Night Owl iGEN IC User manual
NIGHT VISION VIEWER
& S T I L L C A M E R A
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L
MIGEN-IC Rev.5 093015
NIGHT VISION VIEWER
& S T I L L C A M E R A
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L
MIGEN-IC Rev.5 093015
COMPLEMENT YOUR PURCHASE WITH THESE
iGen QUALITY ACCESSORIES
1465 Henr Brennan, El Paso, TX 79936 • 1-800-444-5994 • www.igen2020.com
Keep all your
accessories
together with
this durable
iGen Hard
Case
Take a closer
look. Zoom-i
with the
58 mm Lens
D ubler
Free ha ds.
Carry it
comfortably
with the iGen
Ne prene
Neck Strap
Switch from the
tripod to a car
wi dow with the
Wind w M unt
Keep your
pictures focused
with this practical
easy-to-carry
iGen Trip d
iGen unit not included. Image
for illustration purpose only.
COMPLEMENT YOUR PURCHASE WITH THESE
iGen QUALITY ACCESSORIES
1465 Henr Brennan, El Paso, TX 79936 • 1-800-444-5994 • www.igen2020.com
Keep all your
accessories
together with
this durable
iGen Hard
Case
Take a closer
look. Zoom-i
with the
58 mm Lens
D ubler
Free ha ds.
Carry it
comfortably
with the iGen
Ne prene
Neck Strap
Switch from the
tripod to a car
wi dow with the
Wind w M unt
Keep your
pictures focused
with this practical
easy-to-carry
iGen Trip d
iGen unit not included. Image
for illustration purpose only.
2
CAUTION:
Do not point Infrared Emitter
directly into eye at close range.
Keep out of reach of children.
The infrared emitter emits a BRIGHT,
although invisible, beam of light.
As with any bright light, do not point into the eye.
2
CAUTION:
Do not point Infrared Emitter
directly into eye at close range.
Keep out of reach of children.
The infrared emitter emits a BRIGHT,
although invisible, beam of light.
As with any bright light, do not point into the eye.
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
The
iGen®IC
is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use for one year from the date of purchase to the original owner.
Damage due to neglect, accidental damage or misuse of this product is not covered
under this warranty. Decisions regarding abuse or misuse of the product are made
solely at the discretion of the manufacturer.
roof of urchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.
Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or repairing, at our option, the
product returned, shipping cost prepaid to Night Owl Optics®. Shipping cost to
Night Owl Optics is the responsibility of the consumer.
NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
This warranty may vary in other countries, check with your distributor for details.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs
According to FCC part 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with FCC Part 15 Subpart B Section 15.109 Class B.
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
The
iGen®IC
is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under
normal use for one year from the date of purchase to the original owner.
Damage due to neglect, accidental damage or misuse of this product is not covered
under this warranty. Decisions regarding abuse or misuse of the product are made
solely at the discretion of the manufacturer.
roof of urchase is required to make a claim under this warranty.
Liability under this Warranty is limited to replacing or repairing, at our option, the
product returned, shipping cost prepaid to Night Owl Optics®. Shipping cost to
Night Owl Optics is the responsibility of the consumer.
NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.
This warranty may vary in other countries, check with your distributor for details.
Warranty does not cover shipping costs
According to FCC part 15.21 Changes or Modifications made to this device not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This device complies with FCC Part 15 Subpart B Section 15.109 Class B.
31
31
3
Table of contents
30
3
Table of contents
30
To return product for service, please first contact Night Owl Optics®
for a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Ask for Night Vision
customer service. Reference the RA number on your package and
return the product within 15 days of calling to:
Night Owl Optics®
1465 enry Brennan Dr.
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: 1-800-444-5994
Warranty coverage does not include the cost of transporting the
product back to an owner who is located outside of the United
States of America.
To return product for service, please first contact Night Owl Optics®
for a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Ask for Night Vision
customer service. Reference the RA number on your package and
return the product within 15 days of calling to:
Night Owl Optics®
1465 enry Brennan Dr.
El Paso, TX 79936
Phone: 1-800-444-5994
Warranty coverage does not include the cost of transporting the
product back to an owner who is located outside of the United
States of America.
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
First Time Operation . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Gain control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Infrared Emitter . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Number of lux table . . . . . . . .10-11
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-14
Power/IR button . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Image Capture button . . . . . . . . . .13
Triple Action Switch . . . . . . . . .13-14
Adjustable Features . . . . . . . . .15-23
Eyepiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Objective Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
Infrared Emitter . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-18
Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19
Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-20
Video format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Display off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23
Auto off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Reset Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Image Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25
Image Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-27
Daytime Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Tripod Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Menu System at a glance . . . . . . .28
CE Declaration of Conformity . . .29
Return for service info . . . . . . . .30
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-6
Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
First Time Operation . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Gain control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9
Infrared Emitter . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11
Number of lux table . . . . . . . .10-11
Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-14
Power/IR button . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Image Capture button . . . . . . . . . .13
Triple Action Switch . . . . . . . . .13-14
Adjustable Features . . . . . . . . .15-23
Eyepiece . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Objective Lens . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
Infrared Emitter . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17
Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-18
Color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19
Brightness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Exposure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-20
Video format . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Date and time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Display off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23
Auto off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Reset Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Image Capture . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25
Image Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-27
Daytime Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Tripod Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Menu System at a glance . . . . . . .28
CE Declaration of Conformity . . .29
Return for service info . . . . . . . .30
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
4
Objective Lens
Infrared
Emitter
Tripod Mount Battery
Compartment
Triple Action
Switch
Video
Composite
Output
Memory
Card Slot
Power/IR
Button
Image
Capture
Button
Eye Piece
29
4
Objective Lens
Infrared
Emitter
Tripod Mount Battery
Compartment
Triple Action
Switch
Video
Composite
Output
Memory
Card Slot
Power/IR
Button
Image
Capture
Button
Eye Piece
29
CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
EMC Directive 2004/104/EC
roduct Specification:
Product Name: iGEN IC (NOIGM3X-IC)
We hereby declare under our sole responsibility that the
product herein identified, to which this declaration
relates, is in conformity with the
essential requirements
and
other relevant requirements
of the EMC Directive
(2004/104/EC). The product is compliant with the
following standards and/or other normative documents:
Emissions (Annex11a) EN61000-6-3 (2007) +A1
Immunity (Annex11b): EN61000-4-3 (2002)
Electrostatic Discharge: EN61000-4-2 (1995)
Electrical Fast Transient: EN 610004-4 (2004)
Conducted Immunity: EN 61000-4-6 (2009)
Magnetic Immunity: (EN 61000-4-11 (1993)
CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
EMC Directive 2004/104/EC
roduct Specification:
Product Name: iGEN IC (NOIGM3X-IC)
We hereby declare under our sole responsibility that the
product herein identified, to which this declaration
relates, is in conformity with the
essential requirements
and
other relevant requirements
of the EMC Directive
(2004/104/EC). The product is compliant with the
following standards and/or other normative documents:
Emissions (Annex11a) EN61000-6-3 (2007) +A1
Immunity (Annex11b): EN61000-4-3 (2002)
Electrostatic Discharge: EN61000-4-2 (1995)
Electrical Fast Transient: EN 610004-4 (2004)
Conducted Immunity: EN 61000-4-6 (2009)
Magnetic Immunity: (EN 61000-4-11 (1993)
5
Int oduction
The iGen®IC Night Vision Viewer is the leading edge of the new
tubeless night vision technology. Traditional night vision
devices employ electron bombardment vacuum tube
technology to amplify ambient light. iGen technology uses image
processing techniques, special optics, and low-light sensing technology
to bring night vision into the digital age.
28
5
Int oduction
The iGen®IC Night Vision Viewer is the leading edge of the new
tubeless night vision technology. Traditional night vision
devices employ electron bombardment vacuum tube
technology to amplify ambient light. iGen technology uses image
processing techniques, special optics, and low-light sensing technology
to bring night vision into the digital age.
28
Menu System
The menu selections are:
EX OSURE (Adjustable from 2fps to 30fps)
REVIEW
AUTO OFF (1,2,3,4,5,10,15,20,30,45 minutes or OFF)
IR
MAIN
DIS LAY
BRIGHTNESS (1,2,3,4)
ON-OFFON
OFF
COLOR
IMAGE (blackwhite, red, green, blue)
TEXT (white, green, red, amber)
SYSTEM TIME (to set date and time)
VIDEO
NTSC
AL
IR START
AUTO
OFF
VERSION (displays software revision level)
RESET RESET YES
RESET NO
EXIT
Menu System
The menu selections are:
EX OSURE (Adjustable from 2fps to 30fps)
REVIEW
AUTO OFF (1,2,3,4,5,10,15,20,30,45 minutes or OFF)
IR
MAIN
DIS LAY
BRIGHTNESS (1,2,3,4)
ON-OFFON
OFF
COLOR
IMAGE (blackwhite, red, green, blue)
TEXT (white, green, red, amber)
SYSTEM TIME (to set date and time)
VIDEO
NTSC
AL
IR START
AUTO
OFF
VERSION (displays software revision level)
RESET RESET YES
RESET NO
EXIT
6
The iGen®IC advantage is:
• The world’s only night vision system with integrated photographic capability.
•
Better image quality with high, 37 line-pair per millimeter, edge-to-edge display resolution
• Better image quality with no image distortion from photocathode or
phosphorescent screen blemishes
• Easier diopter focusing
• Two-times the sensitivity to infrared light, useful in total darkness with the aid of
the infrared emitter
• Intelligent infrared emitter. Microprocessor automatically adjusts infrared intensity
and electronic gain to optimize image to changing ambient light conditions.
• Undistorted infrared emitter – bright clear scene illumination with no dark spots
and no uneven light patterns
• Ambient light amplification capability higher than Generation-1 technology at
default exposure. Light amplification capability superior to most Generation-3 with
the use of exposure control.
• Easy-connect video capture capability through composite video output
• Programmability
• Bright-light see-through capability. No bright-spot blooming or halo-effect typical
with conventional night vision.
• More robust. No risk of damage from bright light exposure. No fragile vacuum tubes.
27
6
The iGen®IC advantage is:
• The world’s only night vision system with integrated photographic capability.
•
Better image quality with high, 37 line-pair per millimeter, edge-to-edge display resolution
• Better image quality with no image distortion from photocathode or
phosphorescent screen blemishes
• Easier diopter focusing
• Two-times the sensitivity to infrared light, useful in total darkness with the aid of
the infrared emitter
• Intelligent infrared emitter. Microprocessor automatically adjusts infrared intensity
and electronic gain to optimize image to changing ambient light conditions.
• Undistorted infrared emitter – bright clear scene illumination with no dark spots
and no uneven light patterns
• Ambient light amplification capability higher than Generation-1 technology at
default exposure. Light amplification capability superior to most Generation-3 with
the use of exposure control.
• Easy-connect video capture capability through composite video output
• Programmability
• Bright-light see-through capability. No bright-spot blooming or halo-effect typical
with conventional night vision.
• More robust. No risk of damage from bright light exposure. No fragile vacuum tubes.
27
Image Review
(continued)
Camera motion can have a negative effect on photo quality. The slightest camera movement while
taking pictures can compromise the quality of a photo. Even excess force on the Image Capture
button can blur an image. For this reason, the Image Capture button has less resistance and feels
different than the Power/IR button. In extremely low light environments, try to hold the device as
still as possible, and avoid excess force while pressing the Image Capture button. Lower exposure
rates, while improving low light sensitivity, require more stabilization of the device to avoid blurring
the image. If possible, rest the iGen®IC on a surface or attach to a tripod.
Use of the Infrared Emitter is strongly recommended for picture taking. The additional light
provided by the IR will greatly enhance image quality. Also notice that in IR AUTO mode,
aiming of the IR, particularly at close range, is important. In IR Auto Mode, infrared light
output is automatically adjusted using illumination levels in the middle of the image, so if a
specific object in the scene is important, keep that object in the middle of the scene.
Daytime Use
To use in daylight conditions, leave the lens cap attached and operate at low gain settings
Tripod Adaptor
The tripod fitting is located on the underside of the device, and fits to all standard tripod
mounts with a fitting size of 1/4 - 20.
Tripod mount is recommended for exposures of less than 10fps for image stabilization.
Image Review
(continued)
Camera motion can have a negative effect on photo quality. The slightest camera movement while
taking pictures can compromise the quality of a photo. Even excess force on the Image Capture
button can blur an image. For this reason, the Image Capture button has less resistance and feels
different than the Power/IR button. In extremely low light environments, try to hold the device as
still as possible, and avoid excess force while pressing the Image Capture button. Lower exposure
rates, while improving low light sensitivity, require more stabilization of the device to avoid blurring
the image. If possible, rest the iGen®IC on a surface or attach to a tripod.
Use of the Infrared Emitter is strongly recommended for picture taking. The additional light
provided by the IR will greatly enhance image quality. Also notice that in IR AUTO mode,
aiming of the IR, particularly at close range, is important. In IR Auto Mode, infrared light
output is automatically adjusted using illumination levels in the middle of the image, so if a
specific object in the scene is important, keep that object in the middle of the scene.
Daytime Use
To use in daylight conditions, leave the lens cap attached and operate at low gain settings
Tripod Adaptor
The tripod fitting is located on the underside of the device, and fits to all standard tripod
mounts with a fitting size of 1/4 - 20.
Tripod mount is recommended for exposures of less than 10fps for image stabilization.
7
Batteries
Requires 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included)
Typical battery life from one set of batteries is up to 7.6 hours in continuous use in
viewing mode, or up to 2.8 hours in continuous use with the infrared emitter at
maximum intensity. Continuous use in capture mode will reduce battery life by
approximately 25%.
To improve battery life, reduce display brightness or program the auto-off feature to
cause the device to automatically shut down after specified intervals.
DO NOT MIX OLD AND NEW BATTERIES
ackage contents:
1. Case
2. iGen®-IC with memory card
3. Manual
26
7
Batteries
Requires 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included)
Typical battery life from one set of batteries is up to 7.6 hours in continuous use in
viewing mode, or up to 2.8 hours in continuous use with the infrared emitter at
maximum intensity. Continuous use in capture mode will reduce battery life by
approximately 25%.
To improve battery life, reduce display brightness or program the auto-off feature to
cause the device to automatically shut down after specified intervals.
DO NOT MIX OLD AND NEW BATTERIES
ackage contents:
1. Case
2. iGen®-IC with memory card
3. Manual
26
Image Review
(continued)
While reviewing images, ress Up on the triple action switch to display the menu.
Menu Choices are:
• CONTINUE to continue viewing saved images.
• EXIT to return to viewing. Notice that the image capture mode is deactivated
after entering the Review Mode; “CAPTURE” is no longer displayed.
If you desire to exit Review Mode and return directly to Capture Mode, press-
and-hold the capture button.
• DELETE to permanently delete the currently displayed image from the memory
card. There is no “delete all images” function; if a mass delete of many saved
images is desired, deletion with the memory card connected to a computer may
be quicker than deleting each image individually with the iGen®IC.
Characteristics and Limitations of Night Vision hotographs
Night Vision images are characteristically less detailed than day-time images, as
there is less light available. The iGen®IC is a black-and-white camera system, so all
saved images will be black-and-white. Nighttime is almost completely devoid of
colors, so a color system would be of little practical use.
Image Review
(continued)
While reviewing images, ress Up on the triple action switch to display the menu.
Menu Choices are:
• CONTINUE to continue viewing saved images.
• EXIT to return to viewing. Notice that the image capture mode is deactivated
after entering the Review Mode; “CAPTURE” is no longer displayed.
If you desire to exit Review Mode and return directly to Capture Mode, press-
and-hold the capture button.
• DELETE to permanently delete the currently displayed image from the memory
card. There is no “delete all images” function; if a mass delete of many saved
images is desired, deletion with the memory card connected to a computer may
be quicker than deleting each image individually with the iGen®IC.
Characteristics and Limitations of Night Vision hotographs
Night Vision images are characteristically less detailed than day-time images, as
there is less light available. The iGen®IC is a black-and-white camera system, so all
saved images will be black-and-white. Nighttime is almost completely devoid of
colors, so a color system would be of little practical use.
8
Fi st Time Ope ation
25
8
Fi st Time Ope ation
25
Image Capture
The use of high capacity memory cards with the iGen®IC is not recommended. Saved images are
low capacity, particularly in comparison to modern high-resolution daytime digital cameras, and
thus a high capacity memory card should not be necessary. If a high capacity memory card is
used, the time required for the iGen®IC to enter Capture Mode and the time elapsed between
viewed images may be excessive, as many as several seconds. For these reasons, the iGen®IC is
supplied with a low capacity card. Some brands of memory cards will require long write times;
as many as 10 seconds may lapse between pressing the capture button and returning to view
mode. The total number of stored images is limited to 400.
Image Review
Choose REVIEW from the main menu to view saved images.
When in the image review mode, the IR and Image Capture button features are
deactivated. Pressing-and-holding the POWER button will still turn off main power.
Use the triple action switch to view images.
Upon entering Review Mode, the last image saved will be displayed.
Push left to see earlier images.
Push right to see later images.
“First Image” or “Last Image” will be displayed if you reach the 1st or last
saved image.
Image Capture
The use of high capacity memory cards with the iGen®IC is not recommended. Saved images are
low capacity, particularly in comparison to modern high-resolution daytime digital cameras, and
thus a high capacity memory card should not be necessary. If a high capacity memory card is
used, the time required for the iGen®IC to enter Capture Mode and the time elapsed between
viewed images may be excessive, as many as several seconds. For these reasons, the iGen®IC is
supplied with a low capacity card. Some brands of memory cards will require long write times;
as many as 10 seconds may lapse between pressing the capture button and returning to view
mode. The total number of stored images is limited to 400.
Image Review
To best understand operation, for first-time use, test the device in a lighted room with the
lens cap attached.
The small amount of light entering through the pin-hole in the lens cap will simulate a
night-time environment.
Press-and-hold the power button for two seconds to turn on.
Press-and-hold the power button for two seconds to turn off.
Focus eyepiece.
1. ush up on the Triple Action Switch located on the bottom.
2. A menu will appear. Use this menu to focus the eye piece.
3. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters are sharp and in focus.
If the menu disappears, push up again to see the menu again.
4. Use the menu as a focusing target. This adjustment focuses your individual eye
sight on to the display screen.
5. After the eyepiece focus (technically called the diopter lens) is adjusted, do not
change this adjustment. After you set the eyepiece adjustment, use the front
lens to focus on objects in the distance.
Get comfortable with the Gain Control.
Push the Triple Action Switch to the left and to the right.
To best understand operation, for first-time use, test the device in a lighted room with the
lens cap attached.
The small amount of light entering through the pin-hole in the lens cap will simulate a
night-time environment.
Press-and-hold the power button for two seconds to turn on.
Press-and-hold the power button for two seconds to turn off.
Focus eyepiece.
1. ush up on the Triple Action Switch located on the bottom.
2. A menu will appear. Use this menu to focus the eye piece.
3. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters are sharp and in focus.
If the menu disappears, push up again to see the menu again.
4. Use the menu as a focusing target. This adjustment focuses your individual eye
sight on to the display screen.
5. After the eyepiece focus (technically called the diopter lens) is adjusted, do not
change this adjustment. After you set the eyepiece adjustment, use the front
lens to focus on objects in the distance.
Get comfortable with the Gain Control.
Push the Triple Action Switch to the left and to the right.
As you push the switch left or right (but not up), you are manually adjusting the electronic
gain (light amplification) of the internal computer circuit.
Notice the following as you increase gain (push to the right):
1. At very high gain settings, the image gets “noisier”.
Notice a “snowy” image at high gain settings.
2. As you increase the gain quickly, you may notice a momentary very bright image
which quickly darkens itself back to normal intensity. This behavior is the device
sensing that the image is overexposed, and automatically reducing internal gain
and/or exposure to compensate. In an actual dark environment, iGen®IC would
not throttle back the gain in this manner.
If the “overexposed image” message appears, it is prompting you to reduce
gain. If this message disappears automatically, then the internal processor was
able to automatically reduce the gain or exposure.
With the lens cap on, notice that rotating the objective lens (large lens on front of iGen®IC)
has little effect on the focus of the image. The pin-hole on the lens cap lets in only a narrow
beam of light which requires little mechanical focusing to align. If the scene is out of focus,
you may need to rotate the lens many degrees to achieve a small amount of optical focusing.
This characteristic will not be apparent when using the iGen®IC with the lens cap removed.
Press the Infrared Button several times.
Notice that it has 3 different modes: AUTOMATIC, OFF, and MAXIMUM
9
24
As you push the switch left or right (but not up), you are manually adjusting the electronic
gain (light amplification) of the internal computer circuit.
Notice the following as you increase gain (push to the right):
1. At very high gain settings, the image gets “noisier”.
Notice a “snowy” image at high gain settings.
2. As you increase the gain quickly, you may notice a momentary very bright image
which quickly darkens itself back to normal intensity. This behavior is the device
sensing that the image is overexposed, and automatically reducing internal gain
and/or exposure to compensate. In an actual dark environment, iGen®IC would
not throttle back the gain in this manner.
If the “overexposed image” message appears, it is prompting you to reduce
gain. If this message disappears automatically, then the internal processor was
able to automatically reduce the gain or exposure.
With the lens cap on, notice that rotating the objective lens (large lens on front of iGen®IC)
has little effect on the focus of the image. The pin-hole on the lens cap lets in only a narrow
beam of light which requires little mechanical focusing to align. If the scene is out of focus,
you may need to rotate the lens many degrees to achieve a small amount of optical focusing.
This characteristic will not be apparent when using the iGen®IC with the lens cap removed.
Press the Infrared Button several times.
Notice that it has 3 different modes: AUTOMATIC, OFF, and MAXIMUM
9
24
Image Captu e(picture taking)
The iGen®IC comes with a memory card installed in the slot on the underside of the device.
When image capture is activated, a still photo of the viewed image is saved on the memory
card in both .jpg and .tif format. Both images can be copied to a personal computer with a
standard card reader installed. The .jpg image is more commonly used, but the .tif image is
also provided. When saved images are deleted in the review mode, both files are deleted.
To activate image capture, press-and-hold the IMAGE CAPTURE button.
“CAPTURE” will appear on the bottom left of the display.
While “CAPTURE” is displayed, a single press of the capture button will save the
image to the memory card. The saved image will be momentarily displayed, and
the device will then return to viewing, witht he capture mode active.
If the message “NO CARD” is displayed, then the memory card is not installed or is
improperly installed.
To deactivate image capture, press-and-hold the IMAGE CAPTURE button again.
If “CAPTURE” is not displayed, a momentary press of the capture button will have
no effect.
In Capture Mode, the device will consume more power. So if not actively using
image capture, you may want to deactivate image capture to prolong battery life.
Image Captu e(picture taking)
The iGen®IC comes with a memory card installed in the slot on the underside of the device.
When image capture is activated, a still photo of the viewed image is saved on the memory
card in both .jpg and .tif format. Both images can be copied to a personal computer with a
standard card reader installed. The .jpg image is more commonly used, but the .tif image is
also provided. When saved images are deleted in the review mode, both files are deleted.
To activate image capture, press-and-hold the IMAGE CAPTURE button.
“CAPTURE” will appear on the bottom left of the display.
While “CAPTURE” is displayed, a single press of the capture button will save the
image to the memory card. The saved image will be momentarily displayed, and
the device will then return to viewing, witht he capture mode active.
If the message “NO CARD” is displayed, then the memory card is not installed or is
improperly installed.
To deactivate image capture, press-and-hold the IMAGE CAPTURE button again.
If “CAPTURE” is not displayed, a momentary press of the capture button will have
no effect.
In Capture Mode, the device will consume more power. So if not actively using
image capture, you may want to deactivate image capture to prolong battery life.
10
Inf a ed Emitte
The basic principle employed by iGen®IC is light amplification. In very dark conditions, where
you cannot see, and your eye cannot detect the small amount of light that is available, the
iGen®IC detects and amplifies very small amounts of available light. But in the absence of
any available light, use the infrared emitter.
To understand how much light is available in different environments, review the following
table. Light intensity is measured in lux. One lux is roughly the amount of light created by a
candle at a distance of one meter.
The number of lux existing in different environments is:
Condition Number of Lux iGen Function.
Sunny Day 100,000+ Too bright. Keep lens cap on.
Overcast Day 100 to 10,000 Too bright. Keep lens cap on.
Indoor Lighting 80 to 300 Keep lens cap on.
Street lighting at night 1 to 10 No IR(infrared emitter) needed.
Full Moon 0.1 No IR needed.
Quarter Moon 0.01 IR might be needed.
Clear night with no moon 0.001 IR necessary at distance.
Dark Cloudy Night 0.0001 IR absolutely necessary.
23
10
Inf a ed Emitte
The basic principle employed by iGen®IC is light amplification. In very dark conditions, where
you cannot see, and your eye cannot detect the small amount of light that is available, the
iGen®IC detects and amplifies very small amounts of available light. But in the absence of
any available light, use the infrared emitter.
To understand how much light is available in different environments, review the following
table. Light intensity is measured in lux. One lux is roughly the amount of light created by a
candle at a distance of one meter.
The number of lux existing in different environments is:
Condition Number of Lux iGen Function.
Sunny Day 100,000+ Too bright. Keep lens cap on.
Overcast Day 100 to 10,000 Too bright. Keep lens cap on.
Indoor Lighting 80 to 300 Keep lens cap on.
Street lighting at night 1 to 10 No IR(infrared emitter) needed.
Full Moon 0.1 No IR needed.
Quarter Moon 0.01 IR might be needed.
Clear night with no moon 0.001 IR necessary at distance.
Dark Cloudy Night 0.0001 IR absolutely necessary.
23
Adjustable Features
(continued)
To turn the display off, choose “Display”, then “On-Off”. When you toggle down to the “Off”
setting, the display will immediately turn off. After the display turns off, you must then push the
triple action switch up to save this setting. If you do not accept the off-setting by pushing up
after the display turns off, the display will turn back on after ten seconds.
To turn the display back on, turn power off and then turn power back on with the On/Off Button.
11.
Auto-Off
The menu selection “Auto Off” allows you to program the time interval after which the device,
or the IR, automatically turns off. Each user input (press of a button) resets the auto-off timer.
Time selections are 1,2,3,4,5,10,15,20,30,45 minutes and OFF.
The OFF setting disables the auto-off power down feature.
To save the setting, remember to push the triple action switch up after selection.
The infrared and operating power-down timers are set separately. If the IR auto-off time
is less than the main time, the IR will shut off first, and the device will then power off
after the main time has elapsed.
12. Reset Feature
The “Reset” feature allows the user to restore all factory defaults in the device, with the
exception that the “IR Start” setting is not changed. The actual IR state will remain at
whatever it is set to be, just as if the power was turned off and back on.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
To turn the display off, choose “Display”, then “On-Off”. When you toggle down to the “Off”
setting, the display will immediately turn off. After the display turns off, you must then push the
triple action switch up to save this setting. If you do not accept the off-setting by pushing up
after the display turns off, the display will turn back on after ten seconds.
To turn the display back on, turn power off and then turn power back on with the On/Off Button.
11.
Auto-Off
The menu selection “Auto Off” allows you to program the time interval after which the device,
or the IR, automatically turns off. Each user input (press of a button) resets the auto-off timer.
Time selections are 1,2,3,4,5,10,15,20,30,45 minutes and OFF.
The OFF setting disables the auto-off power down feature.
To save the setting, remember to push the triple action switch up after selection.
The infrared and operating power-down timers are set separately. If the IR auto-off time
is less than the main time, the IR will shut off first, and the device will then power off
after the main time has elapsed.
12. Reset Feature
The “Reset” feature allows the user to restore all factory defaults in the device, with the
exception that the “IR Start” setting is not changed. The actual IR state will remain at
whatever it is set to be, just as if the power was turned off and back on.
Night Vision technology works by amplifying the small amounts of light energy available in
most dark environments. If you are in an environment where there is NO LIG T available to
amplify, then the mathematical formula:
zero times
any number
= zero Or the formula: (0 x N = 0)
describes what you can see without assistance from an infrared emitter – nothing.
For this reason, the iGen®IC is equipped with an active infrared emitter. iGen®IC emits an
invisible beam of near-infrared light. The beam of light exiting the emitter is not visible to
human or animal eyes but is detected by the iGen®IC and reproduced on the display. In most
environments, you do not need the infrared emitter, but in complete darkness, turn the IR on
to the AUTO or MAX settings. The default setting of the IR at start-up is the AUTO mode.
Also notice that while the light emitting from the IR is invisible, the diode does glow a bright
red inside the emitter and can be detected from a distance. If you wish to remain completely
concealed, then do not use the infrared emitter.
CAUTION: Do not point INFRARED directly into eye at close range.
Keep out of reach of children.
The infrared emitter emits a BRIG T, although invisible, beam of light. It is not a laser, but like
any bright light, you do not want to point it directly into your eye.
The infrared light emission is produced by a light emitting diode, similar to those used in
modern flashlights.
1122
Night Vision technology works by amplifying the small amounts of light energy available in
most dark environments. If you are in an environment where there is NO LIG T available to
amplify, then the mathematical formula:
zero times
any number
= zero Or the formula: (0 x N = 0)
describes what you can see without assistance from an infrared emitter – nothing.
For this reason, the iGen®IC is equipped with an active infrared emitter. iGen®IC emits an
invisible beam of near-infrared light. The beam of light exiting the emitter is not visible to
human or animal eyes but is detected by the iGen®IC and reproduced on the display. In most
environments, you do not need the infrared emitter, but in complete darkness, turn the IR on
to the AUTO or MAX settings. The default setting of the IR at start-up is the AUTO mode.
Also notice that while the light emitting from the IR is invisible, the diode does glow a bright
red inside the emitter and can be detected from a distance. If you wish to remain completely
concealed, then do not use the infrared emitter.
CAUTION: Do not point INFRARED directly into eye at close range.
Keep out of reach of children.
The infrared emitter emits a BRIG T, although invisible, beam of light. It is not a laser, but like
any bright light, you do not want to point it directly into your eye.
The infrared light emission is produced by a light emitting diode, similar to those used in
modern flashlights.
1122
Adjustable Features
(continued)
9. Date and Time (Control is located under the SYSTEM menu)
By adjusting the internal date and time, photos saved onto the memory card will be date-
stamped with the current date in the .jpg and .tif file attributes.
The date and time must be set on a new device; if the batteries are removed for more
than 15 minutes, the internal memory will be lost and will need to be re-set after batteries
are reinstalled.
If the device powers off automatically after a low battery warning, those same low voltage
batteries will still have sufficient capacity to power the internal memory and keep the time
and date current for a long time. So only remove drained batteries when you will
immediately replace them with new batteries.
When in the Date/Time menu:
ush Up the triple action switch to move from field to field.
ush the triple action switch Right or Left to change a value.
Choose Save to leave the menu and save date/time changes.
Choosing Exit will leave the menu without saving your changes.
10.
Display Off
When using the iGen®IC connected to an external recording device, and you do not
need to view the scene through the eyepiece, you may turn the display off. This will
greatly improve battery life.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
9. Date and Time (Control is located under the SYSTEM menu)
By adjusting the internal date and time, photos saved onto the memory card will be date-
stamped with the current date in the .jpg and .tif file attributes.
The date and time must be set on a new device; if the batteries are removed for more
than 15 minutes, the internal memory will be lost and will need to be re-set after batteries
are reinstalled.
If the device powers off automatically after a low battery warning, those same low voltage
batteries will still have sufficient capacity to power the internal memory and keep the time
and date current for a long time. So only remove drained batteries when you will
immediately replace them with new batteries.
When in the Date/Time menu:
ush Up the triple action switch to move from field to field.
ush the triple action switch Right or Left to change a value.
Choose Save to leave the menu and save date/time changes.
Choosing Exit will leave the menu without saving your changes.
10.
Display Off
When using the iGen®IC connected to an external recording device, and you do not
need to view the scene through the eyepiece, you may turn the display off. This will
greatly improve battery life.
12
Cont ols
1. ower/IR Button
On top side, closest to your eye.
• ower:
Press-and-hold for two seconds to turn on.
Press-and-hold for two seconds to turn off.
• Infrared (IR):
Toggling button activates one of three different modes:
IR AUTO: the internal computer will measure the amount of ambient light
available, and emit a calculated amount of light to illuminate the scene as
required. This setting will conserve battery life and is usually the preferred
setting if you have decided that the environment is so dark that you cannot
see well without its assistance.
IR MAX: the infrared emitter will output the maximum amount of infrared light
possible for maximum illumination at all times. Constant use at this setting will
minimize battery life.
IR OFF: no infrared light is emitted.
POWER / IR
IMAGE
CAPTURE
21
12
Cont ols
1. ower/IR Button
On top side, closest to your eye.
• ower:
Press-and-hold for two seconds to turn on.
Press-and-hold for two seconds to turn off.
• Infrared (IR):
Toggling button activates one of three different modes:
IR AUTO: the internal computer will measure the amount of ambient light
available, and emit a calculated amount of light to illuminate the scene as
required. This setting will conserve battery life and is usually the preferred
setting if you have decided that the environment is so dark that you cannot
see well without its assistance.
IR MAX: the infrared emitter will output the maximum amount of infrared light
possible for maximum illumination at all times. Constant use at this setting will
minimize battery life.
IR OFF: no infrared light is emitted.
POWER / IR
IMAGE
CAPTURE
21
Adjustable Features
(continued)
8. Video Format (control is located under the SYSTEM menu)
When recording on an external device using the Video Composite Output, select the
format compatible to your recording device.
Selections are:
NTSC (for devices sold in the U.S. This is the default setting)
PAL (European standard)
When choosing PAL format, the device automatically changes exposure to 24fps, as this
rate is the closest iGen®IC internal rate to the PAL standard. If another frame rate is
preferred, the user can change it using the exposure control.
To record to an external device, remove the rubber plug on the left side of the device,
and connect with a composite video cable
(RCA cable). The recording device you use
must have a composite video input jack (yellow color).
With the iGen powered on and
focused, no other iGen®IC settings are necessary. If use of the eyepiece display is not
required, extend battery life by turning off the display with the “display on/off”
function.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
8. Video Format (control is located under the SYSTEM menu)
When recording on an external device using the Video Composite Output, select the
format compatible to your recording device.
Selections are:
NTSC (for devices sold in the U.S. This is the default setting)
PAL (European standard)
When choosing PAL format, the device automatically changes exposure to 24fps, as this
rate is the closest iGen®IC internal rate to the PAL standard. If another frame rate is
preferred, the user can change it using the exposure control.
To record to an external device, remove the rubber plug on the left side of the device,
and connect with a composite video cable
(RCA cable). The recording device you use
must have a composite video input jack (yellow color).
With the iGen powered on and
focused, no other iGen®IC settings are necessary. If use of the eyepiece display is not
required, extend battery life by turning off the display with the “display on/off”
function.
13
Controls
(continued)
2. Image Capture Button
On top side, farthest away from your eye.
•ress-and-hold button to enter the IMAGE CAPTURE mode.
When in this mode, “CAPTURE” will appear on the bottom-left of the display.
•ress the same button to take a picture.
With each press of the button, the saved image will be displayed momentarily on
the screen. Then operation will return to viewing, with the capture mode active.
• When in Image Capture Mode, ress-and-hold button to exit the IMAGE
CAPTURE mode.
See page 27 for important information on image capture characteristics.
3. Triple Action Switch
Located on the underside of unit, rear of battery door, near your thumb as you hold
the device.
ush left to decrease electronic gain.
The image will darken with each press of the switch.
ush right to increase electronic gain.
The image will brighten with each press of the switch.
20
13
Controls
(continued)
2. Image Capture Button
On top side, farthest away from your eye.
•ress-and-hold button to enter the IMAGE CAPTURE mode.
When in this mode, “CAPTURE” will appear on the bottom-left of the display.
•ress the same button to take a picture.
With each press of the button, the saved image will be displayed momentarily on
the screen. Then operation will return to viewing, with the capture mode active.
• When in Image Capture Mode, ress-and-hold button to exit the IMAGE
CAPTURE mode.
See page 27 for important information on image capture characteristics.
3. Triple Action Switch
Located on the underside of unit, rear of battery door, near your thumb as you hold
the device.
ush left to decrease electronic gain.
The image will darken with each press of the switch.
ush right to increase electronic gain.
The image will brighten with each press of the switch.
20
Adjustable Features
(continued)
In a lighted indoor environment, you may notice a pulsing or strobe effect at varying
exposure settings. In the U.S., or other countries with 60hertz electrical systems, exposure
rates other than 30fps and 15fps will be unsynchronized with the lighting system. The
iGen is designed for outdoor use and for use in dark environments so this characteristic
does not affect the device’s performance; such a pulsing effect will only be evident when
testing or practicing with the iGen®IC in a lighted environment.
In countries with 50 hertz electrical systems, indoor pulsing will be apparent at all frame rates.
While light-gathering capability improves with longer exposure times, at exposure settings
below 15fps, the image may appear unnatural. Longer exposure settings (lower fps
numbers) present fewer and fewer image “snapshots” which are presented to you just as
a movie is a collection of frames repeated at 30 frames per second. Below 15fps, a
moving image may appear to move unevenly. Likewise, below 12fps, the image may
shake if a person is unable to hold the iGen®IC completely still. If you concentrate on
holding the device still, you should find the device very useful down to 10 or 12fps.
At very long exposure times, down to 2fps, the light-gathering capability of the iGen is
truly remarkable. owever, to be useful at such long exposure times the device must be
positioned on a stable surface. You may rest it on a flat surface suitable for viewing, or
connect to a tripod mount. The tripod adapter fitting located at the base of the device will
connect to all standard tripod mounts, with a fitting size of 1/4 - 20.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
In a lighted indoor environment, you may notice a pulsing or strobe effect at varying
exposure settings. In the U.S., or other countries with 60hertz electrical systems, exposure
rates other than 30fps and 15fps will be unsynchronized with the lighting system. The
iGen is designed for outdoor use and for use in dark environments so this characteristic
does not affect the device’s performance; such a pulsing effect will only be evident when
testing or practicing with the iGen®IC in a lighted environment.
In countries with 50 hertz electrical systems, indoor pulsing will be apparent at all frame rates.
While light-gathering capability improves with longer exposure times, at exposure settings
below 15fps, the image may appear unnatural. Longer exposure settings (lower fps
numbers) present fewer and fewer image “snapshots” which are presented to you just as
a movie is a collection of frames repeated at 30 frames per second. Below 15fps, a
moving image may appear to move unevenly. Likewise, below 12fps, the image may
shake if a person is unable to hold the iGen®IC completely still. If you concentrate on
holding the device still, you should find the device very useful down to 10 or 12fps.
At very long exposure times, down to 2fps, the light-gathering capability of the iGen is
truly remarkable. owever, to be useful at such long exposure times the device must be
positioned on a stable surface. You may rest it on a flat surface suitable for viewing, or
connect to a tripod mount. The tripod adapter fitting located at the base of the device will
connect to all standard tripod mounts, with a fitting size of 1/4 - 20.
14
Controls
(continued)
ush up to activate the menu and program the iGen®IC.
The programming function works as follows:
1. After menu activation, the menu will time-out in ten seconds if you do not make
a selection.
2. To move through the menu selections, push the triple action switch left or right.
3. To choose a menu selection for programming, push up on the triple action switch.
You will choose the selection indicated by the arrow.
4. To program a setting, move the triple action switch left or right.
See the settings change.
5. To accept a setting after programming, push the triple action switch up.
6. When a setting is entered using the left/right control, the setting becomes active
immediately, but you must push the triple action switch up to permanently accept
the setting. If you do not accept a setting after 10 seconds, the menu will time-out
and the previous setting will return as the permanent setting.
19
14
Controls
(continued)
ush up to activate the menu and program the iGen®IC.
The programming function works as follows:
1. After menu activation, the menu will time-out in ten seconds if you do not make
a selection.
2. To move through the menu selections, push the triple action switch left or right.
3. To choose a menu selection for programming, push up on the triple action switch.
You will choose the selection indicated by the arrow.
4. To program a setting, move the triple action switch left or right.
See the settings change.
5. To accept a setting after programming, push the triple action switch up.
6. When a setting is entered using the left/right control, the setting becomes active
immediately, but you must push the triple action switch up to permanently accept
the setting. If you do not accept a setting after 10 seconds, the menu will time-out
and the previous setting will return as the permanent setting.
19
Adjustable Features
(continued)
The color red can be useful when you want to maintain your unassisted vision in the dark
when you look away from the viewer.
6. Brightness (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
The display brightness has 4 settings. The default setting is 3. The darkest is 1; the
brightest is 4. As the display is a major consumer of battery power, darker brightness
settings will prolong battery life.
Access the brightness control by first choosing “display” from the menu and then choosing
the brightness option.
7. Exposure
The most effective way to increase the low light sensitivity of the iGen®IC is to increase the
exposure time of the system. In its default setting, the iGen®IC collects light from the lens
at a rate of 30 times per second for processing. If this exposure time is increased, more
photons of light energy are collected, resulting in greater night-vision sensitivity. At the
default setting, the “shutter” remains open for 1/30th of a second and then closes and
passes the collected light on for processing. If we allow the “shutter” to remain open for a
longer period of time, we collect more photons and thus can “see” better at lower light
levels. The abbreviation “fps” means “frames per second.”
Adjustable Features
(continued)
The color red can be useful when you want to maintain your unassisted vision in the dark
when you look away from the viewer.
6. Brightness (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
The display brightness has 4 settings. The default setting is 3. The darkest is 1; the
brightest is 4. As the display is a major consumer of battery power, darker brightness
settings will prolong battery life.
Access the brightness control by first choosing “display” from the menu and then choosing
the brightness option.
7. Exposure
The most effective way to increase the low light sensitivity of the iGen®IC is to increase the
exposure time of the system. In its default setting, the iGen®IC collects light from the lens
at a rate of 30 times per second for processing. If this exposure time is increased, more
photons of light energy are collected, resulting in greater night-vision sensitivity. At the
default setting, the “shutter” remains open for 1/30th of a second and then closes and
passes the collected light on for processing. If we allow the “shutter” to remain open for a
longer period of time, we collect more photons and thus can “see” better at lower light
levels. The abbreviation “fps” means “frames per second.”
15
Adjustable Featu es
1. Eyepiece (technically referred to as the diopter focal lens in front of the microdisplay)
The iGen®IC has two different focus adjustments. The eyepiece lens adjusts to focus the
display to your individual eyesight. The objective lens focuses on objects in the distance.
To adjust the eyepiece, do the following:
a. Push up on the Triple Action Switch located on the bottom.
b. The menu will appear. Use this menu as a target to focus the eye piece.
c. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters are sharp and in focus.
If the menu disappears, push up again to see the menu again.
d. Use the menu as a focusing target. This adjustment focuses your individual
eye sight on to the display screen.
e.
After the eyepiece focus is adjusted, do not change this adjustment, even if
the image is out of focus.
After you set the eyepiece adjustment, use the
objective (front) lens to focus on objects in the distance.
2. Objective Lens (large lens in metal housing on front of device)
This lens must be manually rotated to bring objects into focus. As you aim at different
objects at different distances, you may need to rotate the lens to bring the objects into
focus. This operates just like a pair of binoculars.
18
15
Adjustable Featu es
1. Eyepiece (technically referred to as the diopter focal lens in front of the microdisplay)
The iGen®IC has two different focus adjustments. The eyepiece lens adjusts to focus the
display to your individual eyesight. The objective lens focuses on objects in the distance.
To adjust the eyepiece, do the following:
a. Push up on the Triple Action Switch located on the bottom.
b. The menu will appear. Use this menu as a target to focus the eye piece.
c. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters are sharp and in focus.
If the menu disappears, push up again to see the menu again.
d. Use the menu as a focusing target. This adjustment focuses your individual
eye sight on to the display screen.
e.
After the eyepiece focus is adjusted, do not change this adjustment, even if
the image is out of focus.
After you set the eyepiece adjustment, use the
objective (front) lens to focus on objects in the distance.
2. Objective Lens (large lens in metal housing on front of device)
This lens must be manually rotated to bring objects into focus. As you aim at different
objects at different distances, you may need to rotate the lens to bring the objects into
focus. This operates just like a pair of binoculars.
18
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Level 8 (3rd highest gain setting):
The #8 gain setting is preferred for most very dark environments. This setting offers the
best image contrast of the high gain settings. It is most useful for viewing targets up
to 80 yards (73 meters) away.
Levels 9 & 10 (the two highest gain settings):
For long-distance viewing, 100 to 500 yards (91 to 457 meters), the #9 and #10 gain
settings are most useful. These settings provide a brighter, albeit noisier, picture.
These two settings are also useful in the very darkest environments with the use of
the Infrared Illuminator. The illumination provided by the IR reduces the noise that is
apparent in these high-gain images.
5. Color (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
Both the color of the image and the color of the menu text can be changed. Image color
choices are black & white, red, green, and blue. Text color choices are white, green, red,
and amber. A green tinted display screen is typically used in night vision applications
because the rod cells in the human eye are most sensitive to the green wavelengths of
light, 550nm. You are better able to distinguish details when displayed in the color green.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Level 8 (3rd highest gain setting):
The #8 gain setting is preferred for most very dark environments. This setting offers the
best image contrast of the high gain settings. It is most useful for viewing targets up
to 80 yards (73 meters) away.
Levels 9 & 10 (the two highest gain settings):
For long-distance viewing, 100 to 500 yards (91 to 457 meters), the #9 and #10 gain
settings are most useful. These settings provide a brighter, albeit noisier, picture.
These two settings are also useful in the very darkest environments with the use of
the Infrared Illuminator. The illumination provided by the IR reduces the noise that is
apparent in these high-gain images.
5. Color (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
Both the color of the image and the color of the menu text can be changed. Image color
choices are black & white, red, green, and blue. Text color choices are white, green, red,
and amber. A green tinted display screen is typically used in night vision applications
because the rod cells in the human eye are most sensitive to the green wavelengths of
light, 550nm. You are better able to distinguish details when displayed in the color green.
16 17
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Lens Specifications are as follows:
Minimal Focal Distance: 16” (41cm)
Maximum Focal Distance: infinity.
Ability to see objects at a distance depends on object size and ambient light conditions.
Angle of View: 12°
Field of View: 70’at 330’ distance (21 meters at 70 meter distance)
Magnification: 2.6 times
3. Infrared Emitter
You cannot adjust the intensity or light angle of the infrared emitter. The emitter casts a
12° angle of light, equal to that of the iGen’s angle of view. Because the emitter is
positioned to the side of the objective lens, at short distances you will notice a shadow due
to this offset. The infrared produces a round beam of light; at close distance, the circle of
light will clip the corners of the rectangular display. At very close range, you may see a
half-circle of bright light, while the rest of the scene is darker. You cannot control the
intensity of the infrared light, other than to set it in automatic mode. In automatic mode,
the output of the emitter is adjusted to provide the correct amount of infrared required for
optimum illumination. Since the device is very sensitive to infrared light, high intensity
infrared at close range causes the device to reduce internal gain and increase exposure time.
Use of the IR MAX settings is only recommended in a very dark outdoor environment.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Turning IR off at start-up
The default setting of the IR is AUTO. When the iGen®IC powers on, it re-sets to AUTO
regardless of the mode it was set to before the prior power-down.
In order for the IR to be off upon power-up, set the IR-Start function to OFF with the
following menu choices: SYSTEM/IR START/OFF
4. Gain
The triple action switch adjusts the internal or electronic gain. There are a total of 10
different gain settings. These settings are preprogrammed and cannot be changed. Push to
the right and the image becomes brighter. At the highest gain settings, you will notice a
“noisy” or “snowy” image. As is the case with any night vision device, in very low light
conditions users will sacrifice image quality for light amplification. In order to recognize an
object or target under the very darkest conditions, it is usually preferable to see a lower
quality image than to see no image at all.
The two highest gain settings may appear too noisy for many viewing environments, but can be
useful at long distances or in the very darkest environments with the use of the infrared illuminator.
16 17
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Lens Specifications are as follows:
Minimal Focal Distance: 16” (41cm)
Maximum Focal Distance: infinity.
Ability to see objects at a distance depends on object size and ambient light conditions.
Angle of View: 12°
Field of View: 70’at 330’ distance (21 meters at 70 meter distance)
Magnification: 2.6 times
3. Infrared Emitter
You cannot adjust the intensity or light angle of the infrared emitter. The emitter casts a
12° angle of light, equal to that of the iGen’s angle of view. Because the emitter is
positioned to the side of the objective lens, at short distances you will notice a shadow due
to this offset. The infrared produces a round beam of light; at close distance, the circle of
light will clip the corners of the rectangular display. At very close range, you may see a
half-circle of bright light, while the rest of the scene is darker. You cannot control the
intensity of the infrared light, other than to set it in automatic mode. In automatic mode,
the output of the emitter is adjusted to provide the correct amount of infrared required for
optimum illumination. Since the device is very sensitive to infrared light, high intensity
infrared at close range causes the device to reduce internal gain and increase exposure time.
Use of the IR MAX settings is only recommended in a very dark outdoor environment.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Turning IR off at start-up
The default setting of the IR is AUTO. When the iGen®IC powers on, it re-sets to AUTO
regardless of the mode it was set to before the prior power-down.
In order for the IR to be off upon power-up, set the IR-Start function to OFF with the
following menu choices: SYSTEM/IR START/OFF
4. Gain
The triple action switch adjusts the internal or electronic gain. There are a total of 10
different gain settings. These settings are preprogrammed and cannot be changed. Push to
the right and the image becomes brighter. At the highest gain settings, you will notice a
“noisy” or “snowy” image. As is the case with any night vision device, in very low light
conditions users will sacrifice image quality for light amplification. In order to recognize an
object or target under the very darkest conditions, it is usually preferable to see a lower
quality image than to see no image at all.
The two highest gain settings may appear too noisy for many viewing environments, but can be
useful at long distances or in the very darkest environments with the use of the infrared illuminator.
16 17
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Lens Specifications are as follows:
Minimal Focal Distance: 16” (41cm)
Maximum Focal Distance: infinity.
Ability to see objects at a distance depends on object size and ambient light conditions.
Angle of View: 12°
Field of View: 70’at 330’ distance (21 meters at 70 meter distance)
Magnification: 2.6 times
3. Infrared Emitter
You cannot adjust the intensity or light angle of the infrared emitter. The emitter casts a
12° angle of light, equal to that of the iGen’s angle of view. Because the emitter is
positioned to the side of the objective lens, at short distances you will notice a shadow due
to this offset. The infrared produces a round beam of light; at close distance, the circle of
light will clip the corners of the rectangular display. At very close range, you may see a
half-circle of bright light, while the rest of the scene is darker. You cannot control the
intensity of the infrared light, other than to set it in automatic mode. In automatic mode,
the output of the emitter is adjusted to provide the correct amount of infrared required for
optimum illumination. Since the device is very sensitive to infrared light, high intensity
infrared at close range causes the device to reduce internal gain and increase exposure time.
Use of the IR MAX settings is only recommended in a very dark outdoor environment.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Turning IR off at start-up
The default setting of the IR is AUTO. When the iGen®IC powers on, it re-sets to AUTO
regardless of the mode it was set to before the prior power-down.
In order for the IR to be off upon power-up, set the IR-Start function to OFF with the
following menu choices: SYSTEM/IR START/OFF
4. Gain
The triple action switch adjusts the internal or electronic gain. There are a total of 10
different gain settings. These settings are preprogrammed and cannot be changed. Push to
the right and the image becomes brighter. At the highest gain settings, you will notice a
“noisy” or “snowy” image. As is the case with any night vision device, in very low light
conditions users will sacrifice image quality for light amplification. In order to recognize an
object or target under the very darkest conditions, it is usually preferable to see a lower
quality image than to see no image at all.
The two highest gain settings may appear too noisy for many viewing environments, but can be
useful at long distances or in the very darkest environments with the use of the infrared illuminator.
16 17
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Lens Specifications are as follows:
Minimal Focal Distance: 16” (41cm)
Maximum Focal Distance: infinity.
Ability to see objects at a distance depends on object size and ambient light conditions.
Angle of View: 12°
Field of View: 70’at 330’ distance (21 meters at 70 meter distance)
Magnification: 2.6 times
3. Infrared Emitter
You cannot adjust the intensity or light angle of the infrared emitter. The emitter casts a
12° angle of light, equal to that of the iGen’s angle of view. Because the emitter is
positioned to the side of the objective lens, at short distances you will notice a shadow due
to this offset. The infrared produces a round beam of light; at close distance, the circle of
light will clip the corners of the rectangular display. At very close range, you may see a
half-circle of bright light, while the rest of the scene is darker. You cannot control the
intensity of the infrared light, other than to set it in automatic mode. In automatic mode,
the output of the emitter is adjusted to provide the correct amount of infrared required for
optimum illumination. Since the device is very sensitive to infrared light, high intensity
infrared at close range causes the device to reduce internal gain and increase exposure time.
Use of the IR MAX settings is only recommended in a very dark outdoor environment.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Turning IR off at start-up
The default setting of the IR is AUTO. When the iGen®IC powers on, it re-sets to AUTO
regardless of the mode it was set to before the prior power-down.
In order for the IR to be off upon power-up, set the IR-Start function to OFF with the
following menu choices: SYSTEM/IR START/OFF
4. Gain
The triple action switch adjusts the internal or electronic gain. There are a total of 10
different gain settings. These settings are preprogrammed and cannot be changed. Push to
the right and the image becomes brighter. At the highest gain settings, you will notice a
“noisy” or “snowy” image. As is the case with any night vision device, in very low light
conditions users will sacrifice image quality for light amplification. In order to recognize an
object or target under the very darkest conditions, it is usually preferable to see a lower
quality image than to see no image at all.
The two highest gain settings may appear too noisy for many viewing environments, but can be
useful at long distances or in the very darkest environments with the use of the infrared illuminator.
15
Adjustable Featu es
1. Eyepiece (technically referred to as the diopter focal lens in front of the microdisplay)
The iGen®IC has two different focus adjustments. The eyepiece lens adjusts to focus the
display to your individual eyesight. The objective lens focuses on objects in the distance.
To adjust the eyepiece, do the following:
a. Push up on the Triple Action Switch located on the bottom.
b. The menu will appear. Use this menu as a target to focus the eye piece.
c. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters are sharp and in focus.
If the menu disappears, push up again to see the menu again.
d. Use the menu as a focusing target. This adjustment focuses your individual
eye sight on to the display screen.
e.
After the eyepiece focus is adjusted, do not change this adjustment, even if
the image is out of focus.
After you set the eyepiece adjustment, use the
objective (front) lens to focus on objects in the distance.
2. Objective Lens (large lens in metal housing on front of device)
This lens must be manually rotated to bring objects into focus. As you aim at different
objects at different distances, you may need to rotate the lens to bring the objects into
focus. This operates just like a pair of binoculars.
18
15
Adjustable Featu es
1. Eyepiece (technically referred to as the diopter focal lens in front of the microdisplay)
The iGen®IC has two different focus adjustments. The eyepiece lens adjusts to focus the
display to your individual eyesight. The objective lens focuses on objects in the distance.
To adjust the eyepiece, do the following:
a. Push up on the Triple Action Switch located on the bottom.
b. The menu will appear. Use this menu as a target to focus the eye piece.
c. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters are sharp and in focus.
If the menu disappears, push up again to see the menu again.
d. Use the menu as a focusing target. This adjustment focuses your individual
eye sight on to the display screen.
e.
After the eyepiece focus is adjusted, do not change this adjustment, even if
the image is out of focus.
After you set the eyepiece adjustment, use the
objective (front) lens to focus on objects in the distance.
2. Objective Lens (large lens in metal housing on front of device)
This lens must be manually rotated to bring objects into focus. As you aim at different
objects at different distances, you may need to rotate the lens to bring the objects into
focus. This operates just like a pair of binoculars.
18
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Level 8 (3rd highest gain setting):
The #8 gain setting is preferred for most very dark environments. This setting offers the
best image contrast of the high gain settings. It is most useful for viewing targets up
to 80 yards (73 meters) away.
Levels 9 & 10 (the two highest gain settings):
For long-distance viewing, 100 to 500 yards (91 to 457 meters), the #9 and #10 gain
settings are most useful. These settings provide a brighter, albeit noisier, picture.
These two settings are also useful in the very darkest environments with the use of
the Infrared Illuminator. The illumination provided by the IR reduces the noise that is
apparent in these high-gain images.
5. Color (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
Both the color of the image and the color of the menu text can be changed. Image color
choices are black & white, red, green, and blue. Text color choices are white, green, red,
and amber. A green tinted display screen is typically used in night vision applications
because the rod cells in the human eye are most sensitive to the green wavelengths of
light, 550nm. You are better able to distinguish details when displayed in the color green.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
Level 8 (3rd highest gain setting):
The #8 gain setting is preferred for most very dark environments. This setting offers the
best image contrast of the high gain settings. It is most useful for viewing targets up
to 80 yards (73 meters) away.
Levels 9 & 10 (the two highest gain settings):
For long-distance viewing, 100 to 500 yards (91 to 457 meters), the #9 and #10 gain
settings are most useful. These settings provide a brighter, albeit noisier, picture.
These two settings are also useful in the very darkest environments with the use of
the Infrared Illuminator. The illumination provided by the IR reduces the noise that is
apparent in these high-gain images.
5. Color (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
Both the color of the image and the color of the menu text can be changed. Image color
choices are black & white, red, green, and blue. Text color choices are white, green, red,
and amber. A green tinted display screen is typically used in night vision applications
because the rod cells in the human eye are most sensitive to the green wavelengths of
light, 550nm. You are better able to distinguish details when displayed in the color green.
14
Controls
(continued)
ush up to activate the menu and program the iGen®IC.
The programming function works as follows:
1. After menu activation, the menu will time-out in ten seconds if you do not make
a selection.
2. To move through the menu selections, push the triple action switch left or right.
3. To choose a menu selection for programming, push up on the triple action switch.
You will choose the selection indicated by the arrow.
4. To program a setting, move the triple action switch left or right.
See the settings change.
5. To accept a setting after programming, push the triple action switch up.
6. When a setting is entered using the left/right control, the setting becomes active
immediately, but you must push the triple action switch up to permanently accept
the setting. If you do not accept a setting after 10 seconds, the menu will time-out
and the previous setting will return as the permanent setting.
19
14
Controls
(continued)
ush up to activate the menu and program the iGen®IC.
The programming function works as follows:
1. After menu activation, the menu will time-out in ten seconds if you do not make
a selection.
2. To move through the menu selections, push the triple action switch left or right.
3. To choose a menu selection for programming, push up on the triple action switch.
You will choose the selection indicated by the arrow.
4. To program a setting, move the triple action switch left or right.
See the settings change.
5. To accept a setting after programming, push the triple action switch up.
6. When a setting is entered using the left/right control, the setting becomes active
immediately, but you must push the triple action switch up to permanently accept
the setting. If you do not accept a setting after 10 seconds, the menu will time-out
and the previous setting will return as the permanent setting.
19
Adjustable Features
(continued)
The color red can be useful when you want to maintain your unassisted vision in the dark
when you look away from the viewer.
6. Brightness (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
The display brightness has 4 settings. The default setting is 3. The darkest is 1; the
brightest is 4. As the display is a major consumer of battery power, darker brightness
settings will prolong battery life.
Access the brightness control by first choosing “display” from the menu and then choosing
the brightness option.
7. Exposure
The most effective way to increase the low light sensitivity of the iGen®IC is to increase the
exposure time of the system. In its default setting, the iGen®IC collects light from the lens
at a rate of 30 times per second for processing. If this exposure time is increased, more
photons of light energy are collected, resulting in greater night-vision sensitivity. At the
default setting, the “shutter” remains open for 1/30th of a second and then closes and
passes the collected light on for processing. If we allow the “shutter” to remain open for a
longer period of time, we collect more photons and thus can “see” better at lower light
levels. The abbreviation “fps” means “frames per second.”
Adjustable Features
(continued)
The color red can be useful when you want to maintain your unassisted vision in the dark
when you look away from the viewer.
6. Brightness (control is located under the DISPLAY menu)
The display brightness has 4 settings. The default setting is 3. The darkest is 1; the
brightest is 4. As the display is a major consumer of battery power, darker brightness
settings will prolong battery life.
Access the brightness control by first choosing “display” from the menu and then choosing
the brightness option.
7. Exposure
The most effective way to increase the low light sensitivity of the iGen®IC is to increase the
exposure time of the system. In its default setting, the iGen®IC collects light from the lens
at a rate of 30 times per second for processing. If this exposure time is increased, more
photons of light energy are collected, resulting in greater night-vision sensitivity. At the
default setting, the “shutter” remains open for 1/30th of a second and then closes and
passes the collected light on for processing. If we allow the “shutter” to remain open for a
longer period of time, we collect more photons and thus can “see” better at lower light
levels. The abbreviation “fps” means “frames per second.”
13
Controls
(continued)
2. Image Capture Button
On top side, farthest away from your eye.
•ress-and-hold button to enter the IMAGE CAPTURE mode.
When in this mode, “CAPTURE” will appear on the bottom-left of the display.
•ress the same button to take a picture.
With each press of the button, the saved image will be displayed momentarily on
the screen. Then operation will return to viewing, with the capture mode active.
• When in Image Capture Mode, ress-and-hold button to exit the IMAGE
CAPTURE mode.
See page 27 for important information on image capture characteristics.
3. Triple Action Switch
Located on the underside of unit, rear of battery door, near your thumb as you hold
the device.
ush left to decrease electronic gain.
The image will darken with each press of the switch.
ush right to increase electronic gain.
The image will brighten with each press of the switch.
20
13
Controls
(continued)
2. Image Capture Button
On top side, farthest away from your eye.
•ress-and-hold button to enter the IMAGE CAPTURE mode.
When in this mode, “CAPTURE” will appear on the bottom-left of the display.
•ress the same button to take a picture.
With each press of the button, the saved image will be displayed momentarily on
the screen. Then operation will return to viewing, with the capture mode active.
• When in Image Capture Mode, ress-and-hold button to exit the IMAGE
CAPTURE mode.
See page 27 for important information on image capture characteristics.
3. Triple Action Switch
Located on the underside of unit, rear of battery door, near your thumb as you hold
the device.
ush left to decrease electronic gain.
The image will darken with each press of the switch.
ush right to increase electronic gain.
The image will brighten with each press of the switch.
20
Adjustable Features
(continued)
In a lighted indoor environment, you may notice a pulsing or strobe effect at varying
exposure settings. In the U.S., or other countries with 60hertz electrical systems, exposure
rates other than 30fps and 15fps will be unsynchronized with the lighting system. The
iGen is designed for outdoor use and for use in dark environments so this characteristic
does not affect the device’s performance; such a pulsing effect will only be evident when
testing or practicing with the iGen®IC in a lighted environment.
In countries with 50 hertz electrical systems, indoor pulsing will be apparent at all frame rates
other than 25fps.
While light-gathering capability improves with longer exposure times, at exposure settings
below 15fps, the image may appear unnatural. Longer exposure settings (lower fps
numbers) present fewer and fewer image “snapshots” which are presented to you just as
a movie is a collection of frames repeated at 30 frames per second. Below 15fps, a
moving image may appear to move unevenly. Likewise, below 12fps, the image may
shake if a person is unable to hold the iGen®IC completely still. If you concentrate on
holding the device still, you should find the device very useful down to 10 or 12fps.
At very long exposure times, down to 2fps, the light-gathering capability of the iGen is
truly remarkable. owever, to be useful at such long exposure times the device must be
positioned on a stable surface. You may rest it on a flat surface suitable for viewing, or
connect to a tripod mount. The tripod adapter fitting located at the base of the device will
connect to all standard tripod mounts, with a fitting size of 1/4 - 20.
Adjustable Features
(continued)
In a lighted indoor environment, you may notice a pulsing or strobe effect at varying
exposure settings. In the U.S., or other countries with 60hertz electrical systems, exposure
rates other than 30fps and 15fps will be unsynchronized with the lighting system. The
iGen is designed for outdoor use and for use in dark environments so this characteristic
does not affect the device’s performance; such a pulsing effect will only be evident when
testing or practicing with the iGen®IC in a lighted environment.
In countries with 50 hertz electrical systems, indoor pulsing will be apparent at all frame rates
other than 25fps.
While light-gathering capability improves with longer exposure times, at exposure settings
below 15fps, the image may appear unnatural. Longer exposure settings (lower fps
numbers) present fewer and fewer image “snapshots” which are presented to you just as
a movie is a collection of frames repeated at 30 frames per second. Below 15fps, a
moving image may appear to move unevenly. Likewise, below 12fps, the image may
shake if a person is unable to hold the iGen®IC completely still. If you concentrate on
holding the device still, you should find the device very useful down to 10 or 12fps.
At very long exposure times, down to 2fps, the light-gathering capability of the iGen is
truly remarkable. owever, to be useful at such long exposure times the device must be
positioned on a stable surface. You may rest it on a flat surface suitable for viewing, or
connect to a tripod mount. The tripod adapter fitting located at the base of the device will
connect to all standard tripod mounts, with a fitting size of 1/4 - 20.
This manual suits for next models
1
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