Project #1 - PNW-57

Around 2013-2014, I came across a surplus Polish PNW-57 tankers helmet being sold in bulk at Varusteleka, a Finnish military surplus store. I was stoked and bought it, but haven't touched it until recently. Today, 18th of July 2023, I plan to test if it still works. If it does, I will be making it battery powered, as well as add an IR flashlight onto it, as it is a generation zero night vision, meaning it does not amplify light like more modern night vision.

Update, evening of 18th of July, 2023. Tested if the transformer comes to life by using a 9V battery with crocodile clips on the two pins on the power cable. The circuit, I've read, is protected against reverse polarity, so had to find out which one is which. First guess was wrong, second guess had the transformer buzzing. Progress!

Note: this image was taken outside of the test. I was in a dim room so I wouldn't burn the tubes. I then proceeded to wrap the negative pin with black electrical tape so I'd know which is which later.

Next part includes switching the transformer from 24v mode to 12v mode, and testing again with a 9V battery. If successful, I will be making a 12v NiMH battery pack later down the line.

Further testing done at 12:30AM on the 20th of July, transformed set to 12v mode, helmet on, looking outside from a dark room. It definitely works, and it's clear that an IR flashlight will be needed, but street lights in the distance and what they illuminated were quite visible. This is getting more and more exciting!