[Jumping Frog]

I know nothing about NV, other than I've heard the terms "generation 1", "generation 2", "generation 3", or "2+", or stuff like that.

Two Questions:

Can someone give a brief highlight, or a link, of what the differences between the various technologies mean from a practical perspective?
Where is the line drawn between legal civilian technology, versus military/LEO-only technology?


TIA.

[Jenrick]

In short Gen1-3 is the level of technology. The higher the generation the newer it is.

Gen 1 is what we all saw in the 1st gulf war on news cast. Green, grainy, really easy to overload, etc. Still a heck of a step up from the naked eye.

Gen 2 is what is normally seen now days on the news, much clearer, still green, still a bit grainy. Tends to just overload in spots versus washing out the whole FOV.

Gen 3 is what the military is using right now IIRC.

Basically if you can afford it, you can own any generation of NV device out there. To my knowledge there is no restriction on civilian sales based on tech level. Most of the commercial stuff for sale, specifically for night varmint hunting, is going to be gen 1. Usually a couple of hundred dollars. The $1k+ units you see are gen 2 stuff. Most places can't get and don't sell gen 3, do some poking around on line though and you can find some for sale, though expect a hefty price tag.

Far as practical usage goes, what exactly are you looking at NV for? Hunting, HD, LEO work?

-Jenrick

[Victor-TNVC]

This should get you started. http://www.nightvision.com/howitworks.html

If I can help you further, ask away.

Vic

[jmorris]

Almost all of the NVD’s I’ve owned were useless in hunting applications where you are searching for the animal. If the area was baited they were useful; however, much more expensive than a simple spotlight. If you want the “good stuff” you have to jump up to thermal imaging entry level is $10,000 above the cost of gen 3 NVD‘s