Choosing the Right IR Illuminator for Your ATN Scope

Infrared (IR) illuminators are essential accessories for enhancing the performance of your ATN scope, particularly in low-light or nighttime conditions. An IR illuminator acts like a flashlight that emits light in the infrared spectrum, which is invisible to the naked eye but can be detected by night vision devices. Choosing the right IR illuminator for your ATN scope can significantly improve your visibility and accuracy. This article will guide you through the key considerations and offer practical tips for selecting the best IR illuminator to match your needs.

Choosing the Right IR Illuminator: Key Factors

Essential Considerations

1. Power Output (mW)
   • Low Output (up to 200mW): Suitable for short-range use, ideal for close-quarters and indoor environments.
   • Medium Output (200mW - 500mW): A versatile option that balances range and power consumption, suitable for most general-purpose uses.
   • High Output (500mW and above): Provides maximum range and brightness, perfect for long-distance viewing in open areas.
2. Wavelength (nm)
   • 850nm: The most common wavelength, offering a good balance between range and stealth. It produces a faint red glow that is barely visible to the human eye.
   • 940nm: Provides complete invisibility but at the cost of reduced range. Ideal for covert operations where stealth is paramount.
3. Beam Angle
   • Narrow Beam (5-10 degrees): Focuses the IR light on a smaller area, increasing intensity and range. Best for long-distance targeting.
   • Wide Beam (30-60 degrees): Covers a larger area, useful for broader illumination but with reduced intensity.
4. Mounting Options
   • Picatinny Rail: Compatible with most ATN scopes, offering a stable and secure mounting option.
   • Adjustable Mounts: Allow for fine-tuning the direction and angle of the IR beam for precise illumination.
5. Battery Life
   • Rechargeable vs. Replaceable: Consider the power source based on your usage frequency and convenience. Rechargeable batteries are cost-effective in the long run, while replaceable batteries offer the flexibility of quick swaps in the field.

Steps to Select the Perfect IR Illuminator

1. Identify Your Needs: Determine the primary use of your IR illuminator, such as hunting, surveillance, or wildlife observation.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure the IR illuminator is compatible with your specific ATN scope model and mounting system.
3. Decide on Power and Range: Choose an illuminator with the appropriate power output and range for your intended use. Higher power for long-range, lower for short-range.
4. Select Wavelength: Opt for 850nm for a good balance of range and stealth or 940nm for maximum concealment.
5. Consider Beam Angle: Decide between a narrow or wide beam based on whether you need focused long-range illumination or broader area coverage.
6. Evaluate Battery Life: Choose between rechargeable and replaceable batteries based on your preferences and expected usage.
7. Read Reviews and Recommendations: Look for user reviews and expert recommendations to find reliable and high-performing IR illuminators.

Popular IR Illuminators for ATN Scopes

ATN IR850 Pro

The ATN IR850 Pro is a powerful 850nm IR illuminator designed to work seamlessly with ATN scopes. It offers a narrow beam angle for long-distance targeting and features adjustable brightness levels. With a robust build and a Picatinny rail mount, it’s an excellent choice for hunters and tactical users.

Specifications:

• Power Output: 850mW
• Beam Angle: 5-10 degrees
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on a single charge
• Mounting: Picatinny rail

Streamlight 88704 Super Tac IR

The Streamlight 88704 Super Tac IR is another top-performing illuminator. With its 850nm wavelength and durable construction, it’s suitable for various outdoor conditions. It provides a focused beam for long-range illumination and has an easy-to-use tail switch for quick operation.

Specifications:

• Power Output: 500mW
• Beam Angle: 10 degrees
• Battery Life: Up to 3.5 hours on CR123A batteries
• Mounting: Picatinny rail and other adjustable mounts

Evolva Future Technology T67

The Evolva T67 offers a versatile solution with adjustable beam focus and multiple brightness settings. Its 850nm wavelength provides a good balance of visibility and range, making it a popular choice for night hunting and surveillance.

Specifications:

• Power Output: 700mW
• Beam Angle: Adjustable 5-60 degrees
• Battery Life: Up to 4 hours on a single 18650 battery
• Mounting: Picatinny rail

Real-World Applications

Hunting

An experienced hunter using the ATN X-Sight 5 paired with the ATN IR850 Pro successfully tracked and captured images of deer at night. The powerful IR illuminator allowed for clear identification of the animals from a distance, ensuring accurate and ethical shots.

Wildlife Observation

A wildlife enthusiast equipped with IR illuminator documented nocturnal behaviors of various animals in a dense forest. The adjustable beam angle provided both focused and wide-area illumination, making it easier to observe and record the animals without disturbing them.

Surveillance and Security

A security professional utilized the Streamlight 88704 Super Tac IR in conjunction with the ATN Binox 4K to monitor a large perimeter at night. The focused beam of the Super Tac IR provided clear visibility over long distances, allowing the detection of intruders and ensuring the security of the premises. The ability to mount the IR illuminator on a Picatinny rail made it easy to align with the binoculars for optimal performance.

Search and Rescue

In search and rescue operations, the combination of the ATN X-Sight 5 and an IR illuminator like the ATN IR850 Pro proved invaluable. The thermal imaging capability of the ATN X-Sight 5, enhanced by the IR illuminator, allowed rescuers to locate lost individuals in challenging environments such as dense forests and mountainous terrain, even in complete darkness. The extended battery life ensured that the equipment could be relied upon for prolonged missions.

Optimizing Your IR Illuminator Usage

To maximize the effectiveness of your IR illuminator with your ATN scope, follow these practical tips:

Tips for Effective IR Illuminator Use

1. Align the Illuminator with the Scope: Ensure that the IR beam is correctly aligned with your scope’s field of view to maximize illumination and visibility.
2. Adjust Beam Focus: Use adjustable beam focus features to switch between narrow and wide beams based on the distance and area you need to cover.
3. Control Brightness: Adjust the brightness settings of the IR illuminator to avoid overexposure or underexposure, depending on the ambient light conditions.
4. Mount Securely: Use a stable and secure mounting system, such as a Picatinny rail, to prevent movement and maintain consistent illumination.
5. Maintain Power: Regularly check and maintain the battery levels of your IR illuminator to ensure it’s always ready for use. Carry spare batteries for extended field operations.
6. Practice and Test: Familiarize yourself with the IR illuminator’s controls and features in a safe environment before deploying it in the field. Conduct regular tests to ensure optimal performance.

Steps to Set Up and Use Your IR Illuminator

1. Attach the Illuminator: Securely mount the IR illuminator to your ATN scope using the appropriate mounting system, ensuring it’s aligned with the scope’s line of sight.
2. Power On and Adjust Settings: Turn on the IR illuminator and adjust the brightness and beam focus settings according to your needs.
3. Test Alignment: Look through your ATN scope and adjust the position of the IR illuminator to ensure the beam is centered in the field of view.
4. Fine-Tune in the Field: Once in your operational environment, make any necessary adjustments to the IR illuminator’s settings to account for real-world conditions.
5. Monitor Battery Life: Keep an eye on the battery indicator and replace or recharge batteries as needed to maintain continuous operation.
6. Review Performance: After each use, review the performance of your IR illuminator and make any necessary adjustments or maintenance to ensure it’s ready for the next deployment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right IR illuminator for your ATN night vision scope can significantly enhance your night vision capabilities, whether for hunting, wildlife observation, surveillance, or search and rescue operations. By understanding the key factors such as power output, wavelength, beam angle, and battery life, you can select an illuminator that perfectly complements your ATN scope.

ATN scopes, such as the ATN X-Sight 5 combined with high-quality IR illuminators like the ATN IR850 Pro, Streamlight 88704 Super Tac IR, and Evolva Future Technology T67, offer unmatched performance in low-light conditions. By following the practical tips and setup steps outlined in this article, you can optimize your IR illuminator’s use, ensuring clear visibility and enhanced accuracy in your nighttime adventures.

Investing in the right IR illuminator not only improves your current capabilities but also future-proofs your equipment, ensuring you are always prepared for any challenge that comes your way in the dark. Whether you are capturing stunning wildlife photos, securing a perimeter, or conducting search and rescue missions, the combination of ATN scopes and the right IR illuminator will provide you with the tools you need to succeed.