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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

The Tech Prepper – How To Set Up A Windows Machine For Off-Grid Computing

Saturday, July 20th, 2024

In one of the most p?oignant posts I have run across in a while, The Tech Prepper has shared a video on how to set up a Windows computer for off-grip computing.

While most of our personal machines weren’t affected by the Crowd Strike/Microsoft trainwreck yesterday, there are myriad conditions that could negatively affect our ability to access and use computing at the edge. His video shows you how to enable that access, regardless of where you are.

DISCO32 – Gas Mask Adapter Cable

Friday, July 19th, 2024

The GAS MASK ADAPTER (DGMA) represents a breakthrough in tactical communication, designed to facilitate seamless integration between protective masks with Electronic Communications Ports (ECPs) and the operator’s individual headset and push-to-talk system.

This adapter focuses on bypassing the headset’s microphone to utilize the internal microphone of the mask or other ECP-equipped devices, ensuring clear communication without interference.

The DGMA is compatible with a wide range of protective masks, including the C50, M50, FM53, FM54, or any other masks utilizing a 2 pin ECP port for the U-173/U type connection. Additionally, it supports MFF (Military Free Fall) communications-enabled oxygen masks like the MBU-12/P, offering extensive adaptability across different operational scenarios.

disco32.com/products/gas-mask-adapter-dgma

Revolutionizing Team Connectivity – Savox Launches New, Game-Changing Wireless Team Communication System, Savox Pack-COM

Thursday, July 18th, 2024

Savox Communications, the world-renowned leader in providing mission-critical hearing protection and communication solutions, is proud to announce the launch of the Savox Pack-COM. This revolutionary wireless team communication system is designed to enhance team efficiency, safety and security with unprecedented sound quality, ultralow latency, and full duplex capability.

Engineered to meet the rigorous demands of tactical environments, the Savox Pack-COM ensures seamless, secure, and reliable communication, empowering teams to perform at their best. It significantly improves team coordination, responsiveness, and situational awareness of whole the team.

The Savox Pack-COM system features a portable base station that creates a secure communication bubble, allowing teams to move freely and work securely. Utilizing AES-256 encryption, the Savox Pack-COM guarantees the confidentiality and security of all communications, protecting sensitive information in real-time. A robust, full-duplex connection within a 400-meter LOS (Line Of Sight) range of the portable base station ensures effective communication even in the most challenging environments.

Additionally, the Savox Pack-COM system also includes the Savox TRICS series tactical radio and intercom control system, offering the most advanced team communication solution to enhance your team’s operational capabilities in demanding conditions.

Providing crystal-clear communications, the Savox Pack-COM wireless team communication system reduces misunderstandings and enhances operational efficiency through its market-leading sound quality. It integrates effortlessly with existing radio infrastructure by connecting up to two external radios. This feature enhances versatility and interoperability, catering to your team’s specific requirements.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Savox Pack-COM, a revolutionary innovation in wireless team communication systems. This system represents a significant leap forward in ensuring our customers experiencing unmatched sound quality, security, and reliability in their communications. At Savox, we are dedicated to empowering our clients with cutting-edge solutions, and the Pack-COM is a testament to that commitment. We are excited to see the positive impact it will have on teams worldwide.” says Janne Pöllänen, SVP Sales and Business development.

The Savox Pack-COM wireless team communication system ensures tactical teams have the tools needed to excel in every operation, offering an unparalleled combination of security, clarity, and reliability. At Savox, we empower the best to do their best.

savox.com

COHORT PLC Contract Award

Tuesday, July 16th, 2024

EID signs €33m contract with NATO Communications and Information Agency

Cohort, the AIM-listed independent technology group, announces that, following a competitive tender, its subsidiary EID has signed a contract with the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) to supply the Portuguese Army with a Tactical Deployable Communication and Information System (TDCIS). The value of the signed contract is €33 million with delivery over a three year period.

Andy Thomis, Cohort Chief Executive, said:

“We are delighted that EID has been selected for this important programme. EID is well-known for its communications technology and TDCIS will provide the Portuguese Army with a highly effective, modern system, interoperable with NATO allies. Together with recent contracts to provide its Integrated Communications System to Damen for the Portuguese Navy´s Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) and to the Chilean Navy, this win takes EID’s order intake to over €45m in the last 4 months.”

Protocable – GPS Dongle for Streamcaster Radio

Friday, July 12th, 2024

Protocable introduces the SC-AUX-GPSDGL and SC-PRI-GPSDGL GPS dongles for Silvus Technologies Streamcaster radios.

Inspired by, and built in honor of the countless service members and pieces of equipment lost to the draw monster. Tie down not included.

This solution provides GPS to users desiring a compact / cable-free GPS solution direct to either radio port supporting flexible mission profiles with streamlined kitting.

protocable.helcim.app/quick-order

Bryodyn Technologies – TIG 5G SPX Tactical Internet Gateway

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024

The new TIG 5G SPX serves as a bridge for your existing comms networks enabling high-speed and reliable internet connectivity in the most challenging environments.

The TIG 5G SPX expands on the reliability of the current model by adding Starlink/Starshield capabilities incorporated with the TIG’s bonding and aggregation all in one rugged case. It offers two hours of operation with 2 x 24 VDC (90Wh) or ten hours with 2 x 24 VDC (475 Wh).

What’s in the Pelicase 1640 (including custom foam):

• AC/DC converter with mains priority switching and UPS function

• Buck boost 25A

• DC/DC converter 12 to 24 VDC (400 Watt)

• RITTAL 24 VDC ventilator

• B-mounts for detachable batteries

• Peplink MAX BR1 Pro 5G integrated router

• Panorama low-profile antenna

• Starlink or Starshield antenna (optional)

For more information, contact www.bryodyn.com.

Mattermost Partners with BrainGu and goTenna to Enable Tactical ChatOps With Delivery of Low-Bandwidth TAK Integration, Completes $1.25 Million SBIR Phase II

Monday, June 24th, 2024

The partnerships deliver innovative software to enhance transmission of mission-critical intelligence from ops to edge and support next-generation technology

Palo Alto, Calif., June 24, 2024 – Mattermost, Inc., a leader in secure collaboration for mission-critical work in complex environments, today announced that it has completed its $1.25 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract, delivering mission-critical ChatOps capabilities for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) and ATAK operating systems. 

Built in collaboration with the development team at BrainGu, a leader in mission software solutions, the Mattermost integration for TAK improves distributed collaboration and enhances warfighter efficiency, safety and accuracy. Developed to improve TAK’s tactical chat function by providing secure, enterprise-grade ChatOps capabilities, the plugin also leverages the Mattermost open-source secure collaboration platform’s self-hosting capabilities, enabling teams to retain full data ownership and meet communications security (COMSEC) requirements. Additionally, with support from BrainGu, the Mattermost integration creates an extension for TAK capabilities, laying the foundation for future capabilities such as AI-enabled decision support tools.

“We’re pleased to address a demonstrated capability gap with the delivery of the Mattermost integration for TAK, enabling our operators to leverage streamlined ChatOps functionality that facilitates the mission-critical transmission of intelligence,” said Corey Hulen, co-founder and CTO of Mattermost. “In partnership with BrainGu and goTenna, we’ve developed this integration to satisfy the Department of Defense’s need for primary, alternate, contingent and emergency communications protocol.”

In addition to the secure ChatOps plugin, Mattermost and BrainGu also worked closely with goTenna, the world’s leading mobile mesh networking platform, to develop and deliver transmission-layer integrations for TAK on goTenna’s mesh radios, addressing challenges associated with low-bandwidth communications and providing resilient, decentralized connectivity. The goTenna plugin also offers support for ATAK systems, enabling seamless connectivity with TAK servers and ensuring scalability and reliability in diverse operational environments.

With new collaboration features now available, 350,000 civilian, DoD and partner TAK users can leverage the secure chat integration and low-bandwidth capabilities to effectively communicate mission-critical information between operational teams at the tactical edge and their forward operating bases (FOB) in near-real-time. The completion of this contract marks Mattermost’s second completed SBIR Phase II this year, just two months after the company announced the completion of its first contract with delivery of its message acknowledgment and urgency capabilities for the 618th AOC.

To learn more about how Mattermost enables mission-critical collaboration for government customers, visit mattermost.com/solutions/industries/government

Emergency Response Trailer Strengthens Comms During Crisis Response

Friday, June 21st, 2024

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Communication is critical during times of crisis. The emergency response trailer, or ERT, provides digital communication platforms in austere environments. The Army’s first ERT belongs to Task Force 51, U.S. Army North’s contingency command post. When requested, U.S. Army North provides defense support to civil authorities to support local, state and federal partners during natural or man-made disasters as the command-and-control element. In such a scenario, an ERT can make all the difference.

The ERT is a modern and rugged response platform that replaced the emergency response vehicle, or ERV, as of February 2024. When disaster strikes, ERVs are employed by defense coordinating elements to rapidly respond. Like the ERT, ERVs provide digital communications but with limited capacity.

Engineered from the ground up, the ERT’s capabilities include unclassified and secret communications, Starlink satellite internet compatibility, long-distance radio transmission and increased self-sustainment capabilities. The ERT can also provide limited commercial bandwidth and cellular services to support interagency partners. Tested and certified at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, the ERT is now the program of record for military specification emergency vehicles.

“The ERT underwent rigorous testing by the Aberdeen team to confirm it could survive intense weather and hazardous terrain while supporting mission requirements,” said Matt Hopper, an ERT operator and subject matter expert. “Task Force 51 is the first unit in the Army to receive the emergency response trailer because of their role as the ARNORTH contingency command post.”

During disaster responses, U.S. Army North deploys Task Force 51, or TF-51, forward to coordinate between the lead federal agency and the military. The ERT allows TF-51 to operate in challenging environments, such as the aftermath of a hurricane.

The task force tested the ERT’s capabilities during Vibrant Response 24, an annual training exercise focused on a nuclear disaster event. The ERT provided secret and unclassified data and voice requirements for TF-51’s operations center, which consisted of 45 computer workstations. Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman, the TF-51 commander and exercise director, conducted daily commander update briefs from the ERT. Regional separation between the outstations were as far as California to Michigan.

“Communication is key to saving lives in a disaster response. Having the ERT and its capabilities allows the military, specifically U.S. Army North and TF-51, the capability to direct assets and resources to the right place and at the right time in support of our partners,” said Sherman.

The ERT’s interior features a control room, conference room and storage room. The conference room can host six seated individuals. Television screens mounted to the walls allow for easy presentation of information. The control room monitors communication output. Additionally, the ERT’s benches can be folded down into two twin beds allowing operators to live out of the vehicle.

The ERT is also imperative to U.S. Army North’s main mission of homeland defense. Close coordination with partners, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is important during disaster response and that is exactly what the ERT provides.

“The ERT was designed to withstand challenging environments for DSCA operations but also in the event of a homeland defense scenario. It is highly likely we will encounter a simultaneous DSCA event while defending the homeland; therefore, modernizing our emergency response platforms ensures we are ready if we are called upon,” said Hopper.

By CPT Tara Santon, U.S. Army North Public Affairs