At the 2011 Milwaukee New Tools Press Event, Corey Dickert (Cordless Product Manager) gave us an up-close-and-personal look at the M-Spector 360 โ the companyโs newest M12 inspection camera with a fully rotating LCD display. What probably impressed us the most was its small focal length. At just 1โณ away, the camera gave a really good view of materials and let you get right up close to check out whatโs happening in pipes, behind walls, etc. Most inspection cameras canโt get that close without losing focus.
We also appreciated the detailed andย colorful images that the new camera presented. At least one competitor does an equally impressive job, but the Milwaukee is far above most of the typical inspection camera, which looks black and white for all intents and purposes. Theย Milwaukee M-Spector 360 Inspection Cameraย also has a very narrow 9mm camera head as opposed to the more common 17mm head. Right off the bat, itโs already suited for residential, commercial, AND automotive applications. In our hands-on use of the camera, we examined jean material, circuit boards, and Cat 5e cable close-up, and the images were excellent.
Editorial note: Donโt miss our inspection cameras comparison head-to-head shootout
Milwaukee M-Spector 360 Inspection Cameraย Features
As we mentioned, the new toolโs 2.7โณ color LCD display even rotates 360 degrees to adjust the imageย to where you are. Milwaukee also demoed how current cameras tend to come with 3โฒ cables with extensions that have 4โณย inflexible points at each junction. To increase cable flexibility, Milwaukee opted to provide the Milwaukee M-Spector 360 inspection camera with both 3โฒย and 9โฒ cables and do away with extensions whenever possible. Also available is a brand new pipe guide attachmentย that lets you run the camera head through some very difficult places. We were even able to get itย nearly all the way to the bottom of a standard Kohler toilet. Now, Iโm not all that anxious to see whatโs down there, but itโs certainly a great proof of concept for the virtually snagless head.
In terms of sheer specifications, the Milwaukee M-Spector 360 is quite a value-oriented product. For starters, the 2.7โณ LCD display conveys the clear color images produced by the 9mm 640ร480 digital probe well. Four dimmable LED lights surround the camera and light the target area without producing shadows or glare. The tool has three LEDs that tell the battery status of the M12 battery when inserted.
Milwaukee will offer its new M-Spector 360 with the industry standard 3ft cable (2313-21) and a 9ft cable version (2314-21) with the new Pipe Guide attachment. A mirror, hook, and magnet will also be included to help the user inspect, diagnose, and solve countless problems in service, maintenance, and repair applications. A bare tool model (2313-20) is also available without a battery and charger to allow current Milwaukee M12 users to add to the versatility of their system and get an inspection camera at a tremendous value vs. competitive alkaline units.
The new Milwaukee M-Spector 360 Inspection Camera (with the exception of the bare tool model) comes with Milwaukeeโs M12 Red Lithium Battery and is available now.
Specifications (2313-21 and 2314-21)
- LCD Display:ย 2.7 in. High-Resolution Color
- Image Sensor Pixel Density:ย 640ร480
- Camera Head Diameter:ย .35 in (9 mm)
- LED Brightness:ย 4 LEDs, 5 settings
- Waterproof
- Gas/Oil Resistant
- Operating Temperature: -4F โ 150F
- Cable Length:ย 3 ft. (2313) and 9 ft. (2314)
- Display Resolution:ย 320 x 240
- Includes: M-Spector 360, M12 Red Lithium Battery, 30-Minute Charger, Hook, Magnet & Mirror
