Night Vision 640 scanners

dang472

dang472

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    • Feb 3, 2012
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    Kingston, IL
    #1
    I’m in the market for a new scanner and need to talk this through. I used a Pulsar Axion XM38 last season and liked the size, display, and rechargeable batteries. The field of view was tight and the base magnification was deceiving. I shoot with a Halo LR so I guess a 640 scanner isn’t necessary for final identification but everyone likes looking through a high res image.
    I originally wanted a Pulsar Helion XP38 but they’re coming out with a 2nd Gen and the size is a little off putting. I drive my truck with dual pvs14s so I don’t think I want the MH25. An IR patrol is an option but I really like the rechargeable battery packs that Pulsar offers.
    I still have my original Pulsar Quantum HD38a that I could update with the rechargeable battery packs and roll with that until someone releases an Axion sized 640 if that’s possible.

    Any other options I’m missing?
     
    #3
    Night Goggles will be carrying the Bering Optics Phenom soon. 640, smaller and lighter than the Helion. Internal battery, wifi integration, nice unit.

    The Helion XPs are nice scanners. The battery packs are nice. Size isn't an issue but you don't want to helmet mount it, which it doesn't sound like you need.
     
    Last edited:
    #4
    My coyote season doesn’t start until November so I have a little time. We scan a lot so the battery situation is a big deal. Spending $5k isn’t bad but those damn CR123s put me in the poor house! I thought I’d use the WiFi and pulsar app more but it didn’t happen. The N-Vision guys are teasing another thermal in the works so maybe there’s a 640 scanner that’s smaller than the Halo and easier on batteries. 1.5x-2 native mag would be nice too.
     
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    #5
    Maybe consider something that can plug in to an external battery. The MH25 could do that. It wouldn't be too big of a pain to wear something like that in a bino harness or in the chest pocket of a field jacket
     
    #7
    The big boys here were prodding Max R from N-Vision on here about a helmet mounted scanner. He couldn’t say what they’re working on but it’s definitely been hinted at that they’re listening to customer wants.
     
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    #10
    Any updates here? In the market for a great scanner as well but would be willing to wait. I'm out of the loop on where we are in the thermal cycle. How long until the next generation of tech rolls out?
     
    #11
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    #12
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    #13
    On the battery issue, I went to rechargeables last season - for the same reason. They last about half as long as the surefires, but I take 8 out, run them dry in a night, then recharge the next day for the next night. There is definitely more battery-changing happening, but nothing is going in the trash.
    At some point, they will stop holding charge so well, but I have already saved more in 123s than the whole rechargeable setup cost, and they are still holding strong.
     
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    #16
    I have a Helion 2 XP 50 and it is a good all around scanner. It appears bulky, but I hang it from my neck with a paracord lanyard and really do not feel uncomfortable, even after a few hours of use. Usually I take it along when I am going to be in the woods or driving the buggy. The battery life and ease of use is hard to beat......and it has the Auto-NUC feature which I like in a scanner. If I take a guest who is not familiar with the equipment I can pretty much turn it on and once the focus is adjusted to their eyes it is GTG. The XP50 is 2.5 base mag, but the original Helion XP 38 and 28 are a little less than that if you prefer more FOV. Only complaint is I wear glasses and the eye relief is a little less than I like.

    If you plan on sitting for extended periods scanning large open areas or a food source such as a feeder then you may also want to look at some of the binocular options such as the Pulsar Accolade or N-Vision Atlas. Binos are a little easier on my eyes when continuously scanning. I have the Atlas, screen could be better, but overall the unit performs well and is lightweight and easy to use. With glasses the eye relief allows full viewing of the screen. If you are in woods or smaller fields then the Atlas 3.5x base mag may be a little much though. Hope this helps.
     
    #17
    BamaSE said:
    I have a Helion 2 XP 50 and it is a good all around scanner. It appears bulky, but I hang it from my neck with a paracord lanyard and really do not feel uncomfortable, even after a few hours of use. Usually I take it along when I am going to be in the woods or driving the buggy. The battery life and ease of use is hard to beat......and it has the Auto-NUC feature which I like in a scanner. If I take a guest who is not familiar with the equipment I can pretty much turn it on and once the focus is adjusted to their eyes it is GTG. The XP50 is 2.5 base mag, but the original Helion XP 38 and 28 are a little less than that if you prefer more FOV. Only complaint is I wear glasses and the eye relief is a little less than I like.

    If you plan on sitting for extended periods scanning large open areas or a food source such as a feeder then you may also want to look at some of the binocular options such as the Pulsar Accolade or N-Vision Atlas. Binos are a little easier on my eyes when continuously scanning. I have the Atlas, screen could be better, but overall the unit performs well and is lightweight and easy to use. With glasses the eye relief allows full viewing of the screen. If you are in woods or smaller fields then the Atlas 3.5x base mag may be a little much though. Hope this helps.
    Click to expand...
    Do you have an issue with auto-nuc? I use manual only because the auto on my accolade kinda sucked.
     
    #18
    No I do not. It actually NUCs pretty regularly and keeps the screen clear. Every now and again it does so at an inopportune time, but I still prefer the Auto on my scanners, especially when driving. Just one less thing to worry about for me. My Atlas has a Auto-NUC feature but it does so at a much lesser rate than the Helion so the screen starts to get some clutter before it does so. I just manually NUC it. Mainly when using it I am sitting and watching a field or feeder and it is not a big deal.
     
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    #20
    That’s not good. If it is still under warranty probably be good to send it in for a check up. I have not used the Accolade for comparison, but I had a Trail XP50 and older Helion XP38 and both of those really cleaned up well with Autonuc too.
     
    #21
    Internal shutter / Auto-NUC is my single biggest complaint with any thermal that does NOT have it. I have to manually NUC both of my dual Skeets about 100x each every night and the UTC as well.

    If the ChinaSkeet can do it, EVERY thermal should be able to do it.
     
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