A Complete Guide of Thermal Scope and Night Vision

Last Updated on March 5, 2020

The night vision and thermal devices are used more and more and in different professional sectors, as well as in certain hobbies. They are manufactured with state-of-the-art technology to offer the exceptional user levels of the image even in the worst light conditions.

How Does Night Vision Work?

Night vision devices pick up the existing ambient light (either natural or infrared light). That light composed of photons when entering the tube of the image of the viewfinder is transformed into electrons.

In an electro chemical process electrons are amplified, pass through a phosphor screen and become light. The resulting image – of what is seen outside – appears light green. In this way, the image is observed, perfectly distinguishing the objects.

Complete Guide of Thermal Scope and Night Vision

Generations of Night Vision

First Generation: It is the most basic and therefore the most economical. It has limitations in terms of range, especially in the very low light. To get good results you need a good moon and a good infrared illuminator. The image may have a water effect on the edges.

Second Generation: The image tube has a microchannel that multiplies the electrons thousands of times, resulting in a sharper and brighter image than the previous generation.

With good nighttime luminosity, it does not need complementary lighting. The range will depend on the nighttime clarity, but in good conditions, a person or a medium animal could be observed at 250 meters. Recommended for professional use.

Generation XD4: Is the most significant qualitative leap in recent years. It allows seeing with great resolution even in the worst conditions of light, giving a perfect image in the three dimensions (depth, clarity, and sharpness).

It allows locating a person or animal at a distance of 150 meters in complete darkness or between 500 and 600 meters with a half-moon.

Generation XR5: It is the evolution of the XD4 and it differs because less micro particles are observed in the light grade 0. It is indicated for use in the most unfavorable conditions.

What Are the Illuminators?

The illuminators are a complement to reinforce the luminosity of the viewfinder. It is similar to a small flashlight, adaptable to all devices.

It emits a beam of red light invisible to the human eye but helps to improve the ability of the viewfinder, just as if it were a beacon in the dark. The infrared illuminator is especially suitable for the most basic viewers.

Technical Characteristics

Let’s see what the technical characteristics that must be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate night vision device are.

Photosensitivity (µA / lm): Is the ability of the equipment to convert photons into electrons. The higher it is, the better. It will be necessary to take into account in what conditions of luminosity it is going to be used.

Field of vision: is the number of meters of the range that the device has. It will have to be greater the further away the target is.

Scope: This value depends on the gain of the system, its resolution, the increases and the ambient light that there is. It is a fundamental characteristic to know the power of the device.

Resolution: this is the quality with which the image can be viewed. The higher the resolution, the more clearly the objective will be seen.

Ergonomics: The design and physical conditions of the device are also important. We must assess the weight and comfort of use, especially if it is to be used in adverse conditions.

Distortion: The degree of deformation suffered by the image in reproduction. The Gen1 and Gen2 viewers are recommended.

Resistance: the material in which the device is manufactured is important to be able to use it in any situation, also in adverse weather conditions or extreme temperatures.

Battery: It is key to ensure the correct functioning of the device and be aware of its autonomy and has spare batteries.

Size of the Object: The size of the person, animal or object to be observed is also important. This can lead us to choose one or the other option.

It should be remembered that the objective of the night viewer is often not to see at great distances, but rather to visualize something clearly.

Complete Guide of Thermal Scope and Night Vision

Uses and Applications of Night Vision Devices

Night vision for hunting:  There are many fans of a big game called ‘waiting’. In these cases, the hunters hide and wait for their prey. The night viewers allow visualizing at long distance and with great clarity wild boar, roe deer, etc.

Fishing and other maritime activities that take place at night and in very specific conditions. In these cases, you can’t project light on the water so that the fish do not flee, so with the night viewers you can take advantage of and maximize the light conditions without affecting the result of the fishing.

Forest security: Forest rangers are essential in the rural environment. Thanks to them they avoid, for example, robberies in sparsely populated areas, poaching, etc. A good night vision team helps them carry out their work with guarantees.

In the military field, they are also used a lot when they have to work in complex lighting conditions and with poor visibility. The last generation night vision devices are key in military operations.

Wardens and security guards of public or private spaces can use the viewers to help them in their work at night.

Catalog of Devices and Accessories

Each user or company that will acquire a night vision device has specific needs. That’s why in Tod electronics we have a wide range of specific devices for each objective. They are the following:

Camouflage cameras: Camouflage cameras are often used to observe flora and fauna in the wild or for hunting. They have the peculiarity of going unnoticed in a natural environment. They are manufactured to withstand any weather situation. They allow capturing images and video.

Night vision binoculars: Hand-held or in the form of a goggle (with head restraint) provide a comfortable and accurate view of the objective.

Monocular night vision: It differs from the previous ones by counting a single lens. Its design is light and practical. It can be either hand-held or with a head mount.

Night viewers for hunting: They are specially designed to fit in the rifles, in order to improve the accuracy of the hunter. They can be only night vision or day and night vision.

Thermal vision: The best thermal scopes use state-of-the-art technology and offer a range of between 600 and 1800 meters. The thermal vision devices do not need any light to generate clear images because they capture the heat of the person and animal under observation.

Accessories: On the other hand, there are all kinds of accessories to complement night vision devices or facilitate their use. From illuminators to adapters, supports, microphones, batteries, etc.

If you have doubts when choosing the night vision device that best suits your needs, ask us without obligation. Our team of specialized technicians will help you without compromise.

 

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