Opinions about this product requested

[aluijten]

I'm curious to what the forum thinks of this product. Myself I'm doubtful if this helps enough to justify the costs.
On the other hand, night vison looks tempting having stared into the night for several hours a few times myself.

http://www.plastimo.com/catalogue/1/2290001.html

Arno

 

[oldsaltoz]

Only ever used this type of thing once, not impressed as it spoilt my normal night vision for about 15 minutes, not impressed.

Also noticed the range is limited.

Avagoodweekend......

 

[kengill]

Personally I think this type of thing is useful in an MOB situation at night and also creeping into a strange/crowded creek at night.

I have a gen 1 version - non digital - and have seen the otherwise un-noticed customs launch slip quietly by in the dark when there was no moon and also spotted some badgers on the farm I used to stay on during the week. The farmer was most pleased with his night's shooting.

But I would not want to spend an entire watch looking through one.

 

[whisper]

Well I hope it wasn't the badgers that he shot - strictly illegal /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[lenseman]

The advert is very misleading as it infers that you will see a few hundred yards away and this is NOT true.

You will only see as far as the IR lamp which is affixed to the monocular and will illuminate, judging by the size, will be about 10-15 feet maximum! If the complete bay is illuminated by huge football ground type IR flood lights, then they will be the business otherwise consider an IR unit just a toy.

If you want real 'look in the dark facility' then the following web-site will be a starter. FLIR is what you really should be looking for and the unit in the following advert is a commercial unit which will detect the body heat from a human at 2km, less if under or part under water. FLIR does not rely on the target being illuminated by IR.

http://www.eurasia.flir.com/maritime/products/voyager_pcy.cfm

I don't suspect that there is much different in costs either?

Useful for spotting thieves at work in a darkened marina or in amongst the trots on a moonless night too, absolutely brilliant for that!!. Under FLIR, thieves always seem to walk about in a crouched or semi crouched position and usually go around in pairs whereas normal guys stand and walk normally!!

You can get a worthwhile demonstration of FLIR if ever you watch any police helicopter chases often to be seen on late night TV in UK (Police Stop, Action)

 

[oldharry]

I agree with lensman. I had a Video Camera with IR illumination for 'nightshots' Had about the same range as a decent pocket torch. Quite useful if you want to catch the local cats digging up SWMBOs flowerbeds at night!

But on a boat just a toy, because like with a torch, by the time anything has come within range, you will be too close to avoid hitting it!

 

[aluijten]

Thanks all,

Bottom Line: Another thing I can do without.

That's good news. Saves space on the boat

 

[maxi77]

I would suggest this would be a better alternative, those fixed systems are chunky and relatively expensive whilst the hand held devices are much more affordable.

http://www.eurasia.flir.com/security/products/handheld.cfm

It isnt that clear what type of device the Plasyimo is, whether it is actually an image intensifier with illumination to extend its capability or as I suspect a video camera with an extended range sensor to operate in the very near IR region. Both video and intensifiers depend on reflected light be that visible or IR wheras real IR cameras see the heat given of by the target.