night vision

[PAM6116]

Can anyone recommend a good source for info re: night vision devices...

Dad's birthday approaches and he is a boater...

what does 1st/2nd/3rd generation mean?

[Poodleshooter]

First generation was the first to be able to utilize ambient light (starlight,moonlight). Second and third generation can use less available light, and the images get clearer and sharper. First generation optics are like looking through smudged lenses on a pair of binoculars. They are also rather dim and can have problems if exposed suddenly to a bright light source (although most aftermarket NV has been modified to prevent damage to the optics or your eyes). Second generation gets clearer,sharper and to some extent brighter. Same with third generation. They all use infared illuminators (like an infared flashlight) that allow them to see best in the dark. The more you pay, the clearer and sharper an image you get. Somebody else could probably give more info than me-best would be someone in the military. Hope this is helpful.
Oh yeah, do a search on night vision. Sources vary as do prices, so SHOP AROUND!!

[This message has been edited by Poodleshooter (edited 06-23-2000).]

[recon]

You did just fine!

[PAM6116]

Thanks P'shooter.

I had the pleasure of spending some time in Charlottesville last year on business. Great people, pretty country.

Thanx again

[Ironhandjohn]

I got to play with a set of GEN III monotube Litton goggles at a gunshow this weekend and I now MUST have a set for myself!!!

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It's really simple,just follow steering and flow with it. You see, Ironhand's my thing!

[Mrf2]

I have a set of 3ed gen AN/PVS-7Bs and they kick ass! I bought them from N.A.I.T (www.nait.com) they have lots of stuff, most of it american. Third gen will blow your mind, it truly is like green daylight (except in the woods on a moonless overcast night, but nothing works then)
Good luck,
mrf2

[RichUrich]

I happen to know something about night vision as we have been involved in the design, production and sales of these devices since 1976. Night Vision is all we do here at Excalibur Electro Optics. http://www.nightvis.com

About night vision devices, the whole ugly truth:
Rule #1: Of the approximately 200 night vision dealers out there, 190 of them should be strung up! they will greatly mis-represent their product in order to make sales (I am salaried, and 90% of our business is in Federal US Govt. Contracts of night vision and lasers so I am not pressured to make the sale)
Rule #2: Always buy GEN-III systems if you can afford it, AND, get a copy of the FACTORY DATE RECORD SHEET (not compliance sheet!) I don't care who you get it from, as the VAST majority of tubes/systems for sale are REJECT if not with a LEGITIMATE data sheet. And unfortunately, I can think of 3 companies who are bootlegging COUNTERFEIT sheets!
Rule #3: It is ILLEGAL for you to own/possess ANY Infrared laser systems! Not diode, LASER. They can only be sold to FEDERAL AGENCY ONLY.
Rule #4: Don't expect to pay less than $2000 for a USED GEN-II Pocketscope or goggle system, $2500 for a USED GEN-II riflescope system.
Rule #5: There is NO reliable, RUSSIAN night vision device made. In the vast majority of cases they self-destruct in less than 50 operating hours. That is why they are so cheap.
Rule #6: Prices you should expect to pay:
Gen III goggle: Prices start at $2300
GEN III weaponsight: $3500+
Rule #7: All image tubes are HAND-CRAFTED. They are as different as people are. There is NO WAY for you to know the quality or integrity of a Gen-III tubes if it is used and without a legitimate data sheet. NO WAY without $100,000 in test equipment.
Example: Is the tube 36, 45, 51, or 64 lp of resolution? VERY IMPORTANT!
Does the tube have a photocathode response of 800 or 2400? VERY IMPORTANT!

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have about night vision. I am trying to figure a (functional) way to mount a device on an AK.

Rich Urich