night vision question

[CR0M]

does nvg pick up the light from other nvg or IR flashlights?

I ask because I'm tinkering around with a homemade setup with a couple of IR flashlights and a old smartphone, but was worried that its going to give away my position to people wearing nvg more than anything...

[gettingshot]

They will pick up any ambient light. You will be spotted no problem to anyone with night vision

[Drake]

Yes, NODs/cameras/camcorders/cellphones can see IR light and IR light sources.

Additionally, many IR light sources are not shielded (covered by a filter that blocks 650nm and lower, i.e, visible light) and the visible red component (600-700nm range) is clearly visible as a dim red light by the naked eye (specially in low/no light conditions).

[CR0M]

I know that cameras can see the IR lights.

So if there are people on opposite teams with NVG they can see each others IR lights? or is there some kind of filter that prevents your own NVG from being picked up from cameras or other peoples NVGs?

[Qlong]

If your device is emitting ANY type of light, whether it be visible or not, it will be picked up by guys with nods of any generation. Fellows running with more modern NVG devices will have an easier time picking up a light source.

Most players now have either Gen II or III device which pick up ambient light. Although they have an ability to emit IR in no light situations, it is a passive device and does not actively emit an IR.

There are filters that cut IR and filter to IR, but if you device is running off an IR source then a filter will not only allow your own NVG from being picked up but also hinder your device's performance as well.

[CR0M]

ok, good learning happening over here...

so, let me just get this straight, Night vision devices give away your position to others with night vision devices?

[Kingsix]

Originally Posted by CR0M

ok, good learning happening over here...

so, let me just get this straight, Night vision devices give away your position to others with night vision devices?

Nightvision picks up ambient light

Remember in Airsoft there is a gap from the NV optic eye cup and your eye because of goggles/ Shooting Glasses. In theory a strong enough NV device may be able to pick up the green glow.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by CR0M

ok, good learning happening over here...

so, let me just get this straight, Night vision devices give away your position to others with night vision devices?

No.

Night Vision Devices amplify visible and IR ambient and emitted light.

Modern NODs can "see" in low light conditions without the use of an external light source (i.e., starlight, etc)

An IR illumination device (either part of the NODs or an IR flashlight, IR laser, etc) will be seen by NODs (both the light and the lightsource) and give away your position to NOD users the same as if you were shining a flashlight. IR illumination is not necessary for NODs to work, especially GEN2 and GEN3 which are a lot more efficient with ambient light. IR illumination is required in pitch darkness where no ambient light is available. Gen1 will also be pretty sketchy without it in darker conditions (e.g., dark moonless night with no lighting).

Originally Posted by Kingsix

Nightvision picks up ambient light

Remember in Airsoft there is a gap from the NV optic eye cup and your eye because of goggles/ Shooting Glasses. In theory a strong enough NV device may be able to pick up the green glow.

The glow is actually strong enough to be seen by the naked eye.

Good example (and thats with the eye cups):

[CR0M]

Ahhhh, i think I get it now, awesome thank you!

[FlyGuy]

Originally Posted by Kingsix

Remember in Airsoft there is a gap from the NV optic eye cup and your eye because of goggles/ Shooting Glasses. In theory a strong enough NV device may be able to pick up the green glow.

And that is why many of us use amber filters with our NODS.

Fly

[Derpystronk]

Originally Posted by CR0M

I ask because I'm tinkering around with a homemade setup with a couple of IR flashlights and a old smartphone, but was worried that its going to give away my position to people wearing nvg more than anything...

People have highlighted on the fact that other people can see your light... But let me put a spin on this you might not have thought about - Whatever quantity of light you need to make that camera provide a workable picture will probably make you visible from a kilometer away. I'm not joking about the distance.

I picked up red glowsticks about 200ish meters away walking through medium density brush. I didn't know the the hell they were as my eye couldn't pick up the red at all even with a dark adapted eye.

[ThunderCactus]

+1
I can pick up a red 12 hour glowstick from 600 feet easily enough with my NVD. By comparison, to the naked eye it's like seeing someone turn on a flashlight from the same distance.

[ShelledPants]

So, the lesson learned here, ladies and gents, is to black out your kit if you're shooting at night.

Radio lights? Turn em off/tape em.

Tracer units? You better have a reason for it (directing fire... with an on off switch).

Glowsticks in the pockets? It may be invisible to your eyes, but I see it through your pants (loloolol... but seriously, you can.)

[Viperfish]

Originally Posted by ShelledPants

So, the lesson learned here, ladies and gents, is to black out your kit if you're shooting at night.

Radio lights? Turn em off/tape em.

Tracer units? You better have a reason for it (directing fire... with an on off switch).

Glowsticks in the pockets? It may be invisible to your eyes, but I see it through your pants (loloolol... but seriously, you can.)

shhhhhh dude, your giving away our secretes!!!