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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

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.