Looking at the PVS-17 and the GSCI PBS-14 and Im finding it hard to spot the differance. Anyone able to enlighten me??

 

Cj have you ever tried out the 14 clone. I would be curious how the optics are and if the body is solid. Looks OK from the picture but it is just a picture. I always like to check out low cost alternatives. Who sells/makes the housing ?

 






























 

Oops  Sorry  David Should have been  GSCI PBS-14 and PVS-14  . What a place to have a Typo.  Can we try that again??

Hey Tasbay,

I have one of the PBS-14's laying around right now. Good little monoculars. I think they answer the "I'd like a PVS-14 but I don't live in the US" type of request everyone has, but not perfectly. Takes standard 10160 Slim Anvis style tubes.

For the pros the unit largely looks like a PVS-14. It also utilizes the standard 1/4-20 screw mount and will accept a standard J-Arm or issued weapon mount. The objective lens is actually directly interchangable with the PVS-14 and can be used as a replacement lens for a PVS-14 (Or vice versa). It is of their own manufacture but the specifications are the same. The objective lens has the same threading so you can attach a screw on filter. There is a European/Russian Dovetail mount on the other side of the unit, giving you the option of using PVS-14 or MUM-14 style accessories. The coolest factor about the housing is the battery compartment; it runs off a AA or CR123 inserted in either polarity. Doesn't matter which way you put it in; the thing turns on.

Some downsides... Funny enough, the adapter that I have to utilize AA batteries doesn't fit 100% properly and leaves the battery compartment exposed to water when using it. I don't like using CR123's per say, so I made a very, very simple modification to weatherproof the battery adapter (electrical tape). The eye piece is not a PVS-14 eye piece and is mediocre. It gets the job done but I would have preferred a slightly bigger window. The objective lens locking ring is not to spec and will not accept any PVS-14 accessory that mounts there. The housings plastic threading leave something to be desired, but the screws holding the thing together go in deep enough where I don't believe it will fall apart under sustained recoil. I just avoid that all together and helmet mount it.

It's a good housing. Not great, but good. The rest of the civilian world is lacking mind blowing housings and this is a step in the right direction. The only universal deal breaker I can say for some people is that the built in IR Illuminator does a quick flash when you power the unit on. I have no idea why it does this. If you are in any sort of capacity where IR discipline is crucial then having a monocular that signals when you turn it on might not be the best solution.

I bought it. I'll be buying another one.

Thanks Deltastone,  Thats the sort of run down on the unit I was looking for and especially from someone who has one. Guys down here are screaming for PVS-14 units. I can supply the PVS-7 but not the PVS-14 so was looking hard at the PBS-14.

Has your one got manuel gain?

Cheers

Yeah I know that feeling about the PVS-7. They are everywhere but a really good PVS-14 reproduction has been long overdue.

My unit doesn't have manual gain. I am just using the model without manual gain. I know there are some that have a manual gain knob, but I don't know if they accept 11769's with their ribbon cable or if it's for another type of manual gain connection I am unaware of. A 10160 will plug right in though.