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Cejay Engineering’s Athena I

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

Last month we reviewed Cejay Engineering’s Phoenix Jr light. If you currently use a Phoenix or have a similar requirement, you can now upgrade to the amazing Athena 1. Like the Phoenix light the Athena I is an IR beacon that transmits a fixed flash rate, but that’s really where the similarities cease. The Phoenix light is very reliable but the only way to turn it on or off is to attach or detach the battery. With the Athena, the signal is turned ON or OFF simply by rotating the bezel located at the base of the unit.

In place of the rectangular 9v battery, the Athena I is powered by the CR-123 battery. These are the same batteries now used to power many weapons accessories so they are plentiful. Available in one or two battery versions, the Athena I equipped with two cells has a life expectancy of just under 550 hrs (with a constant “on” flashing IR signal, thatâ€™s around 21 days). Manufactured from a billet of aircraft aluminum, the waterproof cylinder walls are more than 2.5mm thick. Cejay has demonstrated that the beacon can withstand a Suburban driving over it without sustaining any cracks to the case or the special material the IR-LEDâ€™s are encased within.

The Athena’s optional base comes equipped with either a strong magnet, or can be permanently affixed via screws or adhesive to any surface. This allows you to simply slide the Athena into the base to mark vehicles or fighting positions.

Aside from the standard IR version the Athena is also available in a red training version.

For more information visit Cejay Engineering.

All photos courtesy of Cejay Engineering.

Note: Export Notification: Infrared Variants of the described products are regulated by the U.S. State Department in accordance with the guidelines of the International Traffic in Arms Regulation [ITAR] per title 22 code of federal regulations parts 120 – 130. Some Cejay products are available only to military and Law Enforcement personnel.

Tags: Athena, Cejay Engineering
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WindMate WM-200 Wind Meters

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

The WM-200 wind meter provides wind direction (accurate to +/- 2Â° by digital compass), wind speed (+/- 3% from .8-89 mph) up to 135 mph, temperature (windchill accuracy +/- 1.8Â° F), and cross wind as well as tail wind. Both wind direction and cross/tail wind are unique features among wind meters. The user can choose a variety of units to display data: Mph, km/h, kt, ft/min, m/s, BF (Beaufort) and F or C

Measuring a mere 5.5â€ x 1.75â€ x .75â€ when closed, the WM-200 weighs only 3.2oz with battery. Powered by a CR2032 replaceable Lithium battery, the WM-200 features an auto shutdown to preserve battery life. All this, backed by a two-year warranty.

For more information contact Speedtech Instruments.

Photos are courtesy of Speedtech Instruments.

Tags: Windmate
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Israeli Students Design “Batman” Suit

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008

Courtesy of the Jeruselam Post.

“Students at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have designed a winged flight-suit that should, they claim, allow someone dropped from an airplane to glide on their own…”

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Nite Ize S-biner Plastic

Sunday, September 7th, 2008

Nite Ize makes an entire line of widgets like flashlight accessories and pouches for electronics. One of the coolest things they came out with last year was the S-biner. The original stainless steel S-Biner was recently awarded the 2008 Backpacker Magazine Editorâ€™s Choice Award. Not bad.

This year they are launching a plastic version of the S-biner. Its a low profile, double gated, carabiner style clip, made from fiberglass reinforced nylon. Its dual opposing gates allow you to organize things such as keys. Available in both the #2 (2″ x 1″) and #4 (3-1/2″ x 1-9/16″) sizes color choices include Black, Red, Blue, Olive, Yellow and Pink. The new larger size #10 (10-3/8″ x 4-7/8″) is also available in Black.

For more information contact Niteize.

Warning: Not to be used for climbing or other life support applications.

All photos courtesy of Niteize.

Tags: Niteize, S-biner
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Joby Gorillapod

Saturday, September 6th, 2008

Joby’s Gorillapod is a grippy tripod with flexible legs that looks inspired by a Martian walker from “War of the Worlds”. It supports a variety of cameras and you wrap the legs around a fixed object in order to steady your shot. Its compact size and lightweight make it fantastic for tactical use. There is also a monopod version called the Solo that works well when coiled like a snake ready to strike.

The new Go-Go has interchangeable adapters at its tip, to support more than just cameras. Imagine the uses for other items like digital music/video players, Cell Phones, GPS, etc. It’s still equipped with the standard camera tripod mount, but now it also comes with a suction cup to attach to the back of flat shiny gizmos as well as an adhesive-backed pad for a more permanent attachment.

The Gorillapod is available in Black with White, Gray, Blue, Green, Pine Green, Pink, Red, and Yellow accents.

Visit Joby’s website for more info.

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Hydrogel from Amron International

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Amron has been a DSCP Prime Vendor for Special Operations equipment as well as a major player in the tactical industry for many years. Originally a manufacturer for equipment for hard hat divers, Amron now offers an entire range of Soldier Systems products from a variety of vendors. In keeping with SSB’s commitment to introducing new and innovative products to a wider audience we were pleased to run across Amron’s newest home run; Hydrogel. Hydrogel originated in the medical industry but breachers soon determined that it’s inherent properties made it perfect for affixing charges to walls and doorways. You see, its stick on both sides, very sticky.

Hydrogel comes in rolls or 12 packs of individual sheets.

To order contact Amron International.

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AeroVest

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008

Probably the most interesting product I saw at the Outdoor Retailer Summer market was a survival product called the AeroVest. manufactured by SolaTec, the AeroVest made from a lightweight metalized polyethylene, a material similar to a space blanket.
This is so it is not only durable but will reflect your body heat back towards you. Unlike a standard space blanket it is designed specifically to be worn and also utilizes trapped air as an additional insulation layer.

The 2 oz AeroVest comes standard in Orange but custom runs can be made in any color scheme. At OR they displayed an AeroVest made in UCP. Considered a one time use item it is only because it is difficult to get all of the air out of it once the 18 pockets are inflated. To inflate simply put the AeroVest on loosely, insert the straw provided with the vest into one of the two slots near the neck in the same manner as a juice pouch and blow (2 – 5 breaths) into the straw to inflate the vest. Repeat on the other side. You can remove the straw because the material is self-sealing. Small tears can be easily repaired with tape.

One size fits most and they mean it. The front opening is closed by a resealable adhesive that is good for about 30 closures. Of course use in an extremely dirty environment will reduce the number of times it will adhere.

AeroVest is made in the USA.

For more information contact AeroVest.

Diagram is property of AeroVest.

Tags: AeroVest, SERE
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S.O.Tech Tactical Symbology

Monday, September 1st, 2008

At the recent Trexpo East exposition near Dulles International Airport in Virginia, Special Operations Technologies showed their new Tactical Symbology system. Mil-Std 2525A military symbology really only goes down to the squad level and there is no standardized system for military and law enforcement to depict individuals during sand table exercises. Based on Mil Std 2525, the S.O.Tech symbology goes one step further toward the increased granularity of information required for tactical ops at the micro level, say conducting a vehicle checkpoint or clearing a room. Whenever possible they utilized standardized symbols but created new, intuitive symbols where none existed. Additionally, they extended the concept to support LE operations.

The idea sprang actually from another initiative. S.O.Tech developed a set of patches to designate the specialties of both individuals and their equipment. They are available for Leader, Assaulter, Sniper, Breacher, and Medic. EOD is under development. The patches are embroidered and backed with Velcro. Additionally, the patch features a tab that allows it to be attached via 550 or cable tie to bags or other items. S.O.Tech also offers T-shirts and ball caps featuring the copyrighted symbols.

The symbols depicted above are: (Clockwise from top left) Sniper, Leadership, Medic, Assaulter.
For more information contact S.O.Tech.