Thermal scopes like the iRay USA BOLT TX60C, and RH25V2 will set you back several thousand dollars. Their performance justifies the cost, but the cost also warrants a little extra care and attention when it comes to making sure you get your money’s worth, at least in terms of service life.
Keep the Battery Charged
Many thermal scopes take rechargeable 18650 batteries which are lithium-ion batteries. Though lithium-ion batteries are well known for their power and discharge potential, they are intolerant of being left at a low charge or left dead. If you don’t keep them well charged, they might just die on you and not be able to take a charge.
But Don’t Leave It on the Charger
Similarly, you don’t want to leave a lithium-ion battery on the charger once it’s full. Keep it topped off but remember to unplug it as soon as it’s good.
Protect It Against Extreme Temperatures
While high quality iRay USA thermal scopes are tolerant of both fairly high and super-low, subzero temperatures, you should still limit the scope’s exposure to them for the sake of the battery, which can easily be damaged by either extremely high or low temperatures.
Store It Somewhere Cool and Dry
Waterproof or not, electronics do best and last longer when they are used under suitable conditions. Therefore, when not in use, store your iRay USA thermal scope somewhere cool and dry – remember that humidity is the enemy of electronics.
Keep The Thermals Software Updated
Software updates are essential maintenance on any thermal. Updates can add new or improve existing features onboard the scope, which most people realize, but what most don’t know is that software updates can even improve image clarity by adjusting the thermal algorithm. Software updates can usually be done by connecting the scope to the mobile app via WIFI, checking for updates, the app typically downloads it to the scope and installs it for you. Please remember to always have a fully charged battery before installing updates, any power interruptions or key presses while an updating is in progress can lock up the scope due to incomplete software/firmware installs.
Keep It Covered (or at Least Cover the Lenses) When Not in Use
Get a thermal scope cover or tactical eye cup with a shutter, at bare minimum at least for the lenses, and keep them covered when you’re not using them. This will prevent dust accumulation and will help keep the lenses clean and clear.
Keep the Lenses Clean
After every outing, use a microfiber cloth to wipe the lenses clean. If there is any oil or smudging on the lenses, feel free to use a lens cleaner or a little rubbing alcohol, which will leave no residue after it dries, to clear up the lens.
Be Gentle When Handling It
Lastly, just be conscientious when you handle your iRay USA thermal scope, just as you would be with any other optic. Remember that they are sensitive electronics that can easily be damaged by reckless handling.
Here for a New iRay USA Thermal Scope?
Here for a new iRay USA thermal scope, or do you at least want to see what else is on the market before you buy? Take a look at Dark Night Outdoors and see what they carry; they represent some of the top brands in the business in addition to iRay USA, such as Nocpix, AGM, RIX, and PULSAR thermal.
