Dave-G Posted January 3, 2017 Report Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) Recent retirement allows me more time to potter about and hopefully add a little pocket money to my basic state pension - so my home build prices are now rounded down by about 10%. These KwikFit Add On Night Vision rigs are made with some factory moulded and machined components that were custom designed and made specifically for me. I say this to explain that while I will only generally have one completed at a time, I will usually be able to replace it within a day or so from stock parts if or when one gets sold. How quick was that to fit a complete ready to use add on rig that includes an integrated T50 illuminator solidly aimed straight ahead? No faffing about getting the torch to point exactly where the scope views every time you whip it on. :angel: The two quiet latching push switches have been moved below the battery/monitor pod, the inner switch is the optics. They are positioned close together so they can be pressed simultaneously or individually: There will be occasions when the rig can be used covertly in twilight or bright moonlight at low ranges without using the illuminator. The three power modes of the illuminator are selected using the outer switch in the same way that tail cap switches are used in 'T' torches, and they are quieter. The integrated T50 torch has an optional use threaded shroud to reduce light spillage towards the rear of the sound moderator that could reflect back into the scope: Simply swap the shroud for the standard torch bezel. A side effect of this is that quarry well off axis is less likely to spot the IR glow. The rig takes 3 FLAT TOP 18650 rechargeable batteries - not supplied: If something happens to any of them its very easy to change without losing use of the rig for a few days while the failure is repaired - and I don't get sued if one goes bang. I personally use 'free' cells from recovered laptop battery packs - but if you don't have one to pull apart these are a good buy: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222204405077 They are easily fitted and changed in seconds, this is how to access the electronics box: The 'base' of the battery/monitor box is laminated with a second layer of ABS sheet, solvent welded inside it before the torch body is clamped through it to make for a seriously sturdy module fixing that's not going to flop around or snap any mounting legs if the rifle rig is rested on it - or even picked up by it. :angel: The very highly rated genuine KPC E700 camera is located in the rear part of my unique and original design 4 jaw Collet Chuck DSA which comes with two split spacer rings. It will suit plain scope eye bell diameters from a maximum 45mm down to a minimum diameter of 39MM. Once set up to suit a specific eye bell it only needs about half a turn of the screw cap to lock in place, and the clamping forces of collet chucks are remarkable. Prior to applying final clamping pressure with the screw cap, Turn on the optical part of the rig (the inner switch) and push the Collet Chuck hard against the ocular adjust wheel and twist to adjust the retical while watching it real time on the monitor like this: The DSA screwcap may foul centre-fire bolt retraction unless high mounts are used. A single cable passes between the two modules, I have deliberately made it long enough to fit longer scopes and the slack can be taken up by wrapping it once around the scope so it doesn't cause any hindrance. It is supplied with one of these scope rail adaptors that you will fit ahead of the scope turrets. If you want to fit the rig to other rifles you will need one of them for each rifle - and they make a handy mount for lamping torches too. Buy them from here or I can supply extra one's with the order at £10 each. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-30mm-Ring-25mm-Weaver-Rail-Mount-Adapter-for-Scope-Flashlight-Laser-ZV-/142182911975 Experience has shown the batteries CAN shift slightly under hard recoil from some centrefire rifles so in hindsight I will not claim they are suited for hard recoil centrefire use. However I'm pleased to say I recently found found some tighter 18650 battery carriers that seem to be doing a much better job at retaining them: To the point that one sometimes needs to assist the neutral coil spring push the cell onto the positive terminal by sliding it 'forwards' I prefer people to buy on a sales thread rather than via PM as it helps my old brain keep track. The basic price is now reduced to £230 collected or £243 delivered to UK postcodes via RMSD Options available: With a regular Chinese Spec T50 and new AS pill - £230. With a T50 Black Sun IR pill fitted into the torch - £260 Additional scope weaver rail adaptors £10. A DVR cable with a right angled 4 pole plug at one end and a 'Y' cable that interrupts the camera feed cable into the battery box - buyer needs to specify which DVR it will be used with: Add £10 RMSD is £13. Edited January 3, 2017 by Dave-G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hendrix's rifle Posted January 3, 2017 Report Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) What distance can this one go?? Roughly? Cheers Also, what's the battery life like?? Edited January 3, 2017 by Hendrix's rifle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted January 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2017 What distance can this one go?? Roughly? Cheers Also, what's the battery life like?? With the standard Chinese fitted AS IR pill it is good for over 200 yards I/D and more for eyeshine. If the Black Sun option is taken you could expect about 300 yards - scope dependent of course. The optics circuit uses two 18650 batteries allowing over 3 hours constant if decent cells are used. Most of us only turn on a rifle night vision rig for a few minutes at a time. The single 18650 illuminator cell should give about 90 minutes for the cheaper LED option constant on full, and over one hour if the Black Sun pill is used. The batteries are cheap enough to carry a couple of spares in the pocket and have very very good power retention even if they have not been charged for months. Used laptop battery packs are easily come by these days - and they usually have 8 good quality 18650 cells inside. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted January 3, 2017 Report Share Posted January 3, 2017 Slightly of topic! But happy retirement matey! And hope this venture tops up your pension for a comfortable retirement Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted January 3, 2017 Report Share Posted January 3, 2017 (edited) Posted twice? Edited January 3, 2017 by Lord Geordie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted January 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2017 Well that's twice as nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo-1 Posted January 24, 2017 Report Share Posted January 24, 2017 Hi Dave. 1 x Regular Chinese Spec T50 and new AS pill - £230. Sold Thanks Please PM me for details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted January 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2017 Cheers Tomo-1, PM conversations taking place. Just a heads up to anyone who has no previous experience of 'add on' rifle night vision rigs: You need to be using it with a scope that has either Adjustable Objective or Side Focus to be able to focus the night vision at variable distances. A non parallax adjustable scope will yield a very disappointing depth of focus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo-1 Posted January 26, 2017 Report Share Posted January 26, 2017 As soon as I get my Dave G NV and have time to try it out, I will put my thoughts on this post. By the looks of it I may need another scope for a better NV experience......watch this space........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildfowler Posted February 2, 2017 Report Share Posted February 2, 2017 (edited) A black sun version with additional rail please. Payment sent and delivery address PMd. Looking forward to receiving and giving it a go. I'll post a review once I've tried it out... Edited February 2, 2017 by Wildfowler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 3, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 3, 2017 Thanks Ian, it was posted today and if your local postie delivers RMSD on Saturdays you should get it before 1PM. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildfowler Posted February 6, 2017 Report Share Posted February 6, 2017 (edited) Well my setup arrived Saturday morning, I spent a short amount of time fitting it to my .17HMR and was ready to get out in the evening. The setup initially allowed me to see out to 100m or so but rapidly decreased - I hadn't charged the batteries!!! But in the short period of time that I was able to use it on the first night I managed 10 rabbits in about 30 mins of intermittent use. Following a good charging session I made the following video to show how good the kit is with fully charged batteries! Initially in the video the field margin is 50m away, and illuminated on the lowest IR setting. Then I take it out to 100-120m on the mid setting, then to maximum which comfortably shines out to 300m. I found a lapwing in the field and zoomed in on it, that is at about 180-200m. Towards the end of the video the IR is illuminating the trees out to 800m+ with the brow of the hill being 600m and what I would consider capable of picking up eye shine. (The flashing bouy is 1800m) For info, the rifle is unloaded at all times and I wasn't shooting (although I do have permission), simply demonstrating the setups capability from an elevated position to enable sufficient range. I hope it helps anyone else thinking of buying one! Edited February 6, 2017 by Wildfowler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 7, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2017 Hey, thanks Ian. What scope are you using to get those ranges please? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wildfowler Posted February 7, 2017 Report Share Posted February 7, 2017 Hey, thanks Ian. What scope are you using to get those ranges please? It's a vortex crossfire ii. Nothing special but seems to work pretty well. I'll try it on my Z6i shortly and see how that performs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpha Mule Posted February 7, 2017 Report Share Posted February 7, 2017 Loving the pension top-up scheme, but mate: you need to find another name before the copyright holders drop a ton of bricks and law suit on you. Not even going near the tax man and declared earnings (I was perfectly above board, but he made my life hell for about 10 years). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2017 (edited) Blimey, time I started a new thread. Don't let the big sales posts on forums lead anyone into thinking I've made a packet in the last few years. I just spend loads of time thinking up new ways of making a small profit after the expenses of very small batch custom made parts takes the shine off. I have to say I enjoy keeping my mind a bit active in the cold damp winter months I can't get out in as much as I'd like to. Night vision items don't sell much in the summer when I can do outdoor stuff. Asking people to buy on the sales thread shows how few I sell to anyone taking notes. I'm not much bothered about any probity. I've seldom reached the minimum tax threshold in the last 9 years or so due to health issues affecting my work. My basic state pension is not far below my part time cab income after all expenses were taken out for several years, nearly always well below the minimum tax threshold. When Mrs-G gets her pension next month we'll be better off than for umpteen years. Might even get to avoid doing equity release on our tiny two bed semi that got mostly paid for out of fathers inheritance. We lead a very frugal lifestyle: Don't drink, don't smoke, don't eat out, drive a 17 years old car now I've retired my 12 years old cab that the council took of the road because of their cab age rule, freeview TV etc and I can potter along at my own pace making these rigs without cab passengers coughing all their germs over my shoulder further screwing my fubared immune system and emphysema. Din't mean to get carried away - sorry chaps. I can't find a 'some bloke' brand name anywhere to fall foul of? Edited February 8, 2017 by Dave-G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon1 Posted February 8, 2017 Report Share Posted February 8, 2017 I can't find a 'some bloke' brand name anywhere to fall foul of? I think he's referring to 'KwikFit' Made me raise an eyebrow too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2017 I think he's referring to 'KwikFit' Made me raise an eyebrow too Arg - din't think of that because they use two separate words lol. Good point and guess who's feeling a bit daft now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo-1 Posted February 14, 2017 Report Share Posted February 14, 2017 Hi all, Just a kwick (!) bit of feed back for everyone. I have had my Dave-G add on Night Vision for a couple of weeks now. Once I had sorted out a couple of minor glitches which were more me than the equipment then all was good. i.e. quick unit tighten onto supplied mount (30 seconds), then noticed that the illuminator (IR torch) wasn't working, which, if I had read Dave's notes, I found to be the battery in the torch section wasn't pushed hard up against the contact (1 second). I have found this unit to be a superb bit of kit so far. Yes I could have made one myself, however, for the amount a "Faf" factor and price of parts, then this was worth every penny. The all in one case which includes the screen and IR torch didn't need any alignment or shimming out, but I do use it with the shield as suggested by Dave due to reflection into the scope. The plug on camera tube is easy once you have got your head around size and placement of the suplied spacer, depending on which scope you have. Most importantly you will need a scope with side focus and if you are going to use it for close ish ratting then it needs to focus at about 15m or whatever range is your killing zone, bear this in mind.The Chinese IR torch is more than adequate for my needs and I use it on low or medium setting so as to save battery. What has taken abit of getting used to is looking at a screen for a while and not forgetting that you are outside! I managed to get disorientated a couple of times as it gets like watching a video on u-tube! I hope this helps make up anyone's mind. Yes, you can make a cheapo version, but how long is it going to last in the long run? This will go on and on and on............... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belly47 Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 (edited) can you alter the magnification on your scope and still get a good clear picture, as on some homebuilds I know they can only be used on very low mag. I like to use my scope on 10x mag Edited February 17, 2017 by belly47 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 (edited) can you alter the magnification on your scope and still get a good clear picture, as on some homebuilds I know they can only be used on very low mag. I like to use my scope on 10x mag Sure can, 10 mag is about where I like mine on the 17REM with most scopes I've tried. EDIT: I use 16mm lenses in them which effectively slightly zooms in the ocular view - cropping the outer extremities off the image and making the crosshair slightly thicker on the viewer. The exit pupil of the scope is decreasing in size by then on some small objective scopes so it progressively darkens a bit more as you go further. What scope? Edited February 17, 2017 by Dave-G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belly47 Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 hawk eclipse 4-16 × 50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 I've never used one personally but Hawke scope's have a reputation of being good to use with night vision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belly47 Posted February 17, 2017 Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 I have an evo built might vision but doesn't fit my scope great and it's best at only 4× zoom. so am considering one of yours as the range sounds good and the fact that it can be used on higher mag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 17, 2017 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2017 Hmm, if that's because C/F bolt retraction fouls the camera carrier adaptor you might struggle with this too as my adaptor screw cap effectively makes the eye bell a lot wider at 58mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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