[Saakee]

This might be in the wrong area, please move if so

Lately, I've been trying to find more info on cheaper IR scopes and illuminating night time targets using IR flashlights and just now came across this on the Hack-A-Day site (I haven't watched the videos because I need to be out the door but the screens/pics/writeup looked intriguing): http://hackedgadgets.com/2011/08/29/ir-light-and-camcorder-used-to-make-cheap-night-vision-hunting-solution/

Ooh, and a remembered site, an other cheap NV shoot setup: http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2011/11/02/night-vision-on-the-cheap/

[12gaugeTim]

That's actually a really good idea.. A cheap alternative to an IR optic since most camcorders can detect IR anyways. Plus you can probably get some nice videos.
ETA: On the second link: the guy can afford a Super V and Eotech but didn't want to spend more than $50 on NV?

[Zoogster]

I have made similar things before for inexpensive night vision.


A trick beyond what she explains is that most cameras can actually be modified to see IR light, not just the more expensive ones with that as a feature.
You see most cameras see IR light, they just have a filter added to block it out so it won't distort the image.
If you remove that filter, or in some cases replace it with certain inexpensive materials it will see IR light.
In color cameras this makes for a poor image in daylight, but in black and white cameras, or at night they will see IR illuminated things quite well.
This means almost any cheap camera can be used.

[cassandrasdaddy]

bad guys use em to find our guys in the field

[Zoogster]

bad guys use em to find our guys in the field

The problem with using them against humans is that anyone with real image intensifiers will see the source of IR light as clearly as any flashlight from a long distance at night.

Higher quality night vision that does not use added IR light and still gets a long range clear image is all that is needed to avoid that issue.
But if they are so attached to the increased visibility provided by IR light then they accept the downsides of no longer being invisible.





Black and white cameras already generally have no IR filter, so a stock black and white camera could always see IR light.
A typical TV remote for example can clearly be seen blinking on a black and white camera.
So if you are using technology that makes you visible even to an enemy with a 1980s security camera, well...



In a couple decades the average insurgent will be using thermal technology and see your thermal image. At present that technology is one sided.

[12gaugeTim]

Well to be fair, groundhogs don't usually shoot back. Or own 1980's security cameras.

[cassandrasdaddy]

The problem with using them against humans is that anyone with real image intensifiers will see the source of IR light as clearly as any flashlight from a long distance at night.

we use ir identifier lights for friend or foe id. it can draw fire

[Saakee]

That's actually a really good idea.. A cheap alternative to an IR optic since most camcorders can detect IR anyways. Plus you can probably get some nice videos.
ETA: On the second link: the guy can afford a Super V and Eotech but didn't want to spend more than $50 on NV?
he replies in a comment later on he scrimped and saved for his dream gun and just couldn't afford high end nv gear

[Certaindeaf]

The Ikea owner requires his people to use both sides of office paper. kinda like the chicken or egg thing perhaps never know. drives a 25-30 year old Volvo too

[Jinx D'jinn]

Almost all cameras will see IR. Pull out your cell phone and point the camera at a TV remote and you will clearly see the IR LEDs flashing.
I've been using my cell phone to check remote controls for years.

[EmbarkChief]

Pulsar has already taken this to market with the NV-550 Digisight. Same basic concept just packaged as a riflescope.

[Zoogster]

Jinx D'jinn said:

Almost all cameras will see IR. Pull out your cell phone and point the camera at a TV remote and you will clearly see the IR LEDs flashing.

Partially, but not the full intensity, and most of the light is still missing.
Most color cameras have an IR filter to create an image in normal light that is similar to what people see.
Without filtering out IR light the colors would not be similar to what people see with the eye.