NNVT NVT5 Gen 2+ White Phosphor Image Intensifier Tubes The NNVT NVT5 Gen 2+ White Phosphor image intensifier tube is a cost-effective option for users building an entry-level night vision system while retaining core features such as autogating and white phosphor output. NNVT tubes are now available from Quad Defense in both MX-10160 fixed-gain and MX-11769 variable-gain formats, allowing them to be used across a wider range of compatible night vision housings. The addition of the MX-11769 format means NNVT tubes can now support manual gain control when installed in a compatible manual-gain housing — an option that was not previously available through our NNVT tube lineup. These are brand-new NNVT image intensifier tubes supplied with the applicable factory specification sheet and NNVT warranty. QDEF Hand-Selected NNVT Tubes Every image intensifier tube sold by Quad Defense is hand-selected for our customers. We do not simply pull a tube from inventory based on FOM and ship it. Our team reviews available specifications and cosmetics and will work directly with you to select a tube based on your intended use, budget, housing configuration, and personal preferences. If you're looking for specific characteristics such as SNR, EBI, halo, gain, resolution, FOM, or tube cosmetics, tell us what matters most to you. We'll review current inventory and help identify the best available tube for your requirements. For binocular builds, QDEF also selects and pairs tubes with attention to their specifications and overall image characteristics to help create a consistent viewing experience between both optical channels. MX-10160 or MX-11769 — Choose Your Format NNVT NVT5 image intensifiers are available in both MX-10160 and MX-11769 formats. MX-10160 — Fixed Gain The MX-10160 format is designed for fixed-gain night vision systems. Brightness is controlled automatically by the image intensifier rather than through a manual gain control on the housing. This format is commonly used in compatible binocular and monocular systems that do not require user-adjustable gain. MX-11769 — Manual Gain Compatible The MX-11769 format incorporates the interface required for variable gain operation in a compatible housing. When paired with a manual-gain-capable night vision housing, the user can adjust image brightness to better suit changing ambient-light conditions and personal preference. This is a new option in the QDEF NNVT lineup. Previously, our NNVT offering did not include the 11769 configuration, making the current lineup significantly more versatile for custom manual-gain night vision builds. Gen 2+ White Phosphor Performance NNVT NVT5 tubes use Gen 2+ image intensifier technology with white phosphor output and autogating. They are well suited for customers looking for an affordable image intensifier for a first night vision build, backup system, training setup, or other application where overall value is a major consideration. Rather than positioning NVT5 as a direct replacement for higher-end Gen 3 or premium Gen 2+ intensifiers, QDEF views it as a practical entry point into modern autogated white phosphor night vision. Autogated Performance NNVT NVT5 tubes are autogated, allowing the image intensifier to respond rapidly as lighting conditions change. Autogating can be especially useful when moving between darker environments and areas containing artificial lighting, helping the intensifier maintain a usable image across changing conditions. Production & Performance Selection NNVT tubes may originate from the NVT-4, NVT-5, or NVT-6 production lines and are sold according to their individual measured performance specifications. For this reason, customers should evaluate the actual tube specification sheet rather than relying only on the production-line designation. Specifications Manufacturer: NNVT Product Family: NVT5 Technology: Gen 2+ Phosphor: White Phosphor Autogated: Yes Available Formats: MX-10160 & MX-11769 MX-10160: Fixed Gain MX-11769: Variable Gain / Manual Gain Compatible Specification Sheet: Included Warranty: NNVT Manufacturer Warranty Understanding Tube Specifications When comparing NNVT image intensifier tubes, consider the complete specification sheet rather than focusing on a single number. SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) — describes the relationship between usable image information and image noise as available light decreases. Resolution — measured in line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm) and describes the tube's ability to resolve fine detail. FOM (Figure of Merit) — calculated by multiplying SNR by resolution and useful as a general performance reference. EBI (Equivalent Background Illumination) — represents background output generated by the tube and becomes increasingly relevant under very low-light conditions. Halo — describes the visible bloom surrounding bright points of light. Gain — describes the amount of amplification produced by the image intensifier. With an MX-11769 tube and compatible housing, gain can be manually adjusted by the user. Matched NNVT Tube Pairs for Binocular NVGs When purchasing NNVT tubes for a binocular night vision system, QDEF evaluates available tube specifications and image characteristics when selecting a pair. If you're purchasing tubes for a bino build, let us know your priorities, preferred format, and budget. We'll work directly with you to select a pair from current inventory that best matches your requirements. Build a Manual Gain or Fixed Gain NVG With both 10160 and 11769 formats now available, NNVT tubes can be used across a broader range of custom night vision configurations. Choose the fixed-gain 10160 format for compatible streamlined systems, or select 11769 tubes when building around a compatible housing with manual gain capability. Configure your housing, image intensifiers, and optics through the QDEF Dark Room Night Vision Configurator. Tube Upgrades & Installation Already have a compatible housing and optics? Replacing the image intensifier tube or tubes can be a practical way to change the performance or functionality of an existing night vision system without replacing the entire device. If you're upgrading to 11769 manual-gain tubes, compatibility with the specific housing and gain-control system should be confirmed before installation. Quad Defense offers professional tube installation, inspection, purging, housing upgrades, and night vision service through The Service Bench. Don't See the NNVT Tube You're Looking For? Our image intensifier inventory changes constantly, and not every available NNVT tube is listed online. If you're looking for a specific 10160 or 11769 format, performance range, cosmetic standard, or budget target, contact us. We'll review current inventory and help select the best available NNVT tube for your build. Contact QDEF → Phosphor color and image appearance may vary between photographs, cameras, displays, and individual tubes. Product photos should not be considered an exact representation of phosphor appearance.
