Fein MM outprioritized again. (review)
I just dropped $199 on a Ridgid SeeSnake. It works very well, although I already see some improvements that would benefit the product.
The camera/light end should be easily replaceable in case of contact with inevitable solvents and oils.
The battery compartment should be accessible without using a screwdriver (DUH!)
The screen could be bigger than 2.4″.
The screen interferes with the handgrip, disallowing a full grip, especially for large hands like mine.
The handgrip/screen/battery compartment should be resistant to contaminants and there should be an on-off button separate from the light intensity control. Use it a few times and you will understand.
On the positive side, I will consider this one of my indispensible tools. I have long waited for someone to invent this device. Previously, I would stick my digital camera into an area I could not observe, transfer a few images to my computer, and make a decision. I learned to do this while on vacation. My radio in my camper blew out some major fuses while DW and I were on vacation, and I had to troubleshoot. This involved looking into the back side of a compartement that I could not get into. After putting the images on the laptop, I was able to make the correct decision. The SeeSnake would have made the process much easier.
Maybe I will get the multimaster yet. I could have used it at least three or four times this week.
EDIT: Sorry – for those who don’t know what I am talking about, this is a color camera with lights (LEDs) mounted on the end of a flexible 3′ shaft (extensions available, according to the lit) and attached to a handle that supports a screen. It gets you a picture of inaccessible areas. It comes with a magnet attachment, a hook attachment, and a mirror attachment. I have absolutely no connection to RIDGID or anyone else for that matter. Just info for the common benefit.
Edited 11/1/2007 6:05 pm ET by Sasquatch
Edited 11/1/2007 6:06 pm ET by Sasquatch
Replies
For those who wanted a looksee:
> I have absolutely no connection to RIDGID or anyone else for that matter.
Have faith. The right person will come along if you just stay out there. ;)
Don't do your own colonoscopy. You're not trained.
The instructions actually warn not to use the device for any medical purposes, although I did take a look at a filling that has been giving me some trouble.
Besides, I had my first colonoscopy last year and do not look forward to having that done again in four more years.
Does it allow you to record or capture the image to a PC? Or is it just a real-time view of what's at the end of the snake?
-Norm
I bought one a few months ago - it is merely a viewer - has no memory or ports or anything like that.It's very handy, although I'll add that the flexible cable (corrugated metal type) is easily twisted so that it's easy for the image to not be right side up - get's a little confusing at times.But very handy - I bought mine for a surround speaker install - saved a lot of time in fishing wires.JT
It's real time. My first thought was that the PC connection would be a good idea. The image is quite clear, with a viewing range of 1 to 12". I see it being handy working in wall cavities, although it is marketed as a primarily plumbing tool and has a waterproof head.
Another is the Testo 318-V.
Better resolution and an RCA video output... but no memory card.
Business end is smaller than the Ridgid, water resistant, too.
A little more money, but I believe it is a better product.
Use caution if you bend the Ridgid cable while holding the handgrip. The cable snaps off easily...
Someone makes another digital version with a memory card, but it runs about $1400.00