Ordered a IR laser diode....

[echo2]

I want to build a IR laser site for playing with my NVDs....I'm using some old SureFire parts....

This is essentially what it will look like.....



The front end will be machined from delron and aluminum.....it may protrude from the front by 1/4" or so.

On a side note....when I was digging for parts and seeing what combinations worked with what.....I got a bit sick to my stomach....best guess....this is about a fifth of my lights....

I had to stop doing math....

[echo2]

[Makarov]

Interesting setup. I've seen pictures of a few Surefire-to-laser-builds, and it'll probably be a solid system. How do you plan to sight in the laser once it's on the rifle?


A bit OT, but how does the bigheaded Streamlight TLR deliver? It's ugly as hell, but I'm strangely drawn to the concept.

Also, flashaholism is a lifelong disease. I've done the 12-step program, but once in a while I fall of the wagon. Right now I'm trying to keep myself down to 1 Surefire a year, but it's hard...

[pyzik]

Very cool concept. Keep us updated as you go, I am interested to see your progress.

[echo2]

Interesting setup. I've seen pictures of a few Surefire-to-laser-builds, and it'll probably be a solid system. How do you plan to sight in the laser once it's on the rifle?


A bit OT, but how does the bigheaded Streamlight TLR deliver? It's ugly as hell, but I'm strangely drawn to the concept.

Also, flashaholism is a lifelong disease. I've done the 12-step program, but once in a while I fall of the wagon. Right now I'm trying to keep myself down to 1 Surefire a year, but it's hard...

I have demolished 4 cheapy laser sights just to see how the POI adjustment is made....the 6 o'clock and 3 o'clock adjustment screws are the norm across the board. They just vary in ways to return to a touch beyond natural zero.

Some use o-rings and a shim....some have offset o-rings....some have spring pins opposite of the adjustment screws....etc

I'm going to form a slightly offset silicone sleeve (heavy at 10:30....with adjustment screws at 6 and 3.....with a hard set screw at about 10:30. This will allow for a 3 point lock up....the rear of the diode will be in a cone so it's movement will be restricted to a pivot....and will be held into position by the teflon washer on the front cap.

At least that is the plan....

[echo2]

A bit OT, but how does the bigheaded Streamlight TLR deliver? It's ugly as hell, but I'm strangely drawn to the concept.

It's fairly awesome.....your target in the dead of night could read a news paper..... at 200 yards........hell of a focused beam.

[Yaivenov]

Here's the IR laser sight I built: Just start with a beamshot 1000 super, remove the red laser diode, drop in IR laser diode. Total cost was about $125.

http://www.opticsplanet.net/beamshot-la ... -1000.html

http://www.alltronics.com/cgi-bin/item/ ... e%2DModule

Depending on the generation of night vision you're using you'll need a different wavelength diode.

Gen 1: Sees up to 800nm
Gen 2: Sees up to 850nm
Gen 3: Sees up to 900nm

I found 5mW to be really damned bright for my PVS-14, even with it being right at the edge of the visible range for the optic. Clearly visible dot out past a mile, some bloom inside of 100 meters, excessive bloom inside of 20 meters.







ETA: If you're concerned about damaging your optic (too much reflected energy at close ranges) definitely opt for a 1mW diode instead. Personally, if they made it, I'd go with a 2.5mW for my setup. Also if you're feeling froggy, they (alltronics) have got a cheap (~$100) green laser module in there. Most of the green weapon lasers I've seen have been pricey, so that might be a good project for those looking for a greeny without breaking their piggy bank open to fund it.

[echo2]

I'm running 3rd gens for weapons use.



Blooming is a bit of concern....I've got 6 different diodes so far....only played with one thus far....they have different ratings.

I'm going to see which work best for 50m to 250m range.

Right now I'm waiting on some more parts...7/8 estimated delivery....

[Yaivenov]

I'll try to get some pics of the bloom with the 5mW 904nm. Took some photos the other night but the camera just absolutely refused to focus properly *sigh*. As a subjective note, the bloom was not so excessive as to obscure a potential target.

[echo2]

my lathe and a chunk of Delron.....



diode and housing.....



assembly....



mostly done laser....



I'm going to drill and tap the adjustment screws tomorrow

[Makarov]

Nice stuff!

[echo2]

it will be when it is done...

[Einher]

wow, looking like a cool project.

can't wait to see the pics of it completed.

[Kutter_0311]

I'm running 3rd gens for weapons use.

That, sir, is quite the gear investment...

[/drool]

[Yaivenov]

I'm running 3rd gens for weapons use.

What model monocles are those

[echo2]

The one on the helmet is a ITT PVS-14.....the 2 to the side are 10160 tubes inside ABNightVision housings.....model NVM-2AA

I'm a big fan of Adams work.....very solid units....I assembled both of them myself.....which is the cheapest way to do 3rd gen.

[Yaivenov]

Have a single cell (one battery) PVS-14 already. Wishing I had the green to pick up a second tube and ring them up with one of TNVC's dual PVS-14 mounts.