TYR Tactical

Archive for the ‘Comms’ Category

Mad Duo – Tactical Tailor’s New Open-Front Radio Pouch

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Anyone that’s met G.W. Ayers will attest that while he’s a nice, typically soft-spoken guy, he looks like someone shaved a gorilla(1) and hung LBE on it. This shouldn’t be taken as an insult—he’s a smart guy and we like him. It might, however, explain our initial hesitation at the sight of those outstretched paws(2) when he reached out and offered to take us over to check out his new radio pouch. We got over it and rode along.

Glad we did.

This pouch is an outstanding piece of kit and is another one of those forehead-smacking ideas. It came to them from an SF operator in the field, who explained what he needed and stood by. GW was quick to sic his custom shop on it. The result is now in use in a number of places, including several SOF organizations.

Designed for the Harris 152 radio (AN/PRC-152 Falcon III for purists and grognards), this modular pouch addresses the biggest problem you can have with your radio pouch—once it’s in there, you have to pull it back out to make adjustments and sometimes even to use them. Says GW, “What we’ve done is design this so it’s MOLLEd [note: that’s a verb, not a typo] onto the gear, then the radio will fall free at 45 degrees so you can change your channels, then you secure the radio. It’s a one-handed operations, so that you don’t have to pull the radio out of the pouch when you have to deal with it.”

(From the description on their site: ‘Releasing the heavy duty quick-release buckle on the front of the pouch allows the entire pouch to lean out, giving the user easy access to the keypad and screen, which faces the wearer and remains protected by a clear window.’)

The pouch will also carry the MBITR radio in the same configuration (yes, AN/PRC-148 MBITR radio, we can use the official cool name too), if you’re using that instead of the AN/PRC 152. GW’s folks developed wings on the side of the pouch to Velcro open and shut, so if you had to get to the buttons for some reason, or the data port on the opposite side, you have no issues. This is going to be really well liked for some of the AF guys that have to run a lot of data through(3).

So far the pouch has been a slam dunk for Tactical Tailor and they expect it to continue (note: they haven’t made these in our size yet, but give them time). It retails for $30 and is available in Foliage Green, Coyote Brown, MultiCam and Black. (No word on ABU or MARPAT, but I wouldn’t hold your breath.)

As you might have expected it’s constructed of 1000D Cordura nylon and heavy-duty hardware. Attaches to any MOLLE or PALS style gear with two long MALICE CLIPS® (included). Buy it here. Seriously, go buy one, or two. And tell GW we sent you.

As usual, if you have any ideas for us to review, drop us a line at BreachBangClear.com or FaceBook.com/MadDuo; unless you’re going to complain about our opinions, writing style and philosophy (or if you are Joy Behar or Keith Olbermann) . In that event you should feel free to go play in traffic and Foxtrot-Sierra-Oscar(4). MAD DUO OUT!

1 Gorilla GeeDuya GeeDubya, not Gorilla beringei beringei.

2 This should not be interpreted as hyperbole. Have you seen his mitts? He’s got fingers like bratwursts. Just sayin’.

3 It would probably be just as well received by Security Forces anyway, though they’d prob’ly lose it or break hours after guardmount—which is better than what the grunts will probably do it. We won’t go into that here.

4 The middle one is “Smooth”. We don’t have a brevity code for it, but you get the idea.

Silynx Goes MultiCam

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Silynx recently started offering the C4OPS headset system with MultiCam bags, Compact Control Units, and wireless Push-to-talk modules. While the new color scheme is the most obvious enhancement to the popular C4OPS headset system, it is hardly the only improvement. Silynx maintains continuous contact with their customer base to solicit feedback based on real world use. Software updates such as those below are constantly pushed out to the field.

The enhanced PC programming software makes setting system parameters a snap. The system is now GPS enabled giving the MBITR on board Blue Force Tracking. However, unlike traditional BFT systems, C4OPS does not send automatic GPS locations but rather can be set to send them along with transmissions as well as by time or distance settings. The GPS information can also be provided to the operator on demand through the headphones via a selectable synthetic voice. Additionally, the C4OPS systems can be configured to transmit pre-set text messages through the radio.

Not only have the ear buds been improved with the ability to accept a custom ear mold, but they also now come with a storage pouch. They also offer venting for MFF parachute operations.

In addition to the software and earbud enhancements, Silynx also offers a couple of radio battery cables that can be used by anyone who employs the MBITR. The variant above adapts the BA-5590 battery to the MBITR to allow the battery to be stored remotely from the radio. This is especially important for lithium batteries as they can easily combust if they take fire. Below is an adapter for the standard MBITR battery and offers additional load carriage options.

If you’ll be attending the Warrior Expo – East in Virgina Beach on 15-16 July be sure to stop by booth #111 and check out the C4OPS headset system.

www.silynxcom.com

CON-SPACE Communication’s C50/M50/M53 Gas Mask E-Mic Communication System

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Lots of units are beginning to the M50/53 Joint Services Protective Mask. Canadian firm CON-SPACE has developed a new and alternative communication system for the M50 as well as the AVON C50. This new electret mic and quick disconnect have been developed to be used with virtually any handheld two-way portable radio and CON-SPACE Radio Gear. The E-Mic plugs into the masks built-in pass through connector and mates with their A5 connector on the exterior of the mask. Once connected to the mask, the CON-SPACE quick disconnect interfaces to three CON-SPACE Radio Gear products:

1. SRVA Voice Amplification Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to amplify voice and the ability to communicate through a portable radio
2. CSVA Voice Amplifier – Allows user to amplify voice only
3. SR65M Radio Accessory PTT – Allows user to communicate via portable radio

All three devices can be easily interchanged when used with the E-Mic system which can also be connected to any MSA Sordin Supreme Mil and Supreme Pro Active Noise/Noise Canceling Headsets as well as Peltor ComTac products.

There are currently two mounted voice projection units available and the E-Mic and CON-SPACE Radio Gear combination gives the user yet another alternative choice.

Please contact Matt Fiddes, Sales Manager at mfiddes@con-space.com.

Overstock Sale on TCI’s Digital Hearing Protection

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

These MSA Sordin headsets are produced specifically for Tactical Command Industries. The low-profile earcup design features two separate and well-shielded ambient sound microphones for directional sound detection. The headset also delivers 600 hours of digital sound amplification with suppression of dangerous noise levels.

TCI has the OD Green Behind-the-Head variant on sale. Visit www.tacticalcommandstore.com.

Meet the IZLID Ultra

Thursday, May 13th, 2010

I saw a lot of great kit at last week’s ADS Warrior Expo West, but the new IZLID Ultra from BE Meyers really impressed me. The precise application of airpower has become a cornerstone of our Counter Insurgency strategy and without the proper tools to effectively mark targets, that strategy would be nowhere. The IZLID 1000P has been the work horse for Terminal Attack Controllers for some time, but the new IZLID Ultra offers several advantages.

Just setting the two versions of the IZLID side-by-side you can see a distinct difference. The IZLID 1000P (top) is over 10” long, roughly 2.5” diameter and weighs 27.5 oz with batteries while the IZLID Ultra (bottom) is 8.6” long, about 1.8” diameter, and weighs 11.7 oz with batteries. Both lasers mark targets at very long range (>43 km) with their nominal 1W output at 860 nm but the Ultra really shines due to its compact size and weight and well as a longer battery life. Additionally, the new chassis allows for an improved grip as well easier access to the controls. Notice in the photo, the 1000P has a weapons mount. Rarely if ever, is this used due to the size of the device but with the new Ultra, it may well be an option allowing a TAC to mount it to his rifle.

www.bemeyers.com

ARC from UTE

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

Unleashed Tactical Equipment unveiled the ARC at last week’s GPEC trade show in Germany. The name says it all, Absorb, Reflect, Control and that is exactly what it is designed to do; keep good emanations in and bad emanations out. The material can be configured in any number of ways including shelters.

UTE ARC Brochure

ARC is available in the US exclusively through Tidewater Tactical.

BHI Mini Handheld SATCOM Antenna

Sunday, May 9th, 2010

If you are a radio operator you will take one look at this baby and say to yourself, “ah-ha, I can see what they did there.” Blackheart International’s new SATCOM antenna offers three four deployment options in one antenna. It comes with a sturdy, compact tripod base making it the steadiest mini SATCOM tripod available, a magnetic-mount base which is ideal for mounting atop stationary vehicles or on surfaces too small to permit the use of a tripod, and an AR-15 pistol grip for quick satellite acquisition. Additionally, a ground spike is stowed inside the magnetic mount base, giving it one more method of deployment. Finally, the antenna comes with a specially designed holster so the antenna can be worn by the operator and swiftly deployed.

Weighing only 1.1 pounds, the dual quad radials collapse and fold alongside the collapsible boom to fit into a water-resistant MOLLE compatible carrying pouch. The antenna is treated to a dull black anodized finish to reduce glare and protect the metal against weatherization. The antenna is also available in Tan by special order.

Blackheart International will be exhibiting the new antenna along with numerous other products at SpecOps Warfighter Expo West held this week at Fort Lewis, Washington.

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.