Nitesite Viper, Wolf And Eagle NV Sights

Night Vision equipment (NV) has become so popular these days not only because prices keep coming down making it more tempting for NV virgins to take up the sport but because there are so many more good value and quality devices to choose from. In years gone by the only NV kit you could get was the ex-military sights that weighed a ton and were expensive. Most used an image intensifier tube but with the new digital revolution it has now really opened up the market to all forms of shooting.

NiteSite saw an opening and a niche in the market and a novel design developed in the UK was born, which has proved very popular since its introduction - primarily for airgun users. Now they have updated their entire range and that consisted of the two options of the old NS200 and the original NS50; there are now four digital versions based on maximum range/versatility of use, i.e. from rats to long range foxes.

POWER RANGERS

Much like the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers they all have animal names with the Viper, Wolf, Wolf Power plus and Eagle models. However, all offer a common theme in that they can convert any existing rifle scope into a night sight in minutes. Useful too, the NiteSite requires no zero change to your scope, does not need ambient light due to onboard LED illumination, uses a 850nm IR beam along with video and audio output and is powered by a lithium battery pack.

Regardless of model the system is the same and consists of two components. A combined IR sender with a viewing screen at the rear clamps at 12 o’clock to the body tube facing forwards. The second is the receiver, which consists of a camera module that plugs into the scopes’ eyepiece and literally looks down/ through the body to pick up the image. This connects to the IR sender/screen unit by a cable and projects the image on to the viewing screen. In use you do not look through the rear of the scope as you would normally do, instead you lift your head and look at the screen to see your target and reticule. So the IR beam is sent out and the camera sees what is in front of it and you make the shooting corrections.

Because the NiteSite is relaying the image produced by the IR beam through your scope there is no change of zero, you can still use the parallax adjustments and even the illuminated reticule if fitted. Your reticule from your scope is superimposed onto the quarry as viewed on the 3.5” screen thus acting as your sighting system.

QUICK FIT!

Quick to use with two eyepiece adaptors for the camera unit and quick fit adaptors for one inch or 30mm body tubes to attach the 3.5” LCD TV screen/IR projector via cables. The battery pack attaches to the rifle’s butt by a Velcro-secured pouch, which is very handy so no tangling your hands in wires from pockets. The Eagle and Wolf Power plus use a 5500mAh Lithium Ion battery whilst the Viper and Wolf use a 1500mAh version of the same. Thus Viper and Wolf for short to medium range use and the Eagle and Wolf Power plus for serious long range and sustained use.

One nice thing is that all the kit needed is packed into a solid plastic case keeping it safe in the truck until you need to use it, with a comprehensive and idiot-proof set of instructions. Just right for me then? As I briefly said it offers a mandatory head-up shooting position as you view the monitor and not one looking down the scope as you would in the traditional way. It’s a bit odd at first but you soon get use to it and becomes strangely more natural the more you use it, although I do prefer the straight through the sight method.

IN USE

Set up is easy and common to all units but needs to be done properly to get the best from the NiteSite. The camera module is a colour infra red unit of 1.0 Lux 600TVL 1/3 CCD chip and is attached to the scopes eyepiece by one of the two supplied rubber double ended sleeves. Slip this on and position the camera so it covers the eyepiece and arrange vertically. On its face is the soft touch ON/OFF power button and three sockets for the DC power in, LCD screen in and Audio/Video out (optional)

You need to focus the camera so that the scopes reticule and target are in focus and this is achieved by removing the module and on its inside is a small central protrusion with abrasive surface to grip your finger. Turn anti clockwise up to a couple of times max as the unit is set at the factory at 400mm, which is good for most scopes. Once this is done, it only takes a few attempts, it is now set for that scope.

The LCD or TV screen module that also houses the IR projector sits on top of the scope via the body tube adaptor - 1” or 30mm as required. Also be sure to fit the locking collar to stop it sliding off under recoil or whilst slung over your shoulder. On top is a large knurled knob that is only used to activate the IR beam and increases its intensity the more you turn it.

VIPER

The Viper model is the shortest range sight, ideal for airguns and rimfires etc. Having said that the illumination range is 110 yards even with a single LED infra red light mounted in the centre of the lamp. As with all Nite Sites the TV screen is colour so in day time use, the bonus of any digital unit the image is realistic, but is obviously black and white at night. The power pack is actually mounted to the scope via a strap as it is light and lasts up to 7.5 hours on low IR power usage.

WOLF

This is the Medium range NV sight for use up to 330 yards on visible detection. There are now three LED infra red beams in the TV module/IR projector unit for a boosted range and image with the battery pack mounted to the scope as with the Viper. The Wolf Power Plus is the same as the Wolf but has a 5500 mAh battery instead of 1500mAh which can last up to 25 hrs on a low IR setting and is mounted to the stock in a pouch and Velcro secured as previously described.

EAGLE

This is the flagship model and sports an impressive 550 yards range which is made capable from the now five IR illuminating LED`s. The power comes from a 5500mAh power pack in its own pouch for strapping to the stock. It allows up to 25 hours continuous use on low power or 3 hours on full power. Each model also comes with anti glare filters that can be attached to the TV screen to reduce the glare that comes off the screen and illuminates your face.

OTHER FEATURES AND CONCLUSIONS

All models come with a re-charger and are simply plugged in and a red light shows it is charging and green when full. Time to charge is dependent on initial charge state. You can also use an in car charger for on the move re-charging and if you want to record images and sound the AV connecting kit that fits to the scope modular and attaches to hand held recorder, camera or monitor of your choice.

An interesting array of kit plus an additional hand held NV illuminator/ screen viewing device which I will be testing over the coming months at varying ranges and game. Stay tuned.

NAME: NiteSite
PRICES: Wolf £639 Wolf Power plus £699 Eagle £849
CONTACT: NiteSite Ltd on (01759 377235) for more details www.nitesite.com
FOR: Prices and models to suit your need
AGAINST: Not looking through the scope might take some getting used to Adds height and bulk Cables might get in the way or caught up
VERDICT: Quick, simple and effective NV solution Try before you buy (see Against comments)