How To Make A Nightvision Headset
See in complete darkness AND record it all when I show you how to hack a camcorder and build this stealthy nightvision headset! See the Test Results at the end.
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Step 1:
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Concept
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Ah, the joys of the full size VHS camcorder with that wonderful tangle free tape. And we looked so cool using it. Well now it's time to hack it up and turn it into a super bright night vision headset.
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Step 2:
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Building The Headset
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I dug through my garage until I found mine and then I removed the viewfinder. I also picked up a dozen 200 milowatt triple infrared LEDs and an ultra low lux black and white micro camera. I also got a black project box, a small red LED, a phono jack and a switch.
I built the LED array with six LEDs in series joined to another set of six in parallel. After determining the ground, power and video wires on the viewfinder, I started wiring it up. The viewfinder is powered by it's own nine volt battery. The video line goes to the micro camera and the video line from the micro camera also goes to the phono jack.
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Step 3:
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The Finished Nightvision Headset
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The LED array, LED indicator light and micro camera are powered by it's own nine volt battery. After everything is wired up and installed in the housing, it was time to test it out. I was amazed at how bright these infrared LEDs are. I could literally see in the dark.
I decided to compare it to an old Sony 8mm camcorder I have that has the famous "Night Shot" on it. Look at the difference. I also compared it to an infrared security camera I had. There is no comparison. This night vision headset blows them away. And the best part is, I can record what I see to tape. Now I can see clearly in complete pitch black darkness with my night vision headset.