Q. What is Night Vision used for?
A. Recreational uses consist of camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and nature viewing. Other uses include surveillance, search and rescue, and property management.

Q. What is the difference between night vision generations?
A. The primary difference between the two generations is the photocathode. Generation 2 uses a multi alkali photocathode while Generation 3 uses gallium Arsenide. Gallium Arsenide provides a significant increase in photoresponse and tube life. Other differences in performance will be image tube resolution, tube gain and signal to noise ratio. Therefore Generation 3 offers greater clarity but is generally more expensive than Generation 2. Generation 2 night vision works well in most situations while Generation 3 will achieve high performance in all conditions.

Q. What is Generation 3 Ultra ?
A. Generation 3 Ultra is the highest performing image tube in its class. Image intensifier tubes are manufactured for the U.S. Department of Defense under contracts that are designated as OMNIBUS. The current OMNI V contract requires 64 line pair resolution ultra tubes. Most night vision users will find that an OMNI III 45 line pair image tube will more than meet their needs. Because the OMNI V contract is relatively new, Ultra tubes will command a higher price than other Generation 3 tubes.

Q. Is there a Generation 4?
A. Yes, the two major night vision image tube manufacturers have developed a generation 4 image tube. The tubes use a filmless technology which greatly improves the signal to noise ratio, lower halo, and improved resolution. The availability of these tubes is extremely limited, but we expect to have them available in late 2002.

Q. Can Generation 1 be useful?
A. Yes, Generation 1 can be useful in most nighttime situations. Newer Generation 1 devices do offer increased performance from there older predecessors. Generation 1 units typically use an S-20 photocathode and electrostatic inversion to achieve gain. They can offer substantial resolution toward the center of the image tube, while the edges may be blurred. Generation 1 devices are usually inexpensive and can be a good start for the night vision enthusiast.

Q. What can I expect an image tube to look like?
A. All image tubes, regardless of the generation, will provide a green illuminated picture of the scene that you are viewing. No night vision tube is exactly the same. Because of the manufacturing processes, all night vision image tubes will have different cosmetics such as small spots or specs, photocathode coloring, or a chicken wire effect from the microchannel plate. Most cosmetics are only noticed during viewing in high light situations such as viewing with the daylight filter on in a lit room. Most cosmetic blemishes are not noticeable during normal nighttime operation but may still be seen to some degree in certain situations. These cosmetics in no way effect the performance of the image tube and do not decrease the ability to perform nighttime tasks. Resolution and gain will also affect the appearance of any night vision system. Most commercial and military systems have been thoroughly tested to ensure reliability once in use.

Q. How does Night Vision work?
A. Night Vision products collect and amplify existing light through the objective lens which is then focused on the image intensifier. Inside the intensifier, a photocathode is "excited" by the light and converts the photon energy in to electrons. These electrons accelerate across an electrostatic field inside the intensifier and strike a phosphor screen (like a green monochrome TV screen) which emits an image that you can see. It is the acceleration of electrons, which provides gain and enhances the image.

Q. What is the effective range of night vision?
A. It varies anywhere from 10-400 feet, and with a weapons adapter, or a dedicated weapon scope, the range can be well over 400 yards. The maximum viewing distance depends on the conditions of use. Overcast conditions, fog, rain; etc. may reduce the effective distance of a night vision. An Infrared Illuminator will increase viewing range, especially in enclosed areas like a warehouse, cave, or thick brush. The Infrared illuminator will not be effective at long ranges when using weapons scopes. You can, however, use remote infra red lamps to improve conditions at great distances.

Q. Why isn't there more magnification in a night vision device?
A. The more you magnify the more light you lose. We feel that 6x is as much magnification as you would ever need in most situations. 3x is a good all around power.

Q. Why do you focus both the front (Objective lens) and Eye-piece (Ocular)?
A. The short answer is that you don't see through the night vision device, rather you see the phosphor screen on the back of the tube. The objective lens focuses the image on to the front of the intensifier tube. That image is then converted in to electron energy. It paints that picture on the back of the tube. You need to have a sharp image to start with. Then your eye needs to be focused onto the back of the tube where the image resides. Every eye is different and therefore the ocular focus is very important. Focus the ocular first and then move to the objective lens. You may have to adjust each lens several times before getting a sharp image.

Q. How do I use a device in extremely low light, or no-light conditions?
A. All night vision devices need some available light to work. It is possible to see a bright image in low light or no light conditions with the use of an Infrared Illuminator. We will specify if a scope includes the IR illuminator.

Q. Since a night vision device is sensitive to Infrared (IR) light, can it detect heat?
A. Night vision devices operate as a light amplifier for light in the "near visible" light range. Generally, this is in the 750-850 nanometer range. It can not detect heat, which is at a much lower end of the light spectrum and requires thermal imaging technology.

Q. What type of light source can be harmful to a night vision device?
A. Night Vision devices are designed for use in the dark. It may be harmful and can damage the device if you use it during the daytime or in other very bright situations. Keep in mind that strong direct light, such as projectors, car headlamps, strong flashlights, and so on, may be harmful to your night vision unit if you direct your device at the source of these intense lights. Most scopes have simple turn off overload circuits, but some have more sophisticated and separate light sensing mechanisms.

The binocular devices do have on/off switches that require the user to remember to turn off the unit. Some level of "buzzing" sound is quite normal and is intended to be useful in remembering to turn off these units when done using them.

The image of a night vision device will not be as sharp as that of a daylight binocular. This is due largely to the image being generated on a phosphor screen.

Black spots may be visible in the image. This comes as a natural process of manufacturing the intensifier tubes.

Q. What's inside a night vision scope?
A. A night vision scope is made up of a set of optics (glass), a simple power supply (batteries, wire, transformer, regulators and capacitors) and an image intensifier (a glass vacuum tube with a light sensitive coating at one end and a phosphor screen at the other).

Q. Are Night Vision devices safe?

A. Yes. Night Vision products include shield-encased image intensifiers to block x-rays. Infrared illuminators utilize harmless filtered incandescent bulbs or light emitting diodes (LED's) instead of lasers.

Q. How should I care for my Night Vision device?
A. The number one damage factor is using the device in bright light. Over exposure will shorten the life span of a night vision device.

Exposure to rain, fog, or even extremely high humidity may damage night vision devices. Built for use at night, they can withstand short exposure to dampness or high humidity conditions.

Night Vision devices have delicate vacuum intensifier tubes that are sensitive to impact and should be handled carefully.

Clean lenses the same way you would your camera. The lenses are optically coated and may be scratch if abrasive material is used or if dirt is rubbed into the glass. Usually there is no need to remove the lenses and clean inside.

Storage for long periods is best in a cool dry place with the batteries removed.

Q. Can I export night vision ?
A. Not without a proper license from the US State Department or the Department of Commerce. Please contact US Night Vision Corporation with any questions regarding the export of night vision.

Q. What is the warranty for Night Vision devices?

A. Night Vision products are unquestionably warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship.
Warranty: Please retain your original invoice for warranty issues. US Night Vision Corporation will provide a registration card with all Generation 2 & 3 systems, please fill out the card in its entirety and mail back to US Night Vision Corporation.
Generation 1 systems will be tracked by serial number and the warranty period will start at the date of the end user purchase.
Our product warranty covers all manufactured parts for the duration of the warranty period. Product warranties do not cover acts of negligence, misuse, or abuse to the product.
All warranty claims must receive a repair authorization prior to shipment.

Generation One: 1 Year Limited Warranty
Generation Two & Three: 2 Year Limited Warranty

Return Policy:
Please carefully inspect your merchandise immediately upon receipt. If any item does not meet your approval, you may return it within 10-days for a refund*-- *Some Restrictions Apply.
Shipping, handling, and C.O.D. charges are non-refundable. Return shipping and insurance costs are the responsibility of the customer. No returned packages will be accepted freight collect or C.O.D. We are not responsible for returned merchandise that is damaged in shipping.
Important: You must contact us for a return authorization number. This number must appear on the outside of the returned package. You must include a copy of your original invoice with your shipment. All items returned for exchange or refund must be new, in the exact condition that the item was received and must include the manual and all included accessories.
Items received which have been damaged as a result of inadequate packaging, misuse, neglect and or other obvious physical damage will be returned to the customer. Refund or credits will be adjusted accordingly. Special orders, closeouts, and products sold "as is" cannot be returned. *We reserve the right to refuse merchandise, return the merchandise, or charge a 15% restocking fee under the following conditions.
1) Merchandise was received after the ten day trial period without prior authorization. 10-day period begins once the merchandise is received by or for the customer from the shipping carrier until the time that we receive the merchandise back at our facility.
2) The return authorization number was not visible on the package.
3) The merchandise was incomplete, damaged, obviously used or scratched.
4) The original invoice was not included.
5) The merchandise shipped was improperly packaged.
6) The merchandise was ordered but delivery was refused by or for the customer.
*All sales are final after 30 days.