Next week Atlantic Signal will introduce the next generation in Executive Protection Comms – The SPEAR line.
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Sneak Peek – Atlantic Signal SPEAR line
Friday, February 21st, 2020US Army Taps Persistent Systems to Develop Secure Comms for Robotic and Autonomous Systems
Thursday, February 20th, 2020For Immediate Release
NEW YORK, N.Y.—January XX, 2020—Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) announced today that it has been awarded a $5.4M contract by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center to develop Protected Communications for Manned-Unmanned Teams (MUM-T).
The Army envisions a next-generation Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) that can be networked with up to four unmanned Remote Combat Vehicles (RCVs) and their assorted sensor/weapons payloads – and, in turn, networked with the broader force and command structure.
For that to happen, these manned-unmanned teams will need a robust, secure, and high-throughput communications network.
“The Army wants RCVs that can be remotely operated in groups over very long distances, in cities, forests, and open terrain,” said Brian Soles, VP of Business Development for Persistent. “These manned-unmanned teams will also have to deal with the threat of enemy hacking and jamming.”
The MPU5 with its Wave Relay® MANET was previously selected by the Next Generation Combat Vehicle cross functional team (NGCV-CFT) and the Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) as the MANET network of choice for RCV Phase 1 and has been under evaluation by the U.S. Army for over a year.
Persistent is a leader in the mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) domain. Its MPU5 forms a highly scalable, peer-to-peer network that does not rely on external communications infrastructure to operate or run through a vulnerable central node. The MPU5, which has already been deployed on a variety of unmanned platforms, has:
• An onboard Android™ computer, that hosts and runs command-and-control and situational awareness software;
• A 3×3 MIMO configuration with up to 10 watts of transmit power, providing a usable throughput exceeding 100 Mbps; and a
• Built-In HD Video Encoder/Decoder to distribute multiple real-time HD video feeds to team members on demand.
As part of its 14-month-long contract, Persistent is working with the C5ISR Center’s Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate to adapt the MPU5 to meet the anti-jam and cyber hardening demands of MUM-T operations.
“The application of the work done under this contract won’t be limited to vehicles,” Soles said. “The idea is to get these same hardened capabilities to dismounted soldiers, which will greatly enhance our ability to operate against more sophisticated adversaries.”
The development initiatives on this contract are already underway and will continue through 2020.
How To Connect Single and Dual Downlead Cables to Your Ops-Core AMP Communication Headset
Sunday, February 16th, 2020Introducing the Wndsn High-Viz Quadrant Telemeter
Wednesday, January 29th, 2020
“I don’t paint things. I only paint the difference between things.” –Henri Matisse
Wndsn Messtechnik is introducing the latest iteration of one of the most popular Wndsn Telemeter products. After more than a thousand units sold, the new white Wndsn Quadrant Telemeter is released in the beginning of 2020 in a high-contrast, high-visibility version with a number of new features.
The Wndsn Quadrant Telemeter is a measurement and calculation instrument for indoor and outdoor use, its users require attributes such as ruggedness, durability, and integrity of the various scales. For black and transparent instruments, Wndsn uses cast Acrylic that works reliably under these conditions and is deep-engraved.
To increase legibility without losing durability in the process, after various tests examining legibility, resilience, and resistance of different surfaces, a new material has been chosen: A sandwich acrylic consisting of a black core with matte white outer surfaces that are cut through by engraving, thereby exposing the black material underneath for high contrast and scales that cannot wear off (a requirement that prohibits simply printing the scales).
Other new and updated features on the Wndsn High-Viz Quadrant Telemeter are:
1. A 100 MIL mark on the angular size scale, it’s a special value for various calculations, one of which being the point where an object of unknown size has a height of 0.1x the known distance, or vice versa.
2. Another scale mark, just as easy to miss; this one is also to be found on the angular size scale and is located at 7.5°. Wndsn’s naked-eye astronomy users have asked for this one, 7.5° equals 30 minutes of earth rotation and the mark can be used against a fixed star to measure minutes passed in the sky.
3. The slope/tan scale on the quadrant side received a makeover and got redesigned according to the updated Wndsn style guide for logarithmic scales. The result is a more refined scale with higher precision and better readability.
Wndsn Telemeters are wallet-size distance and altitude nomographs developed in the Wndsn applied science lab. They combine a thousand years of civil engineering, surveying, navigation, and astronomy in durable, low-tech, high utility instruments that can be brought anywhere, are self-containing, and independent of external, modern technologies.
The Wndsn Quadrant Telemeter is a naked-eye observation instrument for measuring angles via various inputs and sighting methods. In addition, the Quadrant Telemeter is a graphical, analog computer providing functions to directly process or convert the acquired values.
Scales on the Wndsn Quadrant Telemeter:
+ angular size and distance
+ height or depth of object
+ altitude or elevation
+ computation of sine, cosine, and tangent from a given angle and back
+ degree and slope quadrant
+ shadow square
+ inclinometer
The various engraved scales enable the user to copy dimensions from the real world onto a small ruler in their hand, and read the matching distances directly from the instrument, thereby computing arbitrary navigational distances and other essential information about the world around us, as long as a triangle is formed between user, scales, and object of interest.
Under certain conditions or in cases where laser rangefinders tend to fail or result in errors, Wndsn Telemeters prevail and can be used as primary or “second opinion” tools, to cross-check values obtained with different means, or in austere situations when other methods fail or are unavailable.
The credit-card sized instrument is handmade in Germany and manufactured in the spirit of astronomical instruments of the Renaissance, built by the likes of Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler, Galileo Galilei, and Gemma Frisius. The scales are laser-engraved and precision-cut into 3 mm black, acrylic with white, matte surfaces. The device carries the Wndsn maker’s marks; scientific instructions are engraved and supplemented by a printed how-to in both English and German. A 240-page printed manual is included as a PDF and is also available separately at Wndsn or via bookstores.
The new Wndsn High-Viz Quadrant Telemeter is available at:
store.wndsn.com/products/wndsn-quadrant-telemeter-wqtm-75x7x500q90i30-white-acrylic
Alexander Becker
Wndsn Messtechnik UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Obentrautstr 43
D-10963 Berlin
Germany
+491723904525
MCSC Approves Procurement of New LAV Intercom System
Monday, January 27th, 2020MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va.—In December 2019, the Program Manager for Light Armored Vehicles at Marine Corps Systems Command approved the initial procurement of the TOCNET-G4 Intercom System—or G4 ICS—for use in the Family of LAVs.
The G4 ICS is the LAV communication management system that allows Marines to easily communicate, both internally and externally, improving communication and situational awareness on the battlefield.
“We’re providing a communication capability that offers tremendous utility for Marines,” said Dan O’Conner, the project lead for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance payloads and capabilities for PM LAV.
The G4 ICS is an easy-to-use tactical communication system comprising a user interface that adapts well to the operational environment of the LAV. The equipment provides enhanced audio quality and performance, said O’Conner.
The intercom also controls the entire
communication suite within the LAV. The G4
ICS gives Marines a single point-of-control for
radios, GPS systems and other technologies rather than having to independently manage each system.
“Not only is it simple to use, [G4 ICS] is interoperable with the existing communication suite within the Marine Corps platform,” said Kim Bowen, deputy program manager for LAV. “It also has the ability to easily add a wireless capability.”
In 2017, the Light Armored Reconnaissance Operational Advisory Group identified upgrading the LAV intercom system as their top priority after receiving complaints from Marines about the legacy ICS. A frequent criticism was the older-generation ICS experienced shutdowns causing a loss of communication and lengthy reboot times.
The G4 ICS is a modern ICS that is more fault-tolerant to LAV electrical fluctuations that cause ICS shutdowns and subsequent reboots. In the unlikely event that the G4 ICS does reboot, the G4 ICS will reboot in a few seconds, said O’Conner.
Stakeholder involvement
PM LAV incorporated Marine Corps stakeholders into the evaluation, assessment and selection process of the new ICS to ensure all parties participated in the selection of the system. The acquisition approach focused on assessing the technology’s value and utility for end users, and strategically conducting test and evaluation trials early in the process to better inform decisions, said O’Conner.
“By doing this, we can deliver an improved ICS to the fleet approximately a year earlier than if we followed traditional acquisition methods,” said O’Conner.
In June 2018, PM LAV conducted market research seeking viable candidates for a replacement intercom system. In April 2019, Marines representing all Light Armored Reconnaissance battalions assessed three candidate systems in a Systems Integration Lab during a user evaluation to provide feedback on performance, utility and usability.
After narrowing the search to two systems, a Limited User Evaluation took place in Twentynine Palms, California, and finished at Camp Pendleton, California, in August 2019.
In November 2019, Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity—who helped plan the LUE and managed the conduct of the evaluation—provided an independent System Assessment Report, which provided data to support the selection of the G4 ICS. The SAR provided data that clearly showed the G4 ICS performed superior to its competitor.
“We wanted a reliable and easy-to-maintain system that would meet the current and future needs of the user.” said Steve Myers, MCSC’s program manager for LAV. “That is why [Marines] were involved in every step of the process.”
Initial Operational Capability for the new ICS is scheduled for fiscal year 2021, and Full Operational Capability is slated for fiscal year 2022.
By Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command
USMC photo by LCpl Nathaniel Q. Hamilton
The Spot Family of Products Offers a Safer Way to Communicate with SOS Capabilities and Peace of Mind for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Thursday, January 23rd, 2020Covington, La. (January 21, 2020) – SPOT, L.L.C., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE: GSAT), and the leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, will be showcasing its affordable satellite communications solutions at the upcoming SHOT Show in Las Vegas, January 21 – 24.
As SPOT technology rapidly approaches 7,000 rescues initiated worldwide, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts continue to rely on SPOT products for remote safety and communication, asset location tracking and a mapping interface that offers protection for users. Via dedicated S.O.S. functions, SPOT initiates two rescues a day on average, and delivers location-based messaging and life-saving emergency notification technology to hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. Of the nearly 7,000 rescues the brand has executed to-date, approximately 30% are hunting, hiking and mountain sports related, proving that SPOT products should be a part of every outdoor enthusiast’s kit.
The newest addition to the SPOT family, the SPOT X®, offers users 2-way messaging functionality, the flexibility of connecting to a smartphone via Bluetooth® wireless technology to send and receive satellite messages direct from the device or . SPOT X is an ideal communication device for outdoor enthusiasts who frequently go off the grid, offering reliable connectivity and tracking. Other SPOT products include:
SPOT Gen3® is a rugged and affordable satellite messenger providing off the grid messaging, GPS location tracking, emergency alerts, extended battery life, and extreme GPS tracking upgrade at 2 ½ minute intervals.
SPOT Trace® is a GPS tracking device allowing users to track anything, anytime and anywhere by receiving theft-alert SMS texts or emails when movement is detected.
As part of a SHOT Show exclusive offer, attendees can receive any SPOT device for FREE with the purchase of an annual service plan. To receive this offer and learn more about SPOT products and services, stop by booth #1910.
About SPOT LLC
SPOT LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., provides affordable satellite communication and tracking devices for recreational and business use. SPOT messaging devices use both the GPS satellite network and the Globalstar Satellite Network to transmit and receive text messages and GPS coordinates. Since 2007, SPOT has provided peace of mind by allowing customers to remain in contact with family, friends and co-workers, completely independent of cellular coverage and has helped initiate nearly 7,000 rescues worldwide. For more information, visit FindMeSPOT.com.
Note that all SPOT products described in this press release are the products of SPOT LLC, which is not affiliated in any manner with Spot Image of Toulouse, France or Spot Image Corporation of Chantilly, Virginia. SPOT Connect is a trademark of Spot LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
ShadowTrack 24-7 & ST-Lock, Official Launch, Booth 20000 (SERT), SHOT Show
Monday, January 20th, 2020
Fletcher, NC – January 18, 2020
SERT, LLC will be supporting the official launch of ShadowTrack 24/7 GPS tracking solutions during the 2020 SHOT Show at their Booth 20000 in the main LE Hall, January 21-24 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
ShadowTrack 24/7 was founded to bring innovative GPS tracking solutions to a wide-based clientele. Their solutions are customizable and unique to each customer’s need to track valued assets. In addition, the company’s “best-in-class” approach offers solutions that are innovative as well as cost effective and ultimately open untapped market opportunities.
ShadowTrack 24/7 will also be introducing the ST-Lock secured by Nok?, connecting all your locks, sharing data in real time, sending you updates and keeping valuable assets safe. ST-Lock padlocks are key-less, heavy duty locks with an industrial strength body and intelligent core. These powerful locks are tamper resistant , work in harsh environmental conditions and are also available with a shrouded shackle for extra protection.
These new solutions and products, plus many more, will be on display at Booth No 20000 (LE). For more information on ShadowTrack 24/7, please visit www.shadowtrack247.com or contact Brynne Williams at info@shadowtrack247.com for more information.
Persistent Systems Improves MPU5 Radio – Releases Software Update
Thursday, January 16th, 2020PERSISTENT TO RELEASE FIRMWARE VERSION 19.5.3 ADDRESSING DIRECT FEEDBACK FROM THE U.S. ARMY 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION
NEW YORK, NY. – Dec 04, 2019 – Persistent Systems, LLC (“Persistent”) is excited to release Firmware Version 19.5.3 for the MPU5 and Embedded Module. This firmware addresses feedback from a readiness exercise conducted by the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division.
“Thank you to the Rakkasan’s for the in-depth after-action report. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps Persistent continue to improve the MPU5 in ways that are most beneficial to the warfighter,” said Eric Stern, Director of Engineering at Persistent.
Firmware Version 19.5.3 contains significant performance improvements specifically intended to benefit dismounted end users. Improvements include:
• Improved Battery Life: about 3-hours increase in MPU5 runtime on a standard 6.8 Ah battery pack reduces the number of batteries soldiers must carry to support their mission duration. Power consumption improvements also benefit Embedded Module users.
• Improved Audio Quality: new Opus audio codec implementation, delivers crystal clear audio and an 8x reduction in network utilization for voice traffic. Improved audio clarity further reduces the cognitive load on the soldier.
• Rotary Knob implementation: users can now modify Audio Volume or select their Intercom Talk Group via the 8-position knob on the MPU5.
• LED Blackout Mode: users can now disable the status LED to support low-visibility operations.
• Simplified Web Management: Web interface is now streamlined based on the cables currently connected to the radio and displays only relevant settings to the user, improving ease of use and ensuring users are maximizing the capabilities of the MPU5.
• Multicast Firmware Upgrade: firmware upgrades to large MPU5 networks now occur via multicast, enabling a rapid upgrade of a large number of nodes.
• Rapid Configuration Tool: implementation of a tool to help automate the mass configuration of MPU5s. As users continue to create larger networks, rapid configuration becomes even more critical.
“We want to empower warfighters with industry-leading capabilities, and receiving direct user feedback from operational units is extremely beneficial. Their feedback allows us to focus on improving existing capabilities and developing new ones to address capability gaps that can only be discovered in real-world deployments of the network,” Stern added.
Firmware Version 19.5.3 is immediately available. Existing customers will receive an email notification and can download the firmware from the new Persistent Customer Support Portal. All customers are encouraged to upgrade.
