Night Vision used bnvd or PVS14 PVS7
- Thread starter a.24
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Pretty much have to watch the equipment exchange on this site or look at airsoft websites for used night vision. For new gear, I recommend Alpha Optics for now (waiting on price lists from a site vendor). There pricing is better than the other companies. A new PVS14 Gen2+ Ekran Russian Tube with manual gain runs about $2400 (I have this one). Best Gen3 Manual gain, autogated they have is a high spec Harder Digital tube for $5690. They also sell Photonis tubes as I have a PVS14 Photonis Echo White Phosphor, manual gain on order (listed as Gen2+Cat2 on their site). Check out their goggles section if you want to go that way. PM any questions if you need some help.
D you know what the difference is between the PVS-14s you ordered (Gen2+Cat2) vs the MUM-14s (Gen2+Cat2 Autogated WP)? I'm not sure about the differences between an MUM-14 and PVS-14 other than weight and lack of manual gain on the MUM?
I have no hands on with a MUM device. So I can't speak to experience with them. Other than the lack of manual gain on the MUM, the battery compartment is different and allows for the use of a CR123 or AA battery. The PVS14 they sell is AA only. The MUM will use a 10160 (No MG)model image tube. The PVS14 can use both the 10160 (no MG) and 11769 (MG) image tubes.
The PVS14 I ordered is the Gen2+ Cat2 Autogated WP, manual gain which has the Photonis Echo 11769 tube
MUM-14s (Gen2+Cat2 Autogated WP) would have the Photonis Echo 10160 tube.
I read that the MUM can be submerged to a deeper depth that the PVS14, if that matters?
Listed specs for both tubes would be the same as far as MIN/MAX, but each tube is different and best to ask for the spec sheet at time of purchase as it will tell you exactly what your tube specs are. When I purchased the PVS14 Gen2+Cat3 model, I had assumed that the spec sheet would have been sent with the unit. Need to ask them for it when you buy or ask them to send it to you after.
The PVS14 I ordered is the Gen2+ Cat2 Autogated WP, manual gain which has the Photonis Echo 11769 tube
MUM-14s (Gen2+Cat2 Autogated WP) would have the Photonis Echo 10160 tube.
I read that the MUM can be submerged to a deeper depth that the PVS14, if that matters?
Listed specs for both tubes would be the same as far as MIN/MAX, but each tube is different and best to ask for the spec sheet at time of purchase as it will tell you exactly what your tube specs are. When I purchased the PVS14 Gen2+Cat3 model, I had assumed that the spec sheet would have been sent with the unit. Need to ask them for it when you buy or ask them to send it to you after.
Cool,thanks for that. I did read that the MUM can be submerged to 66', not that it's a concern of mine. For an extra $60, manual gain and a slight weight increase with the PVS14 seems to be a better call. Do you know where the housing Alpha uses are manufactured and where the devices (tubes and housings) are assembled?
Mum units need different arms to be able to be used on a helmet. Nothing in the pvs 14 world fits or works with them. I have a mum unit and it can be a pain to find items that work with it. Other then that they are a solid item to use. If you have any questions please ask away.
Yup, for this reason if you're going monocular, generally the PVS-14 is the better bet due to parts/mount availability.
I just noticed the price jump a couple days ago. I waiting a bit for the prices to come down before looking at a Gen3 unit, unless I can find a good used deal on a Gen3. I have the Ekran an Photonis Echo PVS14's Gen2+ units and at a minimum recommend the Echo. Most specs on the Echo are way better. The Ekran only seems to have the edge in luminous gain.
Don’t forget guys when you go Gen two over Gen 3 not only are you loosing about 100y of visibility your also halting the tube life from 10,000hrs Gen 3 to 5000 hr Gen 2’s.
Currently saving up for an Alpha optics Bino Gen 3,,, the monocular gives me a headache on long term use and Bono’s give way better depth perception for what I use my systems for.
Currently saving up for an Alpha optics Bino Gen 3,,, the monocular gives me a headache on long term use and Bono’s give way better depth perception for what I use my systems for.
Having both Gen 3 and XR5 Gen 2, I've got to disagree with that. You are not losing any distance of visibility. Look at the specs, not the generation. XR5 is also a 15,000 hour MTTF, not that it really matters.
That's unfortunately the price of new. It's pretty rough to get into night vision. If you can find used, a decent gen 3 or echo spec can be had for $3-4000. Alpha Optics PVS-14's with an Echo tube can be had new for around $4k, I believe.
Europe. I'm pretty sure others will bring them in.
