ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
Hanssen Hassett, as part of his high school capstone, designed and built the NVM 2 "Beachvision", a digital night vision monocle optimized for low-light and near-water conditions. What sets this project apart is not just its functionality, but the full engineering process: concept, prototyping, modular housing design, and detailed operational documentation.
This monocle is a perfect example of the West-Tek philosophy: building tools to explore, observe, and innovate. Just as our rocketry projects reach the skies and our astrophotography captures distant galaxies, the NVM 2 expands human vision into the night.
KEY FEATURES
CUSTOM HOUSING
Airtight, sea-spray resistant design using advanced threaded tube technology. Built to withstand harsh coastal environments while maintaining optical clarity.
ADVANCED OPTICS
Interchangeable 32mm lens filters and focusable eyepiece system. Precision-engineered for optimal light gathering and image quality in low-light conditions.
MODULAR DESIGN
Detachable components enable flexible upgrades and easy maintenance. Future-proof architecture allows for component evolution and customization.
PROFESSIONAL ELECTRONICS
Runcam Night Eagle 3 camera paired with Adafruit 1.5" TFT display. High-sensitivity sensor optimized for night vision applications.
COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION
Full operator's manual detailing specifications, usage procedures, and maintenance protocols. Professional-grade documentation standards.
LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN
At just 8.5 grams net weight, the NVM 2 provides extended comfortable use without fatigue. M5 bolt compatibility with standard mounting systems.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
IMAGE SENSOR
1/2.8" 2MP
HORIZONTAL RESOLUTION
1500 TVL
FIELD OF VIEW
125° H × 56° V (16:9)
DISPLAY RESOLUTION
160 × 240 RGB
NET WEIGHT
8.5 GRAMS
MOUNTING
M5 BOLT COMPATIBLE
COMPATIBILITY
J-ARM & BRIDGE MOUNTS
ENVIRONMENT
SEA-SPRAY RESISTANT
PROJECT GALLERY
From concept to completion - witness the engineering journey of the NVM 2 "Beachvision"
J-ARM mounting system
Green phosphor beach test
Capstone project presentation
Prototype modeling
White phosphor beach test
Nighttime field test
THE GENESIS OF INNOVATION
What began as a high school capstone project by a student with no formal engineering training became something far more significant. Hanssen's NVM 2 didn't just demonstrate remarkable technical achievement for a young builder—it ignited a collaborative fire that would reshape our approach to accessible technology.
This project marked the genesis of West-Tek's night vision venture, proving that affordable, practical digital night vision was not only possible but could be achieved through innovative engineering approaches. Hanssen's work sparked curiosity across our entire team, leading to deeper exploration of optical systems, modular design principles, and field-ready electronics.
More importantly, the NVM 2 demonstrated the power of collaborative innovation. What started as one student's ambitious project evolved into a shared mission: making advanced technology accessible through careful engineering, thorough documentation, and iterative design. This philosophy now drives every West-Tek project, from our rocketry endeavors to our astrophotography systems.
The NVM 2 represents more than technical mastery—it embodies the transformative potential of giving young engineers the tools, guidance, and freedom to pursue ambitious challenges. It's proof that breakthrough innovation often emerges from unexpected places when curiosity meets opportunity.
EXPLORE FURTHER
Dive deeper into the engineering process and discover more innovative projects from West-Tek Solutions.