Congratulations on your purchase of a Nocpix ACE S60R with an integrated laser rangefinder (LRF). It is one of the best thermal scopes on the market, but as a relatively sensitive and complex electronic optic, it requires some special maintenance considerations that other scopes might not need. We’ll cover them here, along with some basic troubleshooting.
Basic Thermal Scope Maintenance
Like other thermal scopes, your Nocpix ACE S60R should be properly maintained at least twice per year (if not more frequently), and maintenance should cover the following basic protocols:
- Exterior components should be wiped clean of dust, fouling, or any other type of particulate debris. Use a clean, dry cotton cloth to remove dust and other debris from all metal and plastic components. If necessary, silicone grease, which is usually dielectric, can be used for cleaning as well as to protect external components against moisture and other corrosive influences.
- The electric contacts and battery slots should also be cleaned at least twice per year if not more frequently, and as needed based on the presence of discharge or corrosion. An appropriate, non-greasy cleaner should be used, and one that does not leave any residue as this can interrupt the circuit. Another note is that you should remove the battery from the compartment when you are not using the thermal scope for a prolonged period of time.
- Periodically inspect the glass of the lens and eyepiece, and clean as needed. Using a non-contact method is best if possible as it can help you avoid scratching the lens. Compressed air is good for this. If necessary, use a lens cleaning tool along with a solvent or cleaning solution designed for optical lenses. You never want to use something that will leave a residue as this will impact thermal radiation detection and sight picture relay.
Troubleshooting
In addition to performing this basic maintenance for Nocpix ACE S60R thermal scopes, here are some tips for troubleshooting basic issues with your thermal rifle scope:
- If your image is too dark: Adjust the brightness settings.
- If you can’t focus the scope: The settings are probably wrong. Go into your settings and set the scope according to the “Power on and Settings” in your user manual. It may also be the case that one of the lenses of your scope is dirty. Inspect and clean the lens according to the advice in the immediately previous section of this post.
- If the sight picture is not clear, there are vertical lines present, or the background is uneven or looks off: The thermal scope needs to be calibrated.
- To calibrate your thermal scope: There are three main types of calibration, which are Auto Calibration, Manual Calibration and Background Calibration. You can select the type of calibration in the Main Menu. If you select Auto Calibration, there should be no need to close the lens cover and the scope should calibrate on its own. For Manual Calibration, go to the Home Screen and press the Power Button briefly while leaving the lens cover open. Background Calibration will require you to cover the lens, but after doing so, the background temperature should become equalized, and there should be no more defects visible in the sight picture.
- If the observed target disappears: It is possible you are viewing the target through glass, which will either partially or entirely block thermal radiation. Make sure you have a clear line of sight to the target with no interposing obstructions.
- If the image quality is poor or the detection range seems to be compromised: This is likely caused by inclement weather conditions such as rain, snow, fog, or smoke. It is also possible that the temperature is too low. The sight picture will be adversely affected if the Nocpix ACE S60R thermal scope is operated at temperatures below freezing, even though the scope can technically operate at a lower temperature.
- If you can’t start the scope up: The battery is likely dead. Check the charge and swap out the battery for one that has a charge if necessary. Also, make sure you never let your batteries sit dead for a prolonged period of time as this will damage their ability to take a charge.
For More Information Consult Your Nocpix ACE S60R Owner’s Manual
If you still have questions about your Nocpix ACE S60R or you have to troubleshoot an issue that wasn’t covered here, consult your owner’s manual where you should be able to find what you need.
Alternatively you can contact us; we would be more than happy to help and if you still are in the market for a new thermal scope, we can make personalized recommendations as well. Give us a call at 309-781-8421, let us know what you need, and we will point you in the right direction.
