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Posted: 7/17/2015 1:22:45 PM EDT
[#1]
SkyPup,
Saved that procedure for future reference - thanks. Question, isn't your D2 blocking a percentage of your FOV through the MKII/ACOG? |
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Posted: 7/17/2015 1:24:55 PM EDT
[#2]
No, it is a clear shot through the entire setup without the DBAL interferring at all, but you cannot see any of the internal digital icons in the MKII though the 4X ACOG.
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Posted: 7/17/2015 1:29:44 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
seems like a lot of steps is there any way to get the thermal's crosshairs out of the picture and just put the thermal on clip on mode strictly using acog for aiming? There are no internal thermal MK II crosshairs to co-witness in Clip-On mode like in the FLIR T-70/T-75 (takes 5 secs to setup with the Flirs). Instead, the entire blank visual screen is moved with the turrents to change POI. You can shoot some rounds and see where the POI is and adjust the screen to move the POI to where the rounds impacted if you have the rifle locked down in a solid rest. But still it takes allot of time and ammo to setup and don't know how repeatable after removing the MKII and reinstalling on the rail. Will find out though... |
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Posted: 7/17/2015 3:08:17 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No, it is a clear shot through the entire setup without the DBAL interferring at all, but you cannot see any of the internal digital icons in the MKII though the 4X ACOG. Ok, that makes sense to me. I just got my MKII and in weapon site mode my DBAL A3 on the top rail seemed to make the bottom 15% of my sight picture fuzzy / obscured. It seems in clip on mode you wouldn't see that part of the FOV on 4x. I have not tried my MKII in clip on mode. Anyway, moved the A3 to right side mount and now good to go. |
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Posted: 7/17/2015 7:59:33 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Ok, that makes sense to me. I just got my MKII and in weapon site mode my DBAL A3 on the top rail seemed to make the bottom 15% of my sight picture fuzzy / obscured. It seems in clip on mode you wouldn't see that part of the FOV on 4x. I have not tried my MKII in clip on mode. Anyway, moved the A3 to right side mount and now good to go. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
No, it is a clear shot through the entire setup without the DBAL interferring at all, but you cannot see any of the internal digital icons in the MKII though the 4X ACOG. Ok, that makes sense to me. I just got my MKII and in weapon site mode my DBAL A3 on the top rail seemed to make the bottom 15% of my sight picture fuzzy / obscured. It seems in clip on mode you wouldn't see that part of the FOV on 4x. I have not tried my MKII in clip on mode. Anyway, moved the A3 to right side mount and now good to go. Fongman, if I understand you correctly your using the MKII as a stand alone weapon site... If so what magnification are you seeing the 15% fuzzies? Is it in it's inherent magnification or also when your use the zoom? Also how close is the A3 to your scope? Thanks. |
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Posted: 7/17/2015 10:11:32 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Fongman, if I understand you correctly your using the MKII as a stand alone weapon site... If so what magnification are you seeing the 15% fuzzies? Is it in it's inherent magnification or also when your use the zoom? Also how close is the A3 to your scope? Thanks. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
No, it is a clear shot through the entire setup without the DBAL interferring at all, but you cannot see any of the internal digital icons in the MKII though the 4X ACOG. Ok, that makes sense to me. I just got my MKII and in weapon site mode my DBAL A3 on the top rail seemed to make the bottom 15% of my sight picture fuzzy / obscured. It seems in clip on mode you wouldn't see that part of the FOV on 4x. I have not tried my MKII in clip on mode. Anyway, moved the A3 to right side mount and now good to go. Fongman, if I understand you correctly your using the MKII as a stand alone weapon site... If so what magnification are you seeing the 15% fuzzies? Is it in it's inherent magnification or also when your use the zoom? Also how close is the A3 to your scope? Thanks. I had it set up like this:  " />
I was viewing a large tree about 50 yards away, and noticed a bottom strip of the screen was fuzzy / undefined. Took the laser off and it was clean and defined. Figured it was slightly blocking the view. I have not had a lot of time to spend with the unit yet, but am heading to my range soon to sight it in. And I believe I was viewing at the 1x(2.5x) setting. It seemed like an obvious situation so I didn't give it much thought and I don't think I checked it with the other magnification settings. I would rather run the the laser at the 12 O'clock position, but am used to the right side setting as well. First time using a thermal sight, so feel free to comment. Thanks! |
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Posted: 7/17/2015 10:14:46 PM EDT
[#7]
BTW it was 100°+ outside and pretty humid - but I thought the sight picture threw the viewer was outstanding. If it gets better I'll be floored...
Very happy! 
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Posted: 7/18/2015 5:56:50 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
BTW it was 100°+ outside and pretty humid - but I thought the sight picture threw the viewer was outstanding. If it gets better I'll be floored... Very happy! That it will. Very nice blaster btw.
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Posted: 7/18/2015 6:30:59 PM EDT
[#9]
Thanks Vic.
Sighted everything in today. Got the MKII zero'd in 6 rounds. Forgot my hand warmers at home. Heated up some spent brass and stuck them in the target center. Worked pretty well. Everything seems to be working pretty good. Please tell Ted and Jaimie thank you for getting it to me in time for the weekend. Thank You Vic for all the info and help!  " />
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Posted: 7/19/2015 1:50:58 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sighted everything in today. Got the MKII zero'd in 6 rounds. Forgot my hand warmers at home. Heated up some spent brass and stuck them in the target center. Worked pretty well. Everything seems to be working pretty good. I forgot my hand warmer the other day when I went to cite my IR hunter Mark 2 in. I cut out a couple of small squares of cardboard, soaked them in water and stapled them onto the back of the paper target. Worked great at 100 yards for me in the extreme heat we've been having. |
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Posted: 7/22/2015 12:13:56 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks Vic. Sighted everything in today. Got the MKII zero'd in 6 rounds. Forgot my hand warmers at home. Heated up some spent brass and stuck them in the target center. Worked pretty well. Everything seems to be working pretty good. Please tell Ted and Jaimie thank you for getting it to me in time for the weekend. Thank You Vic for all the info and help! http://<a href=http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1710_zpsydugbhec.jpg</a>" /> Anytime Brother, I will pass along the kind words to Jaimie and Teddy. Thank you. 
P.S. I am sure folks would enjoy seeing your final zero targets with that fine blaster you have! Vic |
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Posted: 7/22/2015 6:02:39 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Anytime Brother, I will pass along the kind words to Jaimie and Teddy. Thank you.
P.S. I am sure folks would enjoy seeing your final zero targets with that fine blaster you have! Vic Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Thanks Vic. Sighted everything in today. Got the MKII zero'd in 6 rounds. Forgot my hand warmers at home. Heated up some spent brass and stuck them in the target center. Worked pretty well. Everything seems to be working pretty good. Please tell Ted and Jaimie thank you for getting it to me in time for the weekend. Thank You Vic for all the info and help! http://<a href=http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1710_zpsydugbhec.jpg</a>" /> Anytime Brother, I will pass along the kind words to Jaimie and Teddy. Thank you.
P.S. I am sure folks would enjoy seeing your final zero targets with that fine blaster you have! Vic I have about 200 rounds down the tube now and the barrel seems to be settling in. I shot a bunch of factory ammo first and was a little disappointed. Some of it was shooting 4 moa, and then the rest about 1.5 - 2 moa. I don't consider myself an sub moa shooter any more, so I have to give a little grace to the factory stuff. But I have a hand load, 6.8spc w/ the hornady 120 SST bullets that seems to be a keeper. I put a 50 yard zero on both my Leupold MK6 1x6 and MKII and then shot it for groups at 100 and 200. (Pics are 100 only. Was trying to holding low - about an inch, which was much easier to to with the MK6 vs the MKII.) w/ MK6 1x6: 
w/ MKII I heated a spent casing and put it in the target. 5 round groups, I was able to shoot the casings out of the target. So it left a big hole. Not sure exactly what kind of group they were, but figured good enough. When I went downrange to check the target the casings were gone, but when I was shooting I never noticed that. I guess the casing heated the paper enough to keep the target lit - pretty cool. 
Couple more range sessions and I'll start having confidence in the system. Really looking forward to the cooler temperatures. Thanks again Vic. |
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Posted: 7/23/2015 10:52:28 AM EDT
[#13]
Very nice groups from your 6.8 and with the Hunter MKII! Sure looks like your have found your load.
I have a 6.8 with a 35mm Hunter MKII mounted as well and my day scope for this rifle is a Swaro 1.25x4. Since I don't want to reload for this cartridge [except for the subsonic loads, which require a fast twist barrel,] I was lucky to quickly find two factory loads which shoot well in my rifle, the Federal 115gr FMJ's and the SSA 115gr Barnes TSX's. The factory 120gr SST load only gave 2-3", which was disappointing. FWIW, I used a hand warmer when sighting in my new MKII last week and I found the hand warmer to be a little too large of a target. Maybe if I had stapled it so that it formed a diamond instead of a square it would have been better, but with about a 1.5x1.5" or so square holding precisely for windage was a challenge. I want to try the heated cartridge casing next opportunity. Also fwiw, the bullets passing through the paper target heated the paper, maybe the backing too, enough that I could see where my shots passed through the paper. JPK |
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Posted: 7/23/2015 12:30:35 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Very nice groups from your 6.8 and with the Hunter MKII! Sure looks like your have found your load. I have a 6.8 with a 35mm Hunter MKII mounted as well and my day scope for this rifle is a Swaro 1.25x4. Since I don't want to reload for this cartridge [except for the subsonic loads, which require a fast twist barrel,] I was lucky to quickly find two factory loads which shoot well in my rifle, the Federal 115gr FMJ's and the SSA 115gr Barnes TSX's. The factory 120gr SST load only gave 2-3", which was disappointing. FWIW, I used a hand warmer when sighting in my new MKII last week and I found the hand warmer to be a little too large of a target. Maybe if I had stapled it so that it formed a diamond instead of a square it would have been better, but with about a 1.5x1.5" or so square holding precisely for windage was a challenge. I want to try the heated cartridge casing next opportunity. Also fwiw, the bullets passing through the paper target heated the paper, maybe the backing too, enough that I could see where my shots passed through the paper. JPK Thank You JPK. I have not tried the Federal 115gr load, but have it on my try list. Saw a post of some ballistic gelatin testing with the Fed Fusion 115 and it was impressive. I've also read reports, now that Nosler purchased SSA, that they have really downloaded the previous SSA loads significantly. Probably for liability reasons. Have been a bit hesitant about purchasing any. The Hornady factory load was horrible in my weapon. The velocities were really good. Only about 35 - 40 fps slower than my handloads, which was surprising, but it would be very kind to call it 4 moa ammo - unfortunately. It's funny, but my archery target (hard foam block) has a large circle in the middle and 4 smaller circles in each corner and I can see those targets great through my MKII. I need to find a rifle target that would work that well. I wonder if putting the hand warmer taped behind a thicker piece of cardboard with a small cut out would provide a smaller aiming point? Will have to play around with it, though my next session will be mostly at 200 yards so the hand warmer may be perfect. If using the spent brass. Wear gloves, then heat the brass well. It does tend to dim a bit too much in about 10 - 15 minutes or so, then place in target. Heating while in the target begins to burn said target - duh... as you can see in one of my pics. Was too lazy to go get my gloves... 
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Posted: 7/23/2015 2:21:28 PM EDT
[#15]
Fongman
I was able to use the SSA 115gr TSX ammo on hogs last week, at night, using the MKII, and I couldn't be happier with the performance of the whole package. I didn't dig bullets or do much wound channel examination, but it was easy to see that most shots were through and through. The ammo had enough juice to drop a pair with one shot, driving through the neck of one and dropping the one behind. I killed seven hogs at ranges from 30yds to about 100, none we particularly large. I haven't broken out the chronograph to check any of the factory loads, and I really only use it to check velocity of my hand loads for those cartridges I have to reload for, to ensure that they are within velocity expectations and norms. Experience tells me that a couple hundred fps off of the pre-Nosler velocity spec won't make a difference, at least at the ranges I expect to shoot. But since you have the SST's shooting so well in your hand loads, you are set! I used some black 3" ShootNSee stick on target circles to repair (as in plug holes so I coild discern new shots with my spotting scope) my five diamond paper target. The sun was on the target and I could see the black target circles well through the Hunter MKII. I think I could shoot well using those and a 6:00 hold on the bottom to control elevation and windage hold. My five diamond paper targets, picked up at a Wally World, have dark green diamonds, and when the sun was on them I could make them out, but not well enough for sighting in. Maybe if they were jet black they would heat up and stand out enough. I will try. I think the hand warmer behind either some cardboard or maybe another paper target with a smaller hole cut in it is a good idea. I will definitely try it. I know I'll forget gloves, but I keep a pair of channel lock pliers in my truck, they ought to prevent toasted targets or hands. Maybe I' ll go put some welding gloves with my torch, now, so I don't forget. JPK |
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Posted: 7/23/2015 7:32:05 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I have about 200 rounds down the tube now and the barrel seems to be settling in. I shot a bunch of factory ammo first and was a little disappointed. Some of it was shooting 4 moa, and then the rest about 1.5 - 2 moa. I don't consider myself an sub moa shooter any more, so I have to give a little grace to the factory stuff. But I have a hand load, 6.8spc w/ the hornady 120 SST bullets that seems to be a keeper. I put a 50 yard zero on both my Leupold MK6 1x6 and MKII and then shot it for groups at 100 and 200. (Pics are 100 only. Was trying to holding low - about an inch, which was much easier to to with the MK6 vs the MKII.) w/ MK6 1x6: http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_4216_zps5d7sijkl.jpeg w/ MKII I heated a spent casing and put it in the target. 5 round groups, I was able to shoot the casings out of the target. So it left a big hole. Not sure exactly what kind of group they were, but figured good enough. When I went downrange to check the target the casings were gone, but when I was shooting I never noticed that. I guess the casing heated the paper enough to keep the target lit - pretty cool. http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1718_zpsli1iri8m.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1719_zpsxiepmqo3.jpg Couple more range sessions and I'll start having confidence in the system. Really looking forward to the cooler temperatures. Thanks again Vic. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks Vic. Sighted everything in today. Got the MKII zero'd in 6 rounds. Forgot my hand warmers at home. Heated up some spent brass and stuck them in the target center. Worked pretty well. Everything seems to be working pretty good. Please tell Ted and Jaimie thank you for getting it to me in time for the weekend. Thank You Vic for all the info and help! http://<a href=http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1710_zpsydugbhec.jpg</a>" /> Anytime Brother, I will pass along the kind words to Jaimie and Teddy. Thank you.
P.S. I am sure folks would enjoy seeing your final zero targets with that fine blaster you have! Vic I have about 200 rounds down the tube now and the barrel seems to be settling in. I shot a bunch of factory ammo first and was a little disappointed. Some of it was shooting 4 moa, and then the rest about 1.5 - 2 moa. I don't consider myself an sub moa shooter any more, so I have to give a little grace to the factory stuff. But I have a hand load, 6.8spc w/ the hornady 120 SST bullets that seems to be a keeper. I put a 50 yard zero on both my Leupold MK6 1x6 and MKII and then shot it for groups at 100 and 200. (Pics are 100 only. Was trying to holding low - about an inch, which was much easier to to with the MK6 vs the MKII.) w/ MK6 1x6: http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_4216_zps5d7sijkl.jpeg w/ MKII I heated a spent casing and put it in the target. 5 round groups, I was able to shoot the casings out of the target. So it left a big hole. Not sure exactly what kind of group they were, but figured good enough. When I went downrange to check the target the casings were gone, but when I was shooting I never noticed that. I guess the casing heated the paper enough to keep the target lit - pretty cool. http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1718_zpsli1iri8m.jpg http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a153/Fongman/IMG_1719_zpsxiepmqo3.jpg Couple more range sessions and I'll start having confidence in the system. Really looking forward to the cooler temperatures. Thanks again Vic. So you first mentioned you were NOT a sub MOA shooter?? Pleaaasee.....
VERY nice shootin'! |
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Posted: 7/24/2015 2:05:31 PM EDT
[#17]
JPK,
Thanks for the report on the SSA 115gr loads. I want a factory back-up load and will give these a shot. Also, going to try the Federal 115gr load and see if my gun likes one of these two. You need to start posting video of those hog shots.
Vic, Blind Squirrel syndrome 
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Posted: 7/25/2015 3:50:27 PM EDT
[#18]
I know many of you have been awaiting on this one. It's finally here...We had numerous iterations with the pouch itself which we feel is incredibly functional for both a rifle stock and helmet mounted for the IR Patrol.
The NGI Mini DVR Recording System gives hunters the ability to digitally record their exploits directly through their thermal imaging system. This device mounts to a variety of rifle buttstocks via an exclusive, custom-designed pouch and connects to either a FLIR or IR Defense Corporation Thermal Device (see specs for compatibility chart), allowing for real time digital video recording at the push of a button. Record your hunts and post your trophy videos online or just keep them for posterity. The Mini DVR features a 2.5? LCD screen with a real time display (960×240), recording at 30fps with date and time stamp. Video records to a removable 8GB TF Memory Card at 640×480 or 320×240 and can be downloaded via an included USB 2.0 cable directly to a laptop or PC in MPEG4 format. The unit is powered by a removable high-capacity Lithium Ion battery for up to 5 hours of continuous playback. Settings and controls are manipulated by on-board buttons while power on/off can be actuated via integral power button or remote fob. 
The Night Goggles Inc Mini DVR Package also includes a custom designed/built video interface cable. Made in the U.S., these cables are built exclusively for NGI and are proprietary to this DVR system. Rugged and reliable with attention paid to to the details, these cables are field-ready and can interface with multiple FLIR and IR Defense Corp products (depending on which cable package is chosen). An integral microphone is secured with the video cable, allowing for better sound capture than a built-in microphone in the DVR itself. The cable is also designed with filters that remove all the horizontal noise allowing your horizontal cross hairs to be seen during playback. 
The Mini DVR secures multiple platforms in a custom-designed, U.S.-made pouch that is made in the same factory as our very popular RISER STOCK POUCH Since the Mini DVR will most often find itself on a rifle, the pouch attaches to a variety of buttstocks via an elastic/webbing harness platform. The harness can be attached on either the right or left side of a stock. The actual pouch adheres to the harness with Velcro and snap closure for a secure attachment. The pouch is constructed of 500d Cordura Nylon for durability and has several very useful features as it was designed with painstaking details. We did not just want to slap together some material and call it a day. You can see below how meticulous we were in designing the pouch to function either rifle of helmet mounted.
We are also including a full NGI Mini DVR Recording System Kit FREE with the purchase of every IR Defense IR Hunter Mk2, IR Patrol M250, and M300W! The NGI Mini DVR Recording System is a great, cost-effective way to record your thermal scope adventures. As you can see, our recording package (that includes cables and our pouch) is priced accordingly from $171.99 — $205.99. We do not feel cables and such should be priced so expensively. Order info can be found HERE |
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Posted: 7/26/2015 1:33:26 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
FWIW, I used a hand warmer when sighting in my new MKII last week and I found the hand warmer to be a little too large of a target. JPK JPK, Spent some more time at the range this weekend. As for working on a smaller aiming point, I took some aluminum foil tape and layered some pieces together, about 4 layers thick. I then tore those into thinner strips and made a crosshair onto the hand warmer with the tape strips. It worked great at 50 and 100. At 200 there wasn't enough definition of the tape cross to see it. It appeared as a dimmer hand warmer. It might work better at 200 when the ambient temperature cools, but was already in the low to mid 90s when I was at the range. Anyway, just another thing to try. |
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Posted: 7/26/2015 1:34:40 PM EDT
[#20]
Vic,
The new mini DVR system looks great. Looking forward to using one! |
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Posted: 7/27/2015 1:59:13 AM EDT
[#21]
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Posted: 7/27/2015 2:45:53 AM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryThanks for the heads up Scott. |
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Posted: 7/27/2015 10:22:00 AM EDT
[#23]
Looks like I need to sent you guys some more money
nice looking product. |
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Posted: 7/27/2015 10:27:42 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
JPK, Spent some more time at the range this weekend. As for working on a smaller aiming point, I took some aluminum foil tape and layered some pieces together, about 4 layers thick. I then tore those into thinner strips and made a crosshair onto the hand warmer with the tape strips. It worked great at 50 and 100. At 200 there wasn't enough definition of the tape cross to see it. It appeared as a dimmer hand warmer. It might work better at 200 when the ambient temperature cools, but was already in the low to mid 90s when I was at the range. Anyway, just another thing to try. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
FWIW, I used a hand warmer when sighting in my new MKII last week and I found the hand warmer to be a little too large of a target. JPK JPK, Spent some more time at the range this weekend. As for working on a smaller aiming point, I took some aluminum foil tape and layered some pieces together, about 4 layers thick. I then tore those into thinner strips and made a crosshair onto the hand warmer with the tape strips. It worked great at 50 and 100. At 200 there wasn't enough definition of the tape cross to see it. It appeared as a dimmer hand warmer. It might work better at 200 when the ambient temperature cools, but was already in the low to mid 90s when I was at the range. Anyway, just another thing to try. Fongman, Great tip, thanks! JPK |
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Posted: 7/27/2015 11:13:29 AM EDT
[#25]
I spent some time sighting in the IR Defense Patrol M-300 this morning on my venerable SIG 556.
At first I tried to set it up in front of my ACOG 4X TA02 as a Clip-On, the height matches the ACOG on the Wilcox mount, but could not see the screen icons in Clip-On mode? I did not see any real benefit in using this instrument in Clip-On mode with my day optic ACOG as the thermal image gets pixelated at anything over 4X power. So figured I would use it as a standalone scope and also as a helmet mounted thermal scanner and just use the internal crosshair reticule and digital magnifications. The Wicox dovetail fits all my helmet mounts so an easy switch out. Tge M-300 does not clear a top rail mounted laser, so if you are using a laser you will need to move it to the side rail to keep it from interfering with the view. The M-300 is a nice light weight thermal scope with a large FOV plenty adequate out to 225 yards, which is about the lethal range of my 5.56mm Barnes 70 grain TSX handloads on large hogs. Will get some video soon. 
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Posted: 7/27/2015 12:32:30 PM EDT
[#26]
Also dialed in the IR Hunter MKII-35mm on my SIG 716 7.62mm in standalone mode as I've got some big hogs to take down here shortly.
I tried it out in Clip-On mode with both the ACOG and ELCAN, but decided this instrument suits me better as a dedciated standalone TWS. The MKII-35 does clear the DBAL-D2 with zero interference when the laser is mounted on the top rail, not a problem. 
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Posted: 7/27/2015 1:46:44 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I spent some time sighting in the IR Defense Patrol M-300 this morning on my venerable SIG 556. At first I tried to set it up in front of my ACOG 4X TA02 as a Clip-On, the height matches the ACOG on the Wilcox mount, but could not see the screen icons in Clip-On mode? I did not see any real benefit in using this instrument in Clip-On mode with my day optic ACOG as the thermal image gets pixelated at anything over 4X power. So figured I would use it as a standalone scope and also as a helmet mounted thermal scanner and just use the internal crosshair reticule and digital magnifications. The Wicox dovetail fits all my helmet mounts so an easy switch out. Tge M-300 does not clear a top rail mounted laser, so if you are using a laser you will need to move it to the side rail to keep it from interfering with the view. The M-300 is a nice light weight thermal scope with a large FOV plenty adequate out to 225 yards, which is about the lethal range of my 5.56mm Barnes 70 grain TSX handloads on large hogs. Will get some video soon. http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/IR%20Defense/M300%20Patrol/Full%20Patrol%20M300.jpg http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/IR%20Defense/M300%20Patrol/Close%20Patrol%20M300.jpg http://www.phossil.com/thom/Night%20Vision/IR%20Defense/M300%20Patrol/Top%20Patrol%20M300.jpg Nice pics SP. The reason you're not seeing the screen icons is because at 4x they may be cropped out. Put the scope in QCM quick comm and mode and see if you can see the icons. Also FYI for others, IRD will also be releasing a clip-on video instructions in the next few weeks we are told. Vic |
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Posted: 7/27/2015 2:19:09 PM EDT
[#28]
Apparently, in Clip-On mode at 4X the icons are clipped out.
I've decided to use them in dedicated standalone mode anyhow as I for one have no shortage of thermal Clip-Ons! 
But what I need now are the mini-DVRs to hook up the video cables! 
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Posted: 7/27/2015 8:45:36 PM EDT
[#29]
Also an update on the NGI DVR's we're offering. I just found out the manufacturer does not include a memory card with these...
 I hate that when I spend good money on an electronic device and to cut costs they leave this crucial piece of gear out! That crap ain't happening here.
I had Clasky order a bunch of these to be included with each one at NO extra cost!  Give us a few days for them to a arrive. Rant off.
Vic |
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Posted: 7/29/2015 1:47:21 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Apparently, in Clip-On mode at 4X the icons are clipped out. I've decided to use them in dedicated standalone mode anyhow as I for one have no shortage of thermal Clip-Ons!
But what I need now are the mini-DVRs to hook up the video cables! Yes you do!
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Posted: 7/29/2015 2:46:23 PM EDT
[#31]
I am very curious to know when Skypup will render his opinion of the ir defense products he's been displaying.
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Posted: 7/30/2015 11:41:01 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Also an update on the NGI DVR's we're offering. I just found out the manufacturer does not include a memory card with these... I hate that when I spend good money on an electronic device and to cut costs they leave this crucial piece of gear out! That crap ain't happening here.
I had Clasky order a bunch of these to be included with each one at NO extra cost! Give us a few days for them to a arrive. Rant off.
Vic Also, we've had numerous emails and PM's verifying what comes with our DVR kit. Seems many are surprised at what you get for the price.
Just to clarify we are including all of the contents below for the price you see on the website. No additional charges for the cables or the pouch. The price on the site, is what you pay. Contents Included With the Kit: DVR Wireless Recording Remote VGA Cables Computer Download Cable Battery Recharger Micro SD Card A/V Cable (IR Defense or FLIR RS compatible) DVR Rifle Pouch. |
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Posted: 7/30/2015 12:26:30 PM EDT
[#33]
I have an IR Patrol.
One very important feature is adjustable focus, and the spec indicated a 3 foot close focus range. I was very pleasantly surprised to find I can focus to SIX INCHES. This is a big deal and a very valuable feature. I took a shot of the filament in a light bulb to get an idea of depth of field at that range, and I guess it's an eighth inch judging by how many filament coils I could discern. Yes, LWIR does get through glass, but not much of it. Glass filters most of the LW bandwidth.. The image download firmware and/or software is a little quirky and locks up the scope. I am certain they will resolve that quickly (or I will if it's ME doing something wrong). One feature I do wish the unit had is a single pixel temp readout. In the X320 the approx temp at the crosshair is displayed. That feature is priceless in an auto-ranging system, because "hottest" is whitest, regardless of how hot HOT is. I could quickly determine if I was looking at a fresh mole hill 1/2 degree warmer than surroundings, or determine the hot spot was a distant raccoon with that temp readout. The electrical and software interface control documents are available online for the thermal core of the IRPatrol and I see no provision mentioned for the temp readout feature. The IR Patrol is a wonderful unit. Flexible and robust. |
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Posted: 7/30/2015 12:35:12 PM EDT
[#34]
Hey Vic, any chance of a future camera/beam-splitter option for the DVR system to allow use with NODs or optics?
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Posted: 7/30/2015 4:49:49 PM EDT
[#35]
Will that cable work with other DVR's and if so can it be purchased separately?
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Posted: 7/30/2015 5:30:31 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Will that cable work with other DVR's and if so can it be purchased separately? Yes and yes, but you may need an adapter based on the DVR you have. We will begin to offer stand alone cables shortly with some pretty good pricing to save you some money. Thank you Sir.
Vic |
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Posted: 7/31/2015 2:54:31 PM EDT
[#37]
Vic, are the extended $74.99 or $99.00?
Thanks, JEff Quote HistoryQuoted:
Hi guys., Just wanted to announce the battery extenders for BOTH the IR Hunter MKII's and IR Patrol are now available through TNVC. They are $74.95 and will be on the web site in a few days. If you would like to order, simply email sales at tnvc dot com and we'll get you fixed up. The chart below represents the new IR Patrol battery consumption test results for both single and with the extension. The specific battery used for testing was the Energizer Lithium CR123's. As I mentioned before, since we are about to release our new TNVC Mini-DVR, Rifle/Helmet pouch, cables, and wanted to incorporate a external battery pack...But IR Defense has informed us they will not support nor warranty units in the event these units may be damaged by using any external battery packs, rechargeables, etc. for use on both the IR Hunters and IR Patrol systems. With that said, the use of the battery extender is currently the only way to increase battery life without voiding any warranties.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v621/Clutch99/Battery_Ex_Runtimes%202_zpskwr4nnto.jpg |
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Posted: 7/31/2015 5:06:21 PM EDT
[#38]
Hi Jeff. PM just sent to you for the ARFCOM price. Thank you.
Vic |
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Posted: 7/31/2015 5:25:14 PM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I am very curious to know when Skypup will render his opinion of the ir defense products he's been displaying. So far so good, I am a FLIR fanboi at heart, but should not have any trouble killing hogs and dogs with the IR Defense MKII & Patrol M-300. Videos will be forthcoming now that the hogs are coming up out of the swamps into the hardwood uplands in this hot muggy weather. 
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Posted: 7/31/2015 6:29:00 PM EDT
[#40]
Questions on the IR Patrol and 2X lens...
I looked through this at SHOT and was impressed with the display. Does the production version lose any "resolution" (for lack of better term for stacking lenses) or is it GtG for field work. Also, this seemed to me like a very easy on/off piece of kit - any feedback on how it holds on in field use (hate to lose $1.1K in the woods). Lastly, does it have enough free space in front of the two squeeze tabs to mount a butler creek cover (to at least protect the front side as I'm bouncing around in the woods.) TIA! Oh, and Vic or Scott, when are new mounting solutions for the patrol going to be revealed? Am I waiting weeks, months or years? |
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Posted: 7/31/2015 9:07:59 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Questions on the IR Patrol and 2X lens... I looked through this at SHOT and was impressed with the display. Does the production version lose any "resolution" (for lack of better term for stacking lenses) or is it GtG for field work. Also, this seemed to me like a very easy on/off piece of kit - any feedback on how it holds on in field use (hate to lose $1.1K in the woods). Lastly, does it have enough free space in front of the two squeeze tabs to mount a butler creek cover (to at least protect the front side as I'm bouncing around in the woods.) TIA! Oh, and Vic or Scott, when are new mounting solutions for the patrol going to be revealed? Am I waiting weeks, months or years? Good questions. We see no "resolution" or clarity loss using a 2x or 3x magnifier. With regular NV (PVS-14) with a 3x lens attached there is some slight vignetting with Mil Spec glass and with the cheaper A-Focal glass definitely some resolution loss. Stacking a magnifier such as a 3x day magnifier in front of the 14 causes even more vignetting, resolution and light loss. As for retention it's on there pretty tight and no where near as loose as the friction lock adapter of a PVS-14 magnifier is why I screw it in. I've not lost one TP magnifier in the field as yet and do not feel they are coming off without a lot of effort. The prongs of the TP magnifier is designed well IMHO. In regards to your other question, since we're under NDA, I cannot talk much about the new mounts but we're definitely not years away. Hope this helps a bit more.
Vic |
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Posted: 7/31/2015 9:45:29 PM EDT
[#42]
Slowplay, I have an IR Patrol and a 3X Torrey Pines 52mm magnifier. I bought the magnifier for my X320. It fits the IR Patrol but is just a little wobbly. A little bit.
But once it is clipped on (expansion ring connection), it stays put. Installing the magnifier on the X320 was much tighter and I fumbled it often enough that I tethered the magnifier to a strap in the separate pouch I carry it in (LBT SkeetIR pouch). That places mi mind at ease. Anyway, I contacted TPL last week to inquire whether they had manufactured an attachment for their magnifiers especially engineered for the IR Patrol. The rep said IR Defense has not sent an example, so if the X320 mount fits at all it is coincidence as far as TPL is concerned. I put one layer of very thin teflon tape (adhesive) around the mount on the TPL magnifier, and all the slack is gone. With the thin tape in place I cannot pull it off of the IR Patrol once it's locked in. I trust it but will continue to tether. The magnifier is a wonder with the X320 and magnificent with the IR Patrol. Of course, ordinary scenes seem to loose contrast and are disinteresting when looking through a magnifier or an objective with >1 power. But get something hot in the view and you can see every detail. The thermal magnifier is a must-have - as much a must have as a 1X or less thermal viewer is a must have. Gotta cover the needs of the Hunter AND hunted. How well the IP Patrol holds zero when used as a scope (in either scope mode) I have not experimented with. I doubt I much care, considering how I will be using it. |
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Posted: 8/1/2015 6:21:47 PM EDT
[#43]
Thanks very much Feeble-Prize and Vic!
Every time I think I've made up my mind on which way to go something comes up to cause me to hesitate. Last week Clasky almost sold me an LWTS...which I probably should have bought. Now I'm back in the same Hunter MKII, Patrol M300W w/mag and LWTS wrestling match. Vic, is there room for a Butler Creek on the 2X lens, or do you recommend some other protection option for the magnifier when attached? Thanks! |
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Posted: 8/1/2015 6:33:57 PM EDT
[#44]
slowplay,
I'm sure you probably know this, but I didn't and it helped make my mind up. You can NOT shoot with the Patrol M300W weapon mounted and the 2x or 3x lens attached, according to IR Defense and TNVC. I wanted the extra magnification for engagement range, so that pushed me towards the MK II. Can't say I'm disappointed in the least now...
Just an FYI. |
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Posted: 8/1/2015 7:38:48 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: slowplay, I'm sure you probably know this, but I didn't and it helped make my mind up. You can NOT shoot with the Patrol M300W weapon mounted and the 2x or 3x lens attached, according to IR Defense and TNVC. I wanted the extra magnification for engagement range, so that pushed me towards the MK II. Can't say I'm disappointed in the least now... Just an FYI. |
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Posted: 8/1/2015 10:06:20 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
slowplay, I'm sure you probably know this, but I didn't and it helped make my mind up. You can NOT shoot with the Patrol M300W weapon mounted and the 2x or 3x lens attached, according to IR Defense and TNVC. I wanted the extra magnification for engagement range, so that pushed me towards the MK II. Can't say I'm disappointed in the least now...
Just an FYI. Yes, they told me that if I shot with it attached the recoil would crack the lens. Bummer, as it would add a lot of functionality to an already very functional lightweight Patrol package. I've used a rental MKII quite successfully on a few days of hunting and really like it I know whatever I buy will be superseded in short order by something that's better/lighter/cheaper, etc. I've got to make a decision soon and stick with it. |
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Posted: 8/2/2015 4:08:04 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thanks very much Feeble-Prize and Vic! Every time I think I've made up my mind on which way to go something comes up to cause me to hesitate. Last week Clasky almost sold me an LWTS...which I probably should have bought. Now I'm back in the same Hunter MKII, Patrol M300W w/mag and LWTS wrestling match. Vic, is there room for a Butler Creek on the 2X lens, or do you recommend some other protection option for the magnifier when attached? Thanks! I don't know the exact diameter of the 2x lens. I can check that and the form and fit on Monday. Vic |
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Posted: 8/3/2015 8:51:15 PM EDT
[#48]
Big thanks to Chip and Chris. Ordered two IR Patrol units and they came through and walked me through some of the initial neuroticism. I would like to give a view from someone who is new to thermal: these things are amazing. Detection is incredible. Zeroing was a bit tricky but I treated it like a regular scope and just brought the crosshairs to the point of impact and was zeroed after ten rounds on a PredatOBR 7.62, zeroed about an inch high at 100. No doubt I could engage out to 200 with this particular unit or possibly farther based on initial testing. Photos I took through it don't do the unit justice. I actually have found the magnification all the way through 8X very useable as long as the front focus is properly set. Big thank you to Chip and also Chris from IR Defense for hand holding.
About 40 yards away from a balcony. 
Guy with a cold drink he spilled on his shorts: 
Doe 75ish yards: 
Footprint on wood floors: 
Best bud: 
Another doe 
Two hand warmers at 100 yards. That's a warm Omega out in front. I believe the camera only takes native magnification pictures: 
Buck/doe, thick woods 
Anyhow a few tweaks and this thing would be flawless. I tested group size on all magnifications and POI holds true at 2x, 4x (my favorite) and 8x. Some things I would like to see: Additional reticle options for sale in the future, able to be downloaded. Better software to download photos. Ability to take photos of a digitally magnified image. A specific guide that allows you to save zeros for different weapons. Better clip on support, maybe some sort of guided feature. As it is though it's a pretty amazing system. |
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Posted: 8/3/2015 11:53:35 PM EDT
[#49]
Forestpatrol, if IR Defense doesn't come out with a smoother image download software, someone else will.
Speaking with the core is easy. Incidentally, the scope comes with a pretty impressive image processing package which I have used for some years called ImageJ. I was surprised to see it in the IR Defense distribution. I suggest that software for everyone who fools with pictures. It has arithmetic and analysis features not found in most image software. ImageJ is a bit peculiar looking to those not used to utilitarian, scientific software, but it is intended for some very serious users and it flat works. |
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Posted: 8/4/2015 7:31:58 AM EDT
[#50]
Dumb question but can I use ImageJ with the IR Patrol? Sounds right up my alley. There is a peculiar way to interface with the actual unit I'm not thrilled with and the order goes: Turn on program/Turn on IR Patrol, connect download cable to computer first, put IR Patrol in "download" mode, then connect cable to unit. If you plug the cable into the unit first or deviate in any way I have had weird ghost images and various other errors.
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