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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

Atlantic Signal Receives New Contract from United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team

Friday, August 28th, 2020

Atlantic Signal recently received another significant order from the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team.

Atlantic Signal and the USSS CAT have been doing business for well over a decade. Several product designs as well as added product features of Atlantic Signal products have come from this long-term relationship.

“The USSS CAT has many unique requirements that require something beyond the traditional tactical communications equipment one might correlate with conventional tactical teams. CAT is a specialized tactical unit of the United States Secret Service that provides tactical support to the Presidential Protective Division to protect the President of the United States. The members of CAT are Secret Service Special Agents who have gone through and complete an 8-month course at FLETC in Georgia and have also successfully served multiple years in the Secret Service. Once accepted to CAT, the Agents undergo additional training including counter-ambush tactics and CQB. They are a finely meshed team of professionals at the highest level”, states Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.

USSS Counter Assault, due to their wide ranging mission sets, chose both the Atlantic Signal exclusive Peltor ComTac V circum-aural headset and the DOMINATOR II headset featuring RX audio via both the facial bones and ear canals with the addition of both electronic hearing protection and ambient environmental amplification when the DOMINATOR II earpieces are engaged. Further, Atlantic Signal made unique modifications to CAT’s shoulder microphones for use with their PTT and radio interfaces.

The DOMINATOR II headset push-to-talk assembly features plug and play cables designed and manufactured by Atlantic Signal for their Motorola radios as well as their Harris 6 pin radio models. Custom cables were also designed and manufactured for use with CAT’s key-load adapters.

The ComTac V headset suite, purchased by the team, features the Atlantic Signal WARRIOR Dual Comm push-to-talk. The plug and play cables designed and manufactured by Atlantic Signal can be used with both the WARRIOR and DOMINATOR II PTTS..

Atlantic Signal also provided a custom, coiled cable assembly for use with both push-to-talks and the team member’s smartphones.

Atlantic Signal is based out of Topeka, KS where they develop, design, manufacture and sell tactical communications and accessories. The company started in 1989 with a focus on tactical law enforcement. Today, thirty-one years later, the company’s clients include Customs and Border Patrol, Naval Special Warfare, LAPD, ATF, MARSOC, DEA, US Coast Guard, US Secret Service among thousands of military and law enforcement clients around the world.

atlanticsignal.com

ADS Federal Range Day 2020 – Safariland’s TCI Liberator IV

Wednesday, August 26th, 2020

The Liberator IV Advanced Single Communication Headset by Tactical Command Industries offers Active Noise Reduction (ANR), Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and Dual Mode with ANR/ANC simultaneously. The Active Noise Reduction Rating is 24 and you can configure the headset with left or right boom mic. Suspensions include over the head and behind the head.

The Liberator IV is available with Black, OD Green or FDE Brown ear cups with Black or FDE Brown PTT & Cables.

The Liberator V model incorporates dual comms.

Units and agencies can procure all products shown during ADS Federal Range Day by contacting ADS Inc.

ADS Federal Range Day 2020 – Thales Javelin MANET Handheld Radio

Wednesday, August 26th, 2020

The Javelin from Thales is a small form factor single channel MANET Handheld Radio which uses the TSM waveform to provide wideband MANET coverage in areas such as shipboard, caves and urban operational settings.

TSM characteristics:
•Infrastucture-less MANET
•High-speed wireless IP networking
•Self-Forming, self-healing
•Scalable to 200+ nodes
•Robust in harsh environments
•Fast, seamless network join/merge
•Instant adaptation to network topology change

Javelin is interoperable with the IMBITR 2-channel Leader Radio, and other third party radios running the TSM waveform. It supports UHF, Upper UHF, L and S band communications.

Javelin features Embedded GPS and Type 3 AES 256 Encryption and is 2M Immersible.

Size data:
Length: 5.2 inches (13.21 cm) (excluding antennas)
Width: 2.6 inches (6.60 cm)
(with battery attached, excluding antennas)
Depth: 1.8 inches (4.57 cm)
Weight: 1.25 lb Radio and Battery (567 g)

Units and agencies can procure all products shown during ADS Federal Range Day by contacting ADS Inc.

ADS Federal Range Day 20 – DeSantis Holsters

Tuesday, August 25th, 2020

DeSantis Holsters has been manufacturing in the US for over 40 years, with a long relationship with law enforcement.

They showed us their new Kydex Radio Pouch for the Motorola X6000. It comes as a full kit with a variety of mounting options. Additionally, all of the controls are accessible, even while the radio is mounted in the pouch.

They assured us that they can quickly gen up a carrier for the Motorola X8000 if there is sufficient interest. They just need the proper dimensions.

Units and agencies can procure all products shown at ADS Federal Range Day by contacting ADS Inc.

Garmin Montana 700i

Monday, August 24th, 2020

The new Garmin Montana 700i is a Touchscreen Navigator with inReach Technology which offers worldwide SOS and messaging as well as weather reports. The device also incorprates an optional 8 MP camera. Position data is via both GPS and Galileo satellite networks.

To facilitate two-way satellite messaging via inReach, the Montana utilizes a full QWERTY keyboard. Maps and imagery are easy to discern thanks to the 5″ color screen which is 50% larger than the previous model.

Like other Garmin devices, the Montana has full ABC sensors, including an altimeter for elevation data, barometer to monitor weather and 3-axis electronic compass.

An internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack provides more than 18 hours of battery life in GPS mode, but to keep you going for a week or more between recharges, use Expedition mode, an ultralow-power GPS reference.

As always, SSD readers are highly encouraged to purchase Garmin devices from Strohman Enterprise.

Persistent Systems Completes Phase I of Robotic Command Vehicles program; Readies for Phase III

Tuesday, August 18th, 2020

Company officials say mobile ad hoc network will shine in complex, multi-unit battlefield scenarios 

For Immediate Release 

NEW YORK, N.Y. – August 18, 2020 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”), a leader in mobile ad hoc network (MANET) solutions, announced today that it has successfully completed Phase I of the U.S. Army Robotic Command Vehicles (RCV) program.  

Run under the auspices of the Army Future Command’s Next Generation Combat Vehicles – Cross Functional Team, the RCV program aims to show the utility of manned-unmanned teaming with a future Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) being able to control multiple RCV “wingmen.”   

During Phase I, a modified M113 tracked armored personnel carrier acted as an RCV surrogate while a modified Bradley infantry vehicle called the Mission Enabling Technologies-Demonstrator, or MET-D, served in lieu of a yet-to-be-built OMFV. 

 “We successfully networked the surrogate platforms in a point-to-point fashion with our Wave Relay MANET,” Brian Soles, VP of Government Relations & Business Strategy for Persistent Systems, said. “That means enabling the cameras, sensors and software as well as the command-and-control interface for control of the RCV and its gun systems.” 

Persistent Systems is now working with the Next Generation Combat Vehicles – Cross Functional Team and other stakeholders, such as Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center and C5ISR Center, to review lessons learned and further adapt Wave Relay capabilities. 

“We are really looking forward to Phase III of the Army RCV program,” Soles said, “because it’ll be a complex, RF-contested and -congested environment with multiple air, ground, and dismounted units, and that’s where Wave Relay’s scalability, resiliency and spectrum efficiency will shine.”    

ATLANTIC SIGNAL Receives Contract for All New York Emergency Services Units (ESU)

Tuesday, August 18th, 2020

Atlantic Signal was recently awarded and delivered the first of numerous orders for the NYPD ESU following extensive testing of the company’s exclusive ComTac V Patriot Headset, Invictus Push-to-Talk and ESU Speaker Mic with custom radio cable inline QD for quick change capabilities for their Motorola APX portable radios.

The Invictus push-to-talk was developed in 2017 to provide an updated/alternative to the old school U94 PTT option that had been prevalent since the late 1990s. The Invictus features both single and dual comm models with shrouded actuation switch(es) that allow the end-user to attach or detach protective shrouds. Both models include a blackened stainless steel MOLLE clip that allows the end-user to move the PTT switch(es) to the 3, 6 ,9 & 12 o’clock positions. Further, the Invictus MOLLE clip was designed to allow the user to remove the MOLLE clip from its normal ‘back’ position, which configures the PTT actuation switch(es) in an outboard position, and attach the clip to the ‘front’ of the Invictus PTT housing which positions the actuation switch(es) in an outboard orientation for left handed trigger-pullers.

The order includes the Atlantic Signal exclusive 3M/Peltor ComTac V Patriot headset featuring all-new ambient environment listening modes, ambidextrous noise canceling boom microphone, removable rubber headband and ARC rail mounts for the team’s Ops-Core protective helmets.

“We began working with ESU approximately 18 months ago after being notified they were looking to update what proved to be very outdated ancillary communications. As opposed to most other tactical communications suppliers/distributors, we design and manufacture our products and have in-house capabilities to customize our builds. ESU is a very demanding customer and are not the traditional part-time SWAT / tactical unit. Requirements for their needs included custom comms systems for Heavy Weapons and Tactics, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, SCUBA, EMT, High Angle Rescue, Vehicle and Train Extrication, Helicopter & HAZMAT. NYPD’s requirements are very similar to what we have done for the FBI Hostage Rescue Team. An example is, NYPD wanted its ESU operators to be able to quickly transition into tactical gear without having to unscrew, remove, re-position and screw back on their Motorola APX radio adapter. We provided an inline quick disconnect on the coiled radio cable assembly that allowed each officer to simply unplug his department issued shoulder mic cable from the radio and plug in his/her Atlantic Signal comms system without ever having to remove the actual radio connector. We had experience with this unique type of request having developed a similar inline QD system for Naval Special Warfare boat operators. We worked with each specialized team and developed comms solutions for their specific needs surrounding a single common headset, the Atlantic Signal exclusive ComTac V Patriot” stated Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.

NYPD ESU provides services analogous to the functions of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. ESU responds to high-risk, tactical operations involving barricaded suspects, hostage situations, high- warrant service, tactical crowd control and dignitary/VIP protective operations. ESU also provides operations and technician level response to hazardous materials (HAZMAT) incidents involving the presence of industrial or illicit chemical, biological or radiological agents involving criminals or terrorists. ESU is also trained to rescue victims from structural collapse, high-rise structure, confined spaces, trench collapse, vehicle and rail car accident, and machinery accident entrapment. They may also respond to persons having difficulty breathing, heart attacks, and strokes as first responders, or along with local EMS.

NYPD ESU performs both surface and underwater victim rescue, searches and evidence recovery as well as to provide “crisis response” to incidents involving psychologically disturbed individuals. ESU members sometimes provide immediate fire suppression and victim rescue for fires occurring in massive and highly populated structural locations that are under the direct jurisdiction of a state or municipal authority. ESUs’ operations are often supported by a Canine (K-9) response capability and members often respond to incidents involving dangerous animals and reptiles. In some jurisdictions, ESU members may provide medical support and team member rescue during tactical operations and sometimes staff a dedicated ambulance.

Atlantic Signal is based out of Topeka, KS where they develop, design, manufacture and sell tactical communications and accessories. The company started in 1989 with a focus on tactical law enforcement. Today, thirty-one years later, the company’s clients include Customs and Border Patrol, Naval Special Warfare, LAPD, ATF, MARSOC, DEA, US Coast Guard, US Secret Service among thousands of military and law enforcement clients around the world.

atlanticsignal.com

ATLANTIC SIGNAL Receives New US Army Security Force Assistance Brigade Order

Thursday, August 6th, 2020

Atlantic Signal was recently awarded an order for the 3rd SFAB following extensive testing of the company’s new Viper II Control Hub and Atlantic Signal exclusive ComTac VI headset.

Atlantic Signal began development of its new VIPER II Control Hub / Push-to-Talk in early 2019 with the input and assistance of several key customers. There had been a clear dissatisfaction with the design and capabilities, or lack thereof, of several of the PTT/control box options on the market that could interface with both standard and dual band radios along with various ancillary cable capabilities.

Further, Atlantic Signal introduced the Brigade to its exclusive ComTac VI headset featuring the all new NIB feature.  The ComTac VI offers a new way to adjust the auditory settings of the headset for each mission. Traditionally, a headset has a set frequency response, and the operator can only increase or decrease the volume. The MAP function provides new advanced ambient listening modes that allow access to a variety of gain settings, but with frequency shaping, to enhance auditory performance in five conditions. The MAP Profiles have been designed with a variety of combat and combat support operations in mind.

NIB enables short-range, headset-to-headset communication in high noise environments, without the use of an external communications radio. The NIB function allows for 4 team members to speak simultaneously, and over 60 people within a 10 – meter radius to listen at any given time. Audio transmit is activated by either a voice activated switch (VOX) for hands free operations or by push-to-talk. The VOX switch is adaptive, meaning the threshold to activate will adjust automatically to the noise environment. To help reduce user burden, a tactile button has been added to the left ear cup that allows the user to easily turn on or off the function / and switch from VOX to PTT settings.

“We listened closely and carefully to several of our most demanding Federal LE and Military Special Operations customers in an attempt to better understand how their needs had changed and or broadened since several of our competitor’s dual band PTTs had come to market. Without divulging the detailed reasons as to why our VIPER I and VIPER II Control Hub/PTT is different from our competitors – some of those design changes are immediately recognizable but just as important are the tasks the VIPERs can perform and how easily each individual can program the VIPER for a personal end user experience. Nothing is complicated from the operator’s engagement perspective but a Control Hub / PTT that is VERY powerful both from the outlook of what it can do now and how it can be utilized in the future. After nearly 18 months in development and dozens of generations / modifications of both VIPER models in the field, we’ve received orders ranging from dozens to hundreds to over a thousand in a single purchase.” states Randall Hedrick, President and Managing General Member of Atlantic Signal.

The first SFAB was raised in 2018 at Fort Benning, GA, On May 18, 2018, the Army announced that the Security Force Assistance Command (SFAC) would be established at Fort Bragg. This division-level Command, led by a Brigadier General, will oversee the Army’s six Security Force Assistance Brigades, as well as the MATA for SFAB training and oversight.

3rd SFAB tested and evaluated the Atlantic Signal combination of the VIPER II PTT, ComTac VI headset and an assortment of custom cables both CONUS and OCONUS and decided upon this product mix to replace their current communication systems.

Atlantic Signal is based out of Topeka, KS where they develop, design, manufacture and sell tactical communications and accessories. The company started in 1989 with a focus on tactical law enforcement. Today, thirty-one years later, the company’s clients include NYPD ESU, CBP, NSW, LAPD, ATF, DEA, MARSOC, USCG, USSS and the FBI among thousands of military and law enforcement clients around the world.

atlanticsignal.com