1 How do night vision sights work?

Night vision equipment allows people to see in virtually pitch-black conditions by light amplification. High voltage intensifier tubes can amplify low level ambient light, too weak to be seen by the naked eye, so that clear images can be seen.

2 Are there different types of night sights ?

Yes - There are three main types : Generation 1, Generation 2, Generation 3. The first two types are available for sporting and commercial use, whilst third generation devices are reserved for military applications.

3 How do first generation intensifiers work ?

Light particles (photons) first strike a special coating under the glass at the front end of the tube this is called a photocathode. The photocathode reacts by emitting electrical particles called electrons. These electrons are then accelerated down to the rear end of the tube by the presence of a high voltage. Once these very high speed electrons hit the end of tube, they cause a phosphor screen to light up, creating more photons, which can be then be seen by the naked eye. Thus for each photon which enters the tube, many thousands photons will be emitted, hence giving an overall light amplification of thousands of times.

4 How do second/third generation intensifiers work ?

Rather than using a simple open vacuum tube as in first generation devices, a very thin perforated glass disk known as a Micro Channel Plate (MCP) is used for electron amplification. The MCPs allow electrons to be multiplied by between ten thousand and a million times. Thus second / third generation devices can potentially give a light amplification of up to 50,000 times. Second generation devices use a tri-alkali photocathode. Third generation devices use a material called Gallium Arsenide within their photocathodes which give much enhanced performance in the infrared spectrum of light.

5 How far can I see with my nightsight ?

This depends upon the type of terrain over which you are looking but generally an animal such as a fox can be seen between 100-170 m with an Aurora-3 and 150 - 250 m with a Kite. In very dark conditions an infrared light source can be used to boost the night scopes performance.

6 How far can I shoot with using a nightsight ?

You can expect to successfully shoot any quarry up to 130 metres when using a 3X magnification lens, and up to 165 metres when using a 5X magnification lens.

7 Do I need to use an additional light source ?

If your nightsight is fitted with a good quality first generation intensifier tube, then you can successfully shoot under moonlit conditions. However, under star lit or 'black' nights, then an additional infrared lamp or spotting laser will be needed. (which will work very successfully). Good quality second/third generation tubes will work adequately under all night conditions but can still benefit from Inrared due to its reflectance from animals eyes.

8 Can I make my own infrared light source ?

Yes. Simply attach an infrared filter sheet over the front of a normal spotting lamp. Care should be taken that the filter plastic does not get too hot, as it will eventually melt if allowed to overheat by continuous use. The Infrared filter we supply gives off an invisible IR beam, this beam can only be seen using a nightscope it is a different type of filter to the red filter that you may put over your lamp.

9 Can I use a "red dot" aiming laser in conjunction with my nightsight ?

Yes. These can be fitted to the top of the nightsight or onto the rifle barrel. Note that the laser unit itself must have its own windage (horizontal movement) and elevation (vertical movement) adjustment controls. An IR version of these aiming sights is also available.

10How long does a typical nightsight intensifier tube last ?

If used and stored correctly, expect about 1000 - 6500 hours tube life depending upon the model.

11 What happens if I turn my nightsight on during daylight ?

The nightsights come with a day light training filter for use in the day, this may be a simple pin hole in the end cap or a more elaborate polaroid glass system. The nightscope can then be turned on in the daylight for short periods of time. However the scope should not be used in very strong sunlight even with the daylight filter in place. Never turn the night scope on in daylight with the cover removed or use it to view bright lights at night as this can be damaging to the scope. All the scopes that we sell have some built in self protection measures but they should never be relied upon.

12 What should I clean my nightsight lens with ?

A good quality optical cleaning cloth, as used for cleaning spectacles is fine.

13 Will the recoil of a heavy calibre rifle damage my riflesight ?

No. A good quality nightsight is designed to be shock resistant. Again, cheaper sights will suffer if attached to such firearms (their internal lenses and components tend to eventually shake out of alignment) and hence will not hold their zero.

14 How waterproof are nightsights ?

Sights built to military specifications will be completely waterproof and so will survive total immersion in water/mud. Sights designed for sporting/commercial use are only designed to be showerproof and so need to be protected from water. It is advisable not to use these sights in heavy downpours.

15 How do I open my nightsight, to look inside ?

Opening or attempting to open any of our nightsights will automatically invalidate all warranties.

16 Can I paint / camouflage my nightsight ?

Applying any kind of paint or coating to the sight will automatically invalidate all warranties.

17 How do I mount my rifle nightsight on my firearm ?

Most nightsights will seat correctly to a standard dovetail mount. If your rifle does not have a dovetail, then you should consult a qualified gunsmith, who can arrange for a special mounting rail to be made. In the UK we can arrange for any special rails etc. to be made for our customers at little extra cost.

18 Can I mount my rifle sight on a crossbow ?

Yes. All that is required is a standard dovetail mount.

19 What batteries do I need ?

Every nightsight has a different battery requirement. Most require either AA, PP9 or camera batteries.

20 How often do I need to change the batteries ?

Expect about 36 hours plus of continuous use from one set of good quality, long life batteries.

21 Do I need an export licence ?

Not if you are purchasing any of our goods from the mainland UK.

Purchases from Northern Ireland must be approved by the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary).

Purchases from outside the UK need to be considered on an individual country basis.

22 Are there any restrictions on the purchase of nightsights ?

Nightsights which use first or second generation tubes may be purchased for commercial or sporting use. Third generation devices are for military applications and so are not available for public purchase

23 How long is a Foxshot supplied nightsight guaranteed for ?

All night sights are guaranteed against manufacturers defects for twelve months from the date of purchase. Important - our warranty does not cover damage caused by accidentally switching a unit on during daylight / bright light conditions,

24 My nightsight has stopped working - what should I do ?

Check battery connections and try replacing the batteries. If the unit still does not work, please telephone/fax Foxshot for further assistance.

25 What do I do if my nightsight needs repair under warranty ?

In the unlikely event of a failed unit, contact us first. If the unit needs repair or further investigation, then it should be returned to Foxshot. Note that the cost of returning the unit is your responsibility. All returns must be made via an insured courier as we cannot accept responsibility for transit damage. After the unit is repaired/replaced as necessary, Foxshot will arrange its insured return at our expense.

26 What do I do if my nightsight needs repair out of warranty ?

If a unit fails more than 12 months since its date of purchase, or is accidentally damaged, (e.g. by repeated abuse to light when switched on) then all repair / replacement / transportation costs are your responsibility. Contact us first, and then return the unit to Foxshot. We will be then able to quote the necessary charges.

Last Updated 15/1/99