High Tech comes to binoculars

[Steve C]

FYI

http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/new-binocular-tech-lets-you-see-far-communicate-and-send-data-20081216/

Well who knows what the world of optics will come up with next? Might still be time for a request to Santa. ;)

[Kevin Purcell]

Some of the geek comments miss the point: this is a LPI (low probablity of intercept) system that can be used at short range and with much higher data rates than radio systems with a lower chance of detection.

I rather suspect they use an IR laser too. Not going to use a visible one now are we ;)

And of course they're going to be encrypted on the battlefield. Everything is today.

They quote 1.6miles (2.5km) which seems like a typical military use distance. IIRC military 7x50 spec calls for IDing a man at 3000m - that's about a 2 arc minute target (about 15 "pixels" of resolution tall).

On a more bird-related topic ... it makes one wonder if one could make a small IR signaling bird tag. But then again colored bands work quite well over line of sight distances with a spotter or a bin though a strobe might give quicker automated ID ;)

[FrankD]

Hmm, I wonder how much these puppies usually go for?

;)

[Kevin Purcell]

Not cheap I suspect.

But unless the white-tails can intercept, DF, and jam FRS radios I don't think you'll see a lot of hunters using them ;)

[FrankD]

Plus they would probably be illegal for that particular application as many states have laws against using certain electronic devices in an effort to take game animals. ;)

It shouldn't be an issue for birding and might actually be helpful...at least the communications part.

"Hey Ted, I have found the Ivory Billed Woodpecker over here. I will send you the pictures through my binocular...."

:-)

[Steve C]

Just think of the possibilities of being able to insert a chip containing your favorite field guide. That way you could double check the ID before sending the image to your friend's binocular. Or the ultimate possibility of downloading the entire birding trip from your binocular onto your desktop.

Kevin, hunters seem to have this thing for laser range finders.

[orbitaljump]

Those are sweet!


They need a photo printer as well, for hard copies.

[Steve C]

Kind of a high-Low tech mix. They're still IF.

[FrankD]

Well, beggars can't be choosers.

;)