MNV-K

The MNV-K is an original Russian monocular night vision housing made to accommodate the equally Russian EPM-103 series image intensifier tubes (usually manufactured by Russian company Katod) with a proprietary objective and eyepiece.

Design and function

There are several variants of the MNV-K but the features common to all of them are -among others- onboard IR LED illumination, battery compartment opens at the rear end of the device and the power switch is located on the front.

The MNV-K is usually fitted with both a mini-rail and a threaded port for attaching a standard Norotos style J-Arm, other monocular arms or a bridge.

The eyepiece is threaded but in a different size from US mil-spec ones.

MNV-K devices are powered using a single 3V CR123 and are not compatible with higher voltage such as rechargable Li-ion 3.7V CR123R.

Its variations include features as stowed-position ON/OFF (selectable from the power switch), manual or fixed gain and upgrade lens kits that have less fish-eye effect than the original manufacture ones.

Fixed gain units are usually set to quite high output, their display appearing significantly brighter than the maximum setting on manual gain units.

Use

The MNV-K is designed to function in multiple modes among which are hand-held, helmet and weapons mounted. Being somewhat bulkier but slightly lighter than a AN/PVS-14 the MNV-K is a very nimble device to operate. MNV-K units are considered to be universally compatible with PVS-14 j-arms and have near-identical outer diameter on the objective lens, allowing for the popular sunlight and lens protection solution using a Butler Creek scope-cap with polycarbonate sacrificial lens installed.

Helmet mounting

In line with its form factor resembling the AN/PVS-14 pattern devices MNV-K can be used "hands free" whilst mounted on a helmet with an appropriate j-arm or bridge, mount and shroud.

Dual use

While it is designed as a monocular device two units can be sucessfully bridged and so operated as a binocular unit without the shape of either device interfering with the other for narrow IPD settings or to minimize its footprint for storage.

In spite of its form factor resembling the AN/PVS-14 mounting MNV-K devices to US Standard mounts and bridges may have its challenges as the dimensions of the housing differ from its US counterpart: using a bayonet j-arm interface or a dual bridge together with mounts allowing limited height adjustment will result in eyepiece center sitting slightly lower than an average in relation to the users eyes.

Technical data and specs

The MNV-K weighs in at around 320 grams and is powered by a single 3V CR123 cell. It has a removable rubber eyecup and comes with a light filtering protection lens held in a rubber cap for daytime training.

The housing is made from polymer with the circuitry accessible by removing a cover. The circuit board is liftable by removing a screw which also exposes the power connectors to the poles of the IIT. These two connectors are flexible to accomodate a bit of movement but this also causes a mechanical weak spot in that a drop fall from head height can cause the connector lips to bend and so loose contact with the IIT. While an easy problem to resolve by removing the cover and manually extracting the circuit board and adjusting the angle of the connector arms it is an inconvenience to the user should the accident happen.

Otherwise both the MNV-K and its standard companion IIT from Katod have a solid reputation as tough and durable work-horses.