May_2022 - 34

Cal-Van
Wi-Fi Borescope
Reviewed by Matt Fanslow, diagnostic
technician/shop manager at Riverside
Automotive in Red Wing, Minn.
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.
handy for times when you
drop something in an area
where you would just be
poking and hoping with a magnet.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Extremely easy to use.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Cal-Van Wi-Fi Borescope, No.
84, features a high-resolution, multiple
aspect camera (1920×1080, 1280×720,
and 640×480) with adjustable LED
lighting. It uses an independent Wi-Fi
signal, approximate range is 30', and
easy-to-install app to connect to both
Android and IOS devices. The borescope
has the ability to capture images
and video that can be stored and
shared with customers. The lens and
cable are IP67 certified and the cable
is 58 " long to allow access into hardto-view
areas. The borescope comes
with a mirror, magnet, and a hook.
107
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
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
34 PTEN MAY 2022 www.VehicleServicePros.com
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.
MATT FANSLOW is the shop
manager for Riverside Automotive,
an all makes/all models
independent repair shop in Red
Wing, Minn. He has over 27 years
of experience in the automotive
industry and is an ASE Master Certified Technician
(A1-A8) and an L1 Automobile Advanced Engine
Performance Specialist. He also has his own
podcast, Matt Fanslow Diagnosing the Aftermarket
A to Z.
http://www.VehicleServicePros.com
May_2022

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