https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news.atomPulsar - News2024-02-20T13:53:56-06:00Pulsarhttps://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/best-practices-for-caring-for-and-storing-your-thermal-riflescope2024-02-20T13:53:56-06:002024-02-20T13:54:33-06:00Best Practices for Caring for and Storing Your Thermal RiflescopeMichael Valderrama
Investing in a thermal riflescope, especially one as advanced as a high-performance Pulsar product, is a significant commitment that warrants careful consideration of storage and maintenance practices. Pulsar scopes are renowned for their rugged build, capable of withstanding various environmental challenges such as dust, water submersion, extreme temperatures, and high-caliber recoil. However, the intricate thermal technology within these scopes demands that they be treated with the utmost care, especially when it comes to handling and storage.
While the magnesium alloy shell of Pulsar scopes like the Talion 2 provides robust protection, it is important to remember these units are not invulnerable. Dropping the unit may not necessarily result in complete destruction, but nonessential exterior parts can be damaged. If the thermal riflescope is permanently mounted on a rifle, avoid casually tossing it into the back of a truck. Instead, handle the rifle gingerly, placing it in a secure location such as the front passenger seat. Recognize that the thermal scope, despite its durability, requires the same level of care as other valuable electronic devices.
As mentioned earlier, the electronics of a Pulsar riflescope are its proverbial weak spot. Owners must take precautions to preserve the unit's functionality. When the riflescope is not in use, it is advisable to remove its batteries to prevent drainage. Even when idle, the unit continues to draw a small amount of battery power. This precautionary step ensures that the riflescope is ready for use when needed.
Periodically updating the riflescope's software is necessary, but it comes with its own set of risks. To avoid issues, always plug the unit into a power supply during updates, as a riflescope dying in the middle of an update has a chance of malfunctioning. However, this does not mean that it should be plugged into a power supply indefinitely while it’s in storage, as this can lead to a reduction in battery life over time.
When your Pulsar riflescope is not in use, proper storage is crucial to maintaining its performance and longevity. Store the riflescope with the batteries removed in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to excessive heat or cold, and refrain from storing it outdoors. Extremes in temperature and humidity can compromise the internal components of the scope, leading to potential malfunctions.
Owning a Pulsar thermal night vision riflescope is an investment in advanced technology designed to enhance your shooting experience. To protect this investment, users must adopt responsible storage and care practices. By handling the riflescope with care, removing batteries during periods of inactivity, and storing it in a controlled environment, users can ensure their Pulsar scope remains reliable and ready for use when needed. Following these guidelines will contribute to the longevity and optimal performance of your thermal night vision riflescope, safeguarding your investment for years to come.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/why-thermal-clarity-matters2024-01-26T11:57:10-06:002024-01-26T12:59:45-06:00Why Thermal Clarity MattersMichael Valderrama
Forever cursed is the man who steps out onto his porch and shoots his dog thinking it was a coyote. Equally cursed is the hog hunter who roams off-property and shoots a cow by mistake. The darkness of the night creates a challenge for ill-prepared hunters, and the wrong equipment could make even the most accurate of marksmen second guess their shots.
It is therefore essential for anyone hunting under moonlit conditions to bring a good nighttime optic, and it would be even better if it was augmented with a spotting tool such as a thermal monocular with a laser rangefinder.
The Thermal Advantage
Unlike night vision, thermal does not need a secondary illuminator to “see,” even in complete darkness. Since thermal optics operate by detecting the infrared radiation of heat instead of amplifying light like a night vision device, most thermal devices are capable of seeing objects at longer ranges than night vision optics.
By utilizing both a thermal optic and a monocular, a hunter has options for both scouting and shooting in a low-light environment. This is important for spot-and-stalk type hunts at night since a handheld monocular makes spotting safer and more convenient while a hunter is on the move.
Precision Matters
With an added laser rangefinder, a hunter can predict the distance to his target, which is important for calculating holdovers to ensure perfect shot placement. Precision matters during any hunt, and the difference between an ethical kill shot and an animal bleeding out after running a mile away into impassable terrain is frequently a matter of a few inches.
Why Clarity Matters
Hunting is a serious matter, and just like a good pair of boots, it is generally a bad idea “cheap out” on thermal. While a cheap thermal optic may boast great detection range, what a discerning hunter should truly be looking for is image quality.
This render is a stellar example of a horrible thermal optic. While it’s clear to the viewer that this is some sort of animal, it is hard to tell exactly what the animal is or even where it is facing, which is essential for proper sight placement.
Contrast it with this clear, detailed image as delivered through a state-of-the-art Pulsar sensor. The viewer can clearly see that the creature is a grazing deer facing towards the camera.
Knowing the difference when taking a shot is crucial, but so is knowing the body language and movements of the type of animal you’re hunting.
Nobody wants to be the person who mistook a pet for game. A high-quality thermal device makes target identification easy. Spot the four-legged heat signature, use the rangefinder to get the distance, and make an informed decision.
Not limited to hunting, thermal monoculars are also important for search and rescue operations, surveillance, and observation in inclement weather.
Pulsar’s commitment to image quality is evident in our latest product offerings such as the Merger LRF XL50, the Thermion 2 LRF XL50, and the expansion of the Telos line into the Telos XQ35, Telos LRF XQ35, Telos XG50, and Telos LRF XG50, all of which will make their debut at Shot Show 2024.
With a thermal monocular and laser rangefinder combo, hunters will be more competent, accurate, and sure of their targets, which is what every nocturnal shooter should strive for.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/which-pulsar-thermal-riflescope-is-best-for-hunting2023-12-15T08:49:45-06:002024-01-05T06:00:33-06:00Which Pulsar Thermal Riflescope is Best for Hunting?Michael ValderramaIn the ever-evolving world of hunting optics, the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 stands out as a game-changer, offering hunters an unparalleled experience in low-light conditions. Pulsar’s latest and greatest offering boasts revolutionary features that make it the go-to choice for night hunting enthusiasts.
Unmatched Sensor Technology
At the heart of the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 lies a groundbreaking 1024x768 uncooled ASi sensor, setting new standards for thermal imaging in hunting scopes. This sensor delivers exceptional sensitivity (<35 mK), ensuring high-quality images even in absolute darkness. The scope's detection range of 2,500 yards exceeds the effective range of most modern hunting calibers, giving hunters the means to both spot and shoot targets at extreme distances in absolute darkness.
Digital Display Excellence
Complementing the advanced sensor is a high-quality digital display with the same impressive resolution of 1024x768. This combination ensures that hunters experience sharp and clear images, critical for accurately identifying targets in low-light environments. The digital display's clarity has minimal loss even at higher magnifications and during the use of the innovative picture-in-picture mode.
Base Magnification and Ergonomics
A unique feature of the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 is its 1.75 base magnification. Some potential buyers wonder why the unit has a 1.75 base magnification instead of a 2x. This feature is a result of the unit’s 1024x768 sensor. Increasing the base magnification to 2x with a 1024x768 sensor would necessitate a larger objective lens and a complete redesign of the scope body. The 1.75 base magnification, however, offers a wider field of view and sharper image quality when compared to the Thermion 2 XP50 pro with a true 2x base magnification. Furthermore, it maintains excellent image quality even at higher magnifications, ensuring that users do not sacrifice clarity for versatility.
Innovative Features for Precision Shooting
The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 also has the one-shot freeze zeroing feature common among many modern Pulsar products, allowing shooters to capture an image of their target after taking a shot. This enables adjustments to the riflescope without the need for a steady rifle rest, streamlining the zeroing process and saving valuable time and ammunition on the range.
Multi-Rifle Compatibility
Designed with versatility in mind, the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 can be easily mounted on multiple rifles. Compatible with any mount with 30mm scope rings, the unit has 5 weapon zeroing profiles and 5 distances per profile. Once the unit has been zeroed on multiple rifles, it can be mounted to a 6.5 PC bolt action rifle one day, uninstalled, and re-mounted on an AR-15 in 5.56 the next morning without going to the range to re-zero.
Practical Hunting Features
The practical applications of the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 extend far beyond the realms of traditional hunting optics. This cutting-edge scope has been specifically engineered to give hunters a distinct night hunting advantage, offering enhanced visibility and precision even in zero-light conditions or heavy fog.
With a detection range of 2,500 yards, the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 enables hunters to spot feral hogs at considerable distances, giving long range riflemen the upper hand in tracking and intercepting these elusive creatures.
For predator hunters, the 1.75 base magnification provides a wider field of view, allowing hunters to effectively scan large areas of their property to defend against coyote activity. The scope's clarity at higher magnifications further aids in positive target identification, reducing the risk of misjudging distances.
Beyond feral hogs and coyotes, the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 proves its versatility in various other nocturnal hunting scenarios, including predators like foxes and raccoons. Its adaptability, clarity, and advanced features make it a comprehensive solution for hunters pursuing a diverse range of nighttime game.
The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 stands as the epitome of innovation in the realm of night hunting scopes. With its advanced sensor technology, ergonomic design, and innovative features, it addresses the specific needs of hunters who demand precision and adaptability in low-light conditions. Pulsar has once again raised the bar, solidifying the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 as the best scope for hunting in the modern era.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/thermal-vs-night-vision-riflescopes-for-hunting2023-11-09T09:18:06-06:002023-11-14T14:02:45-06:00Thermal vs. Digital Night Vision Riflescopes for HuntingMichael Valderrama
For hunters who prefer to hunt at night, the choice between thermal and night vision riflescopes can be a perplexing one. Both technologies offer distinct advantages, tailoring their effectiveness to specific hunting scenarios. Understanding the nuances of each system helps hunters make informed decisions about what kind of riflescope they should use on their nighttime hunting adventures.
Night Vision: Amplifying Ambient Light
Night vision devices operate by amplifying the faintest traces of ambient light, rendering objects visible in low-light conditions. This technology proves particularly useful during moonlit nights or in areas with some residual illumination. However, its reliance on ambient light renders it ineffective in complete darkness.
To overcome this limitation, night vision devices are often paired with infrared (IR) illuminators, which emit invisible light that can be detected by the device, extending its range. However, evidence suggests that certain animals, such as fish and snakes, possess the ability to perceive IR light, potentially alerting them to the hunter's presence. It is also assumed by some that foxes and wolves can pick up infrared light, but this is a matter of conjecture.
Thermal Imaging: Harnessing Heat Signatures
Thermal imaging takes a different approach, utilizing infrared radiation emitted by all objects as a form of heat signature. This technology provides superior detection capabilities regardless of ambient light levels, even in complete darkness. Thermal images offer sharper contrast and greater range than night vision, enabling hunters to identify and engage targets with greater precision.
This technology proves particularly effective in defeating camouflaged targets. While a boar may remain hidden within the darkness beyond the IR range of a night vision device, a thermal camera reveals its heat signature, making it shine like a beacon in the night, especially when it’s viewed through a white hot palette. This advantage becomes even more pronounced with high-sensitivity thermal cameras such as the Thermion 2 LRF XL50, which can detect even the faintest heat signatures at an impressive distance of 2,500 yards.
The integration of a laser rangefinder into a thermal riflescope provides hunters with crucial range data for accurate shot placement, which is more effective on a thermal device than it is on a night vision riflescope, due to the extended detection ranges of the former. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50's laser rangefinder, for example, boasts an impressive range of 875 yards, significantly exceeding the detection range of most IR illuminators, which tend to fade away past 300 yards.
The decision between thermal and night vision riflescopes hinges on the specific hunting scenario. For nighttime hunting in low-light conditions, night vision devices offer a cost-effective solution. However, for hunting in complete darkness or where target identification is crucial, thermal imaging reigns supreme.
When choosing between thermal or night vision riflescopes for hunting, both technologies have their place. Night vision scopes excel in situations where ambient light is available, making them ideal for shorter range identification. However, they can be limited by complete darkness and the potential for some animals to detect IR light.
On the other hand, thermal imaging riflescopes offer unparalleled versatility and can be used effectively in total darkness, providing extended detection ranges and sharp contrast. Thermal riflescopes with integrated laser rangefinders like the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 further enhance their utility, especially when precise distance measurements are required.
Ultimately, the choice between thermal and night vision riflescopes depends on your hunting conditions and preferences. If you're seeking a scope that can perform in a wide range of scenarios and deliver exceptional detection capabilities, thermal imaging riflescopes may be the way to go. However, if your hunting primarily takes place in conditions with some ambient light, a night vision scope might be the better choice.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/the-advantages-of-the-pulsar-thermion-2-lrf-xl502023-10-26T15:20:55-05:002023-10-26T16:04:23-05:00The Advantages of the Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50Michael ValderramaA common misconception is that more magnification equals a better shooting experience. However, Pulsar's Thermion 2 LRF XL50's base magnification of 1.75x offers a significant advantage in terms of field of view. A wider field of view is a game-changer, especially when it comes to situational awareness and tracking your target.
While skilled hunters will take shots inside 200-300 yards, most responsible hunters will shoot animals if they are comfortable taking the shot, and many feel 100 yards and closer is a safe distance for shooting, especially since this is the range at which most feeder hunting is done at. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 is perfectly capable for either long or short range shooting, and its base magnification of 1.75x along with its zoom increments of 2/4/8x are sufficient for most hunting situations.
Reduced Scope Sway
Aside from hunting concerns, shooting with higher magnifications often introduces scope sway. This instability can seriously affect shooting accuracy, especially when stabilizing platforms like tripods are not available. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50's lower base magnification helps mitigate scope sway, resulting in more precise and stable aiming.
The Thermion 2 LRF XL50's wide field of view, combined with its picture-in-picture mode helps facilitate accurate shots.
Enhanced Clarity with a Better Sensor
It's important to note that the Thermion XL50 relies on digital zoom rather than traditional magnification. Traditional magnification physically enlarges the image with lenses, while digital zoom enhances the digital image displayed on the riflescope’s screen. When this happens, the image clarity of an optic with a sensor like a 640x480 becomes blocky and pixelated, while on higher resolution sensors like the Thermion 2 LRF XL50, digitally zoomed images remain remarkably clear.
The 1.75x base magnification of the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 is supported by a high-resolution 1024x768 sensor. This combination ensures exceptional image clarity and detail, even at higher magnifications. In contrast, scopes with higher base magnifications but lower resolution sensors may not deliver the same level of image quality.
Wider Field of View
Base magnification in digital optics is determined by various factors, including lens size and the physical focal length distance between the lens and sensor. The Thermion 2 LRF XL50 prioritizes a wider field of view, which necessitates a lower base magnification.
Even at high zoom levels, the large-format sensor allows for a well-balanced FOV / magnification ratio. Opting for higher base magnification would require a larger lens size, leading to a bulkier and less practical scope.
The choice of a high-resolution sensor with a longer focal length and larger lens size in the Thermion 2 LRF XL50 results in exceptional image quality that compensates for the lower base magnification. This also allows the scope to have a wider field of view, which is beneficial for most hunting situations while making the scope lighter and more compact, which is important for hunters who are on the move.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/how-to-mount-your-digital-optic2023-10-09T16:35:54-05:002023-10-09T16:37:03-05:00How to mount your digital opticMichael Valderrama
In this article, we will discuss the proper method for mounting your digital optic. It's essential to pay close attention to the details to ensure a secure and comfortable setup.
Currently, many digital scopes designed to be mounted with traditional rings, such as the Pulsar Thermion and the Digex C50, are designed with 30mm tubes.
One critical aspect to consider is that digital optics typically offer very short eye relief. For example, the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 provides 2 inches of eye relief, while a daytime scope like the Latitude 6.25x25-56 offers 4.7 inches. Using conventional scope rings on a rifle, like an AR platform, may prove disadvantageous for some shooters. It can force them to lean in very close to their scopes, potentially leading to scope eye injuries or disrupting their cheek weld.
The optimal choice for mounting digital scopes is a cantilever mount. Not only is it a single piece of metal, eliminating much of the user error associated with mounting optics using two different scope rings, but it also provides shooters with the flexibility to adjust the mount to their unique eye relief preferences. Users can opt to mount the cantilever's rings angled away from or towards them to achieve the desired eye relief distance, thanks to the cantilever’s particular design.
To further enhance your shooting experience, consider using an eye cup cover. It helps you attain natural eye relief and prevents light splashback from the digital display, especially when hunting at night.
Additionally, some cantilever mounts with see-through bases allow users to install small backup iron sights beneath the mount or utilize the empty space under the mount itself as a makeshift rear sight aperture.
When mounting your optic, start by tightening the bottom screws of your scope rings before securing the upper screws. This allows you hold the scope in place while you’re still able to rotate it for leveling, to ensure the reticle is perfectly aligned. You can also use leveling beads to ensure that your optics are not off-center.
Once you have verified that your digital optic is level and the eye relief is suitable for your comfort, you are ready to begin shooting. Properly mounting your optic is essential for accuracy and safety, so take your time and ensure everything is in order before hitting the range or heading out into the field.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/glassing-with-thermal-binoculars2023-09-22T09:34:10-05:002023-09-22T09:34:11-05:00Glassing with Thermal BinocularsMichael Valderrama
Hunting is a timeless pursuit that has been refined over generations, and now the primal nature of the sport has melded with modern technology. One of the most critical skills a hunter can possess is the ability to spot prey from a distance, and in this endeavor, glassing skills reign supreme. Whether you're stalking game in the rugged mountains or across expansive plains, using the terrain to your advantage and employing the right equipment can make all the difference in your hunting success.
Ed Beattie, a seasoned hunter and now the general manager of Cabela's, once emphasized the importance of spending ample time behind your optics. When you're positioned atop a tall hill or mountainside, you have a unique vantage point that allows you to scan the surrounding landscape for signs of your quarry. However, patience is the key to successful spotting, just as it is in hunting overall.
Terrain Advantage
Imagine being perched on an elevated spot with an unobstructed view of the terrain below. If you don't spot any animals within the first two or three hours, it's tempting to move on to another location. However, this impatience can be a hunter's downfall. The terrain advantage you have should not be squandered. Instead, take your time and observe diligently.
A good pair of binoculars with high magnification can extend your visual range far beyond what you could see from a ground blind. These optics provide you with the opportunity to survey the landscape in detail, increasing your chances of spotting elusive prey.
Glassing from an Elevation
While glassing from an elevated position offers numerous advantages, it's important to remember that the animals you're hunting are not oblivious to their surroundings. Many prey animals possess highly developed survival instincts. Deer, for instance, are naturally wary creatures, always on the lookout for potential threats.
To avoid detection, hunters should maintain a low profile and avoid exposing themselves over the top of a ridge, mountain, or hill. This is known as "skylining" and should be avoided at all costs. Military personnel are told to avoid silhouetting themselves against the sky for a similar reason. Just as vigilant enemy snipers watch for silhouettes in combat, wildlife is constantly scanning for unusual shapes on the horizon.
The Merger LRF XP50
The downside of daytime binoculars is their inadequacy in low light environments. However, with thermal binoculars like the Merger LRF XP50, you have the power of long range detection in both daylight or nighttime. With a detection range of 1,968 yards and a high-definition 640x480 <25mK NETD thermal sensor, the Merger surpasses daytime binoculars in both daytime and nighttime observation. Its impressive 10-hour battery life ensures extended periods of use, perfect for those who require prolonged surveillance in the field.
What sets thermal binoculars like the Merger apart is their ability to detect heat signatures, making it possible to spot animals regardless of camouflage or time of day. This technology is particularly useful for hunters who want to track game during low-light conditions.
The Merger LRF XP50's 2.5x – 20x variable magnification makes it a versatile tool for long-range observation. However, to maximize the quality of your observations, it's advisable to use a stable mount or tripod. This steadiness reduces image shake, ensuring that you capture higher-quality images.
Grid-Based Observation
When using thermal binoculars for observation, it's essential to have a systematic method. Consider the approach taken by the famous archaeologist Howard Carter when he discovered Tutankhamun's tomb. Carter divided the desert into grids and methodically searched each one until he found the tomb.
You can apply a similar approach to hunting by mentally dividing the landscape into grids and moving your binoculars slowly from left to right and up and down. This methodical approach ensures that you cover the entire area and increases your chances of spotting wildlife giving off infrared heat in the distance.
In conclusion, hunting and observing the terrain with thermal binoculars is a skill that combines patience, precision, and the right equipment. Leveraging your terrain advantage, employing high-quality optics like the Merger LRF XP50, and using systematic grid-based observation techniques can significantly enhance your hunting success. Remember that while technology can provide an advantage, it's your knowledge, skill, and respect for the natural world that make you a successful and ethical hunter.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/how-to-read-pulsar-product-names2023-06-19T09:21:57-05:002023-07-28T15:20:01-05:00How to read Pulsar Product NamesMichael Valderrama
The nomenclature of Pulsar products may be slightly confusing for newcomers to the brand. Every Pulsar product has letters and numbers appended to it which indicate the product’s sensor size, objective lens, and thermal resolution.
The numbers on a unit refer to the size of its objective lens and determine its focal length. For example, an XG35 has a 35mm objective lens, while an XP50 has a 50mm lens and so on. The “Pro” tag indicates extra thermal sensitivity, capable of finding minute details in heat signatures. The Thermion 2 LRF XG50 has a NETD of <40mK while the Thermion 2 XQ35, even though its objective lens is smaller, has a more sensitive <25mK thermal sensor.
The letter conventions are tied to specific sensor resolutions, while the numbers stand for the size of a unit’s objective lens.
A quick reference chart follows:
Why is the size of a thermal sensor important?
The size of a thermal sensor affects the level of detail in the image it produces. Just like a high-resolution monitor, a larger sensor with more pixels will give you a clearer and more detailed picture.
Pixel pitch is another determinant factor of a product’s quality. Defined as the distance between two pixels, pixel pitch is measured in microns (µm). The smaller the unit, the closer the pixels are packed, and thus the better the image quality will be.
Why does the size of the objective lens matter in a thermal scope?
The size of the objective lens determines the magnification you can achieve and affects unit’s focal length and display resolution. The focal length of an optical system is a measure of how strongly the system converges or diverges light. An optic with low focal length will display very wide images, while an optic with a high focal length will display single objects in greater detail.
A larger objective lens and display size also result in higher magnification. Additionally, a larger sensor size and a smaller objective lens focal length provide a wider field of view.
The detection range of a thermal scope also depends on the focal length of the objective lens. A longer focal length allows for a greater detection range, assuming the thermal sensor remains the same. However, high focal lengths lead to higher magnification and a decrease in the field of view.
The resolution of a thermal scope is influenced by the resolution of both the objective lens and the eyepiece. If the objective lens is small, it limits the potential improvement in resolution and image quality of the unit.
Thermal Resolution
Measured in millikelvin (mK), thermal resolution measures the ability of a device to detect even the smallest temperature differences. The smaller the number, the more sensitive the device will be. More sensitive devices result in clearer images.
Thermal resolution compares the signal from the object you're trying to see to the background signal and takes into account any noise from the thermal sensor. A thermal imager with good resolution can clearly show an object that has a temperature very similar to the background, like a pig covered in cool mud against cool, dry earth. The higher the thermal resolution, the smaller the temperature difference between the object and background that can be displayed.
Understanding the importance of certain factors in thermal imaging technology can greatly enhance the hunting experience. The size of the thermal sensor affects the level of detail in the image, with larger sensors producing clearer and more detailed pictures. Similarly, the size of the objective lens plays a role in magnification, field of view, and detection range. A larger objective lens can provide higher magnification and a wider field of view, but it may limit the detection range. The resolution of the thermal scope depends on the resolution of the objective lens and eyepiece, with larger lenses contributing to improved image quality. By considering these factors, hunters can make informed decisions when selecting thermal imaging equipment to optimize their hunting performance.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/an-unforgettable-wild-hog-hunt-with-the-thermion-2-lrf-xg502023-06-08T15:44:27-05:002023-07-28T15:20:01-05:00An Unforgettable Wild Hog Hunt with the Thermion 2 LRF XG50Michael Valderrama
It was one of those humid east Texas nights. Even if the sun wasn’t blazing above and only the moon and stars provided any kind of light at all, the night air still seemed to hold on to the stickiness of the afternoon. T-shirt weather.
On a patch of farmland near Paris surrounded by thick woods, a farmer had complained that a sounder of feral hogs had been ripping up his property. Since hog hunting season in Texas is year-round, much like the hogs’ mating season, it was a problem that had to be taken care of quickly.
Mitchell Graf, writer for GunsAmerica Digest by day and thermal hunter by night, stood in a field alongside several other men from Black Sheep Outdoors. The men had been called to negotiate the removal of the intruders.
The hunters on their firing line. Photo courtesy: Mitchell Graf
The wild hog of Texas is a cunning, elusive animal. Long ago, they learned that the warmth of the sun also brought death in the form of the two-legs and their loud sticks. Now, most hogs favor the cool of the night. However, that means nothing to thermal hunters.
Graf’s POF Rogue AR-10 .308 was sporting a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XG50 digital thermal riflescope, and even in the near pitch-darkness its highly sensitive <40mK NETD thermal sensor was able to pick up the heat signatures of even the smallest creatures at 1900 yards.
They first saw the hogs standing in the middle of a clearing, just begging to be shot. Looking through the Thermion 2 LRF’s 1024x768 HD viewfinder, Graf counted 25 feral hogs milling around the open pasture. The creatures were of various sizes, with the large boars and sows leading the smaller juveniles to the patches of soft earth where they would turn up the soil in search of roots and grubs.
That wasn’t going to happen tonight.
The hogs were about 500 yards away from the hunters’ firing line. Well within the Thermion 2’s viewing range, but too far for a comfortable shot. As the men hurried to set up a wide firing line and mounted their rifles on Kopfjäger tripods, the hogs decided the pickings were too slim and vanished back into the wood line.
The hunting party wasn’t about to let this opportunity go to waste. Using a Convergent Bullet Caller loaded with hog noises, they attempted to lure the beasts back into the pasture. For a moment, nothing happened, and the hunters heard nothing but the sound of synthetic hog calls and crickets in the distance. Then Graf heard a faint rumbling of hooves in the distance getting closer by the second, accompanied by the rustling of leaves and the snapping of branches in the thicket to the left of the firing line. The men heard a great cacophony of frenzied grunting and squealing growing louder and louder, and it wasn’t coming from the Bullet caller.
Suddenly, the entire sounder burst out of the thicket at a full run, a mere seven yards from the hunting party. The hunters, just as surprised to see the hogs as the animals were to see them, swung their rifles to their left flank in a panic. The men on the leftmost side of the firing line scrambled to pick up their tripods, making a mad dash to get out of the line of fire. Gunshots drowned out the sound of screaming hogs as the hunters poured down a withering fusillade of large caliber semiautomatic fire on the confused beasts. By the time the dust had settled, and the last surviving animal had scampered back into the thicket, the men found two of the animals dead at their feet, while an untold number of wounded and dying retreated into the woods.
In that adrenaline-charged moment, under the cover of darkness and armed with their rifles and the power of innovative thermal vision technology, the hunters experienced a wild hog hunt unlike any other.
This encounter was a testament to the unpredictable nature of wild hog hunting, where preparation, skill, and quick reflexes determine the outcome. Pulsar’s Thermion 2 LRF XG50 not only bridged the gap between night and day but also allowed the hunters to confront the darkness and the great beasts who lived in it head on.
In the vast expanse of Texas, where the feral hog problem persists, stories like these serve as a testament to the ongoing battle between man and beast. This close encounter of the squealing kind underscores the primal nature of the hunt itself. It was a night forever etched in their memories, and one of the many experiences that fuels the same passion for adventure that lives in the hearts of all outdoorsmen.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/scopes-and-tools-needed-for-hunting-at-night2023-05-18T09:43:33-05:002023-07-28T15:20:01-05:00Scopes and Tools Needed for Hunting at NightMichael Valderrama
Night hunting can be both a thrilling and rewarding experience. Animals normally asleep or invisible during the day come out after the sun goes down to forage for food or hunt, unaware they are being hunted themselves by an apex predator aided by the latest technological advancements.
While hunting deer at night is illegal nationwide, there are other hunting opportunities for fur bearing animals such as coyotes, raccoons, rabbits, and foxes or larger animals like pigs, bobcats, and non-indigenous wildlife in places like Texas. Before you set out on your expedition, it’s your responsibility to educate yourself on what kind of animals are legal to hunt at night.
Once you are absolutely sure that you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s researching your state’s hunting regulations, it’s time to prepare for the hunt itself. Like any outdoor activity, nighttime hunting requires one to be prepared with a checklist of items specific to the occasion. For the best nighttime hunting experience, you will need the following:
Rifle capable of mounting a thermal scope.
Rifles are the weapon of choice for the large caliber, long-range hunter. Your rifle should have rails or at least mounted scope rings on it compatible with your optic of choice. Hunters who take night hunting seriously utilize digital devices like the Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP50, the world’s first multispectral hunting riflescope, which has the unique capability to see both in daytime mode and in thermal mode. With a detection range of 1,800 yards, no prey is too far for this magnificent thermal unit.
Gutting knife
A good gut knife and bone saw will be absolutely necessary for field dressing your kill, since it would be illogical to drag a 300-pound carcass all the way to the cooler in your vehicle, especially considering its guts are just dead weight.
Bait/caller
Callers, whether electronic or mouth-blown, can attract hogs or coyotes. Novice hunters are better off using the former over the latter, since a badly blown caller can sound like an alien creature to a hog, which might scare the animal away. An electronic call will last as long as batteries allow, and many of them play specific sounds such as distress calls, mating calls and others to attract specific types of animals.
Flashlight/headlamp
If you shoot an animal at night and fail to kill it with a single shot, the creature will run off into the woods and it will be your misfortune to track it. Finding a blood trail while the sun is out can be difficult enough but following it in the dark is both difficult and dangerous, which is why you need a flashlight.
Thermal Monocular
Whether you’re searching for prey to shoot or tracking your fresh kill, a light, compact monocular like the Axion 2 LRF XG35 would be easier to scout with than your digital thermal riflescope. A Pulsar thermal monocular is also capable of defeating any kind of natural camouflage and works in day or night, making it a viable option even when the sun is out.
Toilet paper, flags, glow sticks
As previously mentioned, blood tracking is one of the many unique challenges of the nighttime hunt. When one wants to both track his game and not get lost in the process, it’s advisable for the nocturnal hunter to get something bright like a piece of toilet paper, small bright orange flags, or glow sticks to mark blood trails, creating a visible path in the dark to backtrack on.
First Aid Kit
You are statistically more likely to get injured out in the wilderness than you are lounging about at home. Pack the essentials like bandages, alcohol, cotton swabs, and scissors while augmenting them with caladryl lotion for poison ivy and a tourniquet for any unfortunate firearms-related accidents.
What about you? What kind of gear do you pack in your hunting kit? Tell us in the comments below!
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/a-beginner-s-guide-to-coyote-hunting2023-05-04T15:48:23-05:002023-07-28T15:20:01-05:00A Beginner’s Guide to Coyote HuntingMichael ValderramaThe illusive song dogs of the American south are opportunistic predators who use their cunning and heightened senses to track their prey, which is what makes them so hard to hunt. The coyote (canis latrans) is many things to many people. To some, especially shepherds and ranchers, it is nothing more than a dangerous pest wreaking havoc on livestock. Professional trappers see them as walking investments, and while the art of the furrier isn’t what it once was thanks to environmental activism, a high-quality coyote pelt can still sell for about $30-$40. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Navajo revere the coyote as the amoral trickster god, existing from the beginning of time along with the First Man and First Woman, and somewhere in the middle, the casual hunter just thinks they’re fun to shoot.
Hunting coyotes is not the same as hunting deer. While both creatures have heightened senses of smell and can run faster than an Olympic athlete on a good day, Wile E. and his kin have much better night vision than Bambi and are much more cunning.
A coyote has 20/75 vision, while a deer has 20/100. This means if a human with perfect vision can see an object clearly at 75 feet, a coyote would need to be 20 feet away to see the same object clearly. A human with either of these acuities would need prescription glasses, but just because we humans can see further does not necessarily mean we’ll notice them before they notice us.
Thanks to the way their eyes sit in their sockets, a coyote has wider cones of vision. As predators with long snouts, they have a 260° cone of vision compared to a human’s 180°, meaning that they have better peripheral vision than we do.
It is often stated that most huntable animals like deer, hogs, and coyotes are colorblind, but this is not exactly the case. Their spectrum of colors is more limited than ours, but they should technically still see color. Red, orange, and green are beyond the visible spectrum of a coyote, however they can detect ultraviolet light, which is normally invisible to humans. This is important to remember if you hunt with freshly laundered clothes, since detergents that use fluorescent brightening agents like diamino stilbene disulfonic acid, fluorescent brighteners, fluorescent white dyes, or any detergent with the word “fluorescent” in the ingredients make your clothes stand out to a coyote, even they look perfectly camouflaged to you.
On a related note, the same fluorescent dyes also make you glow when being viewed through night vision equipment. If you still want your camo to work but don’t want to be given away by your awful, unnatural smell, consider using activewear detergent which works without any fluorescent brightening agents.
Where the coyote’s vision truly shines – literally – is at night. Multiple sets of glowing eyes in the darkness are usually the telltale signs of a pack of coyotes. This eerie phenomenon is caused by a layer of natural reflective tissue over a coyote’s eyes called the tapetum lucidum. Absent in humans, this membrane allows the eyes of nocturnal animals to collect more light, acting as a form of natural night vision lenses.
However, like dogs, coyotes tend to rely more on their sense of smell than their sight. A completely blind coyote can still smell blood from about a mile away, and the average “effective range” for a coyote’s sense of smell is 350 yards. If you are upwind of a coyote and inside that 350-yard radius, the coyote will very likely bolt. With 26 square inches of an olfactory zone and 220 million olfactory sensors compared to a human’s 400, the coyote’s sense of smell acts as an omnidirectional radar constantly searching for threats and targets of opportunity.
Hunting the Coyote
So then, it falls to the hunter to engage this animal when the wind is in favor, at long range. Since coyotes are active at night, the use of thermal imaging is not only recommended but required for engaging targets at the distances required for nighttime coyote hunting. While there are some flashlights capable of beaming down on a yote from several hundred feet away, their sheer brightness would make it seem like an alien counter to the coyote, and using high quality thermal imaging would allow hunters to see further and shoot with better accuracy.
The Talion XQ38 has an effective range of 1475 yards, but unless you’re blasting coyotes with a precision rifle capable of long-range shooting, it would be better for you to engage at ranges of 300 yards or less to ensure an ethical shot to the coyote’s vitals.
Now, a .223 with a ballistic tip is a good choice if you want rapid expansion, but unless the round hits bone on the other side, you’ll have an enormous exit wound that’ll ruin your pelt, if that concerns you. If not, all center-fire rounds with flat trajectories are suitable for coyote hunting.
However, if you want to preserve your pelt to sell, or if you’re interested in taxidermy, a .17HMR will do the job. This small, fast round will leave a small entry wound, and its exit wound – if any – will be far less gruesome than a larger centerfire round like a .223.
Scouting and Optics
Before you can kill any coyotes, you’ll have to know they’re even in the area. Be on the lookout for paw prints (generally 2.5 to 3.5 inches long) and droppings. Dark coyote dung means an abundance of meat in the area, and coyotes who are eating well have no reason to forage frequently, so there is less chance of seeing them. Lighter dung indicates slim pickings for the coyote, which means they’re more likely to respond to calls.
Using a mapping system like onXmaps, you can determine elevation points in your hunting area and hike to them to scout from a higher vantage point. Using a Merger LRF XP50 and its 1800-meter (2,000 yard) detection range, you’ll be sure to see any coyotes out in the open, even in pitch darkness.
If you do happen to find coyotes after the sun goes down – and you likely will, since they are more active at night – Use the Talion XQ38 for your riflescope. This powerful thermal riflescope has 9 hours of battery life for a full night of hunting, a 1,475-yard detection range, 2.5x base magnification for a wide field of view, and 10x magnification for closer shots.
Luring is the most effective way to hunt them. If you are down wind of the coyote and well-camouflaged enough, it is possible to get a shot in at 50 yards.
At this range, No. 4 buckshot with copper plated BBs, tightly patterned, would do the trick.
When calling, your scope – especially if you’re using thermal – should be kept on its lowest possible magnification setting to increase your peripheral vision. If possible, use the Merger to scan your surroundings before looking through your Pulsar optic of choice to deliver the kill. Avoid going closer than 4x until you are sure you have your target.
Coyotes are mostly active at night in search of game animals like mice and vermin. They prefer cooler temperatures for movement, 20° to 50° is what they consider comfortable.
Since most of their prey comes out at night, coyotes are mostly nocturnal. For the longest time, this limited coyote hunting to daytime hours alone, but with the latest developments in hunting technology such as digital thermal vision, more and more hunters are becoming adept at long range night hunting. This is especially important for farmers and ranchers who wish to keep their animals safe from coyote attacks.
What about you? How do you scout and hunt coyotes? What kind of optics do you use? Tell us in the comments below.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-thermal-binoculars-for-hunting2023-03-16T16:48:28-05:002023-07-28T15:20:03-05:00How to use Thermal Binoculars for HuntingMichael ValderramaOne of the essential parts of a hunter’s toolkit besides his weapon is a good pair of thermal binoculars. Ideally used for stalking rather than stand hunting, where one will be able to spot an animal from a good distance away while remaining well out of its line of sight.
Now, while the human eye’s detection range is essentially infinite and limited only by terrain and the curvature of the earth, the further an object is, the more difficult it is to see, especially when the hunter is old or if the animal has good camouflage like this snow leopard camouflaged on a cliffside.
Thermal binoculars like the Pulsar Merger help immensely, defeating all manner of camouflage since they see the IR heat signatures emitted by all objects. However, like all tools, one must learn how to use it if one wants to be effective.
Stability and clarity of sight picture are important when glassing with a thermal, just like they are with regular daytime binoculars. Stability is easily achievable by using your binoculars with a sturdy hunting tripod like a Kopfjäger. The Merger LRF, when used with its mounting adapter, is perfectly compatible with the Kopfjäger leveling head, which allows the user to tilt and roll the binoculars without losing stability.
Of course, for hunters without a tripod, stability is still easily achievable from a sitting position by bracing one’s elbows on the knees, or from a standing position by bracing against the side of a tree trunk as one would with a rifle.
Slow, deliberate movements are essential for glassing. Movies and cartoons frequently depict characters rapidly moving from one area to another, but motion blur helps no one on a real hunting trip.
When glassing, it’s a generally bad idea to scan an area at random. For more efficient glassing, experienced hunters divide the landscape into grids. This is done by laying out one’s field of view into an imaginary series of vertical and horizontal lines like a chessboard. Slowly and carefully move the binoculars from left to right across your entire field of view, careful to look for any straight horizontal lines which might be the backs of deer or any movement that doesn’t seem like it’s just the wind. Once you reach the end of your field of view, shift your view either up or down and scan the next imaginary row right to left, as if you’re reading a grid.
While the binocular’s straps are for convenient access, there is a reason why they’re made to be slung around the neck and not stowed in a belt pouch. When a hunter is on the move and spots an object with his naked eye which he thinks might be an animal, he should not look down into his bag to take out his binoculars. He may lose his prey when he looks back up. Instead, hunters should lock their eyes onto their targets and bring up their binoculars from their chests so as to not lose their sight picture. This is similar to the concept of using magnifiers for red dots. The red dot stays on target but the magnifier does not need to adjust to magnify the same area.
Were these tips helpful to you? How do you use your Merger LRF thermal binoculars? Tell us in the comments below.
Thermal imaging cameras or “TICs” are for more than just hunting. They’re also valuable for electricians and search and rescue personnel, particularly because they’re very good at seeing through materials like smoke and fog, which would normally obscure the naked human eye.
Here are some examples of how emergency services and first responders used thermal imaging to save lives and property:
Fire department saves mobile home because of thermal camera
Back in 2003, the all-volunteer fire brigade of Williamstown, Vermont (population 3,331) received a federal grant. One of the essential pieces of equipment they bought with the grant money was a state-of-the-art thermal camera that featured a multi-color palette, which quickly proved to be a valuable asset to the fire department.
In 2004, the department responded to a fire in a mobile home. After the visible fires were put out, the firefighters scanned the site with their thermal camera to determine if there were other hidden fire hazards or embers which could reignite the flames.
This particular mobile home had a wooden frame roof installed above a metal roof. To the naked eye, everything would look safe and clear, but firefighters equipped with their thermal imaging cameras were able to detect an unusual amount of heat in between the two roofs and removed that section of the roof to save the rest of the building.
Second Assistant Chief Bill Ashe recounted, “Without a doubt, the embers eventually would have rekindled the fire and led to a total loss of the mobile home.”
Terrorist found and arrested with a helicopter-mounted thermal camera
In April 2013, two brothers, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev bombed the Boston Marathon with a homemade pressure cooker bomb, killing three and injuring about 264 people. After the success of their attack, the two Islamic extremists had spontaneously decided to attack Times Square but were cornered by police at Watertown, five miles away from the original site of the bombing.
A gunfight ensued, and officers from six different police departments opened fire on the two terrorists in an engagement where at least 200 rounds were fired and six explosive devices were lit up the 100 block of Laurel Street. In the confusion, the older brother Tamerlan ran out of ammo and was arrested. Dzhokar tried to stop his brother’s arrest by ramming into the officers with an SUV, but ran over his brother instead, killing him. Despite successful law enforcement actions in Watertown, Dzhokar was able to get away, and the nationwide manhunt continued.
Hours later, Watertown resident David Henneberry noticed that the tarp covering his parked boat seemed a little loose, and also noticed there was blood on it. He called the police, who arrived at the scene ready with a tactical team and a helicopter with a thermal camera.
The police helicopter trained its thermal imaging device on the boat and confirmed that a person with a heat signature was inside. The figure began poking at the tarp, which prompted police to open fire on the boat.
After a brief firefight, the badly wounded Dzhokar Tsarnaev was arrested and taken to hospital in critical condition. He is currently awaiting the death penalty.
Without interagency cooperation, the cooperation of local residents, and modern technology like the thermal camera, which allowed officers to verify their target and engage from a safe distance, Tsarnaev’s arrest would not have been possible.
Wandering septuagenarian found with thermal drone
In Grant County, east of Seattle, the Hartline and Amira Volunteer Fire Department received a call from dispatch about a missing person.
Apparently, a 70-year-old man with dementia had wandered off into the woods in the middle of the night. The 911 call went out at 1:30 am, and the surrounding woods were pitch black, frustrating rescue personnel who conducted a search on the ground.
The search went on for two and a half hours and exterior temperatures dropped to 32° Fahrenheit. Rescuers knew they were racing against the clock – prolonged exposure to a man who was likely not dressed in winter clothing would most likely lead to him falling victim to hypothermia. To expedite the operation, rescue personnel released a drone equipped with a thermal camera to survey the search area.
The thermal drone found the man within just eight minutes. He was lying still in tall sagebrush, making it impossible for the ground search clue to locate him. With its white hot palette, the cold ground was displayed as dark gray on the thermal camera’s sensor, while the man showed up in bright white, contrasting sharply with the area around him
Rescuers were able to reunite the man safely with his family, and Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones says the rescue would’ve been impossible without the assistance of thermal technology.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/understanding-thermal-image-palettes2023-01-26T11:37:48-06:002023-07-28T15:20:03-05:00Understanding Thermal Image PalettesMichael ValderramaPulsar’s wide array of thermal products take pride in their image palette versatility. With 8 different image palettes which go beyond simple white hot and black hot, users might feel overwhelmed.
More than just differentiating between what objects are hot and cold, the various color palettes can each be used for different purposes. While a user’s choice of palette is ultimately based on personal preferences, this article offers to explain the subtle differences of the many color palette choices Pulsar offers.
White Hot is the default palette available on nearly every thermal device on the market. In this mode, objects giving off the most infrared energy appear white through the display, while cooler objects giving off less heat are depicted as black.
Used for everything from hunting to surveillance as well as search and rescue, this view provides simple contrast between hot and cold objects and on a Pulsar product, produces very sharp images with clear details.
Black Hot is the polar opposite of white hot. In this mode, objects which appear black emit more heat and thermal energy than the gray and white objects around them. Although this might seem like a palette created for a purely aesthetic reason to oppose white hot, users who opt for black hot instead of white hot will find it much easier to track objects in very hot environments where the very ground is emitting massive amounts of infrared energy.
Scanning the Nevada Desert in white hot, for example, would make the entire environment appear white. It would also contribute to eye strain because of the massive amount of light. By contrast, a person using a black hot palette in a hot environment would be able to focus on the minute details of an object without feeling like he’s looking directly into a flashlight.
Rainbow is a palette which captures several layers of heat. On this palette, the objects which emit the most infrared energy appear as red, going on a scale from yellow to dark blue as objects get colder.
In the non-sporting world, this color palette is most often used to detect minute temperature changes in objects, and it’s most often used when conducting building surveys and checking mechanical equipment. In the outdoors, it’s used to provide sharp contrast between animals and environmental objects.
Red Hot displays the hottest infrared signatures as red and yellow on a display that otherwise resembles white hot. For example, when viewing an animal, only its hottest body parts such as its snout and underbelly would appear red while the rest of the image would be flushed out in shades of gray.
This is used to provide contrast for defeating animal camouflage or looking for the hottest objects in areas which are otherwise cool, such as looking for a small white bird sitting on a snowy tree during winter.
Sepia gives the display a brownish/yellowish filter. Dark brown indicates cool objects which emit low levels of infrared energy, while bright yellow indicates heat. Less intense than red and more muted than rainbow, the sepia color palette is best used for long hours of observation when the softness of this color palette is less strenuous on the eyes.
Violet floods the display in a deep, rich purple hue. Much like the sepia palette, areas of the image with intense infrared energy are lit up in yellowish tones, but instead of brown, cold areas are displayed in violet. Thanks to the better contrast between hot yellow and cold purple, this color palette is best used while scanning in rough terrain and hot weather, since it provides slightly more detail than black or white hot in these conditions.
Ultramarine is deceptively similar to rainbow. This multi-color palette enhances the temperature differences of various objects just like its darker counterpart while using a light blue instead of deep indigo to display cool colors. This is especially useful for nighttime observers who want more light in their backgrounds as well as a clearer idea of what is happening around their subject.
Red Monochrome is a very dark filter which only highlights the hottest objects in an image with a bright yellow tinge. This color palette is useful for scanning, since everything but the hottest objects is drowned out in dark red.
As previously mentioned, the choice of palette depends entirely on the user, and these are merely suggestions on how they are to be used. Frequently, thermal hunters switch to white hot for its clarity and never change to another palette ever again. Others want to pretend they’re the Predator and keep their sights on rainbow mode forever. Just as your eyes are your own, no one can dictate which palette you should use your thermal. The best palette is whatever helps you do your job best.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/what-is-amoled2022-12-08T12:37:43-06:002023-07-28T15:20:03-05:00What is AMOLED?Michael ValderramaNewer Pulsar products often boast of high quality AMOLED displays, but many consumers don’t truly know what they are. A discerning thermal hunter might not know, for example, that a device with an AMOLED display is a far more efficient tool than an equivalent with an LCD monitor. This technology is normally used to make sharp display images in smartphones, TVs, and digital cameras. Pulsar has coopted it for use in its thermal devices.
The acronym AMOLED stands for “Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode.” These displays consist of tiny red, green and blue (RGB) pixels in four layers. Each individual pixel operates with its own light source, instead of one large backlight like an LCD would use. This results in very sharp image quality.
AMOLED displays also have a much faster refresh rate compared to LCD displays, with refresh times within the 1 millisecond mark (one second is 1000 milliseconds). This is especially important for real-time recording, since a device with an AMOLED display like a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF is capable of displaying the most minute sways of a leaf or the fluttering of the wings of a nearby bird in spectacular detail.
In practical terms, AMOLED displays offer more vibrant images than their LCD counterparts. This is best illustrated by an AMOLED camera’s response to being pointed in a completely dark room. While an LCD would attempt to show the lack of light by displaying a series of black pixels, a camera with an AMOLED display would simply turn all the “black” pixels off, resulting in deeper blacks and less power consumption. This same technology also means that every colored pixel on an AMOLED display promises to be vivid and crisp, with a high contrast ratio, perfect for distinguishing light from dark, especially in thermal technology.
Pulsar has utilized this new technology to the fullest of its extent in its latest products, and promises to deliver the hunter or nighttime wilderness explorer the clearest and most vibrant thermal imaging available on the market.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/how-to-zero-your-thermal2022-11-10T12:00:02-06:002023-07-28T15:20:03-05:00How to zero your thermalMichael Valderrama
First time users of thermal optics may find themselves discouraged at the range when they discover the traditional red-and-white paper targets they’re used to for zeroing appear instead as plain black or white squares through their scope. Since a thermal scope works through infrared light, they can’t read the ink printed on paper and standard targets cannot be used for zeroing. Instead, heat-based targets are used in place, but otherwise the same rules of zeroing apply. Here are some of the different techniques you can try in your backyard or at the range:
High Contrast Targets
The color black absorbs heat. Therefore, making a high contrast target with a white backing and target zones made of black duct tape is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to set up a target for thermal. However, it may not be the most efficient way, since any shots that land in the white zones of your target won’t be seen clearly through your thermal optic.
Hot Foil Tape
If your shots aren’t hitting paper, it may be prudent to purchase a large, completely black target board made of foam or cardstock and stick self-adhesive foil tape on it for aiming points. Since metal foil absorbs sunlight much better than plain black paper, the foil tape, once left under the heat of the sun, should appear either very bright or very dark through your optic, depending on your palette choice. Any shots fired through the warm tape or board should leave a distinctive hole which can be used for zeroing.
Frozen Screws
While this method may be tedious and time consuming, it leaves clear and distinct marks on your target which are perfect for zeroing, rather than barely visible bullet holes. Under the heat of the sun, cold objects will appear as very dark or very bright depending on your palette settings. You will need several short screws (approximately the same diameter as your ammo if you can get them) on ice in a cooler and a paper target with stiff backing made of cardstock or museum board, strong enough to support the weight of a small screw without folding. Fire a group of two or three shots in your board and fill the holes with those frozen screws. Looking through thermal, you should have a good view of your shot placement. After this, it’s simply a matter of adjusting your windage and elevation towards the distinct dots on your target.
Hand Warmers
Lining up an array of hand warmers on a board to act as a target is both relatively cheap and hassle-free. Perfect for cold weather or zeroing at night, hand warmers light up the night in infrared just like cold objects darken during the day. Simply tape some hand warmers to cover a flat surface and fire away. The disadvantage of this setup is the hand warmers will leak once shot, and bullet holes may prove to be difficult to find.
Pulsar Thermal targets
For the scrupulous shooter who doesn’t want a DIY solution, Pulsar offers thermal zeroing targets for sale, purpose-made for zeroing thermal optics. Consisting of paper targets and pads which heat up when exposed to oxygen, this high-tech thermal target set is guaranteed to be the most reliable option for zeroing your thermal scope. Best for low temperatures, Pulsar’s thermal zeroing targets glow hot for anywhere from 10 – 20 minutes, so they should not be opened until they are ready for use.
What about you? What is your favorite way to zero your thermal device? Tell us in the comments below.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/daytime-hunting-with-the-merger-lrf-xp502022-11-07T16:00:02-06:002023-04-13T09:53:16-05:00Daytime hunting with the Merger LRF XP50Michael Valderrama
It was a warm Texas Friday afternoon in late October. Expecting deer to come out in 85° heat was wishful thinking, but I was, hanging out in the hunting stand. I sat patiently, like a bachelor waiting for a girl that I didn’t make the best first impressions on. There was no guarantee that I wouldn’t be stood up.
Yet, after hours of silent waiting, they showed up – two fine looking does, both about two years old, walked up to the feeder just before legal shooting light ended.
Some might be wondering why I chose to use thermal binoculars on a daytime hunt. The fact of the matter is the Merger LRF XP50 isn’t limited by the time of day. Since it’s a pair of thermal binoculars and not night vision, the daytime world won’t be washed out in brightness like it would be if viewed through a pair of PVS-14s.
Instead, the Merger LRF XP50 defeats any natural camouflage animals may be using to hide in whatever environment you might be hunting in. With its high resolution 640x480 sensor, no creature is too small for the Merger to detect.
Despite its size, this tiny bird appears clear through the Merger’s viewfinder, while the integrated rangefinder is sensitive enough to determine its range. All this in full sunlight.
Built with an intuitive interface, the Merger’s various controls are quick to learn and easy to access. The rangefinder is toggled with the press of a button and is capable of detecting objects up to a thousand yards away, more than enough for any rifle hunter.
The Merger’s rangefinder is usable in both single measurement and scan mode. In single measurement, the user taps the Merger’s LRF button to measure the distance of a single distant object. In contrast, Scan mode keeps the Merger LRF laser on and measures the distances of all the objects its laser touches.
Unlike digital night vision, which converts ambient light into a digital image, thermal works by detecting long-wave infrared, which is emitted by all objects, both living and non-living. Since thermal can see at higher wavelengths than night vision, it can also see through smoke and fog, so a misty morning means nothing to the Merger.
Precise, practical, and highly versatile, Pulsar’s Merger LRF XP50 pro is perfect for daytime hunting due to its ability to pierce through fog and defeat camouflage as well as its long distance rangefinder.
Would you use digital thermal imaging in the daytime? Tell us why or why not in the comments.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/pulsar-improves-on-the-accolade-with-the-new-merger2022-10-31T15:30:00-05:002024-01-18T23:48:29-06:00Pulsar improves on the Accolade with the new MergerMichael Valderrama
When Pulsar released the Accolade in January of 2021, it took the world of thermal vision by storm. These compact digital binoculars had eye-friendly adjustable screens with the ability to pierce through damp or misty nights with its finely engineered sensor. It worked well in all conditions and provided an easy to use interface even for users with gloved hands.
Now, with the new Merger LRF XP50, Pulsar builds on the greatness of the Accolade to exceed the expectations of its loyal customers who have come to know and trust Pulsar for its excellence. The Merger was designed with a traditional European finish, one of the cleanest fits and finishes on the market. Similar in look and feel to a traditional pair of binoculars, the Merger has great ergonomics and fits snug in its user’s palms. The Merger’s interface is both simple and unobtrusive. Even with gloved hands, these thermal binocular’s controls are easy to manipulate.
Designed with a new, more robust shell, Pulsar has transitioned away from the plastic/glass nylon composite of previous designs and has built the Merger using high quality magnesium alloy. This rugged, durable construction makes the Merger suitable for harsh outdoor conditions, especially with its IPX7 waterproof rating.
A comparison of the visual fidelity of the Merger to its predecessor, the Accolade, reveals night and day differences between the two thermal binoculars. The Merger features a larger F50/1.0 Germanium objective lens than its predecessor. Combined with its 1024x768 display, a substantial upgrade from the Accolade’s 640x480, the Merger’s image quality provides crisp, high resolution images that were simply not possible to capture in the Accolade. The Merger retains the impressive 1900 yard detection range of the Accolade as well as its 1000 yard laser rangefinder.
The convenience of streaming videos and pictures through the Stream Vision 2 app has carried over to the Merger, and the new thermal binoculars feature integrated 5GHz Wi-Fi, with longer range and faster transfer speeds than the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi on the Accolade.
Along with other improvements, the Merger boasts a longer battery life. With its Dual Li-Ion power system consisting of an external APS3 chargeable battery and a built in battery pack, the Merger can run for 10 hours in the field, more than enough for a long night of wildlife scanning or trekking. To further extend its battery life, the Merger comes equipped with an optional automatic on/off function in the form of a proximity sensor, which puts the unit to sleep whenever the binoculars are away from a user’s face and wakes it up again when in use.
The Merger’s high performance, rugged reliability, long battery life and wide range of features make it a top contender in the world of thermal optics. Aside from hunters and forest rangers, law enforcement and search and rescue personnel will find this solid piece of equipment perfect for conducting reconnaissance or rescues on dark nights. Sold for the same price point as the Accolade, there is no reason for a discerning buyer to accept anything less.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/one-shot-zero-with-the-talion-xq382022-10-19T15:24:34-05:002023-07-28T15:20:03-05:00One-shot zero with the Talion XQ38Michael ValderramaThe Talion XQ38, named after the French word for retaliation, lives up to its name as one of the best thermal scopes for nighttime varmint control. Whatever pest comes out of the woods to destroy property or upturn farmland, the Talion will be ready to deal with it. With its five weapon profiles and 50 zeroing distances, this scope can be mounted on a different rifle for every critter. Users can mount it on a .308 for boar then mount it again on a 10/22 for raccoon hunting a few hours later the same evening without having to zero it again. Thanks to the Talion’s weapon profiles, transferring the scope from one weapon to another is as easy as switching weapon profiles and distances in the scope’s menu.
However, the act of zeroing the scope for the first time might be odd to a first-time Pulsar user. The Talion lacks the windage and elevation adjustment knobs of a traditional riflescope. Instead, zeroing is done through its digital interface, which can potentially save the user more ammo than traditional zeroing.
For some users of daytime optics, the one shot zero technique is employed to save ammo. In it, the rifle is placed securely in a gun vise, a shot is fired, and the scope’s windage and elevation are adjusted to align with the bullet hole. The issue with the one-shot zero technique is it can only be done if a shooter’s rifle is held securely in an immobile gun vise, as any slight variations will offset the scope’s minute adjustments. The Talion does not have this problem.
Many of Pulsar’s scopes come standard with the one-shot “freeze zeroing” function. This unique feature allows users to take a single shot and zero the rifle without the use of a gun vise or even particularly steady hands. Using the “freeze” function, the scope takes a photo of the target down range. To use the freeze function, the user must first determine the distance of the target and feed it to the Talion through its menu, after which the device will enter zeroing mode. A small, red cross will appear on the Talion’s digital display, which can be adjusted via windage and elevation controls in the windage/elevation sub menu. With this function, a shooter can fire once, freeze the target, make his weapon safe and adjust his windage and elevation without worrying about weapon sway or making inaccurate follow up shots.
The Talion XQ38 also has phenomenal image quality in both daytime and nighttime thanks to its 1024x768 and <40 mK NETD. This versatile optic can be used either at day or night with 9 hours of battery life and comes fully equipped with a high-tech suite of features including integrated Wi-Fi for Stream Vision 2 support and 16gb of memory to store its high-quality photos and videos.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/wildlife-watching-with-thermal2022-09-28T09:56:13-05:002024-01-18T23:42:41-06:00Wildlife Watching with ThermalGlobe Runner
I had long wondered what practical applications thermal imaging might have outside of the hunting world. The most obvious purpose for high quality thermal optics, in my mind is exploration. In my youth, I was fond of hiking in the rainforests of my home country, but as the curtain of night would fall and the once-still greenery of the forest would begin to come alive with all manner of howls and chirps, human hikers would have to leave before darkness could completely overtake them and leave them stranded in the woods. Now, I finally had the opportunity to see what the woods were like when they were truly awake.
Pulsar’s Merger LRF XP50 Thermal Binoculars were perfect for some late-night wildlife observation. I had never used them before, but my expectations were high due to Pulsar’s name alone. Taking the Merger out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised to know I wouldn’t have to waste time charging its batteries for first time use. The Merger’s APS 3 battery boasted ten hours of continuous operation with both batteries, thanks in part to battery saving features like its proximity sensor, which puts the unit to sleep as soon as it senses the user no longer has the device near his face.
Knowing I wouldn’t need to worry about the device dying mid-expedition, I made my way over to Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve in Plano, Texas. With 800 acres of well-preserved forest located in the middle of the city, Oak Point is Plano’s largest park. It was also one of the few parks that closed at 11pm, making it perfect for nighttime animal observation. Oak Point promised rattlesnakes, bobcats, coyotes, owls and other creatures of the night. I was excited to put the Merger to the test.
When I arrived at Oak Point, there was hardly a soul around. The only light sources came from the streetlamps in the parking lot and bungalows. Beyond the cement walkways, the lake and forest trails beyond were completely engulfed in darkness. The last few late night hikers who remained were making their way out of the park, leaving no one to disturb the animals. After giving the manual a brief review, I turned on the Merger and let it lead me through the night. Almost immediately I spotted my first animal.
Visible only through the Merger, a nine banded armadillo foraged for food near the riverbank. It dug away at the soil, searching for insects with its tiny claws, oblivious to the fact I was only a few feet away.
The Merger’s high definition 640x480 sensor displayed the little creature with surprising sharpness. As far as I could tell, there was no lag between the creature’s actions in real time and what the Merger was showing through its display. The device’s automatic Non-uniformity Correction (NUC) calibration also helped reduce any image flaws like vertical bars and unwanted specks from IR radiation.
Continuing down the trail, I tested the Merger’s laser range finder as I went on various trees and structures in the distance. Considering the unit was handheld and not mounted on a tripod for stability, the readings were consistent in both “manual” rangefinding mode and scan mode. In “manual” rangefinding, the unit measures the distance of any object within its crosshairs at the push of a button, while scan mode emits a constant laser, automatically feeding the user data on the distance and angle of whatever the unit is pointing at.
The Merger’s eight different color palettes also came in handy while observing wildlife. A bird’s feathers offer terrific insulation for the animal and are more difficult to detect on thermal vision in black hot or white hot modes. In rainbow mode, however, I managed to capture a great egret as it finished its midnight fishing trip and flew off into the darkness.
The Merger’s high shutter speed manages to capture this photo with minimal blur and distortion. While the egret’s feathers camouflage the bird itself, its IR radiation reflects red heat off the lake’s water. While thermal vision isn’t the best for fishing, it’s better than plain night vision for wildlife observation on land.
The many features of these high-tech thermal binoculars don’t just end with its photo capabilities. Using the Stream Vision 2 App with the device can be a nuanced experience which users may find to be quite convenient when they understand it. First time Pulsar owners might be confused about how to “connect their phones to Wi-Fi” in the middle of the wilderness. However, Wi-Fi in the case of Stream Vision 2 does not mean “Internet.” The Merger functions as its own offline hotspot which a phone can connect. Once the phone is connected to the device’s hotspot, to both act as a viewfinder and ad-hoc trail camera. The device’s proximity sensor will turn off, and if the Merger is mounted on a tripod (through its tripod adapter) or placed on a steady surface, the observer can simply relax out of sight of any animals while viewing the Merger’s output through his phone.
Settings are also easier to manipulate through stream vision. Color palettes, which would normally require a user to go through color mode settings for each color type, can now be switched via a tap of the thumb. The same ease of accessibility applies to the Merger’s brightness, contrast, zoom feature, picture-in-picture setting, calibration modes and options. Finally, downloading footage from the device and storing it into Stream Vision 2’s cloud service was as simple as clearing the device of files. All the file manipulation is done via the app. There’s no need to fiddle with wires or remember obscure folder paths.
The Merger LRF XP50 is truly a high-tech marvel for observing the wilderness at night. Although it’s primarily designed with hunters in mind, the Merger is the perfect tool for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/does-night-vision-work-in-total-darkness2022-09-07T09:13:12-05:002023-04-13T09:59:53-05:00Does night vision work in total darkness?Michael Valderrama
If a night vision device is equipped with an infrared illuminator, this will provide the necessary light for the device to function. To understand why this works, we must first understand night vision itself.
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In short? No. Night vision devices work by amplifying the available light in a given area, so if there’s absolutely no light to amplify, then your night vision device turns into an expensive blindfold. However, that doesn’t mean night vision devices are useless in total darkness.
If a night vision device is equipped with an infrared illuminator, this will provide the necessary light for the device to function. To understand why this works, we must first understand night vision itself.
All objects reflect infrared light from sources like the moon or the stars, and analog night vision devices work by enhancing this light, which typically results in a bright green image thanks to the green phosphor used in their image intensification tubes. Unfortunately, analog night vision goggles will suffer damage if they are exposed to direct sunlight.
By contrast, digital night vision can be safely used in any lighting conditions. This variant works by converting small amounts of ambient light into an electronic signal that is viewed by the user, typically in black and white.
Now, in the case of a zero-light environment, an infrared illuminator can come in handy to provide a light source. These devices operate like flashlights, except they are invisible to the naked eye. Only devices like image intensifier tubes used in analog night vision and digital night vision sensors can detect the light from IR illuminators.
However, IR illuminators aren’t the only solution to seeing in zero-light environments. Thanks to new technology, some devices are now able to offer a blend of digital thermal and night vision. The Fusion Mode available on Pulsar’s Trionyx Multispectral Fusion Binoculars combines heat-seeking digital thermal imaging to detect living things via heat and night vision technology to illuminate the darkness in crystal clear quality. In addition, the Trionyx’s built-in IR illuminator switches on in environments with insufficient light.
Knowing this, users shouldn’t be concerned about whether their expensive night vision optic will function in a zero-light environment, rather they need only worry about what the battery life and quality of their IR illuminator.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/the-hog-dog-helion-blog2021-12-13T10:30:00-06:002024-01-05T06:01:15-06:00The Hog-Dog Helion BlogSellmark WebmasterByPulsar• December 13, 2021
In the wilderness, without tools, humans are generally useless and defenseless. Our teeth aren’t meant for fighting, nor are our fingernails, and our soft skin is easily broken. Compared to most animals, we have poor eyesight, a poor sense of smell, and we don’t run very fast.
In the wilderness, without tools, humans are generally useless and defenseless. Our teeth aren’t meant for fighting, nor are our fingernails, and our soft skin is easily broken. Compared to most animals, we have poor eyesight, a poor sense of smell, and we don’t run very fast. Our climbing abilities are sub-par, and we can swim reasonably well, as long as there are no marine predators, currents, seaweed or cold temperatures.
Our sense of hearing is rather weak, and our diets are specialized towards cooked food and a small selection of edible plants. When it comes to wilderness survival, our sole evolutionary advantage is our over-sized brains. Humans are intelligent, if nothing else, and we’ve learned to bend more primitive, savage creatures towards our purposes.
People have been hunting with dogs forthousands of years.The average dogcan smellbetween 1,000-10,000,000 times better than the average human, which makes them ideal for tracking prey across uneven, wooded terrain.
Canine visual acuity isstill being studied, but the consensus is dogs can see better during dusk and dawn (prime hunting hours), and they have a quicker recognition-mechanism for moving objects. When it comes to hearing, dogs can detect frequencies from 67-45000 Hz, compared to the human range of 64-23,000 Hz, which means a dog can hear about4 times furtherthan a human.
These attributes, combined with their sharp teeth, 20mph running speed and natural aggression, make dogs the perfect brawny-complement to human intelligence. When a human and dog hunt together, the combination is extremely effective.
Considering America’sferal hog crisis, hunting with dogs is not merely a fun hobby – it’s a necessity. In these modern times, the human-dog hunting combination has found the perfect complement: Thermal Imaging.
The ability to see heat signatures isrelatively new technology, and the finest purveyor of thermal imaging, without a close second, isPulsar. Pulsar’s vast collection of thermal imagers includes the legendaryHelion XP. For a sense of the Helion XP’s power, consider these features:
640×480 microbolometer resolution
1970-yard detection range
8x digital zoom
Picture-in-Picture digital zoom
Built-in Recording
Stream Vision App connects to smart device
Rock and forest object identification modes
Defective pixel repair feature
With these spectacular capabilities, is it any wonder that some enterprising hunters utilize the human + canine + thermal imaging combination? With these three separate entities, nuisance animals don’t stand a chance. In order to understand how truly effective this combination is, a representative from Pulsar caught up with a popular hunter in Florida,The Python Cowboy.
Pulsar: Thanks for doing this interview, Mr. Python.
Python Cowboy: Please, call me Mike.
Pulsar: Absolutely. Now, Mr. Python, let’s establish some basics – How did you come up with your nickname and which region do you prefer to hunt? Why?
Mike: The year I started hunting pythons was with the first group of state-contracted hunters in the SFWMD Python Program. That’s when people started calling me the python cowboy, probably because my background working on cattle ranches, my style of clothes, and just how I hit pythons’ full throttle! I prefer to hunt the pythons south of lake Okeechobee out in the swamp, depending on time of year, north of Homestead…specifically ‘Area 3’ for all my South Florida locals!
I feel this area has the highest concentration and is sort of ground zero for people dumping their nonnative pets into our Everglades. I can hunt either by airboat/jon-boat, on foot, or even in my truck on levees that stretch up to 20+ miles into the swamp to help control water levels and direct flow.
Pulsar: Excellent. So how long have you been hunting with dogs, and who taught you?
Mike: I’ve been keen on training dogs most my life, but I have only gotten into using dogs to hunt and help me in conservation efforts this past 5 years or so. I like to think I’ve learned a lot of it on my own with very strong guidance from Allie and her dad #GoKartRicky. Between them, they have 60+ years’ experience; Allie started hunting with him in a car seat on a swamp buggy at 6 months old and hasn’t stopped since!
Pulsar: How many dogs do you use, and which breeds do you prefer?
Mike: I currently have a growing pack of 12 working dogs with 3 more being picked up this week from #GoKartRicky’s new litter of promising hunters. The number of dogs I use at one time all depends on the job. Sometimes we may take 6 at once because we expect large groups of hogs or want to have fresh dogs ready to roll for a long hunt.
Sometimes one dog is all I need, for example when I hunt iguanas and Egyptian geese, I will usually just bring our dog Otto. My favorite breed of dog would have to be the Florida Cur or Black Mouth Cur, but we use everything from Catahoula Leopard dogs and GWPs to purebred Ladner curs and Rhodesian Ridgeback mixes. Plott hounds are another favorite as well.
Pulsar: Great! So, what are some advantages and disadvantages to hunting with dogs?
Mike: There are many advantages that comes with hunting with dogs. The most obvious being their sense of smell. They can track and locate different species of animals I’m trying to find and remove, whether alive, or maybe one I just shot and need to recover. But that’s just the beginning. I also use them to help me capture the animal in most cases.
For example: most of the hogs on hog jobs I’m contracted are trap-smart. Usually a trapper before me has proven unsuccessful so now they were referred to me. Shooting a hog and removing it is one thing, but I much prefer to squeeze that extra dollar out of it, keep the hogs alive and sell them as livestock. This is where my pack of trained hog dogs come in crucial! Even with trap-smart hogs I’m able to find them where they are, capture them alive and transport them back to the ranch to be fattened up and sold! I could go on and on about the advantages, but you get the idea…now for some of the disadvantages!
These dogs ain’t cheap and they sure as hell ain’t easy y’all! They eat a lot of expensive food and require a lot of medical care in their line of work. We try to do most everything in house, even surgeries when possible, but there are still a lot of expenses. There is always something to deal with or some new hurdle to overcome but that’s what I’m all about!
These dogs have high drives, lots of power and can sometimes have BAD attitudes towards each other… they can be a handful! At the end of the day you get out what you put in and believe me it takes ALOT of blood, sweat and tears if you want to be a true houndsman.
Pulsar: Excellent, now let’s discuss your Pulsar device. Do you find the Helion XP easy to operate? Do you understand all its features?
Mike: The Helion XP has been very easy to operate, especially after using the ATN Thor the year prior, there is a day-and-night difference in imaging and interface. It is very user friendly and just feels like a quality tool. I was able to quickly understand and figure out all the features, and that’s usually where I have trouble. I’m extremely pleased with it so far.
Pulsar: Does the Helion XP perform how you would expect?
Mike: The Helion performed better than I expected. I was totally blown away the first time I saw the difference between just the imaging of the Helion vs thermals I’ve previously used.
I could easily navigate woods & water with just using this thermal, and I had a lot of trouble getting around using other thermals. I was also surprised how easily I was able to identify which animal I was looking at while using the Helion; usually identification can be an issue using thermals.
Pulsar: Are you able to locate feral hogs more efficiently with the Helion XP?
Mike: Idefinitelyhave been able to locate hogs and all wildlife much more efficiently using the Helion XP. With the combination of my thermal “eyes” and my dog’s noses, we’ve been unstoppable!
Pulsar: Does the Helion XP make the hunt safer for you and your dogs?
Mike: The Helion makes the hunt much safer for me and my dogs. I’m able to scan an area very quickly and have a very good idea of what animals are around and how many we are about to encounter. It is easier to develop a plan of attack when you see the enemy before they see you, or you are right on top of them.
Being able to have eyes on the dogs while crouching around palmetto heads really helps too. A lot of times you can still make out their heat signature in between the vegetation. With feral hogs you can get yourself into a sticky situation quick! Also, it is a big help spotting gators in bodies of water without shining lights. Because they’re cold-blooded, you can’t see their heat signature, but you can still see their outline.
Pulsar: What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of hog-dogging with a thermal device like the Helion XP?
Mike: I must say the Pulsar Helion XP has been a game changer, especially while hunting hogs with the dogs out on the airboat. I can spot hogs from insane distances and close in on em’ before they even know we are releasing the dogs! Beyond that, it’s been a huge help just keeping an eye on my dogs, day or night.
A lot of times I can get a better idea of what they are doing by watching them with the handheld, especially in vegetation. It’s great for spotting hogs then dropping dogs on the ground to catch them without the hogs having any warning. Honestly, the only disadvantage was having to carry the device…and I can deal with that.
Pulsar: Did hog-dogging with a thermal change any of your real-time decisions?
Mike: Using the thermal while hog dogging helps me make more informed and careful decisions because I have a much better idea of what the dogs are doing and what’s around us. I don’t have to shine lights everywhere to try and see what’s going on.
Pulsar: Do you plan on using your Helion XP for future hunts?
Mike: I definitely plan on keeping my Helion XP thermal handheld close for all my future hunts, including with the dogs! I get a little better with it each hunt and am starting to feel naked without it.
Pulsar: Great, thanks for taking the time to discuss your work and experiences with the Helion XP. We wish you all the best in your future adventures.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/trionyx-multispectral-binoculars2021-09-14T09:00:00-05:002023-07-28T15:20:03-05:00Trionyx Multispectral BinocularsGlobe Runner
When it comes to Pulsar, the brand-new Trionyx Multispectral Binoculars may have just ended all debate. Trionyx do more than fulfill their purpose. They do more than just beat the competition. They exceed every expectation—above and beyond—in undeniable, dominating fashion.
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The trend of modern technology is clear – greater power, features, connectivity and convenience. Computers, phones, vehicles…you name it, and chances are some team of engineers is diligently working to make it sleeker, faster and more versatile. Modern devices—of every variety— are inexorably evolving in capability while costing less and less. For lovers of free-market competition, and for all consumers, this is a good development. It means we get devoted companies tirelessly working to earn our business and prove they’re the best.
Multispectral Binoculars
When it comes to Pulsar, the brand-new Trionyx Multispectral Binoculars may have just ended all debate about the 'best of the best'. Trionyx do more than fulfill their purpose. They do more than just beat the competition. They exceed every expectation—above and beyond—in undeniable, dominating fashion.
Every law enforcement officer, hunter, rancher or plain-old outdoors enthusiast needs a Trionyx Binocular. They are the first, last, and only optic that covers every base.
For police officers, state troopers, sheriffs, federal marshals, immigration agents and anyone who is part of the ‘Thin Blue Line’, the Trionyx Binoculars are a godsend. The Trionyx’s 384x288 fixed-focus thermal capabilities enable heat-signature detection up to 1,000 yards away with 2.5-10x imaging magnification. That means fleeing suspects, recently-used firearms, recently-handled drugs and warm vehicles will be instantly obvious.
After the thermal detection, the Trionyx can simply be switched over to focusable digital night vision mode with 3.5-14x magnification—with the included IR Illuminator—to acquire positive target identification. There is no need to fumble with a different device or rely on guesswork. The Trionyx handles virtually everything except the actual arrest.
The benefits to hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts are countless. Experienced hunters know that taking a clean, ethical shot is paramount to responsible hunting and conservationism. With the Trionyx, hunters can quickly locate their desired prey animal with the thermal sensor, and then switch to the digital night vision to obtain positive target identification. This will help reduce accidental shootings of non-game animals such as pets, livestock or human beings. Even better, all these spectacular features are packed into a single unit, so there won’t be the unnecessary weight and bulkiness of carrying multiple optics.
To go further, the Trionyx have video-recording capabilities and Wi-Fi connectivity, plus compatibility with the Stream Vision 2 App, so users can capture and preserve all their precious hunting memories.
Additional Usages
For other outdoorsy types like hikers, bird watchers, park rangers, photographers or biologists, the Trionyx’s advantages are obvious and substantial. Interesting animals hiding behind bushes or vegetation can be quickly spotted, photographed and documented. Hikers can scope out the best trails and potential hazards as they traverse uneven, unfamiliar terrain. Park rangers can locate lost hikers, trespassers and poachers with stunning accuracy and little effort.
The benefits of thermal imaging to commercial ranchers are well-documented. Ranchers with giant herds of livestock—sometimes over 1,000 animals—need thermal imaging to quickly locate and tally their herd to safeguard their assets. If an animal falls into a ditch, gets caught in a fence or falls ill, a piece of thermal imaging equipment can assist the rancher in pinpointing the animal’s location and potentially saving its life.
One particularly unique innovation of the Trionyx Binoculars is its ability to fuse thermal and digital night vision into a single image. This new technology—known as multispectral overlay—is continuing to be developed and updated via software. While the overlaid image only magnifies to the thermal’s capability, which is 2.5-10x, developers are excited about combining these technologies until there is no need to even switch between thermal and digital night vision. They can work in simultaneous harmony.
More Features
For all its accolades, the Trionyx still retains the traditional, built-in technological features of most Pulsar devices. It sports eight unique color palettes: white-hot, black-hot, red-hot, red monochrome, rainbow, ultramarine, violet and sepia. These different viewing choices enable users to differentiate between animals, plants and inanimate objects in their preferred palette.
Trionyx Binoculars also have 16GB of internal memory, so there’s plenty of storage space for pictures and videos. Users can also utilize the Stream Vision App to send their content to various file storage systems or social media sites. For law enforcement, this can be especially useful to preserve video evidence for court proceedings. For hunters, hikers and such, they can share all their special memories with family and friends.
In view of the Trionyx’s spectacular tech, one might think they’re delicate, fragile devices – but they would be wrong. Trionyx Binoculars are made of a durable glass-nylon composite material and boast an IPX7 waterproof rating, which means they’re fully waterproof and can even be submerged in 1 meter of water for 30 minutes (Pulsar doesn’t recommend unnecessarily testing this specification). They’re also fully fog-proof, to add another layer of protection. Trionyx Binoculars can operate in temperatures ranging from -13F to 104F (-25C to 40C), meaning they’re equally useful in bitterly cold or unbearably hot regions.
If there are concerns about the Trionyx’ battery life, let’s dispel that notion. Powered by a TPS7 Li-Ion battery, they will work for up to 6 hours without using the IR Illuminator and will work for 4.5 hours with the IR Illuminator. They can also be powered by an external, 5V USB Type-C charging cable.
All things considered, the Trionyx Binoculars are essentially multiple devices—and unique technologies—packed into a single unit. If the user prefers, they can use the 384x288 thermal sensor to their heart’s content. If they only want the digital night vision imaging, that’s another option.
The Do-It-All Binoculars
If you really want to get the most out of Trionyx, you should use both modes, plus the multispectral overlay—or fusion—to accommodate all your hunting, shooting and optical needs. The Trionyx’s techie characteristics, including the video-recording, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique imaging choices, truly make this unit one-of-a-kind. In fact, this degree of technology has never been commercially available to the general public until now.
The company that has made this all possible—and continues to innovate—is Pulsar. Whether you need riflescopes, binoculars, thermal, digital night vision or accessories, Pulsar will be there.
Image. Quality.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/starting-a-family-and-maintaining-an-outdoor-presence2021-08-31T14:30:00-05:002024-01-05T06:02:07-06:00Starting a Family and Maintaining an Outdoor PresenceGlobe RunnerBybmatheus•
Being in the outdoors, hunting and fishing, has always been a part of my life. I remember getting up before dawn to chase steelhead heading upstream to complete their annual trip to the breeding grounds.
Being in the outdoors, hunting and fishing, has always been a part of my life. I remember getting up before dawn to chase steelhead heading upstream to complete their annual trip to the breeding grounds, or hanging high in the tree stand, listening to the sounds of mating deer.
These are the moments I, and many other sportsmen, live for. However, I had a point in my life where starting a family became a priority. In September, 2014, my wife April and I found we were expecting our first child. In May 2015, my life changed forever—our first daughter was born. It wasn’t until that very moment I found out what unconditional love really is.
The excitement of the start of our family, plus the fear of being responsible for this tiny life, is something I will never forget. A short two years later, our second daughter made her appearance. The joy of being a father to these two beautiful little girls is something I can never express. These circumstances changed my outdoor focus to family goals.
Being home for the family throughout the day put my time in the outdoors on the back burner. As much as I longed for fresh air, I found it very difficult—almost impossible—to fit that time in my schedule.
I’m very fortunate to have a job that puts me in a position to work regular 8-5 Monday through Friday, allowing me to be home on the evenings and weekends to be a dad and spend time with the kids. Let’s face it, no hobby in the world takes the place of the quality of time you have with your own children.
In December 2016, between the births of my daughters, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) voted to allow the use of centerfire rifles at night for predator hunting. I cannot thank the Centerfire at Night group of individuals enough for petitioning the NRC and DNR for this opportunity.
Although you could already predator hunt at night in Michigan, we were restricted to rimfires and shotguns. Both have their place in predator hunting, but range is extremely limited. This new opportunity filled the one opening in my schedule—nighttime.
The passing of this legislation brought on a huge increase in predator hunters throughout the state, many of whom were looking for the same reprieve from the daily grind as I was. Through social media, it was easier to locate other nocturnal hunters to spend some time in the field.
Hunting at Night
Getting started, I was on a very tight budget and ordered a gun-mounted hunting light from NightSnipe Hunting Lights. A light gets you in the field for as little as a couple of hundred dollars while still putting fur on the ground.
As the popularity of nighttime hunting grew, the predator population also became less tolerant of hunting lights. Not saying they aren’t effective, just not as effective as when the sport was young.
Although red and green are low on a predator’s visible light spectrum, it changes the dynamic of the scenario when you’re trying to bring them in. Fellow hunters found predators locking up and not closing the game to comfortable shooting ranges.
Switching to an infrared (IR) light and a night vision scope is a game-changer for many nighttime hunters. It greatly improves the number of predators working the set, allowing for close shots and easy target identification.
Predator hunting is my primary objective – I’ve found that being mobile and versatile provides me more shot opportunities. Having access to multiple properties allows you to use the weather conditions in your favor—wind being the key factor. Fooling the nose of a canine is impossible. I have yet to find a device or product capable of eliminating the human odor enough to fool Ol’ Wiley Coyote.
If I am expecting a woodlot or drainage to hold a coyote or two, I make sure my scent is blowing out the into the open terrain. However, while completing a stand, I have my head on a swivel. Even if I expect a coyote to come from a woodlot, they can sometimes materialize, seemingly out of nowhere, often working towards the downwind side of the caller.
Thermal and Night Vision Changes the Game
While calling, I like to use thePulsar Helion thermal monocularfor scanning. The contrast between hot and cold objects makes animals much more visible, especially at longer distances than scanning with night vision. From the moment I set foot out of the truck, to the moment I get back in the truck, I am constantly scanning.
Predators are almost always traveling and looking for food. Under the cover of darkness, they feel comfortable in the wide-open terrain. Once a potential target is located, you can then switch on your IR and look through the Digisight N455 digital riflescope to identify.
Once you’ve identified your target as a predator, it’s time to coax it into range for a shot. This is about the time I also hit the record button the Digisight to capture the action as it all goes down. I can replay and share the success or on the flip side, see what I did wrong.
Closing the Distance
I’m a big fan of mouse or baby rabbit distress to get them to close the distance. Ninety-five percent of the time, a light bark or lip squeak will get them to stop. If they don’t stop, I keep increasing the intensity of the sound until they do.
The other five percent of the time, they have their mind set on one thing, so taking a moving shot may be needed. Knowing your rifle’s capabilities is important in these cases.
Shot Placement
I primarily use a .223 as my predator rifle. On a predator walk at 100 yards, I place my lead at the brisket of the coyote. This typically places the bullet about mid rib cage. If the coyote is on a dead run at that distance, I tend to lead half a coyote length, which puts the crosshairs jut in front of their nose.
This is not a perfect science and with experience and several attempts, you will start to get the instinctive feel of your rifle to make these types of shots more consistently.
I’ve missed plenty of coyotes, and when I replay the video, it doesn’t lie. Every time I missed, the crosshairs were not on target. Adrenaline and excitement get even the most seasoned hunters from time to time.
Digital Night Vision for Predator Hunting
The cost of night vision equipment is considerably lower than thermal vision. Night vision is a little easier to fit into the budget. At a retail cost of around $1300, thePulsar Digisight N450/N455at 1280×720 resolution provides ultra-crisp target identification both day and night.
Ambient light provides illumination for daytime use and at night, the use of an IR light produces a light that is invisible to you and your targets. Pulsar’s stock IR is capable of target identification upwards of 550 yards. This range can be increased with the addition of a higher-powered IR.
I’ve also found that mounting the IR below your rifle, on the foregrip helps minimize the smoke glare after a shot is taken, allowing faster recovery and target tracking for follow-up shots if needed.
One of the most convenient things I’ve noticed with Pulsar products is the menu. The layout of the menu among all the product is almost identical—all are very easy to navigate and adjust everything from brightness and contrast to reticle type and colors, even zero functions.
If you’re looking for one scope capable of producing consistent results, regardless if you are hunting deer, pigs or predators, thePulsar Digisight N455is the only scope you need. Handling recoil of up to .375 H&H, this digital night vision scope can be mounted to a multitude of different hunting rifles.
Five different rifle profiles allow you to easily transfer the scope from one rifle to another—one profile set for small game and or predator calibers, mid-range calibers for pigs and deer, or even long-range for antelope or elk.
There are multiple reticle options to choose from which helps in scenarios where quick elevation and windage adjustments are needed. To aid with long-range shots, Pulsar’s signature Picture-in-Picture feature allows for the base magnification field-of-view and increase magnification of the target on the same screen.
This feature comes in handy especially if follow-up shots are needed—using the increased magnification for the first shot and base magnification for any follow-up shots on moving targets. This, coupled with onboard recording, allows you to relieve the shot and confirm crosshair placement.
As a predator and big game hunter, the Digisight N455 offers many features to keep me in the field whenever time allows. My email inbox is always open for predator hunting questions or questions regarding any of the Pulsar line of products:chriskreiner@greatoutdoorpursuits.com.
Good luck in the fields!
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-thermal-imaging-for-cattle-management2021-08-16T13:30:00-05:002023-04-13T09:54:03-05:00How to Use Thermal Imaging for Cattle ManagementGlobe RunnerBybmatheus•
The daily grind of ranching life—an honest one, working animals on the land—is rewarding. The practice reaches backward through our bloodlines to the earliest days of the American Dream.
The daily grind of ranching life—an honest one, working animals on the land—is rewarding. The practice reaches backward through our bloodlines to the earliest days of the American Dream.
150 years ago, after the realization of Manifest Destiny, livestock—and the routes they were driven on—were the lifeblood of a taming wild in the west, allowing enterprising pioneers and hard-boiled cowboys to fuel the burgeoning economy of a fresh and hungry America across unfriendly plains.
With nothing but their wits and a Winchester, they braved wild lands, full of deadly, opportunistic predators, thieving scavenger animals, harsh conditions and unpredictable acts of violence from strangers.
The land has changed in the years between Charles Goodnight and Temple Grandin, just as ranching has. Innovation pushes the country forward, maintaining our edge and keeping America great. Out in Silicon Valley, they have Apple, Google and SpaceX pushing the envelope. Here in Texas, we rely on Pulsar thermal imaging to bring us the latest technology and give us a leg up on what can be an unforgiving way of life.
Feral Hogs are Cuckoo for Corn Kernels
We’re talking about ranching, but anyone with any crops (and many without) can tell you the havoc feral hogs wreak on a freshly planted field overnight. Hogs also pose a deadly (and costly)disease risk to cattle, not to mention what they can do to grazing land orfencing.
Before the clever swine wised up, a fellow could grab a rifle, drop a couple and scare the rest off for the day. Hogs are smart, though, and they’ve gone almost entirely nocturnal to protect themselves. In Texas, we’ve spun up a full and functional cadre of hog hunters who take to the field at night, ARs locked and loaded, to protect our nation’s food and fuel supply—they do a good job, but they aren’t stemming the tide.
Hogs are bleeding over$400 million out of Texas agricultureevery year. Enterthermal night vision. Take one of those hunters and give him aPulsar thermal riflescope. Let him see in the dark. Give him the ability to spot a hog from 2,000 yards away. Give him the ability to take 30 or more precisely placed shots in rapid succession on a pitch-black night without endangering anyone or anything else.
For a vigilant landowner, a thermal riflescope can pay for itself in a single night—there’s also the bonus of filling up a freezer full of meat.
Calves are Sitting Snacks
Herds may need as much defending as a cornfield. Have you ever seen what ahungry coyote will do for some veal? Depending on where you hang your hat, you could be looking at mountain lion, bear or wolf predation on cattle.
The good news is, in a city like Houston, you can pick up a thermal scope forabout the price of a bred pair. The first 7 or 8 months of a calf’s life is vulnerable, usually carelessly hanging around its mother without the wits or weight to protect itself from anything.
That’s why ranchers all over the country are choosing to protect their investment with thermal. The first time someone gets a boiler room shot on a coyote that would’ve dragged off a walking investment, they know there’s no going back.
Cattle are as Sharp as the Leather They Wear
Calving season is stressful. It means a lot of late nights, chains at the ready, and a lot of hands-on management of the only investment I know that seems, at times, hell-bent on finding new and creative ways to die. Since newborns don’t always have the good sense to stick with the herd, they sometimes require encouragement.
Similarly, a calf’s (or mother’s) refusal to stand, move or otherwise engage could be an early sign of trouble brewing. With thermal, you can find out everything you need to know (Is he there? Is he moving? Is his mama nearby?) without even pulling your boots on.
Full-grown and normally good-tempered heads will wander off from time to time. If you’ve ever spent hours combing a pasture for that one last stray heifer, you already know the value thermal can bring.
One hand can cut the time spent searching exponentially just by using thermal—scan the pasture with ahandheld thermaland you’ll see (or not) in seconds the tell-tale glowing of a warm body in thermal, whether they’re back in the trees and brush, standing alone or covered up by darkness.
A thermal monocular is also a handy tool to have around when trying to get a headcount without running up and down the length of the whole fence—you can figure whether or not you need to go searching, right from the comfort of your porch, in any weather.
This Land is My Land
Cattle and coyotes aren’t the only ones going bump in the night. The cover of darkness presents unique challenges for ranchers and landowners of all types. Whether it’s anillegal trespass, vandals, thieves or just drugged and drunk kids, there’s plenty of damage to be done by our fellow man.
Unlike cattle, people are not pushed back by barbed wire – they just hop it. You can paint your posts purple or throw up whatever cutesy sign you like, but it’s not going to stop somebody who wants to get on your land. Ranchers can use the same technology to catch criminals they normally employ to caretake cattle.
Whether it’s to document with photo and video (some thermal imagers offer this as an option) or just to call the sheriff the moment you see trouble, Pulsar thermals are key, again, in fighting back against the varmints and vermin (animal or otherwise) on your land.
What do you think about using Pulsar devices to manage ranching operations? Let us know in the comments below!
The 12/29/2020 FW version update improves the output of the built-in video recorder and encodes the video recording files. After the FW/software update, your unit will be able to:
The 12/29/2020 FW version update improves the output of the built-in video recorder and encodes the video recording files. After the FW/software update, your unit will be able to:
Play video files with sound via Stream Vision app or built-in/native players on iOS and Mac OS
Share recorded video files via messaging Apps on iOS, Mac OS and Android.
Sound and sharing
Relevant Applications:
iOS
Android
Whatsapp
+
+
Viber
+
+
Telegram
+
+
FB messenger
+
+
FB stories
+
+
FB page
+
+
Skype
+
+
Tik tok
+
+
Instagram messenger
+
+
Instagram stories
+
+
Instagram profile
+
+
IGTV
+
+
Youtube
+
+
Sound in videos
MacOS
QuickTime Player
Elmedia Video Player
VLC
Windows
Windows Media
VLC
iOS
Gallery
Аndroid
Gallery
How to Update the Unit Firmware
Install Stream Vision – the free mobile application is available via Google Play Market or the AppStore. To connect your smartphone to your thermal imaging unit and update your devices FW, follow the directions provided in this “How To” video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlgoddCqFao
Use this link to determine if your unit has the current software version release installed on your Pulsar digital or thermal imaging device;Check Your Firmware.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/marine-applications-for-thermal-imaging2021-07-16T14:30:00-05:002024-01-19T00:18:03-06:00Marine Applications for Thermal ImagingScott CogswellThough it is fun to think that if you were being chased by a thermal-seeing alien, you could use mud to camouflage yourself, thermal imaging is way more advanced than that.
Without the need for visible light, thermal imaging technology detects the heat signatures of the light spectrum not visible to the human eye.
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Though it is fun to think that if you were being chased by a thermal-seeing alien, you could use mud to camouflage yourself, thermal imaging is way more advanced than that.
Without the need for visible light, thermal imaging technology detects the heat signatures of the light spectrum not visible to the human eye. This spectrum is called ‘infrared.’ Everything with a temperature above zero emits thermal radiation. Through the variations in temperature, thermal imagers instantly display images we can interpret.
Despite thermal imaging’s advantages, it can’t:
See through walls
See underwater
See through glass
See under clothing
But it can:
Notify a law enforcement officer if a someone has a concealed firearm
Find a suspect attempting to hide
Locate dropped or hidden contraband
Help firefighters locate victims trapped in a fire and hot spots
Vastly improve search and rescue efforts to find missing persons
Even though thermal cameras or imagers cannot see through water, it is still the best tool for professional and recreational marine use when you need to see in total darkness.
Even though thermal isn’t “x-ray vision,” everything radiates heat—even ice. These different heat signatures allow us to detect variations and distinguish between objects. For example, a wild hog rooting through overgrown bush, people trapped inside a burning building full of smoke and even schools of fish are apparent due to the fluctuations of the water.
As thermal relates to uses on waterways, for military, law enforcement and first responders, commercial fishermen, boat captains and recreational boaters, thermal imagers like binoculars, cameras and monoculars offer:
A quick solution to trouble-shooting engine problems
Long-range navigation
Safety from collision and debris
Life-saving search and rescue of a man overboard
Threat identification
In 2016,the U.S. Coast Guardreported the number 1 and 2 cause of recreational boating accidents are collisions. These accidents are either with another recreational vessel or a stationary object, which caused 101 fatalities and an additional 1,140 injuries.
The top ten causes of recreational boating accidents are:
Operator inattention
Operator inexperience
Improper lookout
Excessive speed
Machinery failure
Alcohol use
Weather
Navigation rules violation
Hazardous waters
Force of wave/wake
Many of these problems can be solved by using thermal imaging. Thermal detects floating debris, boat wake and of course, other boats. With digital zoom features, you can enhance small or distant objects—alerting you of incoming vessels, coastlines and identify threats like pirates.
Thermal imagers act as a docking aid, tool in sport fishing, have helped boat captains identify engine problems, and even located oil spills from Deepwater Horizon. Thermal imagers have become an invaluable tool for saving lives, as they quickly find people who have fallen overboard (if they have not fully submerged.)
Seeing in the Dark
Since thermal doesn’t need any type of artificial or ambient light to operate in the dark, you can use it safely to avoid accidents with other vessels, docks and other stationary items.
It is a legal requirement for boats to have working navigation lights turned on from sunset to sunrise. For those trying to use the cover of night to smuggle drugs, poach or partake in other illegal activity, thermal gives law enforcement and coast guard theeyesneeded to catch criminals.
Accompany Radar
Though radar sends returns of detection over miles away, it does not display a clear outline of what the object is. Thermal imaging will aid the radar return by showing you a clear image of what it is detected.
The Potential to Save Lives
A report conducted by G.P. Wild found that about 19 people a year fall overboard a cruise ship. In 2010, a new law, the Cruise vessel Security and Safety Act, required cruise lines to incorporate radar technology that would detect people who had fallen overboard if such technology was “available.” Due to incredibly high costs, cruise ships have been reluctant in implementing vast radar systems.
Marketwatch.com reports, “A spokesman for Carnival Corporation said that the company was testing man-overboard technology, but argued current systems create too many false positives for it to be practical or effective.” However, for a few thousand dollars for the highest quality thermal imager from Pulsar, there are no false positives.
Thermal imagers like theAccolade 2 LRF XP50binoculars elevate emergency search efforts with a detection range of up to 2,000 yards from land, air and sea. In fact, Pulsar represents industry leading thermal sensor technology on many fronts. Pulsar thermal resolution and thermal imaging cameras are stronger than most night vision camera systems, and dollar-for-dollar, outperform FLIR cameras.
Thermal isn’t just a useful tool for hog hunters but vital for use in the law enforcement, military, commercial and industrial sectors.
For more about how thermal imaging helps law enforcement, read the following articles:
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/suppressor-laws-and-practices-20212021-06-16T00:00:00-05:002023-04-13T10:13:17-05:00Suppressor Laws and Practices 2021Scott Cogswell
On January 4, 2021, on the 117thCongress’ second day, Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC) reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act. This is his fourth attempt at pushing this bill forward.
TheHearing Protection Actwould make firearm suppressors (silencers) exempt from the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA.)
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On January 4, 2021, on the 117thCongress’ second day, Representative Jeff Duncan (R-SC) reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act. This is his fourth attempt at pushing this bill forward.
TheHearing Protection Actwould make firearm suppressors (silencers) exempt from the 1934 National Firearms Act (NFA.)
Rep. Duncan says, “The Hearing Protection Act is a commonsense bill that is important to all sportsmen and women across the country. Personally, I have experienced hearing damage from firearm noise, and I believe easier access to suppressors may have prevented much of this damage from early on in my life.
Bottom line, this bill aims to fix this health issue that has already been addressed by many other countries. Now is the time to ensure sportsmen and women can have the safety and protection they need while hunting and shooting.”
Oddly enough, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) categorizes suppressors with handguns. This means—when it comes to federal law—the vast majority of firearm laws also apply to suppressors.
Suppressor vs. Silencer
A suppressor and a silencer are the same things (the words are interchangeable;) however, the term ‘silencer’ is a misnomer. A suppressor does not silence a weapon, it only quiets it. Historically, it is correct to call a suppressor a silencer, as the inventor of the suppressor, Hiram Percy Maxim called it the Maxim Silencer. You will also hear it called a ‘can.’
The industry and gun folks don’t necessarily like the term “silencer” because anti-gun types use it as a scare tactic. For example, anti-gun super PAC Americans for a Responsible Solution (ARS), tweeted that suppressors “…make it easier for active shooters to inflict serious harm on our communities without being detected by trained law enforcement professionals.”
Suppressor Design
When a bullet is fired from a firearm, gun powder produces gas to propel the bullet forward down the barrel. Pressure builds up from the gas behind the bullet and when the bullet exits the end of the barrel, the release of built-up gas pressure creates the loud bang.
A suppressor uses a series of baffles forcing the gas to move around, dropping the level of pressure greatly. When the bullet then exits the suppressor, the sound is quieted. To compare, that’s about how muffled gunfire sounds when you wear good hearing protection.
First patented in 1908, Hiram says about his silencer, “The Maxim Silencer was developed to meet my personal desire to enjoy target practice without creating a disturbance. I have always loved to shoot, but I never thoroughly enjoyed it when I knew that the noise was annoying other people. It occurred to me one day that there was no need for the noise. Why not do away with it and shoot quietly.”
His design was found to reduce noise by 66% and recoil 67%. Hiram’s Maxim Silencer was unrestricted, marketed to sportsmen and women and could be purchased from catalogs, hardware stores and sporting good shops.
There is no evidence or record of the silencer’s popularity back then but according to the NRA, Theodore Roosevelt had a Maxim Silencer on his Winchester 1894 “Little 30” rifle. Teddy’s son Archie said, “Father favored the silencer for early morning hunting expeditions to eliminate varmints around Sagamore Hill. He felt it best not to wake the neighbors,” – neighbors who consisted of New York’s high society such as the Vanderbilts and Tiffanys.
Suppressor Laws
Like guns, suppressors had no restrictions prior to 1934 when the first federal gun control law was passed—the National Firearms Act (NFA). The NFA was the result of the Franklin D. Roosevelt administration’s response to organized crime. At the time, mob bosses preferred short-barreled machine guns.
Therefore, the NFA restricts machine guns, suppressors and “destructive devices.” It requires the owners of suppressors to purchase a tax stamp for $200 before taking possession of the suppressor. In 1934, when the law was enacted, this $200 tax stamp was the equivalent of $3,583.71 making it extremely prohibitive to buy a suppressor.
Extended background checks and registration of the suppressor are also part of the law.
Where are Suppressors Legal?
Suppressors are legal to own in 42 states. Hawaii, California, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have outlawed suppressors. Out of those 42 states, only 2 don’t allow the use of suppressors during hunting—Connecticut and Vermont.
If you live in one of those legal states and are a resident of the United States, you may buy and own a suppressor if you:
Are 21 buying from a dealer; or 18 years old buying from a private citizen
May legally own a firearm
Can pass a BATFE (ATF) background check
How Many Suppressors are Registered in the United States?
As of April 2020, there were 2,000,042 registered suppressors in the United States. (ATF Firearms Commerce Report)
Oddly, it is common practice and preferred to use a suppressor in many European countries. Detailed in his book, Firearm Sound Moderators: Issues of Criminalization and the Second Amendment, Stephen P. Halbrook points out anyone licensed to own a firearm can also own a suppressor without any additional background checks, licensing or paperwork.
The Benefits of Using a Suppressor
Noises louder than 85-140 dB can permanently damage your hearing. Hearing loss can be caused by a one-time event or exposure over time. A .22-caliber gun shot measures about 140 dB. To compare, a normal conversation registers around 60 dB.
Shooters can develop tinnitus (a ringing in the ear) and permanently lose the ability to hear high-frequency noises.
Depending on the gun, suppressor and caliber, a suppressor will muffle the sound of a gunshot to 100-130 dB and lower.
Suppressors are good for:
Hunters, as they don’t spook game
Competitors to protect their hearing
Instructors to aid in training
Target shooters as a courtesy to neighbors
We also know suppressors are just downright fun!
Do You Need Hearing Protection with a Suppressor?
Since permanent hearing loss can occur at sounds louder than 85 dB, it is recommended you still wear hearing protection when using a suppressor.
Remember, suppressors are legal, and you can own one! As nighttime hog hunters, we wouldn’t go without ours.
Do you have questions about suppressors? Leave them in the comment section and we will do our best to answer them.
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/pulsar-is-participating-in-an-outdoor-summer-gear-sweepstakes-worth-10-0002021-06-01T14:30:00-05:002023-04-13T10:26:35-05:00Pulsar is Participating in an Outdoor Summer Gear Sweepstakes Worth $10,000!Globe Runner
Pulsar is partnering with several elite outdoor lifestyle brands to raffle $10,000 worth of products to ONE lucky person! This “Summer Sports Package” is available for contestants in the USA only.
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Pulsar is partnering with several elite outdoor lifestyle brands to raffle $10,000 worth of products to ONE lucky person! This “Summer Sports Package” is available for contestants in the USA only.
Sightmark’s Wraith 4K Max digital riflescope is a harmony of technology, power and precision. In low-light conditions, the Wraith 4K Max utilizes an enhanced ultra-high definition 4000×3000 digital CMOS sensor to detect objects up to 300 yards away, and in daylight, this detection range is even further.
The Wraith 4K’s sharp 1280×720 display resolution delivers crystal-clear imaging while 3-24x digital magnification gives users the versatility to adjust as needed. The Wraith 4K’s 850nm IR illuminator features 90 minutes of operating time on max, and its night vision mode and daytime color mode offer crisp, vibrant views of the environment. With a hardy aluminum housing, the Wraith 4K boasts built-in UHD 4K video recording with audio, 10 reticle options and an IPX5 water-resistant rating. Its rechargeable, internal battery provides up to 8 hours of power.
The next generation of Pulsar’s premium binoculars has arrived! The Accolade 2 LRF (Laser Range Finder) XP50 has finally emerged from the laboratory, and it’s a triumph of craftsmanship and technology. With a full-color 640×480 AMOLED display, the Accolade 2 ensures vivid, flawless imaging and power conservation. The Accolade 2 also features a built-in video recorder and camera to permanently capture footage and memories, NETD <40mK (noise-equivalent temperature difference) detail-recognition in rain, fog, ice or other adverse weather.
The Accolade 2’s onboard LRF can detect an adult-sized object up to 1000 yards in zero-light conditions, making it the most powerful LRF available today. The Accolade 2 also features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, direct image streaming, 8x digital zoom, picture-in-picture, rechargeable batteries and an IPX7 waterproof rating.
The Kopfjäger K700 AMT Tripod with Reaper Grip includes a heavy-duty tripod and Reaper Grip rest. The tripod is crafted of a sturdy aluminum material and features 3-level leg extensions with locking levers.
The Reaper Grip boasts an adjustable, pivoting grip designed to accommodate both tapered and straight stocks and chassis without allowing recoil movement. The K700 Tripod and Reaper Grip Kit provides 360° smooth pan and a tilt range of 109° (21° up and 87° down) and is built to handle harsh environments.
1 – 66LRX rifle light with remote wired Eliminator switch that you can turn the light on half power or full power and works both as a pressure switch and on/off switch. 1-4 LED modules in your choice of color(Red, Green, White, IR). The LED module color determines the color of light your light will emit. Choose your LED modules color(s) above. LED modules can be changed in the light in just seconds as it simply screws in and out. 1 – Lens cover to protect the lens when not in use. 1 – Normal flashlight tail cap 1 – 18650 Fast Battery charger with USB plug, AC and DC adapter plugs. Will charge 1 fully drained 18650 3500mA battery in about 1.5 hours. 2 – 18650 3500ma protected batteries made by Samsung. 1 – Predator Pro mount 1 – Quality Hard case with custom cut EVA foam.
The OUTLAW Programmable Game Call/Decoy Combo offers professional grade durability, sound quality, volume level, long range remote activation and features that make it a snap to operate during a hectic predator stand. Developed by and for professional predator hunters who demand performance and still want a practically priced product.
To multiply your entries and CHANCES TO WIN, follow and subscribe to the listed social media channels and brand newsletters! There are multiple ways to increase your chances to win, so get er’ done!
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https://pulsarnv.com/blogs/news/hog-hunting-calibers2021-05-25T14:30:00-05:002023-04-13T10:04:06-05:00Hog Hunting CalibersGlobe Runner
Wild hog hunting is a multi-million-dollar industry. It is estimated that $10.5 million a year is spent a year alone on Texas hog meat, firearms and accessories – and ammo manufacturers are capitalizing on that. The more specialized gear we have available to shoot hogs easier and more humanely, the better for all of us!
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Wild hog hunting is a multi-million-dollar industry. It is estimated that $10.5 million a year is spent a year alone on Texas hog meat, firearms and accessories – and ammo manufacturers are capitalizing on that. The more specialized gear we have available to shoot hogs easier and more humanely, the better for all of us!
“They’re like gigantic rats. But at least they’re edible.” -Texas Chef Tim Love
Though there are many good hog hunting guns, we prefer MSR-style rifles because they come in a variety of knock-down calibers, are incredibly adaptable and are just plain fun to shoot for a hunting experience. Wild boars are considered an exotic species and therefore, here in Texas, have virtually no restrictions in regards to hunting them on public or private land.
As always, check with local officials and regulations before engaging in any hunting behavior.
MSRs, SBRs, even fully automatic systems can be set up with suppressors, night vision and thermal imaging, as well as lasers and hog lights. In Texas, we can shoot as many hogs as we want, 360 days a year, all day and all night. Fortunately, the AR-15 and AR-10 style platforms come in a wide variety of hog-hunting calibers.
When hunting any animal, you need to choose a caliber with enoughoomph—ideally in one shot—to take that animal down. The bigger and tougher the animal, the bigger andtougherthe caliber should also be.
The right caliber, bullet and shot placement are basic elements to a successful hog hunt. But what is the right caliber?
The answer is obviously subjective but here are some of our favorites.
.223 Remington
.223 Remington, the traditional caliber for an AR-15, is popular due to its availability and affordability. It is also reloadable and bullet technology and ballistic advancements have led to ammo designed to take down varmints and predators quite efficiently.
Lightweight and with very low recoil, the .223 Remington/5.56mm AR is easy for all levels of hunters to carry in the field, as well as operate. Many a pig has been taken with the AR-15; of course, transitioning this platform to larger calibers is also a simple process.
6.8 SPC II
The 6.8 Remington Special Purpose Cartridge (SPC) was developed in 2002 to replace the 5.56mm for use in military rifle systems, including SBRs, and was unveiled commercially at the 2004 SHOT Show. The 6.8 SPC performed exponentially better, demonstrating flat-shooting capability on par with 6.5mm bullets and hard-hitting performance upwards of the 7mm.
Ultimately, the 6.8 SPC was also designed to drop combatants more efficiently than 5.56 cartridges had demonstrated—enemy forces were often shot multiple times yet were still mobile and returning fire.
Better stopping power was indeed the primary reason for the birth of the 6.8 SPC, especially considering the observed battlefield performance of 7.62×39 (AKs); of course, developers also wanted a cartridge with improved mid-range performance (sub-MOA out to 500 yards—the 6.8 SPC actually handles sub-MOA out to 600 yards quite respectably). Oddly enough, hunters wanted the same type of performance.
As a result, the 6.8 SPC quickly turned into a well-respected hunting cartridge; however, a safety issue with the 6.8 SPC became evident—case pressure. The 6.8 SPC II was later introduced and effectively eliminated the problem without compromising overall 6.8 SPC performance. Today, the 6.8 SPC II is one of the most popular hog hunting cartridges in the field and it runs perfectly in AR-15 platforms with simple bolt, barrel and magazine change-outs.
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel is a round developed in 2003 for AR-platform rifles to be more effective at longer ranges for whitetail deer hunting. The 6.5 Grendel, like the 6.8 SPC, sits between the .223 Remington and .308 Winchester with a high ballistic coefficient.
It retains its energy at longer distances and can reach a velocity close to 3,000 fps. With a heavier bullet and longer-barreled rifle, the 6.5 Grendel can demonstrate even more downrange energy than a .308.
7.62x39mm
Your mind may immediately go to “AK” when you see 7.62, but not all 7.62×39 rounds have to be AK. There are AR platform rifles chambered in 7.62, as well as other semi-automatics and even bolt-guns. At ranges 150 yards and closer, this is an accurate, flat-shooting round, show-stopping cartridge; remember, this cartridge’s combat performance birthed the development of the 6.8 SPC. Of course, 7.62×39 is often easier to find and more affordable than the 6.8 SPC II or 6.5 Grendel.
.308 Winchester
An AR-10 platform rifle, chambered in .308 Winchester, is quite a nightmare for hogs and is more than capable of taking down even the largest boars! That said and all else being equal, the AR-10 rifle is notably larger and heavier than its AR-15 counterpart. The .308 is also a larger, heavier round with slower muzzle velocity when compared to the .223 Remington; however, it hits exponentially harder.
The .308 holds more powder in its bigger case, is more accurate at longer distances and retains more energy and velocity downrange—considering flight, this is an all-day-every-day, sub-MOA, 1,000-yard round. While the AR-10s heavier stature mitigates recoil to some extent, the weight is still quite noticeable and should be a consideration for long hikes and spot-and-stalk endeavors over larger expanses (like open crop fields). The increase in recoil is also unmistakable, yet manageable.
Wild pigs are tough animals and certain types of ammo are better than others to bring home the bacon. Whichever round you choose, it must have good weight retention, controlled expansion, deep penetration and preferably bonded to prevent separation. There is plenty of really good ammo available for hog hunting.
Many of the big ammo manufacturers make a hog-specific round, Hornady Full Boar, as an example. On Pulsar media hunts, we use Hornady SST and Full Boar as well as Aguila and Winchester offerings.
What caliber do you prefer for hog hunting? Tell us which it is and why in the comment section.