Thingiverse
Starlight Device - Night Vision Aperture Modification Device and Cap by cloud9actual
by Thingiverse
Last crawled date: 3 years, 4 months ago
Synopsis (TL;DR - skip this):
The Problem:
Users of night vision devices typically do not have the ability to adjust the depth of field of the intensified image and thus have to constantly adjust the manual focus to view subjects near or far. Additionally users who own these expensive devices want to protect the image intensifier tubes inside the devices from being damaged from excess light when turned on.
The Solution:
This mechanical device enables the user of night vision devices to select a desired aperture thus controlling the depth of field and allowing the user to focus on a wider range of subject distances. This device also allows the user to close off all light entering the system for safe storage and peace of mind when transporting the devices. This system finally allows the user to flip the device out of the way to enable normal, unimpeded use of their night vision device.
How it's different than other devices:
Currently, night vision users can purchase either a standard lens cap or lens cover to protect the system from intrusions or light. They can also purchase aperture modification devices. However, a system that allows for aperture adjustment, unimpeded use of the night vision, and complete light and foreign object ingress protection does not exist. Additionally other devices are complex and expensive while this device is designed to be inexpensive and easy to use in dark conditions by providing haptic responses.
Other systems only allow for one or two types of function. Either the user can employ a system to adjust aperture and protect the lens from ingress but those systems cannot prevent light ingress, or they can employ a system that prevents light ingress but cannot adjust aperture.
The devices currently on the market are both expensive and limited. The users of them have to remove aperture adjustment devices to employ a lens-cap to prevent light ingress and vice-versa. Additionally these devices are expensive and carrying multiple types of devices is undesirable in an outdoor environment at night. These devices also do not employ a tactile response and require the user to look at the system to adjust the aperture.
This system enables the user to select a desirable aperture, close off the system from external debris and light, and disable the system completely by flipping it to the side but it still stays attached for quick re-employment. This device also employs a tactile response so the user can feel each selection.
The Nitty Gritty:
I have designed this "Starlight Device" in order to have a better system to adjust the depth of field or focal range on my night vision devices. Unfortunately the solutions currently on the market are very cost prohibitive and lack certain features that I desired. These features I wanted were the following:
The ability to select between multiple aperture sizes in the field
100% self contained (no spare parts to keep track of)
Has tactile settings for each aperture size
Uses minimal components
Lightweight
Durable
Inexpensive
The only features that are to be added in future versions are a sacrificial lens and a tie down point. I am currently working on adding these features.
The system was built around the Butler Creek 09A Multi-Flex scope cover since it already has the flexible, well fit cup to fit around the ocular lens, and it contains the hinge and spring parts.
Here is a list of the 3D printed components:
Cap Body
Aperture Ring
NOTE: I recommend printing the cap and aperture ring in the default position which should be the outside surface facing up and enabling supports only touching the buildplate.
Here is a list of all the non-printed parts used in this design:
M2 x 0.4 mm flat head screw, 4mm long
an AR15 takedown pin detent and spring (cut the spring down to the desired length for optimal resistance on the aperture ring)
Butler Creek 09A Multi-Flex (UPC 051525209096)
The installation is fairly simple but tedious.
First, you disassemble the 09A scope cover by removing the hinge pin and pulling the cap off. You don't have to remove the hinge pin completely, but just enough to allow the cap to be removed. I recommend pushing the pin out with a small screwdriver or correctly sized punch.
NOTE: be careful when you pull the cap away to not lose the spring! This is needed later so keep track of it. If you lose it you'll have to buy another cap.
Next, you'll assemble the printed Starlight Device components:
Test fit the detent and spring in the hole that runs along the width of the cap body. You'll need to cut the spring down to about 2/5 of the length and insert the short cutoff into the hole. Be sure when cutting to not mangle the spring too badly or it won't compress/decompress. Once the spring is cut and placed in the hole, place the detent into the hole. It should stay put with gravity and careful handling.
Now you'll insert the aperture ring into the opening where it obviously belongs and while inserting it, make sure to press the detent into the hole so that it stays compressed once inserted. Be careful to keep the aperture ring from falling out or the spring will throw that little pin out into the abyss, never to be recovered. ;)
Lastly, while holding the aperture ring in place, you'll affix it using the M2x4mm flat head screw from the inside of the cap. The aperture ring has a threaded hole to accept the screw. Depending on your printer this hole might be a little snug, but as long as it positively thread in you should be fine. For extra security you can use some thread lock on the screw, but be sure it doesn't get anywhere else because it will cause issues with spinning the aperture ring.
Tighten the screw so that its snug but not too tight because it will inhibit the rotation of the aperture ring.
Right now the aperture sizes are the following:
9.525mm
5.56mm (based on the recommendation from Slade from GBRS GROUP)
3.95mm
No light/blank
I recommend using ABS or Nylon for this part and preferably in a dark color that has the lowest light transmissivity possible. PLA + also works but is susceptible to warping in hot environments so I don't recommend it for serious use. I did design this part to be machinable so you could theoretically machine these from polymer or even metal but that would be heavy and dumb.
It's not too hard to put these together with a little time and effort. Hopefully this is useful to those who are makers and want to save a few bucks on this type of device. If you wanna support my development efforts any donation is appreciated and I'm also going to be selling these assembled.
I seriously considered patenting this design, however, as a maker/engineer I always like to be able to make things myself and I figured some of y'all might feel this way as well. So here it is! If you don't wanna go through the trouble of making these then just message me and I can hook you up with an assembled Starlight Device.
With this in mind, if you have an idea for an improvement or want to see another feature, comment below and I'll do my best to add the feature.
Stay frosty!
The Problem:
Users of night vision devices typically do not have the ability to adjust the depth of field of the intensified image and thus have to constantly adjust the manual focus to view subjects near or far. Additionally users who own these expensive devices want to protect the image intensifier tubes inside the devices from being damaged from excess light when turned on.
The Solution:
This mechanical device enables the user of night vision devices to select a desired aperture thus controlling the depth of field and allowing the user to focus on a wider range of subject distances. This device also allows the user to close off all light entering the system for safe storage and peace of mind when transporting the devices. This system finally allows the user to flip the device out of the way to enable normal, unimpeded use of their night vision device.
How it's different than other devices:
Currently, night vision users can purchase either a standard lens cap or lens cover to protect the system from intrusions or light. They can also purchase aperture modification devices. However, a system that allows for aperture adjustment, unimpeded use of the night vision, and complete light and foreign object ingress protection does not exist. Additionally other devices are complex and expensive while this device is designed to be inexpensive and easy to use in dark conditions by providing haptic responses.
Other systems only allow for one or two types of function. Either the user can employ a system to adjust aperture and protect the lens from ingress but those systems cannot prevent light ingress, or they can employ a system that prevents light ingress but cannot adjust aperture.
The devices currently on the market are both expensive and limited. The users of them have to remove aperture adjustment devices to employ a lens-cap to prevent light ingress and vice-versa. Additionally these devices are expensive and carrying multiple types of devices is undesirable in an outdoor environment at night. These devices also do not employ a tactile response and require the user to look at the system to adjust the aperture.
This system enables the user to select a desirable aperture, close off the system from external debris and light, and disable the system completely by flipping it to the side but it still stays attached for quick re-employment. This device also employs a tactile response so the user can feel each selection.
The Nitty Gritty:
I have designed this "Starlight Device" in order to have a better system to adjust the depth of field or focal range on my night vision devices. Unfortunately the solutions currently on the market are very cost prohibitive and lack certain features that I desired. These features I wanted were the following:
The ability to select between multiple aperture sizes in the field
100% self contained (no spare parts to keep track of)
Has tactile settings for each aperture size
Uses minimal components
Lightweight
Durable
Inexpensive
The only features that are to be added in future versions are a sacrificial lens and a tie down point. I am currently working on adding these features.
The system was built around the Butler Creek 09A Multi-Flex scope cover since it already has the flexible, well fit cup to fit around the ocular lens, and it contains the hinge and spring parts.
Here is a list of the 3D printed components:
Cap Body
Aperture Ring
NOTE: I recommend printing the cap and aperture ring in the default position which should be the outside surface facing up and enabling supports only touching the buildplate.
Here is a list of all the non-printed parts used in this design:
M2 x 0.4 mm flat head screw, 4mm long
an AR15 takedown pin detent and spring (cut the spring down to the desired length for optimal resistance on the aperture ring)
Butler Creek 09A Multi-Flex (UPC 051525209096)
The installation is fairly simple but tedious.
First, you disassemble the 09A scope cover by removing the hinge pin and pulling the cap off. You don't have to remove the hinge pin completely, but just enough to allow the cap to be removed. I recommend pushing the pin out with a small screwdriver or correctly sized punch.
NOTE: be careful when you pull the cap away to not lose the spring! This is needed later so keep track of it. If you lose it you'll have to buy another cap.
Next, you'll assemble the printed Starlight Device components:
Test fit the detent and spring in the hole that runs along the width of the cap body. You'll need to cut the spring down to about 2/5 of the length and insert the short cutoff into the hole. Be sure when cutting to not mangle the spring too badly or it won't compress/decompress. Once the spring is cut and placed in the hole, place the detent into the hole. It should stay put with gravity and careful handling.
Now you'll insert the aperture ring into the opening where it obviously belongs and while inserting it, make sure to press the detent into the hole so that it stays compressed once inserted. Be careful to keep the aperture ring from falling out or the spring will throw that little pin out into the abyss, never to be recovered. ;)
Lastly, while holding the aperture ring in place, you'll affix it using the M2x4mm flat head screw from the inside of the cap. The aperture ring has a threaded hole to accept the screw. Depending on your printer this hole might be a little snug, but as long as it positively thread in you should be fine. For extra security you can use some thread lock on the screw, but be sure it doesn't get anywhere else because it will cause issues with spinning the aperture ring.
Tighten the screw so that its snug but not too tight because it will inhibit the rotation of the aperture ring.
Right now the aperture sizes are the following:
9.525mm
5.56mm (based on the recommendation from Slade from GBRS GROUP)
3.95mm
No light/blank
I recommend using ABS or Nylon for this part and preferably in a dark color that has the lowest light transmissivity possible. PLA + also works but is susceptible to warping in hot environments so I don't recommend it for serious use. I did design this part to be machinable so you could theoretically machine these from polymer or even metal but that would be heavy and dumb.
It's not too hard to put these together with a little time and effort. Hopefully this is useful to those who are makers and want to save a few bucks on this type of device. If you wanna support my development efforts any donation is appreciated and I'm also going to be selling these assembled.
I seriously considered patenting this design, however, as a maker/engineer I always like to be able to make things myself and I figured some of y'all might feel this way as well. So here it is! If you don't wanna go through the trouble of making these then just message me and I can hook you up with an assembled Starlight Device.
With this in mind, if you have an idea for an improvement or want to see another feature, comment below and I'll do my best to add the feature.
Stay frosty!
Similar models
thingiverse
free
Modified 5 Position Night Vision Aperture Modification Device by GhostJB
...d permanence of installation),
or incorporating a nut into the design and fixing the screw so as to be a non-rotating axis point.
thingiverse
free
Pentax K-mount to Pentax Q adapter by lister6520
...ture as described above.
the adapter does not have a tripod mount, something which i intend to do when i find some time for it.
thingiverse
free
'Amaran LED light ring' Lens cap by Ktronik
...he face plate to the spring cap part....make sure you don't glue up the spring action....
remix of another great design....
thingiverse
free
Rear dust cap for Litton 3x afocal night vision lens by moshen
... lens by moshen
thingiverse
this is a rear lens cap for the litton 3x afocal lens used for military night vision. (mx-11683/u).
thingiverse
free
AR15 Pivot Pin Tool by ZanyThunder
...in recess using 3/32" punch and rotate tool.
push out tool with pivot pin and rotate until detent is in groove of pivot pin.
thingiverse
free
ESP32CAM Fisheye IR Lens by XylenC4
...ter so they won't work in night vision.
you will have to de-cap the plastic lens mount of the camera, mine was just glued on.
thingiverse
free
Armasight Spark Core Lens Cap by TickTock
...armasight spark core lens cap by ticktock
thingiverse
replacement lens cap for the armasight core night-vision monocular.
thingiverse
free
Filter mount Yukon Spartan NVMT 1x24 Gen 1 Night Vision Device by thx1138
...s.
a night vision device does not count as eye protection. softairs and paintballs can get you blind and knock out your teeth.
thingiverse
free
PARD NV007 lens cap (Schutzkappe), this one works! by CTCDIYI3
... (schutzkappe), this one works! by ctcdiyi3
thingiverse
this lens cap fits a pard night-vision nv007 and nv007a perfectly. enjoy
thingiverse
free
62mm slip on filter holder for Litton 3x afocal Night Vision lens by moshen
...ns. dust covers are included as well.
i use this to filter out light pollution with a 645nm longpass filter from midwest optical.
Cloud9Actual
thingiverse
free
M101 Trailer Bow Replacement by cloud9actual
...r drainage on the tarp.
a laser-cut template for cutting the lumber to the correct profile.
hopefully, someone finds this useful!
thingiverse
free
Modified 5 Position Night Vision Aperture Modification Device by GhostJB
...interfere with each other or provide excess light leakage. cloud9actual#39;s original design calls for a size 09a butler creek...
Starlight
turbosquid
$2
Model of a woman in a dress of starlight
... model of a woman in a dress of starlight for download as max on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1602545)
turbosquid
$40
STARLIGHT FLOATING LUMINAIRS 2012
... available on turbo squid, the world's leading provider of digital 3d models for visualization, films, television, and games.
3ddd
free
Starlight Green 6-arms
...starlight green 6-arms
3ddd
kare
70x55x55 cm, 202972 polys
turbosquid
free
Free 3d hair of a woman bathed in starlight
...ee 3d hair of a woman bathed in starlight for download as max on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1596909)
turbosquid
$18
STARLIGHT MIRRORED NIGHTSTAND art 537-624
... available on turbo squid, the world's leading provider of digital 3d models for visualization, films, television, and games.
humster3d
$75
3D model of Studebaker Champion (Commander) Starlight Coupe 1953
...hampion (commander) starlight coupe 1953 in various file formats. all our 3d models were created maximally close to the original.
3d_ocean
$25
Skydome HDRI - Starlight Sky
...ge images, which displays only the sky-portion of an outdoor setting. usually the qualities selected under the brand are cloud...
3d_ocean
$25
Skydome HDRI - Starlight Sky II
...ge images, which displays only the sky-portion of an outdoor setting. usually the qualities selected under the brand are cloud...
3d_export
$34
apple iphone 13 starlight
...tes of location of the model in space (x0, y0, z0) - does not contain extraneous or hidden objects (lights, cameras, shapes etc.)
3d_export
free
studebaker classic car model
...model 3dexport an old-fashioned type car, a 1951 bullet-nose starlight coupe studebaker. simplistic interior but highly realistic...
Aperture
evermotion
$10
laser aperture 39 am104
...laser aperture with textures, shaders and materials. it is ready to use, just put it into your scene.. evermotion 3d models shop.
turbosquid
free
Mechanical Blade Iris Diaphragm Aperture
...re for download as 3ds, dxf, obj, wrl, c4d, fbx, dae, and stl on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1474115)
3ddd
$1
Lennette Newell - Enimals
...известный фотограф животных, удостоена многих престижных международных призов: international aperture awards, international photography awards, black & white spider award...
3d_export
$14
TAI Anka
...anka has evolved into a modular platform with synthetic aperture radar, precise and satellite communication. the basic version, anka-a,...
3d_export
$60
general atomics mq-20 avenger
...same as the mq-9, and carry the lynx synthetic aperture radar and a version of the f-35 lightning ii's...
thingiverse
free
Aperture Keychain by PietroLOL
...aperture keychain by pietrolol
thingiverse
a keychain made by a 2d image of aperture lab logo
thingiverse
free
Aperture laboratories by Tomi_3D
...aperture laboratories by tomi_3d
thingiverse
aperture laboratories logo from the game "portal 2"
thingiverse
free
Aperture Coaster by RadioNuclei95
... coaster by radionuclei95
thingiverse
aperture laboratories coaster
printed in pla
print paused midways to
change filament color
thingiverse
free
Aperture Science Logo by verbatimt
...aperture science logo by verbatimt
thingiverse
aperture science logo
modeled with freecad
thingiverse
free
aperture cap by Omg_Dude626
...aperture cap by omg_dude626
thingiverse
Vision
3ddd
$1
Alona Vision
...alona vision
3ddd
журнальный
стол alona vision со стеклянной крышкой
design_connected
$25
Vision Sofa
...vision sofa
designconnected
capdell vision sofa computer generated 3d model. designed by dorigo, florenzo.
design_connected
$16
Vision Armchair
...vision armchair
designconnected
capdell vision armchair computer generated 3d model. designed by dorigo, florenzo.
turbosquid
$849
car vision
...turbosquid
royalty free 3d model car vision for download as on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1697160)
turbosquid
$45
vision sofa
...royalty free 3d model vision sofa for download as max and obj on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1425053)
turbosquid
$20
D-vision
...d
royalty free 3d model d-vision for download as max and fbx on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1360652)
turbosquid
$9
Vision furman
...yalty free 3d model vision furman for download as max and fbx on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1661274)
turbosquid
$1
Vision Panel
...lty free 3d model 3d vision panel for download as obj and fbx on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1483307)
3d_export
$18
barracks-vision 25
...barracks-vision 25
3dexport
barracks-vision 25<br>3ds max 2015
turbosquid
$5
Sword "Vision"
... available on turbo squid, the world's leading provider of digital 3d models for visualization, films, television, and games.
Night
3ddd
$1
Кровать Night-Night Riva 1920
...кровать night-night riva 1920
3ddd
riva
http://www.riva1920.it/it/prodotti/letti/night-night-262/
3ddd
$1
Night Stand
... night stand , прикроватная тумба
classical night stand
3d_export
$5
Night castle
...night castle
3dexport
night castle
3d_export
$5
night table
...night table
3dexport
night table
3d_export
$5
dragon night
...dragon night
3dexport
dragon night 3d model
3d_export
$5
Night city
...night city
3dexport
night city with roads and houses
turbosquid
$21
Night
... available on turbo squid, the world's leading provider of digital 3d models for visualization, films, television, and games.
3d_export
$5
Foggy night
...foggy night
3dexport
move to a fabulous foggy night location.
3d_export
$5
King Of The Night
...king of the night
3dexport
king of the night. lord of the cold and the dead.
3ddd
$1
Night Stand
...night stand
3ddd
резьба , тумба
night stand for bedroom
Modification
turbosquid
$12
AKMS (AK47 modification)
... available on turbo squid, the world's leading provider of digital 3d models for visualization, films, television, and games.
turbosquid
$79
BusTransForm - Modif Bus Thailand
...d model bustransform - modif bus thailand for download as obj on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1383303)
3d_export
$25
mitsubishi evo 9 modification
...mitsubishi evo 9 modification
3dexport
evo 9 has been modified with a nice and elegant look.
3d_ocean
$25
Dart Vader (modificated helm)
...niforms, as well as anatomical model of the character itself. the model is divided into groups for further editing. primarily ...
turbosquid
$15
FN SCAR-H modification low-poly game ready
...fication low-poly game ready for download as ma, obj, and fbx on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1386384)
3d_export
$5
sphere light
...sphere light
3dexport
the socket and light are modifables
3d_export
$5
Fabulous chest
...chest 3dexport fabulous chest for your game or further modification ...
3d_export
free
cold coffee
...cold coffee 3dexport cold coffee can. any required modification will be done at...
3d_ocean
$12
Cartoon Dump or Sand Truck
...already rig low poly modifier still in stack for modification unwrap uvw for material and colour...
3d_ocean
$12
Cartoon Cement Mixer Truck
...already rig low poly modifier still in stack for modification unwrap uvw for material and colour...
Device
3ddd
$1
device
...device
3ddd
device
3ddd
$1
device
...device
3ddd
device
turbosquid
$25
Device
...royalty free 3d model device for download as ma, max, and obj on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1431298)
archive3d
free
Device 3D Model
...device 3d model
archive3d
equipment device
device- 3d model for interior 3d visualization.
archive3d
free
Device 3D Model
... model
archive3d
device
device n050608 - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
archive3d
free
Device 3D Model
...e 3d model
archive3d
device gear
device - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
turbosquid
$24
ICG Device
...turbosquid
royalty free 3d model icg device for download as on turbosquid: 3d models for games, architecture, videos. (1692389)
3d_export
$5
rope tighten device
...rope tighten device
3dexport
rope tighten device
3d_export
$5
front clamping device
...front clamping device
3dexport
front clamping device
archive3d
free
Device 3D Model
...e3d
device kitchen ware
device n130208 - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
Cap
3ddd
$1
cap
...cap
3ddd
cap
cap
3d_export
$10
cap
...cap
3dexport
cap
archibase_planet
free
Cap
...cap
archibase planet
cloth cap clothes clothing
cap - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
3ddd
free
Cap
...cap
3ddd
cap , кепка. бейсболка
реалистичная кепка
archibase_planet
free
Cap
...cap
archibase planet
cap water-closet lid sanitary ware
cap 880961 - 3d model for interior 3d visualization.
archibase_planet
free
Cap
...cap
archibase planet
cap sanitary ware water-closet lid
cap 991861 - 3d model for interior 3d visualization.
archibase_planet
free
Cap
...cap
archibase planet
cloth cap head-dress hat
cap n110708 - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
archibase_planet
free
Cap
...cap
archibase planet
wc cap water-closet lid
wc cap p5114 - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
archibase_planet
free
Cap
...cap
archibase planet
wc cap water-closet lid
wc cap r3901 - 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.
archibase_planet
free
Capping
...
archibase planet
chimney capping flue smoke-stack
chimney capping n020108- 3d model (*.gsm+*.3ds) for interior 3d visualization.