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DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

A simple refinement of any mobile phone with a camera will turn it into a night vision device (NVD), capable of working and recording video in complete darkness, without the slightest light source.
These NVDs use infrared emitters for illumination; their spectrum is not visible to the human eye. And to detect this glow, special video cameras are used that receive infrared (IR) light (cathode ray tubes were used in old night vision devices).
Our unit will work on the same principle: we will modify the camera so that it perceives infrared rays. And equip the phone with IR illumination.

Will need


  • An old or unnecessary mobile phone (not necessarily a smartphone). Any model with a camera in normal and functional condition will do.
    DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

  • An adapter with a mini USB connector that can be connected to the phone and remove power from its battery.
    DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

  • Infrared LEDs in the ring from a night vision camcorder - .
    It is quite possible to solder a home-made line of IR LEDs.
    DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

How to make a night vision device from a smartphone


We disassemble the mobile phone. Our goal is a camcorder.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

In this model the camera is removable, this will simplify the task of finalizing it.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Carefully disconnect the cable from the general board.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

And take out the camera.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Peel off the protective mesh.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

The top cover of the camera is soldered on four legs, we solder them one by one.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

And remove the top cover with a lens.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Before us is a matrix protected by an infrared filter.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Carefully remove it with the help of a sharp object such as a clerical knife.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

The infrared filter for a reflection gives a red glow, do not mix it up. Such filters are installed in all cameras, excluding hits on the matrix of invisible light in the infrared range.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Putting it all in reverse order. Solder the legs.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We install the camera back, connect the loop.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We collect the phone, install the battery in the wrong place.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Next, take the adapter and bite off an unnecessary outlet from it.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Solder the wires from the USB connector to the ring of IR LEDs. On them, from the phone, 5 V power will be supplied, from which the LEDs will be powered.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We attach the ring to double-sided tape to the body.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

We connect the connector.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

The night vision device is ready.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Work check


Checking the instrument in complete darkness.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

You can take pictures, record videos, etc.
DIY night vision device from a mobile phone

Watch the video


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Comments (3)
  1. Guest Alexander
    #1 Guest Alexander Guests May 7, 2019 5:56 p.m.
    1
    Thank. Helpful information.
  2. Akril
    #2 Akril Visitors May 8, 2019 10:35
    1
    The same thing once, I remember, was made from an old camera, a UV filter was removed, and framed with LEDs. Try something? ..
  3. Alexander Tanishevsky
    #3 Alexander Tanishevsky Visitors May 8, 2019 17:14
    2
    The right thing, thank you.

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