Night Vision Myth Busters | We Brutalize a PVS-14

Published on June 9, 2023
Duration: 69:12

This video debunks common myths surrounding night vision devices, particularly the PVS-14. It conducts rigorous tests on tube durability against lasers, sunlight, white light, IR illumination, and fire, as well as physical drop tests. The findings reveal that while some light sources can cause damage (especially direct sunlight), modern Gen 3 tubes exhibit surprising resilience, often auto-gating to protect themselves. The PVS-14 is shown to be significantly more durable than commonly believed, surviving multiple drops and impacts.

Quick Summary

Modern Gen 3 night vision tubes, like the PVS-14, are surprisingly durable and resilient. They can auto-gate to protect themselves from bright lights, lasers, and even survive multiple drops onto concrete, though direct sunlight exposure can still cause damage.

Chapters

  1. 00:49Introduction: Night Vision Popularity & Questions
  2. 01:40Filming Setup: High-Quality Night Vision Recording
  3. 02:48Tube Sponsorship & Sample Size Disclaimer
  4. 04:16Myth 1: If NODs are Off, They Can't Be Damaged
  5. 05:26Laser Test (Tube Off): Results
  6. 08:19Myth 2: Sunlight Damage (Tube Off)
  7. 09:53Sunlight Damage Test: PVS-14 Exposed for 2 Hours
  8. 11:15Sunlight Damage Results: Visible Burns
  9. 15:15Myth 3: Laser Damage (Tube On)
  10. 16:17Laser Damage Test Results: Minor Burns
  11. 18:44Myth 4: White Light Blinds You
  12. 19:24White Light Test: Indoor Environment
  13. 20:08White Light Test: Weapon Mounted Lights
  14. 22:07IR Light Test
  15. 23:52Light Damage Healing & Blackboxing
  16. 26:16Testing Fire Damage
  17. 27:19Fire Damage Results: Minor Burns
  18. 29:01Myth 5: Need Tall Optic Mounts for Passive Aiming
  19. 33:25Myth 6: NODs Make You Invisible / See Everything
  20. 38:12Optimizing Vision with Dual Tubes
  21. 41:43Myth 7: NODs Make You Invisible
  22. 44:47Myth 8: Night Vision is Fragile
  23. 46:35PVS-14 Drop Test Setup
  24. 48:45Drop Test 1: Objective Lens Impact
  25. 49:53Drop Test 2: Ocular Lens Impact
  26. 51:12Drop Test 3: Battery Compartment Impact
  27. 53:11Post-Drop Functionality Assessment
  28. 58:20Durability Conclusion: PVS-14 is Rugged
  29. 60:33Tape Repair Success
  30. 65:10Final Thoughts: Test Your Gear, Don't Baby It
  31. 67:33Q&A: Patreon for Communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Can night vision tubes be damaged if they are turned off and have no battery?

Yes, night vision tubes can still be damaged even when turned off and without a battery. Direct sunlight exposure for extended periods, even just two hours, can cause visible burns and damage to the tube.

How durable is a PVS-14 night vision device?

The PVS-14 is surprisingly durable. In testing, it survived multiple drops from approximately 6.5 feet onto concrete, including impacts on the objective lens, ocular lens, and battery compartment, while still maintaining some functionality.

Do white lights or IR lasers damage night vision tubes?

Gen 3 night vision tubes are highly resilient to white lights and IR lasers. They typically auto-gate to protect themselves and the user's eyes, resulting in only minor, often self-correcting, burns from direct exposure.

Is it safe to use night vision in bright light conditions?

Modern Gen 3 night vision tubes are designed to auto-gate when exposed to bright light, protecting the tube and allowing the user to still see. This means they are generally safe to use around house lights or car headlights without causing damage.

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