PVS-14 Night Vision
If you’ve stumbled on this site there’s a good change you’re looking for night vision equipment. Specifically, the PVS-14 style monocular that covers one eye.
Night Vision Basics
So what exactly is night vision? At a rudimentary level one may say it’s the ability to see at night. This statement is correct to some extent. When you let your eyes adjust to the night this would be considered night vision. Your pupils dilate, and the rods in your retina become the primary source of photon sensitivity. This type of night vision is all natural, can actually be quite good after a few hours of adjustment, and may even be the reason pirates wore an eye patch; to keep night vision in one eye when they ventured from the belly of the ship onto the bright deck. That being said, we’re going to be talking about a different form of night vision; night vision given to us by technology, the technology worn by the military, as well as civilian police forces, hunters, hikers, and even astronomers. This form of night vision uses technology to amplify light thousands of times beyond what even the most night-adapted eye can see.
It can seem a bit daunting when you first begin learning about light amplification night vision devices. Not only is there the basic technology to learn, but there are also all of the specs surrounding the data sheets, different types of units, huge price differences between various units, ITAR regulations, unscrupulous sellers, and even stolen units being sold on occasion. I’m not trying to scare anyone away from night vision, there’s just a learning curve involved when making a big purchase such as a high quality night vision device. That being said, lets get into some details.
Night Vision Info:
Gen3 night vision technology is the latest advancement in night vision optics. It utilizes advanced image intensifier tubes to provide superior resolution and performance in low light environments. Gen3 night vision technology provides users with unprecedented clarity and detail when viewing in total darkness, making it invaluable for military applications as well as civilian law enforcement and hunting applications.
The image intensifier tubes used in Gen3 night vision feature a microchannel plate (MCP) which increases the resolution and brightness of images. This improved performance is one of the main advantages to using Gen3 technology when compared with earlier generations. The MCP also helps reduce the halo effect often seen in older generation night vision devices, which makes for a more pleasant viewing experience.
The optics of Gen3 night vision technology are multi-coated, which increases light transmission and reduces glare from oncoming light sources. This allows for better contrast in low-light environments and improved visibility even in strong ambient light. Additionally, the high quality lenses used in Gen3 technology provide users with excellent depth of field, allowing them to observe objects at both close and far distances without having to adjust the device.
Gen3 night vision technology is designed for durability and long-term use in harsh environments. This means that they are shockproof, waterproof and dustproof, making them suitable for a variety of applications including combat operations and search and rescue missions. Additionally, the technology is designed to withstand recoil from firearms and vibrations from motorized vehicles, so it can be used with confidence even in the harshest of conditions.
Overall, Gen3 night vision technology is an advanced solution for low light environments that provides users with unparalleled performance and clarity. With its robust design and improved image resolution, Gen3 technology is a must-have for anyone looking for the best in night vision optics.
Shop PVS-14 monoculars at OpticsPlanet.com
PVS-14 Night Vision Monocular
I purchased the Gen 3 unit seen here before knowing a lot about PVS-14 units, a risky venture, but everything went ok and I learned a lot along the way. One thing I learned is that some companies build the units to order and other companies have them sitting on shelves ready to go. There has been a huge shortage and long wait times lately for even very reputable companies. It’s slowly getting better. Regardless of wait times, some of the companies that “build to order” claim it’s a benefit and somehow means you’re getting a unit as new as possible. I kind of think that some of the companies doing this are actually resellers and just purchasing the unit themselves when you checkout on their website, that being the true reason of it taking a few months, and not really that the unit is “built to order”. For this reason I recommend OpticsPlanet.com on my website, and get a commission for doing so. Not all companies do this, but it’s hard to tell reputable companies from less reputable companies when you’re just starting out in night vision.
When you really think about it, it shouldn’t take a few months to combine a tube with a housing and nitrogen purge the setup. Maybe 20 minutes, but not months like some of these companies are claiming. Also, having a night vision device on a shelf with no battery inserted will not degrade the tube life at all, so “built to order” simply makes no sense. Just something to think about while searching for night vision. I’ll be sticking with Optics Planet from now on. They are very reputable and ship night vision systems in normal timeframes. That being said, lets get into some more info on the PVS-14.
PVS-14 night vision systems have a few advantages over the other night vision options, as well as a few disadvantages. When I mention other systems I’m primary referring to PVS-7’s and PVS-15’s.
PVS-7 Night Vision Goggles
PVS-7’s were once heavily used by the military but lost out to the newer PVS-14 design for a variety of reasons. Situational awareness by having one eye uncovered was one reason. Another was the decreased weight of PVS-14’s over PVS-7’s, and their ability to be weapons mountable.
Chances are you won’t be using your night vision device in combat so we can focus on what really matters in the civilian world. PVS-14’s are a newer technology. You’re more likely to find new PVS-14’s and if you purchase used you’re more likely to find newer systems than if you go for PVS-7’s.
Are you a stargazer?
If your goal is to look at the stars with your night vision device I would recommend PVS-7’s over a PVS-14 monocular or PVS-15 binocular. It’s simply more enjoyable to have both eyes on the heavens. Also, if you’re mounting your night vision device to a telescope you’ll want a one-tube designed night vision device, thus making PVS-15’s a no-go.
PVS-15 Night Vision
Let’s talk a bit about yet another option, the PVS-15 night vision binocular option. At first glance, these seem like the pinnacle of night vision gear, and for many, they certainly are. These are the dual tube, binocular type night vision devices, which allow for true binocular vision plus depth perception. Having a tube dedicated to each eye gives you a slightly different image in each eye, which allows your brain to calculate distance as it normally would. These devices are great when depth perception is a must, such as flying helicopters at night, driving, piloting an airplane, or any other task where depth perception is a must. That’s not to say that your brain can’t use other cues for gauging distance, and people certainly have driven with PVS-7’s and PVS-14’s. PVS-15’s just make it easier. Unfortunately, they come at a price. Since the major cost of night vision is the tube itself, and PVS-15’s require two tubes, you can expect to pay roughly double what a PVS-14 would cost.
A common practice is to purchase a PVS-14 and then down the road purchase another PVS-14 and use a bridge to connect the two. I wouldn’t recommend this method because it ends up heavier and more cumbersome than just selling your original PVS-14 and putting the money towards a dedicated PVS-15.
PVS-14 Night Vision Monoculars
Now that we’ve gotten the other options out of the way lets talk more about the highly regarded PVS-14 monocular. The advantages of owning a PVS-14 over the other two options are lighter weight than either the PVS-7 or PVS-15, lower cost than the PVS-15, newer technology than the PVS-7, weapons mountable, and most accessories available.
I can understate the weight factor. When you’re walking around all night with either a helmet mount or the skull crusher, you’ll appreciate not having the extra weight of a dual-eye device.
Another benefit of PVS-14 over PVS-7 is the ability to retain situational awareness with your second eye. As you can see from the image above, PVS-7 units cover both eyes. Situational awareness is crucial for military applications, but also can apply for civilian uses. For example, you’re in the woods before dawn, the sun is about to rise, and because both of your eyes are covered you don’t realize you can see perfectly well without night vision. Another reason to leave one eye unaided is the small 40 degree view provided by both PVS-14 and PVS-7 units. Having one eye unaided leaves your other eye an unobstructed view.
Below are typical items found in a PVS-14 kit, plus a 3x magnification lens, J-arm, scull crusher, and iphone adapter. An iphone adapter is great for taking pics through the monocular.
Parts of a PVS-14 Monocular
There are two main parts to a PVS-14 Monocular, the tube and the housing. The tube is where the light amplification takes place and is the most expensive part of the device. The housing is considered every else. It consists of the primary objective lens, the compartment to house the tube, the rear optics, battery compartment, IR illuminator, and all of the circuitry that makes the unit work. Focus occurs by rotating the front objective lens. The rear diopter is used to correct for problems with the wearers vision, in the same way a normal monocular or pair of binoculars work. Next we’ll look into each of these parts in more detail:
1) The Lens System – The lens system consists of an objective lens and an eyepiece lens. The objective lens gathers light from the environment and focuses it onto the image intensifier tube. The eyepiece then magnifies the light for a clearer image.
2) An Image Intensifier Tube – This hi-tech tube is at the heart of the PVS-14 monocular, converting small amounts of light into an electric signal. The tube is also designed to reduce image distortion and increase resolution as well as brightness.
3) An Infrared Illuminator – This component works in tandem with the image intensifier tube to provide additional illumination for night vision viewing when natural light sources are not available.
4) A Power Source – The monocular requires an external power source, typically a CR123A 3V battery. This provides the necessary energy to operate the image intensifier tube and infrared illuminator.
5) An Adjustable Mount – This component allows for easy adjustment of the lens system and infrared illuminator in relation to the user’s face.
The underside of PVS-14 units are threaded to accept a J-arm for mounting to headgear.
If mounting to a weapon it’s important to know the largest caliber weapon your particular unit can withstand. Not all PVS-14’s are created equally and many of the units sold for civilian use may not be up to the standards of military equipment.Civilian use brings up another point. Many companies make night vision monoculars that are not PVS-14 units but function similarly and are often less expensive than PVS-14 units. These can be viable options if you don’t need a military grade housing. They are often still waterproof but not made to be weapons mountable. Companies that make these types of devices include ATN and Armasight. Keep in mind that any accessory you own for a PVS-14 will probably not work with these units as they typically employ proprietary mounting systems. Check that whatever accessory you may want actually exist for the type of unit you are purchasing if not a PVS-14.
Autogated vs non-autogated
This next topic is something I’ve found to have a bit of controversy surrounding it. Basically, do you need autogating? An autogated tube is one that cycles on and off extremely fast to prevent lights from blooming and to potentially extend the life of the tube. The idea is that if the tube is cycled off when in the presence of a strong light source, it will experience electron saturation for a lesser amount of time. This cycling can be heard as a high pitch hum and how loud it is depends on the particular unit you purchase. I’ve used some night vision devices where it was barely noticeable and others where it was pretty loud.
Most newer high-end night vision monoculars will come autogated but some will not. Whether you want autogating really depends on your use for the device. Will you be mounting your device to a firearm and the device will constantly be exposed to muzzle flash? In that case I’d pay a little extra and get an autogated tube. Are you a stargazer and always using your night vision device in very dark conditions? If that’s the case you probably don’t need an autogated tube.
Gen 1 Vs. Gen 2 Vs. Gen 3
When I first got into night vision I was under the assumption that gen 1 was old gear and gen 3 was the newest. This may be true from a technological standpoint but gen 1 and 2 devices are still manufactured today. They are even making improvements to gen 1 and gen 2 technology that are greatly improving their usability over gen 1 and 2 units of the past. You may see something like Gen 2+, where the unit is coming close to gen 3 viewability without the pricey internals of Gen 3 gear.
To better understand the three generations of night vision we’ll need to get a bit more technical. A night vision device works by turning photons (light) into electrons, amplifying those electrons, and then turning them back into light. The parts that make this work are a photocathode (turns light into electrons), a microchannel plate (amplifies the electrons), and a phosphorus screen (turns those electrons back into light).
Gen 1 technology’s ability to amplify light is limited. The introduction of the micro-channel plate came with Gen 2 technology. Gen 3 technology introduced a layer of gallium arsenide to the photocathode, vastly improving the conversion of light to electrons. Gen 3 tech also includes a film layer on the microchannel plate, protecting the plate from degradation. These advances not only improve the amount of light amplification and clarity of the image, but they also vastly extend the useful life of the tube. A Gen 3 tube will have a useful life of between 10,000 and 15,000 hours of use; whereas a gen 1 tube may last approximately 1000 hours, and a Gen 2 tube could have a useful life of 5000 hours.
I look at tube life as a commodity, once it’s gone it’s gone. For me it makes sense to spend a little more for Gen 3 devices and get 15,000 hours of life out of them. For most users that’ll suffice for many years, if not a lifetime.
Thick-filmed Vs. Thin-filmed Vs. Filmless
Thick-filmed devices are typically the older gen 3 devices. They’ll never be listed as thick-filmed, they simply won’t be designated thin-filmed or filmless. Clarity is still great. They generally won’t be autogated, but they’ll be less expensive than thin-filmed and filmless. I’m not entirely convinced that filmless night vision has no film, but whatever the magic inside, filmless night vision equipment represents the best of the best. It’s often touted as Gen 4 night vision, and while technically speaking, there is no Gen 4 designation, I can understand the desire to call filmless technology Gen 4. But it’s really just the best Gen 3. And by best I mean the clearest image.
Thin-Filmed Night Vision
Thin-film night vision involves an additional microscopic film layer within the image intensifier tube. This layer, usually made of ion-barrier film, is positioned on the microchannel plate (MCP).
Benefits:
Longevity: The film protects the MCP, leading to a longer lifespan for the tube.
Cost-Effectiveness: Generally less expensive than filmless versions, making it accessible for a wider range of users.
Reliability: Proven track record in various applications, including military use.
Limitations:
Reduced Light Amplification: The film can slightly reduce the amount of light amplified.
Lower Resolution: Image quality and resolution may not be as high as filmless systems.
Filmless Night Vision
Filmless night vision removes the ion-barrier film, allowing direct interaction between the light photons and the MCP.
Benefits:
Enhanced Image Quality: Higher resolution and clarity, especially in very low-light conditions.
Increased Light Amplification: More efficient photon to electron conversion, leading to brighter images.
Better Contrast: Improved ability to discern details and contrast in dark environments.
Advantages Over Thin-Filmed Technology:
Superior Performance: Generally provides superior performance in extremely dark conditions.
Advanced Technology: Represents the latest advancement in night vision technology.
Preferred by Professionals: Often the choice for military and law enforcement due to its enhanced capabilities.
Why Choose Filmless Night Vision?
Performance in Extreme Darkness: Unmatched ability to provide clear images in almost pitch-black conditions.
Long-Term Investment: Although more expensive, the superior performance justifies the cost for serious users.
Technological Edge: Utilizes cutting-edge technology, offering an advantage in professional and tactical situations.
Choosing between thin-filmed and filmless night vision depends on the user’s needs, budget, and the intended application. For casual use or when budget is a concern, thin-filmed night vision is a reliable choice. However, for users requiring the highest performance in low-light conditions, filmless night vision is unrivaled.
Tube Grades
If you’ve been looking around for a night vision device you’ve probably come across terms like “Blemish Spec”, or “Grade A”, or “Hand-Selected”. What all of this means is whether or not there are occlusions in the tube; spots, flecks, dots, or other abnormalities that may get in the way of a clean image.The manufacturing process of night vision tubes is kind of “hit-or-miss” when it comes to occlusions. The tubes that have no blemishes are given high grades and are sold for a premium. Blemish grade tubes command lower prices. Some manufactures will list a description of the particular blemish for a particular tube being sold. Other manufactures will have a grading system with some type of disclaimer stating that blemishes are part of the manufacturing process. As a rule of thumb, a grade “A” tube should not have any large blemishes and any blemishes that are visible should be small and near the edge of the field of view.
Reading Tube Spec Sheets
Understanding how to read the spec sheet for gen3 night vision is key in order to make an informed purchase decision. To start, it is important to know the two main ratings that are associated with gen3 devices: Photon Sensitivity and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).Photon Sensitivity measures the amount of light (in photons) needed for the device to detect an image, with lower numbers indicating better performance. It is measured in μA/lm and can range from 1 to 1000 μA/lm.
SNR measures the ratio between the signal and noise levels within a night vision device, with higher numbers indicating better performance. It is measured in dB and can range from 20 to 45 dB.
The spec sheet should also include information about the type of image intensifier tube (IIT) used in the device, such as whether it is manual or gated gain control, and its generation level. Manual gain control allows the user to adjust the brightness and contrast of the image for better visibility, while gated gain control prevents images from becoming too bright or dark. It is important to note that gen3 IITs are not necessarily better than those used in previous generations, as different manufacturers use varied levels of technology within their devices.
Finally, it is essential to pay attention to the resolution (in lines per millimeter, or lp/mm) and the field of view (FOV) of the device. Resolution indicates how clearly an image can be seen, with higher numbers indicating better performance. FOV is a measure of how wide an area can be observed at one time, with larger FOVs being better suited for surveillance applications.
By understanding these key elements on the spec sheet, you can make an informed decision when purchasing a gen3 night vision device. Knowing which factors are important will help you choose the product that best suits your needs.
White Phosphorus Vs. Green Phosphorus
This has always been kind of a sticking point for me. White and green phosphorus shouldn’t have a price difference and yet they do. As in most high priced items, there is always some room for artificial price inflation. Green was the color originally chosen for night vision devices because green is the color our eyes are most sensitive to, and therefore made sense back when the precursor to the starlight scope was being invented. Green kind of stuck and now white phosphorus is touted as the latest and greatest thing, and hence the premium for the price. Studies have found that the color produced by white phosphorus leads to less eye strain over time. That’s something the casual user is never going to experience. Personally, I find that I am less blinded by green phosphor. Meaning that when I take the unit off I’m not completely blind in that eye from rods and cones being saturated. For that reason I’d rather night vision be red phosphorus. Only halfway joking but I always switch my thermal monocular palette to red for that exact reason.So, is white phosphorus a must? Not really. Green is perfectly fine. I’ve heard of people purchasing gen 2 units because they were white phosphorus when for the same price they could have gotten a gen 3 green phosphorus monocular. They’re really doing themselves a disservice putting that much weight on the color of the image versus the more important tube generation.
ITAR Regulations
It is important to remember that gen3 night vision units cannot leave the United States without proper registration and licensing. Most night vision companies will have you sign a form stating that you will comply with ITAR regulations, before they will sell you a night vision device. ITAR regulations are incredibly important to consider when exporting night vision devices, or even needing to travel outside the United States with night vision. ITAR, otherwise known as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, is enforced by the U.S. Department of State and regulates the export of military items, technology and services around the world. It applies to any device that has been developed for a military purpose or has a dual use, meaning it can be used for both military and commercial applications. Night vision devices fall under this category of dual-use technology, as they are often used in surveillance or defense operations.The ITAR regulations stipulate that all night vision devices must be registered with the U.S. Department of State before export can take place. This registration process requires the exporter to submit certain information about the device, including its name and description, a statement of intended end use, and the details of any agreements related to the transfer or sale of the device. Once registered, a license must be obtained before any export can take place. Licenses are granted on a case-by-case basis and the exporter must submit an application that includes detailed information regarding the device being exported, its intended use, and a statement of end-user.
Exporters who fail to comply with ITAR regulations risk serious penalties, including fines, prison sentences and seizure of the devices in question. It is therefore essential for exporters of night vision devices to ensure that they comply with all ITAR regulations when exporting their products. Compliance begins by researching and understanding the applicable regulations and registering any devices before attempting to export them.
By familiarizing oneself with ITAR regulations and complying with them, exporters can be sure that the sale or transfer of their night vision devices is in line with international laws and regulations. This will help to protect their interests, as well as those of the countries they are exporting to, allowing for a smoother and more efficient process.
In conclusion, ITAR regulations are essential for exporters of night vision devices to consider when exporting their products. By researching and understanding the applicable regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses and registrations, exporters can be sure that their activities are compliant with international laws. This will help to ensure a smooth and successful export process.
(Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.)
Companies in the Night Vision Game
The current landscape of night vision technology is dominated by a few key players, with L3Harris and Elbit Systems being the most notable in the production of top-of-the-line night vision tubes.
L3Harris is renowned for its high-resolution tubes, exemplified by models like the 1610 Tubes / 2376+ FOM models of PVS-31A, BNVD 1531, and the TNV/PVS-14 L3 HARRIS GEN3. These models offer a minimum resolution of 64 to 72 lp/mm, making them highly desirable for their image clarity and detail. Additionally, L3 tubes are known for their high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) values, an important metric that indicates the quality of the image produced. For example, the 20UM/UA (2000 Series) and 22UM/UA (2200 Series) from L3 have SNR values of 28 and 30, respectively. However, it's worth noting that L3 tubes can be quite expensive.
on the other hand, Elbit Systems offers tubes like the Elbit YH (MIL-SPEC), Elbit VH (Aviator), and XLSH (Commercial), with resolution values typically at a minimum of 64 lp/mm and SNR values ranging from 24 to 28. Elbit tubes are generally more cost-effective compared to L3 tubes and are noted for their lower Equivalent Background Illumination (EBI) and Halo values, which are advantageous in certain night vision applications. However, they may exhibit slightly more noise in the image compared to L3 tubes.
While both L3 and Elbit provide high-quality night vision capabilities, the choice between them often comes down to specific needs like resolution, SNR, cost, and other tube specifications. Other notable companies in the market include FLIR Systems, Lockheed Martin, Thales Group, Photonis, Fluke Corporation, BAE Systems, and Wuhan Guide Infrared Co., Ltd. Each of these companies contributes to the diversity and advancement of night vision technology, catering to various applications from military to industrial uses.
While L3Harris and Elbit Systems are the frontrunners in the night vision tube market, other companies also play significant roles. The selection of the right night vision tube depends largely on the specific requirements and budget of the user.