Technical specifications

Values are transcribed from the YM500D1 controlled user manual, version 1.0. Values are typical at 25 °C unless otherwise stated. This page is a product reference, not an independent test report or certification.

Detector and optics

Display and imaging

Power, physical and environmental

YM500D1 at a glance

The YM500D1 is a compact round-format thermal imaging sight designed around a three-in-one concept: mini search, mini aim and mini helmet use. Its 45 mm round display and low-profile housing allow it to be mounted on commonly used handguns and helmets, and it can also be carried and used as a handheld observation unit.

Imaging is provided by a 256 × 192 uncooled infrared detector behind a 13 mm F0.9 lens. The detector reproduces the thermal signature of a scene, so targets remain visible by day and by night, and in low light where an ordinary optical sight loses contrast. A high-performance AI image processor with detail enhancement sharpens edges and small temperature differences on the 1.4-inch, 466 × 466 OLED display, which measures 45 mm across.

Operation is deliberately simple. Three controls — the power button, the photo/record button and the touch screen — cover power, capture, image mode, reticle, brightness, contrast, zeroing and settings. Menus are opened with a long press on the screen and navigated by swiping, so the sight can be configured without leaving the firing position. The housing is built to withstand a 1,000 g / 0.4 ms impact, and the sight weighs 111 g with overall dimensions of 52 × 48 × 51 mm.

Key features

• Three-in-one concept: mini search, mini aim and mini helmet use, plus handheld observation.
• 256 × 192 uncooled infrared detector with 12 µm pixel pitch and a spectral range of 8–14 µm.
• 13 mm F0.9 lens, 13.5° × 10.1° field of view and a 25 Hz frame rate.
• 1.4-inch, 466 × 466 OLED touch display, 45 mm across.
• AI image processor with detail enhancement for target rendering.
• Five image modes and adjustable reticle size and colour.
• Photo capture and on-board video recording.
• USB storage over Type-C for copying photos and videos to a PC.
• 1000 g / 0.4 ms impact resistance and 111 g total weight.
• Acro bracket supplied; Picatinny, RMR and helmet mounts are optional.
• Detection range ≤ 700 m as stated for a human-size target under clear weather conditions (see conditions below).

How the round mini thermal sight works

The YM500D1 uses an uncooled focal-plane array to detect long-wave infrared radiance from the scene. The 13 mm F0.9 lens forms an image on the 256 × 192 detector, and the electronics convert the signal into a visible image on the 45 mm round OLED display. Because the image is formed from thermal radiance rather than reflected visible light, targets can remain visible in low light or darkness when their temperature differs from the background.

Five image modes (black hot, white hot, red hot, green hot and iron red hot) let the user match the display to the scene and personal preference. The AI image processor applies detail enhancement to sharpen edges and small temperature differences. Hot-spot tracking highlights the warmest region; bright-light protection is switchable.

The round 45 mm display and low-profile housing are intended to support mini search, mini aim and mini helmet use, as well as handheld observation. The sight is an imaging and aiming aid, not a calibrated radiometric thermometer.

Performance conditions and limits

• Detection range is stated as ≤ 700 m for a human-size target under clear weather. It depends on target size and emissivity, atmospheric transmission and background temperature.
• Thermal contrast depends on target-to-background temperature difference. Low-contrast scenes may show little detail even when the detector is working correctly.
• Atmospheric transmission is reduced by fog, heavy rain, dust and smoke. Thermal imaging can help in some obscurants, but it does not guarantee seeing through every one.
• Ordinary glass blocks much of the long-wave infrared band, so the sight generally cannot image through a closed window or glass barrier.
• Battery life is at least 4 h at 25 °C; recording, display brightness and low temperature reduce it. The Type-C external supply powers the sight but does not charge the cell.
• Impact resistance (1,000 g / 0.4 ms) is a stated test value, not a guarantee for every host, mount or installation.
• Storage humidity is a storage condition, not an operating-humidity or ingress rating.

Intended use and application scenarios

The YM500D1 is intended for observation and aiming in the field. Its supplied documentation describes a three-in-one concept: mini search, mini aim and mini helmet use, with handheld observation as an additional mode. It is an aiming and observation aid, not a replacement for safe firearm handling or marksmanship training.

• Mini search and observation of heat-emitting targets in low light or darkness.
• Compact aiming on handguns, helmets and other compatible hosts using the supplied Acro bracket or optional mounts.
• Helmet-mounted observation where the optional helmet mount and host configuration are compatible and lawful.
• Handheld field observation using the round 45 mm display and touch controls.
• Field documentation with still photos and on-board video, copied to a PC over Type-C.
• Sport shooting, hunting where lawful, training and professional use on compatible hosts.

Application examples describe configuration possibilities, not a guarantee of detection, identification, hit probability or legality in a particular jurisdiction. Confirm local law and the host/mount compatibility before use.

Mounting, power and configuration

The supplied Acro bracket is the standard mount. Picatinny, RMR and helmet mounts are optional; the mounting interface of the host equipment and the delivery documents of the mounting parts govern compatibility. Confirm that the host and mount are mechanically sound and that the sight cannot move before use.

Power is supplied by two 16340 rechargeable cells. The Type-C port accepts DC 5 V external power and provides USB storage access to a PC; it does not charge the internal cell. The supplied manual gives the complete battery, menu, gesture, zeroing and inspection procedure; this page intentionally does not reproduce operating instructions.

Confirm the image mode, reticle, brightness and zero for the intended environment, and re-check zero after mounting or changing the host configuration.

Care, storage and safety

• Wipe outer metal and plastic surfaces with a clean, soft cloth moistened with water, soapy water or alcohol to remove dirt and dust.
• Remove large particles from the lens with an air blower or another non-contact method, then clean the optical surface carefully with professional lens paper and solvent. Do not wipe the lens dry with a rough cloth.
• Clean the battery compartment with a suitable organic solvent. Do not use abrasive cleaners, acids or strong alkalis on the housing or markings.
• If the sight is not used for a long period, switch it on for a functional check every three months and remove the cells for storage.
• Store in a dry, well-ventilated environment free of corrosive gases at 0 °C to +55 °C and no more than 80 % RH. Keep the sight in its case when not in use.
• Do not disassemble the sight. Disassembly damages the equipment and voids the warranty. Do not strike, throw or vibrate the sight or its accessories.
• Do not point the sight directly at sources of high-intensity heat radiation such as the sun, lasers or welding machines. Do not use it as solar-viewing equipment.
• Keep the sight away from fire, and keep the cells away from high temperature and flame. Do not dispose of lithium cells with household waste; follow local recycling and disposal rules.