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Ignorance is bliss. What am I talking about? I had no idea what I was missing in terms of night vision capability or availability until my exploration of products from American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN). ATN produces one of the most diversified line-ups of night vision (NV) devices in the industry. ATN offers many other optical devices beside NV; such as scopes, binoculars, reflex sights, laser range finders, thermal viewers, and other specialized optics. Any conceptions I held of tactics, personal defense, or prudent countermeasures in terms of equipment have been redefined; first on an individual level and more importantly for law enforcement or defense agency applications. Night vision always seemed beyond my reach either for reasons of economics, more pressing equipment needs, and now upon reflection, a lack of understanding of its capabilities. I admit to having held certain perceptions regarding night vision gear. There are times when one must get past the novelty of an item to truly appreciate its significance. I am familiar with night vision terminology labeling equipment by First, Second, Third, Fourth Generation based on technology level. I do grasp what an important advantage it has given US forces on the battlefield. The “eye opener” for me is the benefits modern night vision gear can bring not only to law enforcement, but civilians as well. Darkness is when crime and violence predominantly happens. I want to discuss/highlight the multi-purpose, utilitarian ATN NVM-14-3a monocular that brought about this awakening.
The ATN NVM 14-3a used in conjunction with the hands free headmount. This gives great flexibility to a user if performing first-aid, or moving slowly around a perimeter. The uses are limited only by mission and operator imagination.
Goggle kit optional.
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Let’s establish a base line of understanding before getting into the specifics of the ATN NVM-14-3a device. There are references to night vision development near the end of World War II. However, generally, the night vision equipment used in the Vietnam War is considered the birth of night vision gear and is labeled Generation 1. As with any devices relating to electronics, the age of the computer and the shrinking microprocessor has allowed for quantum leaps in technology and size reduction since the 1960s. I do not want to dwell too much on the scientific aspects of the technology, because quite frankly I am not qualified to do so. Night vision devices work by gathering existing ambient light, whether this is moonlight, starlight, or infra-red intensifiers. The ambient light made up of photons passes thru a photocathode tube that changes the photons to electrons. The electrons are amplified via chemical and electrical processes and pass thru a phosphorus screen that change the amplified electrons back into visible light you can view thru the eyepiece. Designers chose to broadcast the image in green as green is a color that the human eye can tell the most variations or shades of. This basic description defines First Generation night vision devices. The succeeding Generations of night vision come into play by how the above process is handled or improved upon. As typical with technology, there is a cost increase associated with any increase in capability. Second Generation night vision is improved on by adding a micro-channel plate (MCP). The MCP amplifies the electrons to a higher level generating a better quality image for the user. Third Generation night vision technology is achieved by adding a sensitive chemical, gallium arsenide to the photocathode, again achieving a brighter, clearer image. Also, tube life is improved in Generation 3 units by adding an ion barrier film. The ATN NVM-14-3a is a Generation 3 device. Generation 3 devices are considered so technologically advanced that exporting Gen 3 night vision equipment from the US without a valid export permit issued by the US State Dept is strictly prohibited. Generation 4, also known as Filmless & Gated image intensifiers, are exclusively military in nature at this point and beyond the realm of this discussion in terms of price and availability. Generation 4 devices are not available for export.
ATN offers many versions or types of night vision devices across the different technological Generation designations. This is allows a user to choose a device based both on needed capabilities and budget. NV weapon sights, goggles, binoculars, monoculars, and day/night systems are all available from ATN. Thermal imaging equipment is also offered, but is a different technological family from the image intensifiers we are discussing. The ATN NVM-14-3a is a general use monocular that can be adapted to fit various roles, including weapon sight, and can be attached to headgear for hands free observation or merely secured around the neck with a lanyard for use when held to the eye. I feel fortunate that my first exposure was with this general purpose unit as it allowed me to explore many different facets of night vision use. The ATN NVM14-3a proved quick to get into operation with controls ergonomically placed for use. The ATN NVM 14-3a can utilize either a CR 123A or single AA battery for a power source. Expect the CR 123A to provide 40 hours of continuous use. I was surprised by the compact size of the ATN NVM 14-3a weighing only 11 oz with a length of 5.5”, width of 2”, and height measuring 3”.
The ATN NVM14-3a has both a focus and diopter adjustment rings that allow the user to dial in optimum settings for best viewing. The ATN NVM 14-3a has a 40 degree field of view. Effective viewing distances depend greatly on conditions and just how much clarity or detail is required. There is a difference between detection versus recognition range. Generally speaking, on a clear full moon night the NVM 14-3a can detect a man size object at over 300 yards, with a recognition range of 250 yards. The ranges, respectively, would be 150 yards and 100 yards for Gen 1 and 200 yards and 150 yards for Gen 2 devices. Any listed detection or recognition ranges will depend greatly on the size of the viewed object and ambient light conditions.
The ATN NVM 14-3a mounted behind an EO Tech on a Sabre Defence AR-15. Verification that the EO Tech or other type of red dot sight is night vision compatible is crucial.
Weapon mount optional.
AR-15 and Eotech not included.
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This is not a technical primer, but users should be aware there are two main quality parameters night vision devices are measured by—Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) and Resolution. This is important for comparison’s sake between different product types and/or manufacturers. An informed user will be better able to choose the night vision device best suited to their needs. Resolution is defined as the ability of a night vision system to distinguish between objects close together. Image intensifier resolution is measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). SNR is a measure of the light signal reaching the eye divided by the perceived noise as seen by the eye. A tube’s SNR determines the low light resolution of the image tube. A high SNR translates into the tubes better ability to resolve objects with good contrast under low-light conditions. Many experts in the field feel the SNR is the best indicator of an image intensifiers performance because SNR is directly related to the photocathode’s sensitivity and accounts for phosphor efficiency and MCP operating voltage. The US military standard for Resolution is 64 lp/mm and the SNR standard is 20. The ATN NVM 14-3a complies with these standards. Can I perform laboratory tests to validate this? No, but if you do not trust your chosen manufacturer to provide accurate data you should be looking somewhere else anyway.
The NVM-14-3a turns on and off with a simple push tab that also serves to activate the infrared illuminator (IRI) when depressed and held for two seconds. The NVM-14-3 is a Generation 3 device utilizing a passive system of observing light. By passive I mean it magnifies existing ambient light without have to induce its own infra-red light. However, quite frankly sometimes there just is not enough ambient light existing for use. Thus, the ATN NVM 14-3a includes an IRI for such occasions. ATN is an industry leader in providing an IRI on it night vision devices. For example, the IRI was a must when testing out the unit in a room without windows. Another sound application would be for reading a map within a vehicle or needing to observe something at close range with high clarity or attention to detail. The options here are endless. The ATN NVM 14-3a features a focusing lens for the IRI can be slid into place to concentrate the effect of the IRI even more. The IRI’s effective field of view (FOV) is less than the ATN NVM 14-3a overall 40 degree FOV and is even tighter with the focusing lens moved over into place in front of the IRI. The IRI is invisible to the naked eye, but will show itself to any other night vision devices in the area. The IRI’s intended viewing range is 10’. This range is extended to 25 yds when the focusing lens is moved into place. If a more intensive infra-red source is required ATN offers a separate IRI device called the IR-450 IR illuminator. One’s tactical situation will warrant the use of the infra-red illuminator.
All ATN day/night systems are shipped in mil-spec, foam inlayed, watertight, unbreakable Pelican cases. The multi-use capability of the ATN NVM 14-3a is apparent upon opening the Pelican case. My unit shipped with a neck lanyard, headmount assembly allowing for hands free use, a 3X Afocal lens, CR 123A battery, and a weapon mounting rail adapter. Also, included in the hard case is a detailed instruction manual along with an informational DVD. ATN night vision products come with a minimum two year warranty with some covered for three years. Camera or camcorder adapters are available, as is a 5X Afocal lens, IR-450 IR illuminator, adaptor for combining the NVM 14-3s into binoculars, helmet mount, picatinny rail adaptor, and a scope mount adapter are other options. All of these options allow the ATN NVM 14-3a to be configured into whatever role is desired by the user.
The ATN NVM 14-3 combined with the headmount proved my favored set up. The headmount has adjustability in the mounting bracket allowing for the ATN NVM-14-3 to be placed in front of either eye and at the correct eye relief distance. One must be aware that the ATN NVM-14-3 is a general purpose unit. My experience with the unit and its speed of how it focuses/processes light will dictate the user move at a walk. Quick focusing on different planes of sight—near and far—is not practical. Thus, driving or rapid tactical movements are problematic and best suited for other night vision devices. The headmount’s hands free capability gives the user a greater ability to move while using the ATN NVM 14-3a versus holding the unit to ones eye as a strict monocular. This also allows the user to carry a weapon or other equipment, while taking advantage of “seeing in the dark”. I experimented with using a pistol or rifles open sights and found the same issue with focusing at two separate distances limited usefulness. Point shooting is still a valid option, however, depending on distance to target.
Do not get me wrong, use as a monocular hung around your neck for surveillance is still valid, especially in an area where ambient light is plentiful, for example, in a city or residential area where light sources are abundant. My thoughts here gravitate to any sort of surveillance or search operation in a populated area. Another likely use would be a home or property owner needing to sweep an area for intruder of either the two or four legged kind. Search and rescue operations are another application the monocular can be used for. That is the beauty of the ATN NVM 14-3a - its versatility. An important feature incorporated into the ATN NVM 14-3a is the Automatic Brightness Adjustment System that always keeps the brightness level constant. In conjunction with this, the unit has an Automatic Protective System control that will shut the ATN NVM 14-3a down if an overly powerful light source turns on. This protects the unit from “frying” out its sensitive light gathering and magnifying components.
The most optimum weapon set up would be to place the ATN NVM 14-3a behind a red dot or reflex sight (also known as a collimated dot sight) with the weapon mounting rail. It is important to verify that whatever type or manufacturer of sight selected has an NV mode that allows the ATN NVM 14-3a to view the infra-red aiming point. This combination of the ATN NVM 14-3a with a red dot or holo sight mounted on an AR-15 or submachine gun platform shows off the versatility of the sight. I specifically mention AR-15 or submachine gun for two reasons. One crucial consideration is eye relief. The ATN NVM 14-3a’s eye relief of less than 1” makes it not so user friendly mounted behind a scope on a high powered rifle with significant recoil. There are other night vision products much more conducive in this role. The second consideration is that these weapon platforms will have the required length of picatinny rail for using either a holo-sight or red-dot sight and ATN NVM 14-3a in conjunction with each other.
I mentioned earlier that the ATN NVM 14-3a I received came with a 3x Afocal lens. One important nuance in using the 3x Afocal is that it does not increase the distance you can see, but rather magnifies the images within a particular NV units range. This is an important concept to grasp. How fast light transmits thru the tube determines how much light is available for viewing. More light transmitted translates into more clarity and greater range for a NV unit. The speed of a lens is listed under the F-stop heading in the specs. This is another handy fact to know when comparing different makes and models of NV gear. The lower the F-stop quantity the faster the lens processes light. Generally speaking, with glass quality being equal, the higher the magnification the higher the F-stop, thus the 3x lens will not give you more distance because it is not as bright as the standard 1x lens. The 3x Afocal is a mission specific option that would be used on the ATN NVM 14-3a for surveillance or other static roles. The 3x Afocal is straight forward to employ. It merely screws onto the front of the existing 1x lens. A nice option to have that only contributes more to the ATN NVM 14-3a versatility.
The greatest compliment I can pay the ATN NVM 14-3a is that I now regard it as a vital piece of equipment for both civilian and law enforcement. My earlier perceptions of NV devices being mere gadgets for a civilian are demolished. In terms of law enforcement, NV devices are a must no matter the size, location, or mission of an agency or unit. Generation 3 technology is not inexpensive with the ATN NVM 14-3a carrying a suggested retail just under $3,000. However, earlier Generation monoculars are available for significantly less cost. I can not stress how impressed I was with the unit and its capabilities. Do I expect mass numbers of civilians or even law enforcement departments with tight budgets to run out and equip themselves with the ATN NVM 14-3a? Obviously, not, however, individuals and any department or agency owes it to themselves to explore the different levels and types of night vision technology available. ATN will have something in its extensive line-up of products at a price that anyone can afford. As with any purchase involving gaining a tactical advantage, it is all about perceived needs versus cost.
The Pelican case comes nicely formed around the NVM 14-3a and its different components. An instruction manual and DVD is also included.
Advanced Package 2 optional.
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