Rickfitz wrote:the 38s comes with a set of Ansmann rechargeable batteries & EC800 charger,
should I be able to recharge other make batteries in there all just Ansmann
You can put any brand of battery in there, no problem.
Well, my 38S arrived today from Swillington Shooting Supplies. As I've previously mentioned I was dealt with very well by Chris Chapman. Thanks, Chris
I've just had a quick peek through it while out with the dogs. No chance to try it against the Guide as yet.
Okay. Initial impressions.
Size and weight are very useful. Quite a bit smaller and lighter than the Guide, so, a very handy size indeed.
Loving the battery cartridge and the spare. Great idea.
Buttons are a bit 'flat' and difficult to feel, and that was with warm hands.
Start-up time is fine and auto calibration isn't a pain in the bum.
Liking the easy adjust of brightness and contrast.
Haven't settled on whether i prefer 'Forest', 'City' or 'Identification' yet.
Focus is good and not too fussy.
Field of view, at 14.4 degrees x 10.8 degrees is very comfortable.
Black hot/white hot and 1x/2x mag are both simple and quick to change.
If quoted battery life is correct, at 5.5 hours, that will be excellent.
Diopter adjustment is fine and although it feels small, the view is easy on the eye.
As I haven't tried all of the settings to get to the best that will suit me, I'm holding off on judgement of the image quality. My quick trial is showing an image that contains lots of faint lines, but that might be improved with the brightness and contrast settings.
As regarding clarity and id at greater distances, I can't comment on that yet. The exposed diameter of lens is only 30mm.
Overall, this unit looks like a winner to me. Doesn't feel like a quality piece of kit, if I'm honest, but at only 60% the cost of the Guide it will put thermal that much nearer the pocket of many more people, so that's a good thing.
The unit comes in a great carry case. Well made and with extra gear pockets. It has the av out lead, 12 volt cigarette lighter power lead, cleaning cloth, paperwork and spare battery cassette. Outside of the factory packaging was an Ansmann charger and 4 x Ansmann 2700mAh batteries, which is a nice bonus and a good start.
I can see this being my go-to unit when I'm on foot. Whether it will replace the Guide as my go-to truck unit remains to be seen.
George
Haven't been out with it since last Sunday's escapade written up in FH's thread. Need to go back as there was another charlie in the drive yesterday.... actually flushed the pheasants from the top end of the cover crop pretty well considering. 
I never expected that so thats excellant customer service. The units really light and easy to use. 
