Units at the sharp end often need to integrate organic and non-organic equipment for dismounted or vehicle-based systems – providing reliable power for such systems can be a significant challenge. With the SPM-622 Squad Power Manager, an excellent solution for keeping the power flowing and maintaining continuous mission capability is readily available.

One such SPM-based integrated system is the C-REACH communications system from C4i Systems in the UK. The C-REACH is a modular, man-packable or light tactical vehicle mounted gateway system that provides Beyond Line of Site (BLOS) communications. Users deployed to the forward edge of operating areas have the ability to communicate mission critical information to tactical and strategic decision makers using almost any modern radio communication system. The C-REACH system allows users to achieve complete, secure BLOS communications of voice, video and data information on a global scale from a single, lightweight, self-sufficient solution.

Including the SPM-622 enables operators in even the most remote or austere environments to maintain full communications capability by harvesting and managing power from any available source – for however long the mission lasts.

For further information about the C-REACH system please visit C4i Systems.

The SPM-622 Squad Power Manager is also at the heart of several other integrated systems currently undergoing T&E with US, NATO, and Partner Nation forces. For further information about the SPM’s features and capabilities, visit www.PTXnomad.com or contact us at Team.Room@Protonex.com.

The SPM-622 Squad Power Manager Data Log capability allows small units to measure how much battery power they are actually using, so they can optimize their logistics, resupply, and mission loads – and reduce their Battery Burden.

The Data Log function of the SPM records:

• What devices are plugged into which ports of the SPM

• The voltage, average current and maximum current at each port in use

• The state of charge and temperature of any connected battery / batteries

• A real-time-stamp that includes the date and time of the entry

• Any errors or user alerts

The data log is stored in such a way that it does not disappear if power is lost, and the storage capacity is large enough to keep weeks-worth of usage data. Finally, data logging occurs automatically, but the standard settings can be overridden in order to capture specific or unique data of interest. Once collected, the data log can then be uploaded to a computer and displayed and analyzed using typical tools such as Excel, etc.

To access the data log function of the SPM-622, the operator uses the four buttons along the bottom edge of the SPM-622. From the main screen, press the right arrow Button once to enter the main menu. Once at that screen the operator will see the following display:

Selecting the data log option from the menu selection allows the User to view how much data has already been captured, or to change the data capture intervals. Pressing ‘Erase Log’ will delete all data in the log file.

If power usage data for a particular mission is desired, the User should clear the SPM’s data log before departure and then download the data after the mission is completed. As an example of the benefit of analyzing such data; a SOF unit deployed in a non-permissive environment was able to reduce the battery weight of their mission loads by over 30% – and still maintain full operational capability of their critical electronic equipment.

If you need further assistance, refer to the SPM-622 User Guide or contact Support@Protonex.com. Visit www.PTXnomad.com for further info about the wide range of applications and equipment supported by the SPM-622 Squad Power Manager.

An SPM-622 Squad Power Manager and a few cables is like having a multi-tool for power in your rucksack. With such a system, troops can “scavenge” power from vehicle batteries or power-out ports and from solar panels or blankets to recharge batteries and run equipment – anywhere, any time.

The SPM-622 is particularly useful as an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Simply connect the SPM to a rechargeable battery, an AC wall outlet, or portable generator, and the device, or devices, you want to keep powered up. As long as AC power is available, the battery is kept fully charged-up, and power for the radio is automatically converted, balanced and passed through by the SPM. The diagram below shows how this can be done to provide uninterruptible power to a SatCom radio system.

If the AC power fails, the SPM will automatically switch to drawing power from the back-up battery so that the radio remains powered up. The user is alerted to the change on the SPM’s screen, but no action is required. Once AC power is available again, the SPM will automatically revert to drawing power for the radio from the AC source, as well as simultaneously recharging the connected back-up battery.

Additional back-up power storage capability for critical equipment can be achieved by connecting up to 3 more batteries to the SPM. As long as AC power is available the SPM will keep all connected batteries topped-up, if/when the AC power fails the SPM will automatically switch to drawing power from the battery with the lowest state of charge – ensuring the most efficient use of the back-up power available.

If you need further assistance, contact Support@Protonex.com. Visit www.PTXnomad.com for further info about the wide range of applications and equipment supported by the SPM-622 Squad Power Manager.

“Lethality” is the new hot Pentagon buzzword, but it also harkens back to the age old Infantry principle of “Find ‘em, Fix ‘em, Finish ‘em” – what could be called “The Lethality Triangle”, if it has a name. On the “Finish ‘em” side, both the Army and Marine Corps have small arms programs underway that will bring significant increases in squad-level small arms firepower and lethality.

In terms of “Find ‘em” and “Fix ‘em”, the proliferation of small, rugged and portable command, control, communications, and computer (C4) assets has dramatically enhanced the level of firepower that small units can bring to the fight – at the right time and in the right place. Programs such as the US Army’s Nett Warrior and the USMC’s Modernized Rifle Squad, incorporating a designated ‘systems operator’, are significant steps forward in creating technologically-enhanced fighting units.

Sgt. Nathaniel Shaver trains on the Precision Fires-Dismounted system, a software application hosted on the Nett Warrior End User Device. (Photo Credit: Dan Lafontaine (PEO C3T))

Operational environments however present significant challenges to keeping small unit C4 assets up and running so that units can cut through the fog of war, dominate the battlespace and win the fight quickly and efficiently. Our rugged, portable, intelligent power management solutions are in the field already and have been proven on numerous deployments in some of the most austere environments possible.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Skinner prepares to fly the InstantEye during the Infantry Platoon Battle Course as part of a training deployment. The InstantEye is a small unmanned aerial system used to be deployed at the squad level for quick and local surveillance and reconnaissance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo/Released)

Troops are already able to draw power from any available source; such as a vehicle battery or DC outlet, a solar blanket, a field generator, standard commercial primary batteries, and most US and Allied Forces military-issue rechargeable batteries. And thanks to our plug-and-play smart cable technology, troops are also able to carry fewer batteries– helping to simplify battery logistics and reduce combat loads.

A Panther 2 SATCOM system powered by an SPM-622 integrated solution in service with a USASOC unit.

Our Power Management systems currently support a wide range of C4 equipment, including:
• radios and SATCOM systems
• laptops, tablets, and smart phones
• GPS systems, laser markers and designators
• and more…

Keep your C4 assets running – no matter where you are.

To see the full list of equipment we can support, visit www.PTXnomad.com/supported-equipment

If you don’t see what you need, contact us at Team.Room@Protonex.com and we will lead you through the process of developing a bespoke solution.