FAQ
Check out the resources below for some quick answers to our most asked questions.
POPULAR RESOURCES
Service Request Form
Need help with a repair? Contact one of NVD’s repair professionals.
Learn More
Current Lead Times
Each system is built to order and may have an extended lead time. Please check each product page for the lead time of the system you are interested in. If you want to check on the status a current order please contact us.
Contact us
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE YOUR SHIPPING COSTS?
We offer FREE Ground Shipping on all orders over $2000. All orders under $2000 will be charged a flat fee of $24.95. Free shipping is limited to the lower 48 states.
All shipments are sent with UPS Signature Required. Please ensure someone is available to receive package.
WHAT IS YOUR PROCESSING TIME?
After receiving your order, it will take approximately 1-2 business days for processing. At that time your credit card will be charged.
WHAT PAYMENT FORMS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept all major credit cards.
WHAT IS YOUR INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING POLICY?
We do not ship internationally. Export of the commodities described herein is strictly prohibited without a valid export license issued by the U.S. Department of State Office of Defense Trade Controls prescribed in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR),Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 120-130. All orders must be accompanied with our End User Statement.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
In the event the Buyer wishes to return a delivered order, NVD will approve such return on a case-by-case basis. NVD reserves the right to charge a restocking fee.
HOW DOES NIGHT VISION WORK?
In Generation II and III systems, the objective lens collects minute particles of light (called photons) that you cannot see with your naked eye and focuses then on the image intensifier. Inside the image intensifier tube, a photocathode absorbs this light energy and converts it into electrons. These electrons are then drawn through the micro channel plate that multiplies them thousands of times. When this highly intensified electron image strikes the phosphor screen, it causes the screen to emit light that you see. Since the phosphor screen emits this light in exactly the same pattern and degrees of intensity as the light that is collected by the objective lens, the bright night time image you see in the eyepiece corresponds precisely to the outside scene you are viewing.
Performance is the most important factor in night vision capabilities. Will a particular device allow you to see objects in near complete darkness? Night vision equipment offered by Night Vision Devices, Inc. will provide high quality images under extremely low light conditions such as cloudy, no moon nights. There are several terms used to compare the qualities of one tube to another. These specifications, such as Resolution, Signal-to-noise, and Photocathode Response will determine how well a system will perform in these adverse conditions. NVD classifies the performance of each system with FOM rating. Figure of Merit, or FOM, is the calculation of Signal to Noise multiplied by Resolution. Each of NVD’s products are classified by a minimum FOM rating of 1600, 1900, or 2300.
Performance is the most important factor in night vision capabilities. Will a particular device allow you to see objects in near complete darkness? Night vision equipment offered by Night Vision Devices, Inc. will provide high quality images under extremely low light conditions such as cloudy, no moon nights. There are several terms used to compare the qualities of one tube to another. These specifications, such as Resolution, Signal-to-noise, and Photocathode Response will determine how well a system will perform in these adverse conditions. NVD classifies the performance of each system with FOM rating. Figure of Merit, or FOM, is the calculation of Signal to Noise multiplied by Resolution. Each of NVD’s products are classified by a minimum FOM rating of 1600, 1900, or 2300.
HOW DOES THERMAL WORK?
Thermal imaging systems, also called infrared cameras, detect the heat given off by an object or person and display the difference in white hot, black hot or color variations. Because different materials absorb and radiate thermal energy at different rates, an area that we think of as being one temperature is actually a mosaic of subtly different temperatures. So, a person, warmer than the surrounding air, appears “white” while the cooler surrounding air or buildings will appear in varying shades of gray.
The infrared energy is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector elements (microbolometers), which detect changes in temperature. The detector elements create a very detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram. It only takes about one-thirtieth of a second for the detector array to obtain the temperature information to make the thermogram. This information is obtained from several thousand points in the field of view of the infrared detector. The thermogram created by the detector elements is translated into electric impulses.
The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit, a circuit board with a dedicated chip that translates the information from the elements into data for the display. The signal-processing unit sends the information to the display, where it appears as various colors depending on the intensity of the infrared emission.
Unlike traditional night-vision equipment, which uses image-enhancement technology, thermal imaging is great for detecting people or working in near-absolute darkness with little or no ambient lighting (i.e. stars, moonlight, etc,). It can display heat on a car that was just driven amongst others that were parked for some time.
WHAT IS ISO CERTIFICATION?
ISO 9001 is a quality standard maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is administered by accreditation and certification bodies like PRI Registrar. The rules are updated periodically to accommodate changes in the business environment.
Night Vision Devices, Inc. has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Management System certificate by the Performance Review Institute Registrar in Warrendale, Pennsylvania. This certificate validates the company’s level of performance for the Design, Manufacture, Sales and Servicing of Night Vision and Thermal Devices.
WHAT IS THE END USER STATEMENT?
Upon checkout, you will be prompted to sign our End User Statement for export control. An End User Statement (EUS) is a document used to identify that a buyer is a U.S. Person and is the final recipient of our product and has no intention of exporting to another person or entity.
CAN I EXPORT NIGHT VISION EQUIPMENT?
You cannot take Night Vision Equipment out of the United States. It is a Federal Offense to do so without valid U.S. State Department approval. Night Vision Equipment is both tightly controlled by the U.S. Government and heavily enforced, and falls under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which states, “Export of the commodities described herein is strictly prohibited without an export license granted by the U.S. Department of State Office of Defense Trade Controls prescribed in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), Title 22 Code of Federal Regulation, Parts 120-130.
Night Vision Devices, Inc. will not complete any transaction that requires the illegal export of products and will not assist directly or indirectly with any illegal export or re-export of any products.
Night Vision Devices, Inc. will not complete any transaction that requires the illegal export of products and will not assist directly or indirectly with any illegal export or re-export of any products.
Full ITAR language can be found here: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar_official.html
It is a violation of ITAR to allow any non-U.S. person to use or look through U.S. Gen III Night Vision Equipment, or to have access to any operator’s manual or documentation pertaining to U.S. Gen III Night Vision Equipment.
WILL MY PURCHASE BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY?
All products built by NVD will carry a warranty for 10 years, otherwise the product will have a one year warranty. NVD’s obligation under this warranty shall be limited to 1) repairing, or 2) replacing at its factory, or 3) allowing an equitable credit for any item, which upon inspection and in the judgment of NVD, is defective in material or in workmanship, provided NVD is notified of such defect or nonconformance within warranty without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). This warranty does not extend to any item which has been subject to misuse, neglect, accident, operation outside of the item’s maximum/minimum ratings, incorrect wiring, improper application or installation, use in violation of instructions furnished by NVD, or has had its serial number or any part thereof altered, defaced or removed. View our full warranty statement.
CAN MY PURCHASE BE REPAIRED?
Yes. To obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) please contact our service department by either phone 610-395-9743, or email us at service@nvdevices.com. No item will be accepted for repair, replacement, or credit card adjustment without a RMA.
CAN YOU BUY USED/REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT?
We do not purchase or take back used night vision systems. All of our systems are built from brand new components and image intensifiers. Periodically, there have been refurbished systems available for purchase. These are listed on our products page when available.
HOW CAN I BECOME A DEALER?
If you are interested in becoming a dealer of Night Vision Devices, Inc.’s products, please reach out to sales@nvdevices.com. We will require completion of a Pre-Registration Form for Dealer Agreement and follow up with you.
WHERE CAN I FIND RESOURCES TO FUND NEW EQUIPMENT?
Grants are an excellent resource to help fund new equipment for Law Enforcement agencies and other entities that otherwise could not obtain night vision equipment due to budgetary constraints. Grants can take much time and effort to research, locate, request, and execute. The below links provide information for proper grant writing and other online resources:
– PoliceOne.com – We highly recommend PoliceOne’s online grant assistance. See the detailed list of all available grants through product categories and due dates:
– Grants.gov
– DHS – State Contacts and Grant Award Information
– Weed & Seed
– Dept. of Commerce Grants
– DHS/FEMA Grants
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ABC (Automatic Brightness Control / Auto Gated)
An electronic feature that automatically reduces voltage to the microchannel plate to keep the image intensifier’s brightness within optimal limits and protects the tube. The effect of this can be seen when rapidly changing from low light to high light conditions; the image becomes brighter and then after a momentary delay, suddenly dims to a constant level.
Black Spots/Blemish
These are cosmetic blemishes in the image intensifier or can be dirt or debris between the lenses. Black spots that are in the image intensifier are common, and do not affect the operation or reliability of a night vision device.
BSP (Bright Source Protection)
An electronic function that reduces the voltage to the photocathode when the night vision device is exposed to bright light sources such as room lights or car lights. BSP protects the image tube from damage and enhances its life; however, it also lowers resolution when functioning.
Diopter
The unit of measure used to define eye correction to the refractive power of a lens. Usually adjustments to an optical eyepiece accommodate for differences in individual eyesight. Most night vision systems provide a +2 to -6 diopter range.
EBI (Equivalent Background Illumination)
The amount of light you see in an image tube that is turned on, but has no light at all on the photocathode. The EBI level determines the lowest light level at which you can detect something. Below this light level, objects will be masked by the EBI.
Emission Point
A steady pinpoint of bright light in the image area that does not disappear or move even when all light is blocked from the objective lens. If an emission point disappears or is only faintly visible when viewing under brighter nighttime conditions, it is not indicative of a problem.
Eye Relief
The distance your eyes must be from the last element of an eyepiece in order to achieve the optimal image area.
Field of View
The width or angle of the outside scene that can be viewed through the intensifier tubes measured horizontally and vertically.
FOM (Figure of Merit)
FOM is a number calculated by multiplying the Signal-to-noise ratio by the resolution of a night vision image intensifier. FOM number allows quickly estimate general performance level of the specific night vision image intensifier, and consequently the night vision device built around it.
Gain
Also called brightness gain or luminance gain, this is the number of times a night vision device amplifies light input. It is usually measured as tube gain and system gain and is usually in values of tens of thousands. U.S. military GEN II and GEN Ill image tubes operate at gains of between 7,000 and 65,000.
IR Illuminator
This is an IR Light Emitting Diode (LED). When turned on, the IR Source provides additional illumination to enhance existing light conditions and aid performance of the night vision device. Ideal for map reading and is for short range use.
lp/mm (Line Pairs per Millimeter)
A measurement of image intensifier resolution. The more line pairs per millimeter, the better the resolution.
Lumen
The unit denoting the photons perceivable by the human eye in one second.
Magnification
All NVD systems come with a 1X Magnification. Magnifiers can be purchased separately to increase visible range.
mA/lm (Microamps per Lumen)
The measure of electrical current (mA) produced by a photocathode when it is exposed to a measured amount of light (lm).
MCP (Microchannel Plate)
A metal-coated glass disk that multiplies the electrons produced by the photocathode, and is found only in GEN II and GEN Ill systems. The MCP normally has between 2 and 6 million holes (or channels). MCPs eliminate the distortion characteristic of GEN 0 and GEN I systems.
Photocathode
The input surface of an image intensifier that absorbs light energy and in turn releases electrical energy in the form of an electron image. The type of material used is a distinguishing characteristic of the different generations of image intensifiers.
Photo Response
See Photosensitivity.
Photosensitivity
Also called photocathode sensitivity, it is the ability of the photocathode material to produce an electrical response when subjected to light waves (photons). Usually measured in microamps of current per lumen of light (mA/Im). The higher the value, the better the ability to produce a visible image under darker conditions.
Resolution
The ability of an image intensifier or night vision system to distinguish between objects close together. Image intensifier resolution is measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) while system resolution is measured in cycles per milliradian. The image intensifier resolution will remain constant, while the system resolution can be affected by altering the objective or eyepiece optics by adding magnification or relay lenses.
SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio)
A tube’s SNR determines the low light resolution of the image tube. The higher the SNR, the better the ability of the tube to resolve objects with good contrast under low light conditions. It is the best single indicator of an image intensifier’s performance.
Scintillation
Sometimes referred to as video or electronic noise, this is a faint, random, sparkling effect throughout the image area. Scintillation is a normal characteristic of microchannel plate image intensifiers and is more pronounced under low light level conditions. Do not confuse scintillation with emission points (refer to the definition of emission points).