Hi everyone.
I have bought a monitor and power pack that are recommended on here, and a three way power cable. Just got to sort out which camera to go for and what kind of torch to use, and a way of attaching it to the scope, I have a few ideas for that. At the moment I am still going through old posts to see if I can get my head round the different types of torches that can be used. I see that there are ultrafire torches recommended in one thread. I like the idea of using a torch that has the ability to change the beam as this seems to me to be more flexible option of lighting.
I do have a Tracer Gl4 but the only thing I want to do with that is get a red led so I can swap it over as the filter you get for them are poorly made and cut out a lot the light from the beam.
There is a lot to take in regarding cameras and illuminators.
Digger.
Made a start on buying some parts.
Re: Made a start on buying some parts.
There's a lot of options and your choice will come down to what you need the kit for and how big your budget is. If you can decide on these points then someone will be able to point you in the right direction.
Re: Made a start on buying some parts.
Hi Terry,
I use air rifles at the moment but I would like to move over to rimfire or centerfire at a later date, but that all depends on getting the wife on side and a permission passed for firearm use.
Camera wise my only thoughts for that is low light capable, as the less light I need to use as a fillin the better. If it is the same as a digital camera, the larger the senior the better the picture quality, but then there is an increase in cost. But will be prepared to spend a bit for a decent camera.
Illuminator wise, some thing that give me flexibility, being able to either use fold or spot, maybe the a variation on power out put would be very useful. The illuminator is my main source of being stumped, as where to start as there are so many components to choose from, and what to use as a donor torch or lamp.
Digger.
I use air rifles at the moment but I would like to move over to rimfire or centerfire at a later date, but that all depends on getting the wife on side and a permission passed for firearm use.
Camera wise my only thoughts for that is low light capable, as the less light I need to use as a fillin the better. If it is the same as a digital camera, the larger the senior the better the picture quality, but then there is an increase in cost. But will be prepared to spend a bit for a decent camera.
Illuminator wise, some thing that give me flexibility, being able to either use fold or spot, maybe the a variation on power out put would be very useful. The illuminator is my main source of being stumped, as where to start as there are so many components to choose from, and what to use as a donor torch or lamp.
Digger.
Re: Made a start on buying some parts.
The popular torch at the moment seems to be the T20 and there is an interesting and helpful thread here viewtopic.php?f=31&t=3832 and lots of other threads as well. Reports indicate that this will, with the right camera, work out to centrefire ranges and since it focusses you can use it at short range as well by zooming out.
Cameras can be quite confusing as the specifications seem similar and some sellers aren't very truthful with their claims for performance. The watec 902h is good, it comes in box format which can be slightly more difficult to fit as an add-on than others and there's a lot of interest in the kpc e700 and the bullet cam version of it the kpc ej230 which can be bought from Sure 24 who, it seems, will give you a 10% discount if you mention this forum. These are branded versions of Sony cameras which widely available in different formats and various prices from sellers in China and UK (more expensive usually). You will need a reasonable lens which is optimised for ir with a focal length between 12 and 25 mm and aperture of f1.4 or better (smaller numbers are better). A 12mm lens will give you a circular image in the centre of the screen surrounded by black while a 25 mm one will crop the scope image vertically and horizantally and effectively gives you some more magnification allowing you to set your scope at a lower mag thus letting in more light. Better illumination will make up for a less capable camera and, unless you have a very good camera and really want to be as invisible as possible, you will probably want to stick with 850nm ir light. They all appear as a faint red glow when viewed from the front but that is all that can be seen.
Cameras can be quite confusing as the specifications seem similar and some sellers aren't very truthful with their claims for performance. The watec 902h is good, it comes in box format which can be slightly more difficult to fit as an add-on than others and there's a lot of interest in the kpc e700 and the bullet cam version of it the kpc ej230 which can be bought from Sure 24 who, it seems, will give you a 10% discount if you mention this forum. These are branded versions of Sony cameras which widely available in different formats and various prices from sellers in China and UK (more expensive usually). You will need a reasonable lens which is optimised for ir with a focal length between 12 and 25 mm and aperture of f1.4 or better (smaller numbers are better). A 12mm lens will give you a circular image in the centre of the screen surrounded by black while a 25 mm one will crop the scope image vertically and horizantally and effectively gives you some more magnification allowing you to set your scope at a lower mag thus letting in more light. Better illumination will make up for a less capable camera and, unless you have a very good camera and really want to be as invisible as possible, you will probably want to stick with 850nm ir light. They all appear as a faint red glow when viewed from the front but that is all that can be seen.
Re: Made a start on buying some parts.
Thank you once again Terry, 
I will look at the cameras that you have mentioned. With lux, I take it that the small the number the more light sensitive the ccd is to light? Or is it the equivalent of pixels in dslr's, in that the number has no real relationship to image quality, I guess I have a heck of a learning curve where CCTV cameras and infrared are concerned.
Thank you once again for you kind help.
Digger.
I will look at the cameras that you have mentioned. With lux, I take it that the small the number the more light sensitive the ccd is to light? Or is it the equivalent of pixels in dslr's, in that the number has no real relationship to image quality, I guess I have a heck of a learning curve where CCTV cameras and infrared are concerned.
Thank you once again for you kind help.
Digger.
Re: Made a start on buying some parts.
Ignor claims of lux levels, all the ones that look good use sens up, basicly slowing the shutter speed making them unusable
Look for a camera with a ex-view chip and it will work a treat.
By the time you have bought 2,3,4,5 or 6 looking for the best you might as well just buy a e700 first time as there is no better camera for the money there asking.
Look for a camera with a ex-view chip and it will work a treat.
By the time you have bought 2,3,4,5 or 6 looking for the best you might as well just buy a e700 first time as there is no better camera for the money there asking.
Land Rovers, who would be daft enough to own one?
Re: Made a start on buying some parts.
Thank you Marky.
Such a ringing endorsement for the camera, I would be daft not to go and get on. Thank you.
Digger.
Such a ringing endorsement for the camera, I would be daft not to go and get on. Thank you.
Digger.