Night Vision FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

[Victor-TNVC]

Hello all,

Thought we'd show and tell about these newest units.

The FLIR Recon M18 is a small, lightweight thermal monocular developed for professionals and designed to stand up to battlefield abuse. The M18 is manufactured completely by FLIR’s Government Systems Division and is MILSPEC. However, it is available for sale to the commercial market and law enforcement. The M18 is slightly larger than an AN/PVS-14 and easily stores in a pocket or pouch. It features objective and diopter focus, providing the user with the clearest possible image. The M18 is a full-featured device and includes several built-in imaging modes, an optional visible or infrared (government only) laser, and video out capability. It is available in either NTSC or PAL video format.

The Recon M18 has easy to navigate controls with a rear-mounted, thumb-activated joystick that allows users to choose options from on-screen menus. The menus are clearly divided and easy to differentiate. The power switch is separate from the joystick controls and is in the form of a rotating switch that click into position. This helps to eliminate accidental activation that can occur with other devices that rely on pressing buttons to turn the unit on or off.

The Recon M18 features the standard white hot/black hot polarity modes. But, it also has the ability to show images in full color using several palette options.

Units now on our web site for ordering and YES these are TRULY available to the commercial market!

FLIR Recon M18 (640x480) $10,539.76 — $10,734.46 http://tnvc.com/shop/flir-recon-m18-640x480/
FLIR Recon M18 (320x240) $8,964.46 — $9,159.16 http://tnvc.com/shop/flir-recon-m18-320x240/

 

[SkyPup]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

I see that you can mount one on a tripod, but is there an weapon mounts available?

Looks like a very nice instrument for sure.

 

[SkyPup]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

Even though it does have an internal reticule, it is not boresightable according to WiseGuy, but still a very top notch unit!

Apparently it requires a manual NUC as well.

http://gs.flir.com/surveillance/channel/channel-faqs<span style="font-weight: bold">

Are the systems weapon mountable?

Neither the M18, nor the M24 is weapon mountable. The M18 has a reticle, which can be turned on or off, however this reticle is not boresightable. Since the systems are not optically aligned as with a clip-on sight, there is a visual shift from the day scope to the unit which prevents optical alignment when placed in front of a bore sighted optic. To bore sight the units would require a mount that could be adjusted with both windage and elevation. The mount would also have to be shock attenuated to prevent damage to the system (one shot, one kill, no unit).</span>

 

[Ronn72562]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

Hi skypup
I guess this is really just a hand held unit like the LS-64? Which one would be better? If I was spending 8-10 k on a thermal it would need to be a clip on mount for a rifle.
Thanks
Ron

 

[SkyPup]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ron1234</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hi skypup
I guess this is really just a hand held unit like the LS-64? Which one would be better? If I was spending 8-10 k on a thermal it would need to be a clip on mount for a rifle.
Thanks
Ron </div></div>

It is indeed a top of the line hand held thermal, you could get a T-50 for the same price and have a weapon sight and a handheld, but this unit really kicks ass.

 

[SkyPup]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

Vic, this unit with the 640X480 microbolometer is the real deal and not an interpolated view? Is the ocular lens a 30mm glass lens and not a plastic lens like on the LS-64? Also, what size is the objective, it looks like about a 35mm, which would be outstanding.

Once I get my WASP and a FLIR T-65, I would like to get one of these for our hunt group....

 

[I^2 Technologies - Peter]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

Been running one of these in the 640 flavor for over a year. They are indeed a full 640 and NOT upresed. They are great units. I use mine with the eyecup off so I can see the screen fully. Also love the Dual Digital Enhacement as well. The fact they run off of 123s is another huge plus.

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SkyPup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Vic, this unit with the 640X480 microbolometer is the real deal and not an interpolated view? Is the ocular lens a 30mm glass lens and not a plastic lens like on the LS-64? Also, what size is the objective, it looks like about a 35mm, which would be outstanding.

Once I get my WASP and a FLIR T-65, I would like to get one of these for our hunt group.... </div></div>

Hi Skypup, Yes to confirm these are true 640 x 480.

The objective of the 640 x 480 is 35mm. Glass ocular lenses standard.



Hope this helps.

Vic

 

[SkyPup]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

Very nice!

This is on my list after the new FLIR T-65 comes out later this year.....

 

[Victor-TNVC]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SkyPup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very nice!

This is on my list after the new FLIR T-65 comes out later this year..... </div></div>

Indeed the 65 is going to be very well received.

Vic

 

[SkyPup]

Re: FLIR's Recon M18's from TNVC with Color Palletes

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Victor-TNVC</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SkyPup</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Very nice!

This is on my list after the new FLIR T-65 comes out later this year..... </div></div>

Indeed the 65 is going to be very well received.

Vic </div></div>

Yes indeed, Vic, that unit will do everything that I will ever need in the dark! The FLIR T-65 and the M-18 is going to be an absolute perfect matchup, so keep me posted on when it become available!

 

[taliv]

Victor, thermal items on your website usually have a "man detect range" type spec but this one doesn't seem to. did i miss it? or any guidance there?

 

[SkyPup]

Finally, soon to have this great M-18 640 core instrument in my hands from TNVC for some real time hunting applications!!!

 

[TestnDoc]

The M18 is an outstanding spotter, better than any other I have ever used. The 640 core rocks

 

[SkyPup]

Thanks, I can't wait to get mine in my hands, everybody is always borrowing the PS-32 & LS-64, but the M-18 is not going out for loan to friends, my hands only?


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[I^2 Technologies - Peter]

Thanks, I can't wait to get mine in my hands, everybody is always borrowing the PS-32 & LS-64, but the M-18 is not going out for loan to friends, my hands only


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Good luck with that! When all your buddies see how nice it is, that's the one they will ALL want to barrow. Trust me.

 

[SkyPup]

Fuck 'em?


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[NOMAD]

This is a great unit I have used it and really like the compact size and clarity it offers.

 

[SkyPup]

Should have mine next weekend and have a couple of night hunts planned so will let ya know what I think of it, the 2X extender lens is awesome too....

 

[I^2 Technologies - Peter]

2X for the M18? Do you have a link to those? I am interested.

 

[SkyPup]

Talk to FLIR GS about the 2x lens, any FLIR distributor either has them or can order them.


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[SkyPup]

Call PR Infared or TNVC about getting a 2X extender lens for the M-18:

Recon M-18 Pocketscope Package

Recon M-18 Pocketscope
Lanyard
Carry bag with belt clip
Video output cable
Laminated reference card
Spare batteries

Recon M-18 Pocketscope Accessories

Extender lens
Clip-on digital video recorder

FLIR GS does not have a proprietary mini DVR recorder though, they built some prototypes and dropped the project, so third party mini DVRs are the only video recorders available.

FLIR Recon M-18 Pocketscope Handheld Thermal Imaging Camera

FLIR Recon M18 (640×480) ? Tactical Night Vision Company

 

[Mr_Happyface]

How much have they been quoting for the lens? And what size is the objective?

I called FLIR in the past about the extender and they wanted something like 5K which is absurd, because the company that they subcontract some of the lenses to quoted about half that.

 

[SkyPup]

I contacted a friend at FLIR GS about their 3X extender lens for it and will find out shortly, the lenses are not cheap as you are well aware, I think they are 65mm though.

The 2X extender lens for their Scout TS and H series handheld scanners are $1,400.

The 3X extender lens in the GSA FLIR contract is $5,700???

Here is one for the M-24, but I believe it is an aftermarket non-FLIR model that SPI makes:

http://www.nightvision4less.com/3x-lens-for-flir-m-24-recon.aspx

 

[Mr_Happyface]

I contacted a friend at FLIR GS about their 3X extender lens for it and will find out shortly, the lenses are not cheap as you are well aware, I think they are 65mm though.

The 2X extender lens for their Scout TS and H series handheld scanners are $1,400.

The 3X extender lens in the GSA FLIR contract is $5,700???

Here is one for the M-24, but I believe it is an aftermarket non-FLIR model that SPI makes:

3x Lens for FLIR M-24 Recon Thermal Monocular | NightVision4Less

Cool, keep us posted. Attached is the datasheet that FLIR sent me about an extender for the M18, unfortunately it doesn't have the price listed.

I'd like a huge objective to take advantage of the 640 core, but I just can't give up much more FOV - the M18 seems to be actually 2x when it lists 1x,

 

[SkyPup]

Cool, keep us posted. Attached is the datasheet that FLIR sent me about an extender for the M18, unfortunately it doesn't have the price listed.

I'd like a huge objective to take advantage of the 640 core, but I just can't give up much more FOV - the M18 seems to be actually 2x when it lists 1x,

Okay, the good news is that FLIR GS contacted me via phone and let me know the price of the M-18 3X extender is $5,700 and that it is pretty much way too expensive for selling to anyone outside of Mil/LE.

Sooo, in order to rectify that, there is another manufacturer of M-18 extender lens who FLIR does not recommend due to the clamping device holding the lens on the objective of the M-18 is too weak allowing the lens to fall off in the field and get lost (BAD NEWS for an expensive germanium lens), so they have contracted with another manufacturer, Janos Optics to create a cheap extender lens alternative for <$2K for this instrument.

FLIR GS is contacting Janos now and will let me know when and how much their more positive attachement screw on germanium extender lens will be available....


https://www.janostech.com/products-services/thermal-imaging-lenses.html


Apparently these new lens systems from Janos Optics will be distributed through P&R Infared:

http://www.pr-infrared.com/

 

[SkyPup]

I would say it is good news week!

 

[Mr_Happyface]

I agree. I was speaking with a few people at Janos earlier about getting a lens for this optic (didn't know if it was cool to mention their name or not) Last time I spoke with them (a few mos ago) they said they were still working on it.

 

[SkyPup]

My M-18 will be getting used on a hunt tonight!

 

[ThermalSpy]

Sky Pup, It is possible, but quite a pain, you need a mechanical mount, and a special mount for the M18 that attaches to the elcan..we machine shopped a custom made M18 weapon mount ( see photo ) this then goes to a mechanical Elcan. This works well, we sold many many of these, for you my friend, we can give you one for free, and any other customer who has bought from SPI. We dropped this project long time ago, but have many mounts left! Works well but the elcan mount is quite heavy, also need a telephoto lens as well, we made adapters for m18 lenses too. Also built a headmount unit(attached)

 

[SkyPup]

Holy Moly, Nice work on that mount, drool


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[ThermalSpy]

SkyPup, email or call me, ill send you one for free, we have boxes full of em lol! I may be able to also get you for free a genuine Elcan mechanical mount, unless you already have one!
You will need it to sight in the M18 since the cross hair doesnt move, however its perfectly in the middle of the screen so the elcan mount wii let you sight it in nice with the knobs!
Kinda like an old Raytheon Elcan SpecterIR thermal scope, the only bitch is the mechanical mounts are heavy as hell, but it does let you shoot accurately, actually using an mechanical mount is more accurate then
using the buttons to sight in a digital scope such as the new ones!
Jimmy

 

[SkyPup]

That is just super nice, Jim, thanks so much for the generosity, I will give you a call next week about this after I get my M-18 tonight special delivery from FLIR GS!

 

[ThermalSpy]

m18

That is just super nice, Jim, thanks so much for the generosity, I will give you a call next week about this after I get my M-18 tonight special delivery from FLIR GS!

Sure no prob at all, ya just let me know and Ill ship it NO COST , You want the headmount clip too?? all you would need is a headmount strap, I dont think we have any of those left, but its the m18 clip thats worth gold!!

 

[mirage98]

How effective would the M18 and aftermarket weapon mount be vs an L3 WTM?

 

[SkyPup]

Got the M-18 with 3X extender lens from FLIR GS thanks to the good folks at TNVC.

Beyond any shadow of any doubt, this is the absolute BEST thermal piece of kit I have ever held in my hands, what a scorching image this unit provides, and all the same controls as the mil-spec T-70, this thing simply cannot beat that.

Also received a 3X germanium 60mm lens magnifier with it too, will do a review with pics from the internal camera and through the lens with an ocular photo attachment when I get a chance.

Basically the T-70 is a weaponized version of this handheld thermal scanner.....

 

[SkyPup]

Best freaking handheld thermal kit on the planet!

 

[Mr_Happyface]

Wait, so you did get the FLIR extender lens? Or is this the Janos one?

 

[SkyPup]

Janos, this M18 is less than a week old hot off the FLIR GS production line in Pittsburg and has a new front lens with different threads than previous production models. The freaking view is incredible?


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[Mr_Happyface]

Son of a B. I have one that's a few years old so I might get boned. Did you get it from TNVS, or SPI? What did you pay?

 

[SkyPup]

I got it from Victor at TNVC, they are a Full FLIR Channel Partner Distributor and have the best pricing on these units available new.

I personally have been drooling and scheming on this instrument for a couple of years now.

The extender lens is still in the experimental production stage and this kit is a prototype, but Janos is working on it and it will be available soon according to my friends at FLIR GS....it is a 52mm 3X germanium lens.

I talked to FLIR GS engineers about this at the Shot Show and they have been working with Vic getting it prototyped...the mil spec 3X cost $5.7K and is just too damn expensive for the consumer market.....

it is truly the cats meow!

 

[Mr_Happyface]

Alright, I was kind of hoping for something bigger, 75-100 or so

 

[SkyPup]

Alright, I was kind of hoping for something bigger, 75-100 or so

Now that would be some major coin......the T-75 does have a 100mm lens and I think it is $5-6K at least....

 

[SkyPup]

Here are some photos from the FLIR M-18 Recon, no moon, clear sky with lots of stars, low humidity and about 60*F out:

175 yards to infamous game cam tree, 1X gray mode:

Same but 2X:

Same but 4X:

Tractor;

Will work on a thermal video....

 

[SkyPup]

FLIR M-18 Video:

FLIR M18 video - YouTube

 

[Mr_Happyface]

Nice vid. I'd be interested to see it with the extender as well.

Have you tried putting it in manual mode? Hold the stick to the left as for DDE/LIN and after a few seconds you can manually control the brightness and contrast. It's pretty cool for breaking out details, but once you change anything else it goes back to auto.

 

[SkyPup]

Yeah, most often the initial brightness is too much for me to handle, even when using the screen brightness reduction levels in the day, dusk, night selections. Kinda wish there was a way to set it so it would boot up to the way I had configured it prior to turning it off.

It is an amazing piece of thermal kit though, super nice images.

 

[Mr_Happyface]

My thoughts as well.

That, the fact that 1x is really like 1.5 or 2x, and polarity changes don't also swap the red/blue in fire/ice mode are really my only complaints about this monocular. Although I'm sure both could be changed with a software update. Never looked into it.

 

[SkyPup]

Okay, I have received a number of PMs asking what are the advantages of the FLIR M-18 over the FLIR LS-64 thermal hand scanner?

I will try to compare these objectively and subjectively the best that I can, but it is difficult to put into words the subjective experience....



Okay, first off the specifications of the two units are very similar, but that is where the similarity ends.

Both have an 18 degree X 14 degree view, both have internal digital magnification of 2X and 4X (however the LS-64 also has a continuous variable mag up to 8X even though it is very pixelated at that mag).

The LS-64 has the automatic NUC shutter while the M-18 has only the manual NUC (although when you first turn on the M-18 it does one automatic NUC).

The LS-64 is in FLIR's nice Direct Digital Enhancement (DDE) all the time, while the M-18 has the choice of either linear or DDE mode.

Both are 30Hz, but you can record the video out of the M-18 at 720X480 30fps NTSC though a digital video connector.

The LS64 weighs 13 ounces and is 7" long, the M-18 with batteries weighs 17 ounces and is 5" long.

The LS-64 as a fixed 35mm objective lens and a adjustable diopter for the OLED, the M-18 has a manually adjustable 35mm objective and a manually adjustable glass ocular lens.

The LS-64 fixed objective focus is good for 35 feet to infinity, the M-18 adjustable focus is good for 4 feet to infinity. Also the M-18 has a long range extender lens available for it, which the LS-64 does not.

LS-64 is White/Black Hot and 4 Instalert Settings as well as five brightness settings. The M-18 has Rain, Iron, Ice Color Palletes in addition to the White/Blk Hot, it also has targeting reticules you can turn on or off.

The LS-64 has a five hour run time per charge, the M-18 has a 3 hour runtime on two CR123 batteries.

Both have visible red Class IIIA lasers for visible targeting, however the M-18 also has a high power visible red laser.

Both units can easily detect a human being over 1/2 mile away and a vehicle over 1 mile away.

Comparing all the objective facts, the two units appear to have similar specifications except for the color pallets, adjustable objective and ocular lens, video recording, powerful laser, and removable batteries in the M-18.

However, subjectively the M-18 has an absolute KILLER image compared to the LS64 mostly due to the adjustable objective lens and the 3-glass lens ocular which give a HUGE precise clear image view through the glass which has greater clarity than the LS-64's plastic OLED screen. The view is at least twice the size of the LS-64s if not more.

In addition to the absolutely stunning visual image produced at the ocular, the use of the different color palettes, which at first seems to be a superfluous frill, actually are quite helpful under difficult circumstances such as in rain or fog with high humidity monthermal conditions where you can adjust the linear thermal images very very precisely to zero in on heat signatures. The M-18 has a single joystick control to adjust linear/DDE, brightness, color palettes, magnification levels, manual NUC, manual thermal gradients, etc. which is very intuitive to use and is just like the controls on the FLIR T-70 thermal weapon scope.

For overall general hunting use, the LS-64 shines with its InstaAlert setting allowing you to scan large areas for a heat signature with minimal concentration and then zoom in for a closer look in white or black hot.

For very precise hunting or technical surveillance use, the M-18 allows you to scan with the ICE hot modes similar to InstaAlert, but with a greater clarity and detailed image, it then allows you to manipulate the color patterns to pick out unseen items in the background.

I'd say the M-18 subjectively gives about 5X better thermal viewing experience compared to the LS-64, and the LS-64 is no slouch. Anything with a thermal signature is going to be picked up by either of these two instruments and the LS-64 is perfectly adequate for 90% of it all, the M-18 just adds the last 10 % on top of that in a striking clear way.

It is kind of like using a SWAROVSKI OPTIK rifle scope, do you absolutely need it?

Probably not, but if you do have one it is to die for and the very best top notch quality inside and out!

Hope that helps, it is difficult to put the subjective experience into words...

 

[Mr_Happyface]

When you get some time, can we see a vid with the extender?