[Laser] Video Camera/Nightscope, etc. sensitive to IR light?

[Kerry Banke]

My experience with night vision gear has shown little sensitivity to IR. It  maybe just the ones I have had access to though. - Kerry N6IZW - 

--- On Sat, 1/1/11, Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com> wrote:


From: Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com>
Subject: Re: [Laser] Video Camera/Nightscope, etc. sensitive to IR light?
To: "John Randall" <m0els at yahoo.co.uk>, "Free Space LASER Communications" <laser at mailman.qth.net>
Date: Saturday, January 1, 2011, 2:12 AM


Thanks to John and others who responded. I should have been more specific with my question. What I’m interested in is a high performance system that can be used to verify line-of-sight paths out to about 70 miles. My idea is to use a high powered IR LED in the 3-5 watt range, using simple on-off switching to send Morse Code signals. My “receiver” would be a night vision camera, goggles, or similar device. What I’m unsure of are the answers to the following questions: 

1.) What kind of sensitivity would be required to detect the IR “beacon” at that kind of range? Generation 1, 2, 3? In other words, what is the effective range of this simple system as determined by the sensitivity of the photomultipler? 

2.) Attempting VUCC using lasers or high powered LED’s requires a minimum of five grids. Four grids is easy for even a basic system, since the range can be a mile or less by positioning one station on a grid intersection. The 5th grid is tougher...distance is about 70 miles minimum. We’re trying to determine a potential “good” site in the Southeastern United States without having to deploy the “full system” and are hoping to use this simple system just to verify the path. 

Maybe there’s a better way? 

3.) I already own a Sony Nightvision HD camcorder that has Generation 1 capability. Would this be suitable? 

Any suggestions or advice are most appreciated. 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF



Les Rayburn, Director
High Noon Film
130 1st Avenue West
Alabaster, AL 35007-8536
(205) 621-7500
(205) 621-7505 FAX
(205) 253-4867 CELL
http://www.highnoonfilm.com

From: John Randall 
Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2011 3:34 AM
To: Les Rayburn ; Free Space LASER Communications 
Subject: Re: [Laser] Video Camera/Nightscope, etc. sensitive to IR light?

All cameras can see IR. Just shine your tv remote into the camera lens and you will see white led's. The trick is to get rid of a small glass filter which is normally placed infront of the cd imager sensor. Once its removed, your images and video however will become a bit washed out in colour. 

This will get you closer to IR.

John



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Les Rayburn <les at highnoonfilm.com>
To: Free Space LASER Communications <laser at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sat, 1 January, 2011 3:47:35
Subject: [Laser] Video Camera/Nightscope, etc. sensitive to IR light?

We’re planning to run some tests using an OSRAM IR Dragon high powered infrared LED, and would like to use a video camera to help us sight in on the transmitter. Initially, we’ll probably modulate the IR with simple on-off Morse Code keying, and will use the video camera to verify LOS to and from various locations. Our goal is to determine the most likely sites for a successful VUCC attempt into five grids. 

I have a couple of Sony HD camcorders that feature their “Night Shot” technology and are sensitive to IR light, but I’m wondering if a Nightscope or other such device would be more useful for this application? I’ve even heard of IR rifle sights---anyone have any experience with this? 

Thanks in advance. 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf

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