So you’ve just put good money into a high-end thermal monocular like a Nocpix ACE S60R or some other model. They cost several thousand dollars, if not more, and they are also sensitive electronic devices, in most cases, even when they boast high IP ratings.
That being said, knowing how to properly care for the scope is just as important as knowing what not to do. So, with no further ado let’s take a look at a few things you definitely should not do with a thermal scope, Nocpix or otherwise.
- Use harsh chemical cleaners. Harsh chemical cleaners, like bleach, should not be used on thermal optics. They can damage the housing and if they come into contact with electrical components will definitely damage them. Don’t risk a 5000 dollar scope over a matter like this.
- Get it wet unnecessarily. Many high-end thermal scopes like the Nocpix ACE S60R boast high IP ratings against moisture and dust ingress, but they are still electronic devices and should be kept dry if at all possible. And, if they do get wet, you should take pains to dry them off as expediently as you can.
- Use abrasive cleaners on the lenses. A microfiber cloth or lens cleaner is all you should use on the lenses or eyepiece of a thermal scope. Using anything else, like paper towels or a regular cloth, can either leave fibers on the glass that will compromise the quality of the sight picture, or worse, will scratch the lens, which will permanently damage the optic.
- Drop it. Accidents are one thing, but considering the cost, try not to be cavalier with your thermal optics. Many are recoil and drop-rated, but you still want to avoid that if you can. Avoid rough handling, too, and your thermal optics will last much longer and be better for it.
- Store it for long periods of time with the battery in the compartment. If the thermal scope in question has a removable battery, remove it from the compartment when the device is not in use. This will not just preserve the battery life of the battery itself but will help prevent corrosion to the electric contacts or terminals of the battery.
- Let the battery die and remain dead. If your thermal scope’s battery dies, bring it back to a full charge as soon as possible. Lithium batteries may be revered for their energy density and long lifespans, but one of their biggest weaknesses is if you leave them dead, you can permanently damage the battery’s cells.
- Subject it to wide temperature swings or high humidity. Lastly, if you can help it, store your thermal scope somewhere cool and dry when you are not using it. Extreme temperature swings, especially those on the high end, can damage it, as can exposure to chronically humid conditions, which can damage the scope’s electrical components or the battery of the unit.
These are just a few of the things you should not do with any thermal monocular, but if you’re in the market for a new one, visit Dark Night Outdoors; just keep this list of admonitions close at hand.
Dark Night Outdoors represents the best brands in thermal optics, including but not limited to Nocpix, iRay, PULSAR, DNT and many others. Check out their collection and get in touch with them at 309-781-8421 if you have any questions before you buy.
For more infrmation About Thermal Binoculars and Iray Thermal Scope please visit: Dark Night Outdoors LLC.