Thermal Rifle Scope, I readily accept their kind offer. Having used the Pulsar Thermion, which Graham Downing reviewed in the Winter 2019/2020 edition of the Deer Journal, I was keen to see how the Mars 4 compared, and what was different about this optical platform. I use the word platform purposely. This scope/computer platform utilises the most sophisticated software, thermal sensor and user interface currently available in the civilian market. The Company is headquartered in just north of Silicon Valley, and it shows. The region may not have the same tradition as some regions of Europe in optical manufacturing but sits at the pinnacle of global software expertise. The scope is powered by ATN's proprietary Obsidian IV Dual Core processor. From the moment the interface appears, it's quite apparent this scope is unique. The 1270 x 720 HD programmable display provides an array of selectable features that are often associated with external peripherals, including, direction, angle to the target, wind, temperature, range, weapon profiles and shot holdover.
The control interface is intuitive and access by up/down, left/right and a central button. All the operations can be undertaken with eyes off the control buttons. The clear and well-designed user interface is achieved in a scope with a standard 30mm tube.
The thermal scope on test was the ATN Mars 4 640 4-40x version utilising a fourth-generation sensor operating at 60Hz, so movement is smooth and shows no latency. The sensor is capable of detecting heat out to 3300 meters, recognition of an image at 1450m and identification out to 800m.
Those distances are generally irrelevant due to digital image quality, but image magnification is another stand out feature of this scope. Thermal spotters and scopes typically have a sensor with a fixed optical setting and using digital processing to achieve zoom with an image which deteriorates as magnification is increased. The MARS has a choice of 8 optical lenses with different fields of view and magnification. The 4-40x model has an optical germanium zoom lens of 16x and electronic zoom up to 40x magnification. Adjustments can be made by turning a side-mounted scroll wheel or from the control pad. The use of the zoom lens delivers excellent imaging at a distance without having to resort to the digital magnification feature that in other manufacturers thermal imaging systems can appear like viewing a subject through a packet of old washing detergent when operating at the higher settings.
The scope reticule types are programable and include MIL and MOA configurations, complementing the features of the integrated Ballistic Calculator capable of calculating holdover based on wind, distance and ballistic profile data. A series of colour palettes are included in the system to display the thermal image. If this complexity sounds off-putting, there is an option to simplify the interface display when desired. If a user is prepared to study the manual, the customisation options are extensive.
The scope includes an in-built camera for still photographs and 60 fps video recording. The media is stored in a microSD card up to 256GB. Video can also be transmitted to a device via a Wi-Fi network connection. Using the Recoil Activated Video feature will capture any rifle shot. All images and settings can be accessed and controlled by an associated mobile app available for iOS and Android devices.
Setting up the MARS 4 is simple; it is equipped with a one-shot feature. If you're a perfectionist, it will probably take more than one shot but will get you zeroed in much quicker. If you wish to create the ultimate set up, the ATN Auxiliary Ballistic Laser 1000/1500 will provide rangefinder functionality out to 1000m/1500m and once paired works with the embedded ballistic calculator for hands-free and automatic point of aim placement.
Another stand-out capability of the ATN sensor was its performance in poor weather which is always a consideration in the UK climate. The scope maintained a quality image in misty light rain where other sensors have always demonstrated a tendency to white-out.
After reviewing feature capabilities, my initial reaction was, what effect will this have on battery life. Remarkably, the MARS 4 can operate continuously for 16-18 hours, depending on the model. This power reserve should get even the most persistent shooter through a full day. The device is recharged with a ubiquitous USB cable. Other supplied accessories include; a scope cover, eyecup, lens cloth and a set of standard scope rings which look they were designed for the AR15 system. They are too high for a typical European Stalking rifle.
Thermal imaging market is developing fast. ATN is a company continuing to capture global market share and it’s easy to see why. The MARS line of scopes is a state-of-the-art example of excellent thermal imaging coupled with impressive software functionality. To realise the real value of the product, take a moment, pour yourself a drink and read the manual; you can then unleash the product's full potential.
The ATN MARS 4 thermal scopes range in price from £2,199 to £6,099, depending on sensor choice and lens configuration.
