cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) (02/07/91)
From: cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) There is a serious problem with night-vision devices which amplify light: they destroy your night vision. There is still a big need for good light discipline and maintaining good night vision. Normal human night vision is pretty good (until you get to 40+); with moonlight you can see almost as well as in daylight (but without color). You have to practice at observing and shooting at night (depth perception is not as good). A good pair of 7x50 binoculars help - they gather the light and improve your ability to see objects, but do not ruin your night vision. It takes about 1 to 1.5 HOURS for your eyes to fully adapt when going from "normal" light (a bunker with a lantern). Red goggles help but only shorten the adaption time to about 30 min. Adaptation is not time linear; you get about 50% of your night vision in about 25-20 minutes. Anyway, the point is, if you have good night vision, and you are at an OP, you do NOT want to use your light-amplifying device, as you will ruin your night vision for about an hour or so. Or you work in teams, one with, one without. I have no experience with the desert, but in a clear area (no canopy), light discipline and good night vision worked very well. Hardest thing is to keep troops from getting careless and using flashlights or cigarette lighters; besides wiping out night vision, it lets the bad guys know where you are. The red lenses for flashlights help, but even these will reduce your night vision. One related problem is that many digital watches can't be read without a light. Old fashioned radium dial watches are hard to come by, and are expensive. Technology giveth, and technology taketh away.
FQV@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (jim bowers) (02/08/91)
From: jim bowers <FQV@PSUVM.PSU.EDU> In article <1991Feb7.014300.2505@cbnews.att.com>, cga66@ihlpy.att.com (Patrick V Kauffold) says: > >There is a serious problem with night-vision devices which >amplify light: they destroy your night vision. Simple solution, close one eye or wear an eye patch so you still have one "good" eye. Jim Bowers
cyclist@hubcap.clemson.edu (Barry Johnson) (02/09/91)
From: cyclist@hubcap.clemson.edu (Barry Johnson) >From article <1991Feb8.014441.18630@cbnews.att.com>, by FQV@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (jim bowers): > Simple solution, close one eye or wear an eye patch so you still have > one "good" eye. But will this not destroy what little depth perception you had as a result of being in low light. The reason for steroscopic sight is depth perception. Barry... -- Barry Johnson cyclist@hubcap.clemson.edu Consulting & Technical Services Standard disclaimer about me, my Clemson University employer, beliefs, etc...