The Basics of Running Night Vision on Your Team Wendy Helmet

Shedding light on night vision use, maintenance and mounting

Night vision devices have come a long way since their World War II origins. No longer restricted to the cumbersome “Generation 0” developed by the German army, operators can now choose from a variety of night vision options.
 
There are three styles based on the number of tubes in the device: monocular, binocular and quad tubes. The more tubes, the wider your field of vision – and the greater the weight and cost.
 
NODs convert light energy from the moon, stars, etc. into electrons. The electrons are amplified, and the intensified image is displayed on a phosphor screen. The image intensifier tube can produce either a green-based picture (green phosphor) or a grayscale image (white phosphor). Green phosphor is more traditional, while white phosphor is the technological upgrade with a crisper, clearer image. Both allow you to see in the dark; it’s a matter of personal preference and budget.
 
Before picking out the right NOD, you first need to ensure that you have the appropriate mounting solution to interface with your device and helmet shroud. You might also need additional interface kit, like an arm, bridge mount or an interface plate. You should also familiarize yourself with what kind of batteries your device uses. You have to do your due diligence to get everything you need within your budget.
 
Attaching night vision to Team Wendy helmets is no issue. Our tactical helmets feature Wilcox^® shrouds and machined aluminum shroud inserts, which offer secure attachment for standard NVG mounts. The EXFIL^® Ballistic SL, EXFIL^® Ballistic and EXFIL^® Carbon are also compatible with Wilcox^® retractable NVG lanyard systems for added security. Team Wendy also offers the EXFIL^® Counterweight Kit to maintain helmet balance once NVGs are on. RECOIL OFFGRID magazine also published a night vision helmet setup guide featuring the EXFIL^® LTP.
 
The quality of the tube is what really justifies the cost of a night vision device. NVG specs include a figure of merit (FOM), which is used to determine the tube’s overall performance. The higher the FOM, the better the tubes. There are also three night vision “generations” used to classify the quality of the image intensifier tube. Generation 1 is the oldest technology, and Generation 3 is the current peak standard.
 
Don’t panic if you notice a tiny black spot or two in the lens the first time you break out your NVGs, especially if they have Gen-1 tubes. These permanent cosmetic blemishes are inherent to the manufacturing process and don’t affect the tube’s performance. The lens has three circular zones: zone 1 (the inner circle), zone 2 (the middle ring) and zone 3 (the outer ring). Too many flaws or too large of a spot within zone 1 or 2 is obviously a problem when you’re trying to see in the dark.
 
With a costly piece of equipment, of course it’s important to make sure you maintain it properly. Never use your NVGs in broad daylight. The phosphor screen works similarly to old plasma TV technology, and just like an old plasma television, bright light for an extended period of time can burn and damage the tubes.
 
Always transport your NODs in a padded bag. The Team Wendy Transit Pack by Mystery Ranch includes a draw cord bag for NVGs that fits easily underneath the helmet for added protection and convenience. Take your night vision and your helmet wherever your mission leads you.
 
By Joe Nagy
First Responder Market Manager