PVS-14 Dying: Video of a dying tube

[SC-Texas]

My old stand by PVS-14 appears to be experiencing its last days:
I don't know how old it is or what tube is in it, but its been a good one.
I thought everyone might want to see what "shading" or "going to air" looks like.
I will be replacing the tube with a new ITT or L3 tube in the near future.
Anyone have questions or comments . . . .ask away.
General:
1. The tube was never exposed to bright light
2. It was stored in a pelican case with lenscaps on
3. Never stored with batteries.
4 Never dropped
5. Never weapon mounted since I have had it.

 

[Brian Shaffer]

Interesting, why is it shading? Is that a tube issue or and electronics issue? Not that it matters except for curiosity.

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

Sure hope I don't see that anytime soon.

 

[Afalex1]

Good info and good video.

 

[FrankT]

I would stab myself!

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

I would stab myself!

I know I would cry that's for sure.

 

[1956_4x4]

So, how much does it hurt when you need to replace one of these tubes?

Smitty

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

So, how much does it hurt when you need to replace one of these tubes?

Smitty

Tubes are supposed to last 40,000 hours or more. But the tube is 90% of the nv cost I think.

 

[Afalex1]

Tubes can range in price from $1000-$2000 depending on the specs, model, and if it has blemishes. Yes, most of Tue cost of the unit is the tube.

 

[rgilbert]

I'm having to send mine back to ITT for the second time. When I have it weapon mounted and shoot, the damn thing turns off and will not turn back on until I remove it and wait approximately twenty seconds before it will turn back on. I'm using it on a 556 only.

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

That's why I love dealing with the guys at Ident. If something goes wrong I can drive up there and get it fixed. I've also seen several people who bought nv elsewhere getting them fixed right at ident. This is after several failed attempts to get it fixed from the original store.

 

[rgilbert]

It's still under warranty, but if the guys at ITT don't send me a return number I may have to suck it up and get Ident to fix it. The original store does not do any repairs, they referred me back to ITT.

 

[Afalex1]

I'm no pro but sounds like loose power terminals from the power supply to the tube. Just a guess.

Jason would know by just sniffing the thing. The guy has forgotten more about night vision than I will learn in my lifetime.

 

[FrankT]

Smitty did you not send your first unit back due to the recoil making it stop working?

 

[1956_4x4]

Smitty did you not send your first unit back due to the recoil making it stop working?

My PVS-14 hasn't had any problems. I did have a Pulsar N550 that only lasted a couple of rounds on one of my 6.8s before it died. I sent it back for a refund.

Smitty

 

[1956_4x4]

Tubes are supposed to last 40,000 hours or more. But the tube is 90% of the nv cost I think.

Is this 40,000 hours of use or just a total of 40,000 hours?

Smitty

 

[TEXASLAWMAN]

Is this 40,000 hours of use or just a total of 40,000 hours?

Smitty

Use.

 

[1956_4x4]

I hope this holds true for mine!

Smitty

 

[rgilbert]

I have a friend who's been running one for over three years with no problem. I bought from the same company who I cannot complain about. I sent it back once and was told it had loose connections. You nailed it T-Bone. I'll try to send it back again. I really like the unit and hope to get it back up and running. It bites when you shoot and cannot see the results.

 

[rgilbert]

Well I got my return number today from ITT. I'll be shipping it off shortly. I hope they get it right this time.