Originally Posted By KrazyL:
Say I buy a gen 2 pvs14, can a gen 3 tube be installed later?
What about something like the Yukon line of scopes?
There is not a Gen 2 PVS-14. I know of one that is a PVS-514 but it is a one of a kind scope and resides in AU. The PVS-14 uses a Gen 3 tube. Yes a DEP Gen 2 tube could be used but in the US it would not be cost effective or even a wise thing to do. Gen 3 is much easier to get and for the most part cheaper.
Yes, Dino's right. If someone has a "Gen2" PVS-14 I would be VERY suspicious.
However Gen2 AN/PVS-7's are more common and yes, these can be upgraded to a modern Gen3 tube.
Also AN/PVS-4s can be upgraded to a Gen3 tube but it's not quite as large a jump.
Also, AN/PVS-5's can sometimes be upgraded to Gen3. I think Ed Wilcox makes a kit for this.
However as a general rule, most night vision is upgradeable from Gen2 to Gen3. More common is upgrading from early Gen3 to modern Gen3 which produces a significant improvement.
Regards
David
I see... I think my numbers were mixed up. I just purchased a gen 3 pvs 14. I meant to ask about a 7 as I know where one is at at a semi reasonable price. .
Either way, I appreciate the help. I've got nightvision (pvs14 and a Yukon gen 3(early gen 3) and was looking at ways to get into it a little cheaper and buis it up as funds came in. In the end, it sounds like I would be cheaper to just buy gen 3 to start with.
As a general rule of thumb most gen2 units can be upgraded to gen3.
Practically you cannot upgrade a gen1 unit to anyhthing. (you sort of can in some cases but its usually a massive PITA and for the most part you are doing it yourself.
The second rule of thumb is: mil-spec units are designed to be serviced and taken apart, while most commercial units you are SOL, again it can be done but it will be more painful.
Third rule of thumb, viewers and goggles are easier to work on compared to rifle scopes (less to align and screw up in general).
