Newcon Optik Binoculars NVS 14 User Manual

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  
110 −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