Refurbished Gen 3 MX-11769 — Bench-Tested, New Power Supply
Gen 3 MX-11769 image intensifiers built for ground-based night vision systems. Each unit features a high-efficiency GaAs photocathode bonded to a glass input window, a microchannel plate electron multiplier, and a phosphor screen on a fiber optic output window. Sourced from legacy systems and rebuilt with a new, modern gated autogating power supply. Every tube is bench-tested for gain, resolution, and cosmetic condition before it ships.
Available in green or white phosphor. Compatible with a wide range of civilian and military night vision housings. Suitable for DIY builders, system upgrades, and replacement units.
Power supply carries a 2-year warranty from date of shipment.
A Gen 3 image intensifier tube is a vacuum-sealed assembly that converts photons into a visible image. The input window is where ambient light enters — in the MX-11769 format, this is an 18mm diameter objective. Behind the input window is the photocathode: a thin film of gallium arsenide (GaAs) deposited on the glass. When photons strike the GaAs photocathode, they eject electrons. This is the photoelectric effect — the same physics that makes solar cells work, but optimized for extreme sensitivity to the near-infrared spectrum rather than visible light.
The ejected electrons are accelerated by a high-voltage field toward the microchannel plate (MCP) — a thin glass disc perforated with millions of microscopic channels. Each electron entering a channel kicks out secondary electrons through a cascade effect, multiplying the electron count by a factor of thousands. The amplified electron cloud exits the MCP and strikes a phosphor screen on the output side. The phosphor screen converts the electron pattern back into a visible image — green on green phosphor tubes, grayscale on white phosphor. The output image can be read directly through an eyepiece or fed to a relay optic for weapon-mounted use.
The autogating circuit is the feature that makes modern Gen 3 tubes usable in mixed-light environments. Without autogating, a sudden bright light — a muzzle blast, vehicle headlights, a flashbang — overwhelms the tube and causes the entire image to go white (bloom) for several seconds. The autogating circuit pulses the voltage to the MCP on and off thousands of times per second. During a bright flash, the circuit reduces power to the plate during the event and restores it immediately after. The result is that muzzle flashes appear as a brief contained flicker rather than a screen-filling bloom. All production Gen 3 tubes from Elbit and L3 Harris are autogated as standard.
The MX-11769 designation identifies this tube format in the military nomenclature system. These tubes were originally installed in fielded PVS-14 and PVS-7 devices. Refurbishment means the tube assembly itself is restored and tested, and the original gated power supply — which ages and can fail — is replaced with a modern autogating power supply that meets or exceeds original specifications. Every unit Adams Industries ships is bench-tested against the grade standards shown in the specifications table above. Tube data sheets (FOM, SNR, EBI, resolution) are available on request for every tube in stock.
| Parameter | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (min) | >25 | >22.5 to 25 | >20 to 22.5 |
| Resolution (lp/mm) | ≥64 | ≥57 | ≥57 |
| Overall Screen Appearance | Clean, consistent, minimal blemishes | Minor cosmetic flaws, no major distractions | Visible flaws, uneven brightness, or haze |
| Phosphor | Green or White | Green or White | Green or White |
| Power Supply | Gated autogating | Gated autogating | Gated autogating |
Zone 1 = center / Zone 2 = mid / Zone 3 = outer edge. Values shown as Z1 / Z2 / Z3.
| Spot Diameter | Grade A — Z1/Z2/Z3 | Grade B — Z1/Z2/Z3 | Grade C — Z1/Z2/Z3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≥.003″ to .006″ | 0 / 1 / 2 | 0 / 2 / 3 | 1 / 2 / 3 |
| >.006″ to .009″ | 0 / 1 / 2 | 0 / 1 / 2 | 0 / 1 / 2 |
| >.009″ to .012″ | 0 / 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 / 1 | 0 / 1 / 1 |
| >.012″ | 0 / 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 / 0 | 0 / 0 / 0 |
Gen 3 image intensifier tubes amplify available ambient light using a gallium arsenide (GaAs) photocathode — more sensitive to near-infrared light than earlier generations. Ejected photoelectrons are multiplied by a microchannel plate (MCP) and strike a phosphor screen to produce a visible image. An autogating circuit prevents sudden bright light from overwhelming the tube. L3 Harris Technologies and Elbit Systems of America are the primary US manufacturers. Gen 3 represents the current ceiling of production image intensifier technology.
Four key specs: SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio — higher is better; 25+ is solid, 30+ is elite), EBI (Equivalent Background Illumination — the light the tube generates internally; lower is better, 0.5 or below is excellent), FOM (Figure of Merit = SNR × center resolution — the single most useful comparison number; 1600+ is good, 2200+ is high performance), and LP/mm (line pairs per millimeter, the resolution spec; 64+ is excellent for an MX-11769). Adams Industries provides individual spec sheets for every tube in stock.
Grade A has the highest SNR (25+), highest resolution (64+ lp/mm), and cleanest cosmetic appearance — minimum blemishes, consistent screen brightness across the full field. Grade B meets functional performance specs but may show minor cosmetic blemishes or score slightly lower on SNR (22.5–25) or resolution (57+ lp/mm). Grade C is functional but shows visible flaws, uneven brightness, or haze apparent during use. For most buyers, Grade B provides the best performance-to-price ratio. Grade A is for those who want no cosmetic compromises.
Yes. Gen 3 image intensifier tubes are legal for US civilian purchase for domestic use. ITAR prohibits export to non-US persons without a State Department license and prohibits transfer to foreign nationals even on US soil. Domestic purchase by US citizens and lawful permanent residents is legal. Adams Industries (CAGE 1SMP2) handles all export compliance and verifies US person status before any unit ships. We do not ship outside the United States.
The MX-11769 is the 18mm format Gen 3 tube used in AN/PVS-14, AN/PVS-7 series, and most 18mm-format NVG housings. If your device accepts a standard 18mm image intensifier tube, the MX-11769 is the correct format. Adams Industries MX-11769 units are refurbished from legacy military systems — the tube assembly is restored and bench-tested, and the original power supply is replaced with a modern autogating unit. Contact us to confirm compatibility with your specific housing before ordering.
Green phosphor produces the classic NVG glow most people recognize. White phosphor produces a grayscale image that most users find delivers better contrast recognition and easier shadow discrimination, with reduced eye fatigue on extended use. The difference is most noticeable in cluttered or textured environments where green phosphor can wash fine detail into a uniform tone. The US military has largely transitioned to white phosphor across all branches. Both are available in the MX-11769 format. If you are unsure, white phosphor is the default recommendation at Adams Industries.