How I destroyed a camera
What?
To turn a digital camera (Canon S40) into night vision goggle (NVG)
Why?
1) investigate IR light sensitivity of a standard CCD chip with and without IR filter lens mount 2) to be able to see IR light where human eye fails to do so 3) I took a standard security camera IR illuminator and tried to take photos in dark with it. The result was not very satisfying, so I decided to remove the IR lens inside the camera.
How?
Do not do this at home with your latest camera!
Few hints:
* make a list of screws you took away and take photos of the disassembly * you will need micro sizes of phillips and torx screwdrivers * the IR filter is located right in front of CCD chip
Conclusion
* The visiblity of IR light vastly improved, but tweaks of the focus are necessary. * It is certainly possible to build a night vision device based on IR illumintaion. * The hardware is available for anyone who would like to continue the build of NVG.
Images
-
IR illuminator, light normally almost invisible, visible by normal camera
-
Shot taken in dark, distance 30 cm
-
IR filter removed, illuminator lights brightly
-
Dark room photo, obviously bad focusing
