Question: DIY powerful IR thrower w/ IR camera for night hunting

bassackwards

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I have gen 2+ night vision and a DIY modified IR filtered video camera that I use to hunt wild hog at night. Both of these work well at close range but are worthless past 30yds. I have had very poor results using IR filters on existing LED flashlights that I have. They simply do not have sufficient output in the IR spectrum to see very far using my nightvision or camera.
I don't like using my night vision because I can't shoot while using it. When I remove my night vision goggles, it takes several minutes before I get my nightsight back and I get motion sickness when I am moving with it on. I don't have this problem at all when looking at the display on the video cam though. As a result, I want to explore what available options there are that are capable of viewing objects over 100 meters away by either using other camera options or by getting a good IR light to use with my camera without spending a fortune doing it.
Camera Options…
I have seen the impressive images from FLIR cameras that do not use illuminators. Are there any relatively inexpensive cameras, or DIY camera modifications, capable of long range imaging similar to FLIR?
I have been trying to research my options, but since IR is not visible light, illuminators are not rated in lumens like normal lights. The only ratings I have seen are in watt usage, of which the most powerful emitter I have found is 3W. I have no idea if this is even remotely close to being powerful enough to accomplish what I am looking for but I fear it is not. The other problem is that IR comes in a wide range of wavelengths. Assuming my camera can see this full range (no idea if it can), is there a difference in what IR wavelength that should be used in the light? Can you see farther or with higher resolution with longer IR wavelengths?
IR Light Options…
I want a powerful thrower style IR light that I can use in combination with my video camera since it has a powerful zoom that I can use to spot the hogs from long distances. My current cam setup uses an IR filtered flashlight on a modified flashlight weapon mount that is screwed to the bottom side of the video camera in the tripod mount. It would be great if I could use a similar set up in the new setup.
I am probably capable of modding an existing platform to accommodate an IR emitter. Ideally I would like to have an IR light thrower capable of easily illuminating objects well over 100 meters away. I really do not want to spend more than 150$ or so on this light if possible. What options are available with this kind of output?
As an added bonus, it would be awesome if this same light were able to accommodate a good UV emitter that could be swapped out in place of the IR emitter, so I could follow the blood trail to track my kill and not lose it in the woods in the dark.
P. S. If I end up building a light or camera, I promise to post a DIY write up on how to do it. Thanks for the help.
 
Nothing specific but how about a IR LED behind an aspheric? Depending on the design of the host light, you could set it up in such a way that you can swap the head or LED module with a UV LED.


IR Light Options…
I want a powerful thrower style IR light that I can use in combination with my video camera since it has a powerful zoom that I can use to spot the hogs from long distances. My current cam setup uses an IR filtered flashlight on a modified flashlight weapon mount that is screwed to the bottom side of the video camera in the tripod mount. It would be great if I could use a similar set up in the new setup.
 
II have seen the impressive images from FLIR cameras that do not use illuminators. Are there any relatively inexpensive cameras, or DIY camera modifications, capable of long range imaging similar to FLIR?
.
no,
no inexpencive, or diy camera will look anything like flir.
i have a flir at work, and sony camera with nightshot mode, with homebuild ir led array at home, camera doesn't look too bad comparing to my friend's gen 2+ nvg, but none even come close to flir.
camera $600, gen 2+ nvg $1500, flir $13000.

ir cree led with aspheric sounds like a good idea
 
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is it possible to mod an existing 5 emitter flashlight like http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30683 with 5 IR emitters like http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14061 ? If so how hard would this be and would any additional materials be required to do it?

as for the atmospheric...i have been looking and the only thing I have found is A8/A9 atmospherics. The long throw of the atmospherics are achieved by a deep reflector and a domed lense...am i right? what options do i have to make an atmospheric out of a multiemitter light so that I get the intensity that i need.
 
I'm not sure. Aside from the host light, you also need to find an aspheric lens that will fit and with a appropriate focal length. I'm thinking maybe a Mag host 'cause there are lots of modding info about it around here, parts are easily available and an adjustable head for focusing. With this setup though, it'll be hard to configure an interchangeable IR/UV module.

Most aspherical light setup don't usually use a reflector. It's just the LED and the aspheric in front of it. Other's employ multiple lenses. A multi-emitter setup is not a good idea in a aspheric configuration.

is it possible to mod an existing 5 emitter flashlight like http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30683 with 5 IR emitters like http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14061 ? If so how hard would this be and would any additional materials be required to do it?

as for the atmospheric...i have been looking and the only thing I have found is A8/A9 atmospherics. The long throw of the atmospherics are achieved by a deep reflector and a domed lense...am i right? what options do i have to make an atmospheric out of a multiemitter light so that I get the intensity that i need.
 
Bassackwards,

What I use is a Surefire G2 with a Spiderfire rubber boot slipover IR filter (~$8, Google it for best price). Has about same throw as visible light G2, only a small, dim red glow emits, which I don't see beyond 25 ft. G2 can be slipped into a scope mount ring and installed on your weapon's accessory rail. Add a remote switch and your doin' just like the pro's do,

Ronstar
 
Surprised that ther aren't more IR illuminators based on lasers. Lasers are the ultimate throwers, but can be refocused into a flashlight "beam" with an approximately gaussian dispersion.
 
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