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Silynx Goes MultiCam

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Silynx recently started offering the C4OPS headset system with MultiCam bags, Compact Control Units, and wireless Push-to-talk modules. While the new color scheme is the most obvious enhancement to the popular C4OPS headset system, it is hardly the only improvement. Silynx maintains continuous contact with their customer base to solicit feedback based on real world use. Software updates such as those below are constantly pushed out to the field.

The enhanced PC programming software makes setting system parameters a snap. The system is now GPS enabled giving the MBITR on board Blue Force Tracking. However, unlike traditional BFT systems, C4OPS does not send automatic GPS locations but rather can be set to send them along with transmissions as well as by time or distance settings. The GPS information can also be provided to the operator on demand through the headphones via a selectable synthetic voice. Additionally, the C4OPS systems can be configured to transmit pre-set text messages through the radio.

Not only have the ear buds been improved with the ability to accept a custom ear mold, but they also now come with a storage pouch. They also offer venting for MFF parachute operations.

In addition to the software and earbud enhancements, Silynx also offers a couple of radio battery cables that can be used by anyone who employs the MBITR. The variant above adapts the BA-5590 battery to the MBITR to allow the battery to be stored remotely from the radio. This is especially important for lithium batteries as they can easily combust if they take fire. Below is an adapter for the standard MBITR battery and offers additional load carriage options.

If you’ll be attending the Warrior Expo – East in Virgina Beach on 15-16 July be sure to stop by booth #111 and check out the C4OPS headset system.

www.silynxcom.com

CON-SPACE Communication’s C50/M50/M53 Gas Mask E-Mic Communication System

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Lots of units are beginning to the M50/53 Joint Services Protective Mask. Canadian firm CON-SPACE has developed a new and alternative communication system for the M50 as well as the AVON C50. This new electret mic and quick disconnect have been developed to be used with virtually any handheld two-way portable radio and CON-SPACE Radio Gear. The E-Mic plugs into the masks built-in pass through connector and mates with their A5 connector on the exterior of the mask. Once connected to the mask, the CON-SPACE quick disconnect interfaces to three CON-SPACE Radio Gear products:

1. SRVA Voice Amplification Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to amplify voice and the ability to communicate through a portable radio
2. CSVA Voice Amplifier – Allows user to amplify voice only
3. SR65M Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to communicate via portable radio

All three devices can be easily interchanged when used with the E-Mic system which can also be connected to any MSA Sordin Supreme Mil and Supreme Pro Active Noise/Noise Canceling Headsets as well as Peltor ComTac products.

There are currently two mounted voice projection units available and the E-Mic and CON-SPACE Radio Gear combination gives the user yet another alternative choice.

Please contact Matt Fiddes, Sales Manager at mfiddes@con-space.com.

Overstock Sale on TCI’s Digital Hearing Protection

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

These MSA Sordin headsets are produced specifically for Tactical Command Industries. The low-profile earcup design features two separate and well-shielded ambient sound microphones for directional sound detection. The headset also delivers 600 hours of digital sound amplification with suppression of dangerous noise levels.

TCI has the OD Green Behind-the-Head variant on sale. Visit www.tacticalcommandstore.com.

Meet the IZLID Ultra

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

I saw a lot of great kit at last week’s ADS Warrior Expo West, but the new IZLID Ultra from BE Meyers really impressed me. The precise application of airpower has become a cornerstone of our Counter Insurgency strategy and without the proper tools to effectively mark targets, that strategy would be nowhere. The IZLID 1000P has been the work horse for Terminal Attack Controllers for some time, but the new IZLID Ultra offers several advantages.

Just setting the two versions of the IZLID side-by-side you can see a distinct difference. The IZLID 1000P (top) is over 10” long, roughly 2.5” diameter and weighs 27.5 oz with batteries while the IZLID Ultra (bottom) is 8.6” long, about 1.8” diameter, and weighs 11.7 oz with batteries. Both lasers mark targets at very long range (>43 km) with their nominal 1W output at 860 nm but the Ultra really shines due to its compact size and weight and well as a longer battery life. Additionally, the new chassis allows for an improved grip as well easier access to the controls. Notice in the photo, the 1000P has a weapons mount. Rarely if ever, is this used due to the size of the device but with the new Ultra, it may well be an option allowing a TAC to mount it to his rifle.

www.bemeyers.com

ARC from UTE

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Unleashed Tactical Equipment unveiled the ARC at last week’s GPEC trade show in Germany. The name says it all, Absorb, Reflect, Control and that is exactly what it is designed to do; keep good emanations in and bad emanations out. The material can be configured in any number of ways including shelters.

UTE ARC Brochure

ARC is available in the US exclusively through Tidewater Tactical.

BHI Mini Handheld SATCOM Antenna

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

If you are a radio operator you will take one look at this baby and say to yourself, “ah-ha, I can see what they did there.” Blackheart International’s new SATCOM antenna offers three four deployment options in one antenna. It comes with a sturdy, compact tripod base making it the steadiest mini SATCOM tripod available, a magnetic-mount base which is ideal for mounting atop stationary vehicles or on surfaces too small to permit the use of a tripod, and an AR-15 pistol grip for quick satellite acquisition. Additionally, a ground spike is stowed inside the magnetic mount base, giving it one more method of deployment. Finally, the antenna comes with a specially designed holster so the antenna can be worn by the operator and swiftly deployed.

Weighing only 1.1 pounds, the dual quad radials collapse and fold alongside the collapsible boom to fit into a water-resistant MOLLE compatible carrying pouch. The antenna is treated to a dull black anodized finish to reduce glare and protect the metal against weatherization. The antenna is also available in Tan by special order.

Blackheart International will be exhibiting the new antenna along with numerous other products at SpecOps Warfighter Expo West held this week at Fort Lewis, Washington.

Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS

Monday, April 19th, 2010

Garmin Foretrex 401The Foretrex 401 is a lightweight (3.1 oz with batteries!), wrist mounted GPS receiver that has become very popular with troops down range. The 401 can often be seen strapped to a weapon’s stock so that the shooter can conduct a GPS check by simply rolling his carbine toward his face. In addition to GPS, the device also integrates an electronic compass (yes, mounting it to a rifle affects it) as well as a barometric sensor which comes in quite handy while operating in mountainous terrain. The Foretrex 401 also runs the free Jumpmaster Software package designed to assist parachutists to compute release points. Data for this as well as other applications is easily updated via a USB cable. As an added bonus, you can share waypoint and track data wirelessly with other 401s. It is powered by readily available by 2 AAA batteries which provide up to 17 hours of use.

The best place we have found to purchase Garmin products is Strohman Enterprises. In fact, they have a special on the Foretrex 401 for $159. Owned by Lt Col USMC (Ret) Joseph Strohman, the company supplies Garmin and Aimpoint products to LE & Military organizations as well as individual personnel. Joe and his crew are well versed in all of the products and can answer customer’s questions about anything from mounting solutions to loading map data for the AOR.

iPhone OS 4

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Right on the heals of releasing the iPad, Apple announced today that they will be releasing a new version of the iPhone operating system in June. As so many SSD followers rely on the iPhone for their mobile communications requirements, we thought it would be a good idea to update our readers.

Our favorite gizmo blog, Gizmodo has some excellent coverage. Here are some of the highlights.

The biggest improvement looks to be multi-tasking.
New mail app with support for multiple exchange servers, etc.
App folders and the max number of apps shoots from 180 to 2160.
Bluetooth keyboards!

Now the bad news. Users of the original 3G will not be able to fully upgrade to the new OS.

V-lite Adds Manta Strobe to Web Site

Sunday, March 7th, 2010

V-lite has added the revolutionary Manta Strobe to their website and it will be available beginning in April.

Manta Strobe

vliteusa.com

Tactical Command Industries Launches New Web Site

Friday, February 12th, 2010

TCI's New Web Presence

I caught up with owner Don Medine at SHOT Show in Vegas and he said that the MAST (Modular Antenna System – Tactical) Antenna Relocation Kit I wrote about a year ago continues to sell like hot cakes. I still love that thing.

There are plenty of resources on the new website so be sure to stop by.

Manta Strobe from V-lite

Monday, February 1st, 2010

It’s been almost a year to the day since we introduced you to V-lite. At this year’s SHOT Show they introduced the Manta Strobe. A lot of work has gone into this piece of equipment. It velcros to the helmet and the chassis is smooth without any sharp edges to catch on equipment, obstacles, or shroud lines. Additionally, the base is slightly curved to follow the profile of the helmet. What’s more, it’s about half the size of an MS-2000. It is both a visible Green light and IR strobe and does not require a filter. Rather, by simultaneously depressing both side buttons the output is changed. Finally, the on/off switch features vibrating feedback to let you know it is on.

Manta Strobe

We got quite a few requests asking for a better photo of The Manta so here you go.

Manta Strobe

To order visit VliteUSA.com.

PRC-117G Assault Bag from Mayflower

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Mayflower AN/PRC-117G Assault BagSomehow this baby slipped below our RADAR but it is definitely worth taking a look at if you are fortunate enough to be issued the Harris AN/PRC-117G but are saddled with the issue bag. It is designed to be worn with the removable shoulder straps or attached directly to the back of armor or load bearing vest with the integrated PALS compatible attachment system. Additionally, the body features PALS webbing so that radio accessories can be attached to the bag.

Mayflower AN/PRC-117G Assault Bag - Side View

The PRC-117G Assault Bag is available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, UCP, and MultiCam from Mayflower.

New Message Checklist Holder from CP Gear

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

In Commonwealth militaries, the troops use what is called a “Tactical Aide Memoire” or TAM, a sort of checklist on steroids. We have checklists in the US military and some are even standardized, often operation specific but we have never seemed to adopt them to the same level as the other English speaking countries. Additionally, they have the best issue Field Message Pads, built to last and with gridded pages perfect for making sketches and writing out messages. Us? Not so much unless you want to invest your own money.

CP Gear's TAM/FMP Cover

CP Gear has developed a new Field Message Pad holder designed to accept your checklists and notebook and organize them so that you can use them together. That’s right, one setup and you can reference your SOPs and write everything out from one cover. It has a 20 page checklist protector on the exterior (empty checklist sleeve is included), and a zippered notebook cover (notebook not included) sized to fit the green ‘Federal Supply Service Book, Memorandum’ – NSN 7530-00-222-3521 used by so many US personnel. The notebook and checklist book can be accessed independently from one another or at the same time. With this, there is no need to rely on the heavy and bulky ‘Flight Crew Checklist’ used by many for SOP lists like 9 Line Medevac, IED Reports, and so forth.

CP Gear's Field Message Pad Cover

Available in Black, Coyote Brown, UCP, and MultiCam from CP Gear.

MBITR Pouch from Bulldog Equipment

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Bulldog Equipment offers an entire line of Berry Compliant tactical nylon. One of their latest products is a pouch for the AN/PRC-148 Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio (MBITR).

Bulldog Equipment's MBITR Pouch

What makes Bulldog’s offering unique is that it is designed to have the radio pulled away from the body to facilitate manipulation of the controls. The radio is pulled forward so all you do is look down and you can see the face. Additionally, the retention system keeps the radio attached even if the top buckle is undone. The pouch is PALS compatible but can also be belt mounted.

Bulldog Equipment's MBITR Pouch, Velcro Feature

To order visit www.bulldogequipment.us.

What’s the Frequency Kenneth?

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

A funny thing happened the French on the way to fielding their new Future Soldier System FELIN (Fantassin à Équipement et Liaisons Intégrés, English Integrated Equipment and Communications Infantryman). It seems that in 2013, the French Government is going to sell off the frequency spectrum used by FELIN. I Love it when a plan comes together. The FELIN information network sub-system operates in the 802 – 862 Mhz range which is scheduled for sale in 2013. Yes, that says “sale”, as in someone else will own it and the French Army will no longer be authorized to use it. This means that prime contractor Sagem will have to alter the software of the radio and no one has yet publicly disclosed how much this will cost. Sagem is currently filling orders for 5,045 FELIN systems to be delivered through the end of 2010.

Another issue beyond cost is performance. The current radio has a range of 1km in open terrain, 600m in urban areas, and only 100m indoors. Concerns have been expressed that a new, higher frequency range will be further inhibited in areas of high biomass such as jungles.

The RIF or information network sub-system consists of a radio with integrated global positioning system (GPS). This voice and data network connects the Soldier to others in the section and to the section commander, who is connected to the SITEL battle management system in a combat vehicle. SITEL, also developed by Sagem, is being fitted to all French Army vehicles. The RIF relies on the Thales Communications PR4G VS4 frequency-hopping radio for tactical internet connectivity and links to the vehicle’s SITEL.

FELIN

Recent versions of FELIN have boasted a new Tenue Combat (combat uniform) that more resembles the loose “Guerilla” suits of the 50s and 60s than the current issue tight fitting uniform. Additionally, the camo pattern seen in the photo above was an affectation of Sagem and will not be a part of the FELIN which will retain the current issue CCE pattern. CCE is similar in coloration to the old US issue Woodland pattern.

Fuel Cells or Molotov Cocktails?

Sunday, August 16th, 2009

As we have seen some battery technologies can be dangerous. In this article Sal Palma discusses how new fuel cell technologies can be just as deadly.

Read the article here.

© Sal Palma, 2009. All rights reserved August 4, 2009

nPower Personal Energy Generator

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Developed by Tremont Electric based in Cleveland, Ohio the nPower Personal Energy Generator (PEG) is very lightweight, ultra rugged, and completely silent. The PEG weighs a mere nine ounces packed into a nine inch long cylinder that harvests kinetic energy from the human stride and turns it into 2.5 watts of electricity.

Personal Energy Generator

The commercial technology has been adapted for military use and undergone limited evaluations by the Army, Marines and a Joint customer. There are currently two militarized versions of the device and they’re developing some additional versions for specialized use. The first version powers a handheld device (ie, a Garmin GPS, iPod, etc) and the other is a backpack-mounted version that can power a Toughbook, a radio, or other tech a warfighter may have. Both of these devices can, in theory, provide power indefinitely, as long as you’re moving. Current systems are crafted from Anodized Aluminum but plans are afoot to transition to Carbon Fiber in order to shave weight.

The military handheld device comes in two sizes. The first is nine inches long, nine ounces, and power output at 5 watts and the second is six inches long, weighs seven ounces, and power output at 2.5 watts. It can be mounted to PALS webbing.

Personal Energy Generator mounted on MOLLE

Additionally, they have demonstrated a larger backpack mounted laptop device. It is envisioned to be comprised of two larger units running in parallel inside of a dedicated backpack. To work successfully it demands more mass so a minimum load of 30 lbs is required. While it is heavier, it will produce up to 100 watts.

Personal Energy Generator

The PEG offers a couple of operational advantages not realized with many other technologies. It is temperature independent so it will work in arctic and desert environments with no modification. Additionally, it has no thermal signature like fuel cells, which means it cannot be detected in the Infrared spectrum.

Tremont Electric was recognized by Business Week as one of America’s most promising start ups.

Visit Tremont Electric for more info. Tremont Electric is represented by Technical Applications Group.

IR Callsign Patches

Tuesday, August 11th, 2009

Tidewater Tactical is now offering reversible IR Callsign Patches. They are Black on one side and Tan on the other. The Tan side is solely IR reflective and the Black combines Glow in the Dark alpha-numerics with an IR reflective cut out. They laser cut the ID’s alpha-numerics from the face fabric whether Cordura or IR tape. The outer edges of both sides are color matched hook tape so that the panel may be affixed to uniforms.

IR Callsign Patch (Black Side) from Tidewater TacticalIR Callsign Patch (Tan Side) from Tidewater Tactical

The patches are available from Tidewater Tactical.

Note, these products are protected by ITAR and cannot be exported.

Zinc Air Batteries

Friday, August 7th, 2009

Other than the fact that they are lightweight and reliable, the single greatest thing about Zinc Air batteries is that they are not HAZMAT. That alone is worth its weight in gold. Imagine a life with out the trials of dash twos. And now, with the video just released by Blackheart International, we know just how hazardous traditional lithium batteries can be.

Leaders are beginning to seriously discuss the Soldier’s load and engineering tools like SWAP (Size, Weight, and power) analysis used to look at aircraft and vehicles are beginning to be applied to the grunt. When you stack an 8180/U battery up against a 5590/U using those criteria, the Zinc Air technology wins hands down. What’s more, they are safer and as the video demonstrates, will continue to provide power even when damaged by projectiles. The 12/24 Volt 8180/U battery has an NSN and is available from Blackheart International. Additionally, there are numerous adapter cables available to help you use the battery with a variety of communication and electronic devices.

Digital Ears Invisio X50

Monday, July 20th, 2009

The Digital Ears X50 is a digital in-ear bone conduction headset system with built-in active hearing protection. It uses bone conduction which captures vibrations caused by speech which travel up the jaw bone to the ear. This helps eliminate ambient noise and produce clearer voice signals. Additionally, the system features electronic hear-thru and impulse noise protection (Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 23db) with volume control for enhanced hearing. Finally, the X50 is designed for dual communication with radio autosensing and full-duplex/VOX capability. Consequently, unlike other Invisio products, the X50 is designed to worn in both ears.

X50 Ear Piece

The ear piece features the Soft SpringTM which adapts to the contours of the ear to provide a secure fit and enhance comfort as well as compatibility with helmets, eyewear, and protective masks.

Invsio X50

The interface box seen above features switches for On-Off Open Mic Selector, PTT Button, Volume Up & Down, and Hear-Thru & Mic Volume Selector.

X50 Equipped MFF Parachutist

The X50’s fit is secure enough that it has been used regularly for Military Free Fall operations.

The X50 is available from Television Equipment Associates. For more information visit swatheadsets.com.

Silynx Communications, Inc.

Monday, June 22nd, 2009

Silynx Communications

Soldier Systems Daily is proud to welcome Silynx Communications, Inc. as a new sponsor. Silynx is a world leader in miniature, software defined, tactical hearing protection, communication headsets. Their headsets are used by elements of the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), US Army, USMC as well as international SOF. Silynx specializes in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced and innovative software based noise protection communication headsets. Their name really sums up who and what they are – Silynx combines SI for silent communications and LYNX, a solitary wild cat that is known for its strength, precision, and stealthiness.

C4 Ops

The C4OPS is Silynx’s premier headset featuring 20m immersibility and an excellent man machine interface. The user receives voice prompts from the system in a clear female voice and can monitor up to 3 radios/intercoms simultaneously using the same headset. Additionally, the C4OPS provides hearing protection (ANR & INR) and hearing enhancement. The modular system is designed for ease of repair without putting the entire system down. The heart of the system is the Main Control Box and this allows each user to customize the system to their requirements, whether that means wearing an Eagle headset, Peltor ear muffs, the standard foamies that come with the system or custom molds. When the system is only connected to one radio, the user has dual hearing through both ears but if the user connects to dual comms he receives primary in the left ear and secondary in the right. If the user then connects to an intercom/3rd radio then the user monitors this third connection via both ears. The C4OPS is a PC programmable system which allows the user to customize his system and integrate upgrades as they are produced. Check out the “Build Your Own” web page.

C4 Ops in Use

For us, two things really stand out about Silynx. First, their system is software based so changes can be rapidly made to the system without having to purchase new components and other vendor’s components can be integrated into the system.

For more information please visit www.sylinx.com.

Introducing Juggernaut Defense, LLC

Friday, May 29th, 2009

Juggernaut Defense, LLC

Specializing in soldier-borne equipment design & engineering, Juggernaut Defense, LLC is a full-spectrum design consultancy dedicated to the military, law-enforcement, and public safety communities. Since 2000, Juggernaut Defense has been involved in many successful programs which have provided superior survivability, communication, and lethality systems to Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Special Operators fighting in both OIF and OEF. Juggernaut Defense (located in Scottsdale, Arizona) was spun off by Chris Stalzer in November 2008 from Juggernaut Design to focus its business toward government and military design problems.

Check out their website to learn about some of the projects they have already completed. www.juggdef.com

Harris Wins $20 Million Contract from Poland

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009

Harris Corp. has announced that it has been awarded a $20 million contract from the Polish Ministry of National Defense to provide its Falcon II and Falcon III tactical radios to Poland’s land and special operations command forces. Earlier this year the Estonian military purchased $5 million worth of Falcon III multiband radios from Harris.

Harris Falcon III
The U.S. Army issues the Falcon III as the An/PRC-150. It provides secure voice and data communications in the HF-SSB/VHF-FM bands.

This win literally comes on the heels of a $600 million award from the U.S. Army to modernize SATCOM terminals.

PowerFlares – An Alternative to Incendiary Flares

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

PowerFlare

Invented by a police officer, the PowerFlare PF-200 Electronic LED Safety Light is designed for use by police, firefighters, EMTs, rescue first responders, military, and members of emergency response teams. The applications are limited only by your imagination but work well for marking routes, drop and landing zones, and items of interest. It can also be used for IFF, Personnel Recovery, as well as illumination. In addition to a Morse Code SOS blinking feature the PowerFlare has 10 User-selectable blinking patterns.

beacon-amber-small

The advantages are obvious as PowerFlares overcome the myriad problems experienced with incendiary flares. Flares/fusees cause unintentional fires, in some cases spontaneous trunk fires, they often don’t light, leave toxic residue, and contaminate air and water. Additionally, flares are an expensive one time use item, not to mention that fusees burn out in in a mere 20 minutes.

On the other hand, PowerFlares can be used from 8 to 150 hours per battery (with a shelf life of up to 10 years) while the LED’s last for up to 100,000 hours. In addition, the systems are extremely impact resistant and can withstand the weight of a truck so they won’t need to be replaced.

PowerFlares are available in a variety of colors

PowerFlares are available in a variety of colors

Shells are available in Yellow, Orange, Blue, and OD. LEDs are offered in Amber, Blue, Green, Red, and White. Additionally, a special version of the PowerFlare is available with IR LEDs. The best value is the PF-200R 6-Pack Rechargeable System which comes with six of the PF-200R beacons packed in a recharging case. The recharger can be plugged into a vehicle hot point (12-30VDC) or wall outlet.

powerflare_6_pack_ir

They also offer storage bags in UCP as well as other colors that carry four PowerFlares.

bag4_all-small

To order visit PowerFlare Distribution Center, Inc.

Comms Cord and Reel

Friday, April 10th, 2009

From high tech to low tech. The last article depicted the latest in intra-squad communications but there are more traditional methods. Although rarely used by US forces, the British continue to utilize a comms line when setting up a patrol harbour (base). Naturally, this can’t be used while patrolling but it is a silent means of communication while lying up. The concept is to string lines between emplacements in order to signal one another. Codes are worked out to signify different messages, for example, two tugs means stand to.

Comms Cord on a Reel from RV Ops

Comms Cord on a Reel from RV Ops

Comms cord on a reel with a handy carabiner clip is available from RV Ops in the UK.