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Archive for the ‘Gadgets’ Category
Stuff We Didn’t Write About
Saturday, August 7th, 2010Topeak Alien III
Monday, August 2nd, 2010Sure it’s designed for cycling, but the Topeak Alien III’s 25 tool can fill the void when a tool box isn’t handy. The two halves of the pressed metal frame come apart revealing tool heads crafted from Chrome Moly and Stainless Steel. Included is everything from Allen, Box, Spoke, and Torx Wrenches to Tire Levers and a Chain Tool. There’s even a Knife Blade and a Bottle Opener.
So whether riding a mountain bike on your time off, or just looking for a handy emergency tool kit, consider the Alien III from Topeak.
Stuff We Didn’t Write About
Sunday, August 1st, 2010EMFX Pouches from NEMO Equipment
Friday, July 30th, 2010At the recent Warrior Expo – East NEMO Equipment had quite a few new wares on display. In addition to the ZIRO 2P SE Shelter, they also displayed the EMFX pouch. Sure, it looks like a mild mannered pouch made from 210D Ripstiop Nylon with a tough Hypalon belt loop. But don’t judge this pouch by its looks. The real power is inside. Using a conductive textile the EMFX pouch blocks all electromagnetic signals from reaching your cell phone. This means your phone won’t be tracked or attacked by adversaries. In addition to cell phones and other personal electronics, the EMFX pouch will also keep prying signals from interrogating your passport with RF chip. Measuring 4″ by 5.5″ it features a roll top to keep the duct and other debris out.
For more information visit www.nemoequipment.com
Unit orders can be processed by ADS.
Soldier Portable Charger
Saturday, July 10th, 2010
According to a news release from the British Ministry of Defence, a team of energy experts at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and the Integrated Soldier Systems Executive (ISSE) at Abbey Wood have developed a portable energy solution dubbed the Solider Portable Charger. Based on a Urgent Operational Requirement from field commanders in Afghanistan, the system consists of lithium ion power source (LIPS) 11 & 12 batteries, a solar charging mat, and a plug n play battery charger that can be carried by a quad.
The requirement was based on weight. Currently, an eight-man section taking part in a 40-hour patrol currently has to contend with a hefty 60kg burden in batteries alone:
“A major factor in developing this UOR was the weight in batteries required during that 40-hour mission,” explained project manager Peter Flowers. “That’s a ridiculous amount to be added just for power supplies, so we sat down last autumn and worked out how we could do something about it.
“One of the things we discovered was that [the batteries] were saying they were empty even though they may have had between ten and 20 per cent power remaining.
“The SPC takes that energy out and transfers it to another type of battery. That means that if you take rechargeable batteries, you only need one on the radio and one on charge and you can then take four of each type off the patrol.”
Additionally, the new LIPS 11 & 12 batteries were developed based on the 3.75kg LIPS 10. They weigh 1.5kg and 2.25kg and provide enough power for two and four hours respectively:
“We have effectively taken the LIPS 10 and chopped it into thirds,” explained Mr Flowers.
“You can now take the lower-power battery if you need it. We’re not dictating to commanders on the ground what they should use, we’re just putting the right clubs in their bag.”
A total of 4,556 units are being deployed to Op HERRICK, with the first 1,000 arriving in theater this month and the remainder being delivered in batches in August and September 2010.
Phokus Research Group LLC
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010Awhile back two active duty Navy types came up with a great idea but they didn’t really know how to turn the concept into a marketable product. So they set about figuring it out and the result is Phokus Research Group, LLC. In addition to their subject matter expertise, they have an excellent mentor/partner who has been very successful in the business world. Additionally, they have partnered with a manufacturer responsible for numerous successful products in the outdoor and water sports market. Now that they’ve worked the kinks out of the administrative side of things, two new technologies are hitting the market; the CBR (RaDD Pak) backpack and their original product the Phokus Aid.
The Phokus Aid is brilliant and everyone will be using it because it allows the user to maintain “infinity†focus with the AN/PVS-14, while providing clarity at critical distances of 10 feet and closer without requiring re-focus. You just flip the Phokus Aid up or down in order to use.
From the beginning they based the business on the concept of “By the Operator for the Operator” so what you see here is just the beginning. If you are still serving but have come up with a better mousetrap, we highly recommend that you speak with Phokus Research Group. They understand where are you are coming from and if your idea makes the cut, can help you navigate the numerous issues you will encounter including protecting your intellectual property. We are very impressed with their products as well as their staff and will be keeping a watch on what they cook up.
Disguises Keep Getting Better and Better
Monday, July 5th, 2010This the “Handsome Guy” mask from SPFXMasks. As you can see it is very realistic. In fact, it’s so realistic that an African American version by the same manufacturer was recently used by a bank robber to fool surveillance cameras.
Precise Overlay Registration Within Augmented Reality
Sunday, July 4th, 2010
We know it sounds like a mouthful but the folks at Chicago-based Tanagram Partners are on to something. Essentially they are able to overlay geo-registered data sets over objects of interest. So, if you are looking at a building for example, additional information on that building can be accessed. Additionally, the information can applied to any form of imagery enhancement whether visual spectrum, IR, or night vision.
Check out Tanagram’s blog for more info.
