chosos
07-16-2014, 07:40 AM
Background:
I had previously picked up a Raytheon PAS-13B, which is an impressive military grade 320x240 Thermal Scope. It is large, solid, and the image quality is pretty good for being back from 2005. Unfortunately (for me), the PAS-13B is purely a weapon sight, and until the feral pigs have a greater population density here in Michigan, I really am after more of a handheld monocular, which the PAS-13B is NOT. So, I sold the PAS-13B shortly after getting it, and instead picked up this ATN OTS-X handheld thermal monocular, hoping it would better meet my needs. The 336x256 Sensor, 800x600 30hz OLED Display, and pricetag sold me on this device compared to some of the other choices out there.
I've owned a couple of other ATN devices in the past, and have been largely unimpressed. Sorry ATN, but you really have a lot of ground to makeup, because your reputation isn't the greatest when it comes to quality. This is from my own prior experience owning ATN products. Given that, I went into this ATN OTS-X purchase with pretty low expectations. I was hopeful because I read that ATN is one of FLIR's largest customers and all of sensors come direct from FLIR. I've also read favorable comments about ATN's thermal gear (unlike the night vision gear). Fortunately, I got into this device fairly cheap, so it was a worthwhile gamble. I believe MSRP on this thing is somewhere around $4000.
My Review:
The ATN OTS-X is a handheld thermal unit that comes in a few varieties. The version I have is the ATN OTS-X-F314. This version comes standard with a 14mm 1x lens. Other versions of this come with 30mm, 50mm, and 70mm lenses. If ATN would like to supply additional lenses, I would be more than happy to provide feedback, but mine only came with the 14mm.
Size wise, it is roughly about the size of a PVS-14, but in my hand, it feels like it weighs twice as much. It isn't overly heavy, though. The extra weight is likely because the housing is machined from aluminum. The battery housing looks like the same material as a PVS-14 battery housing. The objective and ocular both have adjustable focus. Basically, if you are familiar with a PVS-14, the OTS-X will be second nature to you.
Having owned the 320x240 PAS-13B, I was expecting ATN's offering to be significantly lesser quality, considering how much it cost compared to the PAS-13B's original $20,000-ish MSRP. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this little ATN monocular. In fact, I think the image quality on this sensor is actually pretty good. I know the 800x600 OLED display blows away that of the PAS-13B. On this ATN, the images are crisp and I can even focus on my arms and even see my arm hair! I can actually see very fine details with this scope that I was not able to see on the PAS-13B.
My only real complaint is that this device has some type of Automatic Brightness Control. When I pan around and find a hot object, the entire display adjusts and it makes difficult to see anything else that was previously in the background other than the "hot object" within view. I've tried recalibrating the device multiple times, but it seems that you can't fix this. If you notice my photos, the subjects are nice and clear, but the background is almost non-existent. I'm not sure how to correct this and there seems to be no way in the menu to disable the automatic brightness control. I'm guessing it is caused because so much of the view window is taken up by the "hot subject", since this didn't seem to be a major issue when I was looking up and down my street it might be a complete non-issue. I'm not sure what ATN feels is the optimal viewing distance.
Usage:
There are 3 buttons and an on/off switch for this device. The buttons feel solid, and the switch feels as solid as the switch on my PVS-14, if not moreso. This thermal monocular feels sold, and incredibly well-built. It is really easy to use, and the inclusion of a quick reference guide is an excellent choice by ATN. The menu is easy to use and is straight forward. The menu options let you specify color pallet, zoom, rotation, OLED brightness, and display mode.
The OTS-X operates off a single CR123 / CR123A battery and should yield a little over 2 hours of battery life. I have a surplus of CR123's, so I'm actually excited to use them! The battery cap attaches just like that of a PVS-14. The included lens cap has a spring retention so it snaps firmly in place and locks securely. I do wish it was tethered to the device though. The rubber eye cup feels thicker than the eyecup on a PVS-7/PVS-14. I actually prefer ATN's eyecup. The ring that retains the eyecup rotates freely and rattles a little, so I have a minor complaint there.
As for connectors, there is a female MCX Video out port. I actually plan on building my own MCX to RCA cable - it should run ~$15, so that is another bonus, because cables for these types of devices are generally stupid expensive.
The overall package for this device is great. The case reminds me of a Hardigg Storm case, which is excellent. There are spots for 2 batteries, and additional lens, and the monocular. My device came with the Monocular, Lens cap, Rubber eyecup, Case, 2 batteries, neck cord, cleaning cloth, and includes a product manual, warranty documentation, and the previously mentioned quick start guide. The guides and the manual are pretty well written, and easy to read. It wasn't difficult to read like some of my electonic manuals.
At the end of the day, I think this device will meet my needs. I'm actually pretty excited about it, and will likely hang on to it. Also, kudos to ATN for inlaying the serial # sticker, and then filling the inlay cavity with epoxy so someone can't just remove the sticker.
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots1.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots2.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots3.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots4.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots5.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots6.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots7.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots8.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots9.jpg
Specifications:
Resolution 320 x 240
Ergonomic Design
Fast Imaging (30hz)
Compact Rugged Construction
Interchangable Optics
E-Zoom
Variable Geometry Display
Digital Brightness Control
Icon Based Menu System
Color Modes
Black/White Polarity
VOx Vanadium Oxide Detector
800x600 Display
Video Output
Made in USA
Sensor (microbolometer)320 x 240
TypeUncooled
MaterialVanadium oxide (VOx)
Image Size (output resolution)800x600
Frame rate30 Hz
Video outputAnalog RS-170
Lens14 mm
DisplayColor OLED matrix, SVGA< 800x600
Thermal Sensitivity<50mK
Spectral Response7-14 µm
Field of View25°
Eye Relief27 mm
Diopter Adjustment-1.5
Optical Magnification1X
E-Zoom2X, 4X
Human Detection500 m
Human Recognition225 m
Human Identification135 m
Vehicle Detection1100 m
Vehicle Recognition495 m
Vehicle Identification300 m
Polarity controlWhite hot / Black hot / Multiple Color Modes
Start up time<4 sec
WaterproofYes
Battery type1 x CR123A battery type
Battery Life2+ hrs
Weight0,83 lb /375 grams
Dimensions100 x 61 x 83 mm /4x2.4x3.3"
Warranty1 year
I had previously picked up a Raytheon PAS-13B, which is an impressive military grade 320x240 Thermal Scope. It is large, solid, and the image quality is pretty good for being back from 2005. Unfortunately (for me), the PAS-13B is purely a weapon sight, and until the feral pigs have a greater population density here in Michigan, I really am after more of a handheld monocular, which the PAS-13B is NOT. So, I sold the PAS-13B shortly after getting it, and instead picked up this ATN OTS-X handheld thermal monocular, hoping it would better meet my needs. The 336x256 Sensor, 800x600 30hz OLED Display, and pricetag sold me on this device compared to some of the other choices out there.
I've owned a couple of other ATN devices in the past, and have been largely unimpressed. Sorry ATN, but you really have a lot of ground to makeup, because your reputation isn't the greatest when it comes to quality. This is from my own prior experience owning ATN products. Given that, I went into this ATN OTS-X purchase with pretty low expectations. I was hopeful because I read that ATN is one of FLIR's largest customers and all of sensors come direct from FLIR. I've also read favorable comments about ATN's thermal gear (unlike the night vision gear). Fortunately, I got into this device fairly cheap, so it was a worthwhile gamble. I believe MSRP on this thing is somewhere around $4000.
My Review:
The ATN OTS-X is a handheld thermal unit that comes in a few varieties. The version I have is the ATN OTS-X-F314. This version comes standard with a 14mm 1x lens. Other versions of this come with 30mm, 50mm, and 70mm lenses. If ATN would like to supply additional lenses, I would be more than happy to provide feedback, but mine only came with the 14mm.
Size wise, it is roughly about the size of a PVS-14, but in my hand, it feels like it weighs twice as much. It isn't overly heavy, though. The extra weight is likely because the housing is machined from aluminum. The battery housing looks like the same material as a PVS-14 battery housing. The objective and ocular both have adjustable focus. Basically, if you are familiar with a PVS-14, the OTS-X will be second nature to you.
Having owned the 320x240 PAS-13B, I was expecting ATN's offering to be significantly lesser quality, considering how much it cost compared to the PAS-13B's original $20,000-ish MSRP. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this little ATN monocular. In fact, I think the image quality on this sensor is actually pretty good. I know the 800x600 OLED display blows away that of the PAS-13B. On this ATN, the images are crisp and I can even focus on my arms and even see my arm hair! I can actually see very fine details with this scope that I was not able to see on the PAS-13B.
My only real complaint is that this device has some type of Automatic Brightness Control. When I pan around and find a hot object, the entire display adjusts and it makes difficult to see anything else that was previously in the background other than the "hot object" within view. I've tried recalibrating the device multiple times, but it seems that you can't fix this. If you notice my photos, the subjects are nice and clear, but the background is almost non-existent. I'm not sure how to correct this and there seems to be no way in the menu to disable the automatic brightness control. I'm guessing it is caused because so much of the view window is taken up by the "hot subject", since this didn't seem to be a major issue when I was looking up and down my street it might be a complete non-issue. I'm not sure what ATN feels is the optimal viewing distance.
Usage:
There are 3 buttons and an on/off switch for this device. The buttons feel solid, and the switch feels as solid as the switch on my PVS-14, if not moreso. This thermal monocular feels sold, and incredibly well-built. It is really easy to use, and the inclusion of a quick reference guide is an excellent choice by ATN. The menu is easy to use and is straight forward. The menu options let you specify color pallet, zoom, rotation, OLED brightness, and display mode.
The OTS-X operates off a single CR123 / CR123A battery and should yield a little over 2 hours of battery life. I have a surplus of CR123's, so I'm actually excited to use them! The battery cap attaches just like that of a PVS-14. The included lens cap has a spring retention so it snaps firmly in place and locks securely. I do wish it was tethered to the device though. The rubber eye cup feels thicker than the eyecup on a PVS-7/PVS-14. I actually prefer ATN's eyecup. The ring that retains the eyecup rotates freely and rattles a little, so I have a minor complaint there.
As for connectors, there is a female MCX Video out port. I actually plan on building my own MCX to RCA cable - it should run ~$15, so that is another bonus, because cables for these types of devices are generally stupid expensive.
The overall package for this device is great. The case reminds me of a Hardigg Storm case, which is excellent. There are spots for 2 batteries, and additional lens, and the monocular. My device came with the Monocular, Lens cap, Rubber eyecup, Case, 2 batteries, neck cord, cleaning cloth, and includes a product manual, warranty documentation, and the previously mentioned quick start guide. The guides and the manual are pretty well written, and easy to read. It wasn't difficult to read like some of my electonic manuals.
At the end of the day, I think this device will meet my needs. I'm actually pretty excited about it, and will likely hang on to it. Also, kudos to ATN for inlaying the serial # sticker, and then filling the inlay cavity with epoxy so someone can't just remove the sticker.
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots1.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots2.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots3.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots4.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots5.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots6.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots7.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots8.jpg
http://www.ifshtf.com/pic/nvg/atn-otsx/ots9.jpg
Specifications:
Resolution 320 x 240
Ergonomic Design
Fast Imaging (30hz)
Compact Rugged Construction
Interchangable Optics
E-Zoom
Variable Geometry Display
Digital Brightness Control
Icon Based Menu System
Color Modes
Black/White Polarity
VOx Vanadium Oxide Detector
800x600 Display
Video Output
Made in USA
Sensor (microbolometer)320 x 240
TypeUncooled
MaterialVanadium oxide (VOx)
Image Size (output resolution)800x600
Frame rate30 Hz
Video outputAnalog RS-170
Lens14 mm
DisplayColor OLED matrix, SVGA< 800x600
Thermal Sensitivity<50mK
Spectral Response7-14 µm
Field of View25°
Eye Relief27 mm
Diopter Adjustment-1.5
Optical Magnification1X
E-Zoom2X, 4X
Human Detection500 m
Human Recognition225 m
Human Identification135 m
Vehicle Detection1100 m
Vehicle Recognition495 m
Vehicle Identification300 m
Polarity controlWhite hot / Black hot / Multiple Color Modes
Start up time<4 sec
WaterproofYes
Battery type1 x CR123A battery type
Battery Life2+ hrs
Weight0,83 lb /375 grams
Dimensions100 x 61 x 83 mm /4x2.4x3.3"
Warranty1 year