Our Return Policy
In the rare case that your unit should malfunction,
please call (877) 97-SCOPE for assistance. Rather than go
through the trouble of returning it to the point of purchase,
call Famous Trails Inc. first. We’ll be able to assist you and
correct your problem with minimal inconvenience.
A Quick Start Guide
This is an advanced night vision device. Therefore, never
use it in bright light. If your particular unit requires a battery/
batteries for use, install it/them now. While in dimly lit
surroundings, remove the lens cap and push the energizer button
for 1–2 seconds and release it. The unit will stay illuminated
for a short period of time as the energy slowly dissipates from
the intensifier. Remember that there are two focus rings on all
of our units. One is on the front lens, and the other is located at
the rear ocular (where you put your eye). Remember to handle
your new Famous Trails Inc. night vision device with some
degree of care; it’s a high-end piece of electronics. Keep it away
from water, and always utilize the hand strap/ wrist lanyard to
avoid any accidents. Enjoy!
Famous Trails Inc. Promise of Quality
Famous Trails Inc. is committed to satisfying ALL of our
customers. If for any reason you are dissatisfied with any of our
products, please contact our corporate offices. We promise that
we’ll do anything within our power to completely satisfy you.
It’s important to the Famous Trails team that we build a solid
customer base, and this is done the old fashioned way, one
happy customer at a time.
Thank you for choosing Famous Trails,
and supporting our quest towards excellence.
Now Blaze your own Famous Trail!
Owners Manual
Thank you for purchasing this night vision device brought to
you by Famous Trails. We hope it will bring you many years
of viewing pleasure.
“ Starlight” or “ Night Vision” devices work by amplifying
ambient light thousands of times to create a visible electronic
image. Even starlight or partial moonlight can often provide
enough light to allow for viewing. However, please remember that
your starlight device is a sophisticated opto-electronic instrument
and should be used with the following in mind:
DO NOT ACTIVATE THE DEVICE DURING THE DAY
WITH THE LENS COVER REMOVED.
Getting Started
1. Load batteries in battery compartment, either on top or side
depending on the unit. Use either AAA or AA batteries.
2. To use, depress the Energizer button, and release. A gradual
fading of the image is typical. Press the Energizer button
again to re-power. If your unit includes a self-energizing
power source (i.e., does not require batteries), simply depress
and release the top lever one time and repeat as necessary.
3. The infrared (IR) illuminator works to enhance the available
ambient light in areas of extreme darkness, or brighten the
electronic image in very dim ambient light. Utilize as needed
by depressing the IR button (next to the Energizer button on
most units). Also, please note that on self-energizing units
only, the detachable IR illuminator requires a 3-volt lithium
battery (Radio Shack® #23265, Duracell® DL1/3N,
Eveready® 2L-76).
*The above-mentioned names hold their own trademarks and have no association with
Famous Trails®.
4. To focus, first utilize the eyepiece-focusing ring to bring the
image into approximate focus, then fine focus with the
objective lens focusing ring. If only (1) focusing mechanism
is present on your unit, then simply focus as necessary.
5. Batteries are not included.
Things to remember
1. The purpose of the pinhole at the center of the lens cover is
to dramatically reduce ambient lighting and thereby simulate
a nighttime environment. The unit can thus be tested during
the daytime with the lens cover in place. However, activat-
ing the unit during the daylight without the protection of the
lens cover will cause too much light to hit the intensifier and
can result in permanent damage. There is a built-in “anti-
bloom” function to protect against such an event, but if the
unit “flashes” upon being activated in a well-lit environment,
it may require several minutes for the instrument to re-set
itself before it can be used.
2. You may see very small black spots in your field of view;
this is common to many night vision devices. However, such
spots will not increase in size nor will they affect optical
performance.
3. All Famous Trails night vision devices are covered by a one-
year limited warranty. Please see the enclosed warranty card
for more information.
4. Finally, please treat your Famous Trails monocular as you
would your camera or binocular.
1580 N. Harmony Circle, Anaheim, CA 92807
(714) 701-9671 • (877) 97-SCOPE (977-2673)
Night Vision
Specifications
FT300
FT350
High
FT400
High
Light Intensification
High
Image Magnification
Dimensions
2.5x
2.6x
2.6x
5.9˝(l) x 2˝(w) x 3˝(h)
.94lbs
5.5˝(l) x 3˝(w) x 4˝(h)
1.18lbs
5.9˝(l) x 2˝(w) x 3˝(h)
.94lbs
Weight
IR illuminator (23265)
Radio Shack
Batteries
IR illuminator only
20 degrees (min)
+/- 4 diopters
4 to 300 ft
62 mm
2 AAA
Field Of View
Eyepiece Adjustment
Focus Range
15 degrees (min)
+/- 4 diopters
4.4 to 300 ft
50 mm w/P20 phosphor
f l.5
15 degrees (min)
+/- 4 diopters
4.5 to 300 ft
58 mm
Objective Lens Focal Length
Objective Lens Aperture
IR Illuminator
Warranty
f 2.0
f 2.0
optional
optional
Built In
1 year
1 year
1 year
Gain
800–900
800–900
800–900
10,000–15,000
System Gain
10,000–15,000
12,500–15,000
FT700
High
FT750
High
FT950
High
Light Intensification
Image Magnification
Dimensions
3.8x
2.3x
5.0x
7.75˝(l) x 3.8˝(w) x 2.6˝(h)
1.44lbs
6.5˝(I) x 3.8˝(w) x 2.6˝(h)
1.5lbs
9.4˝(I) x 3.6˝(w) x 2.4˝(h)
1.2lbs
Weight
Batteries
2 AA
2 AA
1 AA
Field Of View
15 degrees (min.)
+/- 4 diopters
12 ft. to 350 ft.
85mm
15 degrees (min.)
+/- 4 diopter
12 ft. to 350 ft.
50mm w/P20 phosphor
f2.0
15 degrees
+/- 4 diopter
15 ft. to infinity
58mm
Eyepiece Adjustment
Focus Range
Objective Lens Focal Length
Objective Lens Aperture
IR Illuminator
f1.6
f2.0
Built In
Built In
Built I n
Warranty
1 year
1 year
1 year
Gain
800–900
800–900
800–900
15,000X
System Gain
10,000–15,000
10,000–15,000
An Introduction for Consumers
Famous Trails® night vision scopes enable the user to view
objects when it is normally too dark to see with the naked eye.
The device amplifies the photons from any available light by
collecting it through the objective lens and focusing it on the
image intensifier. A photocathode within the intensifier converts
the photon energy into electrons; they in turn move with increas-
ing speed across an electrostatic field and hit a phosphor screen.
This increasing speed of the electrons provides gain and creates
a visible image, which is displayed on the phosphor screen.
Famous Trails® systems make it easier to view objects when
there is very little light, but cannot work in total darkness. In this
situation an infrared illuminator can be used to provide light,
enabling the Famous Trails® system to amplify it. The infrared
illuminator can also be used in lowly lit areas, enhancing images
in changing light conditions with consistent performance. These
infrared illuminators are available on all of Famous Trails® night
vision products.
When testing night vision products, Famous Trails® measures
the quality of the image, the range of the product and gain.
Because it is difficult to make out smaller details if long distances
or low lighting are factors, systems with extreme gain and high
resolution are enormously expensive. The reasonably priced
Famous Trails® system was created to suit a user’s most common
needs providing a viewer with a clear, detailed image. Take a
night vision device along on your camping or boating trips to
enable you to view wildlife with amazing clarity or use it to
enhance security around your home.
As you review the literature for products like Famous Trails®
system, you will find that understanding the specifications of
how our system measures up is sometimes difficult, especially
when talking about actual use in the field. It is important to
understand what is meant by terms like distortion, spectral
response, optical speed, gain and more. It is also important to
note that each product was tested with consistent reliable methods
to insure the valid comparison of specifications. This is an area
where comparison becomes especially difficult, as there are a
great number of equipment manufacturers but little published
specs comparing products from various companies. The bottom
line is that even with technical specs it is hard to tell if the item
will perform the way you need it to.
The best way to measure the performance of a Famous Trails®
product is to try it out at home. Most dealers will allow you to
return or exchange a product if you find it isn’t a perfect match
for your needs. Usually areas surrounding a city or housing
development are well lit, so you probably won’t need a higher-
end piece of equipment. If you are using a device in a poorly lit
area such as the woods or desert, you may need a device with
higher power especially if you need greater range with little or no
moonlight. You won’t need to worry about range if the product is
used in total darkness, but you will need an infrared illuminator.
We previously explained that the quality of the image, the
range of the product, and the gain are all key in measuring how
a Famous Trails® product performs. Here is a breakdown of
how each area ties in with the operation of a product.
GAIN—As conditions get darker, it becomes more difficult for
the Famous Trails system to create a clear, well-defined image.
As the light decreases or if there is a longer range, it becomes
necessary to increase the gain. Additionally if you are using a
longer lens for distance viewing you’ll need higher gain, as
longer lenses do not transfer light as well as the shorter lenses.
Be aware that increasing the gain will not always increase the
clarity or range of your view. In areas such as housing complexes,
street or house lights will overload the system and actually
decrease your viewing abilities. For less populated areas with little
light, a Famous Trails scope will allow you a substantial and clear
view for a very reasonable sum.
RANGE—To be able to view an object from a certain distance
involves the system’s ability to magnify an image, its resolution,
how much light is available, and the gain of the product. A long,
powerful lens will increase magnification, but as mentioned
above will not transfer light well. In conditions with less light,
more gain is required to view objects farther away so using a
high-speed lens with less magnification will allow more light to
be captured and will increase the product’s range abilities.
Generally most users don’t need long-range capabilities in
their products and are satisfied with 1x to 3x the normal image
size. For example, a Famous Trails product made for viewing
objects at a fairly close range 1x image size. This makes it easy
for the user to view the subject without becoming disoriented.
IMAGE QUALITY—The best image to have is one with little
distortion, high definition and excellent resolution. The Famous
Trails device displays a green monochrome image that is clearest
in the center, with blurring towards the edges. The human eye is
able to perceive contrasts in green more easily than in other colors
so this further enhances image quality. With less distortion you’ll
see a flatter, less rounded view with a higher definition.
Additionally the contrasts will enable you to perceive dark objects
against darker backgrounds and the increased resolution will allow
you to see identifying details clearly instead of mere shapes.
Buying a Famous Trails® Product
Before purchasing a Famous Trails product, think about how
you want to use it and select the device that best matches that
use. A scope with moderate gain and a short lens with a 1x
magnification would be appropriate for populated areas such as a
housing complex. If you are using the scope in a forest with little
light, increased gain would enable you to see more clearly and a
longer lens would allow for viewing at a greater distance. Inside
a building or warehouse a user would want to use an infrared
illuminator and would probably not need long-range capabilities.
There are other considerations to be made before choosing
your Famous Trails product:
ERGONOMICS—If you will be viewing for a long period of time,
a lighter product will be more comfortable. Also, where you
wish to carry your device will make a difference when deciding
on what size to purchase.
PRACTICALITY—If you will be using your system on camping
trips and other places where electricity is unavailable, make
sure the battery corresponding to that system is easily available
for purchase.
PRICE—Famous Trails specializes in creating affordable prod-
ucts for their users, but prices can range from $199 to $10,000.
Think about how often and in what way you will be using your
product and thus how much you want to spend. A scope or
monocular for $2,500 would be a fantastic piece of equipment
to own, but you could also purchase a high definition system
that will satisfy all your needs for under $500.
A Glossary of Night Vision Terms
ANGLE OF VIEW—the angle (in degrees) of your field of view
when looking through a device.
BINOCULAR—a device that contains two connected sets of
image intensifiers and optics that share a power source.
BLACK SPOTS—black spots on an image possibly caused by
foreign substances on the surface of the lenses or marks within
the image intensifier.
BLOOMING—a situation where a part of the projection has been
overloaded with too much light.
BRIGHT-SOURCE or OVER-LIGHT PROTECTION—a circuit that will
decrease or shut off power to a product when over-lighting
occurs, protecting the image intensifier. (Over-exposure to bright
light sources can decrease the life of your image intensifier)
Normal viewing will resume within one to two minutes.
DIOPTER—a measurement unit for the refractive power of a
lens, either for a device or for the human eye.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT—an adjustment of a device to a user’s
eyesight. The range for adjustment is usually plus or minus
4 Diopters.
DISTORTION—any variation of the display from the accurate
reproduction of an image.
EYE RELIEF—the required distance between a user’s eye and the
lens of a device to enable a full view of the object. Usually a
longer eye relief will afford a more comfortable view, especially
for people who wear glasses.
FIELD OF VIEW—the measured view a user sees when looking
through a device standing 1,000 yards away from an object.
FIXED-PATTERN NOISE—a light, immobile pattern seen on a
viewed image caused by a microchannel plate.
GAIN—the number of times amplification of light by a device
occurs. Tube gain is amplification taking place exclusively in
the intensifier tube and it can reach 50,000 times or more. It is
not as useful a measurement as System gain, which combines
tube gain, the power supply and optics. System gain can register
at 1,000 to 15,000.
GALLIUM ARSENIDE (gaAs)—a semiconductor substance used
in a photocathode of Generation III night vision devices that
contributes to increased photosensitivity.
GENERATION—a four-tiered classification of image
intensifiers.
• Generation 0—needs an infrared illuminator for operation.
Operates best in infrared conditions and was designed for
long-range viewing. Electron acceleration enables gain to be
achieved.
• Generation I—does not need an infrared illuminator for
operation. Operates best during normal ambient light
conditions and was designed for many professional and
home uses. Electron acceleration enables gain to be
achieved.
• Generation II—contains a microchannel plate for increased
gain. Generation II devices were designed for more difficult
viewing situations and are mostly used by military or scientific
personnel.
• Generation III—contains a gallium arsenide photocathode
and a microchannel plate. Generation III devices are
designed for applications such as special military operations
due to their high light sensitivity and clear viewing in the
darkest conditions.
IMAGE INTENSIFIER or INTENSIFIER TUBE—the part of a Famous
Trails night vision system that gathers and increases light to show
a viewable image. See “Generation” for the different image inten-
sifier designs.
INFRARED (IR) ILLUMINATOR—a source of light (such as an
LED display) that outputs in the near-infrared range (750nm to
3um).
LENS SPEED—the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of the
lens. A lower lens speed produces brighter images. (Expressed
as f number.)
MICROCHANNEL PLATE (MCP)—the component located behind
the photocathode that increases gain in Generation II and III
Famous Trails systems by multiplying electrons.
MONOCULAR—a device that contains an image intensifier and
optic set for use with one eye.
MULTIALKALI—a semi conductive substance that coats
Generation I and Generation II photocathodes.
NEAR-INFRARED—the wavelength of light most present at night
and invisible to the human eye. Its range is between 750nm and
3um, the lowest in the infrared category. For more information,
look up “Photonic Spectrum”.
NOISE—also called video noise or scintillation, it appears as a
slight sparkling within a Famous Trails image.
OBJECTIVE LENS—see optics
OCULAR—see optics
OPTICS—the collective term for all optical parts of a Famous
Trails system which includes the objective lens and the ocular.
• The ocular increases projection size of the image.
• The objective lens gathers ambient light, focusing it onto the
image intensifier. Can also provide an increase in size of
image view. Short focal lengths (image size is 5x or less) and
high-speeds (f2 or faster) are found on the best objective
lenses. They are coated for the best efficiency in the near-
infrared bandwidth.
PHOSPHOR SCREEN—renders a visible green image by exhibiting
fluorescence when impinged by the electron flow in the intensifier
tube. (The human eye picks up on contrasts in green more easily
than other colors) The phosphor screen is positioned at the back
of the intensifier tube.
PHOTONIC SPECTRUM—the span of electromagnetic energy
ranging from 0.1mm (x-ray) to 1,000mm (far-infrared). The
visible range within this span is from 400 to 750nm.
PHOTOCATHODE—a component that changes light (photon
energy) into electrons (electrical energy) which in turn move with
increasing speed in the intensifier tube. The objective lenses point
light on the photoelectric surface of the photocathode, which is
excited and passes electrons through the intensifier tube.
PHOTOSENSITIVITY—the measure of the photoelectric
current from the photocathode per the input light flux from a
tungsten lamp. It is expressed in microamperes per lumen and
indicates the photocathode’s sensitivity to light.
RESOLUTION—how well an image is rendered and displayed
by a Famous Trails device. A constant, it can be expressed as the
maximum number of lines per millimeter (lp/mm) that can be
distinguished when a white-and-black striped pattern is focused
on the photocathode. The best resolution in most Famous Trails
systems is at the center of the view, with blurring towards the edges.
SCOPE—a Famous Trails device with one ocular system.
SPECTRAL RESPONSE—the numeric range of wavelengths
in the phototonic spectrum amplifiable by a Famous Trails
device. While the human eye can see from 400nm to 750nm,
a Famous Trails system can pick up and amplify wavelengths
up to 900nm and project an image of the viewed object onto
its phosphor screen.
SPECTRUM—see phototonic spectrum
WAVELENGTH—the distance covered by one cycle of a wave.
Electromagnetic energy is transmitted in sinusoidal waves.
Nanometers (nm) and Micrometers (mn) are units of measure
in the photonic spectrum.
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