How many folks here are into night vision?

[Echo2]

I have been getting into NVDs....got a couple PVS-14s...a PVS-5....A micro 3rd gen....

Got a Class 1 laser to play with too....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6814657555_e457135f88_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6844807390_8df2479f97_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6906965961_2d6a2b31ab_z.jpg

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1197/5114445732_3995668e5d_z.jpg

Who else here?

[Echo2]

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5080/7099305405_95936622c6_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6883951417_7113ed7454.jpg

[piranha2]

I have thought about getting into it for coyote hunting at my camp, but as yet, have not.

[helomech]

I got a first generation and it works okay

[slowz1k]

I want to be. But my budget will not allow anytime soon. I'm especially interested in thermal. There is little success in hiding a heat signature.

[ladyhk13]

Great shots. Have wanted to get dh some as a present

[Gunfixr]

I got a 1st gen, figured since I didn't have the cash for 3rd gen I'd get what I could, as it was better than nothing until I could get better.
Been thinking about a Class 1 laser to go with it. For around town here, the Gen 1 and a laser would be nice.

[ladyhk13]

What price range are you talking about?

[Gunfixr]

Well, 3rd Gen starts at about $2k. My 1st Gen unit with head mount was $315 shipped to me.

I have this unit here:Yukon NVMT 3x42 Sea Wolf Waterproof Night Vision Monocular - Multitask Night Vision Monocular 24022WP FREE S&H 24022WP. Yukon NVMT Night Vision, Yukon NVMT Binoculars, Yukon NVMT Night Vision Goggles / Binoculars Yukon Night Vision - Goggles, Binocul (http://www.opticsplanet.net/yukon-3x24-multitask.html)

It's waterproof, meaning I can use it regardless of weather. I ordered the head mount at the same time. My only complaint is that since I wear glasses, the head mount won't adjust out away from my head quite far enough not to push on my glasses. I need to make a spacer, about 1/4" to go in between the bracket and head strap. Just haven't done it yet.

[Echo2]

What price range are you talking about?

You can put together a gen 3 for $1500 and up.....the micro pictured above.....I have less than $1000 in it.

[Echo2]

Between TNVC and ebay....I have about $125 in my helmet rig.....much more comfortable than "skull crusher" head gear....IMHO.....easier to deploy too.

[izzyscout21]

Echo, how did you put it together? From parts that is?

[Echo2]

Echo, how did you put it together? From parts that is?

There is and objective lens....an eye piece lens....the body or housing....and the it expensive part, the tube.

Other than that there are numerous threaded rings that hold everything in place once adjusted (which is fairly easy).

Most housings will come with all the rings....if they don't...they are cheap.

Hop on to youtube....and there are many tutorials.

If you want it purged with inert gas....there are a few ways of going about it....I just wait for a dry day....or do it in a A/C room. I'm not going into jungles or the arctic...so it's really a non-issue for me.

You will want a bottle of "canned air"...like what you use for cleaning keyboards and such....cause a spec of dust or lint shows up big time when you look through it.

I get my housings from ABNightvision. Adam is a great guy and makes one of the more "solid" housings out there. One that meets or exceeds PVS-14 Mil Specs...is his NVM-2AA housing....and it goes for around $250+/- new....he may have a blemished one for less....best to call him.(the NVM-2AA is "plug and play"....no wires to connect)

Lens....watch the forums and ebay....any where from $100 and up for either....need to make sure they will fit the housing you decide on.

Tube....the same watch the forums and ebay....$500 (good luck) and up....I wouldn't go much more than $900 with out a warranty. Right now on ebay there are a few tubes from $950 to $1500.

PM me if you are trying to find something specific....I tend to keep my ear to the ground on this type of stuff.

Good luck

[Gunfixr]

I certainly wouldn't mind Gen 3 at $1500.

[izzyscout21]

Thanks Echo.......I'd ove to have some NV, but its not in the budget. I'd have to sell of several assets to grab some. Nice to know you can build them. I may have to look into it. How have your homebuilds stood up? How is the water resistancy?

[Echo2]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6814657573_e34e61224e_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6814657555_e457135f88_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6814657529_b01270e37c_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6814657491_b18fdc417e_z.jpg

The one on the left is the home build (NVM-2AA housing)....the one on the right is the ITT factory....

I have had both units out in pouring rain...camping trips in damp tents....winter nights star gazing....

Never had an issue with the home built....but the ITT factory has had a couple shorting issues....it was enough of an issue that I have since put the tube into another NVM-2AA.

Very happy with the home builds.

[izzyscout21]

out friggin standing. Now I just need to find someone who wants do do some horse trading....................I think ive got an extra precision rifle laying around

[Echo2]

out friggin standing. Now I just need to find someone who wants do do some horse trading....................I think ive got an extra precision rifle laying around

What kind of rifle?....:)...This is mine.

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4126/5218194123_efa93f509e_z.jpg

[bacpacker]

Sweet rifle!

[Echo2]

Sweet rifle!

Thanks....It out shoots me every time....

[bacpacker]

Well come on, I need details!

[Echo2]

Rem 700...AI stock....Bager Ordinance base and rings....Leupold MK4 8.5-25x50....

I had it made by Tactical Rifles...out of Dade Co Fla.

Best group....3/4"@200yrds

[bacpacker]

Very nice. Love that scope. Some good glass there.

[izzyscout21]

What kind of rifle?....:)...This is mine.




I'm having a Savage built right now. It was going to be my "longer range" gun to supplement my .308, but I dont know if i really have a need for it.

my remington......

http://i764.photobucket.com/albums/xx288/2crgrunt/sentry/DSCF2624.jpg



I'd love to hook up some NV to this guy

[Stormfeather]

definitely interested in checking out the aspect of building my own NVG's. . .

[Echo2]

So I took one of these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUREFIRE-BeamCover-1-62-inch-Surefire-FM17-Filter-New-/400296309075?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3D UA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D400294924893%26ps%3D63%26clk id%3D8345564452364597839).....

and some of this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221016655643?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648).......

And did this....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7177758194_5db20ab583.jpg

I took it out last night....it works great.

at 75 yards it knocked out shadows from under trees.....and made cattle distinct as individuals at 100yards.

I'm happy with it.....I'm going to make one for my M-900 next.

[slowz1k]

So I took one of these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUREFIRE-BeamCover-1-62-inch-Surefire-FM17-Filter-New-/400296309075?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3D UA%26otn%3D5%26pmod%3D400294924893%26ps%3D63%26clk id%3D8345564452364597839).....

and some of this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221016655643?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2648).......

And did this....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7177758194_5db20ab583.jpg

I took it out last night....it works great.

at 75 yards it knocked out shadows from under trees.....and made cattle distinct as individuals at 100yards.

I'm happy with it.....I'm going to make one for my M-900 next.

That is simply brilliant!!!

Just so everyone understands... Echo has more toys than Santa... If he doesn't have it... he'll make it:)

[realist]

I have the PVS 14 from Moro vision and it works great. I like the idea of making my own, thanks for the information. As for the filters that is great information. What a lot of people don't realize it that is it nice to have additional light sources when using night vision. Any time you can put additional light down range that others can not see is well worth the time. I was thinking about setting up some lights with filters that have motion detection. Then again a solar light with a filter might work and I need to look into it.

[Echo2]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7358317096_f56bc96ddb_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7358315860_8984c7b007_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7358318422_5e10f4de91_z.jpg

[izzyscout21]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7358317096_f56bc96ddb_z.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7358315860_8984c7b007_c.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7358318422_5e10f4de91_z.jpg

you make me sick. :p

[Echo2]

Don't be haten.....

[The Stig]

Do I want NVG ? Yes.

Can I afford a quality NVG rig right now? No.

Stig is sad.

[Echo2]

Do I want NVG ? Yes.

Can I afford a quality NVG rig right now? No.

Stig is sad.

I thought every web site founder was a billionaire.

Weird how everyone thinks that if you own a business you.....you can buy anything.

[The Stig]

I thought every web site founder was a billionaire.

Weird how everyone thinks that if you own a business you.....you can buy anything.

[checks bank account] Nope [/checks bank account]

[helomech]

You own a SHTF website, I think you can buy it and write it off as a business expense. Then you can write a review about it for all of us to read.

[Echo2]

You own a SHTF website, I think you can buy it and write it off as a business expense. Then you can write a review about it for all of us to read.

Gotta have the money to write off to begin with.....LOL

[cwconnertx]

Gotta have the money to write off to begin with.....LOL

This is true, as an accountant I often visit client homes at night, so I got night vision for when the house number is not well lit, that I might make sure I go to the right house, so now I am going to write off my night vision.... think the IRS will buy it? :)

[helomech]

I wrote mine off for hog control. The where tearing up my pine trees and I get a tax exemption because of the pine trees.

[bacpacker]

Does anyone have any experience with ATN NV gear? I found these and another set on Amazon for $250.00

http://www.opticsplanet.com/atnamvipmodh.html

I'm wanting to get some soon. I'd like Gen 3, but that ain't happening right now. These Gen ones are affordable, but I'm not sure they are worth a shit. I have zero experience with NV.

[helomech]

I have a Gen 1 and it is better than nothing, under a full moon I can shoot hogs at 300 yards. With a slight moon about 100 yards. With no moon and the IR illuminator on I can see good to past 50 yards. The worse part about them, is that the field of veiw sucks, and there is no magnification.

[bacpacker]

I'm wanting some for coyotes mainly, I think they would be nice for keeping a check on the property if things go south.

[helomech]

Even the cheap ones are better than nothing. If nothing else they will help you spot someone else with an IR light. You can see someone with an IR light from a long ways off even with the cheapest ones.

[Echo2]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bushnell-Stealthview-II-3X32MM-Digital-Night-Vision-/251107029510?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a77253206

For the same money....you can get one of these....digital....not tube....ranks about a gen2 comparison.

Not weapons mountable.

I have one similar on order.....the predecessor to this one....I will do an AAR.

- - - Updated - - -


I have a Gen 1 and it is better than nothing, under a full moon I can shoot hogs at 300 yards. With a slight moon about 100 yards. With no moon and the IR illuminator on I can see good to past 50 yards. The worse part about them, is that the field of veiw sucks, and there is no magnification.

I cant even make out distinguishable shapes at 300 yards with my gen 1 in the best of conditions.....what model are you using?

[helomech]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bushnell-Stealthview-II-3X32MM-Digital-Night-Vision-/251107029510?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a77253206

For the same money....you can get one of these....digital....not tube....ranks about a gen2 comparison.

Not weapons mountable.

I have one similar on order.....the predecessor to this one....I will do an AAR.

- - - Updated - - -



I cant even make out distinguishable shapes at 300 yards with my gen 1 in the best of conditions.....what model are you using?

I had to have a weapon mountable one. It is a yukon, but I don't remember the model number.

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

Speaking from experience, NVG's, IR's all can be a life saver. It's not the magnification that counts, sure it helps. Your field of view is usually close to your normal vision. You are not going to be making 500yd shots so get that one out of your heads now. 200yds max maybe in real life scenario. .......think about it. Stealth, the night is your friend. IR?, stay cool, "cucumber head". You know your property, you know your mission. You have the upper hand, make yourself have the upper hand, "thou shalt win at all costs", there are no rules, no more ROE's. Love to see/hear your AAR Echo2.


Be safe................the night is your friend.

[Echo2]

I've taken a 600yard shot with a NVD.....it was a sample PVS-22.....hit a standard silhouette target.

I would have one, but it has too many numbers before the comma for it to be feasible....at least that's what the wife says.

When ever you cut on NVDs....you should always take a peek around to see if anyone with NVDs is watching you with a IR illumination.

The FOV is generally about 70 degrees....like looking through a TP cardboard roll.

I'll post with AAR.

[Brownwater Riverrat 13]

I've taken a 600yard shot with a NVD.....it was a sample PVS-22.....hit a standard silhouette target.

I would have one, but it has too many numbers before the comma for it to be feasible....at least that's what the wife says.

When ever you cut on NVDs....you should always take a peek around to see if anyone with NVDs is watching you with a IR illumination.

The FOV is generally about 70 degrees....like looking through a TP cardboard roll.

I'll post with AAR.


Not questioning your skills brother.

I never said "It couldn't be done", I just said, "You are not going to be making 500yd shots so get that one out of your heads now. 200yds max maybe in real life scenario." I was thinking along the lines of the average humanoid ya know? Now if if we're doing a mission perhaps that might call for such a shot, that's a different story. Like takin out that "posse", A little bit at a time. chip, chip, chip.

Be safe...............the night is your friend.

[Stg1swret]

Not a big fan of NVD's , used them a few times while in the service. Course when i did get to try them they were gen1, so with the advances that have been made, these days those old NVDs would be really crapy.

[helomech]

Not a big fan of NVD's , used them a few times while in the service. Course when i did get to try them they were gen1, so with the advances that have been made, these days those old NVDs would be really crapy.

Yes Gen 1 sucks when compared to the latest ones. The gen 3 we used when I was in where pretty good. Hopefully the price of thermal keeps coming down, I am dying to get a thermal scope.

[Echo2]

Thermal rocks....but the hybrid stuff is where it's at.....Thermal is great until glass is involved...like windows up in a car....

Something to watch though is "Digital Night Vision".....it's improving in leaps and bounds.....I feel they will have it surpassing gen 3 image intensifiers in a couple years....if not already.

They may try to keep the high end stuff out of circulation for a while.....cause it may be difficult to build a tube......but miniature screens are apparently very easy to build....look at the resolution on your phone.

Heck....you can pick up IR light with the cameras on most phones.

[helomech]

Thermal rocks....but the hybrid stuff is where it's at.....Thermal is great until glass is involved...like windows up in a car....

Something to watch though is "Digital Night Vision".....it's improving in leaps and bounds.....I feel they will have it surpassing gen 3 image intensifiers in a couple years....if not already.

They may try to keep the high end stuff out of circulation for a while.....cause it may be difficult to build a tube......but miniature screens are apparently very easy to build....look at the resolution on your phone.

Heck....you can pick up IR light with the cameras on most phones.

I am not to worried about glass, I want to be able to see into the woods.

[cwconnertx]

I am not to worried about glass, I want to be able to see into the woods.

But I can use my night vision without opening a window, while thermal does not work through glass.

They both have their place, and I think thermal has big advantages, especially outdoors and around bodies of water. If I fell overboard, I hope they could search for me with thermal over night vision. But night vision has its advantages too.

[helomech]

But I can use my night vision without opening a window, while thermal does not work through glass.

They both have their place, and I think thermal has big advantages, especially outdoors and around bodies of water. If I fell overboard, I hope they could search for me with thermal over night vision. But night vision has its advantages too.

Never tried to look through glass with either of them.

[Echo2]

My helmet rig...

....For what it's worth....It's pretty comfortable.

I've been walking in the evenings....around 10:00 or so....walking for about an hour...hour and a half.

Every other day for the last couple months.

It must look a bit unusual....big guy in gym shorts.....sleeveless tee.....hikers...a bandolier holster.... and a NVD helmet rig...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7358315860_8984c7b007_c.jpg

I can definitely see why a counterweight is a must....

I want to try a amber filter to see what it does to the after effect of wearing the green glow for a while....

Carrying a 3x magnifier is worth it....

Having a IR light is a great thing.....

That is all.

[Echo2]

Bored at the shop today.....did this....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8441/7923142970_b13913f8ec_z.jpg

[Echo2]

HOLY CRAP!!!!!

This is awesome.....Now I'm gonna have to try to save enough to buy a set of good NV binocs.

I'm amazed with the depth of view with 2 eyes up.

This is going to cost me money....:(.....:)

[Sniper-T]

all you people are bad for my pocketbook
:cool:

[Gunfixr]

So what kind of helmet is that? It almost looks like some sort of extreme bike helmet.
I would rather have a helmet than a head rig, to be more stable. I can make a bracket, that's no big deal.

BRR, your 1st post is why I decided to get what I could, while waiting for a chance to get something better. I'm not planning any long range night hunting post-shtf. It's primarily for closer-up.

Oh, and even though it's 1st gen, it's 3x, and they make a 5x version. I decided 3x was better for across the yard or living room, so I would sacrifice the 5x distance.

I have an early digital unit, but it is almost totally useless without the IR light on. While I'm not totally against IR, I want it to work at reasonable distances without it unless totally dark. When you can buy a 1st gen monacle for around $100, it is not safe to assume that you will "own the night" post-shtf. I understand the newer digital units are much less dependent on the IR light, and are better with much less ambient light than the older units.

[Echo2]

It is a PT Alpha Half Shell.....yes....a glorified bike helmet.

They are made for bump helmets for LEOs and Military.

I had mine covered with bedliner.... it just made it a bit more ridged..

You can get on ebay and find all the mounts and such....if you have to make a special hook up for yours....it's easy to modify existing....rather than build new.

I'm looking at a ACH now....that I cam modify.....it is level III armor...:)

[Echo2]

I've been running this set up for the last couple weeks....a couple hours each night.

It really makes a difference having both eyes focused.

I had to add a bit more counterweight to the back....it balances pretty good now.

[Gunfixr]

I've seen a bike helmet much like that one.
I hadn't thought of a counterweight, I suppose it means you don't have to get the straps quite so tight, making it a bit more comfortable.

I was going with a single unit. While I'm sure a dual setup is great, I'd think it would be harder to shoot with a unit in front of your shooting eye.

[Echo2]

That's why lasers and NVDs go so well with each other.

- - - Updated - - -

The only difference between this helmet and the bike helmet is the sides are cut higher for running a comms gear headset.

[Gunfixr]

Yeah, I want a laser too.
I found the parts, the plan I have is to just get a cheap laser, and get an IR diode off EBay, and swap the diode out. Since everything else is there, it should be simple. I'll get a diode with the control card on it, so I won't have to worry about the power setting. I just gotta get one in the right voltage for the battery that the original laser uses.
The plan is CR123s, as I have those, and they hold a good amount of Mah for their size.

I might just get the bike helmet, it doesn't have to have bullet protection, and would still save the "hard knocks".

[Echo2]

I'm starting a build of a ballistic helmet using a standard issue Kevlar....and will post as I make progress.

The helmet for most activity before the event, is just a platform to hold the NVD.

I like the bike helmets...just for the light weight of them. If the bullets ever start flying....I guess the Kevlar will be warranted....but for everyday use they are very heavy.

This link may inspire you....

http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_6_18/226892_NIGHT_VISION_HELMET_RIGS___let_s_see_your_p ics_.html

These guys basically go from garage sale finds and hobby store helmets.....to full blown latest military hardware....and every level in between.

Let me know if your looking for a particular piece of hardware for your mounting....I regularly keep pieces in my ebay watch list.

[Echo2]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7992260839_11fe169ff6_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7992270994_690c226484_z.jpg

[Echo2]

Wanna jump in feet first?......here you go. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ops-Core-Fast-Ballistic-Helmet-Anvis-9-First-Spear-S-S-Precision-Contour-/130764469372?_trksid=p4340.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D 1%26asc%3D7%26meid%3D2094431030046947951%26pid%3D1 00010%26prg%3D1004%26rk%3D4%26)

[Gunfixr]

I'd have to sell a car, because I couldn't go anywhere right now if $20 could get you across the world.
However, in a week or so, I should be able to get something started with what I have so far, and getting the helmet.
I can go with ballistic protection, if I can find the right deal. It just has to wait a bit, right now is bad. I'm theorizing, so when I have the dinero, I'll know what direction to go.

I actually have a USGI helmet 1 type back from current, IIRC, but's a small, and won't fit my melon.

It might have a mount on it, I'll have to look.

[Echo2]

What Size helmet do you wear?....are you opposed to used?

[Echo2]

Painted and with the smaller knob....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8000430625_0cfa1b6a58_z.jpg

[Gunfixr]

Not sure on helmet size, believe either med or lg.
GI boonie hat size is 7 1/4 to 7 1/2.
Used doesn't bother me.

[Echo2]

1/4" clear color acrylic rod........lighter to heat and bend......$2 light from County Comm....

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/8007391962_db3f2576e7_z.jpg

Need to slightly dim around light itself.....I have a small spring clip to hold the rod to the light....maybe over the bulb area will calm it down a little.

I have a bunch of different colors to play with...including green

[Gunfixr]

I went and looked at the extreme type bike helmet, I don't think it will work.
They're all just a thin shell of some kind of plastic over a foam core. I may be just being anal about it, but the plastic seems to thin and not sturdy enough to go attaching brackets to.
I could take one of those and add a couple layers of fiberglass with cloth over it, which would make it much sturdier.
I already have the 'glass to do it with.

I need to look at the kevlar again. I wonder if a larger sized suspension system can be put in the smaller helmet? Your head would be close to the shell, but it might work.

[Echo2]

Check out skate board helmets....they are designed to take multiple hits....a bike helmet is made to be tossed if you ever use it.

- - - Updated - - -

Sorry...should have been more specific...

[Gunfixr]

I know, old thread, but continuing topic.
Back aways, I got a relatively inexpensive motorcycle helmet, a half one, so it stops about where the GI ones do. Much thicker, should take mounting things to. An ex-SF friend explained that GI kevlar won't stop rounds anyway, just fragmentation, so what I have will suffice for my needs, and is much lighter.
Here very recently I was looking around for parts to build a Gen2 or Gen3 unit. Not much, and what was there was expensive, not really any savings over just buying it. Echo, unless you got somewhere other than Ebay, your days of cheap builds might be about over, based on what I found.
Anyway, I found a unit listed in the Gen 2 section, but didn't actually say it was. But, the lp/mm was the same as others, better than some. I went directly to the manufacturers site to check it out. It's made by Armasight, and uses something called CORE technology. Basically, it doesn't have a microchannel plate, which makes it a Gen1 by definition, but uses a body made from a ceramic-metal material instead of glass. It's supposed to have the same clarity and resolution of higher Gen2 units, and be more durable. The unit I got is specifically designed to be multi-use, being capable of head or helmet mounted, as well as weapon mounted with a scope, or with a mount they sell that has a built-in red dot sight. They make an adapter to work with the Notoros USGI helmet mount. I acquired one of those used with base plate cheap off Ebay. The price of this unit is right at $500. I haven't gotten to take it out and play with it yet, but it is noticeably lighter than the Gen1 unit I have. I await the adapter, so I can see the height off the Notoros mount, and can then attach it to the helmet.
It does have a built-in IR light, that can be either on or off.
I'll just sell the Yukon unit. I've only used it maybe 1hr, just to check it out.


So, I have just about all my pieces, and will build my rig as soon as my adapter arrives.
Some friends are planning a camp next weekend, with some night shooting planned, hopefully I can have it ready, give it a good tryout.

[Stormfeather]

Cant wait to see how that turns out!

- - - Updated - - -


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7992260839_11fe169ff6_z.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/7992270994_690c226484_z.jpg

So what did you use to cut this with?

[Echo2]

slicer wheels and a million jigsaw blades.....

http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y484/echo26c/helmetmod_zpsd50e5967.jpg

[izzyscout21]

thats pretty cool. you're going to have to post up some pics of the inside for me.

[bacpacker]

Me to. I like the looks of it and appears very functional.

[The Stig]

After a lot of fumfering around I am on the verge of getting into the night vision game. The tactical advantages are just too numerous to ignore it any longer. Even doing night-time security post-hurricane the NVG would come in handy.

I think I'm going with this model.

http://http://tnvc.com/shop/tnvpvs-14-l3-gen3-omni-viii/ (http://tnvc.com/shop/tnvpvs-14-l3-gen3-omni-viii/)

I'm going to get a used hand-me-down Norotos Rhino mount to get me started until I figure out what I don't know about what I don't know.

Fortunately, I've already got an ACH with a USGI/Norotos one-hold shroud that picked up at an Army Navy surplus store a ways back.

[The Stig]

NVG has been ordered. In 6 to 8 weeks I'll be able to hide in the shadows and scare the bajezuzs out of Mrs Stig.

[Echo2]

NVG has been ordered. In 6 to 8 weeks I'll be able to hide in the shadows and scare the bajezuzs out of Mrs Stig.

Congrats....:).....no need to scare....just tell her later exactly what she was doing.....that scares me worse than the "boo" factor.

[ElevenBravo]

I want some GenIII, but it will have to wait.

EB

[helomech]

I want thermal, one day I will get some.

[Echo2]

I want thermal, one day I will get some.

I may be pulling the trigger on thermal before too much longer......if all goes as planned.

some new pieces hitting the market in "under $4k" mark......we'll see.

[izzyscout21]

Ive got my gen 1 unit. Its not bad, and definitely better than nothing

[The Stig]

Well...my PVS-14 shipped from TNVC.

I feel all growed up now.

[Gunfixr]

Very nice, that's what I want now, I just don't know when I'll be able to do it.

It's been crazy hectic around my place, but I've managed to make some progress. I have the Notoros base semi-permanently attached to the helmet. I ordered and have the adapter to mount the Armasight unit to the Notoros arm. I made a base to attach the Armasight to a Picatinny rail, at height to go in front of my scope. Scope is a Leupold Patrol 1.25-4x Mildot w/lighted dot reticule. At 1.25, the view is a bit distorted, and if you turn it up past about 2x, you can just forget it. I think some focusing of the NVG will fix it. So, you'd be able to use the red dot function of the scope at night with the NVG in front of it. However, all of the instructions say to mount it behind whatever optics you're using. But on my setup, there's just no room. I may throw the TriPower up there in front of the NVG and see what happens.
So, I need to get out with the helmet and make sure the mount is in the right place and finish securing it. I also need to redo the chin strap. It has this dual ring buckle kind of setup that takes awhile to get on or off, and it goes back near the throat instead of the chin. And, I need to mount the counterweight.
Since it's not Kevlar, I might cut some vents in it for cooling.

[Echo2]

Cool....cant wait for pics.

[The Stig]

Got home from trip to big package sitting on my desk...will be thumbing through instruction manul for the next few days.

I know this flies in the face of all that is holy to men but for what we've invested into this thing I don't want to screw it up! It's worth a ding on the man-card to make sure I'm using it correctly.

[Gunfixr]

I think a small ding on the man card for reading instructions would, in this case, be negated by protecting your substantial investment.

I bet men would read instructions on electronic entertainment equipment if hooking up wrong fried it.

[izzyscout21]

I dont need the instructions......;)

[Grumpy Old Man]

No ding on the man card Stig for learning your equipment inside and out. It is what the prudent man does!

And Izzy, where did you find a Percheron or Belgian Draft to ride? Or and Appy/Thoroughbred cross. They're the only ones tall enough to keep your feet from dragging! LOL;)

[izzyscout21]

And Izzy, where did you find a Percheron or Belgian Draft to ride? Or and Appy/Thoroughbred cross. They're the only ones tall enough to keep your feet from dragging! LOL;)

I stole it from the mennonites here.......

[The Stig]

Who has two thumbs and NVG?

This guy......

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/0c3eac76-e7d7-4fb5-891c-11fee9191215_zpse8d86083.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/ltlabner/media/0c3eac76-e7d7-4fb5-891c-11fee9191215_zpse8d86083.jpg.html)

Have already ordered a better mounting bracket (Norotos universal shroud) along with an "intro to NVG video from John "Chappy" Chapman from LMS Defense) from TNVC. The shroud also has built in retention and I'll probably wrap 550 cord around it too. Hell, might even duct tape it on for good measure.

Sigh....damn expensive game.

[Echo2]

Who has two thumbs and NVG?

This guy......

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/0c3eac76-e7d7-4fb5-891c-11fee9191215_zpse8d86083.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/ltlabner/media/0c3eac76-e7d7-4fb5-891c-11fee9191215_zpse8d86083.jpg.html)

Have already ordered a better mounting bracket (Norotos universal shroud) along with an "intro to NVG video from John "Chappy" Chapman from LMS Defense) from TNVC. The shroud also has built in retention and I'll probably wrap 550 cord around it too. Hell, might even duct tape it on for good measure.

Sigh....damn expensive game.

OUTSTANDING!!!!.....I have a retractable keychain to help secure the NVD to my helmet rig.

CountyComm has the small QD hooks....which make it easy to take on and off.

Ebay is full of the retractable key chains....and will hold up to 5lbs.

And one of these.... http://www.ebay.com/itm/190848034375?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648 ....will ease eye fatigue.

Welcome to the club...:)

[bourneshooter]

Take a look at the Down Range Gear retention strap setup from TNVC. I have one for my PVS-14 and love it. Can't beat the price - low teens. The Wilcox retention lanyard might be better, but is over $50.

[Echo2]

Stig....Which surefire is that?...LED wise?

[The Stig]

Take a look at the Down Range Gear retention strap setup from TNVC. I have one for my PVS-14 and love it. Can't beat the price - low teens. The Wilcox retention lanyard might be better, but is over $50.

Actually I have the Down Range one but the addition of it meant the retention screw on the norotos usgi plate wasn't long enough.....which lead me back to TNVC looking for hardware but getting and improved shroud/mounting plate.

It's a vicious cycle....

[The Stig]

Stig....Which surefire is that?...LED wise?

Not sure of exact model but it has some little led lights plus some IR ones iirc. I'll check it out later and see if I can get a better answer for you.

[Echo2]

Green and IR....or Red and IR?

I've been looking all over for a Red and IR....with no success....(used...I refuse to pay new prices for them).

The green sticks out like a sore thumb....the red is subdued.( I have 2 green and IR)

I have seen one....that had 3 UV and 2 IR.....never seen as a catalog offering....but the UV can help with locating blood trails.

All...IIRC....have the IR strobe on the side....to show friendly.

What size melon do you have?....(what size helmet do you wear?).

[izzyscout21]

All...IIRC....have the IR strobe on the side....to show friendly.



correct

[ladyhk13]

I sure am after our camping trip!!! Izzy had to show me a new toy! Yup...count me in.

[izzyscout21]

Im such a bad influence

[ladyhk13]

You are a terrible 12 year old....

[The Stig]

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/AD2EF257-EEF1-4DC3-AB81-78D39410D761-1119-0000006820A7A497_zpsa8d3bdde.jpg (http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/ltlabner/media/AD2EF257-EEF1-4DC3-AB81-78D39410D761-1119-0000006820A7A497_zpsa8d3bdde.jpg.html)

Damn this is an expensive game.

Added a different Norotos mount. Instead of the standard USGI mount it's a wider base which is way more stable. Mounted right up no problems with a single screw (but can do the triple screw if your helmet is a 3-hole pattern). The retention lanyard hooked right up.

Took the NVG out for it's first spin the other night. Our neighborhood has streetlights so I was confined to one portion of the yard. That said, was able to focus the unit, get it adjusted and start walking around.

Wow....what a totally different world that is. I'm gonna practice walking around outside a bunch, changing positions, moving to cover, etc. Then I'll slowly start working in dry-drills with the rifle. Fortunately my dark spot of the yard is also secluded so the neighbors won't be spying on me.

I won't be able to do it for a couple weeks but I'll be taking it out to a friends property that has no streetlights. That's when the real fun starts.

Also started watching the Make Ready video on NVG. TNVC offers a 2 night carbine/NVG class and I've already emailed them looking for the schedule.

Still taking little baby steps but I can already see a million different ways this can be used.

Now I gotta save up for the laser so the entire system is more effective.

[Echo2]

For $200.00 +/-....you can get one of these....great for a pistol....decent for a rifle...

http://i1277.photobucket.com/albums/y484/echo26c/railmasters_zps24020d75.jpg

CTC IR RailMaster

[The Stig]

I was actually eyeballing this one:

http://tnvc.com/shop/images/18697/?320,320,0,100,80,-1947711285


The Laser Devices CQBL-1 (Close Quarters Battle Laser) was originally designed for the Heckler & Koch MP-7A1 submachine gun at the request of the U.S. Secret Service. It is a small, lightweight, dual-output laser aiming device that produces both a visible red and infrared laser pointer. Its low-profile design makes it popular for use on other submachine guns and short barrel PDW’s. Now, Laser Devices, Inc. brings the same compact functionality to the civilian market in the CQBL-1 Class1 Laser. It features all the same benefits of its full power sister, but uses a 0.7mW Class1 IR laser instead. The CQBL-1 Class1 IR laser is perfect for SBR’s and other handy weapon platforms.

The CQBL-1 is extremely low profile and features an integral rail grabber that requires an Allen Key to install. The lack of a QD mount allows the CQBL-1 to sit closer to the bore. The dual laser emitters are in line with the bore, so it cannot be mounted at the 12 o’clock position on weapons with a front sight base. If you do not run a front BUIS, then you can put it at the 12, otherwise it must be mounted at the 3 or 9 o’clock.

The CQBL-1 Class1 is a great, handy little laser for the commercial market. It reaches out to 250 yards and is perfect for SBR’s. The two lasers are slaved, so zeroing one, automatically zeros the other. Overall, the CQBL-1 makes a great addition to the Class1 line from Laser Devices, Inc.

[bourneshooter]

Stig, step up to a DBAL, the visible laser is a great asset as well. I talked with TNVC before I spent NOD money. Its very nice having a visible laser for any "odd" shooting positions or for things like shooting from protective mask. Allows threat/target indicator to teammates and if it's just you, can be a threat deescalation tool.

http://tnvc.com/shop/ldi-dbal-i2-class-1-ir-laser/

[The Stig]

I'd looked at that one but the lack of slaved vis laser and IR sorta turned me off. Seems like that would be a pain in the ass to have to zero both beams independent of each other.

That said, it's the first unit I had really considered.

What are your thoughts on red versus green vis lasers?

[Stormfeather]

Green laser over red, all day every day. Green light spectrum is more visible to the eyeball than red is. As for zeroing two lasers, the whole process takes maybe 5 minutes at most. However, if you can get a slaved zero laser, go that route.

[izzyscout21]

^^^this. Green over ted. Hands down.

[bourneshooter]

The lack of a slaved laser can suck, but it depends on where/how you set the Laser up on your gun. I'm a 12 O'clock fan as far forward as possible. This allows on a 7" rail for the laser's to sit on either side of the FSP. On a longer rail, you get more options - i.e. in front of the FSP.

I went red, only for budget reasons at the time. If I did it again, I'd have saved for another month and gone green. I'm trying to get a green DBAL-I2 purchase for my department for our work guns though. Having used the red one in a all day class in daylight, it was better than the $20.00 lasers other's had, but was not very useful after about 7 yards.

[Gunfixr]

Green is always better than red.
Non-slaved isn't such a big deal, all you have to do is get one sighted, and move the other to it.
Just move the IR laser to the daylight laser after dark, once you've sighted in the daylight laser.
I could barely see a Class I (5mW) green laser in bright daylight at about 60-70 ft. You can forget red at that distance.
In daylight, how well you see the dot will also depend on the surface it's hitting, both in its color and reflectivity.

[bourneshooter]

Green is always better than red.
Non-slaved isn't such a big deal, all you have to do is get one sighted, and move the other to it.
Just move the IR laser to the daylight laser after dark, once you've sighted in the daylight laser.
I could barely see a Class I (5mW) green laser in bright daylight at about 60-70 ft. You can forget red at that distance.
In daylight, how well you see the dot will also depend on the surface it's hitting, both in its color and reflectivity.

With most lasers, you can only activate one of them at a time. Thats how it is on the DBAL line.

I do a offset according to the laser's location to the bore at approximately 200 yards. 12 O'clock mounted DBAL visibile Laser is about an inch or so right of the barrel and up an inch or so. I have it 1" high and 1" right at 200 yards. IR laser is 1" High, 1" left at 200 yards.

I use a 50/200 yard zero on my rifles FWIW.

[bourneshooter]

Here you can see how my DBAL is mounted on a SBR. It does not have any splashback at all - which is the most important thing with IR lasers.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g33/Mattlevi/GUNS/DSCN2518.jpg (http://s52.photobucket.com/user/Mattlevi/media/GUNS/DSCN2518.jpg.html)

[The Stig]

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/8D422981-7158-48DA-A0AE-4994EA356295-8473-0000042BEAA67B5C_zpse9b4cc61.jpg

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/65BE9BD2-F479-4975-97D0-1F4F115E7D3B-8473-0000042BF1603B1E_zps1b6bfd62.jpg

Added some Opscore ARC rails to the side of the ACH helmet. This allowed me to add the Inforce white light/IR light module.

I can use the white light for non-defense settings where having a helmet mounted light is just handy.

I can use the IR illumination as needed.

[The Stig]

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/EECD35F8-4778-4586-94EE-4F8168FDBDFA-8473-0000042BF9BC3422_zpsb154752a.jpg

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/514C439B-765E-45D2-AFA0-BB3BAA1B1133-8473-0000042BFF0771BB_zpsf4446dd5.jpg

On the right side I mounted the Surefire helmet light. This provides a low power light for map reading, small red LEDs for nighttime and an IR strobe for IFF.

[The Stig]

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/FF6D4403-C7C2-45DC-B9E1-1B98F99A2E7F-1984-000002F2B1C1ADFA_zpsde81e3fa.jpg

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/9931C441-193B-4EE9-A905-75A57F88E632-1984-000002F2AB7290C4_zpsaa0bea50.jpg

Guess what the Stig was doing tonight while Mrs Stig and LiL Stig were out.......?

(please excuse the tactical turquoise of LiL Stigs bathroom and the buggered up chinstraps of the ACH.

Tromped around the back yard some more. Damn that's a weird feeling. Plus I think I had it adjusted wrong or something because it felt like I was looking through a toilet paper tube instead of having super-cool stereoscopic night vision. Plus my left eye is totally blurry now.

I really have to practice the scan while walking technique to get used to walking with these on. Sadly I can only really play around in a small portion of the yard due to streetlights.

I will say the inforce IR light was awesome. When in the utility room where it's totally dark to the point the PVS couldn't even function. Flipped that IR light on and it was a world of green and black.

The surefire light worked for a small reading light with IR strobe but I'm not sure how long it would really last up there in a bad situation. Seems like it would get knocked off quickly.

[helomech]

Cool, you should try driving around with them on with tanks all around you. The first time I drove we had the old pnvs 2's. The guy giving me the class was a pilot so he was wearing the good ones. He yelled stop don't you see that big F***ing rock. I said what rock. He said the one that is about to smash the front of the humvee. Then we got 3's and they where much better.

[Gunfixr]

Nice, Stig.
I have on loan a set of Gen 3 PVS 14s (I think?? One front lens, two eyepieces), to get my helmet set up.
Finally got it done. Used a USGI chinstrap. Had to lengthen it, as the sides are higher on the half helmet than on the USGI one. So, I cut the short mounting straps on each end and sewed in a piece of webbing to lengthen them. I drilled holes in the helmet for mounting the USGI straps using the original screws, so it swivels just like on the GI helmet. Got my mount in place and it's all set, just need to make the permanent mounting now.
The half helmet is real light, so a counterweight will be mandatory. I'm also going to vent the head part.

I need to see if I can work out a deal to buy this unit. He's got two, and thinking hard on thermal.

[Gunfixr]

Ok, I neglected to take pics as this was moving along, mostly because it was moving so slowly that I just didn't remember. But, here are some at where it is now.
First pic is the strap at one end of the lengthening piece. The head of the mounting screw can also be seen, with a washer added, as this helmet isn't quite as thick as the GI helmet.
Second is the front, showing the Notoros base. Because it doesn't fit the helmet as designed, I made some modifications. I removed the hook mount at the bottom, opened up the hole in the center to fir the screw from where the visor had been removed, and drilled two more holes up at the top. Right now, it is snugged up against a piece of rubber, but now that I know where it will go, I will make a solid filler piece to hold it as is should.
Third is a side view with the rest of the mount and the NV unit.
Fourth is a view forward from the rear, also with the NV unit mounted.
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k31/Gunfixr/2013-10-11171818_zpsa29e8fad.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/Gunfixr/media/2013-10-11171818_zpsa29e8fad.jpg.html)
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k31/Gunfixr/2013-10-11171835_zps89bf5fcb.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/Gunfixr/media/2013-10-11171835_zps89bf5fcb.jpg.html)
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k31/Gunfixr/2013-10-11171931_zps1ca96a8f.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/Gunfixr/media/2013-10-11171931_zps1ca96a8f.jpg.html)
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k31/Gunfixr/2013-10-11171956_zpsc3a68a48.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/Gunfixr/media/2013-10-11171956_zpsc3a68a48.jpg.html)

This is where I'm at so far. Still need to add a counterweight, and vent the top. The weight will be added via a mount or mounted pouch, so it can be changed or removed.

[Gunfixr]

Oh, I forgot to mention investment.
The helmet was $45, new, at Chinamart. The Notoros mount was purchased off EBay complete for about $35, plus shipping. The chin strap was free from a friend, He had shot up a helmet to see what happened to it, and let me take the straps off it.
I don't own the NVG, but I'd like to.

[izzyscout21]

Cool.

Gunfixr,
Those are PVS 7's, FWIW.

[The Stig]

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/A3044964-C57C-465C-ADD4-9B0283F8801F-3662-000002F0BC72F658_zps9f2aec8b.jpg

http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee427/ltlabner/D4C6035E-8C37-4AEC-B4AB-6B46D52FB4D8-3662-000002F0C244D133_zps82681ae0.jpg

Decided I wanted a lower profile utility light to replace the surefire light on the ACH. So I picked up a Princeton Tec Switch - MPLS
Flexi-Arm Dual LED Light from TNVC.

Only $40 and fit right on the helmet. One light is white LED for utility light, the other IR for super sneaky lighting needs.

[ElevenBravo]

Once I get the WASR out of lay away and get a package from Ammoman, I hope to start saving toward some PVS-7's.... But thats a serious investment for me.

EB

[Gunfixr]

Thanks, Izzy. I can never seem to get them straight.

Yeah, these would be a serious investment for me as well, and would probably take awhile to pay off.
I'm about out of guns I'm willing to sell, but am about to sell a vehicle. That would fund it. I just don't know if he will sell. It's been at my place for several months now, so maybe.

[izzyscout21]

No problem bro. 14s are monoculars, 7s are binoculars.

[bourneshooter]

PVS-7's are a weird combo that pretty much suck. They use both eyes like Bino's do, but only take in light from one eyehole sized piece in the middle.

With the cost of a good PVS-14 in the $2,700-3,000.00 market, there is no reason not to get the bare minimum NOD first.

Its a huge force multiplier to have.

[izzyscout21]

Not having 1k+ to spend on green eyes right now, i popped for a set of Sightmark's Ghost Hunter monocular.

considering the cost, its really not a bad unit for the money. For a Gen 1 unit, i was surprised at the clarity. It's not the PVS-15 im accustomed to, but it certainly does the job.

[helomech]

I got a yukon 1.5 X gen 1 rifle scope and it is okay. Not clear like the 7's I used before, but good enough since they only cost a couple hundred bucks.

[Gunfixr]

I got a Yukon Gen 1 unit I'm going to sell, complete with headgear. I forget the model, it's the waterproof one, 3x.
I got an upgraded Gen 1 unit that's smaller and lighter, so I don't need it anymore.

[Stormfeather]

still looking for a pvs-14 tube. . . and the search continues. .

[bourneshooter]

Good article on Kitup/Military.com about advancements in NOD fighting tech:
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/11/01/army-close-to-breakthrough-in-night-marksmanship.html?comp=1198882887570&rank=1

http://kitup.military.com/2013/11/setting-ir-illuminatorlaser-devices.html


I seriously recommend attending a formal training class on how to use NOD's.

[bourneshooter]

In November I received a Phokus Hoplite NOD cover and have been running it on a couple PVS-14's since then. It's been very impressive so far.

Link to my blog post and a review of it:
http://bluelinesheepdog.blogspot.com/2013/12/phokus-hoplite-pvs-14-cover.html