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Table of Contents
Karan-Yiil: 850nm Reflected IR Surveyer
The Karan-Yiil is a dedicated near-infrared (NIR) observation unit. Unlike the UV project which requires specialized quartz glass to see reflected light, the IR project is about “removing” the limitations of human vision to see in total darkness.
When paired with the NightHawk (IR Flashlight), the Karan-Yiil can see through certain plastics, peer deep into foliage, and turn the pitch-black night into a high-contrast midday scene. Think of this as premium nightvision on the budget.
In the Yivalese conlang, Karan means "Raven" and Yiil means "Gaze" or "Sight."
Together, this unit provides the "Raven's Sight"–piercing the shadows of the infrared realm.
IR-Sensitive Camera Modules
Standard cameras block infrared light to mimic human vision. For this project, you must use a NoIR (No Infrared) sensor. These sensors are wide-open to the 850nm-940nm spectrum, allowing your flashlight to act like a massive invisible floodlight.
| Camera Type | Sensor | Best Use Case | Est. Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arducam OV5647 | Omnivision | Budget builds; very common/replaceable. | ~$15 |
| Sony NightShot | Various CCD | Vintage camcorders; best for “zoom” spotting. (No DIY required) | ~$30 |
| RPi Module 3 NoIR | Sony IMX708 | High-res handhelds with Autofocus. (Recommended DIY Choice) | ~$35 |
| ELP USB Module | Sony IMX323 | Plug-and-play for Android/Laptop use. | ~$45 |
| RPi HQ Camera | Sony IMX477 | Full Spectrum. 12MP large sensor. Removable IR glass, C/CS mount lenses. | ~$70 |
The Camera Surgery: Freeing the Sensor
Depending on your choice above, the “surgery” varies:
- RPi HQ Camera: Requires removing the internal IR-cut filter (the two-screw method).
- NoIR Modules: No surgery required! These are sold “pre-blinded” to visible-only light.
Note: For the clearest IR images, you may want to add an IR-Pass filter (850nm) to block visible light, ensuring the camera *only* sees the infrared “ghost” world.
The Shiny Bits (BOM - IR Edition)
| Item | Part Number | Description | Unit Cost (CAD) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sensor | Variable | (See Table Above) | $15 – $70 | The “Eye” of the Raven. |
| The Illuminator | NightHawk | 850nm IR Throw Flashlight | $25 | Provides “invisible” light for the sensor. |
| The Stealth-Pass | 850nm IR Filter | IR-Pass / Visible-Block Glass | $15 | Optional: Blocks visible light for “Pure IR.” |
| The Glass | 25mm C-Mount | Standard Lens | $35 | Only needed for HQ/C-Mount sensors. |
| The Brain | RPi Zero 2 W | Compact Processor | $22 | Small enough for handheld use. |
| The Display | 3.5“ DPI LCD | Real-time Viewfinder | $30 | Optional if using phone as viewer. |
Total Est. Cost per Unit: ~$107 – $197 CAD.
(Low end uses Arducam NoIR; High end uses RPi HQ + Lens.)
(~$77 – $167 if using a Phone as the Viewfinder - No LCD needed.)
The Raven's Field Guide: What to Look For
The IR world doesn't just look “green” (like old movies)–it looks like a surreal, snowy wonderland.
- The Wood Effect: Healthy green leaves reflect IR light so strongly they appear glowing white. Landscapes will look like they are covered in fresh snow.
- The “Clear” Soda Trick: Point the Karan-Yiil at a bottle of Coca-Cola. The liquid will appear almost completely clear, like water, because the dyes don't absorb IR light.
- Synthetic Fabrics: Many “black” polyester or nylon clothes will appear bright white or grey. This is because they are dyed to block visible light, but are highly reflective to IR.
- The Veins of the Hand: Because NIR light (850nm) penetrates slightly into the skin, you can often see the dark “roads” of your veins through the Karan-Yiil.
The Map (System Integration)
[ SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE: THE KARAN-YIIL ]
[ NIGHTHAWK (IR THROW) ] ----> [ TARGET ]
|
| (Reflected IR Light)
|
[ IR-PASS FILTER ] <-----------/
| (850nm+ Only)
v
[ CAMERA LENS ]
|
v
[ NO-IR SENSOR ] (Either native NoIR or Modified HQ)
|
v
[ RPi ZERO 2W ] ----> [ WIFI ] ----> [ SMARTPHONE ]
(OR)
----> [ TFT LCD ]
Crow's Comments
- This spectrum is considered “Near-IR” (NIR), conversely, Far-IR (FIR) is thermal energy as in a thermal camera or heat radiating off an object. * The NightHawk is unnecessary in the day, the sun provides plenty of near-IR.
- The Stealth Effect: To the human eye, the NightHawk looks like a faint, dim red glow (the “red drop” effect), but on the Karan-Yiil screen, it looks like a high-powered searchlight.
- Focus Shifting: IR light focuses at a different point than visible light. Many vintage lenses have a small “red dot” or “R” on the focus scale–use that for IR!
Caw! Ready to see what the night is hiding?
