DIY Nightvision

That's it. I knew it was there somewhere. Thanks!

Most of the pieces have arrived, but of course, one key component was defective...the 'Y-splitter' power cable. Without this piece I'm unable to get power to both the camera and the screen. I was able to rig up some tests to verify that both work though. I just can't use them together at the same time yet. 

The silicone tube that I purchased to mount the camera turned out to be too big for the UTG and Centerpointe scopes that I have. The Centerpoint is 45mm, which is almost exactly 1.75", so I ordered this:
http://smile.amazon.com/HPS-HTSC-175-BLK-Silicone-Temperature-Reinforced/dp/B004NXMI2S?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

I've never like eBay, so I found all the same components for the same price, or less, on Amazon.com. For US members with an Amazon Prime membership, this makes things easier, faster, and cheaper:

LCD:
http://smile.amazon.com/BW-3-5-Inch-Monitor-Automobile/dp/B0045IIZKU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412424&sr=8-3&keywords=3.5%22+TFT+LCD

Camera:
http://smile.amazon.com/Andoer-700TVL-3-6mm-Security-Camera/dp/B00NPXL940/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412740&sr=8-1&keywords=HD+700TVL+1%2F3%22+Color+Camera+SONY+NTSC

Electronic Project Boxes:
http://smile.amazon.com/Yosoo-100x60x25mm-Waterproof-Electronic-Instrument/dp/B019GFLNV4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460413205&sr=8-1&keywords=Plastic+Electronic+Project+Box+Enclosure+Instrument+Case+100x60x25mm

Replacement Lens:
http://smile.amazon.com/uxcell%C2%AE-Replacement-Black-Camera-Length/dp/B00N3ZOU9Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412976&sr=8-1&keywords=Replacement+Black+CCTV+Box+Camera+16mm+Focal+Length+Board+Lens+F1.6

Battery:
http://smile.amazon.com/Fashion-Outlet-Portable-Rechargeable-Battery/dp/B00QE9E3CW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412904&sr=8-1&keywords=dc-168+12v+rechargeable+li-ion+battery+pack

BNC Adapter:
http://smile.amazon.com/TOOGOO-Male-Coaxial-Connector-Adapter/dp/B00GONWRS0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1460412957&sr=8-3&keywords=BNC+male+plug+to+RCA+male+plug+coax+RF+adapter

DC Power 'Y' Splitter:
http://smile.amazon.com/Power-Cable-5-5x2-1mm-Female-Camera/dp/B0050H9A18/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1460413028&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=Camera+2.1x5.5mm+2-way+1+Female+to+2+Male+DC+Power+Splitter+1+to+2+Y-cable+DBUS

DVR:
http://smile.amazon.com/Chinatera-Motion-Detection-Recorder-Recording/dp/B019TYWBE0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460413094&sr=8-1&keywords=1CH+Super+Mini+Motion+Detection+SD+Card+DVR+CCTV+Video+Recorder+Audio+Recording

Handlebar Camera Mount:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WU5H614/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm still waiting for the DVR to be delivered, but I've tested the camera, the screen and the battery independently and they all work pretty well so far. The camera in particular really impressed me. I connected it to my computer through the analog inputs on a USB TV tuner and it was very clear. The color was a bit off, but for $15 I won't complain too much.

The replacement power splitter cable came today so I could finally power-up the camera and the screen at the same time connected to each other. Holy smokes am I impressed. My son and I tried it in the hallway at the back of the house. With all the doors closed it is pitch-black. I turned on the the power and the light from the LCD screen was enough for the camera to pick up some faint details. I turned on my IR flashlight and it lit up like high-noon. I'd take pictures of the screen but it wouldn't do it justice. I can't wait for the DVR to arrive so that I can capture some photos/videos.

This is what I have, but that particular listing is no longer active. It can be found elsewhere on Amazon and AliExpress. I purchased it as part of another attempt I had at a night vision system that didn't pan out the way I'd hoped.:
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-5W-850nm-IR-flashlight-Infrared-Radiation-IR-LED-Lamp-waterproof-IR850-led-Flashlight/32364556955.html


I actually just ordered this one too because I liked that it comes with a remote switch and mounts for attached it to the scope rails or even clamping it to the scope. That might come in handy later when I'm trying to figure out how to hang all this stuff off of my gun. I'm still debating which gun to put this on. I'm not sure if I should use the Marauder or the Bulldog. I'm thinking probably the Bulldog at the moment.

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/7568762286.html?orderId=74575472721219

So last night I had an idea for expanding this project a bit. I really liked the idea of the Bullseye Target system that works with the mobile devices to view one's targets in real time remotely. They're a great idea, but technologically, it's overkill. It occurred to me that I could build a poor man's system for a fraction of the cost using many of the same components from the DIY Nightvision system:

I ordered an FM A/V transmitter for about $35:
http://smile.amazon.com/Boscam-600mw-Wireless-Transmitter-Receiver/dp/B00GWFUTSK?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

I added on some fancy antennae too:
http://smile.amazon.com/Anbee%C2%AE-5-8Ghz-Circular-Polarized-Antenna/dp/B00LGM2U0E?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

I also ordered another camera, LCD screen, and some more batteries too. The transmitter has a claimed 5km range so I should be able to set the camera and transmitter near the target, then watch the LCD screen while shooting to see where I'm hitting. In theory, I believe that the LCD screens have a PiP (Picture in Picture) feature, so it might be possible to record single video of a the scope cam and the target cam at the same time. That would be cool.

My plan is to put the kit in a plastic ammo box from Harbor Freight and cut a hole in the side for the camera.

Here's what I came up with to mount the camera:





My neighbor's plants from about 75yards:


I tried to capture the nightvision image with my phone. Just below the crosshairs is a pile of sunflower seeds:

I am painfully close to being able to put together my target camera. I have the camera, LCD monitor, and batteries...but I don't have the correct connectors to get power into the transmitter/receiver or get the video in/out of them. They're designed for use in drones and RC planes so they use a bunch of super lightweight non-standard connectors. I've ordered what I think I need but it will be yet another few weeks of waiting.

Oh, I'm still waiting on the DVR.