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1993gt40
 
location:
Austin, Texas.
Gender: Male
 |  | A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
< on 11/22/2003 2:16 AM >
|  | | | There are a wide variety of offerings on the market place today for relatively inexpensive night vision gear. I hope that this article will help the reader weed through a lot of the garbage that clutters the web when looking for the right night vision device. Finding the right night vision can really enhance your experience while exploring and choosing the correct device can make the difference between a whole new world of exploring and having an expensive high-tech paper weight.
With that said, lets cover some basics. There are hundreds of "different" devices offered today. There are 5 different generations, and 2 primary manufacturing countries. I will not go into too great of detail on this but try and hit the high points. Generation 0 optics was developed by US and USSR from basically WWII through the Korean War. Generation 1 (some argue gen 0+) was developed during Vietnam. These are vastly superior to their gen0 counterparts. A good example of these optics and be found in the PAS-5 goggles. They are very common on the market since Israel recently sold off it's stock of surplus goggles. They can be had for under $200. Generation 1 optics is still being produced to this day in Belarus Russia and sold under the brand "night owl". Generation 2,3, and 4 are truly superior optics. Manufactured from the 80's till present by both US and Russia. There are many reasons they get better every generation, but that is more technical than we need to get into in this discussion. The notable differences between the generations are that resolution gets better, as well as actual light gain.
Countries of origin: USA and Russia. Contrary to popular belief Russia makes fine precision optics. Do not discount optics (tubes, intensifiers, glass etc.) merely because they came from Russia. But, let this be noted about Russian optics: There have been rumors (both proven to be true and false in cases) that some of the glass used in the objective lens (front lens), output lens, and some of the glass used in the tube itself that they contain low amounts of radioactivity. The amount of radioactivity is extremely minute and not harmful in and of them. The problem in this is that the glass in the tube is constantly bombarded with charged electrons, and it has been alleged that this causes cataracts. I personally cannot confirm this as I have seen NO evidence to support this theory. US made devices command a premium in the marketplace as their reputation has been well earned. No expense was spared in the R&D as well as manufacture of this optics. They have been manufactured for military use and therefore can stand up to quite a bit of abuse.
But what about optics from neither the US or Russians? Israel, Poland, and Germany have all made night vision devices and are occasionally seen on the market for sale. Generally these are copies of Russian and US made devices made on the respective tooling of their allies. There are a few unique designs, but due to the fact that such low quantities were manufactured, it's hard to get an example to review. Therefore they will not be within the scope of this guide.
Styles: Monocular Vs. Goggle
Monoculars are nifty devices that can enhance an exploration. They can also be useless to you on an exploration. From the perspective of our unique hobby generally monoculars are useless. Consider them useful for scanning the distance and large open areas as well as trying to spot movement from a distance. Forget about actual room-to-room exploration with a monocular. The disadvantages present major safety hazards. First off you have ZERO depth perception. Your brain tries very hard to understand the world around you with one eye. Distances perceived are way off which can lead you to walking into things, falling down holes in floors, tripping over things, just generally a clumsy experience. The second draw back is that there is almost always some type of magnification with a monocular. This further throws off your depth perception. The other drawback to magnification is that your field of view is drastically reduced. Imagine looking through a 2 ft window from about 6-7 feet away. The third strike against a monocular is that it requires one hand to operate. You must constantly hold it to your face. This can get rather tiresome and awkward. The end result of using a monocular is drastically reduced peripheral vision, no depth perception, and impaired mobility. They are handy to carry if you must kill your lights for a while, as I have had to do in the past, as well as observing security from the cover of dark.
If a monocular wont cut it, then goggles, will, right? Well maybe. There are some things that need to be addressed. First off, night vision binoculars will not cut it either. While there are two intensifier tubes, and two output pupils, there is just too much magnification to be of use. Not to mention they are usually too large and heavy to be mounted onto any sort of helmet or harness to be used hands free. Hands free is the most important aspect and advantage of goggles. Some more traditional style goggles have slight magnification, for instance NZT-22 (Russian made, gen 1) have 1.15:1 optics. This can be managed and delt with but takes some time. In an exploration situation it is absolutely critical to get true stereoscopic vision. This means 2 objective lenses, 2 intensifier tubes, 2 elements, and 2 output pupils. Unfortunately this also means twice the price, but well worth it. Stereoscopic units give the greatest depth perception and field of view. Two of the most critical aspects of real useable night vision. Again this is mainly for issues of safety, but they are features that make using them a lot more "natural". Another feature that is extremely handy to have is the ability to flip the optics up and out of the way so that a conventional means of lighting the environment can be used without you having to take off the whole apparatus. This is extremely useful when exploring with others who are NOT using night vision (bright lights can be very damaging to the intensifier and element of you night vision). There are some goggles out there that have 1 objective lens, 1 intensifier tube, 1 element and 2 output pupils (AN/PVS-7 US made, gen 2/3). These will work for the situation, but not as well as with 2 tubes. But I suppose if Generation 3 is a must this is currently the only way to go (for the most part).
Other useful features and items:
IR LED lights come on many optics these days and are extremely handy and a lot more useful than they look. The light generated by these CAN be seen by the human eye if you are looking AT the LED (and no it will not hurt your eye). It looks like an extremely dim red LED. The light is weak (but very useable) and I recommend a handheld IR light to supplement it.
Head mounts. There are many different styles of these and it's kind of a personal preference issue here. But, I do tend to stay away from ones with a chinstrap.
ABC. Automatic brightness control is a nice feature to have if your party has a habit of snapping pictures without notifying you beforehand about the flash. These can save your optics if you are suddenly hit by the beam of a maglite or camera flash. Unfortunately they are only found on higher priced generation 2,3, and 4's
IR Maglite filters. These filter out all light not in the IR range (850nm if I recall correctly). Really makes the images a lot sharper in your goggles. If you have a Gen 1 unit this is a must!
There are countless other accessories you can get, but these are the basic ones and are generally good to have. Make your own evaluation on anything else you see.
My recommendation on a night vision unit for UE (and my thoughts on some others).
I use and HIGHLY recommend the AN/PVS-5. Be careful, that’s the pVs-5, NOT the pAs-5, there is a huge difference! The PVS-5 is true stereoscopic twin tube generation 2 US made goggles. They run inexpensive for what they are at around $900-$1,600. My only gripe about them is they do not have a feature that lets you flip them up and out of the way (they are a little heavy too). The images from this unit are very nice and sharp!
I have a set of AN/PVS-7 generation 4 goggles, but they have several drawbacks. First of all they are very long and awkward at times. They are NOT stereoscopic; the image is divided and viewed through two exit pupils, which reduces depth perception. And they do not flip up. Most of these problems are made up for by the generation 4 tube. The view out of any generation 4 is top notch, the images are extremely CRISP! The main reason I don’t use these on missions is that they are expensive at around $4,000. It would not be fun to lose them.
Sitting in my pile of night vision gear is a set of NZT-22 Night Owl Tempest (NOTG-1). They are a decent set of goggles. They are true stereoscopic twin tube goggles made with Russian gen 1 tubes. They do not flip up and they are magnified 1.15:1. It takes a bit of getting used to wear them but all in all functional. They are affordable at around 500-600.
Monoculars. Find a cheap gen 1 for under $100 to supplement your current equipment. Any one will do, but the most important consideration here is form factor. Find something easy to carry around. I have one that requires no batteries but rather uses a bellows to energize the element which is extremely convenient.
I hope this answered some of your questions. This guide is in NO way comprehensive on the subject but just a detailed overview. If you have any questions about any models or anything else please ask. Just remember that when it comes to night vision, you truly get what you pay for.
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Shane
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| |  |  |  |  | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 1 on 11/22/2003 8:12 AM >
| | | | I have a pretty cheap gen 1 monocular and I find it quite usefull on some trips. I definately don't use it to navigate around rooms or anything like that, it's just not practical. Where it comes in handy is for scanning a large open area from a distance without giving away your location with a big bright flashlight. I'll usually just kinda peek out around a corner with it and scan across the area for people before crossing it and exposing everyone. I only bring it with me when I know for a fact there will be a need for it. It really came in handy at the abandoned Monte Carlo hotel on South Beach as there was a footpath right behind where people sometimes pass by. We had to cross a big open area and would be completely visible to anyone on that path, so I watched the path until I saw it was clear before giving everyone the ok to cross. It's also usefull if you are in a location and hear someone else in there and turn off your lights to avoid being spotted.
"Because there's no possibility of real disaster, real risk, we're left with no chance for real salvation. Real elation. Real excitement. Joy. Discovery. Invention. The laws that keep us safe, these same laws condemn us to boredom. Without access to true chaos, we'll never have true peace. Unless everything can get worse, it won't get any better." -Chuck Palahniuk |
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Mark
    
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| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 2 on 11/22/2003 9:14 AM >
| | | | You just saved a few people all the effort of reserch. It took me two years to learn all that.
For free night vision during the times your going into dark places from bright lights.... Close one eye hold it closed for 15-30 seconds then enter the darkened area and close the other eye and open the one you had closed. Cheap russian night vision Straight from afganistan Russian war.
"If the threat level goes up its probably because of me." "I am looking for a girl who enjoys headbutting beltbuckles" |
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Intalex
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Ascended Being
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 3 on 11/22/2003 10:23 AM >
|  | | | I use ex soviet D-2MV goggles. If you live in the UK, you can get a pair of these, or other *slightly* more expensive ones from www.sovietbazaar.co.uk
I think (not totally sure about this one) that they will export for you. You'll have to find out for yourselves.
Getting decent night vision shouldn't be considered some kind of big investment. Set aside about $800 to $1000 and you'll be able to get yourself some of the best on the market.
The absolute best you can get will probably cost you around $2000, but the only differences you will find with these are how much of a battering they can take, how much battery power they use and how far their range extends to.
Don't forget that although you can see in the dark, your camera can't, and the only way you can take photos of *anything* is if you use the flash. Which in some cases may defeat the point of using nightvision by attracting security attention.
Hope that helps.
TT
EDIT: Following on from the monocular thing, I also carry an NV MT1W monocular. Like most soviet stuff, you can throw this thing off the edge of a cliff, stamp up and down on it, totally immerse it in water then pick it back up and start using it again. HIGHLY recommended. This is also available from sovietbazaar.co.uk and is probably the best value for money you will ever get.
Also I've recently placed an order for the D-203M goggles. Again, Ex Soviet, but at $2530.64 they are a little on the expensive side. I'll let you know how I get on with them when I recieve them.
[last edit 11/22/2003 10:35 AM by Intalex - edited 1 times]
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BigPoppaMikey
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| | |  | | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 4 on 3/1/2004 7:28 PM >
| | | | I hate to tell everyone this, but try your local military surplus store or pawnshop for your night vision. I bought a NightOwl monocular (Gen 2) for $80.00. Shop around and you will find those bargains...
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MacGyver
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| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 5 on 3/7/2004 5:51 AM >
| | | | Here's an interesting item that someone with night vision equipment might be interested in grabbing before the auction ends in a few days:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3665130222&category=40970
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orangeindiana
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Meh.
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 6 on 3/7/2004 6:01 AM >
| | | | Can you give some more suggestions on where to find the real cheap stuff? Think broke college student cheap. Mike mentioned mil. surplus stores and pawn shops, any other advice? Also, can you go over maybe a couple good gen 1 and 2 options that aren't too pricey?
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1993gt40
location:
Austin, Texas.
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 7 on 3/16/2004 8:25 PM >
| | | | I dont know what you will find too much cheaper than $80. Even that is nearing useless. The gen 1 tubes just are not very good.
And yes, the IR filter for the Maglite work and are superb.
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HAMMERTIME
location:
Reading Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
mmm, a box . . . just a box
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 8 on 3/26/2004 8:23 AM >
| | | | I bought a monocular goggle (monocular night vision with a head mount ) made by Tasco sold by Sportsman Guide.
Tasco went out of business recently and I can see why.
First one buzzed and crackled. Sent it back and got a replacement. Took the replacement one out and it had so little star light amplification that I had to use a Maglight with a filter to use the damn thing. I then bought a Night Owl scope and it was great. Later on, I see a new ad from Sportsman Guide and it says my Tasco monocular model has like 25,000 light gain / increase. What the F*&#, no way I says. I sent the faulty monocular back after having it for 9 months (Sportsman Guide took it back {a good company}- many companies wont because people burn out the lenses by exposing the night vision to bright lights) and bought the newest Night Owl goggle. It works well and flips up and works with regular batteries. Bought it from Cabelas catalog.
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1993gt40
location:
Austin, Texas.
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 9 on 3/26/2004 5:24 PM >
| | | | Hammertime: Yes, 25,000 light gain. While it is technically true, it's just not useable light. They amplify it until the image 'blooms'. It's totally out of focus and looks like nothing more than a blob of light. Light gain is a totally irrelivant figure when talking about night vision devices. The thing you want to look for is resolution and field of view.
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HAMMERTIME
location:
Reading Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
mmm, a box . . . just a box
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 10 on 3/27/2004 4:03 AM >
| | | | The Tasco monocular had fine resolution but it was as dark to look through as if I wasn't even wearing night vision. Even with a maglight with IR lens, it was a real piece of crap. The Night Owl stuff (I have a scope and the new flip up goggles) is a pretty bright green and even works well in a dark room using it's built in IR flashlight. Either way, if the Tasco was broke or if it worked but was dull . . . don't buy the Tasco.
I only wish I had the mulla to buy the military stuff.
Also, I don't think the Nightowl flip up goggles has the automatic light protection, so I don't think I'll ride my bicycle or drive with them on because I would be blinded and probably crash. obviously, if you can afford it, the military stuff is the best.
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SnakeEyes
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 11 on 3/29/2004 6:43 PM >
| | | | How much $$$ for the mil. night vision?
Pity the poor agnostic dyslexic insomniac; he stays up all night, wondering if there really is a dog. |
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1993gt40
location:
Austin, Texas.
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 12 on 3/29/2004 8:01 PM >
| | | | How much do you want to spend? I paid 4k for my twin tube gen IV Avation goggles.
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SnakeEyes
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 13 on 3/29/2004 9:47 PM >
| | | | Is there such thing as nightvision below $100 that can actually be used?
Pity the poor agnostic dyslexic insomniac; he stays up all night, wondering if there really is a dog. |
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sympathy in chaos
location:
Chicago
Gender: Male
| | | | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 14 on 3/29/2004 10:01 PM >
| | | | Other than what your eyes already have, probably not.
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1993gt40
location:
Austin, Texas.
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 15 on 3/29/2004 11:10 PM >
| | | | No, not really. You can get a monocular for about that, but you already know the advantages and disadvantages.
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Esc.
location:
North West NC
Gender: Male
| | | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 16 on 3/30/2004 4:23 AM >
| | | | Posted by HAMMERTIME
I bought a monocular goggle (monocular night vision with a head mount ) made by Tasco sold by Sportsman Guide. |
Flaws aside did you recover any depth perseption with those? I'm assuming theres no/very little magnification with enough visable light to make out shapes.
I know theres a trick among people active with wearable computers where they take a eyeglasses type displays (ie Sony Glasstrons) and remove one of the LCDs to create a set up so that the display augments what the other eye sees naturally. The effect looks like it comes out of a Terminator movie.
Its a long shot but if a monocular goggle setup allows some depth perseption then it might be a good balance between price and usability.
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HAMMERTIME
location:
Reading Pennsylvania
Gender: Male
mmm, a box . . . just a box
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 17 on 3/30/2004 5:15 AM >
| | | | The Tasco monocular had 1x magnification but I really didn't use it enough to discuss due to how dim it was.
The only way I could see things with it was to have a maglite with IR filter turned on at the same time and since the head mount goggle/ monocular and maglite were separate, I had to try to hold the beam very steady.
I was so frustrated that I would have left it at home and just used my Nightowl monocular (even though it would magnify a little) and hope I didn't fall. Maybe some one else can discuss the use of a monocular and how depth perception is affected - I spent about $ 900 and bought the Nightowl flip up goggles, they really cut your periphial vision but I'm happy with the focus and brightness. However, I'm getting over a knee surgery and haven't taken them out in the field, so I don't want to recommend them to highly yet.
HAMMER
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1993gt40
location:
Austin, Texas.
Gender: Male
| | Re: A UE'rs guide to choosing the right night vision.
<Reply # 18 on 3/30/2004 4:06 PM >
| | | | Forget about using a Monocular for navigation. It's just not practical or safe (re-read original post). Goggles are the way to go if you intend to use them to navigate. It takes a LOT of practice because it is SO unusual. Your mind has a hard time getting used to it. NO peripheral vision (almost). you can do it, but just practice before you go out. It takes a lot of head movement because you have to look directly at what you need to see. It takes some time to cover even the smallest amount of unfamiliar ground. You are constantly looking left and right to get your bearings on the world around you, as well you are constantly looking down to see what/where you are going. The peripheral vision thing is immensely important in daily life, we usually take advantage of it.
Exploring with goggles is a surreal experience. If you have even the slightest claustrophobia DO NOT explore with goggles, you'll freak out. The darkness really does close in on you.
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