This month, I would like to discuss the technological advancement of the new XL line of thermal imagers by Pulsar.
Human technological advancement has a history of gradual but quickening advancement. For instance, the time period between the dawn of the Bronze Age and that of the Iron Age was approximately 2000 years; the Steam Age less than 200 years; electronics development is measured in timeframes of decades and years. Today’s technologies are arising at timeframes faster than ever experienced in human technological advancement.
This year, Pulsar announced their first consumer thermal imager that is fitted with the new Lynred 1024×768 sensor, a format that was only previously used in equipment for scientific, aeronautical and military applications, costing many tens of thousands of dollars and available to a select few. This technology is now available for mass consumption at a price that is a fraction of previous systems, thanks to advancements in mass production.
Lynred Atto1024-02 thermal sensor
The Lynred Atto1024-02 is a 1024×768 uncooled thermal array with a 12µm pixel size, made in France by Lynred who are the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced amorphous silicon (a-Si) thermal sensors. Their sensors are used in every facet of thermal imaging applications including space, defence, aeronautics, marine and industry. Their reputation for performance and reliability are second to none; Pulsar chose Lynred for all their thermal imagers for this reason.
Pulsar Merger LRF line of thermal bi-oculars
Pulsar launched their flagship line of Merger LRF thermal bi-oculars in 2022 with the Pulsar Merger LRF XP50. The XP50 is fitted with a Lynred 640×480 17µm sensor with a an industry leading sensitivity of less than 25 mK, a precision ground 50mm f1.0 germanium lens and a single channel laser rangefinder. Most noticeably is the classic compact binocular shape and feel of the Merger that enables easy handling in the same way as does a set of optical binoculars. The Merger feels solid and oozes quality and style.
For twelve months, the Merger LRF XP50 was Pulsar’s flagship hand-held thermal imager, finding favour with recreational, professional and government users alike. This year’s launch of the new Merger LRF XL50 now provides for a higherend option with finer image detail and a wider field-ofview. The size, weight and functionality remains the same for both models, while the price difference between the Pulsar Merger LRF XP50 and the Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 is $3,500. Both Merger models are exceptionally fine products, whether the higher resolution and wider field-of-view of the new Merger XL50 is a deal breaker comes down to individual requirements and budget.
Conclusion
We have awaited our first samples of the Merger LRF XL50 with great anticipation and envy, due to US and European Pulsar distributors receiving theirs first. Up to our first shipment, we relied on reviews and YouTube videos to bind us over until we could experience this product at first-hand. My first impression when I looked through the Merger XL50 was astonishment. The image quality is significantly better than the YouTube videos that I’ve seen, which I assume is down to video compression.
The 1024×768 sensor with its 12µm pixel pitch is simply stunning, as is its ability to hold detail whist zooming. I believe that this is the start of a new era for Pulsar, who have always strived for market leadership. Our back-orders are growing faster than our ability to procure products, which will improve as initial worldwide demand is met, as always, supply is met by a first-come first-served basis. If you want the best, order as soon as possible.
Watch out for future information and field tests of the new Pulsar Merger LRF XL50 in the Fishing Paper and Hunting News, on our Facebook page, or visit advanvedoptics.nz
See us at this years Fieldays Site C16 where you can try the latest thermal and night vision optics in our night vision tunnel.
