I finally got my first night vision setup put together! I wanted to get into analog night vision without spending several thousand dollars on a complete factory-built unit, so I decided to piece together a budget setup using a surplus Gen 3 tube and a 3D-printed PVS-69-style housing.
I figured I'd put together a parts list with the prices I paid and where I sourced everything, in case anyone else is looking to build their own setup on a budget.
- Image Intensifier Tube
- Specs: Litton M890 Gen 3
- Price: $290 ($40 shipping)
- Source: Redknock, eBay
- Link: https://ebay.io/m/aOd38b
- Housing & Optics
- Specs: 3D-printed PVS-69-style housing, objective and eyepiece lenses
- Price: $198 combined
- Source: Spectrum Shift Solutions, eBay or Shop app
- Link: https://ebay.io/m/WyWAuZ
- J-Arm
- Specs: Gexmil J-arm
- Price: $62 ($7 discount)
- Source: Amazon
- Link: https://a.co/d/05x7BHgN
- Helmet Mount
- Specs: Argus A4 dovetail mount
- Price: $149 ($28 for shipping)
- Source: OpFor Night Solutions
- Link: https://nightsolutions.ca
- Helmet
- Specs: AOUTACC bump
- Price: ~$55
- Source: Amazon
- Link: https://a.co/d/063zqJto
- Helmet Cover
- Specs: IDO Gear FAST helmet cover
- Price: ~$27
- Source: Amazon
- Link: https://a.co/d/07AGhJpT
Total Cost $849 ($528 just for the monocular build)