Difference between IR and thermal

Your question is a little confusing................ Are you asking about the difference between Infrared Light used in conjunction with Night Vision vs Thermal, or are you asking about IR Defense Thermals?
 
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They are 2 different unrelated things.

Infrared light are measured in wave lengths not visible in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Thermal detects heat.
 
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You'll have to send me the link or use it on the context that they used. Like pmack said, they are two differently unrelated technologies.

IR light is used in conjunction with Night Vision. Thermal does not use IR light.
 
As being discussed, Night Vision and Thermal are 2 totally different technologies with their own pros and cons. Thermals biggest advantage is detection and night visions biggest advantage is positive ID. All the other comments are correct that thermal does not project IR to operate. This is why in many states with artificial light restrictions, thermal can still be used.
 
My limited understanding is that thermal does us IR but is passive in that it does not emit anything. Rather it reads the heat (IR signature) being transmitted by objects both organic and inorganic.
 
I can not find the page I read it amd seen different pics.. Some of the pics from the IR thermal you could clearly ID the animal.. It had the white and black hot pics from the ir and the other thermal was not as clear... Dan
 
I am confused too. Are you asking to compare the clarity of IR Defense thermals to other brand thermal's?
IR Defense was the name of a company that no longer exists, it is now owned by Trijicon. They make the MK2, MK3, Reap, and Snipe clip on.
 
Originally Posted By: 1trkyhntrI am confused too. Are you asking to compare the clarity of IR Defense thermals to other brand thermal's?
IR Defense was the name of a company that no longer exists, it is now owned by Trijicon. They make the MK2, MK3, Reap, and Snipe clip on.

I believe that is why I got confused on the thought that there was 2 types of thermals.. SThey talked about IR thermals and just thermals.. So I thought the IR was a different type.. It sure was a lot clearer than the other thermals though.. The IR thermal was just a brand correct?? Thank you.. Dan
 
That would probably be the IR Hunter... Yeah, it's confusing..

Below is a good site that explains traditional night vision, digital NV, and thermal. Basically, night vision amplifies existing light, and thermal detects the radiation given off by objects. Both are in the infrared spectrum, so both could be called 'IR', but how they do it is where the difference is.

NV vs thermal
 
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Dan - I get your confusion now. Yes, before Trijicon bought the company, their name was "IR Defense". These thermals are like all the other thermals out there, nothing different about the technology.

The reason the picture looked better than what you were comparing to, is because they are one of the top of the line thermals (in the civilian market) out there. The things that make one thermal better than the next is the internal components they use. Trijicon (IR Defense), uses quality internals, thus making a great picture.
 


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