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Archive for the ‘Gadgets’ Category

IEE Rugged Displays Featured at DSEI 2017

Friday, September 1st, 2017

Displays Focus on Open Architecture (OA) and Open Standard Video and Data Interfaces

September 5th, 2017, Van Nuys, CA—IEE, a manufacturer of enhanced displays for military applications, will be exhibiting at the Defense Security Expo International (DSEI) exhibition in London, England September 12-15th. IEE’s array of smart and flat panel displays addresses a variety of applications across Ground Vehicle, Naval, and Airborne markets. Open Architecture (OA) Systems, and Open Standard Video and Data Interfaces across IEE’s product lines, address customers needs for modularity and reuse, to deliver compliant and cost-effective solutions.

12.1_ Smart Display

A highlight of IEE’s Ground Vehicle Displays is the 12.1” Control Display Unit, (CDU) utilizing networked open architecture standards to achieve interoperability and optimization of size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C). Standards such as Generic Vehicle Architecture (GVA—UK DEF STAN 23-09), LAVOSAR NATO GVA (NGVA—STANAG 4754) and US VICTORY, emphasize the importance of networking in intra- and inter-vehicle communications.

“IEE’s objective is to provide competitively priced, high-quality display solutions that meet the needs of our customers all over the world,” commented Steve Motter, Vice President of Business Development at IEE. “Part of meeting customer needs is providing modular products designed with the flexibility to quickly and easily accommodate custom applications.”

3 ATI

For the Airborne market, IEE will be showcasing a new square aspect ratio display 3 ATI Line Replaceable Unit (LRU), that addresses the ongoing need for Instrumentation and Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) replacement. The 3 ATI is available in a variety of I/O configurations, including Ethernet, RS-232/422, 1553, ARINC 429 and ARINC 818. IEE’s field-proven avionics replacement displays have made them a display of choice for a variety of military aircraft platforms.

IEE is exhibiting in the South Hall-Stand S9-231 at DSEI, September 12-15th in conjunction with Solid State Supplies/Ginsbury Electronics, IEE has supplied rugged displays in partnership with Ginsbury for programs and platforms such as the Astute Submarine, Chinook Helicopter, Cutlass (UK Bomb disposal, Type 23 upgrade). Stop by or make an appointment with Steve Motter by calling toll-free 1-800-422-0867, ext. 327, or email sales@ieeinc.com.

About Ginsbury Electronics: (Part of the Solid State Supplies Group)

Established in 1979 and located in Rochester, Kent, Ginsbury Electronics is a specialist displays and power component distributor and integrator for commercial, retail, industrial and military clients throughout the UK and Europe. For further information visit www.ginsbury.co.uk.

About IEE:
For over 70 years, Industrial Electronic Engineers, IEE, has been a trusted provider of enhanced displays for military and industrial applications. From rapid prototyping of custom designs to full-scale production runs, IEE produces innovative displays with advanced features like multi-mode backlighting, optically bonded touch-screens, and lightweight, ruggedized enclosures. IEE’s direct control of critical process steps reduces costs, decreases production lead times and improves life-cycle management. IEE display products are distributed worldwide. Go to ieeinc.com.

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EXOTAC – titanLIGHT

Saturday, August 26th, 2017

I saw EXOTAC’s titanLIGHT at the recent Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City.  It is a refillable, waterproof lighter and features a replaceable flint and wick.  Made from aircraft grade aluminum, it features O-ring seals for longer intervals between lighter fluid refills.


www.exotac.com

Engo – Multifunction Survival Tool Shovel

Friday, August 25th, 2017

The 2.2 lbs Multifunction Survival Tool Shovel from Engo features a handle made of aircraft hardened aluminum with a Stainless Steel blade that chops and saws. The package also includes a paracord, whistle, knife, bottle opener, wire cutter, Magnesium fire starter, hoe, measuring tool and storage bag. Might be worth throwing in the trunk for a bad day.

store.engousa.com/p/multifunction-shovel-survival-tool

Recon Active Rings

Wednesday, August 9th, 2017

RR_Silicone_Ring_DECOY_Mens_001_2048x2048

Recon Active Rings is a Veteran-owned company which specializes in silicone active rings. “Designed for active lifestyles and truly kinetic individuals,” Recon Rings are great for wearing when exercising, and even for situations, such as operating heavy machinery, where a traditional wedding band can get caught. Additionally, a portion of the money from the sale of each Recon ring will be donated amongst several military affiliated, non-profit 501(c)3 organizations with a focus on helping veterans and their families.

reconrings.com

Army bans use of a COTS UAS system

Saturday, August 5th, 2017

Urgent operational usage of commercial electronic equipment is nothing new.  Early in the GWOT, FRS “walkie talkie” equipment was frequently purchased by individual troops or with unit funds to address a shortage of comms at the squad level.  Later, theater orders were issued prohibiting their usage due to grievous OPSEC/COMSEC issues and this shortfall was addressed with TPE (theater provided equipment) issue of ICOM and other commercial radio systems.

In a similar vein,  Army organizations have procuring  commercial hobbyist UAV systems to provide situational awareness and ISR capabilities “on the cheap.”   However, such systems introduce a multitude of operational and cyber vulnerabilities.   For the most common systems made by DJI, telemetry, audio, video, and locational data  is sent back by default to the Chinese manufacturer.

On 2 August, the US Army prohibited the use of DJI drones:

DJI-no-fly-army

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF, G-3/5/7

400 ARMY PENTAGON

WASHINGTON, DC 20310-0400

DAMO-AV

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

2 August 2017

SUBJECT: Discontinue Use of Dajiang Innovation (DJI) Corporation Unmmaned Aircraft Systems

1. References:

a. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) report, “DJI UAS Technology Threat and User Vulnerabilities,” dated 25 May 2017 (Classified).

b. Navy memorandum, “Operational Risks with Regards to DJI Family of Products,” dated 24 May 2017.

2. Background: DJI Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) products are the most widely used non-program of record commercial off-the-shelf UAS employed by the Army. The Army Aviation Engineering Directorate has issued over 300 separate Airworthiness Releases for DJI products in support of multiple organizations with a variety of mission sets. Due to increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products, it is directed that the U.S. Army halt use of all DJI products. This guidance applies to all DJI UAS and any system that employs DJI electrical components or software including, but not limited to, flight computers, cameras, radios, batteries, speed controllers, GPS units, handheld control stations, or devices with DJI software applications installed.

3. Direction: Cease all use, uninstall all DJI applications, remove all batteries/storage media from devices, and secure equipment for follow on direction.

4. Point of Contact: Headquarters, Department of the Army G-3/5/7 Aviation Directorate, 703-693-3552

JOSEPH ANDERSON
Lieutenant General, GS
Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7

Exploitation of data collected by these drones can provide an adversary with a inductive picture of friendly force operations, locations, and tempo.  Much like watching surges in pizza deliveries to headquarters buildings at night, an adversary can infer forward operations by spikes in data traffic.

While the technical specifics are beyond the scope and span of SSD, this decision is still quite relevant to our readership.

For further information, check out this article from our peers at SUASnews.

ORSM 17 – Gerber Anchor Line

Friday, July 28th, 2017

Gerber introduced a whopping 14 new tools for the fisherman at OR Summer Market. They were all impressive and while a few may be crossover products to the tactical market, I thought the Anchor Line was a great place to start.

Built in two sizes, Small and Large, the retractable, 36" or 48" Dyneema lanyard can be extended and locked in place in a couple of ways (tip control and line vise). The Anchor Line can be secured to your person via a belt mount, which should adapt well to PALS webbing, lanyard hole or threaded pin.

If you are a fisherman, I highly recommend you check out the whole line once it hits the market.

www.gerbergear.com

ORSM 17 – Leatherman TREAD Tempo

Thursday, July 27th, 2017

In 2015, Leatherman launched the TREAD, a linked metal bracelet with different tools making up the links. Not long after, third party vendors introduced adapters to convert the Tread into a watchband. Leatherman was working in a similar concept, but they wanted their own watch and needed to get the interface right so that the watch face wouldn't be scratched or broken while using the tool heads.

The links of the TREAD band are made from 17-4 stainless steel. The watch itself is Swiss-made with a quartz movement. It features time and date and has a rotation unidirectional diver’s bezel, shock resistant sapphire crystal, glow-in-the-dark hour markers and hands (stainless only). A link tool fits into a recess at the rear of the watch.

The watchband comes with six links with the following tools:
-3/32″ Screwdriver
-6mm Hex Drive
-4mm Hex Drive
-#3 Square Drive
-#1 Square Drive
-Pozi-Driv #3.

Three more interchangeable links are included:
-8mm Box Wrench
-Pozi-Driv #2
-11mm Box Wrench.

It is water resistant up to 200 meters, TSA-friendly, and adjustable both in link choices and wristband size in 1/4″ and 1/2″ increments. The clasp can also adjust by 1/8 inch. It comes in stainless steel and black and with a five-year battery warranty, two-year movement warranty, and 25-year band warranty.

www.leatherman.com

EXOTAC nanoSPARK

Monday, May 15th, 2017

EXOTAC’s latest invention, the nanoSPARK is available via a Kickstarter campaign.

nanoSPARK is a one-handed firestarter which incorporates a flint wheel to create sparks. It also features a built-in waterproof tinder storage capsule with room for an additional flint or two.

Features
-Lightweight (0.6oz) self-contained firestarter
-Waterproof tinder storage capsule
-Low friction brass flint wheel pivot design
-Easily replaceable flints (use Exotac flints for best performance but Zippo flints work as well).
-CNC machined aluminum ultimate durability
-Attachment point ideal for a lanyard or keychain
-Each nanoSPARK comes with 5 pieces of quickLIGHT tinder
-Patent Pending design
-Made in the USA

www.kickstarter.com/projects/exotac/exotac-nanospark