Operation Manual
NIGHT VISION GOGGLES
NVS 15
105 Sparks Ave., Toronto, ON, M2H 2S5, Canada
Precautions
NVS 15 is a sophisticated precise optical instrument equipped
with electronics. It should be handled with due care:
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 the unit 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 an excessive force or pressure to the lens
assembly, movable parts and thread connections.
Small dark and/or light spots may be seen in the field of view
due to considerable optical magnification of the eyepiece.
This does not affect the operational capabilities of the device.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. OVERVIEW .................................................................... 3
2. DELIVERY SET.............................................................. 5
2.1
Optional accessories.............................................. 5
3. SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................... 6
4. UNIT DESIGN................................................................. 7
5. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS ..................................... 8
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.8
5.9
Installing battery ................................................... 8
Switching the unit on ............................................ 8
Switching the unit off............................................ 9
Adjusting to individual vision............................... 9
Focusing.............................................................. 10
Manual gain adjustment...................................... 10
Auto shut OFF at bright light.............................. 11
Using the unit with headgear or helmet .............. 11
Swinging head mounted unit for unobstructed view12
5.10 Using IR illuminator ........................................... 12
5.11 Installation of add-on lenses................................ 13
5.12 Demist shield and sacrificial window ................. 13
5.13 Using the camera / video adapter........................ 14
5.14 Using the helmet mount ...................................... 14
5.15 Mounting on a rifle ............................................. 16
5.16 Using with a daytime riflescope.......................... 17
1
5.17 Binocular configuration ...................................... 18
6. TROUBLESHOOTING................................................. 19
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
No green light through eyepieces........................ 19
Image is unclear .................................................. 19
Image flashes ...................................................... 19
Condensation accumulates on the parts .............. 19
Visibility decreased or disappeared..................... 19
7. WARRANTY................................................................. 20
8. CUSTOMER SUPPORT ............................................... 21
9. ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE ................................... 23
2
1. OVERVIEW
NVS 15 (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 3 image
intensifier tube, which amplifies low light, such as moonlight,
starlight or man-made light.
An add-on lens can be attached to the unit to increase
magnification.
Two units are combined to form a binocular configuration.
NVS 15 goggles in binocular configuration can be mounted on a
helmet (headgear).
Some typical activities where NVS 15 can be useful:
Law enforcement
Wildlife observation
Security
Search and rescue
Hunting
Dark room photography (connected to a camera)
Features
Swing arm mechanism provides for unobstructed vision
when the unit is mounted on headgear or helmet
Built-in infrared illuminator enables observation in total
darkness (i.e. basement, cave or dark room);
Optional helmet mount allows combatant operations
3
Optional weapon mount allows night shooting or also be
used in conjunction with halosight
Soft rubber eyecup makes viewing comfortable
Unit can be connected to photo or video camera
Please read all the instructions carefully before using it.
Manufacturer reserves the right to introduce minor design
changes without notice.
4
2. DELIVERY SET
Standard* Delivery Set includes:
Quantity
NVS 15
NVS bridge
1
1
1
2
1
2
1
2
1
Headgear set
Lens cap / Battery cover
Manual
Lens cleaning kit
Carrying bag (soft)
AA Battery
Warranty card
2.1
Optional accessories
US clip mount
Hard case
Demist shield
Lens brush
Sacrificial window
3x add-on lens
5x add-on lens
Weapon mount
Camera / video adapter
Helmet mount
*Exact Delivery Set is subject to the specific contract terms.
5
3. SPECIFICATIONS
NVS 15
Magnification
1x
40
Field of view
Focus range, m
0.25-
58-72
20
Interpupillary distance,mm
Exit pupil diameter, mm
Eye relief, mm
25
Dioptric correction
+5 … -6
3V CR-123 Lithium battery, 1 pc.
or
Power supply
1.5 V AA Alkaline battery, 1 pc.
20 hours with I/R
40 hours without I/R
118x120x69
Battery life, hours
Size, mm
Weight, goggles only, g
720
NOTE: Due to continuous design improvements parameters
may vary from those given above.
6
4. UNIT DESIGN
5
8
3
6
2
10
7
9
4
1
FIGURE 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
On / Off and IR illuminator switch
7.
Battery compartment cover
with battery type adapter
Objective lens
8.
9.
Quick release knobs
Dovetail platform
Eyepiece with eyecup
NVS 15 housing
10. Manual gain adjustment knob
Standard Headgear/helmet mount
Interpupillary adjustment buttons
NVS bridge with US Mount
7
5. OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
5.1
Installing battery
Unit is supplied with uninstalled battery.
Prior to installing the battery, make sure the switch (1, Fig.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 durability is doubled against the service
time of conventional battery and provides better performance at
low temperatures.
To install battery unscrew the battery compartment cover (6,
Fig.1). When using CR-123 Lithium type battery, remove the
battery type adapter. Observe the polarity indicated on the
housing. Put the battery in and screw the battery cover back on.
5.2
Switching the unit on
In the daytime put on the lens cap with the daylight filter
prior to switching the unit on.
To check if the unit is operational switch it ON (rotate switch (1,
Fig.1)) and look through the eyepiece (3, Fig.1). You should see
greenish-lit screen. If the screen is not lit check the battery.
When the unit is ON user may see either one or two circular
indicators through the eyepiece (Fig. 2). When inactive they are
hardly noticeable. Bright yellow or flashing red spot indicates
low battery voltage. For an uninterrupted operation keep a fresh
battery ready and replace it on time. Bright red indicator reminds
8
the user that the IR illuminator is on (for more details on
illuminator see 6.9).
In the daytime with lens cap on it is
normal to observe a fuzzy image.
Switching on the night vision device
in the daytime is intended for testing
purposes only.
The rotating switch has four
positions: “Off”, “Auto”, “On”,
“IR”. In Auto mode the goggles will
switch off automatically when turned
upright. 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)
5.3
Switching the unit off
After you have finished using the device, turn it off by rotating
switch (1, Fig.1) to OFF position. Put a 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.
5.4
Adjusting to individual vision
Turn on the device. Direct the device at an object placed within
8-15m from the viewer. Obtain the sharpest image possible on
the eyepiece screen by focusing the eyepiece lens and then the
objective lens (2, Fig. 1).
9
5.5
Focusing
To obtain a sharp image at some other distances adjust the lens
focus (3, Fig. 1) leaving the 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.
5.6
Manual gain adjustment
NVS 15 goggles is equipped with the manual gain adjustment
handle. The light gain of the Image Intensifier Tube is set to the
level, at which it allows viewing in the darkest conditions. While
outside illumination increases at dusk, dawn, full moon or in the
environment with artificial lights, the tube enters the Automatic
Brightness Control (ABC) mode that automatically decreases
gain to keep the screen brightness on the same level thus
protecting both the tube and the observer’s vision. It leads to
situation when the contrast of the image (relation between the
brightest and darkest patterns on the screen) becomes lower, and
detection/recognition ranges become shorter. In order to prevent
deterioration of device performance under higher illumination
the user can rotate the manual brightness control knob counter
clockwise to restore full functionality. The brightness control can
be adjusted in the range of 20-100% .
10
5.7
Auto shut OFF at bright light
The NVS 15 goggles has a built-in high light sensor located near
the IR illuminator (2, Fig. 1). This sensor shuts the goggles off
after about 45 second exposure to light exceeding 10-1 lux.
To reset the goggles switch it off and then back 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.
5.8
Using the unit with headgear or helmet
The unit is supplied with headgear. Prior to using the headgear
adjust its straps so that the headgear fits the head comfortably but
firmly and does not slide off when you are moving.
The unit is attached to the headgear using standard
headgear/helmet mount already
attached to the NVS bridge (5, Fig. 1).
1
To attach headgear to loosen the
tightening screw (2, Fig. 3) on
headgear, slide the standard mount on
the bridge onto the rail on the
headgear/helmet mount, and then
tighten the screw.
2
FIGURE 3
To set comfortable eye-relief (the distance between your eye and
the eyepiece), loosen tightening screw (8, Fig. 3) on the headgear
and move the unit, then tighten the locking screw.
11
5.9
Swinging head mounted unit for unobstructed view
When the head mounted unit is not in use you can raise it to clear
the view without taking the headgear off by using the “flip/flop”
feature. To swing the unit from the view press the button (1, Fig.
3) and raise the device until you hear a click.
In “Auto” position of the switch, the goggles will turn off
automatically. Reverse the operation to return the unit to working
position.
5.10
Using IR illuminator
In case of insufficient light when observing a close object turn on
the IR illuminator by turning the switch (1, Fig.1).
Red indicator visible through the eyepiece will warn you when
the IR illuminator is on.
Note: The IR illuminator is visible to anybody equipped with a
night vision device and can disclose the user’s presence.
12
5.11
Installation of add-on lenses.
Always make sure that the goggles is switched off when you
put on or take off the add-on lens.
FIGURE 4
NVS 15 Single unit with
attached 3x lens
Note: The following procedure is identical for 3x or 5x lenses
(or any other add-on lenses).
Turn off the goggles. Remove the lens cap. Press the lens firmly
towards the eyepiece. Do not apply excessive pressure. Make
sure that the lens is fixed well on the goggles. To return the
goggles back to 1x magnification, pull off the lens.
5.12
Demist shield and sacrificial window
Note: Demist Shield and Sacrificial Window are optional.
Sacrificial window protects the objective lens from the abrasive
influence of sand and dust in the night time. It should be put on
the objective lens like an objective cap with the daylight filter.
13
Demist shield filter protects the eyepiece against fogging. To
install it fold the eyecup to the very bottom to get the full access
to the thread, and screw the filter gently onto the eyepiece.
5.13
Using the camera / video adapter
Before using the (optional) adapters,
remove the rubber eyepiece carefully.
The adapter (Fig. 5) consists of 2 rings:
a) Camera adapter is 52x0.75mm. It
fits the filter lens thread of various
cameras, e.g. Nikon.
FIGURE 5
b) Video adapter is 37x0.75mm. It
fits Sony cameras and some others.
Camera / Video adapter
If our adapter does not fit your camera obtain a proper step up /
step down rings.
5.14
Using the helmet mount
The unit can be equipped with an optional helmet mount.
This mount can be customized to fit a wide range of
existing helmet models.
The mount is attached to a helmet with straps.
14
4
1
2
3
FIGURE 6. Helmet mount
1.
Locking screw
3.
Flip-flop adjusting screws
2.
Flip/flop button 4.
Mount binding screw
The unit is fixed to the mount by the locking screw (1,
Fig. 6). To adjust the position of the unit to your eye level
use the screw (4, Fig. 6). To adjust the eye relief first
loosen the locking screw (1, Fig.6) and set a comfortable
distance between the eyes and the eyepiece; then tighten
the locking screw back.
You can fixate the unit in three predetermined positions: vertical,
horizontal, and 15-20 degrees above horizontal. Although the
relative angles between these positions cannot be changed, the
starting point can be adjusted by screws (3, Fig.6). If you loosen
them, you can rotate the flip-flop mechanism to find the suitable
starting point. Tighten the screws (3, Fig.6) after the adjustment.
15
You can raise the unit for unobstructed view without taking the
helmet off. To do so press (and hold) the button (2, Fig.6) and
rotate the unit until you hear a click.
All other operations with the unit mounted on a helmet are
identical to those with the headgear.
5.15
Mounting on a rifle
The unit can be mounted on a rifle with Picatinny mount adapter
(MIL-STD-1913). The optical axle of the goggles coincides with
the rifle’s Picatinny rail.
FIGURE 7. NVS Unit
with Picatinny adapter.
Two types of weapon mount adapters are available – Fig.7 and
Fig. 8. Either adapter enables mounting the unit to the Picatinny
rail. The type shown on Fig. 7 has two screws with large grooved
heads for convenient tightening.
Note: Over tightening the screws may damage the thread.
The ‘Quick Release’ model (Fig. 8) utilizes a latch with a spring
and patented accu-torque screw. You can attach and detach your
goggles within a few seconds. The accu-torque screw fixes the
mount with predefined torque thus protecting the thread from
accidental damage caused by over tightening.
16
The advantages of the ‘Quick Release’ mount are:
.
.
Quick removal and installation of the device;
Foolproof design;
FIGURE 8
Quick Release adapter
“Accu-torque”
screw
Latch with spring
.
Increased reliability.
5.16
Using with a daytime riflescope
Although the unit does not contain a reticle
and thus cannot be used as a riflescope,
being mounted on a daytime riflescope or
red-dot sight, it enables aiming at night.
In this configuration the objective lens of
the unit is mounted on an eyepiece of the
daytime scope with the help of an optional
NVS Coupler.
FIGURE 9.
NVS Coupler
17
5.17
Binocular configuration
Two units can be combined into dual channel goggles/binoculars
with the help of an optional bridge. Optional lens can be attached
to form a binocular 3x system.
To form a double-unit system use the dovetail platform (10,
Fig.1) located on both sides of the unit. These platforms are
identical.
The tightening screw (8, Fig. 1)
locks goggles to the bridge. In
this configuration the unit can be
used in a goggle (mounted on a
headgear) or handheld.
Figure 10. Bridge
FIGURE 11. Goggles
FIGURE 12. Binoculars
configuration
configuration
In the dual configuration the interpupillary distance can be
adjusted between 58 and 72 mm right on a bridge.
18
6. TROUBLESHOOTING
6.1
No green light through eyepieces
Check that the batteries are installed properly.
Check the charge of the batteries. Replace them if they are weak.
6.2
Image is unclear
Check if the lenses are foggy or dusty. Clean them if necessary.
If the image is still unfocused – adjust the eyepieces; see 5.5 and
5.6 for details.
6.3
Image flashes
Image may flash during the first two minutes after activation. It
may continue flashing if exposed to bright light (even with the
lens cap on!).
6.4
Condensation accumulates on the parts
When the unit is brought from the cold into a warm environment
internal condensation may appear. The unit has to be warmed up
for up to two hours to regain full operational capacity.
6.5
Visibility decreased or disappeared
Bright light sources (the Moon, projectors or headlights) may
cause visibility to degrade or even completely disappear. Move
the device away from the light source immediately. The image
will be restored within two minutes. Adverse atmospheric
conditions such as fog, haze or extremely dark environments
decrease visibility.
19
7. WARRANTY
NEWCON OPTIK warrants this product against defects in
materials and workmanship for one year from the date of the
original purchase. Longer warranty is available, subject to the
terms of the specific sales contract. Should your Newcon product
prove to be defective during this period, please deliver the
product securely packaged in its original container or an
equivalent, along with the proof of the original purchase date, to
your Newcon Dealer.
Newcon will repair (or, at its option, replace with the same or
comparable model), the product or part thereof, which, on
inspection by Newcon, is found to be defective in materials or
workmanship.
What This Warranty Does Not Cover:
NEWCON is not responsible for warranty service should the
product fail as a result of improper maintenance, misuse, abuse,
improper installation, neglect, damage caused by disasters such
as fire, flooding, lightning, improper power supply, or service
other than by a NEWCON Authorized Service.
Postage, insurance and shipping costs incurred while presenting
your NEWCON product for warranty service are your
responsibility.
20
8. CUSTOMER SUPPORT
Should you experience any difficulties with your Newcon Optik
product, consult this manual first. If the problem remains, contact
our Customer Support Department at +1(416) 663-6963 or toll
free at 1-877-368-6666 (North America only). Our operating
hours are 9am-5pm, Monday - Friday, Eastern Standard Time.
Under no circumstances should the equipment be sent to
Newcon without authorisation from our technical support
department. Newcon accepts no responsibility for
unauthorized returns.
To locate NEWCON Authorized Dealer call:
+1(416) 663-6963 or fax: +1(416) 663-9065
Email: [email protected]
The defective products should be shipped to:
From all countries:
105 Sparks Ave., Toronto, ON M2H 2S5, CANADA
21
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22
9. ACCEPTANCE CERTIFICATE
Image Intensifier Tube #1 serial number: __________________
Image Intensifier Tube #2 serial number: __________________
Tube #1
Measured
Tube #2
Measured
Minimum
57
Resolution, lp/mm
Photocathode sensitivity,
integral, A/lm
1800
Light amplification
Signal-to-noise ratio
50,000
23
Date of production:__________________________________
Quality Inspector: ___________________________________
23
NIGHT VISION GOGGLES
NVS 15
Unit #1 serial number: _________________________________
Unit #2 serial number: _________________________________
The unit complies with all technical specifications and has
passed the inspection.
Date of production: _________________________________
Quality Inspector: __________________________________
Quality Assurance Seal
24
NEWCON OPTIK
Printed in Canada
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