Operator’s Manual
NIGHT VISION
MONOCULAR / GOGGLES
NVS 14
2331 Superior Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
105 Sparks Ave., Toronto, ON, M2H 2S5, Canada
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Read prior to activation.
You have purchased a sophisticated electronic device. To
operate it properly, please read this manual carefully.
Ignoring operation procedures described in this manual will
void your warranty.
•
•
NEVER disassemble the unit. This device contains a source
of high voltage, which may be hazardous to your health.
NEVER open objective lens of an active unit in bright light,
including daylight. At daytime objective lens must be
covered by caps. A tiny hole in each cap provides enough
light for daytime testing.
•
NEVER aim active unit at intense light sources, such as
lights, headlamps, campfires, the Moon, etc.
•
•
•
•
•
NEVER reverse the polarity of a battery.
NEVER connect the unit to external power sources.
ALWAYS remove battery when not in use for a long period.
ALWAYS keep the objective lenses covered when not in use.
ALWAYS store in a warm dry place.
iii
Precautions
NVS 14 is a sophisticated precise optical instrument equipped
with electronics. It should be handled with due care:
•
•
•
Unit contains fragile components. Avoid impacts, dust,
moisture and sharp changes of temperature.
Do not touch the optical surfaces other than for cleaning.
Doing so may damage the anti-reflection coating.
Clean optical surfaces with professional lens cleaning
supplies.
•
•
Use only a soft clean cloth to clean the exterior of the device.
Keep away from sources of heat, such as heating appliances,
sunlight or central heating.
•
•
•
Switch off the unit and remove the battery during the
extended periods of non-operation.
Do not apply excessive force or pressure to the lens assembly,
movable parts and thread connections.
Small dark and/or light points may be seen in the field of
view due to considerable optical magnification of the
eyepiece. This does not affect the operational abilities of the
device.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW .................................................................... 3
2. DELIVERY SET.............................................................. 5
2.1
Optional accessories.............................................. 5
3. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................... 6
4. UNIT DESIGN................................................................. 7
5. IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBE SPECIFICATIONS........ 8
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Main parameters.................................................... 8
Spatial frequency-contrast characteristics (MTF) . 9
Field of view cleanness....................................... 10
Schematic drawing.............................................. 11
6. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS ................................... 12
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
Installing battery ................................................. 12
Switching the Unit on ......................................... 12
Switching the Unit off......................................... 13
Adjusting to individual vision............................. 13
Focusing.............................................................. 14
Auto shut OFF at bright light.............................. 14
Using the Unit with head gear or helmet............. 15
Swinging Unit for unobstructed view ................. 16
Using IR illuminator ........................................... 16
6.10 Installation of add-on lenses................................ 17
6.11 Using the camera / video adapter........................ 17
1
6.12 Demist shield and sacrificial window ................. 18
6.13 Using the helmet mount ...................................... 18
6.14 Mounting on a rifle ............................................. 20
6.15 Binocular configuration ...................................... 22
7. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................. 23
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
The device does not switch ON .......................... 23
Image is unclear .................................................. 23
Image flashes ...................................................... 23
Condensation accumulates on the parts .............. 23
Decreased of no visibility.................................... 23
8. WARRANTY................................................................. 24
9. CUSTOMER SUPPORT ............................................... 25
10. ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE ................................... 26
2
1. OVERVIEW
NVS 14 (the Unit) is an optoelectronic monocular, intended for
observation of objects and orientation at night or under dark
conditions. The Unit is equipped with a generation 2+ or 3
image intensifier tube, which amplifies low light, such as
moonlight, starlight or man-made light.
Add-on lens can be attached to the Unit to increase
magnification.
Two Units can be combined to form a two-eye optical system
with the help of an optional bridge.
Unit can be mounted on a helmet, head gear, weapon or used as a
standalone monocular.
Some typical activities where NVS 14 can be useful:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Law enforcement
Wildlife observation
Security
Search and rescue
Hunting
Dark room photography (connected to a camera)
Features
•
Built-in infrared illuminator allows observation in total
darkness (i.e. basement, cave or dark room);
•
•
Helmet mount (optional) allows combatant operations
Weapon mount (optional) allows night shooting
3
•
•
Flip/flop mechanism provides for unobstructed vision
when the Unit is mounted on head gear or helmet
Optional bridge allows combining two monocular units
into a binocular instrument
•
•
•
Waterproof design (2 meter deep immersion for 2 hours)
Soft rubber eyecup makes viewing comfortable
Unit can be connected to photo or video camera
Please read all the instructions carefully before using.
Manufacturer reserves the right to introduce minor design
changes without notice.
4
2. DELIVERY SET
Standard* Delivery Set includes:
Quantity
NVS 14 unit
Arm mount
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
Head gear set
Lens cap / Battery cover
Manual
Lens cleaning kit
Carrying bag (soft)
AA Battery
2.1
Optional accessories
US mount clip
Bridge
Demist shield
Hard case
Sacrificial window
3x add-on lens
5x add-on lens
Warranty card
Lens brush
Camera adapter
Helmet mount
Weapon mount
*Exact Delivery Set is subject to the specific contract terms.
5
3. SPECIFICATIONS
NVS 14
1x lens
NVS 14
3x lens
Image intensifier tube
Magnification
18 mm, standard ANVIS type
1x
40°
3x
Field of view
13°
3-∞
Focus range, m
0.25-∞
Exit pupil diameter, mm
Eye relief, mm
20
30
Dioptric correction
± 5
3V CR-123 Lithium battery, 1 pc.
or
Power supply
1.5 V AA Alkaline battery, 1 pc.
40 hours with I/R
Battery life, hours
80 hours without I/R
Size, mm
115x42x62
300
202x64x72
540
Weight, monocular only, g
NOTE: Due to continuous design improvements parameters
may vary from those given above.
6
4. UNIT DESIGN
5
9
8
6
1
4
7
FIGURE 1
10
3
2
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
On / Off and IR illuminator switch
Infrared illuminator and light sensor
Objective lens with lens cup
Eyepiece with eyecup
6.
Battery compartment cover
with battery type adapter
7.
8.
9.
Battery compartment
Tightening screw
Release button
Head gear
10. Dove tail platform
7
5. IMAGE INTENSIFIER TUBE
SPECIFICATIONS
The Unit utilizes a small size inverting image intensifier with
direct image transfer. The tube contains a microchannel plate,
multi-alkaline metal S-25 (NC tube type) or GaAs (N3 tube type)
photocathode, yellow-green screen and built-in electronic high
voltage DC to DC converter. The input window is made of flat
surface glass. The output window is a concave fibre optics
element with 180° image rotation.
Both tube types are manufactured in two grades HD (High
Definition) or XT (eXTreme performance).
5.1
Main parameters
Image Intensifier type
Photocathode operating diameter, mm
Photocathode type
NCXT3631IC N3XT3631IC
18
S-25
GaAs
Resolution, lines/mm
45-57 (HD) / 57-72 (XT)
Photocathode sensitivity, min:
Integral, μA/ lm
500-750
35
1200-2100
45
Spectral at λ = 850 nm, mA/W
Tube light amplification, fl/fc, min
Image magnification
30,000
1
Dark background brightness, max, cd/m2
1⋅10 −3
8
Image Intensifier type
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), min
Current consumption, max, mA
Voltage, V
NCXT3631IC N3XT3631IC
18-28
25
18-24
30
2.8±0.8
31.1
Length, mm
Diameter, mm
36.7
Tube life until parameters degrade, hrs
Storage time, years
10,000
15
Operating temperature range, °C
-50…+55
5.2
Spatial frequency-contrast characteristics (MTF)
Frequency,
lp/mm
HD grade
(low resolution)
XT grade
(high resolution)
2.5
7.5
0.89
0.68
0.40
0.92
0.80
0.58
15.0
9
5.3
Field of view cleanness
Zone by
diameter,
mm
Maximum diameter of defects
Permitted total
area of defects,
mm2
Neglected
Permitted
Qty
∅, mm
0.12
0 – 9.0
0.06
0.08
0.10
1
2
2
0.10
0.20
0.35
9.0 - 14.4
14.4 -18.0
0.18
0.20
10
5.4
Schematic drawing
11
6. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
6.1
Installing battery
Unit is supplied with battery not installed.
Prior to installing the battery, make sure the switch (1) is in the
OFF position and the lens cap is on.
The unit can operate on either AA Alkaline or CR-123 Lithium
battery. Lithium battery provides approximately twice longer
battery life and better performance at low temperatures.
To install battery unscrew the battery compartment cover (6).
When using CR-123 Lithium type battery, remove the battery
type adapter. Observe the correct polarity indicated on the
housing. Put the battery in and screw the battery cover back on.
6.2
Switching the Unit on
In daytime put on the lens cap with the daylight filter prior to
switching on.
To check if the Unit is operational switch it ON (rotate switch (1)
clockwise) and look through eyepiece (4). You should see
greenish-lit screen. If the screen is not lit check the battery.
When the Unit is ON through the eyepiece user may see either
one or two circular indicators (Fig. 2). When not active they are
hardly noticeable. Bright yellow or flashing red spot indicate low
battery voltage. For uninterrupted operation keep a fresh battery
ready and replace it on time. Bright red indicator reminds the
user that the IR illuminator is on (for more details see 6.9).
12
In daytime with lens cup on it is normal to observe a fuzzy
image. Switching on night
vision device in daytime
is intended for testing
purposes only.
The rotating switch has
four positions: “Off”,
“Auto”, “On”, “IR”. In
Auto mode the monocular
will turn off automatically
in the upright position.
This mode saves battery
life and allows avoiding
greenish shadow on the
face, which may disclose
the user.
FIGURE 2
IR illuminator indicator (red,
left), Low battery indicator
(yellow, right, optional)
Note: The “Auto” switch position is optional.
6.3 Switching the Unit off
After you finished using the device, turn it off by rotating switch
(1) to OFF position. Put protective lens cap on the lens. Remove
the battery from the battery compartment to avoid any damage of
the device in case of electrolyte leakage.
6.4
Adjusting to individual vision
Turn on the device. Direct the device to an object placed within
8-15m from the viewer. Obtain the sharpest image possible on
13
the eyepiece screen focusing the eyepiece lens (4, Fig. 1) and
then the objective lens (3, Fig. 1).
6.5
Focusing
To obtain sharp image on other distance adjust the lens focus (3,
Fig. 1) leaving eyepiece setting intact. You should be able to
obtain a sharp image for distances from 2-10m to infinity.
If you wear eyeglasses or NBC protective mask, you may like to
fold the rubber eyecup.
6.6
Auto shut OFF at bright light
The NVS14 monocular has a built-in high light sensor located
near the IR illuminator (2, Fig. 1). This sensor shuts the
monocular off after about 45 second exposure to light exceeding
10-1 lux level.
To reset the monocular switch it off and then back to on as
described in 6.3 and 6.2.
High-light shut-off feature does not mean that the unit will react
to occasional flashes or bright spots. It protects the tube against
excessive light exposure only.
Note: The Auto shut OFF feature is optional.
14
6.7
Using the Unit with head gear or helmet
The Unit is supplied with head gear (5, Fig. 1). Prior to using
head gear adjust its straps so that the head gear fits head
comfortably but firmly and does not slide when you are moving.
The Unit is attached to the head gear with a swing arm mount (1,
Fig. 3). To attach the arm mount to the head gear loosen the
tightening screw (8, Fig. 1) on head gear, slide helmet groove (2,
6
Technical
drawing of US
clip mount
1
2
3
5
4
FIGURE 3
1.
2.
3.
“Swing arm” mount
4.
5.
6.
Unit groove
Flip button
Grooved pad
Locking knob
US clip mount
Fig. 3) onto the rail, and then tighten the screw.
To attach monocular to the arm turn the knob (3, Fig. 3), slide
arm groove (4) along the dove tail platform of the monocular (10,
Fig. 1), and then release the knob.
15
To set comfortable eye-relief (the distance between your eye and
the eyepiece), loosen tightening screw (8, Fig. 1) on the head
gear and move the unit, then tighten the locking screw.
To use the Unit with PASGT head and helmet mount unscrew
the grooved pad (2, Fig. 3) from the swing arm mount and screw
on the US type clip (6, Fig. 3) instead using four screws (Fig. 3).
US type helmet clip is optional and must be ordered specially.
To switch between left and right eye, press the flip button (5, Fig.
3) on the mount and rotate it respectively until click.
6.8
Swinging Unit for unobstructed view
When mounted unit is not in use you can raise it to clear the view
without taking the head gear off by using the “flip/flop” feature.
To swing the unit from the view press the button (5, Fig. 3) and
raise the device up, until you hear a click.
In “Auto” position of the switch, the monocular will turn off
automatically. Reverse the operation for working position.
6.9
Using IR illuminator
In case of insufficient light when observing a close object turn on
the IR illuminator by turning the switch (1).
Red indicator visible through eyepiece will warn you that the IR
illuminator is on.
Note: The IR illuminator is visible to anybody with a night
vision device and can disclose the user’s presence.
16
6.10
Installation of add-on lenses.
Always make sure that the monocular is switched off when
you put on or pull off the add-on lens.
FIGURE 4
NVS 14 with attached 5x lens
Note: The following procedure is identical for 3x or 5x lenses
(or any other add-on lenses).
Turn off the monocular. Remove the rubber lens cap. Put the lens
on top of the monocular and press it firmly towards the eyepiece.
Do not apply excessive pressure. Make sure that the lens is fixed
well on the monocular. To return the monocular back to 1x
magnification, pull the lens off.
6.11
Using the camera / video adapter
Before using the (optional) adapters, remove the rubber eyepiece
carefully.
17
The adapter (Fig. 5) consists of 2
rings:
a) Camera adapter is 52x1 mm. It
fits the filter lens thread of
various cameras, e.g. Nikon.
b) Video adapter is 37x1mm. It fits
Sony cameras and some others.
FIGURE 5
If our adapter does not fit your
camera obtain a proper step up / step
down rings.
Camera / Video adapter
6.12
Demist shield and sacrificial window
Note: Demist Shield and Sacrificial Window are optional.
Sacrificial window protects the objective lens from the abrasive
influence of sand and dust at night time. It should be put on the
objective lens like an objective cap with the daylight filter.
Demist shield filter protects the eyepiece against fogging. To
install it fold the eyecup to the very bottom to get the full access
to the thread, and screw the filter gently onto the eyepiece.
6.13
Using the helmet mount
The Unit can be equipped with an optional helmet mount.
This mount can be customized to fit a wide range of
existing helmet models.
The mount is attached to a helmet with stripes.
18
The unit is fixed to the mount by a locking screw (1) (Fig.
6). To adjust the position of the Unit to your eye level use
the screw (4). To adjust the eye relief first loosen locking
screw (1) and set a comfortable distance between the eyes
and the eyepiece; then tighten the locking screw back.
You can fixate the unit in three predetermined positions: vertical,
horizontal, and 15-20 degrees above horizontal. Although the
relative angles between these positions cannot be changed, the
starting point can be adjusted by screws (3). If you loosen them,
you can rotate the flip-flop mechanism to find the suitable
starting point. Tighten the screws (3) after the adjustment.
You can raise the Unit for unobstructed view without taking the
helmet off. To do so press (and hold) the button (2) and rotate the
FIGURE 6
1.
locking screw
3.
4.
flip-flop adjusting screws
mount binding screw
2.
flip/flop button
4
1
2
3
19
Unit until you hear a click.
All other operations with the Unit mounted on a helmet are
identical to those with the head gear.
6.14
Mounting on a rifle
The Unit can be mounted on a rifle with Picatinny (MIL-STD-
1913) mount adapter. The optical axle of the monocular
coincides with the rifle’s Picatinny rail. Although the Unit does
not contain a reticle and cannot be used as an independent
riflescope, being mounted behind regular riflescope or red-dot
reticle, it gives you an opportunity to aim your target in the night
remaining invisible for the opposite side.
FIGURE 7. NVS 14
with Picatinny adapter.
Two types of weapon mounts are available. The type shown on
Fig. 7 has two screws with large grooved heads for convenient
tightening. They attach the monocular to the mount and attach it
to the Picatinny rail.
Note: Over tightening the screws may damage the thread.
20
The ‘Quick Release’ model (Fig 8) utilizes a latch with a spring
and patented accu-torque screw. You can attach and detach your
monocular within a few seconds. The accu-torque screw fixes the
mount with predefined torque thus protecting the thread from
accidental over tightening damage.
The advantages of the ‘Quick Release’ mount are:
“Accu-torque”
screw
Latch with spring
FIGURE 8
Quick Release adapter
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
Quick removal and installation of the device;
‘Fool proof’ construction;
Increased reliability.
The ‘Quick Release’ mount does not provide tight fixation. It
does not influence shooting because the monocular acts only as a
viewer, while the reticle, which determines shooting accuracy, is
fixed in a daytime part of the set.
21
6.15
Binocular configuration
Two Units can be combined to form a two-eye construction with
the help of an optional bridge. Lens can be attached to form a
binocular optical system.
To form a double-unit system use the dove tail platform (10,
Fig.1) located on both sides of the Unit. These platforms are
identical. The tightening screw (8) locks monoculars to the
bridge. You can use the double-eye construction in a goggle
(mounted on a head gear) or hand held configuration.
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10
Binocular configuration
Binocular configuration with
attached 3x lenses
In the two-eye configuration the interpupilary distance between
the eyepieces can be adjusted between 58 and 72 mm.
22
7. TROUBLESHOOTING
7.1
The device does not switch ON
Check if the battery is properly installed.
Check the battery charge. Replace battery if necessary.
7.2
Image is unclear
Check if the lenses are foggy or dusty. Clean if necessary.
If the image is still not focused – adjust eyepieces; see 6.4 and
6.5 for details.
7.3
Image flashes
Image may flash during the first two minutes after activation. It
may continue flashing if exposed to too much light (even with
the lens caps on!)
7.4
Condensation accumulates on the parts
When the unit is brought from the cold into a warm environment
internal condensation may appear. Unit has to warm up for up to
two hours to regain full operational capacity.
7.5
Decreased of no visibility
Bright light sources (moon, projectors or headlights) may cause
visibility to degrade or even completely disappear. Move the
device away from the light source immediately. The image will
restore within two minutes.
Poor atmospheric conditions such as fog, haze or extremely dark
environments will decrease the visibility.
23
8. WARRANTY
NEWCON warrants this product against defects in material and
workmanship for one year from the date of the original purchase,
but no more than 18 months from the date of manufacturing.
Longer warranty is available, subject to the terms of the specific
sales contract. Should your Newcon product prove to be
defective during this period, please deliver the product securely
packaged in its original container or an equivalent, along with the
proof of the original purchase date, to your Newcon Dealer.
Newcon will repair (or at its option replace with the same or
comparable model), the product or part thereof, which, on
inspection by Newcon, is found to be defective in materials or
workmanship.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover:
NEWCON is not responsible for warranty service should the
product fail as a result of improper maintenance, misuse, abuse,
improper installation, neglect, damage caused by disasters such
as fire, flooding, lightning, improper power supply, or service
other than by a NEWCON Authorized Service.
Postage, insurance, and shipping costs incurred while presenting
your NEWCON product for warranty service are your
responsibility.
If shipping from North America please include a cheque or
money order payable to NEWCON OPTIK for the amount of
$15.00 to cover handling and return shipping.
24
9. CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Should you experience any difficulties with your Newcon Optik
product, consult this manual first. If the problem remains, contact
our Customer Support Department at +1(416) 663-6963 or toll
free at 1-877-368-6666 (North America only). Our operating
hours are 9am-5pm, Monday - Friday, Eastern Standard Time.
Under no circumstances should the equipment be sent to
Newcon without authorisation by of our technical support
department. Newcon accepts no responsibility for
unauthorized returns.
To locate NEWCON Authorized Dealer call:
+1(416) 663-6963 or fax +1(416) 663-9065
Email: [email protected]
The defective products should be shipped to:
From USA only:
2331 Superior Ave. Cleveland, OH 44114, USA
From all other countries:
105 Sparks Ave., Toronto, ON
M2H 2S5, CANADA
25
10. ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE
Image Intensifier Tube serial number: _____________________
Minimum
45
Measured
Resolution, lines/mm
Photocathode sensitivity, integral,
μA/lm
500
Light amplification
30,000
Date of production:__________________________________
Quality Inspector signature: ___________________________
26
NIGHT VISION DEVICE
NVS 14-2/HD
NVS 14-2/XT
NVS 14-3/HD
NVS 14-3/XT
Unit serial number: _________________________________
The unit complies with all technical specifications and has
passed the inspection.
Date of production: _________________________________
Quality Inspector signature: __________________________
Quality Assurance Seal
27
NEWCON OPTIK ™ 2008
Printed in Canada
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