefactoryinavarietyofcongurationssuitablefor
dierenttasks,withoptionalinsertiontubelengthsanddiameters,aswellas
dierentlightwavelengths:white,infrared,orultraviolet.
The video signal from the VJ-3 can be viewed on the integrated LCD display
or on an external hard-wired monitor.
DEFINITION OF KEY COMPONENTS
Fig. 2-1 VJ-3 Mechanical
Articulating Video Borescope
Fig. 2-2 Product image
1-Camera/LED module | 2-Insertion tube | 3-LCD | 4-Base unit

5
3.9mm 6.0mm
Insertion
Tube
Outer Diameter 3.9mm 6.0mm
Length 1.5m, 3.0m
Exterior Material Tungsten EasyGlide, crush-resistant
Chemical
Compatibility
Water, machine oil, heating oil,
diesel, 3.5% saline concentrate
Articulation Range 360° around,
180±10° backward
360° around,
160±10° backward
Optics
Field of View 130° x 98° 100° x 75°
Depth of Field 7.0mm–80.0mm 50.0mm–∞
EectivePixels 450,000 pixels
Illumination Method 4 Super
high-intensity LEDs
6 Super
high-intensity LEDs
Illumination Output ≤6,000lux ≤20,000lux
Base Unit
Display Monitor 3.5’’ IPS anti-glare LCD, 640*480 resolution
Articulation Control Thumb-actuated, mechanical rocker
Joystick Lock Automatic
Brightness Control 6-step LED brightness adjustment
Control Buttons
Image capture, video capture, LED control,
frame rotatation, freeze frame, 4X zoom,
menu access / navigation
Playback Photos, videos (w/wo audio), thumbnail
view
Audio / Microphone 3.5mm headset / microphone jack
Internal storage 8 GB SD Card | 5,000 photos, 4 hours video
Data I/O ports SD card, micro USB, TV Out (NTSC / PAL)
Battery One 18650B PCB-Protected Li-ion battery
(replaceable)
AC Power (optional) 100V - 240V
Operating Method One handed, portable
Dimensions 13.0” x 12.0” x 4.5”
Weight 2.2 lbs. / 1.0 kg
Menu
Functions
and Options
User Interface Drop down operating menu
File Management Photo and video recording, playback,
thumbnail preview, delete
Image Control Image rotation, live freeze, zoom in/out
Image Format JPEG, optional date and time stamp
Video Format AVI, optional date and time stamp
Language English, Spanish
III PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued Next...

6
Operating
Limits
Run Time ≤4Hours
Operating Temp.
Base Unit -20-50°C, -5-120°F
Operating Temp.
Insertion Tube -10-50°C, 15-120°F
IP Rating,
Insertion Tube IP67
IP Rating, Base Unit IP54
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CONTINUED ...
IV PACKING LIST
ITEM
1VJ-3 video borescope
2 18650B Li-ion battery (1 plus spare)
318650B Li-ion battery charger
4Micro USB cable
5AC power adapter
6Video out cable
7 8GB SD card + card case
8 SD card reader
9User manual

7
VPART NAMES AND FUNCTIONS
1. Camera/LED module
2. Insertion Tube
3. On-O/Chargingindicator
4. Joystick
5. Live Camera/Video/
Image Preview toggle
6. Zoom/Playback button
7. Image “Freeze Image”/
Back button
8. Image capture/Video start-stop
9. Image Rotation / Down button
10. Brightness control/Up button
11. Access device settings
12. On/Obutton
13. Image capture /Video start-stop
14. Battery compartment
15. Headset/micjack
16. TV Video Output Interface
17. SD card slot
18. Micro USB / battery
recharging port
Fig. 5-1 Part names of the unit

8
VI PREPARATION
6.1 THE CASE
ATTENTION
Removing the instrument from the case:
• Placethecaseatontheoor,
table, or other stable surface.
• After opening the case, rstremove
the insertion tube from the case and
handle it gently.
• After the insertion tube is removed,
use your other hand to grip and
remove the base unit.
6.2 POWER SUPPLY PREPARATION
REMOVING BATTERY COMPARTMENT
Usingyourthumbandforenger,
press the two buttons on the sides
of the battery chamber compart-
ment at the base of the handle,
and gently remove the battery
compartment from the handle.
(as shown in Fig. 6-3).
Fig. 6-2 The case
Fig. 6-3 Removing the
battery compartment

9
OPENING THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT
Push the compartment
cover down gently with the
thumb to open the battery
compartment.
Fig. 6-4 Opening the
battery compartment
LOADING THE BATTERY
Load the 18650B Li-ion battery according to the indications on the positive
and negative electrode.
ATTENTION
• The battery cannot be placed in reverse polarity.
• Only one 18650B Li-ion battery is required.
• When needed, replace battery with a new 18650B Li-ion battery with
PCB-protection circuit.
BUILT-IN / INTERNAL CHARGING
1. Connect the AC power adapter that is include in your kit and to the unit’s
micro USB battery recharging port.
2. Plug the AC power adapter into a standard wall outlet.
3. ThebatteryischargingwhentheOn/OChargingIndicatorlightisred.
Chargingisnishedwhenthisindicatorlightisgreen.
WARNING
• Use only the supplied AC power adapter for recharging the battery—input
of100-240V(50/60Hz)AC,outputofDC5V2A,withmicroUSBinterface.
• Useofanadapterthatdoesnotcomplywiththeabovespecications
willcausere,electricalshockorseveredamagetothebatteryand/or
borescope, and will void the warranty.
• The power adapter provided with this product is not waterproof. It may
cause electric shock if it comes into contact with water.

10
EXTERNAL CHARGING
Fig. 6-5 External charging
1. Load the 18650B Li-ion battery into the battery charger with the positive
end toward the top of the charger.
2. Plug the charger into a standard wall outlet.
3. Thechargingisnishedwhenthechargershows100%orthevoltage
shows 4.2V.
ATTENTION
• Ensure the battery is correctly loaded into the charger.
• The charger has built-in circuitry to prevent over-charging, however the bat-
teries should be removed from the charger and placed back into th carrying
case or the borescope after they are fully charged.

11
VII MENU OPERATION & FUNCTION
7.1 BUTTON POSITION
Fig. 7-1 Button interface,
front view
Fig. 7-2 Button interface,
side view
1. Camera/LED module
2. Insertion Tube
3. On-O/Chargingindicator
4. Joystick
5. Live Camera/Video/
Image Preview toggle
6. Zoom/Playback button
7. Image “Freeze Image”/
Back button
8. Image capture/Video start-stop
9. Image Rotation / Down button
10. Brightness control/Up button
11. Access device settings
12. On/Obutton
13. Image capture /Video start-stop
14. Battery compartment
15. Headset/micjack
16. TV Video Output Interface
17. SD card slot
18. Micro USB / battery
recharging port

12
7.2 BUTTON FUNCTION
Press the button to Access Device Settings in any mode to display the
main menu.
The Brightness Control/Up button controls the LED output level and
is used to scroll “Up” when in menu mode.
The Image Rotation/Down button controls image rotation and
mirroring and is used to scroll “Down” when in menu mode.
The Zoom/Playback button is used to enlarge/zoom images in
camera and video modes and to play a video when in playback mode.
The Freeze/Back button is used to freeze/unfreeze live images and
performs the “Back” function when in menu mode.
The Live Camera/Video/Image Preview toggle is used to switch
between three modes:
• camera (still image capture)
• video (record video)
• playback (view and play stored images and video).
The Camera/Video trigger button under the handle grip and in the
lower center of the main button array is used to take a photograph in
camera mode, and to start/stop a video recording in video mode.
The On/O button on top of the unit is used for startup and
shutdown of the borescope.
7.3 OVERVIEW OF MENU FUNCTIONS
7.3.1 SYSTEM SETTINGS MENU
1. Press the button to Access Device Settings in any mode to enter the
main menu. Then press the Live Camera/Video/Image Preview toggle to
select system settings, such as date and time, language, etc.
2. The system settings menu controls operational settings for the borescope
invecategories:dateandtime,language,TV,automaticshutdown,and
format/restore factory settings.
DATE AND TIME SETTING
This menu item is used for setting the time and the date that will be time-
stamped onto the recorded images and video. Press the Live Camera/Video/
Image Preview toggle to switch options. Adjust the date by using the
Brightness Control/Up button and the Image Rotation/Down button .

13
Press the button to Access Device Settings to set the current date, and the
Freeze/Back button to cancel the change and return to the prior menu.
LANGUAGE SETTING
This menu option is used to change the language used in the menus and on
the display. Options are: English (En) or, Español (Es).
TV SETTING
This menu option is used for setting the TV output signal, either NTSC or PAL.
AUTOMATIC SHUTDOWN
This menu option is used to adjust the automatic shutdown, which is used to
conservebatterylifeiftheborescopeisnotinuseforaspeciedperiodof
time. Options include 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 9 minutes, and OFF.
FORMAT
This menu option will reformat the SD card. CAUTION: Reformatting the
SDcardwillpermanentlydeleteallsavedimagesandvideoles.
FACTORY RESET
This will restore all settings to factory default.
7.3.2 IMAGE SETTINGS MENU
Press the button to Access Device Settings in any mode to enter the image
settingmenu.Therearetwoitemsintheimagesettingsmenu:SpecialEect
[Black and White/Normal (color)], and Date Stamp.
Fig. 7-3 Menu, image settings
Note: Video Settings menu options are the same as the image settings, above.

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SPECIAL EFFECT
This menu option is used to make the current display and any recorded
images and video either black and white (BW) or normal (color).
DATE STAMP
Thismenuoptionisusedtoturnooronthetimestampintheupper-right
corner of photos and recorded video.
7.3.3 VIDEO SETTINGS MENU
Press the Live Camera/Video/Image Preview toggle and switch to the video
mode. To adjust the video settings, press the button to Access Device Settings
to enter the video settings menu. There are two items in the image settings
menu:SpecialEect[BlackandWhite/Normal(color)],andDateStamp.
7.3.4 IMAGE PLAYBACK SETTINGS MENU
ENTER PLAYBACK MODE
When a real-time image is displayed, press the Camera/Video/Image Playback
to switch to the playback mode. Then a single full-screen view of the
recorded image will be displayed.
In the multi-image view, press the Brightness Control/Up button and Image
Rotation/Down button to review and select. To enter the full screen view,
select the desired image and press the Zoom/Play button .
PLAY VIDEO
In the full screen view, press the Zoom/Play button to play/pause the
recorded video. Press the Freeze/Back button to exit during play.
FILE LOCKING/UNLOCKING
File locking is used to safeguard important recorded images or videos and
protect them from accidental deletion. Options include: Lock/Unlock single,
Lock all, and Unlock all.

15
7.3.5 A/V OUTPUT
To display the real-time borescope image on an external monitor (see
Fig. 7-4), connect the AV cable to the monitor and to the TV Video Output
Interface of the borescope.
Fig. 7-4 Connect the unit to a monitor (simultaneously displayed on the borescope
and external monitor)

16
VIII BASIC OPERATION
ATTENTION
Before turning on the borescope:
• Insert the SD card, otherwise all image capture and video recording
functionality will be inoperative.
• Check the lens for any dirt, grime or debris. Clean as necessary, using the
cleaningswabsprovided,beingcarefulnottoexthebendingsectionwhile
doing so.
8.1 TURNING ON/OFF
Presstheon-obutton (see Fig. 8-1) near the top left corner of the base
unit. The borescope will power up and the LCD will display the real-time
image captured by the camera/LED module.
Fig. 8-1 On/O button

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8.2 INSERTING THE INSERTION TUBE
INTO THE MACHINERY OR EQUIPMENT
BEING BORESCOPED
Inserting the insertion tube
Make sure the insertion tube and bending section are straight before starting
the inspection.
DO NOT attempt to articulate the bending section with the joystick while
the insertion tube is coiled, as this will result in breakage of the articulation
control wires.
• After the insertion tube enters the inspection port, adjust the brightness as
necessary and use the LCD monitor to see the internal view.
• Manipulate the joystick as needed in order to steer the insertion tube and
camera/LED module to the inspection target.
REMINDER
STOP IMMEDIATELY if the joystick control mechanism does not respond to
normal inputs or any abnormality occurs during operation. Move the joystick
to the center position and carefully extract the insertion tube from of the
inspection area.
8.2.1 EXTRACTING THE INSERTION TUBE
1. Move the joystick to the center/neutral position.
2. Withdraw the insertion tube slowly, being careful to hold on to it with one
hand so that it does not drop after it exists the inspection access port.
WARNING
• Do not remove the insertion tube when the bending section is at an angle.
Doing so could damage the bending section and/or the equipment being
inspected.
• If the insertion tube becomes stuck during the extraction, gently rotate
the joystick until it becomes dislodged, and then pull the insertion tube
out. Never yank or forcefully remove the insertion tube.

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8.3 IMAGE DISPLAY ADJUSTMENT
8.3.1 FREEZE A LIVE IMAGE
1. When in live image mode, press the
Freeze/Back button . The live screen
image will be frozen and an indicator
will show on the left side of the display
(see Fig. 8-2).
2. Press the Freeze/Back button again
to unfreeze the image.
Fig. 8-2 Freeze indicator icon
REMINDER
• Do not insert or remove the insertion tube when the image is frozen.
You will be unable to visually guide the insertion with a frozen image.
• The frozen image may be blurry if it was captured while the camera/
insertion tube was in motion.
8.3.2 ENLARGE THE IMAGE (ZOOM)
1. Thedisplayimagecanmagniedupto4X
by pressing the Zoom/Playback button .
2. Press the Zoom/Play button until it
returns to the original size. During the
zoomoperation,themagnicationlevel
will appear at the bottom right of the
screen (Fig. 8-3).
Fig. 8-3 Zoom indicator
8.3.3 LED ILLUMINATION ADJUSTMENT
During live viewing mode, LED brightness can be changed by pressing the
Brightness Control/Up button . Repeatedly pressing this button will cycle
the LEDs through 6 stages of brightness and OFF. The LED level is indicated
on the screen.