MAGIC GOGGLES | TGC PODCAST | Ep 044

Published on January 4, 2019
Duration: 62:06

This episode of The Gun Collective Podcast features Don Edwards and Sam Houston of Green Line Tactical discussing the intricacies of night vision (NVG) and thermal optics for civilian use. They cover the increasing civilian interest, the cost of entry, the differences between night vision generations (focusing on Gen 3), and the nuances of white vs. green phosphor and filmed vs. unfilmed tubes. The discussion also delves into essential accessories like mounts, helmets, and laser illuminators, as well as crucial aspects like equipment care, travel considerations, and the distinct roles of night vision (identification) and thermal (detection) in various applications, including tactical training and hunting.

Quick Summary

For a usable night vision setup, civilians should realistically budget several thousand dollars, with entry-level systems often starting around $3,000-$4,000. A more complete setup, including a quality monocular, mount, helmet, and laser illuminator, can range from $4,500 to $5,500 or more. White phosphor offers a brighter image than green, and unfilmed tubes provide superior light transfer over filmed ones.

Chapters

  1. 00:01Introduction to The Gun Collective Podcast
  2. 00:14Introducing Guests Don Edwards & Sam Houston of Green Line Tactical
  3. 01:02Why Discuss Night Vision Now: Affordability & Interest
  4. 02:04Industry Growth in Civilian Night Vision & Thermal
  5. 03:00The Technical Nature & Price Range of Night Vision
  6. 03:37Setting a Realistic Budget for Usable Night Vision
  7. 04:13Cost Comparison: PVS-14 Then vs. Now
  8. 05:31Night Vision Technology: Generation 3 & Beyond
  9. 05:51Understanding Night Vision Generations (Gen 1, 2, 3)
  10. 07:00Focusing on Gen 3 for the Average Consumer
  11. 08:44Gen 3 Nuances: White Phosphor vs. Green Phosphor & Filmed vs. Unfilmed
  12. 10:01Performance Jumps: Thin-Filmed vs. Unfilmed Tubes
  13. 11:33Performance Gain from Unfilmed Tubes
  14. 12:06Night Vision Longevity: Not Obsolete in 3 Years
  15. 13:28Essential Gear for a Basic Night Vision Setup
  16. 14:14Cost Breakdown: NVG, Mount, Helmet, Laser
  17. 15:15Importance of a Laser-Based Illuminator
  18. 16:47Anecdote: The Power of a Good Laser Illuminator
  19. 18:21What Constitutes a Night Vision Tube?
  20. 19:29Understanding NVG Data Sheets & Figure of Merit (FOM)
  21. 20:27Monocular vs. Binocular Night Vision Devices
  22. 21:06Housing vs. Tube: Differences in Dual Tube Goggles
  23. 22:01Laser Damage to Night Vision & Auto-Gating
  24. 23:33Warranty Voiding: Lasers, Sun Exposure
  25. 25:00Sponsor Plug: Cal-Tech Weapons & TGC Patreon
  26. 27:15Safeguarding Night Vision Equipment When Not in Use
  27. 28:50Flying with Night Vision: TSA & Carry-On
  28. 30:04Temperature Fluctuations & Night Vision Units
  29. 31:12Storing NVGs: Dangers of Humidity in Pelican Cases
  30. 33:27Practical Uses for Night Vision
  31. 35:02Shooting Enthusiasts & the Next Hobby: Long-Range vs. Night Vision
  32. 35:48Hunting Applications: Hog Hunting Growth
  33. 37:00Professional End-Users: Law Enforcement Adoption
  34. 38:09Influence of Returning Military Personnel on NVG Use
  35. 39:05Niche Applications: Astronomy with Night Vision
  36. 40:56Target Identification vs. Target Detection: NVG vs. Thermal
  37. 42:43Synergy of Night Vision and Thermal Optics
  38. 43:08Rifle-Mounted vs. Helmet-Mounted NVG/Thermal
  39. 45:41Legality and Choosing Between Night Vision and Thermal
  40. 46:07Recommendation Strategy: Hunter vs. Tactical Shooter
  41. 47:43Depth Perception & Learning Curve: Monocular vs. Binocular
  42. 50:27Night Vision Training: What to Expect
  43. 51:51Training Focus: Leveraging Technology, Not Basic Shooting
  44. 53:03Pistol Shooting Under Night Vision
  45. 53:52Wearable vs. Weapon-Mounted Night Vision
  46. 55:21Gear Dictates Capability: The Equalizer
  47. 56:04Connecting with Don Edwards & Sam Houston
  48. 56:33Green Line Tactical Resources
  49. 56:46TGC Resources for NVG Questions
  50. 57:20Sam Houston's Instagram & Friday Night Fight Club
  51. 60:07Renting NVG Gear for Classes
  52. 61:17Final Thanks & Sponsor Recap

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical cost for a usable civilian night vision setup?

For a usable night vision setup, civilians should realistically budget several thousand dollars. Entry-level systems often start around $3,000-$4,000. A more complete setup, including a quality monocular, mount, helmet, and laser illuminator, can range from $4,500 to $5,500 or more.

What's the difference between white and green phosphor night vision?

The primary difference between white and green phosphor night vision is the color of the image displayed. White phosphor provides a brighter image to the user's eye, which can aid in seeing dimmer objects, akin to turning up the brightness on a screen. Green phosphor is the traditional color, and both offer comparable image quality.

How do unfilmed night vision tubes differ from filmed tubes?

Unfilmed night vision tubes offer superior performance because they lack the protective film layers found in traditional filmed tubes. This absence allows for approximately 50% more light transfer into the tube, resulting in a brighter and clearer image, especially in very low light conditions.

Can I damage my night vision by pointing a laser at it?

Yes, pointing a laser directly into a night vision device can cause permanent damage, including burning holes in the tube. While auto-gating features protect against ambient light, they cannot withstand the concentrated energy of a laser. This type of damage will void your warranty.

What is the main difference between night vision and thermal optics?

Night vision (image intensification) is best for target identification (PID) and interacting with your environment, allowing you to see in low light. Thermal optics excel at target detection by picking up heat signatures, making them ideal for spotting targets that might be obscured or blended into surroundings.

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