Rolaids NV3.0 – DIY Digital Scope-less Night Vision
So after finding out you can create a digital reticle in my favorite low cost NV camera, the EJ230 by KT&C, I had to try a scope-less digital NV build and this is it. It’s probably the lowest cost solution if you want something of this type. I hope to do a high end build in the spring with different camera and lenses.
Link –
We have shot over 2300 starlings in the last week with this setup. I really like the full screen view you get with this scope-less setup as compared with the limited field of view with camera looking thru the scope. Will post some hunting videos in the next few weeks when I get time.
My main scope build is here
See my YouTube Channel for all my builds including the Night Vision Goggles with spotter cam http://www.youtube.com/user/RolaidsBench/videos?view=0&flow=grid
Here is a link to my Excel Spreadsheet that has parts lists and cost – Updated
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/3835764/Rolaids%20NV%20Parts%20List.xlsx
No IR mounted
You can create a custom reticle with a total of 8 lines by using the Privacy Filter and tweaking the settings (I show it in the video) so it has 8 zones instead of the factory 4.
With Pulsar 940 IR Flashlight.
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Roland,
Thank you for all this info.
waiting on a monitor and have yet to remove the Ir filter of the KTC EJ230 camera.
I am amazed how well the camera works without removing the filter.
BTW, one supplier emailed that the camera will increase 15-20% in February. Might just be sales bull but I usually buy two of everything. If you’ve come up with something reasonably priced I would consider stepping up but the EJ230 has been a lot of fun just buildind the recticle
I’m using Mrnewbie’s cheapie build IR Flashlight thru a glass doorwall and it works real well. I need warm weather so I can get somewhere to really fave fun.
Thanks again ❗
Your videos are so well done you should be getting paid ❗
That’s my 2 cents worth anyway 😆
Darn you Rolaids !! that dain bramage must be contagious cause I just ordered my 230, 16mm lens, monitor and a super cheap Ir flashlight to start playing with. The fella building the T20’s sold out instantly upon your video I assume and is not taking orders until later I guess. I think I am headed for a 3.0 but not just sure yet, I may put the rig behind a scope since, i think the cross hairs are more dependable and locked down, i just want it tight. I am waiting to play with the parts and then I will order the rest to set a firm direction. I am going to set this all up on a .22 matador R3M short for night ratting. Man that looks like fun, I am jazzed !!! Already making progress on finding some great places with gracious owners that wouldn’t mind me thinning out their rat population. Seems like the fujinon lens on 3.0 is drying up already, any advice. I think your videos are shifting world markets on these components !!! I thank you for your time in documenting your work, It does take a lot of time and is harder than people think.
Hi, Rolaids.
Do you now if Watec 902/903 camera work better than EJ 230 ?
I mean if have better sensitivity.
Congratulation for your efort to make the best , lower price ,NV device.
Best regards,
Gabriel
Great Review on the Pulsar 750. For those of us with a bit more money than spare time it seems like a good solution – especially with an upgraded sensor coming. 🙂
http://www.pulsarvision.com/digital-night-vision-rifle-scopes/41-digisight-n750.html
Here is my version of the Rolaids 3.0. I chose to use a box camera as the base because it was cs-mount ready. My first attempt really impressed me but the 5-100mm lens had slop in it that would move the POI.
I next built this shield to support the lens and make it stationary.
Here it is all camo’ed out with the bling attached.
Can’t wait until the T20 IR comes in! Me and a bunch of corn eating coons have a date.
Here it is mounted on the gun.
I tried to go to the link you provided to open your spread sheet and it did not seem to work. Any ideas on a good free viewer so I can take a look nevermind got a free viewer from download.com
Thanks for all your work I cant wait to start making one 🙂
And the EJ230 camera is just the stock black looking one you can find on ebay for 100-110 bucks ? or is there a certain model or thing I should look for ?
You do not want auto iris with this current build. BH photo has a good website that you can sort lenses and find a good variety with manual iris.
Any brands to stay away from?
Also, how wide do you think the 1 pixel crosshair is in relation of the target at 100 yards with a 100mm lens? My 60mm lens is about .75″ at 100 yards.
I can get this one locally
link removed
Not sure how to deal with the auto iris, any suggestion?
I am actually doing a update to this build that includes testing a lot of different lens. It will be a little till the testing and builds are finished but I have tried a few in the 100mm plus range and they work well if you need more distance/zoom.
Roland,
Have you tried any 100mm lenses?
Our top night was 1300….we ran out of ammo 😆
In this area the starlings flock into the warm barns cold nights. All this shooting was at one local farm – feedlot cattle. This time of year they are not roosting there yet but will be soon. 😛
2300 starlings last week? How is that possible? I have watched your videos and can tell you smack a lot of them but 2300. Can you elaborate how you do that? How many farms, buildings, nights, hours etc.
Thanks.
Yes – the EJ230 and a sister camera(different body) that makes a great Day/night setup. I may have some parts available too but that is all taking time to figure out so don’t wait if your ready to move 😉
ThanksRolaidsr, are you sticking with the EJ230 with your new builds? If I order one now, and a c to s adapter, they should be here in time for your new lens test?
I’ve looked at the price of the Watec 902h, and these seem to be quite expensive, even second hand (used), and they don’t look so easy to mount, so I’ll probably go with the EJ230 for ease of mounting.
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I made the final adjustments of switching to Black/White etc. Except, I turned On BURST tha put the color back on the crosshairs. 2 pictures, before and after final adjustments neither useing ir illumination and I have not removed the IR Filter yet.