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Night Vision Equipment

Night Vision equipment has gone so far through 4 main generations...

Gen 1 night vision

currently the most popular type of night vision in the world. Utilizing the basic principles described earlier, a 1st generation unit will amplify the existing light several thousand times letting you clearly see in the dark. These units provide a bright and sharp image at a low cost, which is perfect, whether you are boating, observing wildlife, or providing security for your home. You may notice the following when you are looking through a 1st Gen. unit.

• A slight high-pitched whine when the unit is on.
• The image you see may be slightly blurry around the edges. This is known as Geometric Distortion.
• When you turn a 1st Gen. unit off it may glow green for some time.
• These are inherent characteristics of a 1st Gen. unit and are normal.

Here are some examples of Gen 1 Night Vision Equipment:

Gen 1 Night Vision Goggles - Viper

ATN Night Vision Scout - Binocular

ATN Night Vision Monocular - MO4

Gen 2 night vision

is primarily used by law enforcement or for professional applications. This is because the cost of a 2nd Gen. unit is approximately $500.00 to $1000.00 more then a 1st Gen. The main difference between a 1st and a 2nd generation unit is the addition of a micro-channel plate, commonly referred to as a MCP. The MCP works as an electron amplifier and is placed directly behind the photocathode. The MCP consists of millions of short parallel glass tubes. When the electrons pass through these short tubes, thousands more electrons are released. This extra process allows 2nd generation units to amplify the light many more times then 1st generation giving you a brighter and sharper image.

Gen 2 Night Vision Binocular

ATN Night Vision Weapon Scope

Night Vision Goggles by ATN

Gen 3 night vision

By adding a sensitive chemical, gallium arsenide to the photocathode a brighter and sharper image has been achieved over 2nd generation units. An ion barrier film was also added to increase tube life. 3rd Gen. provides the user with good to excellent low light performance.

Night Vision Monocular

Night Vision Goggles

ATN Night Vision Scope

Night Vision Binocular - Voyager

Gen 4 night vision

Gated/Filmless technology represents the biggest technological breakthrough in image intensification of the past 10 years. By removing the ion barrier film and “Gating” the system Gen 4 demonstrates substantial increases in target detection range and resolution, particularly at extremely low light levels.

The use of film less technology and auto-gated power supply in 4th generation image intensifiers result in:

• Up to 100% improvement in photo response.
• Superb performance in extremely low light level (better S/N and EBI).
• At least triple high light level resolution (a minimum of 36 lp/mm compared to 12 lp/mm).

Night Vision Monocular by ATN

ATN Night Vision Goggles - PS15

Night Vision Weapon Sight

Gen 5 night vision

Here is my idea...

why not come up with a contact lens that give you the power to see at night?

Internet for Elderly

Government: -So how do we solve the problem of depression in elderly?

Me: -I have an idea! We should teach them to use INTERNET.

Government: -But they can't use computers. They are old!

Me: -Yes they can. And every year there are more and more elderly who can.

Government: -But what would be the benefit?

Me: -Well, they can make new friends, keep up with news, play games, learn about their medical problems, share their wisdom, share their memories, build family trees and even earn money.

Government: -Hm, but they will not pay for it.

Me: -I think medicare should pay for it. It will be covered by skipping a single visit to a psychiatrist.

Ideas for the Tax code.

I am sure others have had this idea, but just in case, I will share it....

Our tax system is too complex. I have done my own taxes using tax preparation software for several years now, and I am certain this complexity is there to create work for accountants.

In my vision, perfect tax system would be a flat tax. Not a percent, but a number. Say $25,000. Why is this? Well, because tax is a way for us to pay for the services government provides to us. As far as I know those are the same for upper middle class and lower class alike. Actually lower classes get a lot more from the government.

So what about the poor? - you ask. Well, the poor are not all created equal. Those at disadvantage (medical, mental, etc) of some sort should get a break in taxes as well as some assistance from public programs. Others, should be made to work for the government to cover their tax obligations - clean streets and parks for example.

Think of your life in the country as a bus ride, why should different people pay different fees to ride?

Sure you will need some additional provisions for certain situations, but the general concept is the same: pay for service!

Electronic Medical Records Ideas

Idea 1: All medical records should be online...

I am well aware that currently there is a major effort to digitize medical records. Finally! However, I think as always it is not being done in the best possible way.

Here is why....

Most systems that are being put in place are designed for the particular medical facility. So all doctors who are part of that facility will have easy access to a patient's medical records via Internet or special computer program.

What I am suggesting, is that my medical records should be online available for every doctor that I visit. By the same token every doctor must be required to update my medical record once I am done with the visit. All my tests, prescribed medications, doctor's comments, all should be in one place. I don't want to fill out the same form every time I go to a new doctor. I don't want to update my insurance information in 10 different offices, I don't want to wait several days for one doctor to get my records from another. I don't want to get conflicting medication because I forgot to mention to my new doctor the medication that my previous doctor prescribed.

Purpose of my blog is to provide IDEAs not solutions. So I will not get into how this should be done. Although, one technology that comes to mind is Google's Waves.

Issue of main concern is security, but I rather be alive than incognito.