FLIR ARMASIGHT User Manual

USER MANUAL

ARMASIGHT by FLIR

SPARK

®

Night Vision Monocular

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ARMASIGHT by FLIR

SPARK

USER MANUAL

© 2018 FLIR Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. No parts of this manual, in whole or in part,
may be copied, photocopied, translated, or transmitted by any electronic medium or in machine-readable
form without the prior written permission of FLIR Systems, Inc.

Names and marks appearing on the products herein are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
FLIR Outdoor & Tactical Systems and/or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, trade names, or company
names referenced herein are used for identification only and are the property of their respective owners.

This product is protected by patents, design patents, patents pending, or design patents pending.
If you have questions that are not covered in this manual, or need service, contact FLIR OTS customer

support for additional information prior to returning a product.
Phone:[phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]
This documentation is subject to change without notice.

FLIR OUTDOOR & TACTICAL SYSTEMS

815 Dubuque Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: [phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
International Phone/Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.flir.com

EXPORT INFORMATION

Equipment described herein may require US Government authorization for export purposes. Diversion
contrary to US law is prohibited.

©2018 FLIR Systems, Inc.
Specifications are subject to change without notice, check our website: www.flir.com

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PROPER DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT (EEE)

The European Union (EU) has enacted Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive 2002/96/EC
(WEEE), which aims to prevent EEE waste from arising; to encourage reuse, recycling, and recovery of
EEE waste; and to promote environmental responsibility.

In accordance with these regulations, all EEE products labeled with the “crossed out wheeled bin” either
on the product itself or in the product literature must not be disposed of in regular rubbish bins, mixed
with regular household or other commercial waste, or by other regular municipal waste collection means.
Instead, and in order to prevent possible harm to the environment or human health, all EEE products
(including any cables that came with the product) should be responsibly discarded or recycled.

To identify a responsible disposal method where you live, please contact your local waste collection
or recycling service, your original place of purchase or product supplier, or the responsible government
authority in your area.

Business users should contact their supplier or refer to their purchase contract.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTICES TO THE USER:

Modification of this device without the express authorization of FLIR Commercial Systems, Inc. may void
the user’s authority under FCC rules to operate this device.

Note 1: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning
the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that of the receiver

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE:

This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

AVIS D’INDUSTRIE CANADA:

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

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LIST OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

Safety Summary 5

1. INTRODUCTION 7

1.1 Purpose of Equipment 7

1.2 Warranty Information and Registration 7

2. DESCRIPTION AND DATA 8

2.1 System Description 8

2.2 Specifications 9

2.3 Standard Components 11

2.4 Optional Equipment 12

2.5 Key Features 14

3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 15

3.1 Installation and Mounting 15

3.2 Controls 21

3.3 Operating Procedures 22

3.4 Storage 23

4. PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING 24

4.1 Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services 24

4.2 Troubleshooting 26

4.3 Identification of Operational Defects 26

4.4 Maintenance 28

APPENDIX 30

A. Spark List of Spare Parts 30

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SAFETY SUMMARY

• Read and follow all instructions

• Read all warnings

• Only use the attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer

• All service must be provided by the manufacturer

WARNING:

This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions! The FDA

has reported an increase in the number of deaths that are associated with an apparent sensitivity to
natural latex proteins. If you are allergic to latex, it is a good idea to learn which products contain it
and strictly avoid exposure to those products.

WARNING:

• Always make sure your firearm is unloaded before you place the equipment on the firearm.
Reconfirm that the chamber is empty if you stop the procedure then resume later. Safe handling
rules should be followed at all times.

• The light from the unit infrared (IR) illuminator is invisible to the unaided eye when used in total
darkness. However, the light can be detected by other Night Vision Devices (NVD).

• To reduce the risk of detection by another NVD, avoid prolonged activation of the IR illuminator.

• The IR light is more detectable by an NVD when used in smoke, fog and rain. Avoid prolonged
activation of the unit IR illuminator in these conditions.

• This product contains natural rubber latex, which may cause allergic reactions.

• The intensifier’s phosphor screen contains toxic materials. Please note the following:

– If the intensifier tube breaks, be extremely careful to avoid inhaling the phosphor screen

material. DO NOT allow the material to come in contact with your mouth, eyes, or any open
wounds on the skin.

– If the phosphor screen material comes in contact with your skin, wash it off immediately with

soap and water.

– If you inhale or swallow any phosphor screen material, drink a lot of water, induce vomiting,

and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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CAUTION:

• The Spark is a precision electron-optical instrument, and must be handled carefully at all times to
prevent damage to the device and danger to the user.

• To protect the intensifier tube, do not remove the lens cap of the Spark when the monocular is
being operated in daylight conditions, or when the device is not in use.

• Use of the Spark in brightly lit conditions may damage the unit’s intensifier tube.

• Bright light sources such as firelight, headlights, searchlights, etc. can damage the Spark. Avoid
exposing the unit to these types of light sources.

• DO NOT attempt to force the controls past their stopping points, as this may cause damage to the
mechanisms.

• Before replacing the intensifier tube, confirm that it is no longer covered by warranty.

• Do not store the equipment with the battery still inserted.

• Clean and dry each component of the Spark thoroughly before placing them in the storage case.

NOTES:

• The equipment requires some ambient light (moonlight, starlight, etc.) to operate.

• Performance of the device in nighttime conditions depends on the level of ambient light in the
environment. Please remember the following:

– The level of ambient light is reduced by the presence of clouds, shade, or objects that block

natural light (trees, buildings, etc.).

– The equipment is less effective when operated in shadows and other darkened areas.

– The equipment is less effective when operated in rain, fog, sleet, snow, dust or smoke.

– The equipment will not “see” through dense smoke.

• The IR illuminator is intended for increased illumination, as needed, when viewing at a close
distance of up to 3m.

• The Spark is not a weapon sight. However, it can be used in conjunction with a collimator dot sight
or laser aiming device.

• For the purpose of returning defective components, retain all packaging materials.

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SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF EQUIPMENT

To provide the operator with the ability to observe at night under moonlight and starlight
conditions.

The Spark can be used as a handheld, head-mounted, helmet-mounted or weapon-mounted device
to allow walking, weapon firing, short-range surveillance, map reading, vehicle maintenance, and
administering of first aid.

The Spark allows for horizontal and vertical adjustments when mounted to the user’s head or helmet, and
is equipped with an infrared light-emitting source (IR illuminator).

1.2 WARRANTY INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

1.2.1 WARRANTY INFORMATION

For warranty information and customer support visit www.armasight.com/customer-support

1.2.2 PRODUCT REGISTRATION

In order to validate the warranty on your product, the Customer must complete and submit FLIR Outdoor
& Tactical Systems’ PRODUCT REGISTRATION FORM on our website (www.armasight.com/customer­support).

1.2.3 OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

For service, repair or replacement, please contact:

FLIR OUTDOOR & TACTICAL SYSTEMS

815 Dubuque Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Int’l Phone/Fax: [phone]

[e-mail]

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SECTION 2

DESCRIPTION AND DATA

2.1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

The Spark is a hand-held, head-mounted, helmet-mounted, or weapon-mounted night vision system
that allows the user to operate it while walking, firing weapons, conducting short-range surveillance,
reading maps, conducting vehicle maintenance, or administering first aid in both moonlight and starlight
conditions.

The Spark utilizes the principle of intensification of the residual light that is reflected from the
surrounding objects. The optical system of the unit consists of an objective lens, an intensifier tube (IT),
and an eyepiece.

Exclusive CORE (Ceramic Optical Ruggedized Engine) technology image intensifier tubes are used in the
Spark monoculars. While CORE does not contain a micro channel plate (and so by definition lands in the
Gen 1 category) that is where the parallels end. Instead of glass, CORE tubes use a specially formulated
ceramic compound fused with metal alloys similar to those used in production of Gen 2 and Gen 3 image
intensifier tubes. Further advances in CORE have almost removed edge distortion, dramatically increased
photo-sensitivity and most importantly, almost doubled resolution up to 70 lp/mm.

A built-in IR illuminator makes it possible to use the unit in low light or total darkness.
The Spark allows for vertical and fore-and-aft adjustment when mounted to the user’s head or helmet,

when focusing the lens, and when focusing the eyepiece.

NOTE:

The equipment requires some light (moonlight, starlight, etc.) to operate. Performance of the device
depends upon the level of ambient light in the environment. Please remember the following:

– The level of ambient light in the environment is reduced by the presence of clouds, shade, or

objects that block natural light (trees, buildings, etc.

– The equipment is less effective when operated in shadows and other darkened areas.

– The equipment is less effective when operated in rain, fog, sleet, snow, or smoke.

– Under starlight conditions, particularly in low-contrast environments such as snow-covered

territory, sandy deserts, large bodies of water or grassy hills, the visibility may degrade,
thereby disguising or masking changes in terrain.

– The equipment will not “see” through dense smoke.

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TABLE 2-1. SPARK SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

ITEM DESCRIPTION ITEM DESCRIPTION

1 Body 7 Battery Compartment
2 Rail 8 IR Illuminator
3 Eyepiece Ring 9 Battery Cap
4 Eyepiece 10 Focus Ring
5 Eyecup 11 Lens
6 Function Switch 12 Lens Cap

2.2 SPECIFICATIONS

TABLE 2-2. MECHANICAL DATA

EQUIPMENT ITEM DIMENSIONS, MM WEIGH T, G

Spark Night Vision Monocular

181 x 49 x 82

(145 x 49 x 82 w/o eyecup and lens cap)

370

Flip-up Helmet Mount* 140 x 70 x 90 280
Goggle Kit* 280 x 180 x 80 295
IR850-XLR* 150 x 46 x 46 210
Quick Release Picatinny Mount Adapter #26* 120 x 76 x 13 70
Dual Bridge* 110 x 39 x 19 69
Dovetail to Weaver Transfer Piece* 38 x 21 x 7.5 8
Swing Arm #37* 49 x 46 x 64 50
3x Afocal Lens* Dia 61 x 73 180
5x Afocal Lens* Dia 78 x 90 344

* Optional

6

7

10

FIGURE 2-1. SPARK NIGHT VISION MONOCULAR

4

12

5

9

2

11

3

1

8

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USER MANUAL

TABLE 2-3. ELECTRICAL DATA

ITEM DATA

Battery One CR123A Lithium 3V or CR123 type

rechargeable batteries with voltage 3.2V

Continuous Operation* Up to 40 hr at 20°C (68°F)

* With IR illuminator off.

TABLE 2-4. OPTICAL DATA

ITEM DATA

Magnification:

- with 1x Lens

- with 3x Afocal Lens*

- with 5x Afocal Lens*

1x
3x
5x

1X Lens:

- Focal Length

- Lens F/number

- Focus Range

35 mm
1:1.7

0.25 m to infinity

FOV:

- with 1x Lens

- with 3x Afocal Lens*

- with 5x Afocal Lens*

35°
11°30’

7°30’
Exit Pupil Diameter 8 mm
Eye Relief 20 mm
Eyepiece Diopter Adjustment -5 to +5 diopters
Built-in IR Illuminator

- Power

- Illumination Range

- Focus Distance

- Illumination Wavelength

50 mW

20 m

3 m

810 nm

* Optional.

TABLE 2-5. ENVIRONMENTAL DATA

ITEM DATA

Operating Temperature -40 to +50°C
Storage Temperature -50 to +70°C
Humidity 95%, 25°C to 40°C for 48 hr
Illumination Required Natural night illumination

(overcast starlight to moonlight)
Environmental Rating Water and fog-resistant