A working replica PVS14: an EyeClops Casemod

[Conker]

So... I don't know if I've just got too much money and spare time (I don't have much of any of these actually^^) but a project started in my mind... and when it starts, it's pretty hard to remove it. I just have to do it.

What's the idea?
After seeing the el'cheapo kid's EyeClops NVG for sale (around 40 bucks) after christmas, and wasting countless hours online checking for stuff I'd buy if I had more money, an idea gradually took place in my distorted mind:

"Would it be possible to get something that would be an "NVG-like" (as the EyeClops aren't what I'd call real NVGs) into the PVS14? That'd look awesome!"

That was the start of it.

It's both for airsoft, though I don't think it will see that much use... It's also just for the plain DIY fun, 'cause it's just nice to build things by yourself (especially when they work!).

The base components
I bought the EyeClops (these are the Gen2 "binocular style", but other than the case they're pretty much the same as the 1st version). I tested it and was pretty satisfied of these 40$: inside, it works really well up to around 10 meters (I didn't have much more dark places to test it).

Outside, it's shit in open fields, but in relativly dense forest or when there's no moonlight, it's actually helpful for short range. Obviously a good flashlight is better, but it doesn't achieve the stealth function I'm looking for.

The PVS14 shell is a 28$ shipped plastic dummy from EBB, but it's also availble from several other retails such as PX-Airsoft.
Of course, I could've bought the metal 130$ 3X PVS14-like magnifier, but it would make the project cost as much if not more than a real Gen1 (the lowest I've seen new and eGay was around 140$). The plastic is obviously much easier to work with.
The finish isn't bad, but just by looking at it, you know it's plastic. I'll probably repaint it after it's finished anyway.

Other than that... Dremel + electric tape! (and lots of spare time)

I received the Norotos, Rhino and PVS14 tonight and I couldn't really sleep with the package sitting unopened on the table... so I started working on it immediately. Yeah, it's currently 04:48 EST and I should get some sleep

Things to know:

• Circuit voltage is 7.5v. It's powered by 5xAA batteries.
  I tested with 2x 3.2v (3.5v peak) LiFePo CR123 for a 6.2v total and it does work, however as soon as the voltage under 5.2v, there's not enough power for the screen to work.
• The EyeClops screen is too big for the PVS14 casing. It will stick out a bit from one side, but I'll try to make it look like it was build this way... wish me luck.
• There are 3 switches: On/Off (the largest), Green/visible colors (green will tint the screen, visible colors will display exactly what the camera sees, which includes "real colors" if there's enough visible light) and hi/low power (for the IR LEDs).
• Note that the illumination is provided by IR LEDs, which are needed for anyone to see something without visible light.
  The low-power LEDs are invisible to the naked eye. The hi-power ones do give a slight red glow.
• Anyone with IR-capable device (some cameras, real NVGs, other EyeClops-based stuff, etc) will see you like a KKK member in a Black Panthers meeting.

Power source
There is not enought place to put the batteries inside the PVS14 battery compartement, so you've got two choices: rig them inside the helmet, or; run a wire inside the helmet to the back and put the batteries inside an NVG counterweight pouch (what I will most likely do; it's realistic -looking and has the dual purpose since a counterweight is really, really nice to have with an helmet-mounted NVG.). You could also find a 7,4v lipo and place it wherever the shape/size fits (I thought of placing inside a G&P strobe dummy, but finally decided I'd rather keep common-style batteries).

CURRENT STAGE: 1st PROOF OF CONCEPT
For those who really love electric tape

I've placed the proof-of-concept on the mount and wore it for a bit... it does work quite well (oubviously it still needs a lot of work) but it's comfortable and at a correct distance (for me, at least) for proper eye focus both directly on my face and with my ESS Profile NVG goggles.

That's it for now... I'll post pics of the heavily eletric-taped proof of concept later today... after some sleep.

Conker

EDIT 2014: I have a bag of parts somewhere as I ended up not spending the time necessary to complete this. If anyone stumbles on this thread and wants the parts, hit me up.

[ex]

Interesting shit!

[FOX_111]

Interesting indeed. Post a lot of pics!

[theguy]

Sounds like an awesome project.

If it works, I might just have to try it myself!

Post lots of pictures please!

[Conker]

I'm currently assembling the battery pack... I just dremeled out the original compartiment from the EyeClops, and I'll install it in an NVG counterweight pouch as soon as I can find some Coyote Brown cordura to do it.

Pic is the main components I have to locate in the main body. The thing is that I need to enclose that in an enlarged area of the body... I'll have to find something suitable, and that's probably the hardest of the project.

To run the wires, I drilled a small hole under my Norotos. There's a slight gap between the helmet and the Norotos, so I can run the wire there and just pull them under the mount when I don't need them, and they don't show. I justmake the wire go under the padding inside the helmet, then it goes out in the rear with another hole. Again, it doesn't show when not in use because it's in the middle of the velcro pad. When I'm not using the NVG, I will have my MS2000 strobe so it would hide it, too.

[mills0]

This might be a bit of a necro post, but thats alot like what one of my friends wants to do with his, we haven't gotten beyond removing it from the eyeclops shell but yours looks awsome so far