Pvs14 Assembly

Avery

Avery

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2017
Messages
132
Location
NC, Fort Bragg
Anyone here ever build an analog nightvision device? I’ve been floating the idea of assembling either a pvs14 or bnvd 1431. This would be a fun project I feel I can take on. The only dilemma that I might take a little issue with would be parts totaling more than a brand new devic. I’m prepared for a build project to be pretty close in price to a new NOD. I think it would be neat to assemble on my own with the help of tips and DIY videos. Thoughts?

Anyone have any tips on where to get glass and gen2/3 intensifier tubes(preferably green)?
 
With the majority of parts coming from custom nightvision and a couple tube retainers from tnvc, we’d be looking at roughly a few hundo less than custom night vision’s cheapest complete 1431 mkII(possibly adding another 30 if CNV obj lenses don’t come with lock rings). Note: I selected the cheapest parts available for a build, BUT US nightvision sells a 1431 few about 70 bucks cheaper than the DIY.

usnightvision.com

BNVD 1431 MKII Dual Tube Articulating Night Vision Goggle - White Phosphor

We sell night vision products, thermal imaging, infrared devices, vinyl products for anything and everything you can think of, drone products and accessories, and more.
usnightvision.com usnightvision.com
www.customnightvision.com

BNVD 1431 MK II Articulating Night Vision Goggle - Custom Night Vision

Custom Night Vision is the exclusive distributor for the NEW and IMPROVED CANADIAN version of the BNVD 1431 MK2. Features: On-board illuminator Adjustable manual gain bright controller integrated into power controls Improved dovetail interface for a stronger, more durable lock-up Recontoured...
www.customnightvision.com www.customnightvision.com

I just need to hurry up and win the lottery I guess.
 
@Avery as I understand it, a nitrogen purge is a step that is part of proper NOD construction. Also, as I understand it, reputable dealers perform this step. It's certainly something a DIY builder can do, too, but that would require having a nitrogen purge kit. If you're going to 'do things right' instead of 'cutting corners', have you factored in the cost of a nitrogen purge kit?

I ask because I considered what you're contemplating ... and those kits are darn spendy ... which is what influenced me to buy from a reputable dealer rather than build -- because I wasn't willing to cut corners and the purge kit shot DIY cost to the moon (from my perspective). It makes sense, too, as a dealer/manufacturer will use such a kit over and over, so the cost is spread across many units that generate profit -- but for a DIYer who will only use it during construction and then for stupidly occasional maintenance, it's a darn spendy tool.
 
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surrealone said:
@Avery as I understand it, a nitrogen purge is a step that is part of proper NOD construction. Also, as I understand it, reputable dealers perform this step. It's certainly something a DIY builder can do, too, but that would require having a nitrogen purge kit. If you're going to 'do things right' instead of 'cutting corners', have you factored in the cost of a nitrogen purge kit?

I ask because I considered what you're contemplating ... and those kits are darn spendy ... which is what influenced me to buy from a reputable dealer rather than build -- because I wasn't willing to cut corners and the purge kit shot DIY cost to the moon (from my perspective). It makes sense, too, as a dealer/manufacturer will use such a kit over and over, so the cost is spread across many units that generate profit -- but for a DIYer who will only use it during construction and then for stupidly occasional maintenance, it's a darn spendy tool.
Click to expand...
I did NOT factor in the price of a purge kit.

I think that’s a good point you bring up. Especially when the cost of all the parts is greater or almost equal to that of devices that have been built professionally and had a purge service conducted by experts. I definitely can’t say I’d be thrilled to go out for a night of tomfoolery only to find that I’m looking at a couple of expensive, circular clouds. That being said I’ve read and heard from a few builders/hobbyists that purging can be skipped in a well climate controlled, dry environment. I don’t disagree with you- it is still cutting corners.

My very loose PACE plan if I were to encounter fog after assembling in the dryest environment I’m able to accommodate would be to try some at home purge jobs from arfcom(wrong answer I know- still cutting corners). Should that fail me, the next bridge I’d cross would be either sending off for a professional purge service OR get myself a purge kit(+360-400).

Hey! You gave me an idea I can get the kit and become the CFF nitrogen purge guy!
 
As long as you're going into it eyes wide open knowing that the effort could cost you more money AND time if things don't go as anticipated ... and you're prepared to accept that risk ... carry on, I say!

I wasn't so brave. :)

Also, I'm seriously hoping you'll photograph and document the process for us, here, as I'm insanely curious about this. For me, both time and funding was a concern so, I didn't take the leap it seems like you're about to.
 
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Thanks! I intend to do just that. I’ll be sure to share all resources and experiences to include pictures as I go. Just as long as everyone is able to bare with me while I source all parts together. In the meantime any and all thoughts or tips are appreciated.

Also! A buddy of mine is 3D printing a housing for a pvs69 this moment. So everyone stand by for a post on that too.
 
My buddies 3D printed pvs69 coming together nicely. He had eyepiece glass come in Friday and has a little polishing to do on housing threads before mounting those. Just waiting on obj lenses and then the exciting part… picking out tubes 😬

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Battery packs has been done for a while. Took off the tape so i could basically weld the bottom on and get a good seal. Connector is a dc jack that was tested to be pretty waterproof. More than enough for what i need atleast.



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Welp, think I’m passing the reigns from this post over. Found a spectacular deal on some binos and took that opportunity to upgrade, putting my build project on the back burner for a good while… anyway here’s @tonyh9135 ’s bnvd1431 build. Says, “Loosely put everything together without proper tools. Gonna have to take it all part clean and reassemble” and I’ll let him fill in some updates from here
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Ahh yes. The 1431 I built with parts from my Pvs14, which I also built. This all started with a mystery tube I got. It was in an nvm-1 housing that was part of a camera kit. So for tubes I have 2 mx-10160s, both are itt Omni 7, one is assumed avaition grade and the other has 2 blems. I used the aviation grade one in the Pvs14 and it worked great. I get off topic pretty easy. Basically when assembling the 1431 I was very careful, I have ocd about things lining up perfectly. Assembly was easy. But once I powered it on I noticed specs and spots all over. Scared me quite a bit, but I pulled it apart and cleaned it and they went away. I’m assuming it was all excess plastic from when the housing was built, nothing a microfiber cloth and canned air couldn’t fix. I’m still waiting on a tool set I ordered to come in so I can tighten down the tube retaining rings. It was impossible for me to get them to do more than a turn and a half with a credit card I cut to fit the slots. Overall I am happy with the set up.

I wrapped it in the multicam wrap that came with it. I will post a pic of it later but here are some pics down the tubes.

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