Portable Night Vision Options

[psneeld]

Originally Posted by diver dave

In 2006 I found myself in the USMC night vision lab at Quantico. Brand new. Dial a brightness level controllers. I tested an unmounted FLIR device in zero light. I could see clearly cardboard boxes on a t³able. Not sure what the temperature differential was but no doubt sub 1 degree.
Another data point on FLIR. At a trade show, looked at peoples footsteps dissipating on carpet after 5 seconds or so. This data is now a decade and a half old.

True but when and where does the average boater need help and there is zero ambient light?

Few spots in the Western Hemisphere in sight of land have I experienced total lack of light.

Both are unbelievable tech... just different pros and cons.

[diver dave]

Originally Posted by psneeld

True but when and where does the average boater need help and there is zero ambient light?

Few spots in the Western Hemisphere in sight of land have I experienced total lack of light.

Both are unbelievable tech... just different pros and cons.

We boated to an u/w cave today. Very dark inside. Got ur point tho.

[CountryBTr]

Another place to search out some products are hunting & shooting forums. Night hunters need a flip up/down system that straps to their heads. Those systems often are made by companies that also offer non-hunting versions for RVs, trucks, etc...


If I recall GunsAmerica did a few reviews over the years - search there too.

[HypnoBob]

We used IR Binoculars with a full width viewing screen. Set it on the dash.

Here's the description from Amazon on the $105 IR Binocs.

Night Vision Goggles - 4K Night Vision Binoculars for Adults, 3'' Large Screen Binoculars can Save Photo and Video with 32GB Memory Card & Rechargeable Lithium Battery. Has anti-shake and other stuff.

4000 mAh Rechargeable Lithium Battery
The Infrared high-tech night vision binoculars feature an 850 NM infrared illuminator which allows you to view animals in pitch dark for hours. They don’t require any AA batteries, you can connect the USB cable to the DC5V adapter or connect the power bank to charge. Very convenient!

So, you can plug this in and keep it on for as long as you're traveling at night.

We had a similar set for $350. Prices dropped dramatically since then.

I set them on the dash on a rubber pad on our Albin 28 TE and it would view just like another screen. Could magnify, sharpen focus.

If you have to hold one, your arm will tire after a short while.

[rgano]

Originally Posted by Greg S

On a boat delivery in the short days of November one year, we had use of an Ex military night vision unit. It could be handheld like binoculars or strapped to your head and worn. It had a single objective lens and two eyepieces: monocular in, binocular to you.

IT WAS AAAMAZING.

I still am struck by how well it worked. To some degree, better than daylight but no magnification of size. I think it intensified the existing light. I’m not sure what light it was intensifying because it looked pitch black! If there was light ahead, like car headlights or street lamps on shore, these disrupted your view horribly because it intensifies them too.

That was an image intensifier, not IR. Blooming caused by ANY light source is the bane of II devices.

[rgano]

I have hunted feral hogs with both IR and II devices and MUCH prefer the IR. It was like looking at a photo negative of the whole scene - $7,000.

[PennBruce]

HypnoBob;

Is this the one you have:

https://www.amazon.com/Night-Vision-...3-0739643?th=1


Bruce

[sjisailor]

Those products are a deal, but ... If it uses IR would it see through the helm window? Seems like setting an IR camera on the dash would pick up its own reflection from the window.

[Capt Ray]

https://shellerina.com/2022/09/21/la...5pm-departure/

https://shellerina.com/2021/10/15/lo...-cameras-help/

[Mark Laurnen]

I have had a FLIR Ocean Scout for several years. It works great for seeing everything in many circumstances. I believe it would be very useful to spot a warm body in the water, but minimally so to see any inert floating object unless it projected significantly above the ocean surface. The temperature difference between most floating objects and the water itself would likely be insufficient to generate a strong signature. Add waves and it’s even more improbable. Seeing the shoreline, anchored boats, docks etc. is very good. It will not work through glass of any kind as this mitigates the detectable temperature difference between external objects. I have mounted the unit on top of a windshield frame and viewed it through a portable DVD player screen, other monitors could be similarly used with excellent result. Two headaches with this application … the Scout automatically shuts down after about 5 minutes so it must be continuously reactivated AND the unit must be outside so reaching to reactivate it guarantees weather exposure.

[GoldenDawn]

We have used the Ocean Scout II on our SAR vessel for about 6 months. It works really well for discriminately objects of different temperatures, like a body lying on the shoreline or in the water. We have not used it underway - 25 knots at night - and we have hit logs without issues; one reason we wear helmets.

If there were a little chop, you would not likely see a log with the Ocean Scout. The thermal image is not the same resolution as HD, so appears more pixelated with slower refresh. Also, you basically have to be looking through it ALL THE TIME - your arm is going to get tired.

We have also used a AGM Global Vision PVS-14 Multi-Purpose Night Vison Monocular. This system is AWESOME. The PVS-14 system cannot be exported from USA (except under special license) but is available to US citizens. Monochrome but great resolution. Your local CG vessel likely has one of these - ask them for a demo.

https://www.agmglobalvision.com/agm-pvs-14-3aw2

[Seevee]

Originally Posted by Capt Ray

https://shellerina.com/2022/09/21/la...5pm-departure/

https://shellerina.com/2021/10/15/lo...-cameras-help/

Ray, Is the power source a USB to 120v plug adapter? So, could one power it from a USB power source?


I have plenty of 12v USB plug outlets, but 120v is sparse.


Thx