Hello,

Quick question!

Is it possible to damage my PVS-14 during the day while the unit is off and batteries are inside the unit? For example, if it is pointed at the sun while on my head when it is off?

Thanks!

-HB65

That is what the objective lens cover is for, are you keeping it on the unit under these conditions?

To my understanding, even with the objective cover off if the unit is powered down sunlight does absolutely nothing to it. I still err towards caution and keep mine on.

Is this the black cover with the little hole?

If so, no I do not keep it on 24/7.

I just want to know if light will damage the unit while it is off.

The Owners Manual specifically states:

"To protect the image intensifier, keep the lens cap on the objective lens when the monocular is not in use or when checked out in daylight conditions."

Gallium Arsenide in the photocathode tube is a stable crystal, but I would imagine direct sunlight focused through the objective lens contains lots of UV, VIS, and IR wavelengths that should not be left exposed to the unit.


I may be wrong, but I always keep the objective lens cap ON when I am not using it, especially so during daylight....the lens is always focusing light onto the image intensifier when the cap is off.

I wasn't saying one should aim it directly at the sun and leave it pointing there all day. I was saying that...sunlight in the type of exposure one would imagine the unit to being exposed to during the day, it wasn't likely to damage the tube from what i've read and heard. But like I also said.. I keep mine on at all times when not in use. No point taking chances. The bit of the manual you posted, I interpreted as a standard bit in the manual of pretty much any optic, where they advise keeping covers on scopes, aimpoints, ect to protect the lenses and the unit as a whole. If the unit is "checked out in daylight conditions", one could presume it probably is imagined the unit has a battery installled, and is subject to accidental activation. I doubt most soldiers issued PVS-14's pull the batteries every day, and put them back in every night, you know?

When in doubt, I read the manual.

Get in the habit of ALWAYS replacing your lens cap and you will have no issues. Powered down ambient light has no effect on tube. As mentioned I would not point it at the sun for extended periods regardless.