When night vision goggles are useless.

December 7, 2021

 

In the modern world, night vision devices are becoming more affordable for the general population. There are many fans of this first-class equipment among farmers, hunters, airsoft players, and yacht owners. This article will analyze the problems of using night vision devices and their solutions suitable for non-professional users.

What is a night vision device?

A night vision device is a piece of equipment that often amplifies light reflected from the surfaces of objects and forms a three-dimensional monochrome image on the screen. We observe a three-dimensional image familiar to our eye, only in green or black and white. The color of the picture depends on the type of phosphor used by the device. There are white and green. Our eye can distinguish hundreds of shades of green, and when working with it, there is no unnecessary strain on vision. And white phosphor gives a sharper and sharper image, but our eyes quickly get tired of it. In recent years, a color image has been developed. It is created using a filter using ColorTAC technology. This technology was introduced for 3+ generations, and it is not yet available to the mass user due to its high cost. All night vision devices consist of a sensitive lens, photocathode, amplifier camera, phosphor converter, and screen. There are three-plus generations of night vision devices. All of them, except the first, are actively used. Modern models of the third and third-generation plus are compact, high sensitivity, and can see in almost complete darkness. For example, you can drive a car at low speed with night vision goggles and move freely. But they still need infrared illumination in absolute darkness. Second-generation devices require moonlight, starlight, or illumination to operate. But they are less sensitive to side flares. As you can see, each has its strengths.

When the night vision device won't help you.

Let's look at the cases when night vision devices will be useless. The basis of the device is to catch reflected light. If there is no reflection, the night is dark. Then the screen will not show anything. A minimum of light is required for correct operation. That is, on impenetrable nights, you need to use infrared illumination, or the device will be useless. The problem is that the light from this backlight will be visible to other users of similar technology. For example, you play airsoft, then opponents will see you by the flashlight. Or you are a fish inspector and hunt down poachers, then using an IR flashlight will give you away. The mission will be in jeopardy. The second case when the device will be useless is the presence of a bright light source nearby. For example, take a wild pig farmer near his home. Light from windows, lights around will give spots on the screen. A bonfire and headlights of passing cars will provide the same effect. Even though most night vision equipment is equipped with anti-glare protection, there is still a risk of ruining the device with a bright flash of light. Separately, we add that in case of explosions, fires, the use of searchlights, night vision devices cannot be used. They will be useless and useless. If you are a yachtsman preparing to enter a foreign port, the bright lights of the coastline will prevent you from seeing the details of the passage. Against this background, buoys, small boats will disappear. There are significant risks of collision. In this case, a night vision device will not help. The third case where night vision goggles will be useless is fog, rain, smoke, and snow. Light is scattered between the smallest droplets of water, and the image will be very blurry, indistinct. The fourth case where a night vision device will not help is dense vegetation. Finding a game on a night hunt in lush vegetation will not work. Green night vision works great in open spaces, even over long distances. But in thickets, its use without the illumination of an IR flashlight is impractical.

What to do if your night vision device becomes useless.

If such an unpleasant situation occurs, we recommend contacting a specialized service for a professional repair. With one shot, you will kill several birds with one stone. First, save your warranty. Secondly, you will protect yourself from exposure to a toxic substance in the event of a tube with a phosphor being destroyed. Third, get a working device. If you don't like this, then an alternative solution may be to purchase a thermal imager. This device sees in conditions of absolute darkness. Moreover, it can work successfully during the day. Its work will not be affected by lanterns, light from houses, bonfires, headlights of cars, sun glare. It does not need an IR flashlight illumination. Thermal imagers can see perfectly through foliage, rain, blizzard, smoke, and fog. We can say that this is a device with very versatile capabilities. Its only drawback is the higher cost compared to night vision devices. Don't chase the latest generations of appliances. It is worth doing some research, and it is possible to pick up several models at reasonable prices.

If you own a night vision device, then you should use it responsibly. With a caring attitude and proper care, he will regularly do his job for many years. We recommend that you re-read the brochure on the use of your device and strictly follow the manufacturers' instructions on night vision. By doing this, you will save yourself from expensive repairs and get a reliable assistant for solving urgent problems. If, for some reason, your device no longer suits you, take note of our information on thermal imaging equipment.