Simply put, night vision works by amplifying the amount of light that reaches your eyes. It takes the normal visible light and near infrared light, multiplies it and then projects it onto a screen for you to see. This is achieved by using an Image Intensifier Tube (IIT) which consists of three components, a photocathode, electron tube, Multi-Channel Plate (MCP) and a phosphor screen. Ambient light enters through the lens and hits the photocathode which converts the light photons into electrons. A high voltage is applied, accelerating the electrons through the tube which then collides with the MCP. The Multi-Channel Plate is a disc that consists of millions of little glass tubes that are at a slight angle. When electrons hit the plate they multiply by around 10 times. The electrons then move to a phosphor screen which converts the electrons back into photons for you to see.

The biggest difference between night vision generations is that Gen 1 night vision does not contain a MCP an therefore doesn’t amplify the light nearly as much as Gen 2, that is why Gen 2 is much more expensive and works much better at low light levels. Generation 2 is where real night vision starts. With Gen 1 you will most of the time need to use it in conjunction with an Infrared (IR) illuminator to help in low light conditions such as an overcast night. Gen 1 only works with 810 nm IR illuminators which is more likely to be seen by varmint like Jackals and Lynx, whereas Gen 2 can use 850 nm illuminators which is more difficult for night predators to see.

Gen CORE IITs like that found in the Armasight Vampire NV rifle scope are in between Gen 1 and Gen 2. It is still classified as Gen 1 because it doesn’t have a MCP but it is manufactured with the same Glass-Ceramic materials as Gen 2 and Gen 3 tubes, whereas Gen 1 tubes are made from glass. This makes them much more robust and gives it a much higher resolution which is even better than Gen 2 resolution.

Gen 3 has a more light-sensitive photocathode made from Gallium Arsenide which increases its performance by about 30% over Gen 2.

You can also get the much cheaper Digital night vision which is essentially a digital camera without an IR filter in front of the sensor. Digital night vision does not amplify light and only works with an IR illuminator or in very good light conditions. They are the lowest performance night vision devices you can buy and are only recommended for neighbourhood watches where there is significant light available or short range recreational use.

Advanced Digital is a much higher performance digital night vision that uses a specially designed sensor that is much more sensitive to IR light. Performance of these devices can rival that of Gen 2 and can be used with 940 nm IR illuminators which are completely invisible to animals.

Thermal vision is the ultimate and uses a completely different technology to see in the dark. Inside every thermal device is a Microbolometer sensor that can detect the Long-Wave Infrared (LWIR) light that is given off by all warm objects. Animals and people are much warmer than their surroundings and therefore are very easy to spot with thermal vision. Because everything gives off LWIR light, thermal vision doesn’t need any light to function and even works during the day. Thermal can also see through smoke, fog, rain and light foliage so criminals have nowhere to hide.

AIM Pro Mount – Convert your monocular or goggles into a night vision rifle scope

The Armasight AIM Pro (Advance Integrated Mount) is a ground-breaking and exciting new concept. This night vision accessory allows the operator to convert our night vision monoculars to a weapon sight.

AIM is housed in a low-profile housing which also incorporates a Picatinny mount on the underside, and a dovetail mount on the top. By mounting AIM onto your rifle and fitting either our night vision monoculars or AIM optional day optics the AIM can be bore-sighted to your rifle, meaning that the operator can switch between modes as required.

Unlike conventional systems that require the night vision unit to be mounted behind a day optic, AIM projects the reticle directly into the night vision monocular lens. This means that there is no longer a reduced field of view through the night vision device, or any shadowed area that is difficult to see through, like that caused by conventional red-dot sights optics.

A small Heads-Up-Display type prism on the front of the AIM unit projects a 65 MOA Circle and single 3.2 MOA center aiming Dot directly into the night vision lens. The electro-optical aiming system consists of a collimated LED diode module, with dedicated windage and elevation adjustments, prismatic output window, power supply and 0 to 11 brightness adjustment switch.

Manufactured to high tolerances from aluminium alloy, the AIM mount system is light, robust, and designed to fit any Weaver or MIL STD 1913/Picatinny rails. Additionally the Armasight AIM features lockable, adjustable quick-release levers for easy, quick and reliable mounting and removal.

The Armasight AIM Pro is an excellent choice for those who want a night vision goggle or monocular as well as a NV rifle scope but can’t buy a dedicated NV rifle scope.

Standard AIM Pro fits 1x magnification PVS-14 type monocular goggles such as Armasight N-14, Nyx-14 Pro or Sirius units, while the AIM Pro-L fits units that have 3x or 3x A-focal lenses attached, including the new Armasight Avenger 3x monocular.

Buy online at www.futurama.co.za or call 021 851 3284