With the MATE series, Nocpix is launching a new generation of thermal imaging clip-on devices onto the market. The series is intended to set new standards in image quality, practicality and robustness and has been specially developed for use in harsh conditions. High-resolution thermal imaging technology is at the heart of the series. Nocpix aims to master the balancing act between modern sensor technology and user-orientated design. Particular emphasis is placed on the suitability for wildlife observation in a wide variety of environments – from dense forests to wide open spaces.
The manufacturer has also taken an innovative approach to operation. For example, a special "Magic Zoom" dynamically adjusts the display of the thermal image when zooming and, in conjunction with AI-supported image optimisation, ensures smooth transitions. We highlight two of the new features and take a look at the model range of the MATE series. The Nocpix MATE H50R was loaned to us by the manufacturer for this presentation and a subsequent long-term test (see below).
Features of the world first: Nocpix MATE with Magic Zoom and Ballistic Calculator
"Magic Zoom": magnification in the Nocpix MATE
Anyone who has ever used a digital clip-on device in combination with a daylight hunting scope will be familiar with this phenomenon. The greater the magnification on the eyepiece of the daylight optic, the smaller the visible image circle on the rectangular screen area of the clip-on. This is not a problem for the subject viewed from the center. However, the clip-on's status bars and menus, which are usually displayed at the edges, are cut off by excessive optical magnification or disappear completely from the viewer's field of vision.
The new "Magic Zoom" provides automatic scaling of the status bar objects as well as an image improvement of the screen with increasing optical magnification of the daylight optics. To do this, the new MATE requires knowledge of the zoom position of the riflescope. This is done using a small position sensor in the form of a "mini fitness tracker". Not on the wrist, but with a rubber band on the riflescope magnification ring. The Magic Zoom sensor is coupled to the MATE at the factory and needs to be calibrated on the device in three menu-guided steps to 3x, 6x and 9x magnification settings.
This gives the user an optimum view of the "cockpit" in every magnification position of the daylight optics.
Nocpix MATE Ballistic Calculator
Hunting wild boar at night presents an additional challenge when estimating the real shooting distance. This is not a problem in the familiar surroundings of a hide. However, in open fields and meadows, without distinctive terrain markers, as well as when stalking at night in response to the spontaneous movement behaviour of wild boar, "holding ahead" for a lethal shot in a manner appropriate to the hunter is definitely a challenge.
Wouldn't it be desirable if modern night hunting technology could support hunting with distance-appropriate "reticle adjustment"?
The new MATE series from Nocpix delivers precisely this innovation. The pairing of integrated laser rangefinding with a ballistic calculator provides a "reticle adjustment". Not in the daylight optics, but by vertically changing the projected image according to the lead from the ballistic solution. The ballistic calculator needs to be conveniently fed with the relevant ballistic data of a cartridge beforehand via the App. A total of 8 assignable profiles are available for this purpose.
When BC mode is active, the target can be aimed at any distance using the scope reticle. Only the on-screen display "BC Image Calibrated" and "Zeroing Distance: x meter" provide information about the background operation of the distance-appropriate reticle adjustment.
Thanks to careful programming with real data from the cartridge, firrearm, optic and environmental parameters, the new "Ballistic Calculator" feature enables reliable point of impact compensation, especially in open terrain.
Overview: technical specifications and price of Nocpix MATE Lite, H38R, H50R and MATE Ultra
The new MATE series from Nocpix offers 4 model variants: MATE Lite L38 (without Magic Zoom / LRF), MATE H38R, MATE H50R and MATE ULTRA S60R. All models are based on currently established sensor technology with a 12 µm pixel pitch, a temperature resolution of ≤15 mK and a higher refresh rate of 60 Hz. The differences in specification lie mainly in the lenses (38/50/60mm), the sensor resolutions and the pricing. We have summarised the details for you in the overview table:
Model: | Nocpix MATE LITE L38 | Nocpix MATE H38R | Nocpix MATE H50R | Nocpix MATE ULTRA S60R |
Sensor: | 384×288 VOx | 640×512 VOx | 640×512 VOx | 1280×1024 VOx |
Pixel Pitch: | 12 μm | 12 μm | 12 μm | 12 μm |
Sensitivity (NETD): | ≤15 mK | ≤15 mK | ≤15 mK | ≤15 mK |
Frame Rate: | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
Objective Lens: | 38 mm/F1.0 | 38 mm/F1.0 | 50 mm/F1.0 | 60 mm/F1.0 |
Field of View at 100 m / in Degrees: | 12,3 m × 9,2 m/ 6,9° × 5,2° | 20.5 m × 15.4 m/ 11.6° × 8.7° | 15 m × 11.5 m/ 8.6° × 6.6° | 25.6 m × 20.5 m/ 14.7° × 11.7° |
Maximum Detection Range: | 1,950 m | 1,950 m | 2,600 m | 3,100 m |
Display Technology: | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED | AMOLED |
Display Resolution: | 1,920×1,080 px | 1,920×1,080 px | 1,920×1,080 px | 1,920×1,080 px |
Battery Type: | 18650 | 18650 | 18650 | 18650 |
Maximum Operating Time at 22 °C: | 6 h | 4 h | 4 h | 4 h |
Magic Zoom: | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Internal Memory: | 64 GB | 64 GB | 64 GB | 64 GB |
Protection Class: | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 | IP67 |
Weight incl. Battery: | 399 g | 457 g | 467 g | 560 g |
Dimensions (L×W×H): | 115×72×76 mm | 115×85×76 mm | 120×92×76 mm | 140×96×78 mm |
Maximum Recoil: | 7.000 J | 7.000 J | 7.000 J | 7.000 J |
Adapter/Threaded Interface: | M52 | M52 | M52 | M52 |
LRF Safety Class: | - | Class 1 | Class 1 | Class 1 |
Laser Measuring Distance: | . | 1,200 m, ±1 m | 1,200 m, ±1 m | 1,200 m, ±1 m |
| Price (RRP in Germany): | 1,499 euro | 2,499 euro | 2,999 euro | 4,999 euro |
| Equipment: | WLAN connection and app support, integrated photo/video recorder, recoil-activated video, internal media gallery, device networking (N-LINK), remote control. | |||
Our review of the Nocpix MATE H50R provided to us on loan is expressly a first impression and not yet the full test, which will follow later (see below). However, the Nocpix MATE H50R was able to convince us straight away in many areas. The large M52x0.75 mm thread adapter, which opens up a wide range of possible applications, deserves a particularly positive mention. The fast refresh rate of 60 Hz also contributes to a pleasantly smooth image display. The operating instructions are clearly understandable and include helpful illustrations so that the device is easy to put into operation. The manufacturer also impresses with a very comprehensive and well thought-out scope of delivery: in addition to three 18650 rechargeable batteries, a practical dual charger with USB-C connection, a wireless remote control, the position sensor for the Magic Zoom, a sturdy EVA transport bag with separate accessory compartment and ten heat pads for shooting are included – everything has really been thought of here.
There are some minor aspects that could be improved from our point of view. For example, the battery life specified by the manufacturer is around four hours at 22 °C, which is well compensated for thanks to the three 18650 cells supplied, but seems a little short in comparison. Changing the battery in the dark or when wearing gloves is also not quite as convenient, as the polarity of the cells is difficult to feel. Finally, both the device itself and the transport bag are slightly larger, which makes transporting it a little more bulky.
Overall, however, the strengths of the Nocpix MATE H50R clearly outweigh the initial impression, offering a successful overall package with a wide range of features, solid image performance and a practice-orientated accessory package. We are already preparing a detailed long-term test and are looking forward to testing the device's numerous features in more detail in practice. We will publish the report here at all4hunters.com as soon as possible.
