Night Goggles, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of NGI Outdoor Systems, and new product line from Night Goggles targeted towards outdoors adventure enthusiasts, night time photographers, naturalists, and other recreational users starting with the NGI Outdoor Systems YOTE MN14P PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Device featuring Photonis ECHO White Phosphor Image Intensifier tubes starting at $2,399 and in-stock at one of the best prices for a factory new WP high performance PVS-14 Monocular!

NGI Outdoor Systems YOTE MN14P PVS-14 Photonis ECHO WP Monocular Night Vision Device

***CURRENT LEAD TIMES ARE APPROXIMATELY ONE (1) WEEK FOR BLACK AND ODG SYSTEMS, AND APPROXIMATELY FIVE (5) WEEKS FOR COYOTE SYSTEMS***

“There has always been a significant overlap between products designed for defense applications and those used by outdoors enthusiasts and we’ve already seen many products move back and forth between outdoor enthusiast communities and the defense sector. At TNVC and NGI, our focus has always been on tailored solutions for specific customers, and we realized that while many defense-oriented night vision products can be applicable to recreational uses, there did not exist many specific solutions for the outdoor enthusiast community. With the tremendous growth in the night vision industry and community over the last twelve months, we decided that it was the right time to launch a dedicated, commerce-oriented label for our products.”

-Augee Kim, TNVC Director of Operations  



The first product released and the centerpiece of the NGI Outdoor Systems product line will be the YOTE MN14P Monocular Night Vision device, based on the ubiquitous military AN/PVS-14 architecture and featuring a Photonis ECHO White Phosphor Hybrid Photocathode image intensifier uniquely suited to the needs of recreational night vision users*.

https://www.nightgoggles.com/product-category/outdoor-systems/

The YOTE Monocular is ideal for any user who wants to improve their ability to see in times of darkness while reducing the amount of visible light pollution, especially important in remote areas and in sensitive nocturnal ecosystems that could be disturbed by the use of visible light. The Yote MN14P has an approximately 48 hour run time using a single lithium AA battery, being both more efficient and more environmentally friendly than battery-hungry flashlights that can disturb others’ natural night adapted eyesight, while the monocular format preserves the user’s natural night adaptation as well. The Yote is equally at home on camping and overland trips and for close-to-shore boat navigation, and can expand the available research and observation opportunities for naturalists studying and observing nocturnal wildlife.    



The Photonis ECHO Hybrid Photocathode image intensifier tubes used in the YOTE produce a cooler image than the image intensifier tubes preferred for defense and tactical applications that can be more comfortable and more pleasing to some users. The ECHO tube also features excellent high light resolution when used in conjunction with IR illumination such as the built-in IR illuminator on the YOTE monocular, the NGI TORCH PRO MKIII handheld illuminator, or LightforceUSA IR lighting solutions. The ECHO tubes also feature a narrower dynamic range that is better suited to night vision photography, especially in conjunction with the TeleVue FoneMate universal smartphone adapter, making it an ideal setup for night vision photographers.



While traditional defense applications emphasize stealth and covertness with maximum extreme low light amplification to reduce the amount of active NIR emissions that could be detected by similarly equipped adversaries, this can sometimes mean that they produce an image that some perceive as too bright and overly harsh, especially under normal ambient lighting conditions and with IR illumination and can wash out digital cameras used for night time photography.

The Photonis ECHO Hybrid Photocathode uses the same technological infrastructure as Generation 2 image intensifier tubes making them a Gen 2+ tube, however, Photonis has pushed the boundaries of the Gen 2 architecture to produce some of the very best tubes on the market for outdoor adventure enthusiasts at a significantly lower costs than similar performance Gen 3 image intensifiers.

The YOTE will be available initially in three colorways—traditional all-black “Erebus,” as well as two brand new Cerakote colorways: “Mictlan,” featuring a Coyote Brown housing with Gray accents, and “Mirkwood” with an Olive Green housing and Blaze Orange accents. Both Mictlan and Mirkwood units will also come with a gray Cerakoted J-Arm to connect to a helmet mount (not included).
Introductory price on the NGI Outdoor Systems Yote Monocular will be:

-Erebus (all black): $2,399

-Mictlan & Mirkwood: $2,499    


***CURRENT LEAD TIMES ARE APPROXIMATELY ONE (1) WEEK FOR EREBUS AND MIRKWOOD SYSTEMS, AND APPROXIMATELY FIVE (5) WEEKS FOR MICTLAN SYSTEMS***

https://www.nightgoggles.com/shop/night-vision/night-vision-monoculars/ngi-yote-mn14p-monocular-nvd-photonis-echo-wp

While the YOTE Monocular uses a Photonis ECHO Hybrid Photocathode Gen. 2+ image intensifier tube, it is otherwise identical to other TNV/ and NGI/PVS-14 Monocular Night Vision Devices built to military specifications, using a durable polymer housing and military-quality optical lens assemblies and is built in-house to the same rigorous quality control and quality assurance standards as equipment issued to military forces and is backed by NGI’s Lifetime Limited Warranty.



As with TNVC and Night Goggles, NGI Outdoor Systems will specialize in high quality, premium equipment for the commerce market—while tailored specifically to recreational users, NGI Outdoor Systems will not sacrifice quality, durability, performance, or customer service to service non-defense oriented customers.

For inquiries or media requests, please contact [email protected]

*The MN14P is based on high performance image intensifiers designed for defense use, and therefore is regulated under ITAR and cannot be sold, exported, or otherwise taken outside of the United States without express permission from the US Department of State. Failing to abide by ITAR is unlawful and can result criminal charges, fines, and/or prison sentences.

Will this work with the tnvc powered bridge?

Yes, other than the Photonis ECHO tube, it is a standard, MIL-SPEC PVS-14.

~Augee

@TNVC_Augee Do the echo tubes have the ability for the manual gain control to work? Or how important is that feature on this pvs 14 style unit?

Yes, the Photonis ECHOs are standard MX-11769 style tubes with manual gain control.

Other than having a Photonis Gen. 2+ tube and new Cerakote options, the YOTE PVS-14 is identical to any other TNV or NGI PVS-14, and use all MIL-SPEC components, and have the same Lifetime Limited Warranty and 14 day no questions asked return policy.

The manual gain control is very useful to have in a monocular format, as it allows you adjust the image brightness down so you can continue to use your unaided eye (otherwise your brain may "override" your other eye) in mixed lighting conditions.

The ability to reduce the gain and dim the image can provide at a more comfortable image to some users and be useful for Night Vision photography.

~Augee

@TNVC_Augee thanks for the info! Would the major difference in performance between this and the NGI xls unit be lowest light performance? From what I have read that seems to be the case generally speaking. I have essentially no experience with nv but am researching for first time purchase.

Yes, Gen. 3 tubes will have an edge in overall tube brightness and image fidelity/resolution in extremely dark conditions (e.g., no moon/stars, under canopy, inside of structures), which make them better suited for situations where IR light discipline is preferred, especially when there may be adversaries with similar capabilities (you don't need a night vision device suitable for maneuver or dynamic use to be able to use IR emissions as an early warning detection system).

On the other hand, the Photonis ECHO Gen. 2+ tubes will be slightly darker due to a narrower dynamic range (the difference between the darkest dark and brightest bright in the image), which produces better photographs and can be more "comfortable" to some wearers who may perceive the brightness of Gen. 3 tubes as harsh, as well as slightly better high light resolution when used in conjunction with strong IR light sources like the TORCH PRO MKIII when IR light discipline is less of less critical concern, such as recreational uses.

Both tubes/units are similarly priced and are both great devices, however the Gen. 2+ and Gen. 3 tubes have slightly different characteristics based due to the differing technologies used, which can make them better suited to different applications.  

~Augee

I have been holding out to purchase a night googles xls gen 3 just to have a pvs14 not my main nv set up but i want one

can you compare and contrast these 2 units?

gen 3 vs. gen 2+ ?

@bates

See my response right above yours.

~Augee

The order page has this warning "Requires infinity stop rings smaller than 1.465″ / 37.211mm in diameter" which makes me think not all PVS14 bodies are equal. I am looking to get 2 but want to be sure before I drop that much cash.

interesting to see this from people who haven't been the biggest proponents of gen 2 stuff.

@recompiler

There are non-MIL-SPEC housings and components out there that are sometimes used by other vendors, which, among other things may have slightly thicker infinity stop rings and/or may not accept standardized accessories like eyecup retaining rings.

For the PBM and NPBM specifically, we had to add a compatibility note as the yoke and collar design that stabilizes the PVS-14 is non-adjustable and has very tight tolerances to maintain the stability to provide the mechanical alignment of the devices.

The YOTE NM14P Monocular uses the exact same PVS-14 housings and components used by all of TNVC or NGI’s other PVS-14s and are fully compatible with the PBM and NPBM.

~Augee

Are there photos of the same view that compare this item to your standard WP pvs14, filmed or unfilmed?  I would be interested in what I sacrifice for the savings.  I have two of your unfilmed WP and a third ordered.

What are the specs for these looking like? I need another Photonis 14 to make my one pvs14 a poor man's dual setup. I think my current Photonis Echo tube is 2200FOM

The narrative that “TNVC and NGI hate Photonis” or that we “trash Photonis because we don’t sell it” is just that.

What we have always striven to be is honest about the relative performance of Gen. 2+ tubes in comparison to Gen. 3 tubes, rather than using marketing hype to move product.

BLUF: for at least the last ten years, TNVC & NGI have never not sold/carried Gen. 2+ and Photonis products, before most people in the commercial market knew that Photonis existed, and we have always been honest about what it does and doesn’t do, which has drawn the ire of competitors who prefer to use “just as good” types of language to sell tubes which are lower cost and have shorter lead times, leading to greater profits.

As the initial post/press release makes clear, our opinion is still that Gen. 3 is the better choice for defense-oriented customers and armed professionals, however, that does not mean that good, high performance modern Gen. 2+ systems don’t have some uses and even some advantages, especially for recreational customers, e.g., through-the-tube photography.

To elaborate:

The superior low light performance of Gen. 3 tubes makes them better suited to defense (military & LE) applications, because not only Gen. 2+ lose overall performance sooner than Gen. 3, but because the image fidelity and therefore the user’s ability to PID threats without supplemental illumination drops off quickly as ambient light begins to fail. This is not only important in an operational sense, but also for liability reasons.

Coupled with the sensitivity of many systems to NIR radiation and can be used as early-warning detection systems even if they’re not suitable for maneuver, to include baby monitors and common at-home security cameras, camcorders, and trail cameras that incentivize limiting active NIR emissions as much as possible for armed professionals (TNVC’s core competency is the Tactical customer, after all), especially at a similar price to comparable Gen. 3 systems.

We’ve also been honest about the operational utility of Photonis’ slightly wider spectral response band, i.e., “OOB” or “Out of Band” capabilities, the ability to see outside of the normal NIR (Near Infrared) spectrum that Gen. 3 systems operate within.

Despite claims to the contrary, we have not said that Photonis Gen. 2+ tubes cannot see OOB, but that the intensity required and the lack of broadly available suitable OOB peripheral products (such as aiming lasers) makes this a moot point for man-portable applications—again, while the Photonis Gen. 2+ tubes’ spectral response range it is still at the extreme end of the response curve and still peaks in the conventional NIR range, meaning it is not as sensitive at those wavelengths, therefore requiring significantly more power pushing the emitters to achieve similar results.

Now, that is not to say Photonis Gen. 2+ systems do not have advantages in some situations:

NGI Outdoor Systems is oriented towards a different kind of customer than TNVC or even NGI’s traditional core customer base, who has different applications and different needs.

Does that mean that it’s of no interest to our “normal” customers? Certainly not, and I think this thread is proof of that—at its core, the YOTE MN14P is simply a MIL-SPEC PVS-14 with a Photonis ECHO tube.

We believe that an educated consumer provided with accurate and honest information can be trusted to make their own decisions about what product(s) to purchase.

Long story short, it's a balance between detection and PID versus how "pleasing" the image is to the wearer:

We’ve always been honest that Photonis tubes are superior for photography, and I’ve said many times that unless specified for product purposes, most of our “generic” WP through-the-tube photographs are taken through ECHO tubes.

The Photonis tube has a narrower dynamic range (the difference between the darkest dark and lightest light) which makes it better suited to digital photography, and as a consequence, can be more comfortable to look through for many users.

For defense applications, in general we believe that “brighter is better” insofar as a brighter tube means better detection and PID, especially when looking into dark areas (e.g., down an alley or into a dark structure), however, extremely bright images can feel “harsh” to some users. Again, this is why most digital cameras have a narrower dynamic range—it tends to produce a more “pleasing” image to the eye to have all of the values within a specific narrow range. A simple exercise to demonstrate what I'm talking about would be to take any photograph or image, and start cranking up the contrast between light and dark--as you increase the contrast, you will be able to "see" and distinguish more detail and see things that you previously may not have been able to, however the overall image won't necessarily look "as good." This is why good photographers make a lot of money by knowing how to properly manipulate contrast, brightness, and other settings to make an image look good, however looking good is not the same thing as containing more information.

For a defense application where detection and PID can be the literal difference between life or death, we obviously favor the best possible option over how “pleasing” the image is. A recreational user, on the other hand, may favor a darker image that is more pleasing to the eye.

Along the same lines, Photonis ECHO tubes are often praised for their superior "high light resolution," again, something that we have never disputed the reality of--only the operational utility of.

Again, the key factors are detection and PID--Gen. 3 tubes lose resolution faster than Gen. 3 tubes in high light environments, this is a fact. However this does not have a significant effect on detection and PID. If you were to turn on a Gen. 3 system inside of a fully lit room (not recommended, but hey, it can be done) you'll see that the loss in resolution does not really affect your ability to "see," at least in terms of detection and PID of potential threats. But you do in fact lose some resolution in comparison to darker environments.

That being said, once again, the image with the higher resolution is going to "look better" and be more pleasing to the viewer.

Assuming you are less concerned about being detected by adversaries that may potentially want to cause you harm, the solution is really fairly simple. Too dark? Then pump in more light using an IR illuminator.

Again, when you're using a lot of IR light, and creating a "high light" environment, you will get a "higher quality" image with the higher resolution of the Photonis ECHO tube, and again, the narrower dynamic range will mean that for lack of a better term, the strong IR illumination will be less "annoying."

Among TNVC and NGI's core values have always been:

- Educating the consumer, even if it does not lead to a sale, and being honest about capabilities even if it costs us a sale

- Tailoring solutions specifically to the end-user, rather than having a "one-size-fits-all" approach to night vision capabilities  

We have launched NGI Outdoor Systems for a number of reasons, however it is and will always remain in-line with these core values.

At the end of the day, recreational users, hunting users, and defense users have different applications, priorities, and requirements.  

~Augee

Thank you for the explanation.
I hate you, take my $$

@WI_Bill

There are a number of photographs and videos out there that "compare" the ECHO tubes to Gen. 3 systems, both from us and a number of other sources, however I would encourage you to read my explanation above regarding the specifics of the ECHO Gen. 2+ technology and specifically photography as compared to Gen. 3 image intensifiers.

More simply put: comparisons are out there, however I don't necessarily believe that you can ever get a truly "accurate" comparison using through the tube photographs with digital cameras and on a computer or phone monitor.

We learned long ago that Photonis ECHO tubes photograph extremely well, and have used ECHO tubes for most of our "generic" NV photography for several years, except when we needed to show specific images of particular systems (i.e., for product listings or capability comparisons).

Comparing photographs only, even lower spec ECHO tubes will produce better looking photographs than the most shit-hot 3000+ FOM Unfilmed Gen. 3 tube in many conditions, however that does not mean that they are "superior" tubes for other uses.

~Augee

@RyanEsstac

All of the ECHO tubes are 1800 FOM Minimum, with a fairly even distribution curve. In general we prefer not to talk "typicals," as it can sometimes lead to misplaced expectations.

Like the NGI Gen. 3 XLS systems, at this cost we cannot guarantee hand-select specs, however you can leave a note in your order or contact NGI if you have requests, which we can try to accommodate, though again, we cannot guarantee that we can.

And, as always, these units come with a 14 day no-questions-asked return policy with no restocking fee or other penalties (assuming the unit is still in new condition).

~Augee

Any word on how recoil sensitive these tubes may be compared to gen 3 tubes?

The issue is less the recoil sensitivity of the tubes themselves, and has more to do with the fact that the PVS-14 system is not designed with any kind of recoil mitigation or attenuation.

Gen. 2+ tubes are used in many of the weapon mounted sights that TNVC and NGI have sold for many years, and theoretically speaking an ECHO tube could be used in a Clip-On Night Vision Device (CNVD) with no issues, since those systems are designed for weapon mounting.

Conversely, the fact that PVS-14s can be used in weapon mounted configurations has more to do with the relatively mild recoil of .223/5.56 than the ability of the tubes themselves to sustain recoil and the fact that the military is willing to accept a certain amount of damage as “wear and tear.” They can still sustain shock and recoil damage if used overzealously, even on mildly recoiling weapons.

While there are some thicker filmed tubes, etc., that will be moderately more tolerant to recoil, however this doesn’t change the fact that standard PVS-14s are not really designed for weapon mounting.

~Augee

Echo tubes have much higher G ratings - multishot ~ 300g and single shot 500g.  It is one of the advantages of the Echo tubes and an important one if you anticipate carrying NODs around in a back pack for long periods of time (for example).  

As a reference, milspec Gen3 tubes need to exceed 75g

Another important point is the higher light resolution of the photonis tubes.  These as a minimum are typically greater than 50 lp/mm whereas gen 3 tubes are 25-30lp/mm in similar conditions.  

I can't comment on the durability of this particular housing - however, I'm sure its fine given its source.

Also keep in mind the availability of the Echo plus tubes - these typically have SNR 32 and lp/mm 64 ~ FOM 2,100.  For those driven by value and cost these are an excellent option.  Both Echo and Echo plus have autogating.

Is there any kind of discount code for ar15 members or folks with credentials?

Due to the very low price of these offerings, no discount codes. Thank you.

It appears same old sheet of music with the same Vendor/s telling anyone who will listen (i.e. Unfilmed tubes degrade after 200-500 hrs) that these NGI Echo systems are somehow sub standard in some way...

They feature NEW tubes not old stock tubes. with Mil spec Carson housings AND Mil-Spec glass nor oddball components. Our Echo systems also ship with ALL STANDARD ACCESSORIES, See below.

Contents Included: NGI Outdoor Systems YOTE MN14P Night Vision Monocular (PVS-14), Helmet Mount Adapter Arm (PVS-14 J-Arm), Rubber Eye Cup, Daylight Filter, Sacrificial Window, Demist Shield, Soft Carry Case, Lens Cleaning Kit, Operator’s Manual/Maintenance Standards, Warranty Registration Card, Data Sheet

For ANY reason you may not be happy, please remember we have a 14 day NO questions asked return policy as long as the unit is returned in new condition.

It's unfortunate we continue to have to dispel these vicous rumors. Thank you for all the orders!

Received today:
FOM 2144
SNR 31.54
EBI .20
Halo .88
Resolution 68

Nice specs, thank you for the order!

PVS-14 ECHO's STILL at $2399! We believe these are the lowest priced out there all with a no questions asked 14 day return policy with no restocking fee.

For those who want some further FYI...NGI has another sale surprise coming tomorrow!  Set your DVR's.

How long will the sale price be at $2399?
Also do you ship FedEx or UPS

Two more weeks or so...We ship Fed-X.

Thank you.

Thanks...
Got a little time to convince myself to pull the trigger

Would these work for stargazing ...ie looking at meteors during a meteor shower or would Gen3 be better?

Any idea when the XLS Gen3 may be back up for ordering?

It’s not a bad ride.  I live about an hour and a half north of your brother.  It’s close to a six and a half hour drive for me.  We do it a couple of times a year.   Make sure you see Gatlinburg.  Also if you like mini golf and putt-putt you will be in heaven.  The helicopter ride is worth the money too

@NGI_TOM its tomorrow somewhere in the world, so spill the beans!!! I dont want to wait til the morning...evening though I will be sleeping until then.

@paulthepreacherman
I'm guessing this was meant for this thread
https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Tell-me-about-Pigeon-Forge-and-driving-there-/5-2457847/

Did I miss the surprise?

Yes.  That’s weird.   How did it end up here?

Night Goggles Outdoor Systems Photonis ECHO WP DTNVGs $6,449 IN STOCK AND READY TO SHIP NOW!

How are these for stargazing? Looking at stars, meteors or satellites...
Would these be suitable or Gen3 better?

I can address your question ad I'm an avid amateur astronomer.

The Photonis tubes have always done well for stargazing.  Gen 3 will be a bit brighter for sure in the dark sky, especially piggybacked to a telescope eye piece. (AFOCAL). If you want the absolute best for stargazing, the Gen 3 (especially the Unfilmed WPT) are truly the best.  If you're just stargazing while holding the 14 to your eye and looking up, most times the Echo's will be fine.

Thanks for the reply...It was mostly going to be hand held looking up or on a blanket during the meteor shower. Although I do have some binos and a telescope...

I may have over looked it but what forms of payment do you take? Visa/MC are a given but what about Discover or AMEX?
Charged at time or order or when shipped?

Can these be hand selected or luck of the draw like XLS?

You can call to be placed in line and we'll email you when the order is ready. ANEX is also allowed for payment.

Funny thing about the Echo's as we've personally looked at hundreds of these tubes (NGI builds these in house) and 95% of the specs are very similar  without any big swings in performance vs. the ratio of XLSH tubes. Hand select option would not have a net gain like that at all.

Only spec I really care about with these would be EBI.

@TNVC thats interesting. What is it about their process that makes them so consistant as opposed to the other ITT makers like L3 and Elbit.