VHS camcorder viewfinder hacked into night vision headset

Let's face it -- that VHS camcorder you're still holding on to would probably do you more good as a Salvation Army donation than anything else, but if you've got even a single DIY bone in your person, don't hand it over just yet. The same fellow that brought you the $40 spy glasses is at it once more, this time concocting a night vision "headset" with just a VHS camcorder viewfinder, a dozen ultra-bright LEDs, black / white mini camera and a few other nuts and bolts. After all was said and done, we're left with a device that enables you to easily see in darkness and record your journey. We know, you can't wait to tell your SO how right you were about hanging on to that clunker for one more year, so after you return, click on through for the instructional video and get to work, you hear?

NightVision Headset Hack! - video powered by Metacafe

[Raptor @ Jan 17th 2008 7:54AM]

Wow,

i did this several years ago. then decided it was easier to just use a flashlight.

Raptor

[ray @ Jan 17th 2008 7:28AM]

the dude in 07 sec was really cool

[Chebwa @ Jan 17th 2008 10:26AM]

commment of the day

[DJ @ Jan 17th 2008 8:12AM]

Guess it might be useful somewhere, like shooting porn?

[Chebwa @ Jan 17th 2008 9:16AM]

VHS...?

What a useful hack.

o_O

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 17th 2008 9:38AM]

Did you even watch/read? They used an old VHS camcorder for parts.

[Chebwa @ Jan 17th 2008 9:39AM]

I saw "VHS" and immediately commenced the bitching.

[Dark Light @ Jan 17th 2008 9:32AM]

I believe those "ultra-bright" LEDs are infrared, not visible light.

Haven't checked yet, but perhaps a cheap webcam would also work with infrared.

[Andir3.0 @ Jan 17th 2008 9:38AM]

Most cellphones will pick up iR light as well.

[John @ Jan 17th 2008 10:05AM]

That would be my guess too... if you're using 12 LEDs to supply visible light, one might wonder about why anyone would need a viewpiece.

[Roofus @ Jan 17th 2008 10:13AM]

Just don't point that at anyone's eyes. IR doesn't trigger the blinking reaction that normal light does, thus making it really easy to burn your retinas out with something you can't even "see."

[Jason @ Jan 17th 2008 11:01AM]

Ummm...you realize that IR light is all around us from the sun right? If it could "burn" your retinas we would all be blind as babies.

[Jason @ Jan 17th 2008 11:02AM]

Ummm...you realize that IR light is all around us from the sun right? If it could "burn" your retinas we would all be blind as babies.

[treetrunk @ Jan 17th 2008 12:44PM]

@Jason:

Ummm... infrared light can blind you. So can sunlight, which has infrared, visible and ultraviolet components. Any one of them could burn your retina if bright enough.

[elhuevon @ Jan 17th 2008 11:11AM]

Clunker? Old? I still use mine monthly for videos. If it still works why throw it away? With the VHSC tape adapter I can play my 30min tapes on my VCR.

[Silenthillnight @ Jan 17th 2008 1:03PM]

Is this nightvision gonna be able to see through women's dresses like that one Sony Camcorder?