Olympus Borescopes & Videoscopes: the IPLEX Range
Olympus IPLEX videoscopes are flexible, articulating industrial borescopes that put a camera and LED light into spaces you cannot otherwise see: engine and gearbox internals, turbine casings, heat-exchanger tubes, castings and long pipe runs. Inspectors use them to find cracks, corrosion, erosion, weld defects and foreign objects without dismantling the equipment.
Ecotao supplies three IPLEX platforms, the handheld IPLEX G Lite, the modular IPLEX GX/GT and the long-reach IPLEX GAir, from our Cape Town base to customers across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.
What is an Olympus IPLEX videoscope?
A borescope is any optical instrument inserted through a small opening to inspect a hidden space. A videoscope is a flexible borescope with a miniature image sensor at the tip instead of glass optics, sending a live digital image back to a screen. Because the image is digital, a videoscope can record photos and video, measure defects on screen and share the view with colleagues. IPLEX is the name of Olympus's industrial videoscope family, and every IPLEX model has a steerable (articulating) tip controlled from the handset.
Olympus, Evident or Wabtec? In 2022 Olympus moved its scientific and industrial inspection business into a new company, Evident. In July 2025 Wabtec completed its acquisition of Evident's Inspection Technologies division, which covers remote visual inspection. The IPLEX instruments themselves are unchanged and are now sold under the Evident name. This page uses "Olympus IPLEX" because it is still the name most engineers and buyers search for.
The IPLEX range at a glance
Each platform covers a different reach and working style. Start with the access hole you have and the distance to your target.
IPLEX G Lite
The lightest IPLEX, from 1.15 kg with battery. For technicians who carry the scope to the job.
- Tube: 4.0 mm (2.0 or 3.5 m) or 6.0 mm (2.0, 3.5 or 10.0 m)
- Screen: 4.3-inch touch screen
- Battery: about 90 minutes
- Special version: G Lite-W for wind turbines
IPLEX GX/GT
One base unit, interchangeable scopes and light sources. For teams with varied inspection work.
- Tube: 4.0 mm (2.0 or 3.5 m) or 6.0 mm (2.0, 3.5, 7.5 or 10.0 m)
- Screen: 8-inch touch screen
- Battery: about 186 minutes
- Light: white LED, UV or IR modules
IPLEX GAir
Air-powered articulation for long pipe and duct runs with several elbows.
- Tube: 8.5 mm, 20 m or 30 m
- Articulation: 90° all directions, pneumatic
- Screen: detachable 8-inch touch screen
- Remote: up to 100 m away (optional transponder)
IPLEX G Lite vs GX/GT vs GAir: side-by-side comparison
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| Specification | IPLEX G Lite | IPLEX GX/GT | IPLEX GAir |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insertion tube diameter | 4.0 mm or 6.0 mm | 4.0 mm or 6.0 mm | 8.5 mm |
| Insertion tube lengths | 4.0 mm: 2.0 or 3.5 m 6.0 mm: 2.0, 3.5 or 10.0 m | 4.0 mm: 2.0 or 3.5 m 6.0 mm: 2.0, 3.5, 7.5 or 10.0 m | 20 m or 30 m |
| Articulation | 130° (4.0 mm), 150° (6.0 mm, 2.0/3.5 m), 110° (10.0 m); electronic TrueFeel | 130° (4.0 mm), 150° (6.0 mm, 2.0/3.5 m), 120° (7.5 m), 110° (10.0 m); electronic TrueFeel | 90° all directions; pneumatic |
| Interchangeable scope | Each model has its own tube; choose when ordering | Yes, swapped on site | Yes, waterproof scope unit, no tools |
| Display | 4.3-inch WVGA touch | 8-inch WVGA touch | 8-inch WVGA touch, detachable |
| Weight | 1.15 to 1.83 kg with battery | Base 1.77 kg with battery, plus scope unit | 15.3 kg (20 m) or 16.4 kg (30 m) system |
| Battery operation | About 90 minutes | About 186 minutes | About 180 minutes (16 V Li-ion) |
| UV / IR lighting | Optional (not on G Lite-W) | Optional interchangeable modules | Ask Ecotao |
| Measurement | Scaler standard, stereo optional | Scaler standard, stereo optional | Scaler |
| Main unit protection | IP65, MIL-STD-810G / 461G tested | IP65, MIL-STD-810G / 461G tested | Not dustproof or waterproof; tube rated to 30 m water depth equivalent |
| Best for | Mobile inspections, climbing, travel | Mixed workloads, workshops, service companies | Long pipes, ducts, boiler and process lines |
Specifications from Evident (Olympus) product documentation. Confirm the exact configuration for your application with Ecotao before ordering.
Olympus IPLEX G Lite industrial videoscope
A full-featured videoscope you can carry up a ladder
The IPLEX G Lite puts the imaging of a larger videoscope into a one-hand body weighing from 1.15 kg with battery. The scope and its accessories pack into a carry-on sized case (455 × 330 × 185 mm), so it travels easily to remote plants, mines and wind farms. Each G Lite model is a complete unit with its own insertion tube, so you choose the diameter and length when ordering.
Choose the G Lite when one inspector does most of the work on the move, access holes are 6 mm or larger (or 4 mm for fine work), and the target is within 10 m of the entry point.
- TrueFeel articulationElectronic tip steering responds to a light touch on the joystick, so you can position the tip precisely and hold it there without fatigue.
- PulsarPic and WiDER imagingThe image processor reduces halation (glare from shiny surfaces) and lifts dark areas to match bright ones, so detail is visible across the whole frame.
- Brighter LEDEvident states the LED is twice as bright as the IPLEX UltraLite it replaces, which helps when lighting large cavities such as turbine casings.
- 60 fps videoSmooth recording of rotating parts, for example when turning a turbine or gearbox shaft by hand during inspection.
- Built for site workIP65 main unit, tested to MIL-STD-810G (drop, vibration, rain, humidity, salt fog, dust, icing) and MIL-STD-461G (electromagnetic interference).
- Defect measurementScaler measurement is standard. Optional stereo measurement calculates distance, point-to-line, depth and area in three dimensions.
- UV and IR light optionsInterchangeable ultraviolet light reveals fine scratches and hairline cracks; infrared helps in very dark spaces.
- Oil-clearing tipAn adaptor uses capillary action to draw oil away from the lens, so you keep inspecting in gearboxes instead of withdrawing to clean.
- Wireless sharingWith the recommended USB wireless LAN adaptor, stream live images to iOS devices (IPLEX Image Share app) or transfer files to a PC (IPLEX desktop app).
- Heat warningThe insertion tube operates from -25 °C to 100 °C in air and has a two-stage high-temperature warning.
IPLEX G Lite specifications
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| Model No. | IV9420GL | IV9420GL-W | IV9435GL | IV9620GL | IV9635GL | IV96100GL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insertion tube | Scope diameter | Φ4.0 mm | Φ6.0 mm | ||||
| Scope length | 2.0 m (6.6 ft) | 3.5 m (11.5 ft) | 2.0 m (6.6 ft) | 3.5 m (11.5 ft) | 10.0 m (32.8 ft) | ||
| Exterior | High durability tungsten braid with oil-resistant coating (easy-to-clean outer braid) | ||||||
| Tube flexibility | Uniform stiffness | TaperedFlex tube with flexibility gradually increasing toward the distal end | |||||
| Temperature sensor | 2-stage indicator for high temperature warning | ||||||
| Articulation section | Articulation angle up/down/right/left | 130° | 150° | 110° | |||
| Articulation operation | TrueFeel™ scope tip articulation with electronic articulation | ||||||
| Approx. system weight (with battery) | 1.15 kg (2.5 lbs) | 1.16 kg (2.6 lbs) | 1.21 kg (2.6 lbs) | 1.23 kg (2.7 lbs) | 1.34 kg (2.9 lbs) | 1.83 kg (4.0 lbs) | |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 128 mm × 203 mm × 110 mm (4.9 in. × 8 in. × 4.3 in.) | ||||||
| Dimensions of carrying case (W × D × H) | 455 mm × 330 mm × 185 mm (17.9 in. × 13 in. × 7.3 in.) protruding parts not included; size for carry-on baggage in a narrow body aircraft | ||||||
| Illumination | LED illumination; you can extend the battery life using the ECO mode lighting control | ||||||
| Display | 4.3-inch daylight-view, wide-view WVGA LCD (800 × 480 pixels) with capacitive-type touch panel | ||||||
| Power supply | AC power | 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz (with supplied AC adapter) | |||||
| Battery | 7.4 V nominal, approx. (with supplied battery) Battery operation time: approx. 90 minutes | ||||||
| Video output standard | HDMI | Type C HDMI 1.4 | |||||
| Headset terminal (microphone input/audio output) | Φ3.5 mm mini plug CTIA | ||||||
| Wireless live streaming | Using the recommended USB wireless LAN adapter, attach it to the Type A USB connector; available for iOS devices using the IPLEX Image Share app | ||||||
| Wireless file transfer | Attach the recommended USB wireless LAN adapter to the Type A USB connector; available for PC using the IPLEX desktop app | ||||||
Operating temperature: insertion tube -25 °C to 100 °C in air, 10 °C to 30 °C in water; main unit -10 °C to 40 °C on battery. Main unit IP65. Insertion tube operable underwater with a viewing tip fitted (3.5 m depth equivalent for 4.0 mm, 10 m for 6.0 mm).
IPLEX G Lite-W for wind turbine gearboxes. The IV9420GL-W is the G Lite configured for wind energy technicians. It has a 4.0 mm, 2.0 m oil-resistant tube, a sealed oil-clearing tip with a 120° forward view and a depth of field from 4 mm to infinity, and an optional LED guide tube. UV and IR light sources and stereo measurement are not offered on the -W version.
Olympus IPLEX GX/GT industrial videoscope
One base unit, many inspection jobs
The IPLEX GX/GT separates the base unit from the scope unit. You can fit a 4.0 mm scope for small ports, then swap to a 6.0 mm, 10 m scope for a long casing, and change the light source from white LED to UV or IR on site. For a service company or a plant maintenance team, this means one instrument and one set of training covers far more work.
The 8-inch touch screen leaves room for the image and on-screen controls together, and the battery runs for about 186 minutes, roughly double the G Lite.
- Interchangeable scope units4.0 mm in 2.0 or 3.5 m; 6.0 mm in 2.0, 3.5, 7.5 or 10.0 m. Changed on site without tools.
- Interchangeable light sourcesWhite LED for general work, ultraviolet for hairline cracks and lubricant traces, infrared for dark areas.
- 30% brighter LEDEvident states the LED is 30% brighter than the IPLEX RX/RT it replaces.
- TrueFeel with tip lockPrecise electronic articulation that locks in position, plus fine control from the touch screen.
- 60 fps H.264 videoSmooth recording at 768 × 576, with 5x digital zoom and 16-step brightness.
- MeasurementScaler measurement standard; stereo measurement upgrade for 3D distance, point-to-line, depth and area.
- Live image sharingStream to smartphones and tablets with the recommended USB wireless LAN adaptor, so a remote specialist can help diagnose a defect during the inspection.
- Tested toughIP65 main unit; MIL-STD-810G tested including drops of up to 1.2 m, vibration, blowing rain, dust, humidity, salt fog and icing, and MIL-STD-461G for EMI.
IPLEX GX vs IPLEX GT
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| Feature | IPLEX GX | IPLEX GT |
|---|---|---|
| Body, weight, 8-inch screen, resolution | Same | Same |
| Constant recording (last 30 minutes) | Yes, with optional microSDHC card | No |
| Dynamic noise reduction | Yes | No |
| Adjustable sharpness and colour saturation | Yes | No |
| On-screen text notes and free drawing | Yes | No |
| Internal memory (stills) | Yes | No |
| Scope interchangeability | All scope model combinations | Between scopes of the same model |
IPLEX GX/GT specifications
Scope unit
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| Model No. | IV9420G | IV9435G | IV9620G | IV9635G | IV9675G | IV96100G | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insertion tube | Scope diameter | Φ4.0 mm | Φ6.0 mm | ||||
| Scope length | 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) | 3.5 m (11.5 ft.) | 2.0 m (6.6 ft.) | 3.5 m (11.5 ft.) | 7.5 m (24.6 ft.) | 10.0 m (32.8 ft.) | |
| Exterior | High durability tungsten braid | ||||||
| Tube flexibility | Uniform stiffness | Tapered Flex tube with flexibility gradually increasing toward the distal end | |||||
| Temperature sensor | 2-stage indicator for high temperature warning | ||||||
| Articulation section | Articulation angle up/down/right/left | 130° | 150° | 120° | 110° | ||
| Articulation operation | TrueFeel electronic scope tip articulation / fine mode articulation control using the touch screen menu | ||||||
| Approx. weight | 0.99 kg (2.2 lbs) | 1.05 kg (2.3 lbs) | 1.06 kg (2.3 lbs) | 1.17 kg (2.6 lbs) | 1.47 kg (3.2 lbs) | 1.66 kg (3.7 lbs) | |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 97 mm × 188 mm × 158 mm (3.8 in. × 7.4 in. × 6.2 in.) (protruding parts not included) | ||||||
| Illumination | LED illumination | ||||||
Base unit
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| Model No. | IPLEX GX | IPLEX GT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (with battery) | 1.77 kg (3.9 lbs) | ||
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 241 mm × 190 mm × 70 mm (9.5 in. × 7.5 in. × 2.8 in.) (protruding parts not included) | ||
| Dimensions of carrying case | 375 mm × 525 mm × 243 mm (14.8 in. × 20.7 in. × 9.6 in.) (carry-on size on most airlines) | ||
| Display | 8-inch daylight view WVGA LCD with capacitive-type touch screen, 5 step adjustable LCD backlight | ||
| Power supply | AC power | 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz (with supplied AC adaptor) | |
| Battery | 10.8 V nominal, approx. (with supplied battery) Battery operation time: approx. 186 minutes | ||
| Video output standard | HDMI | Type A HDMI 1.4 | |
| Headset (microphone in/ audio out) | Φ3.5 mm mini plug CTIA | ||
| Wireless live streaming | Using the recommended USB wireless LAN adapter, attach it to the Type A USB connector; available for iOS devices using the IPLEX Image Share app | ||
| Wireless file transfer | Attach the recommended USB wireless LAN adapter to the Type A USB connector; available for PC using the IPLEX desktop app | ||
| Scope unit interchangeability | Available for all scope model combinations | Available between the same scope models | |
Operating temperature: insertion tube -25 °C to 100 °C in air, 10 °C to 30 °C in water; base unit -10 °C to 40 °C on battery. Base unit IP65.
Olympus IPLEX GAir long-distance videoscope
Inspect farther, through bends and elbows
Steering a tip precisely gets harder as the tube gets longer. The IPLEX GAir uses pneumatic articulation instead: a built-in air compressor steers the tip through 90° in every direction, at the full 20 m or 30 m reach. The Tapered Flex tube is stiff near the operator for pushing and more flexible toward the tip, and a guide head rides over pipe joints instead of catching on them.
Choose the GAir when the target is beyond 10 m from the entry point, for example inside boiler and steam lines, process piping, heat-exchanger headers, ducts and long aircraft or vehicle structures.
- Know where the tip isA gravity sensor keeps the live image upright whatever the tube's rotation, and an insertion length indicator shows how far in you are.
- Bright light at the tipLEDs at the distal end avoid the light loss that dims long fibre-lit scopes, and a long exposure mode helps in very large spaces.
- Quick scope changesThe waterproof scope unit swaps without special tools.
- Remote operationThe remote controller works up to 100 m away with the optional transponder system, and vibrates to warn of risks such as withdrawing the tube while articulated.
- Comfortable viewingThe 8-inch touch screen detaches and can sit on an optional extension cable of up to 5 m.
- Oil-clearing tip adaptorDraws oil off the lens for clearer images in lubricated systems.
- Wheeled caseThe compact case rolls to the job and its wheels lock during inspection.
- Image sharingLive streaming to iOS devices and sharing via the recommended USB wireless LAN adaptor.
IPLEX GAir specifications
Scope unit
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| Model No. | IV98200GA | IV98300GA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insertion tube | Scope diameter | Φ8.5 mm | |
| Scope length | 20.0 m (65.6 ft.) | 30 m (98.4 ft) | |
| Exterior | High-durability tungsten braid | ||
| Tube flexibility | Tapered Flex insertion tube with flexibility that gradually increases toward the distal end | ||
| Optical system | Field of view | Selectable by optical adaptor | |
| Direction of view | Selectable by optical adaptor | ||
| Illumination | LED illumination | ||
| Articulation section | Articulation angle (all-way) | 90° | |
| Articulation operation | Pneumatic articulation with built-in air compressor | ||
Base unit
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| Model No. | IV9000GA | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 359 mm × 465 mm × 307 mm (14.1 in. × 18.3 in. × 12.1 in.) (protruding parts not included) | ||
| Weight (main unit) | 11.7 kg (25.8 lbs.) | ||
| Approx. system weight (with battery and SDHC card) | When combined with IV98200GA: 15.3 kg (33.7 lb) | When combined with IV98300GA: 16.4 kg (36.2 lb) | |
| LCD monitor | 8-inch daylight view WVGA LCD with capacitive-type touch screen, 5-step adjustable LCD backlight | ||
| Video output | Type A HDMI 1.4 | ||
| Headset (microphone in/ audio out) | Φ3.5 mm mini plug CTIA | ||
| USB connector | Type A connector, Version 2.0 standards Can be connected to a USB wireless LAN adapter (recommended) or remote control unit (optional) | ||
| Power supply | Li-ion battery: 16 V nominal, approx. 180-minute operating time 100 V to 240 V, 50/60 Hz (with supplied AC adaptor) External battery (with type D Ni-MH battery ×8): 9.6 V | ||
| Recording media | Normal | SDHC (with supplied SDHC, or using the recommended Class 10 SDHC) | |
| Constant video | microSDHC (using the recommended Class 10 microSDHC) | ||
| Image adjustment | Zoom function | Digital seamless zoom (up to 5 times) | |
| Gain control | 4-step adjustable gain control (Manual, Auto, WiDER1, WiDER2) | ||
| Dynamic noise reduction | Available | ||
| Sharpness control | 4-step adjustable sharpness control | ||
| Saturation control | 3-mode adjustable control of color saturation (Monotone, Natural, Vivid) | ||
| Title text options | 30-character display | ||
| Note text options | 30-character title display, mark, free drawing | ||
| Image display functions | Live image can be inverted to right and left, inverted to up and down, and rotated 180 degrees | ||
| Gravity indicator | Display gravity indicator according to the orientation of the scope's distal end | ||
| Insertion length indicator | Indicates insertion length according to the drum rotation; insertion length can be marked at an arbitrary position | ||
| Live image orientation | Depending on the orientation of the scope tip, the live image can be rotated and displayed to match the direction of gravity to the bottom of the LCD display | ||
| Screen display | Content can be displayed and rotated 180 degrees | ||
| Still image recording | Resolution | H640 × V480 (pixels) | |
| Recording format | Compressed JPEG format | ||
| Video recording | Resolution | H640 × V480 (pixels) | |
| Recording format | MPEG 4 AVC/H.264 Conforms to baseline profile; Windows Media Player 12 compatible | ||
| Wireless LAN | Directly connect to an external wireless device equipped with iOS to stream live images | ||
| Scaler measurement | The distance between two points based on a known measurement in the same plane | ||
Operating temperature: insertion tube -25 °C to 100 °C in air, 10 °C to 30 °C in water; other parts -15 °C to 48 °C on battery, 0 °C to 40 °C on AC. Insertion tube operable underwater to a 30 m depth equivalent; other parts are not dustproof or waterproof.
How to choose an Olympus IPLEX videoscope
Work through these five questions in order. The first two usually decide the model; the rest decide the options.
- What is the smallest opening you must pass through?
Measure the inspection port, spark plug hole, borescope plug or drilled access. A 4.0 mm tube fits small ports and fine passages; a 6.0 mm tube gives a brighter, larger image and better articulation when the opening allows it; the GAir's 8.5 mm tube needs a pipe or opening large enough to carry it and its guide head. - How far is the target from the entry point, including bends?
Up to 3.5 m suits most engine, gearbox and machinery work (G Lite or GX/GT). From 3.5 m to 10 m, choose a 6.0 mm, 7.5 m or 10 m scope on the GX/GT, or the 10 m G Lite. Beyond 10 m, or through several elbows, choose the GAir at 20 m or 30 m. - Do you need to measure what you find?
Scaler measurement is enough when a known dimension is in view. If you must report crack length, pit depth or area to an engineering acceptance limit, specify stereo measurement on the G Lite or GX/GT. - One job or many?
If the same person does similar inspections, the G Lite is lighter and simpler. If several teams share one instrument across different diameters and lengths, the GX/GT's interchangeable scopes and lights are more economical than buying separate scopes. Choose the GX over the GT if you want constant recording and swapping between all scope models. - What is the environment?
Oily gearboxes call for the oil-clearing tip (or the G Lite-W for wind turbines). Fine cracks or fluorescent penetrant call for UV light. Wet, dusty or outdoor work favours the IP65 G Lite or GX/GT.
Not sure? Send Ecotao the access hole diameter, the distance to the target, the number of bends and what you are looking for. We will recommend a model and tip adaptors. Email sales@ecotao.co.za or aqua@ecotao.co.za.
What IPLEX videoscopes are used for
Wind turbine gearboxes and bearings
Technicians feed the scope through the gearbox inspection port to check gear teeth for micropitting, scuffing and cracks, and bearings for spalling, without draining the oil or opening the casing. The G Lite-W's oil-clearing tip keeps the lens clear in the oil film, and its low weight matters on the climb to the nacelle.
Aircraft engines and airframes
Maintenance teams inspect compressor and turbine blades, combustors and fuel nozzles through borescope ports for nicks, burns, coating loss and foreign object damage. Stereo measurement sizes a defect so it can be compared with the engine manufacturer's limits before deciding whether the aircraft can return to service.
Power generation and petrochemical plants
Inspectors look inside steam and gas turbine casings, boiler tubes, heat-exchanger tubes and headers for erosion, corrosion, scale and weld defects during planned outages. The GAir reaches long tube runs; the GX/GT's UV light highlights fine cracking.
Mining and heavy equipment
Maintenance planners check haul truck and conveyor gearboxes, engines and hydraulic components on condition, so a component is only stripped when the image shows it needs to be. This reduces unplanned downtime and avoids opening healthy equipment.
Manufacturing and quality control
Quality teams inspect castings, machined bores, cross-drilled holes and welded assemblies for porosity, burrs, swarf and incomplete welds. Recorded images and measurements become part of the inspection record.
Pipework, ducts and building services
The GAir travels up to 30 m through pipes with several elbows to locate blockages, corrosion, cracked joints and foreign objects, avoiding exploratory cutting of pipe or ducting.
Using IPLEX videoscopes in South African conditions
The specifications above translate into some practical points for work in South Africa and neighbouring countries.
- Summer heatThe G Lite and GX/GT main units are rated to 40 °C on battery (the GAir to 48 °C). On Northern Cape, Lowveld or Limpopo sites, and in plant rooms near hot equipment, keep the unit shaded and let it acclimatise. The insertion tube itself tolerates up to 100 °C.
- Dust on mines and construction sitesThe IP65 rating on the G Lite and GX/GT protects against dust and water jets. The GAir main unit is not dust-rated, so keep it in its case away from blasting and crushing areas.
- Coastal salt airPlants and ports in Saldanha, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Gqeberha, Durban and Richards Bay are corrosive. The G Lite and GX/GT are tested for salt fog to MIL-STD-810G; still wipe down and dry the insertion tube after use.
- Wind farmsMost South African wind farms are in the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape. The G Lite-W was designed for this work, and its carry-on sized case suits technicians who fly between sites.
- Hazardous areasMIL-STD-810G includes an explosive atmosphere test, but this is not an ATEX or IECEx intrinsic-safety certification. In refineries, fuel depots and gassy mines, follow your site's hot-work and gas-free permits before using any battery instrument.
- Load shedding and remote sitesThe GX/GT runs for about 186 minutes and the G Lite for about 90 minutes on a charged battery. Carry a spare charged battery for long outage inspections where mains power is not available.
Olympus IPLEX videoscope FAQ
What is the difference between a borescope and a videoscope?
A borescope is any optical instrument inserted through a small opening to inspect a hidden space. Rigid and fibre-optic borescopes relay the image optically to an eyepiece. A videoscope is a flexible borescope with a miniature camera at the tip that sends a digital image to a screen, so it can record stills and video, measure defects and usually steer its tip. All Olympus IPLEX models are videoscopes.
Are Olympus IPLEX videoscopes still available?
Yes. The IPLEX G Lite, IPLEX GX/GT and IPLEX GAir are current models. Olympus moved its industrial inspection business into Evident in 2022, and in July 2025 Wabtec completed its acquisition of Evident's Inspection Technologies division. The products are now sold under the Evident name, but most buyers still search for them as Olympus IPLEX. Ecotao supplies them across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
Which Olympus IPLEX videoscope should I choose?
Choose by access hole size, reach and how you work. The IPLEX G Lite is the lightest handheld option for 4.0 mm or 6.0 mm access up to 10 m. The IPLEX GX/GT suits teams that need several scope diameters and lengths, a larger 8-inch screen and swappable UV and IR light. The IPLEX GAir is for long pipe runs of 20 m or 30 m with several elbows, using an 8.5 mm insertion tube. See How to choose above.
Which IPLEX videoscope is best for wind turbine gearbox inspection?
The IPLEX G Lite-W (IV9420GL-W) is the version built for wind turbines. It has a 4.0 mm, 2.0 m oil-resistant insertion tube with a sealed oil-clearing tip that draws oil away from the lens by capillary action, a 120° forward view and an optional LED guide tube. It weighs about 1.16 kg, which matters when climbing the tower.
What is the difference between the IPLEX GX and IPLEX GT?
Both use the same body, 8-inch screen and scope units. The GX adds constant recording of the last 30 minutes of an inspection (with an optional microSDHC card), dynamic noise reduction, adjustable sharpness and colour saturation, on-screen notes and drawing, internal memory for stills, and the ability to swap between all scope models. The GT only swaps between scopes of the same model.
Can an IPLEX videoscope measure the size of a crack or defect?
Yes. The G Lite, GX/GT and GAir include scaler measurement, which sizes a defect against a known reference dimension in the same plane. The G Lite and GX/GT can be upgraded with stereo measurement, which uses a stereo tip adaptor to calculate three-dimensional distance, point-to-line, depth and area measurements.
Are IPLEX videoscopes waterproof?
The G Lite and GX/GT main units are rated IP65 against dust and water jets but cannot be submerged. Their insertion tubes can be used underwater with a viewing tip fitted, to a depth equivalent of 3.5 m for 4.0 mm scopes and 10 m for 6.0 mm scopes. The GAir insertion tube is rated to a 30 m depth equivalent, but its other parts are not dustproof or waterproof.
Can IPLEX videoscopes be used in explosive or hazardous areas?
The G Lite and GX/GT are tested to MIL-STD-810G, which includes an explosive atmosphere test. This is a military durability test, not an ATEX or IECEx intrinsic-safety certification. In a classified hazardous area, follow your site's permit and gas-free procedures and confirm suitability with your safety officer before use.
What temperatures can an IPLEX insertion tube withstand?
The insertion tubes of the G Lite, GX/GT and GAir operate in air from -25 °C to 100 °C and in water from 10 °C to 30 °C. The G Lite and GX/GT main units operate from -10 °C to 40 °C on battery, so keep the unit shaded in hot plant rooms or a Northern Cape summer. The tubes have a two-stage high-temperature warning.
What are UV and IR lighting used for on a videoscope?
Ultraviolet light makes fine scratches, hairline cracks and fluorescent penetrant or lubricant residue stand out. Infrared illumination helps capture images in dark spaces. The IPLEX GX/GT and IPLEX G Lite accept interchangeable UV and IR light sources; the G Lite-W wind turbine version does not.
How much does an Olympus IPLEX videoscope cost in South Africa?
Price depends on the model, insertion tube diameter and length, tip adaptors, light sources and measurement options. Contact Ecotao on +27 21 911 5835 or sales@ecotao.co.za with your access hole size, required reach and application for a quotation.
Does Ecotao deliver IPLEX videoscopes outside Cape Town?
Yes. Ecotao supplies from its Cape Town base to customers throughout South Africa and in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho and Eswatini.
Get the right IPLEX for your inspection
Tell us your access hole diameter, distance to target and application, and we will recommend a model, scope length and tip adaptors and send a quotation. Supplied across South Africa and neighbouring countries.
- Head office: +27 21 911 5835
- Zak: 086 142 8716
- Zaid: 082 390 3989
- sales@ecotao.co.za
- aqua@ecotao.co.za