DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

A simple modification to any mobile phone with a camera will turn it into a night vision device (NVD), capable of operating and recording video in complete darkness, without the slightest source of illumination.

Real night vision devices use infrared emitters for illumination; their spectrum is not visible to the human eye. And to detect this glow, special video cameras are used that perceive light in the infrared (IR) range (in old night vision devices, cathode ray tubes were used).

Our unit will work on the same principle: we will modify the camera so that it perceives IR rays. And we equip the phone with IR illumination.

Will need

  • An old or unnecessary mobile phone (not necessarily a smartphone). Any model with a camera in normal and functional condition will do.
    DIY night vision device from a mobile phone
  • An adapter with a mini USB connector that can be connected to a phone and remove power from its battery.
    DIY night vision device from a mobile phone
  • Infrared LEDs in the ring from a night vision video camera - Ali Express.

    It is quite possible to solder a homemade ruler from IR LEDs.

    DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

How to make a night vision device from a smartphone

We disassemble the mobile phone. Our goal is a video camera.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

In this model, the camera is removable, this will simplify the task of modifying it.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Carefully disconnect the cable from the common board.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

And we take out the camera.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Peel off the protective mesh.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

The top cover of the camera is soldered on four legs, unsolder them one by one.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

And remove the top cover with the lens.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We see a matrix protected by an infrared filter.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Carefully remove it using a sharp object such as a stationery knife.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

The infrared glare filter produces a red glow, it cannot be confused. Such filters are installed in all video cameras, excluding invisible light in the IR range from entering the matrix.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We assemble everything in reverse order. Solder the legs.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We install the camera back, connect the cable.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We assemble the phone and install the battery.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Next, take the adapter and bite off the unnecessary socket from it.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Solder to the IR ring LEDs wires from the USB connector. Through them, from the phone, 5 V power will flow, from which they will be powered LEDs.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We attach the ring to the body with double-sided tape.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We connect the connector.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

The night vision device is ready.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Checking work

Testing the device in complete darkness.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

You can take photos, record videos, etc.

DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Watch the video

come back
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Comments (6)
  1. Guest Alexander
    #1 Guest Alexander Guests 7 May 2019 17:56
    3
    Thank you. Helpful information.
  2. Akril
    #2 Akril Guests May 8, 2019 10:35
    2
    Once upon a time, I remember, they made the same thing from an old camera, removed the UV filter, and framed it with LEDs. Should I try something?..
  3. Alexander Tanishevsky
    #3 Alexander Tanishevsky Guests 8 May 2019 17:14
    3
    A necessary item, thank you.
  4. Sergey Nikolaevich Astashkin
    #4 Sergey Nikolaevich Astashkin Guests 17 February 2021 08:20
    0
    Class !
  5. ONLINER
    #5 ONLINER Guests 19 July 2022 20:07
    0
    1: The IR filter is on the other side.
    2: We just made a camera with light.
    3: By removing the IR filter, the camera turns into a primitive thermal imager.
    Been through this...
  6. Ivan
    #6 Ivan Guests November 23, 2022 03:41
    0
    How did you get a color photo using IR illumination (the last photo in the article)? :)