Night vision devices gift end-users the ability to see through the darkness and conduct operations when others cannot. However, each is limited to the singular power source within the device that often only grants enough runtime for several operations. The BAT Pack by Nocturn Industries is the latest market alternative to extend the runtime of night vision devices in a compact solution.
With an overall dimension of approximately 2.50” (H) x 3.65” (L) x 1.60” (D), the BAT Pack offers a compact alternative power solution for those using the Fisher 4-pin port. The BAT Pack housing is made from 3D printed, multi-jet fusion nylon material to offer a robust and shock-resistant structure. It is also designed to fit in any PVS31a-compatable helmet-mounted battery pouch for greater cross-compatibility with aftermarket helmet accessories.
The interior battery compartment is accessed via the BAT Pack’s top-cover lid (which in turn is secured with a large lugged screw) and protected from moisture penetration with a grooved rubberized gasket.
This compartment is divided into two power banks, consisting of two CR123 batteries each, for a total runtime of 90+ hours (depending on the type of device used). Selection of the desired power bank is through the external rotating switch, which uses a LEFT-OFF-RIGHT power selection.
The rear of the BAT Pack includes a partial hook-and-loop (male) field that is intended to attach to corresponding hook-and-loop (female) fields at the rear of most helmets, and provide a secure hold. In addition, tie-down retention points are molded to each side of the BAT Pack’s housing to thread the included shock cord and Tegris connection tabs through, and further secure it to the helmet.
The BAT Pack comes in three colors; OD Green (featured), Coyote, and Black (all are coated with H-series cerakote). In addition, at the time of purchase, end-users can select between a Fisher-to-LEMO 4-pin 0B power cable (good for Katana GEN 1 & 2, RNVG, ARNVG, RPNVG, ANVIS devices or other LEMO 0B 4-pin devices), and Fisher-to-LEMO 2-pin 00B power cable (good for all new Daisho, Chimera, Katana GEN 3, and Manticore devices) to be included with the BAT Pack. Any standard Fisher BNVD-type cable will also plug into the BAT Pack, with Nocturn Industries planning more power cables in the future.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Excellent (5/5): With an MSRP of $360, Nocturn Industries BAT Pack brings together the latest in low-cost 3D printing products with functional usage for night vision support devices—although the product can be found at third-party retailers for slightly more than $300. For devices using either the 4-pin 0B LEMO, the 5 or 2-pin 00B LEMO or Fisher BNVD power cable, the 90+ hour runtime provided by the BAT Pack’s dual power banks will ensure uninterrupted field use. In contrast, the AVS-6/9 Battery Pack ($350.00) by ITT, the Low-Profile Battery Pack ($382.00) by AB Night Vision, the PS31 ($436) by ATN, the Low-Profile Battery Pack ($670.00) by Adams Industries, or the GPNVG-18 Battery Pack ($1,250.00) by L3Harris demonstrate the spectrum of price and capability in various power sources. For its materials, design, and runtime, the BAT Pack is at an excellent price point amid the market of similar alternatives.
- Comfort – Average (3/5): From a comfort aspect, the BAT Pack attached easily, and the hook and loop material maintained a solid hold throughout the review period. A little excess movement was noted at the top of the BAT Pack’s rear (behind the battery cap) if only because there was no hook-and-loop field to secure the item to the rear of the helmet. The included retention shock cord, and Tegris tabs added to that secure comfort level of the item when mounted to the helmet. Otherwise, the selection switch moved cleanly and sharply, without any slop or slippage noted. The BAT Pack added some bulk to the overall profile of the helmet, but no more so than other battery packs and this gave it an average level of comfort when in contrast to other similar products.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The durability of the BAT Pack was owed to its 3D-printed multi-jet fusion nylon material that took advantage of additive manufacturing’s freedom in geometric design to create much of the product’s housing, battery cap, and threaded screw. This is a newer industry approach over previous mold-based products that suffer from geometric limitation, and then assembled in parts that allot for seams and some possibilities in moisture penetration. As a four-part printed housing (baseplate, lid, main body, and rear plate), the assembly itself used a silicone potting material to bond the parts together. This process allotted the BAT Pack to be IP68+ rated and completely watertight in conjunction with the rubberized O-ring that sealed the battery space from the outside. The 3D print is also known to be somewhat more cost-effective in production of smaller units, as it minimizes waste and excess material. Perhaps the only notable aspects of the BAT Pack at risk over time would be the switch and opposing cable port (once the power cable is connected) as they both extend out from the side profile significantly. This was designed for ease in use with gloves, but could lead to getting snagged or otherwise pulled over time to cause a potential breakage. A recommendation for Nocturn Industries would be to consider a lower profile power switch, and perhaps a recessed power cable port so that the cable’s “ebow” would present a more flushed profile with the side of the BAT Pack. Lastly, Nocturn Industries may want to consider including some type of rubberized port cover for the Fisher power connection, as end-users may not necessarily keep/store power cables attached, and an open port could expose the possibility of debris blocking/plugging the connections or internals.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the BAT Pack worked great for its intended purpose of providing prolonged power to the night vision device. With 90+ hours runtime this put the BAT Pack at one of the most long-lasting power devices on the current market. For comparison, the AVS-6/9 Battery Pack utilizes four AA batteries and has an approximate runtime of 50 hours, whereas the ATN PS31 Battery Pack for its PS31 uses to the four CR123 batteries with a runtime of 300 hours (this is the manufacture’s claim and not verified through 3rd party), or the GPNVG-18 Battery Pack uses four CR123 batteries with a runtime between 61 hours (for PVS-31a) to 31 hours (for GPNVG). Even the Low-Profile Battery Pack by AB Nightvision allots for either two CR123 batteries or four AA batteries, which yield approximately 25 hours of continual runtime. Primary function aside, there were other minor elements which did detract from an otherwise perfect design. The polymer-coated, steel-braided retention “wire” connecting the battery cap to the body immediately broke upon unboxing (not devastating in any way, and easily remedied). There were minimal-to-no identification markings for end-users to easily visually distinguish battery orientation, power switch selection, and a small dot for power cable alignment (although there is a routing block inside the port to prevent mis-alignment). If Nocturn Industries addressed these in future product runs, the BAT Pack would feel more like a finished product. The last aspect is more a “nice idea” for the designers—as they built the BAT Pack around the Fisher port, and it already has such an extensive runtime, it would be nice if future BAT Pack variants would offer an additional USB connection as well to power ancillary devices (specifically helmet-mounted cameras).
- Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 4.45 ounces (w/o batteries), the BAT Pack had a good light mass to its housing to serve as a suitable counterweight, but not to be otherwise unbalancing on the helmet or excessive. The 3D printed material for the housing helped minimize the weight while still retaining thick walls to the product that aided in structure. In contrast, the AVS-6/9 Battery Pack (3.88 ounces) by ITT, the Low-Profile Battery Pack (6.0 ounces) by AB Night Vision, the PS31 Battery Pack (9.04 ounces) by ATN, the Low-Profile Battery Pack (16.2 ounces) by Adams Industries, or the GPNVG-18 Battery Pack (4.23 ounces) by L3Harris all demonstrate that the BAT Pack is at the lower end of the market in terms of weight. End-users will need to bear this in mind based on personal preference and how it counters the forward weight of the night vision device.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://nocturnindustries.com/products/the-bat-pack
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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