Night
Vision Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Troubleshooting
I
will be adding additional Night Vision Frequently Asked Questions
as I receive them and also will be adding some common Troubleshooting
tips a procedures as I get them. If you do not find the answer
to your question here, please feel free to contact me here
1. How does night vision work? The objective
lens collects light that you cannot see with your naked eye
and focuses it on the image intensifier.
The intensifier amplifies the light many hundred or thousand
times OR amplifies the light many hundreds or thousands of
times. Read More
Night Vision Frequently Asked
Questions
2 a. What is the difference between Generation
1, 2, and 3 night vision devices?
Night Vision devices of all generations are evaluated based
on a universal rating system.
The three main criteria are System Light Gain, System Resolution,
and Photosensitivity.
· System light gain evaluates how many times a night
vision unit is amplifying the available light.
· System Resolution reveals information regarding the
sharpness and clarity of the amplified image.
· Photosensitivity determines the minimum light level
and type of light needed in order to function properly Night
Vision Frequently Asked Questions
GENERATION 1
GENERATION 2
GENERATION 3
Image Intensifier
Light Amp.
300-900
20,000-30,000
20,000-30,000
System Light Amplification
<1,000
<6,000
<6,000
Resolution in the
center, in/mm
25-30
30-68
45-68
Resolution on the edge, in/mm
15-20
30-68
45-68
2 b. How to tell Gen.
2 (or 3) from Gen. 1 device: Quick 'Rule of thumb': Night
Vision Frequently Asked QuestionsNight
Vision Frequently Asked Questions
Turn off the unit. If shuts off immediately - it is a Gen.
2 unit. If the image remains for some time - it's a Gen. 1
unit. Night Vision Frequently
Asked Questions
2 c. Other companies claim to have
products with 10,000, 20,000, 40,000 light amplification etc.
Why?Night Vision Frequently
Asked Questions
The best US made 3rd. gen. devices that cost 10,000 US $ have
3,000 system light amplification. Anybody claiming higher
is not telling the truth and simply misleading the customers,
who have no practical way to verify those figures.Night
Vision Frequently Asked QuestionsNight
Vision Frequently Asked Questions
3. Why are the domestic products so much
more expensive ?
· Some products are made in Russia, where material and
labor is much cheaper than in USA
· The only way to compare is 'Apples for apples'- Gen.
2 US. made versus Gen. 2 Russian made. US. is more expensive.
Night Vision Frequently Asked
Questions
4. Can Night Vision equipment be used
in daytime?
NEVER expose the opened objective lens of an active unit in
daylight. During the day objective lens must be covered by caps.
There is a tiny hole in the cap to provide enough light for
day time operation. The unit may be turned on during daytime
but
the lenses must be covered by caps. NEVER aim active unit at
intense light sources (i.e. lights, headlamps, campfires, the
moon, etc.). This may damage the image intensifier. 5. Why do I see some black or white spots
in the viewer?
These are the cosmetic blemishes in the image intensifier which
do not affect the performance or reliability of a night vision
device and some number of varying sizes are inherent in the
manufacturing processes. They can also be dirt or debris between
the lenses which should be removed by careful cleaning if the
system is designed with interchangeable optics. 6. Why do all night vision have a small
magnification?
Consider the distance you will need and the overall area you
are observing or searching. For most surveillance or search
applications, the higher the magnification or narrower the field
of view, the greater the number of times you need to scan an
area to avoid missing important objects or events. Usually a
1:1 lens with a 40° field of view provides optimal performance.
For long range observation or weapon sight applications, the
amount of magnification needed will vary; however, be sure to
consider the other performance characteristics of the device;
as the magnification increases, field of view decreases and
the F number increases, all reducing the amount of light captured.
Consequently, you will need an image tube with excellent performance
at very low-light levels and /or high-performance lenses. Another
factor involves the versatility of a device if it is used in
situations that may require different magnification. How easily
and quickly can the magnification be changed? Is it necessary
to open the system to install the optics? In some cases, this
may be inescapable, and the susceptibility of internal components
to damage should be considered. Night
Vision Frequently Asked QuestionsNight
Vision Frequently Asked QuestionsNight
Vision Frequently Asked Questions 7. Is Night Vision Legal?Night
Vision Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for all devices. Possession of a night vision device conforms
with Federal Firearms Regulations, as of February, 1993. However,
use of a weapon sight for hunting may be limited or illegal
in your state. Check with local authorities. 8. Will it make me blind if I look at
a bright object ?
This only happens in the movies. In real life, all of our devices
have automatic brightness control. The unit will adjust the
output according to the incoming light, and will shut itself
off if necessary. 9. I have heard it is unsafe to look
into the Infra Red illuminator.
Is it ?Night Vision Frequently
Asked Questions
There is some base to this rumor. Many military night vision
devices utilize Lasers in their Illuminators, and some of them
might not be safe. All of our products use low power infra red
diodes, identical to the ones used in TV remote controls, which
are absolutely safe. 10. Why don't some companies sell Generation
3 products ?
In 99 % of real life situations gen. 3 is not providing a tangible
image advantage over gen. 2, while costing 70-150 % more. Therefore
it is not a good value for majority of applications. Generation
3 is mostly used by military, where 'money is no object'.
11. What is the effective viewing range
of a night vision device? It varies anywhere from 10 to 400 ft. The maximum viewing
distance depends on the conditions of use. Overcast conditions,
fog, rain etc. may reduce the effective distance of a night
vision viewer. An infrared illuminator will increase your viewing
range, especially in enclosed spaces like a warehouse, garage
or other enclosed parameters.
12. What is the effective viewing range
of a night vision device?
It varies anywhere from 10 to 400 ft. The maximum viewing distance
depends on the conditions of use. Overcast conditions, fog,
rain etc. may reduce the effective distance of a night vision
viewer. An infrared illuminator will increase your viewing range,
especially in enclosed spaces like a warehouse, garage or other
enclosed parameters. 13. Can I use a night vision device in
extremely low light, or absolutely no light conditions?
Night Vision Frequently Asked
Questions
While it is true that your night vision device needs some available
light to work, it is still possible to see a bright image in
low light or no light conditions with the use of an infrared
illuminator, which can be either built-in or attached to the
device. Most models in our product line come with a built-in
infrared illuminator. On a few models, the infrared illuminator
is available as an option.
14. What is the maximum effective
distance of the infrared illuminator?
Night Vision Frequently Asked
Questions It varies from model to model, typically anywhere between
75 and 250 ft.
guide to choosing your night vision
device
For your convenience
I have outlined a suggested way to find the best night vision device that
will suit your needs at the best price.
night vision scopeshomepage.
step 1:
how night vision works for those that are new to night vision technology
or for those just interested in finding out how night vision works.
step 2:night
vision buyers guide This is one of the most important steps
for anyone interested in purchasing a night vision device. this article
walks through the primary and secondary factors to consider before purchasing.
As well as explaining the differences in the generation technology used
in today's night vision devices.
step 3:night
vision frequently asked questions Answers many of the questions asked by others
interested in purchasing night vision devices, if you don't see an answer
to your question here ...please don't hesitate to contact
us.
step 4:night
vision pictures Take a look at some photos that have been
taken with night vision ...I will be adding to this collection regularly
and will be posting the make and model of the night vision devices used
to take the photograph. Photos courtesy of ATN Night Vision. step 5:night
vision videos
I will be posting short videos that show night vision devices in action.
step 6: choose your Type of Night Vision Browse through each of the pages listed below
and decide what sort of night vision device will work best for you using
the
night vision buyer's guideas your guide.
night vision goggles Dual and Single eyepieces available,
some incorporate a flip up design, excellent for those that need to
be able to be mobile will using night vision.
night vision binoculars Size and shape is just like what
you are used to in a standard pair of binoculars. Also a very popular
model.
night vision rifle scopes Hunters, military, and law enforcement
are the primary owners of these the line of weapon sites. All sizes,
weights and generations available to suit your needs. multi purpose night
vision scopes Need a night vision device capable
of multiple uses? This unit allows you to pick an accessory package
that incorporates your choice of multiple uses. surveillance cameras Is night security on your agenda? some
great models to choose from for the home user to the security professional.
Step 7: Choose your Night Vision Manufacturer After you have chosen the type of night vision
that suits your purpose...it's time to choose your manufacture. Honestly,
you won't go wrong with any of them...but browse through them and take
a look at the models they carry and learn a little about the company and
some of the additional technologies they may use in their devices.
