Arken Optics name change - kind of

[Foxyboy43]

The vcsel in the arken does out to 200yds no problem so i don't see why adding more if on side is any benefit..unless mega LR at night ? and for me the plus point of zulu is ergonomics ...so why ruin that?

I can't see how an LED is better than a vcsel .myself

The Arken’s onboard IR will let me easily identify whether it is a fox or a badger I have detected with my Axion2 thermal at 400 plus.
Personally though not exactly pretty, between the IR and the RF/BC I think it is hard to beat for performance, price and ergonomics.

 

[mealiejimmy]

Vcsel are mostly illegal in uk for general consumer sales, not sure if the ones for sale are actually meeting the legal standards or not. However, they are great for long range, the Zulu thingies are better for short range rat type jobs, I’d imagine an LED would be more suitable

VCSEL IR illuminators used in the DNT Zulus and DNT Thermnight are NOT illegal in the UK
Trading Standards try to prevent sales of lasers with an optical power output of more than 500mW - and at least one UK seller of aftermarket IR illuminators was caught selling vcsel IRs with power outputs of more than 500mW
He had to remove them from sale until they had their power output reduced
I have tested several Arken/DNT IR illuminators and none has exceeded 450mW
Also, while it can be illegal to sell a laser with a power output of more than 500mW it is NOT illegal to own and use a laser of ANY power in the UK.
Only when such a laser is used recklessly is a crime committed
The "reckless use" law was introduced to deter idiots who shine lasers into the cockpits of aircraft as they come into land or at the windscreens of cars or trucks as they pass under motorway bridges
Those idiots have no use for an IR laser since who ever they shine it at won't see more than a dull red glow
In summary, buying an external IR to use with a Zulus is IMHO a complete and utter waste of time and money
Buying an IR and adjustable mount that will give you the same or greater range than the Zulus on board laser will cost you between £150-£200
It will add more weight and bulk to your set up and require more faffing around to get it set up and use
The simple and cheap solution is to buy a few decent 18650 batteries and then:
1. Always go out with a fully charged battery in the scope
2. Carry at least two fully charged batteries with you
3. Use the standby function on the Zulus (short press of the power button) when you are not actually looking through the scope - this greatly extends battery life

Edit, there are no LED based IR illuminators that can illuminate targets at the ranges possible with a vcsel IR
For very short range work (up to 50m) an LED IR will work fine and will give a smoother image than a vcsel IR

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Bandooki]

That’s a pretty comprehensive response and taken on board, wil carry spare batteries from now on!
appreciated
Regards
B

 

[mealiejimmy]

That’s a pretty comprehensive response and taken on board, wil carry spare batteries from now on!
appreciated
Regards
B

If you need to buy 18650 batteries, I highly recommend these

2x Vapcell N40 4000mAh Unprotected flat top 18650 – Torchy the Battery Boy

Do NOT buy 18650 batteries from E Bay or Amazon - there's a very high probability that they will be fake

Cheers

Bruce

 

[Smellydog]

I always carry spare batteries. It's so easy.
I have tried an external IR on my Zulus and frankly it's not worth it.
On standby the unit lasts for hours.
But for even longer switch it off. Booting up takes seconds. I often don't even turn mine on until I see my first target.

 

[Blackwood Outdoors]

VCSEL IR illuminators used in the DNT Zulus and DNT Thermnight are NOT illegal in the UK
Trading Standards try to prevent sales of lasers with an optical power output of more than 500mW - and at least one UK seller of aftermarket IR illuminators was caught selling vcsel IRs with power outputs of more than 500mW
He had to remove them from sale until they had their power output reduced
I have tested several Arken/DNT IR illuminators and none has exceeded 450mW
Also, while it can be illegal to sell a laser with a power output of more than 500mW it is NOT illegal to own and use a laser of ANY power in the UK.
Only when such a laser is used recklessly is a crime committed
The "reckless use" law was introduced to deter idiots who shine lasers into the cockpits of aircraft as they come into land or at the windscreens of cars or trucks as they pass under motorway bridges
Those idiots have no use for an IR laser since who ever they shine it at won't see more than a dull red glow
In summary, buying an external IR to use with a Zulus is IMHO a complete and utter waste of time and money
Buying an IR and adjustable mount that will give you the same or greater range than the Zulus on board laser will cost you between £150-£200
It will add more weight and bulk to your set up and require more faffing around to get it set up and use
The simple and cheap solution is to buy a few decent 18650 batteries and then:
1. Always go out with a fully charged battery in the scope
2. Carry at least two fully charged batteries with you
3. Use the standby function on the Zulus (short press of the power button) when you are not actually looking through the scope - this greatly extends battery life

Edit, there are no LED based IR illuminators that can illuminate targets at the ranges possible with a vcsel IR
For very short range work (up to 50m) an LED IR will work fine and will give a smoother image than a vcsel IR

Cheers

Bruce

I use LED all the time with the Zulus Bruce and the image is superior in detail when shooting rats or rabbits out to 150yds for me, it does produce better video quality also when recorded.

 

[Foxyboy43]

I always carry spare batteries. It's so easy.
I have tried an external IR on my Zulus and frankly it's not worth it.
On standby the unit lasts for hours.
But for even longer switch it off. Booting up takes seconds. I often don't even turn mine on until I see my first target.

Absolutely right Smelly - your methodology is spot on (see wot I did there).