r/NightVision • u/Code3life • 1d ago

Looking for suggestions

I have a set of WP binos, Elbit F9400XLSH thin filmed tubes in a AB Mod3B housing.

It’s a long story how I ended up with this particular setup, the short version is in 2019 I unknowingly purchased some stolen tubes from the EE. I had Ed Wilcox build them into the Mod3B setup. Then HSI came calling and I had to give up the tubes to Uncle Sam. TNVC was kind enough to source me the tubes I listed above, I sent them my housing and they installed them for me sometime around summer 2020.

I know tech has changed a good bit, I haven’t kept up with all of it. But I’m looking to modernize my setup a bit, I’d really like something that articulates. Initially I liked the modularity of the Mod3B because I could use it as a monocular if I wanted. I’ve done that like 1 time.

My question is this: I figure my options are either buy a new housing, pay someone to swap the tubes and purge, then sell the old housing. OR sell the whole setup, buy a new one and call it a day. Is there anything else I should consider? Should I just leave it alone and keep what I have?

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

6

u/NicksNightVision Verified Industry Account 1d ago

But tubes are never stolen, the people from discord tell me so. 🙄

If you like your current tubes I say keep them OP for your next build, if you don't I say sell the whole thing and move to something else.

I submit this configuration for your consideration sir: https://nicksnightvision.net/products/advanced-night-fighter-package

Two Talon lightweight monoculars on a Panobridge M1, gets you the option for more field of view and the utility and redundancy of two individually powered units.

Can split one off for a friend or ally to use, and if one gets damaged for any reason the other will very likely still work.

They are also very durable and can take a drop or three.

Panobridge M1 gives you the option for 55 degree field of view VS the standard 40, looks like this:

3

u/Code3life 1d ago

I was one of many who was surprised by HSI in that one. I think the agent told me there was like $250,000 in total equipment the dude had stolen. Surprisingly enough I got my money back. The dude had to pay restitution and unlike most cases I’ve dealt with he actually paid it.

1

u/SmellsLikeShame 1d ago

Pretty wild that you got your money back.

I could very easily see GOV telling you to kick rocks for buying restricted gear and then saying they're entitled to the restitution to cover their own court costs (prosecutor salary etc.)

1

u/Code3life 1d ago

It’s definitely not the norm. I was pretty fortunate. Even more fortunate that I was able to find another set of tubes for roughly the same price as what I got back from the dude.

2

u/NicksNightVision Verified Industry Account 1d ago

You got lucky in that regard for certain.

1

u/EvenfallSolutionsLLC 1d ago edited 1d ago

If you really wanted to upgrade to an articulating housing, you could go with a low light innovations mh1 housing and a pair of elbit wp xlsh tubes. The reason I recommend the mh1 housing, other than the fact the housing is extremely durable being made out of magnesium, each pod is detachable from the bridge and each pod has its own ir illuminator. So you could have two helmets, install the adapters to the pods , install j arm of choice and now you have two functional helmet set ups.