Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc., in Huntingburg, Indiana, says most technicians have used a mirror – whether lighted or plain, and most technicians have used a borescope of one type or another … but many technicians (himself included) have never used a digital inspection mirror before. In testing out the Ullman Digital Diagnostic Mirror, Fort was privy to the opportunities presented by a product that leverages the best of both inspection mirror and borescope.
“The Ullman Digital Diagnostic Mirror is proving itself to be a huge time saver,” says Fort. “I can see [inside] places only a borescope could [previously] go. I can make a video and share it, and pictures work the same.”
Before using the mirror Fort first made sure the item was fully charged. While the product charges, Fort recommends users download the Ullman DM app to their phone or tablet (either Android or Apple works). Once the app is installed, the user’s tablet or phone disconnects from Wi-Fi and connects to the inspection mirror using the initial SSID and password provided. Once connected, users will tap the app to enter Ullman’s real-time image viewing screen. After the initial setup, users will open Wi-Fi to connect to the mirror app. Fort recommends changing both the SSID name of the mirror and password for subsequent logins.
The lead technician at K.A.R.S. used the inspection mirror to look more closely at the fuel sending unit atop a 2006 Ranger while in search of an EVAP leak. “Sure, I could have dug out the borescope to do the same thing … but [I couldn’t have done it in] under five minutes,” Fort points out.
The mirror ships with a heavy telescopic handle that attaches to either the mirror head, a “very strong” double-articulated magnet which also attaches to the mirror head, a charging cable, and a user’s manual – a “must-read” in order to get the unit up and running, says Fort. He adds, “understanding how to set up the mirror step-by-step was easy enough.”
Fort enjoyed the additional accessories that come with the mirror. In particular, the magnet mount and video function have allowed him to painlessly capture movement in and around vehicles. “I [have] the ability to take both pictures and videos, reverse the image view, adjust the LED lights, and zoom with a two-finger pinch.”
He leveraged the speed and detail once again to check temps and blend doors on a 2002 Ram to ensure they were moving and not broken.
“It’s been used on an F450’s 7.3 Powerstroke to confirm the origin of an oil leak from the HPOP,” Fort says, in a scenario where he used the magnet mount – with all four wheels off the ground – to see which axle was bouncing on a 2012 Chevy Equinox. “And from the driver’s seat to boot,” he adds, “...with zero help needed.”
The overall quality of the product also earned top marks from this technician. “The telescopic handle is beefy – not some flimsy piece of junk,” Fort says.
On a future iteration of the tool, Fort says he would love to see Bluetooth, along with some type of UV light.
While digital inspection mirrors are still fairly new to the market, Fort says this one delivered on its promise of data capture and ease-of-use. And perhaps best of all, it saved him some time on the job, too.
