AG Strategics Grec 2 NVG Recorder for PVS-14

Grec 2: NVG recorder for PVS-14 eyepieces with 4K 60 fps video.

The AG Strategics Grec 2 NVG Recorder is a 75 g video recorder that clamps onto the eyepiece of a PVS-14-type night vision device and records what the operator sees through it, in 4K at 60 fps with audio. It is the successor to the Grec X NVG recorder from AG Strategics and is supplied by MSS Defence to special units, defence and police organisations in Europe.

Key Facts:

• Video: native 4K at 60 fps, adjustable to 1080p via a computer or the Grec 2 Operator Interface app
• Weight and size: 75 g including the built-in battery; 74 × 72 × 44 mm
• Baterie: built-in rechargeable battery with 5 hours of battery life, charged via USB-C
• Skladování: microSD cards up to 512 GB (V30 preferred); a card is not included
• Controls: one Start/Stop/Power button and an in-view status LED
• Fit: night vision devices with PVS-14 mil-spec pattern rear lenses; a PVS-31A version is announced
• Protection and warranty: IP52; 2-year warranty against malfunctions; made in Italy

Recording:

The AG Strategics Grec 2 NVG Recorder records native 4K video at 60 fps through the eyepiece of the host night vision device, so the footage shows what the operator sees. The resolution can be set to 1080p with a computer or with the Grec 2 Operator Interface app. AG Strategics states that 60 fps reduces motion blur and allows footage to be slowed down in post-production.

Recording starts and stops with one button, so each clip has the length the operator chooses. Holding the same button switches the Grec 2 on or off to save battery. The internal microphone records audio in sync with the video through a pinhole in the housing.

Status LED:

An LED in line with the operator’s view shows the status of the Grec 2: steady blue means the recorder is on and ready, flashing blue means it is recording, rapid flashing means a memory card must be inserted, and no light means the device is off. AG Strategics describes the LED as low-brightness.

Fit and compatibility:

The PVS-14 version of the Grec 2 fits devices with PVS-14 mil-spec pattern rear lenses, such as those from RPO, Noctis, Fujinon, Qioptiq and Optronics (Torrent and Salvo). AG Strategics lists the following devices as compatible:

• PVS-14
• Nocturn Industries NVGs (Katana, Manticore, Talon, Raptor)
• LLI NVGs (LLUL-21, Aeternus, MH-1)
• Act in Black DTNVS and DTNVG
• AB Night Vision RNVG, RNVG-A and RPNVG
• Argus BNVD 1431
• Aeon ANVG and ANVB
• L3 BNVD 1531
• Rix-31S (not the standard Rix-31)

The clamp is adjustable for off-spec diopter housings, and its knob is smaller than on the Grec X to prevent accidental loosening. With a lightweight diopter, such as a Nocturn Industries diopter, a Photonis Defense Boomslang or an MBS ULR lens, the inside of the clamp may need to be shimmed with tape. The Grec 2 is not compatible with the CQB50 lens system. A separate version for the L3 PVS-31A has been announced by AG Strategics; it fits only the L3 PVS-31A.

Build:

The camera arm of the Grec 2 is CNC-machined aluminium and is cantilevered from the main unit, which sits forward of the eyepiece. Its profile is 12% lower than on the Grec X; AG Strategics states that the arm stays out of focus for most users and does not block the night vision image. An aluminium CPU heatsink is fitted to prevent thermal throttling during 4K recording. The Grec 2 measures 74 × 72 × 44 mm, is made in Italy and has an IP52 rating: under IEC 60529 this means protection against dust to the extent that it does not interfere with operation, and against dripping water when the device is tilted up to 15°.

App, live video and ATAK:

The Grec 2 Operator Interface app by AG Strategics connects the Grec 2 to an Android phone (Android 7.0 or later, 64-bit, USB-C OTG) with a USB-C cable. According to AG Strategics, the app streams live video over RTSP, publishes to SRT and RTMP servers, and announces the feed to ATAK automatically, where it appears in the video list together with the operator’s position on the map. The app is also used to browse and trim recordings on the microSD card, change recording settings, set the clock and install firmware updates.

What is included:

The Grec 2 slides onto the PVS-14 eyepiece and is secured with its integrated adjustable clamp, so no separate mount, external power cable or power bank is needed. A microSD card is not included; AG Strategics supports cards up to 512 GB and prefers V30 cards.

Intended use:

The Grec 2 is intended for operators who use PVS-14-type night vision and need to record their own point of view with audio, for example for training review and the documentation of night-time tasks. MSS Defence supplies the Grec 2 to special units, defence and police organisations in Europe.

Často kladené otázky.

1. What is the AG Strategics Grec 2 NVG Recorder?
   The AG Strategics Grec 2 NVG Recorder is a 75 g camera that clamps onto the eyepiece of a PVS-14-type night vision device and records the operator’s view in 4K at 60 fps with audio. It is the successor to the Grec X NVG recorder.
2. Which night vision devices does the Grec 2 NVG Recorder fit?
   The PVS-14 version of the Grec 2 NVG Recorder fits devices with PVS-14 mil-spec pattern rear lenses, including the PVS-14, DTNVS, DTNVG, RNVG, BNVD 1431, BNVD 1531 and Rix-31S. It is not compatible with the CQB50 lens system or the standard Rix-31.
3. What video resolution and frame rate does the Grec 2 NVG Recorder record?
   The Grec 2 NVG Recorder records native 4K video at 60 fps. The resolution can be changed to 1080p with a computer or the Grec 2 Operator Interface app.
4. How long does the battery of the Grec 2 NVG Recorder last?
   AG Strategics states a battery life of 5 hours for the Grec 2 NVG Recorder. The battery is built in and is recharged via USB-C, so no external power cable or power bank is needed.
5. Which memory card does the Grec 2 NVG Recorder use?
   The Grec 2 NVG Recorder records to a microSD card of up to 512 GB; AG Strategics prefers V30 cards. A microSD card is not included.
6. How much does the Grec 2 NVG Recorder weigh and how big is it?
   The Grec 2 NVG Recorder weighs 75 g, including its built-in battery, and measures 74 × 72 × 44 mm.
7. Is the Grec 2 NVG Recorder waterproof?
   The Grec 2 NVG Recorder has an IP52 rating. Under IEC 60529 this means protection against dust to the extent that it does not interfere with operation, and against dripping water when the device is tilted up to 15°; it is not rated for immersion.
8. What warranty applies to the Grec 2 NVG Recorder?
   The Grec 2 NVG Recorder has a 2-year warranty that covers malfunctions, in accordance with European regulations. The Grec 2 is made in Italy by AG Strategics.
9. How do I start and stop recording with the Grec 2 NVG Recorder?
   The Grec 2 NVG Recorder has one Start/Stop button that starts and stops each clip; holding the button switches the recorder on or off. An in-view LED shows steady blue when the recorder is on and flashing blue when it is recording.
10. Can the Grec 2 NVG Recorder stream live video to ATAK?
    Yes, through the Grec 2 Operator Interface app on an Android phone (Android 7.0 or later, 64-bit, USB-C OTG) connected with a USB-C cable. AG Strategics states that the app streams over RTSP, publishes to SRT and RTMP servers and announces the feed to ATAK automatically.
11. What is the difference between the Grec 2 and the Grec X?
    The Grec 2 NVG Recorder records 4K at 60 fps, where the Grec X records 1080p at 60 fps, and supports microSD cards up to 512 GB instead of 128 GB. The Grec 2 also has a USB-C interface, an aluminium camera arm with a 12% lower profile and an aluminium CPU heatsink; both models have a 5-hour battery.