How to Use the Symbiote Bridge

• November 22, 2024
• By Jared Daub

How to Use the Symbiote Bridge

So you are considering grabbing a symbiote, but you’re wondering How to Use the Symbiote Bridge? You’ve come to the right spot. In this blog we break out how you can use and adjust the symbiote bridge to your desired needs. One thing to keep in mind: This blog does NOT replace the Symbiote User Manual [link to symbiote user manual here]. You should always consult your user manual prior to embarking on your next night operation. This is to ensure that you understand the bridge, how to set it up and maintain it, and how to use it properly.

What will be covered in this blog

In this blog we cover the following topics:

• General Overview of the Symbiote and its features
• Mounting Dual PVS-14’s in panoramic or standard configuration
• Mounting Thermal Devices Next to a PVS-14 (or similar night vision monocular)
• Mounting Dual Thermal Devices

The Symbiote can be seen as a “one stop shop” that is purpose built to run dual PVS-14’s OR a “Dual Band” [Link to the dual band package here] setup. We include everything needed to get most people into action right out of the gate. Additionally, we offer the following accessories separately, should you choose to simply purchase them instead of a complete bridge:

• ST6 / AGM dovetail Adapter
• Mini Rail Dovetail Adapter
• Ambidextrous J-ARM’s for PVS-14’s

Understanding how the bridge goes together

The Symbiote Bridge is an assembly of a multitude of different parts. The most center piece is the hub. All other components attach and interface in some way with this hub. The Diagram below shows all the components and how they interface with one another.

You will find a left and right slider attached to the center hub. Small button head screws (#11) are the method of attachment. Users can then choose between the standard (non-panoramic arms) #4, or you can opt for the panoramic arms #12 & #13. We ship the Symbiote Bridge assembled with the non-panoramic arms factory. Under each arm you can see that there is a left and right dovetail adapter. The design is such so that users can stack spacers, if needed, to adjust the vertical height of their units to align them properly. We include (3) spacers with each symbiote bridge. Thumb nuts (#9) are used to tighten the dovetail adapters. Loosening these thumb nuts allows left and right adjustment of each dovetail to suit your individual needs.

We include TWO additional dovetails. One is for ST6 / AGM STINGIR style units. The other is to adapt to mini rail style devices, like the RH25, MH25, or MUM 14’s. If you are running night vision alone, you likely will not need these. That is, unless your unit must interface with a mini rail, in which case the mini rail dovetail adapter will be necessary.

Running Dual PVS-14’s

If you wish to run dual PVS-14’s, you will first need to choose between the standard and panoramic arms. Standard arms are better suited for passive aiming /shooting. The panoramic arms are best suited for faster movements and traversing terrain. To swap arms, remove the thumb nuts (9), remove the dovetail adapters and any spacers that are installed. Then remove the small bolts (10). BE SURE YOU DON’T DROP THE NUTS OR ANY OTHER COMPONENTS! Slide the left and right panoramic arms into position. Then reinstall the hardware per the diagram above.

Running the panoramic arms aids in increased awareness. In other words: Your brain can see and process more data faster. Certain situations dictate this, but it’s really a personal preference kind of situation. We encourage you to experiment with both options to find whatever is best for your individual use cases.

The above photos show the Symbiote with the panoramic arms installed (bottom) and the standard arms installed (top). Note: You can also run the pano arms with dual thermal or even with dual band. But, we have found them MOST advantageous with dual PVS-14’s or similar dual night vision monoculars.

Running a Dual Band Setup (Thermal AND NV)

When we are discussing a “Dual Band Setup”, we are referring to having a thermal monocular over one eye and a NV monocular over the other. This is a potent combination that allows you to navigate AND detect effectively in one package. It offers users the ability to use the strengths of both technologies together. For these setups, we will typically recommend running the standard (non-panoramic) arms. The first question you will need to answer: “What style dovetail attachment does my current unit use?” We have TWO options currently: A Mini Rail Dovetail and a dovetail for Units like the Rix ST6 [insert link here for the ST6] and AGM STINGIR. The Dovetail adapter for the ST6 or the STING IR is self-explanatory. If you currently have one of those two options, that’s the one you need to interface with the left and right dovetails. The Pictures below show this dovetail adapter. A bolt is included with the adapter for attachment.

If you have a unit that utilizes a Mini Rail interface, you will need to use the Mini Rail Adapter. We include two lengths of set screws with this dovetail. There are some Mini Rails that are flush and some recessed. In the event your unit has a recessed mini rail, you will use the longer set screw. For the flush mini rails, you’ll use the shorter one. Units like the MH25, RH25, Flir Breach, Armasight Sidekick, and MUM 14’s utilize Mini Rails.

The good news: We INCLUDE the two dovetails with EACH Symbiote Bridge. You do NOT need to purchase them separately, unless you are running a dual thermal setup.

Running Dual Thermal Monoculars

While most people do not run dual thermal monoculars, it is a VERY viable option. Once again, you will need to decide which units you are purchasing and which dovetail adapter you need. The Symbiote comes with ONE of each dovetail. You will need to purchase others separately, should you desire to mount dual thermal. Dual thermal is not as seamless when it comes to navigation, but it offers a crazy option for detection. Nothing comes close to the detection capability of thermal on your head. Two thermals is just crazy.

General Maintenance and Care

Most maintenance you will encounter will be just keeping the hardware at the proper torque range. 5 in/lbs is the MAX torque for the components. NEVER over tighten your hardware. We include (3) Allen Wrenches with each symbiote for your convenience. The Symbiote is manufactured from PA12 Carbon Reinforced polymers. It is temperature resistant to both high levels of heat and extreme cold. It is built and designed for serious use.

If you have ANY questions about the bridge prior or after purchase, please email us at CS@Arkayne.com. We are always happy to help any way we can.