Pictures of Miscellaneous Stuff & Things

[zp4ja]

Thanks Roger. Pretty country for sure. I lived in Florence, KY for a couple years when I was young. Lots of memories there.

Jerry

[peanut740]

Jerry go about 100 miles down river from here and you would be getting close to Florence.

[tjmurphy]

I've lived in Florence since 1977, but always lived in Northern Kentucky.

[CheckSix]

Bought a Night vision scope today. 5x with a 50mm objective. I camp a fair amount and am out at night where I've been around various animals (wolves, yotes, deer, bear, etc) and wanted to have something to see better with. Tried it indoors in a dark room and it works great. I'll take it out tonight and play around with it... there's 'yotes and deer traveling through my area fairly frequently.

Anyone else here using one of these?

Edit:
I just used it at night outside and even though this is a Gen 1 technology device, it does have some enhancements and it works really well. There is a near full Moon out, so I will have to try it on a New Moon night and see how it does but I suspect it will do well.

[Yehuda]

I restored a set of 1938 Alabama license plates, just because. They were beat to hell and covered in rust. Here's one finished.

[RobesonsRme.com]

I like that. I'm curious what the different groups of numbers and letters signify.

Now you a need a 1938 coupe of any make.

Charlie

[Yehuda]

I like that. I'm curious what the different groups of numbers and letters signify.

Now you a need a 1938 coupe of any make.

Charlie

I'll research it and see what I find. The first numbers identify the county, that's all I'm sure of.

[Yehuda]

I like that. I'm curious what the different groups of numbers and letters signify.

Now you a need a 1938 coupe of any make.

Charlie

I'll research it and see what I find. The first numbers identify the county, that's all I'm sure of.

OK. The first numbers identify the county, the next set of numbers are order of issue, the letter and number identify what type of vehicle the plate is for.

[royal0014]

Chilton County (Clanton) ......

[FRJ]

[quote="CheckSix"] this is a Gen 1 technology device, quote]

Interesting scope.
What does Gen 1 mean?
Thanks, Dave.

[CheckSix]

this is a Gen 1 technology device, quote]

Interesting scope.
What does Gen 1 mean?
Thanks, Dave.

Morning Joe!
Gen 1 night vision goes all the way back to its first use in Vietnam. This is very early night vision technology. Today, it is the entry level, "cheap" night vision. I found the one pictured on sale at Cabela's for $100.00 and took my first step into having the ability to see better at night while I'm outside. This one works but has optics distortion outside the center of the image and the definition isn't great but certainly good enough to see what Is out there. I wanted to try it, to see if I enjoy and benefit from having the capability, before I would possibly invest in the better Gen's, like Gen 2 or 3. The difference in generations are explained below. By the way, there is a BIG price jump from Gen 1, to Gen 2. Over $1,000.00.

Gen 1:
Affordability sums up Gen 1. It gets you some night time capability and remember some night vision is always better than no night vision. Is it the latest and greatest? No, in fact Generation 1 technology dates back to the early 1960's. That's when a computer was the size of a small house and cell phones were not even invented yet. Anyway Gen 1 equipment can be fine for many applications however the following are some of it's limitations.

-maximum useful range is about 75 yards depending on the night. A good Gen 3 device is capable of several hundred yards even in lower light conditions.
-lower resolution images, more static/noise in the images, not as bright.
-inability to operate "passively" - Gen 1 relies on built-in IR illuminators that are always on, making the user very visible to anyone using another night vision device.
-smaller field of view due to distorted image on outer one third of the field of view.
-shorter battery life.
-more susceptible to "blooming" - which is image distortion caused by excessive light.
-Gen 1 monoculars don't have the versatility that higher generations do. Examples: adapting to rifle scopes, spotting scopes and weapon mounting capability.
-shorter life expectancy. Gen 1: about 1500 hours, Gen 2: about 5000 hours, Gen 3 over 10,000 hours.

In conclusion it's great to have Gen 1 equipment available for those who need to stay within that budget range and heck, everyone's on a budget these days. You will be able to do quite a bit with it.



Gen 2:
In a nutshell Gen 2 is a huge step up from 1st generation equipment. How big of a step? Well lets put it this way, in general a good Gen 2 device is a lot closer to Gen 3 performance than it is to Gen 1 performance. However, there are different quality levels of 2nd generation so make sure to educate yourself before buying. You can check out our "Generation Grade Levels" area or give us a call and we will help guide you. The major improvements over Gen 1 are as follows:

-much longer useful range, in the 200 yard area depending on model.
-better resolution, cleaner images, brighter.
-the ability to operate "passively" without the necessity of IR illumination.
-full field of view- no distorted image on outer one third of viewing area.
-longer battery life
-less susceptible to "blooming" or image distortion caused by light when compared to Gen 1.
-Gen 2 monoculars have greater versatility due to increased durability and adaptability.
-3 times longer life expectancy than Gen 1 and better reliability.

Basically, if you can afford to make the step up to Generation 2, it is certainly worth it. The only problem will be deciding whether to go all the way to Gen 3 or sticking with Gen 2. Either way you will be playing in the night optics big leagues and you will not be disappointed.


Gen 3:
Generation 3 is the real deal. Gen 3 Autogated is what the US Military and Special Forces use and it is currently the gold standard in technology. There are several grades/levels of Gen 3, however they are all outstanding. Our Gen 3ST products are very good and will provide excellent performance at a budget 3rd Gen price. If you want the best our Gen 3P and Gen 3AG have autogated image tubes that provide far superior performance in lighted areas such as urban environments or anytime there are artificial lights present, such as vehicle lights, flashlights, houselights, etc.. See our "What is Autogated" for details about this advanced technology that is an option on Gen 3 equipment. The following are the Gen 3 advantages:

-longest ranges, in the 300 yard plus range depending on model and conditions.
-best resolution, cleanest and brightest images.
-some elite level HS (hand select) tubes are available, see "Gen 3 With HS:" in our Generation Grade Levels Explained.
-best low-light performance.
-even greater ability for completely "passive" operation - operating without the use of IR illumination/covert operation.
-autogated Gen 3 image tubes allow for operation in ALL light conditions. Significant reduction to "blooming".
-best versatility due to better performance when using with magnification lenses, scopes, camera adapters, and other night vision accessories.
-longest life expectancy of 10,000+ hours and best reliability/durability.

Gen 3 gives you incredible performance. An auto-gated tube option will give you state-of-the-art capability. With proper care it will last an extremely long time. Used by US Military and Special Forces - so you know it's the best! Simply put, if it doesn't "break the bank", Get it!! You won't be sorry.

[FRJ]

WOW!
That's amazing stuff. Thank you, Dave for posting that.
I really like the idea of seeing around me a night should I ever have to or want to.
I looked at them on Amazon. Much more expensive + shipping.
Thanks again.

[Yehuda]

Chilton County (Clanton) ......

Peaches!!

[koldgold]

I restored a set of 1938 Alabama license plates, just because. They were beat to hell and covered in rust. Here's one finished.
20160710_181021-1-1-1.jpg

Hi from Australia, this is my Dear Old Dad's set of 1948 number plates.
My father had them on his car, when I was only 4 years old.
They are now on my car, 69 years later... Ken

[Yehuda]

I restored a set of 1938 Alabama license plates, just because. They were beat to hell and covered in rust. Here's one finished.
20160710_181021-1-1-1.jpg

Hi from Australia, the is my Dear Old Dad's set of 1948 number plates.
My father had them on his car, when I was only 4 years old.
They are now on my car, 69 years later... Ken

That's a very cool sentiment. Glad you've found a way to honor your father through using his plates.

[CheckSix]

WOW!
That's amazing stuff. Thank you, Dave for posting that.
I really like the idea of seeing around me a night should I ever have to or want to.
I looked at them on Amazon. Much more expensive + shipping.
Thanks again.

Joe,
When you get a chance, take a look at this YT video below. It explains a LOT! And gives you good insight into what the different Gen's capabilities are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1CwNA5o018

[FRJ]

Thanks for that great link, Dave.

[peanut740]

Mom and Dad getting the their nest ready for the next batch. These photos were taken from my front porch. I zoomed the best I could.

[Yehuda]

My 1933 Philco radio, all original, fully restored. At the bottom left is my moonshine jug. It's supposed to be from the Prohibition days but can't be sure.

[jerryd6818]

Splendid. Old wood cased radios are just so neat, especially the console varieties. Ahh for the days when they entertained AND were a piece of furniture. Excellent restoration job.

[Yehuda]

I got an AM transmitter that takes memory sticks. Load Old Time Radio shows onto the sticks, put them into the transmitter and listen to them on the old radio. Nice!

[FRJ]

Great looking old radio there.

[Yehuda]

Great looking old radio there.

Thanks. I like it!

[Mossdancer]

When I looked at this, My mind gave me a memory of sitting in front of one not much different. It was early evening, work for the adults was complete for the day. First up was Gabe Heater followed by report from all the ships at sea and then a story of The Green Hornet, Buck Rogers, The Shadow or maybe Jack Benny. Made for a good night sleeping. Different times are a matter of perspective, partially era and mostly your age.
Thanks for the Memories,
moss

[Yehuda]

I love The Shadow. Also X Minus One and Dimension X. Great stuff!