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Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

3M Peltor ComTac 6

Monday, March 18th, 2019

One of the most impressive things I saw at this year’s SHOT Show has finally been released for sale. The ComTac 6 may look like previous incarnations, but inside, it’s all new.

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It features Mission Audio Profile (MAP) and Natural Interaction Behavior (NIB) that enables natural face to face communication in noisy environment.

This video explains these features.

The MAPs include: Observation, Patrolling, Conversation, Comfort and Mic Off.

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They’ve done a great job with the five Mission Audio Profiles, but Natural Interaction Behavior is what sets it apart. Imagine being able to communicate in a vehicle or on an aircraft without having to connect to the Internal Communication System. Normally, only one passenger can connect to an aircraft ICS, making it difficult to communicate with one another while flying. The COMTAC 6 changes all of that. With NIB, the ground force can communicate. They can also use the system while in close proximity to one another (10m), like in a common room, NIB kicks in anytime noise levels are above 72 dB.

They’ve also redesigned the headband and introduced a new boom mic with internal foam to help cancel noise. The boom will also accommodate left or right handed shooters without moving from one side to the other.

The Peltor ComTac 6 is available for unit and agency order from ADS.

2019 ADS Fort Bragg Warfighter Expo – Shakespeare Ramhead SATCOM Antenna

Friday, March 15th, 2019

The Shakespeare Ramhead SATCOM Antenna (RH-2535) is hands-free, offering performamce across the 225-500 MHz band at up to 25 watts.

Additionally, it has been assigned NSN 5985-01-619-6085.

Below, you can see how it is worn, while attached to an S&S Precision Assault Backpanel.

Available in Green, Tan, or Black.

Shakespeare antennas and masts are available for unit and agency order through ADS.

INVISIO Awarded GSA Status and Contract in the US

Thursday, March 7th, 2019

INVISIO has been awarded GSA status and a Schedule 84 contract by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), the procurement arm of the federal government. The IDIQ contract allows federal, state and local government entities to quickly and efficiently purchase INVISIO equipment at pre-negotiated terms and conditions.
The contract was effective starting January 25, 2019 and the GSA contract number is 47QSWA19D0031. It is valid for 5 years with potential of three five-year options to follow.
The GSA Multiple Award Schedule 84 is the culmination of a rigorous solicitation process in which the GSA carefully evaluates companies to determine their capability for providing products to the government. The assessment analyzes a variety of a corporation’s capabilities, including organizational structure, performance history, customer satisfaction, and other source selection criteria.
In awarding INVISIO a GSA Schedule 84 contract, the US federal government has determined that the company is recognized as a preferred vendor and is fully authorized to conduct business directly with government agencies.
“We are very pleased to have successfully negotiated an agreement with GSA in the US. As a qualified GSA contract-holder we can now target our hearing protection and tactical communication products directly to all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies” said Ray Clarke, Head of INVISIO Communications Inc.  “We will be able to reach even more government organizations by marketing and selling our products though this GSA schedule. I believe this could be a game changer for us in the US market”.
The five-year IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contract, with potential of three five-year options to follow, was officially awarded on January 25 under GSA schedule 84, Total Solutions for Law Enforcement, Security, Fire, Rescue, Emergency/Disaster Response – 426 1G-Miscellaneous Non-Personal Law Enforcement Equipment.
“INVISIO Communication and hearing protection systems are world leading and ensures a good hearing protection while allowing the user to communicate in all environments with maintained situational awareness in extreme environments.
Since we opened our own company INVISIO Communications Inc in the US in early 2017, it has been one of our key priorities to have our own GSA schedule so that US government buyers can make purchases easily through our GSA contract.
I congratulate our US team with this great achievement” said Lars Højgård Hansen, CEO of INVISIO.

www.invisio.com

Marine Corps seeks ideas, information for Optical Communication Transmission System

Wednesday, March 6th, 2019

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command released a Request for Information March 5, to identify a non-developmental solution to provide a complete Line of Sight Optical Communication Transmission System.

A U.S. Marine with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa performs a radio check during a training event with German soldiers in Seedorf, Germany, Dec. 6, 2018. Marine Corps Systems Command released a Request for Information March 5, to identify a non-developmental solution to provide a complete Line of Sight Optical Communication Transmission System. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt Katelyn Hunter)

According to the RFI, released on the Federal Business Opportunities website, the OCTS system must be capable of providing a high-bandwidth transmission path used for voice, video and data communications.

For program officials, this capability will consolidate capabilities into a complete LOS transmission capability.

“The adage, ‘Move, shoot, communicate’ hasn’t changed, but how we communicate is rapidly changing,” said Maj. Eric Holmes, MCSC project officer. “Given the rapid pace of innovation in technology, the Marine Corps is currently evaluating maturing capabilities.”

Optical communications support greater bandwidth, and provide additional relief for frequency allocations in an already constrained spectrum.

“The Marine Corps is turning to industry to help rapidly develop and field this technology to protect vital command and control emissions from advanced adversaries,” Holmes said.   

Responses to the RFI must be received by 1 p.m. on March 19.

By Maj Kenneth Kunze, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

USB Condoms

Tuesday, February 26th, 2019

Our friends at WNDSN Expedition Team have another tip for you.

On the topic of so-called USB condoms, USB thumb drive-sized devices that are designed to protect the user from malicious data traffic in and out of the device when hooking up to public or unknown USB charging outlets. They work by physically removing the ability to transfer data, and are thus quite safe in that regard. Something else that is interesting when dealing with unknown power sources, or sometimes with sketchy cables is charging speed, and actual throughput (which is often quite fragile, especially with high-powered cellphones), as well as remaining power in power banks. To combine the two functions, with the latter being surprisingly more often needed than the former, I got a USB power monitor, one from PortaPow, the other one from Drok, both of which are about the size of a thumb drive providing several measurements of electricity plus the ability to only allow power, and no data exchange. Don’t travel or commute without.

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RE Factor Tactical Radio Holster by Black Point Tactical

Saturday, February 23rd, 2019

We are excited to announce our new Radio Holster, that is optimize for use with Motorola brand radios.  

The RE Factor Tactical Radio Holster by Black Point Tactical is a collaboration designed to offer you a solution that allows you to quickly access your radio as well as keep it safe when not in use.  

The holster features a full kydex wrap design with ambidextrous accessibility.  In addition, we offer multiple mounting solutions to include: Tec-Loc, MOLLE, Belt Loops and MAP Integration

We also include a bungee pull tab to keep the radio in place during rigorous activities.

Finally we include the ability to access your PTT and Mic port with additional add on items such as a speaker or in-ear communications accessory.  

Colors Available: Black, Basket Weave, Coyote, OD, MultiCam

www.refactortactical.com/collections/tactical-accessories/products/radio-holster

RE Factor Tactical – Marking Panel

Monday, February 18th, 2019

I know I mentioned this when it first came out, but they did such a great job with it, I wanted to bring it up again.

The RE Factor Tactical Marking Panel is an 18 x 11″ VS-17 Panel designed to aid you in marking your location. The panel comes with four removable bungee tie downs that allow the panel to securely attach to a pack or any other item. In addition, there are four rare earth magnets that allow the panel to be stuck to a vehicle or metal platform. The magnets can sustain winds up to 55mph allowing the panel to be stuck to a vehicle while in motion.

Lastly, they’ve screen printed a 6 x 11″ American Flag to the center for quick recognition. On the reverse side is a 4 x 2″ Velcro patch that can be used for IR patches.

www.refactortactical.com/collections/tactical-accessories/products/marking-panel

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd to exhibit SlingShot tactical communications system for the first time at IDEX 2019

Thursday, February 14th, 2019

Spectra Group (UK) Ltd is an internationally renowned specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, specifically optimized for use in remote and challenging environments.  Following significant interest from the Middle East and Asia, particularly regarding their battle-winning SlingShot tactical communications system, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd will this year be exhibiting at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference, IDEX, for the first time.  

IDEX is the only international defence exhibition and conference in the Middle East and North African (MENA) region and takes place 17-21 February 2019 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).  IDEX showcases the latest technology across land, sea and air sectors of defence, providing a strategically important opportunity for Spectra to exhibit their unique SlingShot tactical communications system.  Spectra Group (UK) Ltd will be located at stand number 05-C03 in the British Pavilion.

Spectra’s SlingShot is a small appliqué that provides in-service tactical VHF and UHF radios with a Beyond Line of Sight Communications on The Move capability (BLOS COTM).  In addition to standard voice and data C2, SlingShot can facilitate a wide range of capabilities such as remote biometric analysis, fire mission planning, remote tracking, border security and inter-agency operations.  Man-portable or vehicle-borne (land sea and air), useable on the move, delivering flexible channel leasing and with minimal increase in training-burden, SlingShot redefines tactical communication capabilities.

Recent world-wide exhibits of SlingShot have been met with substantial international interest. Considerable excitement has been generated over SlingShot’s capability to significantly extend the range of in-service tactical radio systems, without the need for users to buy new radio systems, carry additional bulky equipment or conduct extensive additional training.

Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group said: “Spectra is very excited to be exhibiting for the first time at IDEX 2019.  We intend to maximize this fantastic opportunity to establish and deepen relationships with Partners, regional government departments, defence and security agencies and international businesses.” He added, “We are especially delighted to be able to exhibit SlingShot in the MENA region as a further opportunity to follow up on the significant amount of interest that has already been generated in the system.”

Spectra will be showcasing the SlingShot tactical communications system on Stand 05-C03 in the British Pavilion.

www.spectra-group.co.uk