How to Build a DIY Night Vision Scope Out of an Old Webcam

Introduction

Building your own night vision scope using a webcam can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. With just a few common materials, you can construct a device that allows you to see in low light conditions. In this guide, I will walk you through the full process of creating your own night vision webcam scope on a budget.

Gather the Necessary Materials

To build the night vision scope, you will need:

• An old webcam or security camera that can see infrared light. Make sure it has an IR filter that can be removed.
• IR LEDs - these provide the infrared illumination that the camera can see. Get at least 4-6 LEDs with a wavelength of 850nm.
• Webcam filter - this blocks visible light so only IR light reaches the sensor. Can be made from exposed and developed black and white film.
• Soldering iron and solder
• Wires and cable
• 18650 lithium-ion battery and battery holder
• On/off switch
• Hot glue gun
• Black spray paint or gaffer tape
• PVC pipes and fittings to construct the scope body
• Lens from binoculars or monocular for magnification
• Tools: Wire strippers, screwdrivers, drill

Disassemble the Webcam and Remove the IR Filter

The first step is to disassemble the webcam and locate the IR filter. This filter blocks infrared light, so it needs to be removed for the camera to see IR.

1. Carefully disassemble the webcam case and locate the image sensor and lens assembly.
2. Identify the small glass IR filter positioned over the image sensor. It will appear purple or blue in color.
3. Use a small screwdriver to pry and remove the IR filter from the sensor. Be very gentle to avoid damaging the sensor.
4. Reassemble the webcam without the filter. Make sure wires are connected and it functions normally.

Add Infrared LEDs for Illumination

With the filter removed, IR light can now reach the sensor. IR LEDs need to be added to provide illumination that the camera can detect.

• Solder 4-6 850nm IR LEDs together in parallel. Make the positive and negative connections.
• Connect LEDs to battery pack and switch so they can be turned on/off.
• Mount LEDs in a cluster around the webcam lens using hot glue. Make sure they point in the same direction as the lens.
• Test LEDs in dark environment to verify camera can detect the IR light.

Construct the Webcam Body

The webcam needs to be housed in a scope-like body with lenses for magnification:

• Spray paint PVC pipes and fittings black to prevent light reflections.
• Drill holes to mount webcam at one end and lens at other end.
• Use more PVC pieces to extend webcam away from eyepiece if needed.
• Hot glue webcam in place with lens pointed down body. Make sure wires extend outside.
• Mount external lens from binoculars or monocular using hot glue.
• Seal all seams with black tape to prevent light leaks.
• Attach switch and battery pack to exterior with hot glue or double sided tape.

Create a Visible Light Filter

The webcam sensor needs a filter to block visible light or else the image will be overwhelmed.

• Cut a filter out of exposed and developed black and white 35mm film.
• Place the film filter over the webcam image sensor and secure with tape.
• Test camera in light to ensure it only sees IR. Visible light should appear very dark.

Using and Improving Your DIY Night Vision Scope

Your homemade night vision scope should now be functional! Try it out in various low light environments. Some tips:

• Focus eyepiece lens for your vision.
• Add more IR LEDs if image isn't bright enough.
• Improve filter to block more visible light.
• Weatherproof housing if using outdoors.
• Mount on tripod for image stability.

With some simple materials and a bit of work, you now have a night vision webcam scope to play with! Let me know if you have any other questions.