INTERTEST CUSTOM ENGINEERING SOLUTION
iSHOT® MODEL E
USB-C DIRECT VIDEO BORESCOPE PROBE
Modifying the proven Model E
At a Glance
CHALLENGE
What needed to be overcome?
- Embed HD imaging into customer-built nuclear inspection equipment
- Exceed durability and flexibility of low-cost USB cameras
- Meet tight delivery timelines within regulated workflows
DEVELOPMENT
What needed to be designed?
- Reformatted Model E into handset-less USB-C configuration
- Engineered high-flex tungsten braid for tighter bend radius
- Enabled automatic startup command initialization via software
SOLUTION
What was the end product?
- Sub-2 mm HD video borescope for seamless PC integration
- Rugged sheathing improves long-term survivability
- Consistent performance tailored for nuclear service applications
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THE CHALLENGE
A nuclear power service group required a compact, high-definition inspection video borescope that could be embedded directly into their own inspection equipment. While low-cost USB video probes were available on the market, these alternatives lacked durability, consistent quality, and the survivability required for repeated use in demanding nuclear environments.
The customer evaluated the iShot® Model E Video Borescope and confirmed that its image quality met their inspection requirements. However, they needed the product reformatted for seamless PC integration, without sacrificing resolution, flexibility, or ruggedness—and they needed it delivered on a compressed timeline.
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DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
InterTest adapted the Model E video borescope into an embedded, "handset-less" configuration designed for direct integration into the customers' systems. The solution features a sub-2 mm diameter probe, HD resolution, and a high-flex tungsten braid sheath engineered to deliver significantly tighter bend radii than standard designs.
To further enhance usability, InterTest incorporated a USB-C interface capable of supporting locking connectors and custom command control. Leveraging in-house software expertise, the team also developed the ability to initialize camera settings at startup, ensuring consistent performance even after power cycling—an important requirement for regulated nuclear workflows.
The project demonstrated InterTest’s ability to quickly pivot a standard product into a form-fit-function solution while meeting strict dimensional, performance, and delivery constraints.
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THE SOLUTION
The final solution is a rugged, HD embedded video borescope camera optimized for nuclear service applications where reliability and longevity are critical. Compared to low-cost alternatives, the system delivers superior image quality, improved focus range, and dramatically enhanced mechanical survivability through its tungsten-braided sheathing.
By offering rapid customization, engineering support, and predictable product quality, InterTest enabled the customer to integrate a dependable imaging component into their own inspection platform improving long-term operational value.
Project Results
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Embedded HD camera solution meets nuclear inspection requirements within strict dimensional constraints
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High-flex tungsten braid significantly improves durability and bend performance over low-cost alternatives
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Rapid customization and delivery support tight timelines for regulated nuclear service operations
