If you’ve ever tried to steer a borescope tip with a stiff dial or basic lever, you’ll know it can feel clumsy—especially in tight, complex components. Joystick articulation changes that. On many modern borescopes, a small thumb-operated joystick lets you smoothly “drive” the tip in almost any direction.

For inspectors in aviation, power generation, automotive, oil and gas and other sectors, that level of control can be the difference between getting a quick, clear view of a defect and endlessly fighting the probe to see what you need.

What is joystick articulation on a borescope?

Joystick articulation is a control method where the bending of the borescope tip is managed by a joystick rather than by separate knobs or wheels.

In practical terms, it means:

• You move a thumbstick on the handset or display unit.
• The borescope tip bends in the same direction you push the joystick.
• You get intuitive, “point-and-look” control inside the component.

You’re not just pushing a probe forward and hoping for the best; you’re steering it with precision the way you might move a cursor, a drone, or a gaming controller.

How joystick articulation compares to other controls

Knob and wheel controls

Traditional articulated borescopes often use one or two knobs:

• One knob controls up/down bending.
• A second knob (on 4-way systems) controls left/right.

This is precise, but it can be:

• Slower to learn for new users
• Awkward when you need to adjust both planes at once
• Tiring over longer inspections

The advantages of joystick control

Joystick articulation combines both planes of motion in a single control. Key benefits include:

• Intuitive movement – Push the joystick towards the area you want to see; the tip follows.
• Smooth combined motion – Diagonal joystick movements automatically blend up/down and left/right.
• Faster positioning – Less hand movement, fewer separate adjustments.
• Reduced fatigue – Thumb control is often easier over long inspection sessions.

For technicians who regularly work with complex components—like multi-stage turbines, compressors or intricate castings—this makes a real difference in day-to-day productivity.

2-way vs 4-way joystick articulation

Joystick articulation is usually associated with 4-way borescopes, but it can also control 2-way systems.

2-way joystick articulation

On a 2-way system, the joystick typically drives:

• Up and down movement in one plane
• With some designs, side-to-side may be disabled or very limited

This is enough when your inspection path is relatively straightforward and you mostly need to look slightly above or below the insertion line.

4-way joystick articulation

On a 4-way articulated borescope, joystick control really shines. The tip can move:

• Up
• Down
• Left
• Right

…and smoothly through all angles in between. That allows you to:

• Sweep around blade roots and tips
• Look behind lips or baffles
• Turn back toward the entry point to inspect surfaces “behind” you

This kind of control is especially valuable in the demanding remote visual inspections carried out across sectors like aviation, power generation and heavy industry—exactly the kind of industries that rely heavily on high-quality articulated video borescopes.

What’s happening inside when you move the joystick?

Even though the joystick feels electronic, most joystick-driven borescopes still use a mechanical cable system inside the probe:

• Moving the joystick changes tension on internal control cables.
• Those cables pull on a flexible segment at the tip.
• The tip bends in response to the changing cable tension.

On some high-end systems, joystick input may be interpreted electronically and then translated into motor-driven movements at the articulation section. Either way, the goal is the same: provide smooth, predictable bending that mirrors the joystick’s direction and intensity.

Well-designed systems give you:

• Fine control with small joystick movements
• Faster, larger bends with bigger movements
• A stable position when you let go or “lock” the tip (depending on the model)

Why joystick articulation improves inspection quality

Better viewing angles, fewer blind spots

When you can easily sweep the tip around in all directions, you’re less likely to miss critical defects. Joystick control helps you:

• Check both sides of a feature without repositioning the probe
• View defects from multiple angles to judge severity
• Cover more internal surface area from a single-entry point

That means better evidence when making decisions about repairs, part replacement or continued operation.

Faster, more efficient inspections

Joystick articulation speeds up routine checks because:

• You spend less time “fighting” the probe
• You can navigate around obstructions more smoothly
• You can revisit known points of interest quickly and repeatably

Over a full inspection programme—across multiple engines, turbines or assets—the time saved can be significant.

Easier training and handover

For new technicians, joystick articulation is generally easier to learn than dual-knob control. If someone has used a game controller, a drone, or a joystick on another device, they already understand the basic motion mapping. That can:

• Shorten the learning curve
• Improve consistency between inspectors
• Make it easier to standardise inspection procedures

Choosing a borescope with joystick articulation

Not every job demands joystick articulation, but it’s a powerful feature for many inspection teams. When evaluating options, consider:

• How complex your internal components are
• How often you need to see “around” or “behind” features
• Whether you do long, detailed inspections that benefit from low-fatigue controls
• The experience level of the people using the equipment

USA Borescopes focuses on remote visual inspection systems and understands how control style, articulation range and probe configuration affect real-world inspections. Their experience helping aviation, energy, manufacturing and service organisations specify the right borescopes is reflected in their track record and approach, outlined on their About Us page.

If you’re considering an upgrade to joystick-articulated borescopes or trying to decide whether they’re worth the investment for your inspection programme, it helps to talk with a specialist who works with these systems daily. To discuss your applications and explore suitable options, contact USA Borescopes for expert guidance.