Specifications & Support
Night vision tube FAQs
Who manufactures the tubes?
The manufacturer is Exosens, formerly known as Photonis. We use the current Exosens name throughout the site while retaining limited references to Photonis to help customers familiar with the former brand.
What is auto-gating?
Bright lights can cause blooming and reduce image detail. Auto-gating rapidly regulates the photocathode voltage to help preserve resolution and image quality as lighting conditions change.
Should I choose P43 green or P45 white phosphor?
Both provide strong low-light performance. The choice is largely personal: P43 produces the familiar green image, while P45 produces a monochrome white image. Resolution, signal-to-noise ratio and FOM determine tube performance, so please compare the applicable specification sheets before ordering.
Which tube formats does Deep Dark supply?
Deep Dark supplies 18 mm-format tubes. ECHO14 and ECHO14+ have the same external body size as an 18 mm-format tube, but a 14 mm active input window (useful photocathode diameter). The 14 mm measurement refers to the active image area, not a smaller tube body. The relevant product page identifies the exact format and manufacturer type. Our current tube range uses three-contact EGAC connections: the centre contact enables external gain control through a 180 kΩ circuit in compatible devices. When fitted to a compatible two-contact device, the centre contact remains unconnected and the tube operates without user-adjustable manual gain.
Please check the outline drawing and specification sheet on the product page before ordering, or contact us if you are unsure about compatibility.
What is EGAC?
External gain control allows a compatible device to vary tube gain. The tubes in our current range are supplied with EGAC configured for a 180 kΩ control circuit as standard.
Which tubes can be purchased online?
Products displayed with an online purchase option may be ordered for delivery to countries on our approved shipping list, subject to availability and applicable destination, end-use and export-control checks. Products shown as enquiry-only or unavailable cannot be purchased directly online.
Exosens 5G is supplied by enquiry only to approved military and government customers.
Where can I find detailed specifications?
Where available, each tube product page includes the applicable manufacturer specification sheet, outline drawing or current product brochure. Keeping the documents with the relevant product helps prevent obsolete specifications from being mistaken for current products.
Can Deep Dark help me choose?
Yes. Contact us with the device, required tube format, phosphor preference, destination country and intended end use. We will confirm compatibility and availability before you order.
Can you ship to my country?
We ship only to approved destinations listed in our Terms of Service. Availability can also depend on the product and its intended end use. Every order is screened before dispatch. If your country is not listed, or you are unsure, please contact us before ordering.
Are duties and VAT included?
UK prices include UK VAT. Shipping is free to the UK and EU. For approved destinations outside the UK and EU, shipping is £30 and orders are supplied DAP: the recipient is responsible for any import VAT, customs duty and clearance charges. For larger orders, duties-paid arrangements may sometimes be agreed in writing before purchase.
Is my order legal for my destination?
The buyer is responsible for checking local import, possession and use requirements. Deep Dark also screens the destination, product and intended end use before dispatch and may request supporting information where required. Please contact us before ordering if you are unsure.