DIY Night Vision – Rolaids NV1.0
So here is my first DIY night vision build. Easily seeing to 150 yards with an 850nm Streamlight (pics show my Pulsar 940nm) and that’s thru a cheap Leapers scope. With some tweaks soon on IR – range should be further. All for under $350 for what I call Rolaids NV1.0 😀
I appreciate all who inspired me to get to here and I plan to continue with deeper research into IR illumination and cameras. Naturally many have built similar projects so my intent has been to make it simple to duplicate with ‘off the shelf’ parts for all those who didn’t want the cost and time of research. This version will definitely be more than enough for the air gun community for rat and pest hunting!
Here is a link to my demo and and detailed ‘How to build’ video.
More videos will follow that detail what I have learned on 1/3” Sony CCD cameras and OSD adjustments and also testing multiple IR illuminators for more ‘off the shelf’ solutions.
Here is a link to my Excel Spreadsheet that has parts lists and cost
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3835764/Rolaids%20NV%20Parts%20List.xlsx
And a few quick picks – This setup makes it very easy for the camera to be centered and in position. It can all be removed with one bolt.
Side mount
Weaver Rail setup for side mount
Easy to install mini bullet cam solution – very water resistant!
Rolaids NV1.1 – DVR version with a cool little mount called an iTrek!!
Can also easily move to a top mount or even an angle if preferred
All Replies
Just make sure you get the Sony chip “1/3″ 960H SONY EXview HAD CCD ll ” above in whatever camera is available. Also you will want to make sure it comes with an OSD (On Screen Display) so you can tweak some settings. I will go over that in video to come.
There are more expensive options for cameras – this Sony CCD is the best lower cost option I know of.
You can’t be sure when buying from Chinese vendors 🙂
Also one more question, have you tried a IR lens covers for scope? So you won’t need a camera and LCD. Just a IR flashlight and lens IR filter?
Just make sure you get the Sony chip “1/3″ 960H SONY EXview HAD CCD ll ” above in whatever camera is available. Also you will want to make sure it comes with an OSD (On Screen Display) so you can tweak some settings. I will go over that in video to come.
There are more expensive options for cameras – this Sony CCD is the best lower cost option I know of.
Are there any suggested camera analogs? That KT&C KPC-EJ230NUWX is pretty rare here, and shipping would take me additional 50$ 😕
Ok, so there is more to it than just a simple cam…a cam that can see IR well.
Oh well, A good idea, just one that does not work.
Doesn’t that make it a bad idea then? I guess so..
Keep up the good work..
Have you considerd going with a different bullet camera, With your current setup you need to hook up your dvr in place of the 4″ monitor screen in order to record. The resolution on that little camera is pretty bad..700 lines or something like that.
Something like this could kill 2 birds with one stone…
Bullet camera w DVR..in one unit…so no need to buy that fancy dvr unit you have now.
This is just an example..but it does at least support 720P=1280×720
The key is a bullet cam that has AV out for the little screen, most do not
Hey Neighbor 😎 – just seen you were in Grafton, OH – 3 hrs from here. If you get this way stop by!
A quick thought on the camera question. I have tested multiple ones and even had the manufactor’s tech deptartment work on this. In a simply response – this is the best chip in a lower cost bullet camera that can see IR this well. I am finishing a video that covers all the camera research. The 700 tvl equates like this in pixels for this chip:
1/3″ 960H SONY EXview HAD CCD ll
NTSC: 976(H) x 494(V)
You can jump to some others that soon run $300+ for cam and lens. Watech is the brand. Lots of info on this stuff over the pond at these forums.
http://www.nightvisionforumuk.com/viewforum.php?f=29
http://www.airgunforum.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php/97-Night-Vision-Optics
Will try to get more videos up soon. Happy Thanksgiving 😀
Damn brilliant Rolaids…very nice.
Have you considerd going with a different bullet camera, With your current setup you need to hook up your dvr in place of the 4″ monitor screen in order to record. The resolution on that little camera is pretty bad..700 lines or something like that.
Something like this could kill 2 birds with one stone…
Bullet camera w DVR..in one unit…so no need to buy that fancy dvr unit you have now.
This is just an example..but it does at least support 720P=1280×720
The key is a bullet cam that has AV out for the little screen, most do not
Nice one! Would you mind putting the pieces you used in a list so it will be easy for others to replicate? Also links to ebay or wherever you bought the stuff 🙂
Cheers!
Wow, just wow. Thanks, thats what I gonna build now 😮
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Also one more question, have you tried a IR lens covers for scope? So you won’t need a camera and LCD. Just a IR flashlight and lens IR filter?
That filter idea is new to me. Do you have any links to more info on that?