Night Optics D-930 Gen 3 Gated Clip-on Night Vision Scope - Manual (Page 6)

NIGHT VISION CHARACTERISTICS
Monochromatic Image
Night Vision Devices produce a monochromatic image. You will not be able to see any
differentiation between colors. In particular, red and green lights will both appear green.
Take care to verify color differences with unaided vision. Exercise extreme caution when
operating aircraft, ground vehicles, or marine vessels while using night vision equipment.
Color Sensitivity
Night Vision Devices are more responsive to red and white lights than green and blue lights.
Because of this, distant red and white lights may appear closer than green or blue lights.
Exercise extreme caution when using these lights for navigation. Periodically verify the
distances to these lights with your unaided eyes.
Extreme Darkness
Night Vision Devices are effective under most dark conditions including overcast starlight.
They are not practical in an extremely dark environment such as in a tunnel where there is
no natural ambient light. Without sufficient ambient light, the operator may notice
pinpoint-size sparkles (scintillation or noise) in the image area. These sparkles are small
amounts of energy generated inside the image intensifier that strike the phosphor screen
and are an indication that the device is working.
Contrast Reversal
Night Vision Devices detect light that cannot be seen by the human eye. This light is often
referred to as being in the near-infrared light spectrum. The existence of this light and the
manner in which it reflects is not normally visible to the naked eye. For this reason, objects
that normally appear lighter than their surroundings may appear dark against a light
background. In addition, the output image of the Night Vision Device is dependent on the
reflective quality of the objects the operator sees in the viewing area. Objects that appear
light during the day but have a dull surface may appear duller when viewed through a Night
Vision Device. All of these factors must be taken into account when utilizing a Night Vision
Device for observation or navigation purposes.
Depth Perception
Night Vision does not present normal depth perception. Use extreme caution when using a
Night Vision Device where reliance upon depth perception is important.
Fog and Rain
Night Vision Devices are very responsive to reflected ambient light; therefore, fog or heavy
rain can reflect too much light toward the Night Vision Device and may seriously degrade its
performance.
4