Does NV see IR?

[D.Smitty]

I have a question...not exactly airsoft related. 

I've been trying to find a night vision option that does not require head-mounted NVGs for big $$$ and the possibility of the lens getting hit (not that it's a big issue...it's more the $$$).

I've got a Yukon NV scope that looks pretty sweet, but the light amplification is minimal.  Tell me, do most NV goggles use IR flashlights or something like that to see, or do I just have a crappy scope?  The scope I have has a non-functional IR laser, so I ASSUME that it sees into the IR range.

The reason I ask is because I have also procured an IR flashlight that I was planning to mount as well, but I don't see anything with the light set to "on" with my eyes OR though the scope.  Was I wrong to assume that NV sees IR or do I just have a broken flashlight?

[Chippy]

Use your phone camera to look at the flashlight to tell if it is broken.

[D.Smitty]

well, crud, I have a broken flashlight..and after I bought those expensive 123 batteries, too....

[Chippy]

Also, just to make sure your camera can pick up the IR, look at a tv remote or something that uses IR. Most phone cameras should be able to pick it up but I have had one that couldn't.

[D.Smitty]

Also, just to make sure your camera can pick up the IR, look at a tv remote or something that uses IR. Most phone cameras should be able to pick it up but I have had one that couldn't.

Yep, it's the flashlight...probably broke in shipping.

[Chippy]

If it isn't covered in the warranty, you could replace the lights.

I may be making NVGs sometime within the next month so if I have some spare IR lights, you could have them.
I am not exactly sure when I will have the time or money to make the NVGs but I'll send you a pm when I have the IR lights.

[82dcustomer]

yes nv sees IR and you have a crappy scope comparatively.  The amplified flashlight should improve the scope, but it will make you a beacon to those with gen 3.

[D.Smitty]

yes nv sees IR and you have a crappy scope comparatively.  The amplified flashlight should improve the scope, but it will make you a beacon to those with gen 3.

Do you say crappy scope because you know the brand or because of what I describe?

Believe me, I would LOVE some gen 3s, but don't those run $2500+?  Even gen 2s run in the low 1000s, do they not?  If you know where I could find some secondhand, don't be afraid to say so!

Flashlight or not, won't I be a beacon to those with gen 3s no matter what I do?

[kg4chm]

What he is saying is that gen1 night vision pretty much sucks.....regardless of brand.

[Hatch]

Gen 1 = Better than none

[Echo1 Operator]

Gen 1 = Better than none

Maybe for messing around in the dark around your house.  Gen 1 NV is a waste of money.

[SteevoLS]

^ What he said. Gen 1 NVGs could be compared to running around with vaseline over your goggles and a green flashlight.

[Black Fox]

I have used Gen1's a few times and without some type of backlighting the objects are way to dark until you are up close. I mean its better than nothing but if you have ever used Gen3's then you would know why we are saying this.

[D.Smitty]

Well, I won't be doing much pathfinding or hunting with this, but I think it would be perfect for staging ambushes and the like.  Not turning on the IR lamp until I hear some movement coming.  I figure if they have Gen3, they knew where I was already.  If they do not have any NV, which is often the case, then I've got a range advantage with my low tech...

That's the plan, anyway.  My eyesight isn't all that great, so every little bit helps.

[Cody C.]

I'm sorry to post so late, but I just ran across this thread. By your statements about Gen 1 am I to assume everyone has Gen 3 or better NOD's? I can tell you now that spending $1500-$3000 on night vision is a little out of my price range. By the way, we have used NOD's Gen 1's for quite a while here and they seem to work pretty well. I'm sure I would be amazed at the better quality of the newer generations but I just can't afford them.