This 3 part series is reprinted with the kindpermission of

Safe & Vault TechnologyMagazine

3003 Live Oak StreetDallas, Texas 75204

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and the author Ken Doyle, owner

Advanced Safe & VaultEngineering

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etance of having a good borescope. Mostcompetent and successful safe and vaulttechnicians have at least one. If theywork on high-security safes and vaults,they probably have several. And, ofcourse, there are at least a few techs thatcollect borescopes like my wife collectsBeanie Babies. To quote one of ourmore prominent (though slightly eccen-tric) industry leaders: "You can neverhave too many scopes." Being a card-carrying gadget freak, I tend to agree.

Choices, ChoicesBorescopes and endoscopes come in a

variety of different styles and sizes andare availabl~ from several differentmanufacturers. They are usuallydesigned and built to perform a specificfunction, as in the various types used formedical endoscopy. Endoscopy simplymeans to "look inside." There are manydifferent endoscopes for looking insidethe human body. In ,the medical industrythey even go so far as to name themaccording to what part of the body theyare designed to explore. Colonoscope,bronchoscope and sygmoidoscope. areexamples of these. Medical practitioners

points and published materials mighthave little or no value, except as history.Several safe manufacturers are alreadyincorporating remote mounting intotheir designs. How many more will fol-low suit? There are at least several tech-nicians (myself included) who fiendish-ly incorporate some of these practiceswhen doing routine retrofits. For open-ing purposes, we own those safes. Godhelp the tech who "lowballs" a pricequote and tries to open one. It will cer-tainly redefine his idea of the "safe fromhell."

Of course, you could argue that thiswill take a long time to come to pass andthat there will be plenty of containersaround (possibly for years) that willyield to traditional methods. That'sprobably true, but competition in thatniche is and will continue to be fierce,resulting in lower fees and a generallymundane day for those that pursue onlythat aspect of the mark~t. The future(and a higher standard of living) willbelong to those that are prepared for it.

A few months back, in an article aboutalternative drilling sites and scopingchange key holes, I stressed the impor-

T his article will attempt to definethe attributes and characteristicsof the various borescopes that are

available. I will also try to summarizethe requirements of a good, serviceableborescope for the novice borescope pur-chaser. In future articles, I will describescopes'with advanced features and capa-bilities, as well as discussing adjuncts,options and accessories.

I hope this article will make it easierfor you to make your first borescopepurchase, as well as allow you to under-stand and appreciate the possibilitiesand advantages of this technology forthe future.

That future will probably includechanges in safe design that will precludethe use of many standard opening meth-ods. With the ever-increasing use ofelectronic safe locks, variable remotemounting, hi-tech barrier materials,glass, decoys, vision barriers (that maskthe locations of locking components),drill deflectors and other modem safebuilding techniques, it's easy to envi-sion a time when opening a basic con-t~iner could become very difficult.Direct techniques that rely on reference

June 2000 Page 15

constitute one of the largest profession-al groups that use this technology.

There are several types of borescopeused for the non-destructive inspectionof the interior of such things as gun bar-rels, aircraft, machinery, molds, castingequipment and other various structures.These are used to help technicians savemany hours of "tear-down time."Borescopes with slightly different char-acteristics are sold to the secu-rity industry for surveillancepurposes. For the purposes ofthis article I will use the term"borescope" to describe anyinstrument that allows you tolook inside safes or vaults.What you are looking for deter-mines the type of borescopeyou will use. For example: aborescope designed to revealtiny flaws in an injection moldsystem is probably not a goodchoice for use in identifyingand locating components suchas relock devices in an X6.

No borescope will do every-thing we need it to do. In fact,the cold, harsh reality is thatsafe and vault technicians areforced to use borescopes origi-nally designed for use in otherindustries. This fact, combinedwith the awareness that this isfairly complex technology,requires that prospective buy-ers do some very tough, (andhopefully) informed compari-son shopping.

facturer's and dealer's reputations with-in our industry.

When attending seminars whereborescopes are being used, or at indus-try meetings or exhibits where they aredisplayed, ask lots of questions and tryto obtain the user's or seller's opinion asto the quality and usefulness of a partic-ular scope. If you're asking a user, ask ifthey use the scope as much as they

.

In

industrial equipment suppliers and med-ical instrument distributors. There isalso a large market dedicated to theresale of quality used borescopes. Thevariables of quality, features and priceranges in the new and used marketplaceare truly astounding.

If you are connected to the Internet,manufacturers' Web sites are goodplaces to start gathering information. At- these sites you will be able to

peruse an overview of the manu-facturer's wares, request moredetailed information, and finddealers who represent that partic-ular brand.

There are also many Web sitesdedicated to used or surplusborescopes. A search for"borescope" and/or "endoscope"on your favorite search enginewill yield a number of sources.Some of1;bese brand names, man-ufacturers' Web sites and othercontact are listed at the end ofthis article.

In doing the research for thisarticle, I was amazed at the vol-ume of information and jargonfacing the new borescope buyer. Iwas reminded of the applied

; physics class I took in highschool - terms and concepts Ihad learned and forgotten morethan 30 years ago started makingsense again in light of a practicaluse for that information. It can bevery challenging to ferret throughall this information and comeaway with enough understandingto make an informed buyingdecision, especially if you arebuying your first borescope. Athorough understanding of theterms in manufacturers' literatureis the key to a successful shop-

- ping expedition. Some of theseterms are: depth of field, magni-

fication, direction of view (DOV), fieldof view (FOV), fore, aft, oblique.

Get what you needIt is important to carefully

consider all of the possibleopening scenarios that mightbenefit from this technologybefore deciding on whichscope(s) to buy. Considering -the purchase of a borescopeshould be approached from the sameperspective and with the same attentionto detail one would use in purchasing acomputer system, a drill rig or a servicevehicle. Avoid being snowed by "bellsand whistles" that you may never use.Concentrate on basic functionality,design, after-sale service, and the manu-

thought they would and if they got theirmoney's worth. It's a lot better to learnfrom others' experiences than from yourown mistakes.

High quality borescopes are availablefrom many sources, including distribu-tors of locksmith and safe techniciantools, security product companies,

Defining "view"We all know that "to view" is a very

subjective thing. Where, when andunder what conditions we vi6W some-thing defines its characteristics to the

rPaGR 16 Safe & Vault

~0

IDustradon: 1 S~t viewDOV= 0, FOV= ~ Inusb'8tion 2: Dmtion of view(DOV) 0 -135 ~

1iU~ 3: Aft - ObliqueDOV= 135+ FOV= 45

viewer. I'm sure you've heard the say-ing: "He can't see the forest for thetrees." The ability of the mind to per-ceive, structure and interpret visual dataunder varying circumstances can bedirectly affected by changing, limitingor expanding the view of a specificobject. There are basically two "views"that concern us when faced with choos-ing and using a borescope. These are"field of view" (FaV) and "direction ofview" (DaV). These determine whatand how much you will be able to seethrough an access hole. Field of viewand direction of view tend to overlap inactual use and combine to create aninteresting variety of view options, asyou will see from the following descrip-tions and illustrations. I consider theother terms in the above list to be modi-fiers of the two basic elements of"view."

darkened room. The cone-shaped beamallows you to see only what is withinthe cone. Most borescopes have a fieldof view between 30 and 90 degrees.

Field of view also has a direct rela-tionship to magnification, as well as tothe depth of field,- of the image. Verynarrow fields of view tend to be in focusfor a greater range of distances withouthaving to refocus the image. Thereforean object viewed close to the tip of ascope will be magnified and in clearfocus. As the subject is moved furtheraway from the tip, more of the objectcan be seen (but with less detail) with-out refotusing. This is called depth offield. Magnification can also beenhanced by the use of a telephoto lensassembly within the head of theborescope or by other attachments to thebasic borescope.

how much of a particular area or objectyou can see. Field of view is expressedin degrees (see illustration 1). Forexample: the unassisted human eye iscapable of viewing approximately 170degrees. This means we can see about85 degrees left, right, above and below(relative to straight ahead) all at thesame time. Of course, the ability tofocus on and interpret the detail of whatwe see within that field is limited. Anexample of an intentionally limited fieldof view is a racehorse with blinders on.The horse has had his lateral field ofview limited (to about 80 degrees) tominimize distractions.

A narrow field of view allows us tosee a smaller area of an object, but withgreater detail due to its telephoto nature.A wider field of view allows us to see alarger area of an object, but with lessdetail, and is similar to the term "wideangle" as used in the photographyindustry. Field of view can be likened toa flashlight beam used in a completely

Field of viewField of view (FOV~

Direction of viewIf you took the field of view, as

defined above, and shifted it (withoutsimply means

Borescope probe

Pmm

90 Degree mirror tube

Dlustration 4: Dedicatedview - pmmbol :'eSCOpe muSil;ation S: Rigidbol ~

widt~~~tu~llustration 6: Cross sedion c)f

rigidbOl1!SOOpeJune 2000 Page 17

mustration 10: Elements of a common rigid borescope

~age 18 Safe 4 Vault

literature that describe direction of view are: "fore", "aft" and"oblique." The term "fore" simply denotes a combination of fieldof view and direction of view in which its center is less than 90degrees. "Aft" denotes a combination in which its center is greaterthan 90 degrees. In other words: "fore" looks forward from 0-90degrees and "aft" looks backward from 90-180 degrees. "Oblique"describes directions of view other than 0 degrees (straight ahead)or 90 degrees. Examples of oblique directions of view would be:45 (forward oblique) and 135 degrees (aft oblique). (See illustra-tions 2 & 3.)

Shared attributesAll borescopes have several things in common. Starting at the

distal end, each has a port that allows an image of a remote objectto be relayed back to the user. Also at the distal end, each hasanother port that allows the object to be illuminated by light con-veyed from a light source.

At the proximal end is the scope head. It incorporates an eye-piece that usually contains a focusing lens assembly. In between,there are fiber optic and lens components that transmit or "relay"the illumination and the image. These components are containedwithin a tube-like shaft of varying lengths, which constitutes the"probe." This probe may be either a rigid shaf~or a flexible, cable-

changing it's field) from straight ahead (0 degrees)to the left or to the right, you are changing thedirection of view (DO V). This shift is alsoexpressed in degrees (See illustration 2). Withincurrent borescope technology, there are severalmethods used to change direction of view.Incorporating various combinations of field ofview and direction of view with other useful fea-tures allows borescope manufacturers to providespecial-purpose borescopes for various applica-tions.

One way of changing the direction of view is bythe use of a permanent or temporary prism near thetip of the borescope. By the use of a prism, it ispossible to allow a side view of 30, 45, 60 and 90degrees or more. It is even possible (using a prismwith a combination of wide field of view and anaft direction of view) to allow a view of nearly 180degrees (see illustration 3). That's the equivalentof looking directly behind the tip of the borescope.If a scope uses a permanent prism to define direc-tion of view, it is called a "dedicated" view scope(see Illustration 4). Prisms relay the image only.The light is relayed through a separate port. Somerigid borescopes are capable of being rotated toeliminate the need for rotating the entire eye-piece/head.

Mirrors can also be used as a temporary way ofchanging the direction of view. The mirror isattached to a tube or removable tip that slides overthe shaft of the borescope (see illustration 5). Themirror, which is set at a predetermined angle onthe attachment, reflects both the image and thelight from the light source at the same time. Mirrortubes can also be rotated, as described above, andusually through a full 360 degrees of rotation. Themirror assembly is very fragile and scratches easi-ly. A lot of care should be used during handling,insertion and cleaning to avoid displacement orscratching.

When a prism or mirror is used to change direc-tion of view, the resulting image is reversed. In thecase of a permanent prism, a special lens asseItlblycan be used to correct the image. According to theinformation I've read, prisms are supposed to bebetter suited for observing objects that are fartheraway from the tip of the scope. Mirrors are bettersuited for looking at objects that are close to thetip of the borescope. This is because mirrorsreflect light and prisms only relay the image. It isdifficult and expensive to align the light port pre-cisely enough to illuminate the object exactlywhere needed when in close proximity to the tip.

!~Fore, Aft and Oblique"Other terms you might find in sales or technical

June 2000 Page 19

like structure (see illustration 10).The probe may also be armored to pre-

vent damage caused by insertion intohazardous areas. Medical scopes havespecial outer sheaths that make it possi-ble to sterilize the borescope. Some alsohave markings which enable users totake exacting depth measurements asthe probes are introduced into body cav-ities.

Basic typesThere are two basic types of

borescopes and endoscopes: rigid andflexible: They range in length from ajust few inches to over 10 feet. Theouter diameter of the probe may be assmall as one or two millimeters or aslarge as 1/2 inch or more, depending onits intended use. In this first article I willdiscuss in detail the attributes of rigidscopes, as they are currently more com-mon to our industry.

Rigid ScopesQuality rigid borescopes use one of

three glass lens systems. The flfst iscalled the "achromatic doublet." Thistype consists of many lenses arranged inpairs, in what is called a "relay lens sys-tem" (see illustration 7). This systemrelies on many high-quality, precisely-ground and polished glass lenses to con-vey the image through the probe to theeyepiece. This was the first design andwas used mostly for shorter, large diam-eter borescopes. Richard WolfBorescopes are examples of this tech-nology.

The second type of glass lens systemis called the "Hopkins rod lens relaysystem" (see illustration 8). It combineslonger rod-type lenses in conjunctionwith conventional lenses (similar tothose used in the achromatic doublet) toachieve a design that is readily useablefor longer and smaller diameter scopesat a lower cost. Karl Storz Borescopes

use this relay system.The third type of lens system is called

the "Gradient index lens system" (seeillustration 9). This system eliminatesthe shorter glass lenses in the probeentirely and substitutes much longer,optimized versions of the glass rods.Gradient Lens Corporation developedand uses this system in their "Hawkeye"product line.

The shorter the lens, the more lensesyou have to place into the shaft (withgreat precision) to convey the imageaccurately and clearly through the entirelength of the probe. The quality of thelenses, how they are arranged (in termsof quantity, precision and distance fromeach other) and the diameter and lengthof the probe are all factors that greatlyinfluence the quality of the image andthe cost of the borescope.

Incorporated into all of the above rigidborescope design~ is also a bundle ofvery fine optical fibers surrounding the

"aae 20 Safe c& Vault

bypass some seriously demonic hard-plate. There are other times when I wasforced to use a much longer scope thanwas necessary to look through a holeplaced through the door at the drop-inlocation. It was very hard to hold thescope on target and keep my eye to theeyepiece at the same time. I was so faraway from the door face that it wasuncomfortable and awkward to turn thespindle. A shorter scope would havebeen much more practical. On the other

hand, I would gladly live with that awk-wardness in order to have the option ofscoping from the side or top of a con-tainer.

lens system (see illustrations 6 & 10).These fibers carry light through theentire length of the probe to the lightport in the tip of the scope, to illuminatethe object being viewed.

Because of the structure of these lenssystems, they are not flexible at all,hence the designation "rigid." Even avery small degree of flex of the shaftcan and will result in misalignment orother damage to the lens system. Theresult is a totally useless scope. Severalof us have discovered this fact by directexperience. Ironically, the more flexiblefiber optic light bundle contained withina rigid scope is more difficult to dam-age, and therefore light will usually stilltravel through the probe to the tip of adamaged scope. Of course, what youthen have is nothing more than a veryawkward-to-use and expensive penlight.Depending on the quality and type oflens system, the length and diameter ofthe probe, and the features and otherattributes; these borescopes may rangein price from approximately 500 to sev-eral thousand dollars.

First thing's firstWhat is a good choice for your first

scope? This is a very tough question.After all, this is not exactly essentialtechnology for opening most of what isout there right now. In the beginning ofour careers, we usually start out by

Image resolutionImage resolution can best be described

as the ability to see detail. It depends ona number of factors. Glass relay lenssystems provide the best resolution,with glass rod and gradient technologyfollowing in very close pursuit.Improvements are being made constant-ly. Aside from the type of lens systemused, physical dimensions playa role inresolution as well. Higher resolutionsare possible with larger diameterprobes. Extremely thin scopes withhigh-resolution optics tend to be themost expensive. No surprises there1

Size and adaptabilityRigid borescopes commonly used in

the safe and vault industry are availablein lengths of approximately 4 inches toas long as 30 inches and are available indiameters of less than 1/8-inch to aslarge as I/2-inch. Which size is best?Obviously, tliis depends on what youwill use it for.

There have been times when I wouldhij.ve killed for a really small diameterscope so that I could be tricky and

June 2000 Page 21

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opening basic containers and by using rather traditional methods. I haveseen guys who have gotten along for years with just an otoscope or apenlight.

Some of the more expensive safes on the market may require new tech-nologies as well as a bit of creativity to defeat them in a professional andprofitable manner. Careful analysis of the type of openings that you cur-rently perform, as well as identifying what capabilities you'd like to havein the future, will help you in making a sound decision on purchasing anentry-level borescope, as well as any future needs.

I guess if I was limited to having only one scope, I personally wouldchoose a rigid scope that was relatively slim (liS-inch to 1/4-inch) witha working length that would allow use from the front as well as the sideor top of a medium sized container (16-22 inches long). It would allowa straight (0 degree) as well as a side (90 degree) view via a mirror orprism tube - or preferably both. It would provide a bright, clear view andthe highest resolution I could afford. The ability to connect a high outputlight source would also be essential. I'd expect to pay between $SOO and$1500.

My current scope arsenal includes:-Two Hawkeye slim (4/25-inch) rigid scopes (7 and 17 inch), both

with 90. mirror tubes;-One Olympus 5/16-inch by 20-inch rigid scope with a dedicated 90.

DOV and a 60. FOV;-One ACMI 1/4-inch by IS-inch non-articulating semi-flexible

scope; and-One Olympus 5/16-inch by 6-foot, four-way articulating flexible

scope.Both the flexibles and the Olympus rigid were purchased "used" and

obtained from a surplus source. They have added greatly to my capabil-ities and at a very reasonable price. My next borescope purchase willprobably be a very small diameter, rigid scope of medium length, or onethat incorporates one of the oblique directions of view. I am also veryinterested in checking out the new 90. prism tubes that should soon beavailable for the Hawkeye Slim and Hardy models. Who knows? If theidea of a removeable 90. prism tube catches on among safe techs, otheruseful DOVs might soon follow.

Some of the things I'll discuss in Part II of this series are illumination,flexible scopes, and articulation.

Part III will cover optional accessories and high-tech adjuncts such asvideo cameras (B&W, Color and Zoom), monitors (B&W, Color, CRTand LCD), borescope to video adapters, and compact video systems. .~BX Series Safe Deposit Box Locks1155 Chess Drive #114

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e-mail: chaslutz@securitylockco.comAbout the Author: Ken Doyle lives in San Francisco, California. He is an establishedwriter for S&V7:

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Page 22 Safe ~ Vault