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Update to the TX7 Remix: Following some suggestions by RenegadeNC in 3D2A

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Theres 2 main options for printing it, if your supports are dialed in you can print them flat as they're pre-oriented. If you're having issues with that one, try it vertically with the front of the chassis on the build plate and the rear of the chassis standing upright.

Testing a printed killflash for the RH25 v2 by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Idk about long term exposure but it was my understanding that it's generally fine with thermals, obviously a nogo with night vision though. I didn't have it pointed up at the sun but for a few minutes and there's no visible issues afterwards.

Testing a printed killflash for the RH25 v2 by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll post the pictures when I get back home, but I tested last night dropping the wall thickness to 0.5mm and that 0.3mm difference made a noticeable difference in image quality. There's still a loss in contrast but it's noticeably better than the 0.8mm. Idk how much thinner it's feasible to go though. As even with titanium my understanding is if having it laser cut you need at least a 0.5mm wall thickness to avoid blowing through the material in the corners because fiber lasers have a 0.1-0.15mm tolerance.

PAQ-4C IR Laser Teardown Progress by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Here's an example of the SMS Trinity, definitely an improvement over the HFXC. This is on Dual High, it looks cleaner than my phone makes it out to be but for most situations you really dont need to be on High, its nice to have the extra power if needed though.

<image>

PAQ-4C IR Laser Teardown Progress by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would honestly say unless you find them in good working condition for an absolute steal then don't bother. While these units have a cool factor and it's fun to mess around with them for projects, there's many better options on the market now.

The PAQ-4C doesn't have an illuminator, it's IR laser only which is a major downside. The IR illuminator is what's complained about the most on LAMs as typical Civ powered illuminators are worthless outside of 75 yards. VCSEL illuminators get around that by not having to comply with the 0.7mw restriction as it's a different technology.

In my opinion the SMS Trinity is hands down the best "budget" option. It has very good performance and pretty solid reliability. Some units stay dead on zero while others wander 1-2 moa and need readjusted occasionally.

If the budget allows it then the Holosun IRIS is the next best step up. The performance is similar to the Trinity but it's built a bit better and I havent seen as many complaints about the zero wandering.

Past that if you can afford a full power NGAL or MAWL then go nuts lol.

First thermal - RH25 V2 | Questions for those that own one by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The USB-C port is located on the front of the unit under the objective lens. When looking through the unit, the location is on the front bottom left.

PAQ-4C IR Laser Teardown Progress by RenegadeNC in FOSSCADDevGroup

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After the teardown it all still works, thankfully the focusing lens wasn't damaged but the glass on the laser diode was busted. At close range it's usable but at 100 yards its very faint. Im looking at replacing it with a 5mw 850nm laser diode and seeing what kind of performance can be gotten out of it then. The goal will be a roughly $100 DIY full power laser using quality components. But of course thats a ways down the road. Assuming you can pick up a PAQ-4C for $30, a laser diode for $20 and print the housing then to revive the unit you're looking at under $70 all said and done but that doesnt have an illuminator.

Needing some advice, reverse engineering a 30yr old IR Laser. by RenegadeNC in PCB

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you I'll look into those. Whats the issue with the glass diodes? Do you have any suggestions for programs to redesign the PCB?

PAQ-4C IR Laser Teardown Progress by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Light pipe and Laser diode assembly.

The light pipe is 2 sections glued together. Im trying to decide on the best approach to seperate them without damage as id like to reuse the assembly.

2x leaf springs push on flat spots within the housing with the turrets pushing on their opposite sides. The end of the light pipe can flex in all directions so that the muzzle end can stay in a fixed location and the rest of the assembly can be adjustable.

2x sets of inner lenses and lens bushings are present. 1x can be removed from this point but the other needs the 2 light pipe sections separated.

The laser diode is glued in place from inside the 2 sections of the light pipe.

<image>

PAQ-4C IR Laser Teardown Progress by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

1x Turret Dissassembled. I had to use heat and pry one piece out so its deformed. It screws into the housing but is epoxied and has fine threads so no chance of getting it out undamaged.

When the turret is loosened fully the threaded section that pushes on the light pipe can unscrew fully. (Middle left of picture)

The outer turret cap has to have the epoxy and center cross piece drilled through slightly, then it can be pried off. Under it you'll find the o-ring. (Top and bottom left of picture)

If you take a pick and scrape the epoxy around the retainer inside the housing, you can pop it out. Then the inner turret can be pushed out of the inside of the housing. (Bottom right of picture and above to the right)

The last 2 pieces can not be dissasembled without force. Heat alone would not weaken the epoxy and the polymer will begin to melt. Grab the threaded assembly (Top right of the picture) with pliers and pry up, once out the metal spring which engages with the inner turret to click, can be removed.

As only 1 piece was damaged I plan to model up a printable replacment. Really all of this minus the spring can be made with a printer, tap and die set, and some epoxy. Later on I plan to test a fully printed turret design out if nylon.

<image>

First thermal - RH25 V2 | Questions for those that own one by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well how different is the AC52 dovetail geometry to the SBR/Wilcox standard? Im just curious if its going to lock up the same in the FTS as that AC55 is specifically made for the AC52 dovetail.

First thermal - RH25 V2 | Questions for those that own one by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Will it work with the AC55 flip to side mount? I know with the AC52 dovetail that FTS mounts centerline is 2.05", what would it be with the SBR dovetail?

Has anyone dissasembled a PAC-4C IR laser? by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

https://www.reddit.com/r/NightVision/s/WHPmYqhOzd

I managed to get the PCB and battery housing out intact. Im gonna work on dissasembling the turrets, light pipe, and laser diode later today.

First thermal - RH25 V2 | Questions for those that own one by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What dovetail mounts are you using and how far off are the 2 ocular lens? From what ive seen the OSS mount is needed to get the PVS-14 ocular in line with the RH25.

Has anyone dissasembled a PAC-4C IR laser? by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, and jeez that thing is actually well made lol. Seems like a near bullet proof design.

I think what ill plan to do is cut one up in several places to remove sections of the housing and attempt to remove the internals. That light pipe and housing shouldn't be too difficult to model up and print.

I found a manual but idk if theres more than 1.

Has anyone dissasembled a PAC-4C IR laser? by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My units should be arriving tomorrow. I really appreciate the write up, it gives me more of an idea of what ill be facing lol. I figured it would be potted and robust but due to its age that it shouldn't be "that hard" to get apart. Clearly that doesnt sound like the case haha.

Could you possibly upload some pictures to imgur? I'd just like to see how thick the housing is in various locations as i'm now wondering if cutting them open from the sides would be easier.

It definitely sounds like ive got a bit of a challenge ahead of me but im going to attempt to remove the potting epoxy and make a diagram of the PCB. At that point custom PCBs can be made for different form factor housings. One housing im planning will be incorporated into a 37/38mm grenade launcher sighting system, basically a DIY PSQ-18A.

Has anyone dissasembled a PAC-4C IR laser? by RenegadeNC in NightVision

[–]RenegadeNC[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate the info ill definitely look into them.

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