DIY Night Vision

bill_dd97 · Sep 20, 2015

Here is an IR camera addon to my scope that I put together myself. It's a pretty simple project to do. The video is just going over the basic features and performance. I didn't do a full build how-to because the bits are easy to put together. The hard part was focusing the camera and figuring out the pieces needed to mount it.

Sony 138 CMOS 1200TVL OSD w/ IR Cut 2.8mm-12mm Varifocal Lens
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HDAJEWK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00
Amazon $32.80
4.3in LCD TFT
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CFLMNC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s02
Amazon $15.66
12VDC 9800mAh Li-Ion Rechargeable
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00R3VDL46?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00
Amazon $29.50
5.5mm x 2.1mm 1 Female to 4 Male power adapter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CHEVM1I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
Amazon $6.66
BNC male to RCA male adapter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005C2KA88?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00
Amazon 10/$4.00
Evolva Future Technology T20 IR 38mm 850nm LED Rotary Focus
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T43DJUM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Amazon $49.99
Various pipe fittings
Local Hardware Store $10-$15

Total: $153.61

toddinbr · Sep 20, 2015

I actually have had that camera, ir light and screen in my amazon cart for about a week now! I wasnt sure if it would work or not. Awesome to see it does work. I was hoping to find a screen that had sd recording, but no such luck yet. thanks for the video!

bill_dd97 · Sep 20, 2015

I'm still looking for a recording option that is affordable enough to be sensible for this set up.

toddinbr · Sep 20, 2015

I have been checking GearBest (Hong Kong site) but haven't found exactly what im looking for. I have bought some rc drone stuff from them and have had good luck with them.

charliephoo · Oct 22, 2015

Thanks. It's pretty clear at 50 yards. How long the battery can last?

bill_dd97 · Oct 23, 2015

I don't have any hard numbers on battery life as I haven't tried to run it down from full. My best guess is that it will last 10-12hrs.

Bwalton · Oct 24, 2015

The night vision that I put together works very well, Has sd card ,records plus wireless and each has its own battery supply built in.

Fuji · Sep 26, 2016

Bill, can you suggest a 16mm (without IR fitler) lens that will fit the Sony138. I've seen some options from Amazon, but not sure which will fit. Thanks for your help!

bill_dd97 · Sep 26, 2016

I'm no expert on cameras, but I believe the IR filtering is generally part of the camera and not the lens. If I were getting a fixed focal lens ir would probably be one like this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006SX31AY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1474925400&sr=1-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=16mm+lens&dpPl=1&dpID=4181%2BSM40%2BL&ref=plSrch#

I used a varifocal lens because I wanted to use the zoom ability to get a larger view through the scope on screen. I have yet to try a fixed focal lens on my setup.

Fuji · Sep 26, 2016

Thanks Bill, I was looking at the lens you've link, but wasn't sure if it would fit the Sony138 because of the varifocal. I'll get it anyway just to try it. Like you I wanted the image to fill most or all of the screen.
Thanks for the advice!

bill_dd97 · Sep 26, 2016

The varifocal I use has the same threads for screwing onto the camera as any CCTV fixed focal lens.

Fuji · Sep 27, 2016

That's exactly what I needed to know. I'm actually ordering this one.....

https://www.amazon.com/F1-2-16mm-Fixed-Board-Camera/dp/B008N7BOCA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475001616&sr=8-2&keywords=f1.2+16mm+lens

Should fit the varifocal lens that's on Sony138. Thanks again for your help.

bill_dd97 · Sep 27, 2016

That will replace the varifocal lens.

Fuji · Sep 27, 2016

Did you replace the camera mount & fill the back of the camera with silicon (as mentioned on your video)?

bill_dd97 · Sep 27, 2016

I have not. I've been so busy with work and other projects that I haven't been able to spend the time to refine my camera setup.

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