Introduction
This manual provides detailed instructions for the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your GVDA GD916 Infrared Night Vision Binoculars. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper function and to maximize your viewing experience. This device is designed for night hunting, camping, cave exploration, night fishing, bird watching, and security monitoring, offering clear visibility in low light and complete darkness.
Product Overview
The GVDA GD916 is a versatile night vision device capable of both day and night observation, photo capture, and video recording. It features a robust design suitable for various outdoor activities.
Figure 1: GVDA GD916 Night Vision Binoculars
Parts of the Device
Figure 2: Product Introduction with Labeled Parts
- IR Up/Zoom in/Up Button
- Power Button
- IR Down/Zoom out/Down Button
- Helmet bracket chute
- Shot/OK button
- Mode Button
- Menu Button
- Helmet bracket fixing screw
- Eyepiece/Display
- Strap Hole
- Tripod fixing screw
- USB port/charging indicator/reset port/memory card slot cover
- Lens focus wheel
- IR LEDs
Package Contents
Figure 3: Package Contents
- Night Vision Binoculars
- Gift Box
- Fabric Pouch
- Head Mount Strap
- User Manual
- Cleaning Cloth
- Helmet Adapter
- Data Transfer Cable
- Helmet Connector
- Strap
- Mounting Screw
Product Demonstration Video
Video 1: Product features and usage demonstration.
Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Photo Resolution | 12M (4000x3000) Interpolation; 8M (3264x2488) Interpolation; 5M (2592x1944) Interpolation; 3M (2048x1536) Interpolation; 2M (1600x1200) Interpolation; 1.3M (1280x960); VGA (640x480) |
| Video Resolution | 1080P (1440x1080@30FPS) Interpolation; 960P (1280x960@30FPS); VGA (640x480@30FPS) |
| Lens | F1.0 large aperture, f=35mm, FOV=8.5°, aperture 25mm, automatic infrared filter |
| Display | 2.7" 640 (RGB) *480 TFT internal screen, with 6.5x large window magnifying glass 84x38mm, 7 levels brightness adjustment |
| Memory Card | Supports up to 32GB Micro SD card (not included) |
| USB Port | TYPE-C |
| Auto Power Off | Off/1min/3min/5min/10min |
| Infrared Light | 3W, 850nm strong infrared spotlight, 7 levels of infrared adjustment |
| Viewing Distance (Complete Darkness) | About 300-400 meters |
| Low-light Sight Distance | 3 meters to infinity |
| Digital Zoom | 8x digital zoom |
| Color Effects | Color, Black and White, Luminous Green, Infrared Light |
| Power Supply | 3000MAH polymer lithium battery (built-in rechargeable) |
| Date Stamp | Supports setting date and time on photo and video files |
| Operation Buttons | 6 buttons |
| Operating Temperature | -20 °C to +50 °C |
| Storage Temperature | -30 °C to +60 °C |
| Size and Weight | Approx. 129*113*56 mm / 330 g |
| Water Resistance Level | IPX4 |
Setup
About Charging
The device has a built-in rechargeable battery. Please fully charge it before first use. Use a universal USB power adapter (DC 5V/2A, not included) to charge the device. When charging, the charging indicator on the left side of the TYPE-C USB port will turn red. When fully charged, the indicator will turn off. A full charge takes approximately 4 hours if the device is completely out of power.
Figure 4: Charging the device
Inserting Memory Card
Prepare a Class 10 Micro SD card (up to 32GB) in advance.
- Open the card slot cover to reveal the card slot.
- Insert the Micro SD card into the slot, ensuring the correct direction. Do not force the card.
- It is recommended to format the Micro SD card using the device to improve compatibility.
- To remove the card, gently press the edge of the memory card. It will pop out, allowing you to remove it.
Note:
- If the Micro SD card is not inserted or inserted incorrectly, the Micro SD card icon and photo/recording time will not appear on the screen when the device is turned on.
- Pressing the shoot button without a properly inserted card will display a "No card" prompt.
Head-Mounted Use
The device can be attached to a head mount strap for hands-free operation, as shown in the product demonstration video and images.
Figure 5: Device with Head Mount Strap
Operation
Turn On And Turn Off
- Turn On: Long press the POWER button for 3 seconds.
- Turn Off: Long press the POWER button for 3 seconds again.
Adjust the Display
After turning on the device, press the MENU button to enter the menu. If the MENU font is not clear, adjust the eyepiece diopter adjustment wheel until the font is clear. Press the MENU button again to exit. Then, adjust the lens focus wheel according to the actual distance of the viewed scene until the screen is clearest.
Changing The Modes
The device has three different modes: Photo Mode, Video Mode, and Playback Mode. Press the Mode button to switch between these modes.
| Mode | Function |
|---|---|
| Photo Mode | For taking still photos. |
| Video Mode | For recording video. |
| Playback Mode | For playing the recorded files. |
Taking Pictures
Figure 6: Taking Pictures Screen Display
- Turn on the device. The default is Video mode. Press the Mode button to switch to Camera mode.
- Zooming: Keep pressing the IR Up/Zoom in/Up button (+) or IR Down/Zoom out/Down button (−) to zoom in or out. The magnification level will appear on the LCD screen.
- Take a still photo:
- View your subject via the LCD screen.
- Adjust the focus by turning the focus wheel.
- For night or insufficient light, turn on the IR by pressing the IR Up/Zoom in/Up Button. Increase brightness by pressing the button repeatedly. There are 7 levels of brightness (0-7). Adjust according to your needs. The darker the light, the higher the gear adjustment.
- Press the Shot/OK button to take a photo.
Recording Video
Figure 7: Recording Video Screen Display
- Turn on the device. If not already in Video mode, press the Mode button to switch to Video mode.
- Zooming: Keep pressing the IR Up/Zoom in/Up button (+) or IR Down/Zoom out/Down button (−) to zoom in or out. The magnification level will appear on the LCD screen.
- Start to record video:
- View your subject via the LCD screen.
- Adjust the focus by turning the focus wheel.
- For night or insufficient light, turn on the IR by pressing the IR Up/Zoom in/Up Button. Increase brightness by pressing the button repeatedly. There are 7 levels of brightness (0-7). Adjust according to your needs. The darker the light, the higher the gear adjustment.
- Press the Shot/OK button to start recording. The record duration will be shown on the LCD screen.
- Finish recording:
- Press the Shot/OK button again to stop recording.
- The device will stop recording automatically once the memory card capacity is full.
IR – LED (Night Vision Function)
- Manual Focusing: Users can manually adjust the lens focus wheel according to the actual observation distance to achieve the best focus until the display is clear.
- Activating IR LED: In photo/video mode, if you need to view in dark environments, short press the IR Up/Zoom in/Up Button to activate the IR LED. The image will change to black and white.
- IR LED Levels: The IR LED has seven levels. Short press the IR Up/Zoom in/Up Button to increase the level, and short press the IR Down/Zoom out/Down Button to decrease the level.
Note on Battery and IR Levels:
- If the battery voltage is insufficient, the IR LED level will automatically decrease.
- When the battery is full, IR can go up to 7 levels.
- If only half power is left, the level can only go up to 5.
- If only 25% power is left, the level can only go up to 3.
- If the battery power is lower than 25%, the IR LED cannot be activated.
Settings in Photo and Video Mode
Press the Menu button in photo or video mode to access and change settings.
| Menu Item | Function | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Resolution | Set the photo resolution. | 12M/8M/5M/3M/2M/1.3M/VGA |
| Resolution | Set the video resolution. | 1080P/960P/VGA |
| Night Vision Sensitivity | Choose the night vision sensitivity. | [Low]/[Middle]/[High] |
| Language Setting | Set OSD (on-screen) language. | [English]/[简体中文]/[繁体中文]/[日本语]/[Deutsch]/[Francais]/[Русский]/[Italiano]/[한국어]/[Nederlands]/[Español]/[Portugués] |
| Date Setting | Set the date and time of the device. Press up/down to adjust, OK to move cursor. | Adjustable date and time |
| Auto Power-Off | Set the time to shut down the device for power saving if idle. | [OFF]/[1min]/[3min]/[5min]/[10min] |
| Frequency | Set the light source frequency to match local electricity supply. | [50Hz]/[60Hz] |
| Date Label | Add date stamp on photo or video files. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Format | Format your Micro SD card (deletes all files). Copy important files first. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Restore Factory | Restore settings to factory default. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Version | View firmware version information. | Firmware version |
| Screen Brightness | Adjust the screen brightness. | [Level 1] to [Level 7] |
Playback
- Turn on the device, press the Mode button to switch to Playback mode.
- Press the Up/Down button to view photos and video files.
- Playback the video:
- Press the Shot button to start playing the video file.
- Press the Shot button again to pause.
- Press the Menu button to stop the current video playing.
In Playback mode, pressing the Menu button will display the playback menu. Use the Up/Down button to navigate options like 'scan lock' or 'delete'. Press the Shot button to select an option and enter its sub-menu. Press the Menu button to return to the previous level.
| Menu Item | Function | Options |
|---|---|---|
| Delete This | Delete the current file in memory. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Delete All | Delete all files in memory card. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Lock This | Lock the current file in memory card. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Lock All | Lock all files in memory card. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Unlock This | Unlock the current file in memory card. | [Yes]/[No] |
| Unlock All | Unlock all files in memory card. | [Yes]/[No] |
Download Files to PC
There are two ways to download files from the device to a computer:
- By inserting the memory card into a card reader.
- By connecting the device to a computer using the supplied USB cable.
Figure 8: Connecting the device to a computer
Using a Card Reader
- Eject the memory card from the device and insert it into a card reader. Connect the card reader to a computer.
- Open [My Computer] or [Windows Explorer] and double-click the removable disk icon representing the memory card.
- Copy images from the card into a directory of your choice on the computer's hard drive.
Connecting the Device to a PC through the USB Cable
- Turn on the night vision device. Connect it to a computer using the supplied USB cable.
- When connected, "MSDC" will appear on the screen.
- Open [My Computer] or [Windows Explorer]. A "Removable Disk" will appear in the drive list. Double-click the "Removable Disk" icon to view its contents. Files stored on the camera are located in the folder named "DCIM".
- Copy the photos or files to your computer.
Maintenance
Notes on Cleaning
Before cleaning the device, disconnect it from the power supply!
- Only use a dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Do not use any cleaning fluid to avoid damaging the electronics.
- Clean the eyepieces and/or lenses only with a soft, lint-free cloth (e.g., microfibre cloth).
- To avoid scratching the lenses, use only gentle pressure with the cleaning cloth.
- Protect the device from dust and moisture. Store it in a bag or box when not in use.
Troubleshooting
Device Power Off Issues
- If the device is fully charged but won't turn on, or if the screen freezes during use and cannot be turned off, insert a small hard strip (like a toothpick or wire) into the RST hole. Press until you feel resistance, then release. The device should then turn on.
- If the device cannot be turned on after connecting the TYPE-C USB cable and the charging indicator is red, it means the built-in battery has no power and needs to be fully charged. Unplug the TYPE-C USB cable to turn off the device, then allow it to charge completely.
Poor Image Quality
- If wearing glasses: If using a helmet or helmet strap, remove your glasses. If not using a helmet, you may wear glasses while using the device.
- During the day: Ensure the IR is OFF. If IR is on, the screen will be black and white or colored incorrectly.
- At night or in low light: Ensure the IR is ON. Press the IR Up button to adjust the IR level (if IR is on, the screen will be black and white) to achieve optimal brightness.
- Focus: Adjust the lens focus wheel slowly to ensure the image is in focus.
User Tips
- Understanding Zoom: The device features 8x digital zoom. Digital zoom magnifies the image electronically, which can sometimes reduce image quality at higher magnifications. For optimal clarity, especially in low light, use the lowest necessary zoom level.
- Optimal Viewing Distance: While the device offers a low-light sight distance of 3 meters to infinity and total darkness viewing up to 400 meters, the clarity of objects at very close range (e.g., less than 3 meters) in complete darkness may be limited. Adjust the focus wheel carefully for the best results at your desired distance.
- Battery Life: To maximize battery life, utilize the 'Auto Power Off' feature and adjust the IR LED intensity to the lowest effective level for your viewing conditions.
Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the complete user manual PDF available at: GVDA GD916 User Manual (PDF). You may also contact the GVDA Official Store for assistance.
