I built my first IR light for a buddy of mine for night vision hunting. It’s a Oslon Black IR 4715S on a Bergquist pcb in a T20 running at 1.4v on a single mode driver. I’ve learned that I have two problems. First, what is the best/easy/cheap way to view the beam so I can focus it. I have too much ambient light outside in my area so it’d be better to wall test it indoors. Only problem is my night vision doesn’t focus well that close. Second, is there any way to put an indicator on the light to know when it’s on? As it is, the only way to know is to look through the NV to check that it’s off.
Try a (cheap) camera.
The camera on the cellphone also works
Maybe you could also install a small red led somewhere to know when the IR is on…
My iphone did not pick it up
a cheap security camera….
(I’m into what your buddy is into, with IR zoom lights for NV)
a cheap security camera will have a “IR CUT” filter?? but… it only “tames” the IR light, not eliminates it… so you can see it well.
try to resist the urge to be constantly looking at the oslon 4715s in a focusing light… it is progressively damaging your eyes a tiny bit every time. I learned to train myself to hold the light up to a piece of white paper? that way i see the dull red glow if its on… i mean, its not as dangerous as a LASER IR, but… they make a LOT of IR, trust me.
i know i still get a “rush” when i see one of my 3-lens IR focusing lights I make, “making the trip” and i see the well focused emitter 800 yards out!
I can definitely see the IR Leds of the remote control with the Note 3, maybe the Iphone camera is different.
I read somewhere that I can use the reverse (FaceTime) camera on my iphone and it’ll detect IR. I’ll have to check and see. I just need to be able to focus it for longest throw.
850 or 940nm?
850nm