ATN PS15-WPT 2nd Generation Night Vision Goggle System Review
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ATN PS15-WPT 2nd Generation Night Vision Goggle System Feature
- Versatile night vision goggles with handheld or head-mounting options
- White phosphor technology expertly detects shades of black and white
- Improves contrast and depth perception; automatic brightness control
- Built-in IR illuminator lets you read maps in total darkness
- This item is restricted for sale to the state of California and outside the US
One of the most versatile night vision goggles on the market, the ATN PS15-WPT is suitable for professional, law enforcement, and even casual use. The goggles--which function as both handheld and head-mounted goggles, depending on your need--are made using white phosphor technology, which better detects the shades of intensity between white and black, resulting in improved contrast and depth perception. In fact, studies show that nighttime scenes appear remarkably more natural in black and white versus green, because black and white provides clearer information about contrast, shapes, and shadows. The goggles also include an integrated IR illuminator that helps people see even in total darkness. As a result, users will be able to read maps or operate in confined zero-light areas without a flashlight. Packaged with comfortable flip-up head gear, a soft carrying case, a lens tissue, lens caps, and a single lithium battery, the PS15-WPT carries a two-year warranty.
How Night Vision Works
All ATN night vision devices consist of several main parts: an objective lens, an eyepiece, a power supply, and an image intensifier tube (photocathode tube). The devices function by gathering existing ambient light, such as starlight, moonlight, or infrared light, through the front lens. This light, which is made up of photons, goes into the photocathode tube and is converted into electrons. Next, the device amplifies the electrons to a much greater number through an electrical and chemical process, and then hurls them against a phosphorous screen that changes them back into visible light. The image will appear through the eyepiece as a clear, black-and-white or green-hued, amplified re-creation of the scene you were observing.
All night vision devices need some light to amplify. That's why all ATN night vision devices have a built-in infrared illuminator (IRI). An IRI essentially throws out a beam of infrared light that is near invisible to the naked eye, but your night vision device can see it. This allows you to use your scope even in total darkness. The IRI works like a flashlight, which is why the distance you can see with it is limited. Although ATN IRIs extend out to 100 yards, the IRI may cover only 40 to 60 percent of the viewing area.
How Far Can You See?
There are many different variables that can affect the distance you see with a night vision device. First, what are you trying to see? Are you looking for another boat on the water or are you looking for a rabbit in the woods? The larger the object, the easier it is to see. Plus, are you trying to see details (commonly called "recognition range"), or are you just trying to see if something is there? Maybe you will see just the movement, but won't be able to determine 100 percent who are what it is. This is called "detection range." Another variable is lighting conditions. The more ambient light you have, the better and further you will be able to see. You can always see further on a night where the moon and stars are out than if it's cloudy and overcast. ATN typically states that you can tell the difference between a male and female or a dog and a deer at about 75 to 100 yards. However, if you were looking across an open field and there was a half moon out, you could see a barn or a house 500 yards away.
Specifications:
- Total darkness IR system: Yes
- SMART technology: No
- Multi-purpose system: No
- IIT generation: WPT
- Resolution: 60-74 lp/mm
- Magnification: 1x
- Lens system: F1.2, 27mm
- Proshield lens coating: Yes
- Field of view: 40 degrees
- Range of focus: 0.25m to infinity
- Diopter adjustment: -6 to +2
- Controls: Direct
- Automatic brightness control: Yes
- Bright light cutoff: Yes
- Automatic shutoff system: Yes
- Infrared illuminator: Yes (built in with flood lens)
- IR indicator: Yes, in FOV
- Low battery indicator: Yes, in FOV
- Power supply: One 3-volt CR123A battery or one 1.5-volt AA battery
- Battery life: 40 hours
- Waterproof: Yes
- Complies with MIL-STD-810: Yes
- Dimensions: 4.7 by 4.5 by 2.7 inches (W x H x D)
- Weight: 1.54 pounds
- Warranty: 2 years
ATN PS15-WPT Night Vision Goggles Gen WPT features white phosphor technology discriminating shades of intensity between white and black resulting in better contrast and depth perception. Studies show that nighttime scenes appear remarkably more natural in black and white versus green. Black and white provides clearer information about contrast, shapes and shadows.
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