Differences in IR

[BigBear]

Call me an idiot (door's wide open on that one...)

My google-fu is weak.

What is the difference between an IR Illuminator and an IR Pointer?

Is the pointer a visible laser?

[steincj]

Neither are visible to the naked eye.

The illuminator works like a flashlight (broad beam). The pointer works like a laser (dot).

[OneGuy67]

You use an IR illuminator to assist in the usage of night vision devices, like a flashlight of sorts. You use an IR pointer as a directional to point out specific items or targets that all who are using NV can see what you are pointing at, shooting at, etc.

[BigBear]

ah... does anyone make a 3-in-1 type unit?

i.e. IR illuminator/pointer and a visible laser?

[Irving]

What do you use a visible laser for? Hanging pictures in the dark.

[OneGuy67]

We used visible green lasers in Iraq to warn vehicles they were getting too close. Not sure if there is a three-way combo...

[BigBear]

What do you use a visible laser for? Hanging pictures in the dark.

Most people use the visible laser on a firearm as a form of intimidation.

A fellow holding a knife/gun will more likely surrender peacefully when he sees little red/green dots all over him/her.

[BigBear]

We used visible green lasers in Iraq to warn vehicles they were getting too close. Not sure if there is a three-way combo...

Rgr, do you remember the model?

[SA Friday]

ah... does anyone make a 3-in-1 type unit?

i.e. IR illuminator/pointer and a visible laser?
As a matter of fact there is. The Insight Technologies AN/PEQ-15 and 16 models have both IR and visible lasers and if I remember correctly they have both std and IR lights. There are a couple of other companies making packages like this too, but the above are pretty much the standards in the field right now. They are all expensive. They are all ITAR controlled.

Green Lasers are different (also very expensive and ITAR controlled). What you guys are talking about with the green lasers is a less-than-lethal device used to disorient an individual. Insight Technologies also makes these. There's a second company making these too, but I have forgotten their name. The IT version was much better than the other companies. We used them in Iraq to back drivers off of the tail end of our convoy.

My last 3 months in the AF, I worked a six figure contract with IT for stuff like this for our expeditionary units. IT offered me a job, twice, but I just can't bring myself to live in the DC area ever again.

This area of technology is exploding with discovery and innovation. Some very cool stuff at the scientific research level.

[SA Friday]

Rgr, do you remember the model?
IT doesn't advertise their green laser openly. It's in their catalog they distribute to LE/Mil agencies.

Do a search for green laser dazzlers.

Here's the other company I was talking about: http://www.ownthenight.com/catalog/i169.html

[BigBear]

Rgr, thanks for all the info folks.