iGen NV20/20 Night Vision Viewer Owner's Manual

Introduction

The iGen® Night Vision Viewer represents the leading edge of new tubeless night vision technology. Unlike traditional night vision devices that use electron bombardment vacuum tubes to amplify ambient light, iGen® technology employs advanced image processing techniques, specialized optics, and low-light sensing technology to bring night vision into the digital age.

The iGen® Advantage

• Superior image quality with 37 line-pair per millimeter, edge-to-edge display resolution.
• No image distortion from photocathode or phosphorescent screen blemishes.
• Easier diopter focusing for clear viewing.
• Two times the sensitivity to infrared light, enabling use in total darkness with the infrared emitter.
• Intelligent infrared emitter with microprocessor-controlled adjustments for optimal image clarity in varying ambient light conditions.
• Undistorted infrared illumination providing bright, clear scenes without dark spots or uneven patterns.
• Ambient light amplification capabilities exceeding Generation-1 technology at default exposure, and superior to Generation-2 with exposure control.
• Easy video capture via composite video output.
• Programmable features for user customization.
• Bright-light see-through capability, avoiding the bright-spot blooming or halo-effects common in conventional night vision.
• Enhanced robustness with no risk of damage from bright light exposure and no fragile vacuum tubes.

Batteries

Requires 4 AA alkaline batteries (not included). Typical battery life is up to 7.6 hours in continuous use, or up to 2.8 hours with the infrared emitter at maximum intensity. To maximize battery life, reduce brightness or utilize the auto-off feature.

DO NOT MIX OLD AND NEW BATTERIES

Package Contents:

1. Case
2. iGen®
3. Manual

First Time Operation

For initial use, test the device in a lighted room with the lens cap attached. The pin-hole in the lens cap simulates a night-time environment by allowing a small amount of light to enter.

To turn the device on or off, press and hold the power button for two seconds.

Focus Eyepiece

1. Push the Triple Action switch upwards.
2. A menu will appear. Use this menu to focus the eyepiece.
3. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until the menu letters appear sharp and in focus. If the menu disappears, push the switch up again.
4. Use the menu as a focusing target to adjust for your individual eyesight on the display screen.
5. Once the eyepiece focus is set, do not change this adjustment, even if the image appears out of focus. Use the objective (front) lens to focus on distant objects.

Adjust the gain control by pushing the Triple Action switch left or right.

Controls

1. Power Button

Located on the top side, closest to your eye. Press and hold for two seconds to turn the device on or off.

2. Infrared (IR) Button

Located on the top side, farthest from your eye. Toggling this button cycles through three modes:

• IR AUTO: The device measures ambient light and emits a calculated amount of infrared light to illuminate the scene. This mode conserves battery life and is recommended for very dark conditions.
• IR MAX: The infrared emitter outputs maximum infrared light for constant illumination. This setting will minimize battery life.
• IR OFF: No infrared light is emitted.

3. Triple Action Switch

Located on the underside of the unit, near the battery door. This switch controls gain and menu navigation.

• Push left: Decreases electronic gain, darkening the image with each press.
• Push right: Increases electronic gain, brightening the image with each press.
• Push up: Activates the menu and allows programming.

Programming Function:

1. After menu activation, the menu times out after ten seconds if no selection is made.
2. Navigate menu selections by pushing the Triple Action switch left or right.
3. Select a menu item for programming by pushing the switch up.
4. Adjust settings by moving the Triple Action switch left or right.
5. Accept a setting by pushing the Triple Action switch up.
6. Settings become active immediately when adjusted with the left/right controls, but must be permanently accepted by pushing up within 10 seconds. If not accepted, the menu times out and the previous setting is retained.

Adjustable Features

1. Eyepiece

The eyepiece (diopter focal lens) adjusts the display to your individual eyesight. Follow these steps:

1. Push the three-way switch up.
2. Use the displayed menu as a target to focus the eyepiece.
3. Rotate the eyepiece rubber cup until menu letters are sharp.
4. This adjustment focuses your eyesight on the display screen. Do not change it after setting, even if the image appears out of focus.

2. Objective Lens

The objective lens (large lens on the front) is manually rotated to focus on distant objects. This functions similarly to binoculars.

Lens Specifications

• Minimal Focal Distance: 16" (41cm)
• Maximum Focal Distance: Infinity
• Angle of View: 12°
• Field of View: 70' at 330' distance (21 meters at 70 meter distance)
• Magnification: 2.6 times

Note: Ability to see objects at a distance depends on object size and ambient light conditions.

3. Infrared Emitter

The infrared emitter casts a 12° angle of light, matching the device's angle of view. Due to its position, a slight shadow may be visible at short distances. The infrared produces a round beam; at close range, this may clip the display corners or appear as a half-circle of light. The emitter's intensity cannot be manually adjusted, operating automatically to provide optimal illumination. High infrared intensity at close range may cause the device to reduce internal gain and increase exposure time. IR MAX setting is recommended only for very dark outdoor environments.

Turning IR off at start-up

The default IR start-up setting is AUTO. To set the IR to OFF upon power-up, navigate to SYSTEM > IR START and select OFF.

4. Gain

The Triple Action switch adjusts electronic gain across 10 preprogrammed settings. Pushing right increases brightness. High gain settings may produce a "noisy" or "snowy" image, a common trade-off for light amplification in low-light conditions. Lower quality images are often preferable to no image at all in extreme darkness. The highest gain settings are most useful for long distances or very dark environments when using the infrared illuminator.

5. Color

Both image and menu text colors can be changed. Image color options include black & white, red, green, and blue. Text color options include white, green, red, and amber. Green is often preferred for night vision as human eye rod cells are most sensitive to 550nm wavelengths. Red can be useful for preserving unassisted night vision when looking away from the viewer.

6. Brightness

(Control located under the DISPLAY Menu) The display has 4 brightness settings (1=darkest, 4=brightest; default is 3). Lower brightness settings conserve battery power.

7. Exposure

Increasing exposure time enhances low-light sensitivity. The default setting collects light at 30 frames per second (fps), with the "shutter" open for 1/30th of a second. Longer exposure times collect more photons, improving visibility in low light. The abbreviation "fps" means "frames per second."

Exposure (continued)

In lighted indoor environments, pulsing or strobe effects may be noticeable at certain exposure settings, particularly if unsynchronized with the lighting system (e.g., 30fps or 15fps with 60Hz systems). This effect is generally not detrimental in outdoor or dark environments for which the iGen® is designed. For 50Hz systems, indoor pulsing may occur at frame rates other than 25fps.

Longer exposure times (lower fps) improve light gathering but can make images appear unnatural or shaky below 15fps. Moving images may appear uneven below 15fps, and the image may shake if the device is not held steady below 12fps. The device remains useful down to 10 or 12fps with steady handling.

8. Video Format

When recording to an external device via the Video Composite Output, select the format compatible with your recording device: NTSC (U.S. default) or PAL (European standard).

To record, remove the rubber plug on the left side and connect a composite video cable (RCA). Ensure your recording device has a yellow composite video input jack. With the iGen® powered on and focused, no other settings are required. Turn off the display using the "display on/off" function to extend battery life if the eyepiece display is not needed.

9. Display Off

To conserve battery life when connected to an external recording device and not viewing through the eyepiece, turn the display off. Navigate to Display > On-Off and select "Off". The display will turn off immediately. Push the 3-way switch up to save this setting; otherwise, it will turn back on after ten seconds. To turn the display back on, power cycle the device.

10. Auto-Off

The "Auto Off" menu selection allows programming of a time interval after which the device or IR automatically shuts down. Each button press resets the auto-off timer. Time selections include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 minutes, and OFF. The OFF setting disables the auto-off feature. Save settings by pushing the 3-way switch up. The infrared and main power-down timers are separate.

11. Reset Feature

The "Reset" feature restores all factory defaults, except for the "IR Start" setting, which remains unchanged.

Daytime Use

For daylight conditions, keep the lens cap attached and operate at low gain settings.

Tripod Adaptor

The device features a 1/4 - 20 tripod fitting on its underside, compatible with standard tripod mounts. A tripod mount is recommended for exposures of less than 10fps for image stabilization.

Menu System

The menu system allows adjustment of various features:

• EXPOSURE: Adjustable from 2fps to 30fps.
• AUTO OFF: Configurable time intervals (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45 minutes or OFF).
• DISPLAY:
  • BRIGHTNESS: 4 settings (1-4).
  • ON-OFF: Turns the display on or off.
• IR:
  • MAIN: Controls IR modes (AUTO, MAX, OFF).
  • IR START: Sets IR status on power-up (AUTO, OFF).
• COLOR:
  • IMAGE: Black & white, red, green, blue.
  • TEXT: White, green, red, amber.
• SYSTEM:
  • VIDEO: NTSC or PAL format selection.
  • VERSION: Displays software revision level.
  • RESET: RESET YES / RESET NO.
• EXIT: Exits the menu system.

CE Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

EMC Directive 2004/104/EC

Product Specification: Product Name: iGEN 20/20 (NOIGM3X)

Night Owl Optics declares that the iGEN 20/20 is in conformity with the essential requirements and other relevant requirements of the EMC Directive (2004/104/EC). The product complies with the following standards:

• Emissions (Annex11a): EN61000-6-3 (2007) +A1
• Immunity (Annex11b): EN61000-4-3 (2002)
• Electrostatic Discharge: EN61000-4-2 (1995)
• Electrical Fast Transient: EN 610004-4 (2004)
• Conducted Immunity: EN 61000-4-6 (2009)
• Magnetic Immunity: (EN 61000-4-11 (1993)

Return for Service

To return the product for service, contact Night Owl Optics® first to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) Number. Request Night Vision customer service. Reference the RA number on your package and return the product within 15 days of calling.

Night Owl Optics®
1120 Alza Drive
El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: 1-800-444-5994

Warranty coverage does not include the cost of transporting the product back to an owner located outside the United States of America.

1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

The iGen® NV20/20 is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of purchase to the original owner. Damage due to neglect, accidental damage, or misuse is not covered. Decisions regarding abuse or misuse are at the manufacturer's discretion.

Proof of Purchase is required for warranty claims. Liability is limited to repair or replacement at Night Owl Optics' option. Shipping costs to Night Owl Optics are the consumer's responsibility.

NOTE TO CUSTOMERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.A.: Warranty terms may vary by country; consult your distributor. Shipping costs are not covered.

This device complies with FCC Part 15 Subpart B, Section 15.109 Class B. Modifications not expressly approved by the responsible party could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Notes

This section is for user notes.

Complement Your Purchase with These iGen Quality Accessories

• iGen Hard Case

  Keep all your accessories together with this durable case.

• 58 mm Lens Doubler

  Take a closer look. Zoom-in with the 58 mm Lens Doubler.

• iGen Neoprene Neck Strap

  Carry it comfortably and keep your hands free.

• Window Mount

  Switch from tripod to car window mounting.

• iGen Tripod

  Keep your pictures focused with this practical, easy-to-carry tripod.

Night Owl Optics®
1120 Alza Drive, El Paso, TX 79907
Phone: 1-800-444-5994
Website: www.igen2020.com

MIGEN Rev.5 031618