Phantom Lights

Archive for the ‘Sensors’ Category

Applied Ballistics Announces New Kit With Bushnell And Kestrel

Friday, June 19th, 2015

  

Late this summer, Bushnell will release a kit through their entire distribution channel which will include a NEW version of the Kestrel 4500 Sportsman Ballistics Weather Meter with their new Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX Laser Rangefinder. These two products will work together seamlessly — each target range data set will be transmitted to the paired Kestrel for calculation of an updated firing solution using the full capabilities of the Kestrel Sportsman. The firing solution will be displayed on the Kestrel screen as well as inside the rangefinder. For maximum smart device compatibility, range, battery life and reliability of connection, both the Kestrel Sportsman and the Bushnell Elite 1 Mile CONX will employ Bluetooth® Smart hardware (also known as Bluetooth Low Energy) for connectivity. As a result, current Bluetooth versions of the Kestrel Sportsman, Kestrel with Applied Ballistics and Kestrel with Horus Ballistics models will NOT be compatible with the new Bushnell CONX Rangefinder because they employ Bluetooth Classic.

As Kestrel continues to expand the connection capabilities of their ballistics weather meters, they plan to release future ballistics weather meters that employ the Bluetooth Smart standard and are compatible with CONX and other Bluetooth Smart devices. No firm release date for these products has been set. Note that the Bluetooth Smart models will otherwise offer the same ballistics capabilities and solver engines as the Bluetooth Classic models.

ADS Federal Range Day – Garmin fenix 3

Monday, June 15th, 2015

Garmin has released the latest version of their wristmounted GPS. The fenix 3 features one major improvement in my opinion and that is the integration of Russian GLONASS signals to GPS. This means you’ve got access to two separate satellite constellations.

  

-Stainless Steel EXO antenna with GPS + GLONASS support for fast fix and accuracy
-1.2-inch sunlight readable color Chroma display
-Fitness training features like VO2 Max and Recovery Advisor (when used with a heart rate monitor¹)
-Outdoor navigation features like 3-axis compass, altimeter and barometer, TracBack and Sight’n Go
-Connect IQ compatibility for customized apps, widgets, watch faces and data
-Rechargable Lithium-Ion battery: Up to 50 hours in UltraTrac mode; up to 20 hours in GPS training mode; up to 6 weeks in watch mode
Water rated to 100m

fenix 3 is available in 3 models: gray with high-strength, scratch resistant, crystal and black band; silver with red band; and the premium sapphire model with a stainless steel band and sapphire lens.

If you are on the job and looking for Garmin products, contact Strohman Enterprise. I cannot say enough good things about how well Joe and his team will take care of you.

Warrior Expo – Aimpoint 

Thursday, April 30th, 2015

The FCS 12 Fire Control System was developed about 13 years ago for use with the Carl Gustav 84mm but it’s starting to gain some steam for use with additional weapon systems such as the Mk 19.  This flexibility means you can have one sight solution for use with multiple weapons. 

It incorporates a reflex sight, ballistic computer and laser range finder into a single package.  It is user configurable and provides precision targeting for the weapon it is attached to.  In addition to weapon system, the user selects ammunition type and selects a target to engage.  The FCS 12 then selects offers a disturbed reticle for successful engagement.  

www.aimpoint.com

SureFire – The World’s Finest Laser Training Aid For Your Pets!

Wednesday, April 1st, 2015

SureFire’s X400 isn’t only an excellent weapon light and laser, but it’s also great for training your pets.

www.surefire.com

2015 Wilcox Industries Video

Monday, January 26th, 2015

www.wilcoxind.com

SHOT Show – T10 Thermal Imager from Torrey Pines Logic

Monday, January 26th, 2015

Year after year, Torrey Pines Logic is tucked into a back corner of SHOT Show’s main tactical hall. I’ve known them since my active duty days and they are well known in the SOF S&T community for providing innovative technologies. At this year’s SHOT Show, TPL exhibited their T10 series of Thermal Imagers. I took a picture of it on top of a bill in order to show you its size. It’s actually that small, in the class of an MRDS.

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They are marketing it as a thermal micro dot. Based on capability, it’s really more of a micro thermal sensor than a typical micro dot. But, the T10 does offer a low-cost, weapon mounted thermal sensor option.

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Available in three models, the T10-S (50° FOV, 9Hz video) and T10-N (25° FOV, 9Hz video) are great for hog hunting and the T10-M (50° FOV, 30Hz video) is intended for LE use although none of the three are restricted sale. The screen offered several modes: white hot / color / black hot / NV green. The Picatinny compatible T10 comes with a wrist strap as well a handle.

Now, get this. The T10 is not ITAR controlled and can be exported under commerce rules. What’s more, all three models are very affordable.

tplogic.com/thermal-solutions/t10

SHOT Show – BAE Systems

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015

We recently told you that BAE Systems had developed the first mil certified 12 micron thermal sight. I wanted to show what that difference actually means.

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To the left is the original 17 micron Universal Thermal Clip-On version XII (UTC XII). To the right is the new 12 micron version. You’re looking at a 30% reduction in objective lens size and a lot less electronics behind it.

www.baesystems.com

SHOT Show – Applied Ballistics/Wilcox Ind RAPTAR-S

Tuesday, January 20th, 2015

The Rapid Targeting and Ranging Module (RAPTAR) – Solver is a joint project between Applied Ballistics and Wilcox Industries. It is an improvement over the original model providing IR Laser, Visible Laser, IR Flood, and Laser Range Finder along with the Applied Ballistics Solver. The system also takes into account Temperature and Humidity, Inclination, Cant, and Heading Reading as well as optional GPS inputs.

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