Quick 'Hi' and thanks to those that have been sharing their knowledge.
I've just completed my first build and I have to say 'I'm over the moon with the results'
After looking around on the forum I realised that many of the posts seemed to be recommending what could be considered as 'old' technology i.e. the E700 which is based on a camera that's almost 10yrs old. So I started to look for newer alternatives. After looking around...I learnt a lot and came back to the original recommendations. Turns out that the technology hasn't been updated or bettered for some time (in my price range at least).
Not sure if this is the location to add the build...but here goes with my experience and details...
I have a .17HMR, .22LR and Air rifle (sub12) so wanted something that I could move around between the guns. Based on (a lot of) recommendations on the forum, I selected the Sure24 E700+Monitor kit and the guys are first-rate. Delivered within 48hrs. While you may find some items on ebay/banggood etc a bit cheaper...Sure24 test the kits before it's sent and you get all the parts you need. Power lead, BNC connectors etc. So that was the main parts but I still needed to figure out how to mount it all. I elected to use Weaver QD (which are quick release lever mounts). This would allow me to quickly add/remove the bits without needing tools.
The monitor mount provided seemed fine but as-sold, I couldn't mount it on the side of the gun as the screen wouldn't move enough. To resolve this I peeled back the foam on the bottom of the mount and undid the screw securing the mounting post and turned it around. Sorted. I then drilled four holes in the bottom of the mount and attached this to the Weaver mount:
The Torch (I already had a T67) is mounted in the same way, both to a 3xWeaver mount (with the rail mount removed...see above).
Once all was mounted...it's still looked crap as I had wires everywhere. After asking on the forum, the words of wisdom where to leave the monitor cable alone as these monitors have issues once cut. So how do you leave it alone and still tidy up the cables...project box.
I fed the cable from the Monitor into the box and hid everything in there. I did cut the cable from the camera and converted it to a 3-pole stereo connector. I then attach the monitor to the box using Velcro as I still wanted access to the buttons on the rear of the screen.
I wired it up as follows:
Anyway, in keeping with what others have done...I hope the above helps in some way. Nothing new but seeing how others have done it helped me so I hope this helps someone else. As for performance...I took it out last night and the 3 bunnies at ranges between 80-135yards didn't stand a chance. Also caught sight of a weasel at 150yards. I do get the impression that the torch is helping a lot...the more IR you can throw...the clearer the picture is. You can clearly see blades of grass at over 100yards.
Things to note...
I tried the Floplas method. While it's great for holding the camera, the other pipe wouldn't fit over my scope (Sidewinder 8-32x56). Also, trying to get it to line up was a pain in the backside. So I purchased the Pulsar DSA Adapter, again from Sure24 (you'll see it in the photos) which works perfectly. The plastic ring is what's being used of the scope. I needed to angle it sideways slightly so I could open the bolt.
Be mindful that you WILL need a scope that you can focus (such as my one) as IR and the Field of View of the camera lens means you need to adjust your focus for various ranges.
Spotters...I'm thinking that's the next thing as my scope is 8x at it's lowest setting and I was forever swinging around my rifle to see eye-shine. Not best practice with a firearm.
Big thanks to everyone sharing their knowledge....great forum...
