Rifle Scopes U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

[ssgtkyle]

Guys,

As some of you may know we are now an ISO 9001 certified company. As we stated in our quality policy, “We strive to continuosly improve the performance, quality, and value of our products through innovation excellence.” We are also committed to putting our customer first. With that being said we are looking for your input on our new push button rheostat. For you guys that have one please tell us what you think. Is it too bright or not bright enough? Is there too many positions? Currently it has 32 positions. If you used it with night vision what do you think? Any changes you would like to see? The red tends to be brighter than the green. Do you guys want different color options? As always we welcome your feedback good or bad. We continuously strive to ensure you get the best product available and for that we value your opinion.

Thanks,

Jason

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Don't have one (yet), but interested to see the controls and the ergonomics on this.

By way of full disclosure, I hadn't even heard of this advance yet! Sounds interesting.

Please post some pix!

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sirhrmechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Don't have one (yet), but interested to see the controls and the ergonomics on this.

By way of full disclosure, I hadn't even heard of this advance yet! Sounds interesting.

Please post some pix!

Cheers,

Sirhr </div></div>


Lowlight made a short video I thinks its still on the main Snipers Hide web site (not the forum)

I like the looks of it, seems well thought out and simple. I may have to move my SN-3 to my SPR and put a new SN-3 T-PAL on my bolt gun.

 

[lazy21]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

For those of you who have not seen the new push button rheostat.

 

[BlackWhiskey]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I like it. At first I didn't think it it was working because I thought I couldn't get it to dim, then I realized I had to push it more than two or three times to really see the effect. Now that I got the hang of it I really like it.

 

[Captain Moroni]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I was just looking at usoptics.com and didnt see it on the configure/quote is it the same price as the 11 position?

It is pretty damn cool to have a knob that goes to 11.

 

[lazy21]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Captain Moroni</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was just looking at usoptics.com and didnt see it on the configure/quote is it the same price as the 11 position?

It is pretty damn cool to have a knob that goes to 11.</div></div>

same price capt

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Cheers,

Sirhr

 

[ccoker]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

another view

 

[SilentSH00TER]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I really have been thinking of getting a USO as my next scope, mostly because of the new internal bubble and the pushbutton rheostat. I did get to look down the scope of one with the new rheo and like the control. I liked that I could get it very dim for night use but still worked great in very bright daylight.

Now I just need to see how the gen II xr looks in the USO with the anti cant bubble to see how I like it compared my premier 5-25x56 Gen II XR

US Optics really needs to release the new website so I can get a better feel for all the new options and some good pics of the Gen II XR they offer

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I can't wait to try mine. Supposed to be getting this on an SN3 1.8-10. Biggest thing for me is if the low powers are low enough. Really try shooting at night with the lowest illumination on most rheostats and most will blow out your eye's nightvision and make it impossible to see the target. (I've been able to shoot a 100% IPSC painted white with a quarter moon to my back at around 200yds using a NXS 3.5-15x50 dialed down to 3.5x and the illumination dialed WAY low.)

Even in the twilight hours some scopes illumination settings are too bright.

 

[ohiogunnut]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Couple of quick questions:
- Is this available as an upgrade for existing SN3's?
- What is the battery life if left on highest setting and is it potentially longer than the existing dial type?

Thank you!

 

[M21guy]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I have had limited time with it, since I just got it. I wonder if the lowest setting is too bright for night vision? I don't know not having NV yet. It seems pretty bright still in total darkness. Even with intense street lights, I only bump it up once from it's lowest setting for added illumination. Anything after that is too bright at night. During the bright sun light of day it has enough range for me to see it well, dialling it up a little further.

My only real complaint, is the internal bubble level. It could stand to be improved if possible. I can't see it behind the scope. I have to raise my head off the comb loosing sight picture. That and it is about impossible to see at night. Might help to have it back lit and or positioned different so It can be seen better. It is a nice feature, just wish it was more usable.

The Milestone EREK wasn't available for the 1.8-10x t-pal. That was to only option I wanted I couldn't get. Not a biggie, just saying.
But all and all it is pretty sweet.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Toss it on the SN3 of mine that Jeff has and I'll let you know how it does

 

[Inogame]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Salmonaxe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can't wait to try mine. Supposed to be getting this on an SN3 1.8-10. </div></div>

Got the same scope on order... hopefully get it this month.

Thanks for the help with all my questions, by the way, Jason.

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Ohiogunnut, Currently it is not available for an upgrade unless you never had illumination. The battery last in excess of 72 hours at it's highest setting.
M21 Guy, I will send you a PM. Thanks for the note on the internal bubble level and I will take a look at that as well.
Thanks for all the comments guys keep em coming.

Jason

 

[RagnarAW50]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Bummer the reostat can't be upgraded...I assume the bubble level can not be retrofitted either?

 

[rero360]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

If I deploy next year I'd be more than happy to conduct a field trial, test and evaluation of one of your SN4 1.5-6 scopes with a JNG MIL reticle with the new illumination rheostat.

A guy can hope right? I do want one though, once I get the funds, it'll go on the carbine that I'm building and my issued M4. I absolutely love my SN3 T-PAL, customer here for life. Enjoyed my tour of the facility last spring too.

Keep up the great work guys.

 

[problemchild]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Tried it and did not like it and heres why. If you are using it during the day and its set very bright and then you shoot at night and want to dim it way down its a problem.

Push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push push.

Intead of puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuusssssssssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh one time and dim.

It would have been much smarter to have a push and hold to dim or raise the light verses pushing it 32 times. Just my opinion.

 

[Drifter™]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I'm fine with the controls and operation, but the lowest setting is too bright for use in low-light hunting applications. Other brands that I've tried seem to have the same issue, so maybe it's just me...

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RagnarAW50</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I assume the bubble level can not be retrofitted either?

</div></div>

I believe your assumption there is wrong. Give Becky a call, I'm 99% its a doable deal.

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Bubble levels can be retrofitted. Cost is $130

Jason

 

[pc3]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Will the old illumination module be still available ? I have spoken to one person who runs USO scopes and he prefers the old 11 position rheostat.

I have them with the Rheostat and to be honest I rarely use ilumination but would still get it if the option is there to have it...............if only for resale should you want to move it on.

 

[lazy21]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pc3</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will the old illumination module be still available ? I have spoken to one person who runs USO scopes and he prefers the old 11 position rheostat.

I have them with the Rheostat and to be honest I rarely use ilumination but would still get it if the option is there to have it...............if only for resale should you want to move it on.</div></div>

last time I talked with Becky it is, all new illuminated scopes come with the new push button unless you ask for the old 11 position rheostat.

 

[Sumpter Steve]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

My new SN4 just came with it. So far I like it but I really haven't had time to mess with too much as of yet.

 

[Rookie]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I have it on my new SN3. I haven't used it extensively but my feedback would be simiar to Problemchild's.

I didnt get a chance to use the old system so no comparison here.

I would say that I give it a thumbs up but for a couple of things. 32 settings is probably twice as many as needed. My compact Nightforces have like 11 and thats plenty. I like the external brightness adjustment over the internal adjustment on the big Nightforces, (what were they thinking?). I like having the on/off switch seperate from the brightness adjustment. I can preset brightness and leave it there.

Also, the protective raised ring around the unit isn't quite tall enough to prevent inadvertant activation of the illumination. I've pulled my rifle out of the case a couple of times to discover that the illumination had been switched on in transit. This in turn makes me wonder how much battery life I have left.

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Thank you guys for all the input.

Jason

 

[gotzero]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Is the digital illumination visible from the front like the old rheostat? This is something I wish would change.

 

[SNIPERS4DUMMIES]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

is there any pics of the internal bubble level??

i might be interested in doing a retro fit for $130, does that include return shipping?

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SNIPERS4DUMMIES</div><div class="ubbcode-body">is there any pics of the internal bubble level??

i might be interested in doing a retro fit for $130, does that include return shipping? </div></div>

Not mine, but the best I could google (saw it here before):

Gives you the idea. I really like mine on my 3.8-22, having one retrofit as we speak on my 3.2-17
If my 5-25 weren't a one-off PSR prototype it would be getting one too!

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Here's the thread the pics are in and other info on the internal ACD:
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2065972

 

[SNIPERS4DUMMIES]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

can't really make it out other than the lower section of the FOV being flat...can you actually see the level? lol

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Yes you can, being that it's in the ocular you need to look at it, it's not superimposed on the sight picture.
There's a good pic of the level in the thread I linked...

 

[salmonaxe]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Just got mine yesterday. Normally I don't care much about how bright it gets, but this one gets bright enough to be useful at 1.8x in an inside lit environment. I like this.

I do like the button sizes and layout. I was easily able to find them without looking at them.

At the same time, I did not like the fact that it doesn't get dim enough. The lowest setting is still way too bright. It should be able to step down at least 5 levels below that.

Finally, having to push the buttons each time in order to adjust the brightness is pretty annoying. They should be press and hold and then step through the brightness settings. Something like one level per second or half a second would be preferred.

The actual housing and build quality is really good tho. I will not be concerned with durability at all.

 

[JFComfort]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I haven't messed with it much and I'm looking forward to heading out with it during one of our night shoots but so far I really like it. I keep it just above the lowest setting.

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Guys we have changed the push button illumination. The appearance and the operational controls are the same. The new changes are:
- 12 settings instead of 32.
- Longer battery life, up to 1000 hours on the lowest setting.
- Auto turn off at 55 minutes.
- The lowest setting is an ultra low setting to facilitate using night vision.
- The highest setting is daylight visible.

Through all your guys input I think we nailed this one. I played around with it on Friday and the lowest setting is awesome. The 12 steps gets progressively brighter and unlike the 32 settings you will see the changes.

As always feel free to contact me with any questions.

Jason

 

[M21guy]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

What ever I got to do to upgrade mine, I'm down for it. I'm sure most of us would feel the same. Please let us know. Improved version sounds good.

 

[NoExpert]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Can we do a trade in? I just got mine about a week ago and definitely want the new version.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

What is the timeline for the install on new orders? For example, if I get off my ass and return my quote to Jeff that I've had for the last week for a SN3, will it come with the new illumination when it finally ships?

 

[DeezNuts_LLC]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Definitely want info on how to go about getting the new version. I love the new digital hardware but 32 levels gets old.

 

[BattleAxe]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

I like it. In a perfect world I'd like to see...

1. Slightly dimmer at the lowest setting (red)
2. The ability to simply hold the increase/decrease buttons to scroll through all the levels instead of having to keep pushing it one increment at a time.

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

The new one will be available in about a month. We still have to write up instructions and get the circuit boards in. This will be something that the end user will be able to swap out and you will not have to send your scope in. If you want to upgrade your existing scope the cost is $42.50

Redmanss if you ordered your scope today it would come with the new system.

BattleAxe the lowest setting is much dimmer but you can get the new system to be slightly dimmer than the old. Also we cannot make it so you just push and hold it. In order to do that we would have to get rid of the auto shut-off. So we choose the auto shut off. However the new system does not have the 64 total clicks. Example if you dial up past the highest setting and then you want to dial down your first click down will start to decrease the intensity.

Jason

 

[M21guy]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Do we wait then until we hear they are done, or will you be accepting orders right away?

 

[ssgtkyle]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: M21guy</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Do we wait then until we hear they are done, or will you be accepting orders right away? </div></div>


You can place your order now and as soon as they are available it will be shipped out to you.

Jason

 

[M21guy]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

Alrighty then. Thanks Jason. I'll be getting my order off in the next day or two.

 

[Redmanss]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

And same here. After John posted a bit ago about the update, I wanted to hold out for it to make sure.

Thanks.

 

[BattleAxe]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ssgtkyle</div><div class="ubbcode-body">BattleAxe the lowest setting is much dimmer but you can get the new system to be slightly dimmer than the old. Also we cannot make it so you just push and hold it. In order to do that we would have to get rid of the auto shut-off. So we choose the auto shut off. However the new system does not have the 64 total clicks. Example if you dial up past the highest setting and then you want to dial down your first click down will start to decrease the intensity.

Jason </div></div>

Well you did ask but yes, I do understand. I'm talking "perfect world" here. Truth is that I didn't really have a problem with the old setup. Currently I have 2 with and one without the new setup and I'm happy with both configurations.

 

[JBW3]

Re: U.S. Optics pushbutton rheostat feedback

We made a change about a week ago to where we put the two little guide pins, they were originally on the base of the rheostat, now they are on the removable battery holder. When you order the new one, please let us know which side your pins are on.
Thank you,
John III